"King Of The Universe"

bearing Jesus. I heard my name being shouted at me, from somewhere—as if rising from beneath a deep pool of water, and rapidly ascending to the surface.

“Jason! Jason!” A voice pierced the air.

Jason snapped out of his subconscious thoughts. “Yes . . .. What?” Jason answered, as he focused back into Denis’s eyes.

“You were staring out into space,” Denis replied.
“Oh . . .. Sorry!” Jason said, “I had this strange dream or something last night.”

Jason pretended to clear his throat—forcing a cough, in a feeble attempt to hide his momentary embarrassment. He quickly gathered himself. He dared not let his co-pilot see any hint of unsteadiness, or lack of focus, in him.

“Denis, do you have any last minute adjustments or concerns to raise with the Director of Mission Control?” Jason asked.

 “No. I’m satisfied,” Denis said, as he gathered the paperwork into one neat pile. “Good,” Jason said, as he gazed at his watch. “Denis, engineering will make one last go-over of the craft.” “Roger that,” Denis replied. “Let’s suit up. It’s time to get this show on the road!” Jason shouted.

Jason placed his hand on Denis’s shoulder and gave it a friendly, reassuring smack, as he held the door for him.
 
Jason said, “Don’t forget to enter the memo that it’s thirteen-hundred hours—nine-eleven.”