Gravitys Hammer
Page 22
“Yeah, but I can’t say the same for the Jerrollites.” Mark grinned, and both men laughed. Matheson was overcome by a wracking cough for several seconds. When he regained his composure, he continued.
“Johann?”
“Hurt, but the doc thinks he’s gonna be okay. Without him, we would not be standing here right now. His actions today saved us all.”
Matheson nodded in acknowledgment.
“You take it easy, sir. There will be a lot of rebuilding and work to do when we get home. Just let me take it from here.”
The general closed his eyes in response and relaxed, allowing the weariness and exhaustion to finally overtake him. Mark lingered a moment longer and then turned and left, heading toward the bridge.
He stopped in the doorway and looked back at his friends. Johann was unconscious, being prepped for surgery, but a thumbs-up from the attending doctor made Mark feel better about his chances. Matheson had finally drifted off to sleep, confident in Mark’s ability to get them home. He smiled to himself, tired but content that everything had worked out in the end.
Humans had lost much in their encounter with the Jerrollites, but perhaps they would also gain something that not very many people could lay claim to—a fresh start. Mark thought about what lay ahead of them and was almost overwhelmed as he thought of the monumental task of rebuilding their homes, cities, and governments back on Earth. It would be a difficult journey, but he knew the human race was more than up to the challenge. With the help of Matheson and the surviving members of government, the remnants of the human race would be able to not only survive but flourish once again. The human race had done it many times in the past when all hope had seemed lost. It had bounced back over and over again against impossible odds. The situation was now perhaps more severe, but the challenges were the same. The very best of humanity always seemed to rise to the top in times of crisis, and this time would be no different. All the petty politics and squabbles of the past between nations would finally be put to rest as all humans were now united in a common cause for their very survival. It would be tough for a while, but they would be back. Mark knew it in his gut.
Shrugging his shoulders, Mark spun on his heel and made his way to the bridge. There was a lot of work left to do, and now was as good a time as any to get started.
—THE END—
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jerry Reynolds is a computer software engineer with twenty-five years’ experience in the field. He is the president of his own company.
Science fiction filled Reynold’s world growing up and still influences everything he does. Reynolds is married, and his home is decorated with life-size replicas of movie robots.