I'M STILL HERE. BlAST IT!
   I lie vertically on the stretcher, still in the dark room and my head still throbbing. Nothing is different. But an angry kick from my foot into one of the two pillars that hold my bed up changes that.
   The pillar, obviously old and worn from a decade-too-many of medical procedures (or whatever this room was used for), collapses on itself, and the table falls sideways.
Great, I think to myself. I try to wriggle free of my position but it's as useless as always. My limbs are numb and sore, and my head is a sticky mess of blood. I am a miserable wretch, left to die in some forgotten corner of the galaxy, lost from whatever significance my life used to hold. And I'm sideways. I hate being sideways.
   I should be depressed. I should have lost all hope now. I should be panicking and crying out. But I'm not. A calmness comes over me; a reassuring energy I've never felt before. It helps me focus. Helps me think.
   I clear my mind, a newfound hope seemingly guiding me as I search for a way to get out. I see the wall covered with knobs and buttons in front of me. That's it, I think. That's all there is. Buttons on a wall.
Buttons...
Buttons!
What are buttons used for? Switching things on and off, changing things. I figure I'd welcome any form of change at this point. There's a panel in front of me that looks very familiar–like I know what it does. Maybe it opens a door that'll lead out of here? Not much of a lead, but I'll take it.
But wait, I can't do anything with my hands strapped up.
My gaze falls to the ground and I see something: a screw from the crumbled pillar. And it may just be sharp enough to cut myself free. After a few attempts I manage to grab it with my mouth, hoping I don't get some kind of infection from the rusty thing. I spit it towards one of my strapped hands. I catch it, and begin cutting away at the strong plastic binders.
   It takes hours for me to free my hands and legs, but I don't stop. Not once. Not to rest or take a breather. I'm too determined to leave.
Almost there... I shred the last bit off my right ankle. I'm free! I attempt to stand, but stumble and fall. Panting hard, I get up again, slowly regaining my balance. It feels so weird to finally stand. My arms are sore and scratched, and I've got the worst cramp in my back, not to mention that pain in my head—or, more accurately, the memory of that pain. It's stopped, but I don't think I'll ever forget it. Ever.
   I make for the wall, exhausted. I was right! There is a door here! The soldier inside me starts to come back. I punch the entry panel and dash out of the room, not caring to look back. I'm free!
   Free! D'ya miss me, galaxy?