Chapter 1: A Quiet Moment

Sipping my rehydrated coffee in the cantina of Alpha Station, I cherished the solitude. This dining hall, usually deserted at this hour, allowed me a moment to reflect. Finding a quiet spot on the station was often a challenge.

I was perched on an uncomfortable chair, gazing at the Martian landscape, when I noticed the airlock open. A woman entered, her focus on a tablet. Unlike the usual jumpsuits, she wore a lab coat.

"A civilian," I mused.

I returned to my thoughts and didn’t hear her approach.

“Is the coffee here better than what they serve at Beta Station?” she inquired.

“I believe it’s the same coffee everywhere,” I replied.

“I thought so,” she said, extending her hand, “I’m Dr. Rebecca Kass, Geologist.”

“Amos Peters, Astro Marshal.”

“Astro Marshal?” she asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Yes, ma'am.”

“Like a figure from the Old West?”

“I suppose so.”

“So…you’re a space cowboy?” she teased.

“More like a rent-a-cop,” I chuckled.

She laughed, “That’s amusing, Dr. Peters.”

“Not a doctor,” I corrected her.

“You’re not?”

“Not by any means.”

“I assumed everyone here had a doctorate.”

“All the outsiders do. The natives like me don’t.”

“Oh, you’re-”

“I’m Martian. My parents arrived here before I was born. Jobs are scarce for us. They’re the doctors; I’m just a hall monitor.”

“I never considered that,” she said, her expression thoughtful.

“Not many do,” I replied.

She reached for my coffee cup. “May I?”

I nodded, allowing her to take it.

“So, what does a space cowboy do?” she asked, curiosity piqued.

“Not much, really. Mostly just gaze out the window.”

“So it’s not a perilous job?”

“Not at all.”

“Would the other space cowboys agree with that?”

“I’m the only one.”

“Seriously?”

“Yep, just me watching over the frontier. Well, Jericho Base, at least.”

“Doesn’t that get lonely?”

“Not particularly.”

I took a sip of my coffee.

“Shouldn’t you be out patrolling?” she questioned.

“No, it’s mostly just scientists here.”

“What about the other natives? Do they cause you issues?”

“Not really. Most are in support roles, and those who aren’t generally stick to Delta Base. I don’t interact with them much.”

“Never?”

“Nope, I’ve never left Alpha Station.”

“You’re joking?”

“What about Ares Pride?”

“The resistance group? I don’t engage with them; they don’t bother Alpha Station.”

“I’ve heard they can be quite dangerous.”

“Nah, if they were, I’d have more backup,” I laughed.

Suddenly, I felt dizzy. I attempted to rise but slumped back into my seat.

“Feeling unwell?” she asked, concern on her face.

“Yes, I can’t… I can’t get up.”

“That’s the nerve agent I slipped into your coffee.”

Panic surged through me. I recalled her taking a sip of my drink. I never considered the implications. She had drugged me.

I was immobilized. She leaned across the table, snatching my sensor bracelet, which granted her access to all of Jericho Base. As she reached for it, I noticed the red dot tattoo on her wrist. She was Ares Pride. I felt foolish.

“I’ll be taking this. I’m glad you’re the only marshal; I wouldn’t want to have to do this repeatedly.”

“You’re not Rebecca Kass, are you?”

She smiled, “No, cowboy. I’m not.” With that, she left me, staring out at the Martian horizon.

In this music video, Jamiroquai brings a vibrant blend of funk and electronic sounds, showcasing themes of freedom and exploration that resonate with the spirit of a space cowboy.

Chapter 2: A Revelation

Kacey Musgraves’ official music video captures the essence of longing and freedom, perfectly encapsulating the life of a space cowboy navigating the vastness of the universe.