Brian Lux - author
The New Sirion
(Senior Moments)
Max stared at the advert in the newspod. He walked over to the globe with its revolving news item about the new mysterious planet, interspersed with adverts, and scanned the message with his laser pencil when the advert came into view again.
The New Sirion. Outstandingly well equipped and spacious for the money.
The price seemed ridiculous for a personal transporter able to reach Mac 25 in seconds and a range of two light years. Max sighed at the thought of work: walking round the factory giving orders to humanoids, which gave instructions to robots whizzing round the factory floor adjusting the manufacturing work robotics.
He envied his grandfather who, at the age of only 150, could remember so much of what life was like when man actually did the work himself. It sounded exciting: making decisions, planning, and the satisfaction of a finished job. Now it was all pre-planned, pre-processed, and a pre-tend happiness.
To be able to escape the humdrum of ordered life, that was the stuff of dreams. That’s it then, he thought, I’ll go round tomorrow. I’ve only myself to think about with no dependants or property debts, and an A +++ rating at the National Linear Bank.
Max downloaded the information when he reached his flat. He punched the financial information into his pocket computer, and in milliseconds, the answer flashed on the small screen. National Linear Bank would advance the credit for his purchase.
He was surprised to see many men waiting outside the showroom the next day, most about his own age, single, in boring jobs with unused skills. Chattering ceased when the humanoid glided towards them and ushered them through the showroom to the new Sirion ship.
It was much a larger version of the model in the advert. He heard the humanoid tell the group they would be taken for a quick trip to experience the smoothness of the acceleration into hyperspace.
As he settled into his seat, Max relaxed as the backrest conformed to his shape, and seatbelt and arm braces clicked and locked. He was puzzled when no crew appeared, and alarm signals coursed through him when the craft suddenly hurtled into the sky. Why no voice communication? Why no instruction screen?
His companions looked round at each other and voices were quiet. They eyed Max, hoping for some answers to what was happening to a short trip fast becoming a journey.
The overhead screen lit up with a pale green light and Max read the words with increased panic as the realisation of what was happening sank in.
You have been selected by the Supreme Council to join a team investigating the new planet known as X43 which is now within reach of modern craft. Your skills are needed and your lack of dependants noted in this mission should we be unable to return you to earth.
The Supreme Council salutes you.