Caesar had his legions. Napoleon his continent. Pharaoh his worshipers. But with the press of a few buttons, the entire galaxy was within the cup of my hands. From the time I flew my first hand made kite as a five year old child to my first lunar assignment as a mere quartermaster to my discovery of Plexus 9, my universe has been THE universe. I have been a star ship captain.
I had to call in all my chits to extend my enlistment for this last five years and the only reason I passed the eye chart test was because I memorized it. The triple by-pass can no longer be delayed, the spring is gone from my step, and my reaction time has diminished by half. I even invoked that Billy Graham moment when asked about his retirement. He responded by relating that there was nothing in scripture about retiring from spreading the Word. It did not impress Star Fleet Command. How could they demand that my entire reason for existing ……? I suppose you can commensurate with my grief.
A professorship at the Academy has been offered. It has been suggested that my memoirs or my scientific endeavors would be most valuable training literature. Consultant offers abound. Can you imagine me advising a spare parts manufacturer on P235? I find each of these alternatives vacuous and distasteful.
Then it came upon me that I must live up to my own standards in the belief that a star ship crew deserves to have a captain at his or her optimum mental and physical potential. Any less would cheat that crew. Ultimately, the crew is the vessel. And I now must submit to being graceful about the matter. Selfishness is a trait I vehemently condemn and I must relinquish the reins of my star ship and be true to my own expectations of integrity from others. I will relish in the glorious memory that for a time I was blessed with the most extravagant blessing: I was a starship captain and my universe has been THE universe !
16 responses to “Forced Retirement by Carl D’Agostino”
lifeintheboomerlane
January 22nd, 2011 at 12:18
I’m thinking Billy Graham was on target, as to nothing stopping him from spreading The Word. In your case, methinks there’s nothing stopping you from spreading Words. Words of your choice, about whatever subject you choose in whatever form you choose to record them. No doubt about it, you have the gift.
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carldagostino
January 22nd, 2011 at 12:41
Thank you for your kind words. This is one of my most favorite pieces.
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Amy
January 20th, 2011 at 15:22
To boldy go where everyone goes eventually – shuffle board court at the retirement home in Ft. Lauderdale.
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Carl D'Agostino
January 20th, 2011 at 15:26
I’m in North Miami so Ft Laud is just 10 miles north and I could “shuffle right over.
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kateshrewsday
January 20th, 2011 at 12:02
D’Agostino! My fingers falter!!
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carldagostino
January 20th, 2011 at 12:07
Oh an extra n is OK. Far too many officers included the letters S O B. I am still trying to find out what that means. I have a feeling it is not complimentary, however.
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kateshrewsday
January 20th, 2011 at 12:01
The uniform suits you. Captain D’Agonstino…
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carldagostino
January 20th, 2011 at 12:04
Thank you lieutenant
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Sana Johnson-Quijada MD
January 20th, 2011 at 03:25
totally handsome self-portrait. i’m glad u hid that missing ear.
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Carl D'Agostino
January 20th, 2011 at 07:06
I am an officer not Van Gogh. I can paint, however.
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carldagostino
August 20th, 2010 at 19:34
There was nothing in the galaxy that could hold a shine to the stars in your eyes, sweetie!
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Deborah
August 20th, 2010 at 18:22
You look dashing, commander! Loved the story and picture of your dad. I think you captured that definitive NY accent.
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Luke The Drifter
August 19th, 2010 at 23:44
Live long, prosper
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carldagostino
August 21st, 2010 at 14:23
I could use a good Air Force man now that I’ll be back on earth. Interested? I think I’d like to fly one of those ultra lights.
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carldagostino
August 19th, 2010 at 10:26
I did 34 years high school history teacher, inner city minority. May the force be with you and may your journey never run out of stars.
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gallowaygrave
August 19th, 2010 at 09:02
Moving sideways/backwards/out of one’s career, virtual or realworld, sucks! I’ve done it twice in reality, not good times…
Hail Prof Carl; tell it as it is.
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