Critical Futures

Welcome to a new Critical Futures story. This week’s story is a bit unusual: in four sections we have the next installment of the Station Keeping story, formated this week as a screen play. I really enjoy writing screenplays, and find them to be equally fun to read. It’s different, but I trust that you–gentle reader–will be able to cope. If you’re just joining us now, you can read part one, part two, and part three of this story here.

DAVID CONRAD

Because it’s yours, I’ve had my fun being in charge and… out front. I’m done with that. I promise you. You’re right, the Navy won’t really let me go completely, but if they listen to me when I talk, I’ll take it. Out here, I’m in no danger of being called to lecture and teach constantly,

ELI BANNER

So I guess that leaves me–

DAVID CONRAD

–with a good bar and very capable backup. Speaking of the bar…

DAVID finishes the rest of his drink.

Thank you for the drink, now trust me, it there’s something that you need to know I’ll tell you, otherwise…

ELI BANNER

Leave you alone?

DAVID CONRAD

–don’t try and conscript me. Again.

ELI BANNER

Ok… I guess.

(sly smile)

I’ll keep you in the loop.

DAVID and ELI stand up.

DAVID CONRAD

Please don’t.

ELI BANNER

I have to.

DAVID CONRAD

I won’t read it.

ELI BANNER

Whatever, you will read it.

DAVID laughs knowing that ELI is probably right about this point. DAVID pulls ELI into a quick friendly hug.

DAVID CONRAD

I think you should get out now and get some sleep for your next shift–when ever you decide that is–or it’ll be my turn to hate you.

ELI turns and leaves. DAVID watches and we

FADE OUT.

Welcome to a new Critical Futures story. This week’s story is a bit unusual: in four sections we have the next installment of the Station Keeping story, formated this week as a screen play. I really enjoy writing screenplays, and find them to be equally fun to read. It’s different, but I trust that you–gentle reader–will be able to cope. If you’re just joining us now, you can read part one, and part two of this story here.

ELI BANNER

You’re here, how bad can it be? And besi–

DAVID CONRAD

Irrelevant argument. I’m not an officer any more, and it’s an interesting place for Marc to practice, and for me to be retired.

ELI BANNER

–besides, this is the most high-profile post in the entire League. I’m surprised Roth didn’t take it for himself.

DAVID CONRAD

He probably wanted to, but one of his cronies probably convinced him that it was better to wait out another thousand years in interstellar-transit. He probably thinks that that’ll give him a better chance at the top…

ELI BANNER

He’s been around that long? No wonder.

DAVID CONRAD

Really, I know.

DAVID takes a drink.

ELI BANNER

He’d be a fool not to realize that that’s a bad move. By that time, he’ll be a relic–

DAVID CONRAD

Already is. But at least someone who has his ear has our best interests at heart.

DAVID chuckles.

ELI BANNER

You? You did it?

DAVID CONRAD

I’d rather you have a chance at the top than Roth.

ELI BANNER

Bastard.

DAVID CONRAD

You’re welcome. If you ever want to be an Admiral, though…

ELI BANNER

I hate you. For this, you better start working for me.

DAVID CONRAD

Not on your life. You really are the best person for this job. Better than I would be.

ELI BANNER

Wait, if you’re still in, why not just do the job yourself. You could.

ELI finishes his drink.

Welcome to a new week of Critical Futures stories. This week’s story is a bit unusual: in four sections we have the next installment of the Station Keeping story, formated this week as a screen play. I really enjoy writing screenplays, and find them to be equally fun to read. It’s different, but I trust that you–gentle reader–will be able to cope. If you’re just joining us now, you can read part one of walking away here.

DAVID CONRAD

Two? There’s only one of you, and my stash of cold drinks isn’t in danger of running out.

ELI BANNER

You. We’re having a drink.

DAVID CONRAD

I’m working, and besides, you can’t order me around, buster.

ELI BANNER

You have staff, we’re on the rim, and you are technically a civilian now.

DAVID CONRAD

Watch it.

ELI BANNER

Just come on.

DAVID turns to CARTER who is talking to patrons at one corner of the bar and says:

DAVID CONRAD

Could you take care of the bar for a little while?

(pause)

–and remember what I said about mixing the drinks strong. I don’t want any more accidents in the lifts because you’re feeling generous.

ELI dismounts the stool and walks toward an unoccupied booth along the far-side of the room. It takes DAVID a moment to walk around the bar but soon joins him, to take a seat where he can keep an eye on the entire establishment from his seat.

INT. ANOTHER ROUND, a booth in the far corner.

They both sip from their drinks leisurely. DAVID reclines and keeps a gentle hand on his bottle at all times, ELI sits up straight and only picks up his bottle occasionally.

ELI BANNER

So, have you heard anything?

DAVID CONRAD

Um? Anything? I’m not in your intelligence department, I am actually retired. I think I’ve done my bit–

ELI BANNER

People like you don’t retire, the Navy wouldn’t allow it. You have the only real social space on the station, you have to hear things.

DAVID CONRAD

We only don’t retire when you don’t want us to. From what I’ve seen you have a great staff, and that Sian is a great officer.

ELI BANNER

He is, you’re right, but don’t distract me. You should have my job now, and we both know it.

DAVID CONRAD

Weren’t we decided that this is a shit assignment for you? You’d have been an admiral otherwise. Didn’t Admiral Roth apologize for sending you out here.