Episode 9. Captain on the Bridge

After crossing the full length of the vessel, we stop in front of the elevator that will take us to our terminus: the command bridge. A faint chime sounds, then the doors slide open, giving us access to the cabin.

I press the button for the top floor. The doors close and the elevator immediately starts moving.

During the ascent, silence settles in. Angie takes my hand, and her fingers entwine with mine. It is a ritual I hate as much as I adore. I hate it because I have to restrain myself from jumping on her. I adore it because it reminds me that I am not alone.

When we reach the top, the chime sounds again and the doors slide open, revealing the bridge. A vast circular room lined with consoles and screens, from which rises a symphony of beeps and whistles that gives it a unique atmosphere.

At the front, two pilot stations face the main screen. In the center sits my chair, the captain's chair, allowing me to take in all the stations with a single glance.

Angie steps forward and immediately adopts a formal posture.

I never tire of that instant when the officers present stand and snap to attention.

At that moment, the elevator doors open. My gaze immediately turns in that direction.

Lieutenant Savea enters.

Every Monday, it is the same comedy. There is never any way to be on time. I was supposed to report to the admiral at nine o'clock, and it is almost eleven.

I am going to be treated to another of his interminable sermons, but no matter. The essential thing is that we are operational.

Meanwhile, Angie consults the officers one by one and sends them those damn documents that make us lose still more precious minutes.