Reboot.

Technical difficulties on an interplanetary cruise.

It wasn’t easy getting admitted to the cockpit of the shuttle. I was supposed to be a passenger. How was I supposed to know that my timing would include a micro asteroid hit on one of the thrusters. We were knocked around and both pilots ended up unconscious. I searched the panel for the AI interface. The screen flashed hit the reboot button. That would reboot the AI, but even I knew that for about thirty seconds not even the back up systems would work.

I knew it would mean trouble, but I couldn't control myself, and I pushed the button. Everything went dark. I do mean everything. The viewscreen went dark as well, there wasn’t even simulated starlight to navagate by. I heard screams from the passenger section and regretted not warning them. But we needed the AI if the pilots were down.

I attempted to count down until the systems should come back on. My count must have been to quick because I hit thirty well before there was any sign of a reboot. I began to panic. Then there was a loud squelching sound throughout the shuttle.

“Please describe the nature of the emergency.” The speakers requested before the lights came back on. Somehow I had saved the day, or had I?


235 words
Prompt ▼

Starting Stories  (13+) A new contest I made. Using story starters to write stories. #2329470 by MayDay

New Prompt: Due 5/1/2025

I knew it would mean trouble, but I couldn't control myself, and I pushed the button.