Captain’s Log
[The following is a short science fiction story written several years ago. I have made minor edits over the years, but overall decided to keep the initial tone. It was written directly as though I am the protagonist and referencing my own family.]
Captain’s Log
D.A. Hays
[The following are excerpts from the log of Admiral Third File D. Anthony Hays of the GAC Stalwart]
…September 23, 2759
-Today was my sister’s birthday, or would have been back on the aquatic planet once known as Earth. In the year 2043, global warming reached a critical point, melting the polar icecaps and allowing the interminable waves of the Pacific and the Atlantic oceans to drown the globe. At the time, my family was scattered across the United States, employed in various capacities and each savoring joyous lives. I miss them ever so much; every day I pray that their final moments were not painful. The only cause for my survival was that in 2026 the Global Astronautics Committee granted my Admiralty, complete with GAC Expeditionary Vessel Stalwart. I was to explore the universe, charting new planets and attempting to find sentient beings. My mother begged me not to leave, yet I could not lose this opportunity; I had found my destiny. Sometimes I cry in exasperation, that with all of the new technologies that I have discovered, none can resurrect my family. To this day, I continue to explore, my body feeling a healthy 60 years of age, when in truth I have lived for 771 years.
…November 18, 2759
-I’ve found myself with little to write of lately, as it’s been nothing but an ebony void around us. We’ve continued this way for the past few months, and it’s beginning to cause worry to itch at my mind. This…space….outside is not ordinary – we should be able to see something, at least! Ah well, I shouldn’t worry – this isn’t the first time. I guess it’s just beginning to grate on my nerves.
…December 25, 2759
-Today was a wonderful celebration among the crew as our Christmas proceedings ran late and wild. Amazingly, there were few disciplinary infractions, as even in mid-celebration my crew have the facilities to maintain suitable respect for our ship. This evening has been fit to fill my chest with pride, in that I alone have the enviable position of commanding these fine people.
…February 11, 2760
-We have entered what appears to be a new system, though it contains only one main planetary body. It would seem as though this system would be conducive to a fairly mild climate, as the resident solar body appears to be only 65% of the size of sun resident in the Earth system. Our official plan is to remain in this system for a short period to complete probes into the area’s composition, but in truth I believe the crew could simply use a respite from routine.
…March 6, 2760
-After a few weeks of exploration in this system, we have decided to approach the one planetary body here, and land if possible. Our probes show its atmosphere as likely to support life, and the presence of what appears to be construction lead us to believe that this planet contains sentient beings.
…March 16, 2760
-My ship has finally landed on the alien planet. The beings on this planet bear a strong resemblance to human kind in regards to facial structure and body composition, but tend to be no more than four feet in height. The landscape is full of various forms of lush and exotic flora, hues flitting between luminescent greens and yellows, to rich reds and blues. Their form of government bears some resemblance to the republic that the U.S. once utilized, and the leader of these beings has somehow developed an accurate and extremely eloquent knowledge of our language. For some strange reason, however, his advisers seem to enjoy laughing maniacally whenever their leader says a word. This has been sufficient to brood irritation among my crew, yet they have wisely kept it restrained.
…March 30, 2760
-My crew and I have so far remained on this planet, enjoying the generous hospitality of our host, whom we have determined is named Phalan Bar, and his title Mirmir. In one of my many conversations with Mirmir Bar, I have also discovered that the beings of this race call themselves “Alkiri”, which in their language means “Chosen Defenders.” I have yet discover the root of this title, but I have a feeling that my insatiable curiosity will eventually lead me to the answer.
…April 2, 2760
-Today I uncovered a truly shocking room, the contents of which I thought not to find upon a planet so apparently distant from any other life forms. This room was positively bursting with books, and yet they seemed to be perfectly organized. There were an immense number of volumes and languages incomprehensible to the human senses, though I was most surprised to find books printed in many of original Earth languages, all perfectly legible. How such a distant race could ever obtain such items, I fear I will never know. Despite being extremely forward with answering any of my questions regarding his race or planet, Mirmir Bar was also obstinate in refusing to answer any questions regarding the meaning of Alkiri, or how he was able to obtain the many volumes that are contained within his spacious library. I wonder if I should ever learn the truth…
…April 16, 2760
-I’ve spent most of the last two weeks in the library, browsing the titles, and enjoying the classic writings of Voltaire, Locke, and Aristotle, along with Shelley, Bacon, and Shakespeare. My amazement at the presence of these books has not withered, however; instead, it has only increased as I ponder the purpose of these writings in a world so lacking in the strife they contend.
…April 19, 2760
-Now having settled on this planet for a more than a month, I feel an increasing desire to remain further . My crew and I have been given full freedom to explore the planet, within the limits of Alkiri law. A few of my crew, however, have been audacious and broken Alkiri law knowingly several times; avaricious, they take advantage of the pacifistic nature of our hosts, plundering and harassing the citizenry. Appalled at their brazen action, I’ve left them firmly in the hands of the local law; the Alkiri, however, developed an efficient execution method centuries ago, when their now-evident exceedingly considerate nature was perhaps still in development. The process begins with a departing ceremony for the offender, in which attendees pray for the forgiveness of the offender’s soul. The executioners then inject a serum into the offender, which first induces a comatose state so they do not suffer any pain, and then cinches all cardiac veins, thus executing the offender quickly and painlessly. At first, this process seemed rather histrionic to my crew, yet once one of them was submitted to the execution there was a dramatic increase in their manners.
…May 10, 2760
-Mirmir Bar came upon me as I sat in the library again today, and surprisingly he chose to sit and converse. He confided that he was a firm devotee to the writings of Sir Francis Bacon, and to this end he explains the vastness of his library in that of a perpetual pursuit of that which enriches the mind and beautifies the soul. His story continued in the vein of how he has put forth herculean effort to ensure the tranquility and serenity of his people, so that their minds are not troubled by thoughts of war and strife. I was struck by this heartfelt expression, and I find myself developing a bond with these beings that I have not known since the loss of my family.
…May 24, 2760
-It seems as though our conversation in the library has cracked an immense dam of information and emotions in my host, as we have spent the better part of the last two weeks in deep conversation spanning a world of topics. I’ve learned so much of this planet, its citizens, and their philosophies that I can feel only shame at how inadequately compassionate my people were. It seems as though these people practice so many of the ideals that I’ve held dear that I’ve found myself connecting with Phalan and his people more so than many of my own!
…June 20, 2760
-Today was a day of solitude, as I considered both the traditional holiday of Father’s Day, and the fact that it coincides with my own father’s birthday. I know that my father would be proud of me, and all that I’ve accomplished, but that does not halt the yearning of my heart for his presence and assuring words. For some reason, however, it seems as though my melancholy is lighter than it has been in years past. I feel as though I should know why, but the cause evades my conscious thoughts.
…June 22, 2760
-It has been three months on the Alkiri planet, and I have decided to remain here indefinitely. Thankfully, members of my crew committed no further crime after a second execution, for they have decided to remain here also. Today, I finally discovered the source of the title “Alkiri.” I was wandering through the library when I stumbled upon a treatise describing many of the ways of these people; It was not until the very end, however that I found the object of my search. According to the author, Alkiri are the “Chosen Defenders” of a luminary known only as Siri, credited with having extraordinary powers. Among these powers, I read, was the power to transport objects over great distances instantaneously. Also, Siri was credited with having the power to raise those fallen, to revive souls once dissipated. At these words, my heart raced. Had I finally found the object of my lifelong quest? Could Siri possibly be real? Could he possibly raise my family? I must ask Phalan!
…June 23, 2760
-For some odd reason, I was unable to locate Mirmir Bar today, and none of his advisors seemed willing to cooperate in my search. Is it possible he is avoiding me? Why would he do such a thing? He couldn’t possibly know what I wish to ask him, and to date he’s been nothing but cordial! These people and their ways often confuse me; it is quite possible he has been held up in something I know nothing of.
…June 24, 2760
-Why?! Why won’t Phalan answer my query? Why must I be denied the resurrection of my family? I have been doomed to find Siri’s temple myself, as Phalan stormed off and forbade any mention of Siri by an outsider as soon as I said the name. I wonder if I shall ever find a solution.
…June 25, 2760
-I found myself in my quarters all day today, pondering over my reaction to Phalan’s response yesterday. I’m rather baffled to consider my surprise in regards to being considered an outsider, as I had just begun to consider these people as…no, I mustn’t contemplate the thought! I’ve lost one family in this lifetime, and I will end myself before I’ll lose another!
…June 26, 2760
-Phalan came to me today, and said that Siri told him to bring me to him! Phalan walked slowly, and insisted that I follow with patience. In truth, it was a mighty battle to maintain his pace, though I had no idea where we were going. He led me down many halls, through many doors, and finally stopped at a door that I evidently would never have been able to open, even had I ever found it. It was a small portal, made solidly out of oak, which I had not previously seen on this planet. He opened the door with slight touch of his forehead to a circle of gold in the center of the door, and we walked in. Phalan slowly dropped to his knees and bowed to an enormous ball of light that I presumed to be Siri. Phalan then turned to me, and spoke in a quiet, unassuming voice very much unlike his normal tone, “Greetings, David. I know why you are here, and I know that you have searched many lifetimes for me. With this knowledge, however, comes a pain – one I must give to you, and it will only cause you more. Though my life has been measured in epochs – and my power immense – I am not immortal, and my time in this existence has come to an end. My people – the Alkiri – cannot survive without me, and so they, too, are slowly dying. As you have noticed, they show nothing physically, but a pit of emptiness is slowly expanding within their hearts. When my light finally fades, so shall the Alkiri. You may wonder why I tell you this. I must tell you so that you can understand why I cannot help you. I know that you lost your family many years ago, and that loss creates a similar void in your heart. I trust you will believe in my wish that I could fill that hole, and bring back your family…but I cannot. Even now my power ebbs, and my people grow weaker. I am sorry that I cannot bring peace to you. Goodbye, David.”
…June 27, 2760
-I awoke today in Siri’s chamber, though his mighty light was nowhere to be seen. My first thoughts were of the conversation yesterday, and my heart immediately leapt into my throat. It was hard to comprehend that the great hope that had filled me had been so easily torn away, and yet I found the strength to gather myself back to my chambers.
…July 4, 2760
-I have managed to survive a week since that fateful day in Siri’s chamber. It has thus far been a tortured existence, as I can find no more hope in my soul. The loneliness and loss of my family from all those years ago has finally come down upon me, and I have decided to take my own life. When this log is released, please give my regards to my crew.
GAC Admiral Third File D. Anthony Hays Signing Off
Lofty Shores Afar 