Orphaned in Space

Nobody can hear a scream in the vacuum of space, or so they say. But I could hear her briefly as she drifted away. Freeze-dried in seconds, mouth still shaped like a big O. That was the day I was finally free.

All these years later I can still see her shriveled-up face, still hear the tiny shrill screech that she let out when the glass on her helmet burst. Sometimes I wonder if I should have tried to save her, but then I remember all the things that she did to me and Michael, and I feel no remorse. It was a mercy, really, that she died so quickly, considering all the pain she put us through. And besides, I couldn’t have stopped the hijacker from shooting at her if I had wanted to; I was too busy holding onto the ship for dear life.

If anything, I… No, that’s not true. I wouldn’t have wanted to prolong her pain. That would only make me feel guilty. Guilt is an emotion I don’t have time for—especially not now that I have to take care of Michael all by myself.

Crap. Someone’s coming.

***

It was Thomas, the engineer. Apparently, there’s a glitch in the ventilation system and we need an upgrade. Just what I need: more expenses. But breathing is kind of important, so I guess we’ll stop at the next moon. Michael could probably use a medical visit, anyway. He hasn’t had his feeding tube checked in over a year.

By the way, my name is Alita. I probably should have started with that.

I was born on this ship. So was Michael. Actually, we’ve never lived anywhere else. We had never even stepped foot off of here until after the incident that left him unable to swallow. It was a punishment gone too far. She said it could’ve happened to anyone, but I don’t think so. I think only someone full of hate could do something like that. I mean, what kind of punishment does a four-year-old really need for not eating his broccoli, anyway? In fact, if I really think about it, I remember her smiling as she did it. Like it was funny. I wanted to stop her, but my feet and hands were zip-tied to the chair, so all I could do was cry stop, stop until she smacked my face.

Anyway, the doctor that saw Michael the following week bought her story about pirates and fixed him up just fine. He’ll never speak or eat normally, but at least he’s alive. At least I’m not alone.

This is hard. I don’t know why I’m writing this. It’s not like anyone will ever read it. But I’ve heard that journaling is therapeutic, so I guess I’ll keep trying. Tomorrow, though. I’ve gotta get some sleep.

***

I never said, but I’m thirteen now. Michael is nine. People look at our crew like they’re insane for listening to a little girl when they see me barking orders, but it works for us. It is my ship, after all. The hijacker, Luke, is my pilot now. When he realized he had orphaned two kids, he offered to take us under his wing. And when I thanked him for saving us from our mother, he decided to let me be an equal partner. At eight years old, I really had no idea what I was getting myself into, but now it’s old hat. And I kinda like being in charge.

***

The upgrade wasn’t as expensive as I thought, but Michael ended up needing an antibiotic. Guess it’s a good thing we stopped. I didn’t even know he was sick, but there was an infection on the inside where the G-tube goes into his stomach. I wish he would’ve told me he was in pain; I would’ve gotten him checked out sooner.

Oh, you’re probably wondering how he would tell me anything, since he can’t talk. I taught him how to read and write when he was five. He’s a pretty smart kid, so he probably could’ve learned sign language, but my hands don’t move so good, and I wanted him to be able to communicate. Just because his throat is all messed up doesn’t mean he can’t have a voice. Ya know?

We’re gonna stay here on Ido for a couple of days. The atmosphere is so clear and soothing! And there’s a chance we might be able to pick up some cargo for a hefty sum. Haven’t had a decent job for months. That’s what Luke said when I told him the client looked creepy. He’s right; we do need the money. Even if it does have to come from a hybrid.