Dabrowski and Ascariot

A Story by Mike

God has a discussion with his only begotten son.

Dabrowski placed the sequence analyzer on its side and glued the tangent lever. He shifted his starship and then peered into the bridge. The helm was unmanned. He hesitated, remembering Commander had suffered injuries in the show's last episode.

Realizing Commander needed repositioning, he shifted his attention to the sick bay. Commander's cot was askew. Dabrowski felt sorry for the little face as he reached in with a modeling tool.

Later that evening, he chewed the nails on his tiny hands. Veins bulged on his forehead. Perspiration wet his scalp, and a smattering of liver-colored moles oozed through the thinning hair. He dropped to his knees, interlocking his fingers in prayer.

"What would you have of me, Father?

Restore their faith, Dabrowski. Walk among men. Wander wastelands and the streets of Los Angeles. Let your heart spill over with compassion and a sense of purpose. Visited homeless encampments. Pass out brightly colored balloons and packages of Top Ramen.

How did I end up like this, father?

I warned you against recruitment centers, but you wouldn't listen. An officer waved you through the picture window while you beat a panhandler.

Yes, it was Pontius, but he didn't recognize me.

'Remind me where I know you from?' he asked.

Is it so long ago you ruled Judea that you forget?

'Give me a hint. What jobs have you held in the past? We could offer you exotic deployments. Today's special is Ukraine.'

I told him I was the Messiah, and he was a man with a meaningless life and no hope of redemption.

'I suppose the jigs up then,' said Pontius.

On the contrary, we've only just begun.

'I was afraid of that. If you could get over the Calvary incident, shape up, and accept the present, there's a chance we can haul a*s. I could do you a solid.'

I studied the prefect's face. I was encouraged and felt I could save man from the final judgment--if only they'd let me. I told him all was forgiven.

'Father, forgive them, for they know not what they are doing?'

Very close to that. Apparently, the fool wanted me to take an aptitude test.

Pontius said, 'We have jobs in electronics, diesel mechanics, security, and bang-up trade schools in Wichita Falls. That's Texas.'

Yes, I'm familiar with Texas, a great state, though I oppose capital punishment. He elbowed me as if it were all a joke.

'Don't worry, big guy. We will only station you somewhere near Huntsville.'

I threw up my hands, and he cringed at the scars on my palms.

Pontius Pilot and the nail-driving five murmured Commander.

Can you believe that s**t?

That's when Pontius ignited a fat cigar. Smoke billowed out his nostrils.

A month later, I left for basic training. I studied a thousand faces and read their stories.

Quick, put me to sleep."

***

Dabrowski said goodnight to Commander and put away his modeling tools. He went to his dormitory window and looked down on the frozen landscape of the Strategic Air Command base. He listened to noise floating up the stairwell from the recreation room one story below. The noise increased as a dozen pairs of boots started up the dormitory stairs. Dabrowski sat at his desk and smiled at Commander. The door burst open, and a dozen airmen piled in. Iscariot wore a cruel smile.

"Does anyone else smell what I'm smelling?" Iscariot said, looking to his followers for approval.

"It stinks like a Lazarus in here. Somebody needs a shower!" Simon yelled.

Hooah! Hooah! Hooah!

Iscariot grabbed Dabrowski by the arm and dragged him off his seat.

"It's like pulling up a barge anchor!"

Hooah! Hooah! Hooah!

They pushed Dabrowski out the door and hauled him toward the showers.

Simon ran ahead and turned the cold on three of the showerheads.

Please, pleaded Dabrowski. Whoever believes in me receives spiritual life that even physical death can never take away.

Hooah! Hooah! Hooah!

Judas shoved Dabrowski into the spray, and he tumbled to the floor.

Who are you! cried Dabrowski.