Void Survival

“This most important thing is, not to panic.”
“I’m not panicking! I’m not!”
“Take deep, calming breaths. I know, I know, you have limited oxygen. The more you relax, the longer it will last.”
“But Chief, you-“
“No. No back talk. Do what you’re told. Remember your survival training. Remember what they taught you for void survival. Oxygen conservation. That means you talk less, you steady your breathing, and relax, okay?”
“… yes Chief.”
“Now, we just have to hold our position. We got through the hard part. We survived the ship’s destruction. We made it off before it went down. Now our main threat is oxygen deprivation. The rescue shuttle is on its way to look for survivors. Your beacon will be active, they know where to find you.”
“Of… of course Chief, I know that, it’s just… well.”
“Spit it out sailor. If you’re going to waste oxygen talking, you might as well say what you want to say.”
“They said Covenant hunter-killer teams are prowling after fleet battles, looking for survivors. I survived this far… god can’t be that cruel, can he?”
“You’re a sailor, kid. God, Poseidon, Neptune, Davy Jones, Sirens, Bloody Eliza, they all hate your guts. Its because sailors are too stubborn to die.”
“…”
“…”
“Kid?”
“yeah…”
“its going to be okay.”
“Yeah Chief, I trusht youu.”
“Just don’t cry and piss yourself. When the rescue shuttle gets to you, it’ll be embarrassing if you’re a mess…”
“Ha…haha…ha. Ye…ah… shure fing chiefff.”
“Kid, no more talking. Calm you’re breathing, stay still.”
“Nooo worry Shiefff. S’alls good.”
“Shut up kid. That’s an order.”
“Shiefff! I can shee it! Itsh comin! The reshcue ship! Its coming!”
“That’s good kid. They got you.”
“Wait. Thashts… Chief!”
“Kid, what’s wrong?”
“No no no no nononononoNoNOooNONONO”
“Hey, what’s going on there sailor? Did the rescue shuttle get you? Are you safe?”
“Get off me, no, don’t, don’t touch me! NO NO NO N- “
“Kid?! Answer me! Give me a SITREP now! KID?!”
“…”
“…”
“…”
“Our conviction is like an arrow already in flight. Your life will only last until it reaches you.”
“What? No! You fucking hinge head! Let him go you son of a bitch! I’ll fucking kill you!”
“…”
“Let him go! You fucker, I’ll gut you!
“…”
“Anshwer me!”
“…”
“I’ll… I’ll… kil…l… don’t fink you… I’ll… I…I…I’sh co..me and getsh you, Covviee, shhh…”
“…”
“…”
“…”