Dead Endless

by Dave Galanter

“I generally order a vivisection when my patients decide to be smart-asses.”

“You’re very light skinned …” she began. “Am I? Hadn’t noticed.”

“It’s irritating.” Stamets slid the card into the slot on his console. “And not in the delightful way I annoy people.”

“I’ve scienced a hell of a lot more than most of those … carcasses.”

Now alone, he took a sip. “This one tastes less blue,” he muttered too low for the barkeep to hear him. “I miss my mushrooms.”

“I’ve noticed, especially lately, that events in life seem indifferent to my plans.”

knowing the source of one’s anxiety didn’t necessarily help alleviate it.

Stamets spun to the captain. “You know who loves math like it was a warm puppy?” “Tilly,” Burnham said. “Tilly.”

“I’ll, uh … do a thing.” He shrugged. “I’ll, you know, I’ll be me and figure it out.”

“I mean no insult, Stah-mets.” Kittik glanced over to Tilly and motioned toward the lieutenant. “This is the Stah-mets, yes?” “Yes.” “He’s very pink.” She waved the comment off. “You get used to it.”

I admit it all sounds like mystical nonsense, which I’m so allergic to it gives me hives.”