Free The Nerdy Dozen #2 by Jeff Miller

I’m going to dole out crew positions. I’d hoped to have more time to run simulations with all of you and not base your talents off a written exam, but it is what it is.” He scribbled a few more words down on the clipboard in his hands.
    â€œPayload specialists will be Waffles and Dale. Guys, you’ll be in charge of the auxiliary features of the ship, like the pulse cannon to disable the Newt . And anything that blows up.”
    â€œAwesome,” said the twin brothers in unison.
    Finch read on, his voice exuberantly bouncing up and down in pitch. Neil thought he sounded like his dad before a days-long camping adventure. They seemed to share the same zest for trips to locations without running water.
    â€œMedical specialists are Sam and . . . well, Sam, you’ll be alone. Your scores were off the charts. JP, you’ll be in charge of radar. Most of our electronics have a few lingering bugs from whatever the space thieves have done, but it should work.”

    Finch kept reading the list of new positions.
    â€œOn consumables will be Riley and Corinne. There should be enough dehydrated food for two weeks on board, so food shouldn’t be an issue. Plus the ship’s made to launch carrying enough bananas for twelve chimpanzees, so you’ll be loaded up.
    â€œHurbigg, you’ll be our communications specialist. You’ll be the point of contact with the mission CAPCOM, Dallas.”
    Neil couldn’t help but feel that putting Biggs in charge of communication was dangerous. At the very least, he would set a record for the most times dude was said over official NASA airwaves.
    â€œNow for pilots and deputy pilots,” Finch said as Neil’s heart began to thump. “Jason 1 and Jason 2, from what Dallas has told me about your simulation, you’ll be my deputies. We’ll need both of you ready to fly back in our stolen bird.”
    The two high-fived gloved hands.
    â€œAnd at the top of the chain of command will be Andertol and Grunsten,” Finch explained. “They’ll report to me, and all of you will report to them.”

    Neil wished he had enough time to explain to Finch how awful an idea giving Trevor power would be, and how he’d probably make everyone watch him do fencing exercises. But the commander was all business, and he didn’t allow for a word edgewise.
    â€œYour next-generation Whiptail, like I said, should be bug-free,” Finch said. “Since I won’t be in the ship with you, I’ll need to be alerted of any issues. We’ve got one shot. One shot to make it count. Let’s make it successful.”
    Neil felt the seriousness of the moment. It was like a hot wave quickly washing over him. The subtle whirring of the elevator heaving them upward was still constant.
    â€œSo if you’re not coming with us, who is commander? What are we supposed to do?” asked Trevor, his voice sharp and demanding. Neil could sense Trevor was vying to be selected.
    â€œI’m no longer cleared for flight. During a space walk a few years ago, I had to save a satellite from drifting into orbit. Held on to the shuttle with my left hand and grabbed the thing with my free hand,” Finch said, demonstrating with an intense clenched fist. “Tore basically everything in my right shoulder. Now my body can’t withstand the g forces associated with space travel. Plus I can’t fit in that spaceship; I’ll feel like I’m in a dollhouse.”

    Finch took two steps toward the lift’s doors, spinning to face all eleven gamers-turned-Air-Force-pilots-turned-astronauts. He placed a hand on Neil’s shoulder.
    â€œBut, Andertol, I believe you’ve got what it takes to lead this crew,” Finch said confidently.
    Neil could feel sweat building on his palms as his throat slowly began to close.
    â€œFrom what I’ve seen, and what Jones has told me, you’re the person for the job,” Finch said to