Si in Space by John Luke Robertson Page B

De Niro or Al Pacino.
    Hey, Jack. You talkin’ to me?
    You need to focus on what you’re supposed to be doing. “Look, we gotta figure out how to get back home. I mean, something happened, and maybe something even happened to you, so   —”
    “I’ve never felt better,” CLINT says.
    You nod and give John Luke a this-might-be-trouble sort of look. But John Luke gives you a you-look-kinda-constipated-Uncle-Si look in return. So you shoot him a listen-here-Jack-this-computer-might-be-wonky sort of glance. But he only gazes back with an I-sure-would-love-a-biscuit-from-Bojangles’ kinda stare.
    You sigh. Yep. Hey, look   —Si gets to sigh sometimes. It’s part of life. Si sighing. Get it? Got it? Good.
    “Look here, uh, CLINT,” you begin. “I’m just thinking that waking up the pilot might help us get back to Earth. You know   —our home. The place we come from.”
    “I’m sorry, Silas. I’m afraid I can’t let you do that.”
    “But why? What’s wrong?”
    “A man’s got to know his limitations.”
    You shake your head. Man, I just can’t keep these movies straight, Jack.
    “Uh, John Luke . . . we need to talk in private.”

    Go here .

ANOTHER BRICK IN THE WALL

    WHY NOT? You can handle whatever’s behind this door.
    The room you walk into is some kind of classroom, looks like. White walls with nothing on them and white floors. Ceiling’s the same color too. If there weren’t chairs and desks in the room, you’d think this was a place you put crazy people in straitjackets.
    The kid you were following sits down in one of the chairs. Several other teenage boys are sitting down as well. You motion for John Luke to do the same.
    â€œExcuse me, sir? With the beard?”
    â€œMe?” you ask.
    â€œNo, the other elderly man with the gray beard. Yes, I’m talking to you.”
    The man addressing you looks like the very cliché of a high school teacher. Dark slacks, a buttoned-up shirt with sleevesrolled, a beer gut, and a balding head. His tone and attitude make him sound just like your own jerky teacher from back in the day.
    â€œHey, no need to get all high-and-mighty, man.”
    â€œThe crazy vets’ room is on the thirteenth floor. Take the elevator in the main level concourse up there.”
    Did he just call me a crazy vet?
    â€œLook here, Jack   —” Then you glance at John Luke, and he shakes his head.
    Okay, okay, fine.
    So you nod, playing it dumb. Or playing it safe. Or playing it easy. Or   —
    â€œThirteenth floor. Check.”
    You give John Luke a wink. You don’t want to cause a scene, especially when you’re outnumbered like this. And John Luke’s a smart kid. He’ll be okay. “I’ll see you later.”
    Of course, you have no idea when you’ll see John Luke again. Or what’s happening in this little classroom here.
    You head back into the hallway and decide to go see what the “crazy vets’ room” is all about. Maybe that will explain the teenage boys’ room you left behind as well   —and show you how to reconnect with John Luke.
    This is so not Return of the Jedi . Feels more like Back to School .
    You find the elevator and head up to the thirteenth floor. You ride with a pretty lady in a business suit and a guy wholooks like a bullfighter. The woman is looking at you and giggling.
    â€œWhat’s so funny?” you ask her.
    â€œNow that is a good one,” she says. “ Love the beard.”
    â€œWhy, thank you.”
    â€œIt almost looks real,” she says before the door opens for her floor and she walks out.
    â€œHey   —it is real. What are you talking about?”
    Something’s very odd about all this.
    You’re wondering where your crew happens to be. And you worry again about what’s going on in John Luke’s classroom.
    You get out on the thirteenth floor and see a hallway much like the one you were just in.