Thread: A refection on SiFi

A refection on how SiFi has changed in the last twenty years. This is one of my early SiFi shorts for a local New Year’s Day Competition (1500-2500 words). I added the challenge to include my word count in the title (2020)


Mars Mission 2020

Aran activated the Mars Orbiter call sign. After two repeats he settled back to wait the four and a half minutes for NASA’s response. After six months of dull routine, the next twelve hours were going to be very different. Coming into the influence of Mars gravity, they would need to swing into orbit around the Red planet. The communications LED alerted Aran to an incoming message.

The rustic tones of John Hurran filled Aran’s head phones. “NASA here, receiving you loud and clear. How are you Aran, I guess you are all looking forward to getting into Mars orbit.”

After a short pause came the distinct voice of Martin Ball, NASA’s flight director. “Hi, your change of course for Mars orbit should take place in approximately three and a quarter hours.” There followed a burst of static. “Look nothing to worry about, but there’s some meteorite dust, our present calculations put you out of its main path. However, it’s just possible there might be a few minor particles. A thousand, no a ten thousand to one chance, anyway you know the drill, just be prepared.”

John Hurran and Aran then exchanged their usual routine updates. The others were still sleeping, no need to wake them with the latest thought Aran. As the main technical support, there wasn’t much about the Mars Orbiter or the Mars Lander that Aran didn’t know. The MO carried enough supplies for the six-month each way journey and nearly a year in orbit. Apart from the living accommodation, there were specialised labs and a host of sophisticated electronics. The MO carried thirty-two probes, each was designed to explore a range of atmospheric conditions and gather ground samples. Attached to a purpose built docking bay was a specially designed shuttlecraft. The ML was a vertical takeoff and landing vehicle, with enough thrust to escape the Martian gravity.

***

The rest of the crew awoke and settled themselves into a full systems check, making ready for the course change. Just forty-five minutes to go and Aran listened to the final instrument check list being read. A short burst from each of the three main thrusters completed the checks. They now all waited for the final NASA transmission.

The countdown commenced. “Thirty seconds, Twenty-five seconds.” There came a sudden zip, zip sound then immediately after came a violent judder, then the lights and instrument LED’s went out. The crew were in total darkness for a couple of seconds. Then the emergency backup came on, only to dim just before the main lights blinked back on again.

“What the hell was that, and what’s happening to the damn lights,” Doug cried out from his forward position.

“I think we just got hit.” Ricardo said, checking life-support. “Pressures dropping, lost nearly two percent already.”

Aran joined Karen and Phil looking for the tell tale signs of a hull breach. Karen was first to spot one. She pushed off and floated herself across to secure it with a sealer. Aran traced the trail of ionised particles, looking like a laser guide. He quickly sealed the meteorites exit hole. A few seconds later the entry and exit points of the other breach was found and sealed.

They were back in their seats with less than half a minute having elapsed since the strikes. Doug gave a short warning to brace for acceleration, and then he fired up the main engines again. The twenty-second burst lasted less than two. There followed a hurried check across all instrument panels. Each member of the crew looking for signs of a malfunction. All stations reported back, except Aran’s. Being on communications, he was frantically sending a message out to NASA.

Doug reset and tried the main thrusters switch again. Something started to happen there was the sound of at least one engine firing up. Then every panel instrument simply died. The cabin lights went back to emergency standby. Doug’s voice sounded strained.

“Will somebody tell me what the hell is going on?”

Aran felt like giving an answer, but remained silent as did the rest of the crew. Thinking hard, Aran reached across and switched from main batteries to direct solar source. Almost immediately, some of his instruments started to light up. He called out to the others.

“Limited I know, but we do have some solar juice.”

A few minutes later, after some feedback, Doug had a better idea of their predicament. Following a short consultation with the crew, Doug instructed Aran to add a further bulletin to the recently sent distress signal. The analysis from NASA’s engineers wasn’t encouraging. The crew gathered round as Doug read through their reply.

“It’s not good. Without the power to restart all three engines, were on a collision course.” He left off saying with what. “We have a narrow window in which NASA says we either survive a bumpy landing, or take a long trip around the solar system.”

“We could all still make it. Surely all we need is the Mars Lander.” Ricardo suggested.

“I guess what they’re not saying is that landing is only part of our thousand to one chance of survival.” Doug replied. “Even if we get through it, all hope rests on enough of the Orbitor supplies being intact to live on until a rescue arrives. That means slowing its descent by all possible means. Right now NASA is preparing to upload details of some circuit changes. As soon as we have them, let’s get to work.”


Karen sat working at the main system desk with Doug. Aran, Ricardo and Phil worked on the wiring changes uploaded from the NASA engineers. As each of the circuit reroutes were completed, Doug and Karen ran the checks. Two and three quarters of an hour later, they were ready to try NASA’s changes and fire up the main thrusters.

The crew were at their various stations once more. Doug gave the countdown himself. This time one of the three thrusters fired and stayed firing. The ship moved into its new arc above the Red planet’s surface. They weren’t going on a trip around the solar system that was for sure. However, neither was there enough to maintain a continuing orbit. Their hope was a gradual descent that would minimise damage on landing. The next thing was to swing the Orbiter about and be ready to fire the one working rocket engine to break their descent. In that way they hoped to slow the rate to a few hundred feet per second before impact.

The Red planet was now rapidly filling their horizon. Doug in the time remaining instructed the crew to secure everything in any way they could. With forty minutes of orbit left, Doug ordered them all into the Mars Lander. Squeezing up through the access tunnel Phil went first to open the hatches.

The independent ML systems had not been affected by any of the Orbiter problems. However, Phil made a further check for any hull breaches before giving the all clear. The rest of the crew climbed up the narrow tunnel. Karen and Aran assisted Phil in removing his spacesuit as they prepared to make the best of their cramped conditions.

The Lander was designed for four. Doug and Karen sat in the forward positions, Lorain and Phil just behind. Ricardo and Aran were strapped into makeshift seats set on either side. Aran holding a communication tablet across his lap had the advantage of being next to a window.

The descent into the Martian atmosphere had begun, small licks of St Elmo’s fire darted about the outer skin of the ML and Orbiter. It lasted for perhaps five to eight minutes. Then the ML and MO started to shake violently. Doug fired the Orbiter’s one working thruster, their descent started to slow. They were still coming down too fast. Lorain put her hand on Aran’s and he gave her a nervous smile back. He accepted the probable outcome. The rest of the crew, he knew felt the same, this was a one-way trip.

Aran’s display linked to the ML’s main console showed the rate of descent. At twenty-thousand feet it was over three hundred miles per hour. It had taken a bit of reengineering, but now Doug deployed the parachutes from the six probes secured in the orbiters launch pods. Three parachutes per probe, it was hoped this would create the necessary drag. After the chutes were released, there was a noticeable decrease.

Aran from his window could see the ground rushing up. After months in zero gravity he felt heavy and lethargic, the weight of his body pulling him down. The speed of their descent was slowing, but the ground was still rushing up to meet them at an alarming rate. Karen was counting down their descent, her voice giving no hint of the oblivion they were about to face.

“Two thousand, eighteen hundred.”

“Separating ML from MO.” Doug’s voice called out. Aran could see the speed of descent, two hundred feet per second. One eighty, one forty, they were slowing, but was it going to be enough. Karen’s voice continued to call out the altitude.

“Fourteen hundred, twelve hundred.”

Aran looked out of the window watching as the Mars Obiter plough into the surface just seconds ahead of their own fateful descent. The six passengers of the ML were now bracing themselves for the final phase. Aran checked the rate they were coming down. It was slowing rapidly, but still more than a hundred miles an hour.

Doug up front in the pilot seat made his final checks. “Hold on everyone it’s going to be a bit rough.” Rough thought Aran, that was putting it mildly, at least he had the decency not to say good luck everybody. What did NASA say, a chance in a thousand, well what the heck it had been a good ride while it lasted.

“Eight hundred, Seven hundred.”

Aran checked the rate of descent again. It looked as if they would hit the deck at around eighty plus. The end would be quick he thought...

“Six eighty, Six fifty, Six thirty.”

Why not stop now they all knew what was coming, wouldn’t it be nice just to have silence. Aran took a last glance at the Orbiter, its wreckage was scattered across the Martian landscape, bits still moving and ploughing up furrows.

“Deploying crash bags now.” Doug was heard to say. There came the Womp, Womp sound as they released. Aran knew it was all over the second he felt the floor slam into him. He felt no real pain, and let the blackness reach out to engulf him.

***

Aran was looking into a tunnel of light. A voice was calling his name. A female voice, that wasn’t what he had expected. Then he realised it was Karen, she was holding a torch in his face. The lights to the cabin and controls desks were all out. God forbid had they somehow survived the landing.

“You OK, you look like shit.” Karen said.

In truth, Aran’s head was throbbing. Leaning heavily on Karen for support, they made their way slowly towards the air lock. Looking ahead, it suddenly registered the door, in fact both doors were wide open. How were they still able to breathe? The Martian atmosphere was mostly carbon dioxide. They should be dead, then the awful reality crashed in on him, of course they were dead, all dead. No one could have survived an impact at that speed. Karen continued helping to guide Aran as he stepped through the outer doorway.

“Say what day is it?” Aran asked.

“The first,” Karen replied.

“The first,” Aran repeated.

“Yes the first,” Karen said staring into Aran’s haggard face.

“Boy you must of had a skin full last night. You look as if you have just stepped out of a disaster movie? Its lucky for you I came by the simulator this morning.”

Laughing she left Aran leaning against the exit door and went on down the gantry steps. Halfway she stopped, turned and looked up.

“Oh! Happy New Year by the way.”

QDOS

I really enjoyed the suspense you created through out this short. And the si-fi aspect so far is very realistic. The only thing Is I didn't get a chance to really meet all the characters. I mean they all had some sort of presence in the story, but I felt like their presence was nearly non-existent. 6 characters may be way to many to get to know in 2020 words, and maybe you only included them to keep the story as realistic as possible. But I just think characters should always serve the story with their character, not just their existence.

Hi Deyo


Thanks for your comments.
This is a dream/nightmare disaster movie style with Aran as the VP Character, so the others as you observed are just background to the sequence. They serve the bigger picture rather than their own existence. It’s an interesting thought as to whether it would have been more relevant if I had given them deeper personalities. I felt at the time to keep it simple because of the twist at the end.


QDOS

What happened here? Was the whole story a simulation?

The tension gripped me somewhat but was dissapointed when Karen said "Its lucky for you I came by the simulator this morning."

It is obvious this is an early work. I am sure you are much better now at writing than you were then. I am afraid some of the grammatical issues made me cringe.

Hi Robdemanc The location is in a simulator, the sequence is a dream/nightmare brought on by alcoholic indulgence and an over active imagination.


Hi Notquiteextena
Sorry unfortunately like many, grammar is still not my forte, although I constantly re-work in an effort to improve. Is it the syntax, morphology or just the semantics that makes you cringe.


QDOS

One of my pet peeves is the mistaken form "you must of been" when it should be "you must have been" (or "you must've been")

It's not a big deal

Hi QDOS. So it has a double twist at the end. First we are led to believe it is a simulation, but then she wishes happy new year and so he dreamt during his drunken sleep of waking up in a simulator that simulated a disastrous landing on Mars? Well that is pretty cool.

Hi

This is another of my early SiFi shorts, exploring life in the twenty second century.

Crime of Passion

The Subtran came to a stop. The beep, beep warning built to a crescendo then the automat doors slid back. The beep, beep continued on alternative high and low pitches as the carriage shed some of its passengers. Erick followed the shuffling multitude along to a platform exit point, then onto the moving walkway. Soon he and the others were ascending to the surface.

A beep in his ear warned him of an incoming message on his iNac. The right eyepiece illuminated, blocking out normal vision. It shone the visual directly on to his retina. It was just a reschedule of a meeting; he quickly acknowledged and sent it to his personal message bin.

Distracted by the commuter in front rearranging her carryall, left him forgetting to switch the iNac back to just auto-call. It picked up the ADTrans implant along the escalator walls. In the next moment he was reviewing a shampoo add. The guy was running his hands through the girl’s hair. The girl pulled his hands away and planted them on her backside. However, unable to resist the girls beautiful hair the male actor went straight back to grooming the long glistening strands. As the girl pulled her head back and turned, Erick caught a glimpse of her face. The deep brown eyes and well tanned skin. For a moment, he thought it was Emily, Emily Price. No it wasn’t, but it looked very much like her. Erick put the iNac back on auto-call, deactivating any further ADTrans reception. Nevertheless, he kept the girl or rather the vision of Emily Price in his head.

He spilled out with the other commuters on to Main Street and started to walk towards Russell Gardens. He still had the thought of Emily in his mind as he let himself into his first-floor apartment. The thought of what might have been weighed heavily on his thoughts. In truth Emily was pretty much the only girl he’d ever really wanted to be with. However that was never going to be, especially after she’d met Dan Redick. Even Erick had to admit he was probably every girls dream. He came from a well to do family, had all the extra good looks and money to back it. He was a smart academic, an all-round sportsman and if that wasn’t enough he played guitar in his brother’s group.

The deepening thoughts about Emily depressed Erick. He dropped heavily on to the lounger, trying to think what he might do to take her off his mind. What made it worse was the fact he’d agreed to go to the damn class reunion. That meant possibly seeing Emily with Dan. He knew they were partnered, he’d read of the announcement months ago. They might even have offspring, although in this day and age the tendency was to wait until women were in their thirties.

It then occurred to Erick he might need an escort. He realised he hadn’t dated for, well for so long he couldn’t even remember. A check through his diary confirmed the lack of any dates. It couldn’t possibly be as long as that, but it was, fifteen month almost to the day. He activated the wall screen through the iNac and started to trawl through the channels. The news was as usual all positive. Everyone was enjoying improved standards of living, more availability of this and that. New targets had been agreed over conservation in the jungles of Borneo. Sea stocks of shrill were up in Antarctica. The glacier sheets in Greenland looked to be stabilising even though they were only a third of the size they were a century ago. The Mars colony had just completed a new accommodation and laboratory section. Another two hundred scientists and geologists were being sent to explore for mineral extraction. There were a couple of new films, but the reviews didn’t entice Erick to select either.

As he continued down, he paused on one of the modern history channels. The presenter was spouting on about the economical devastation of planet earth’s natural resources. The irresponsible action brought about by technological changes of the nineteenth and twentieth century’s. How they’d nearly wrecked the planet in an insatiable lust for oil and gas resources. The last century had certainly been dramatic, a combination of global warming leading to ever disrupting weather patterns and not forgetting the fuel crises.

The potential demise of millions was halted by three breakthroughs. Quantum Computers was where it had all begun. The first viable machine being the 64 Qbits built in 2032, its computing power rated as equal to one million of the fastest machines of its day. Then came the 128 Qbits, equivalent to a hundred million virtual machines. By 2146, two hundred odd Quantum Computers virtually ran the whole of the worlds Neuro network. Most were 512Qbits machines and just about everything was connected. Apart from a few malcontents in remote areas, the information Neural activated connectors iNac had become a standard accessory right across the globe. They resembled an old fashioned pair of sun protectors, worn as a headband with the frontal projections overhanging the eyes.

As computing power developed, it led to the discovery of cold fusion. That saved the world from a pending energy crises about to cripple the global economies of the day. The third breakthrough was in Nanotechnology, which combined with the completion of the human DNA program virtually eradicated all illnesses overnight. The presenter continued to describe the benefits of their modern society, how the actions of the DNA Laws Commission was restructuring and designing a paradise fit for everyone. Erick exploded with indignation, shouting back at the screen.

“None of this would have happened without Quantum Computing.”

Erick reflected on the good and bad points of living in the twenty-second century. Crime had been virtually eliminated. All human beings basic needs were catered for, no one went hungry or didn’t have their own accommodation. It was in truth a form of paradise, but to Erick, it came with a heavy price. The downside was strict control over just about every aspect of one’s life from birth to death. Parenthood demanded a DNA compatibility test before either parties entered into a Conception Contract. The offspring were monitored with every potential of the child analysed. The subsequent education being geared to the infants needs, or as Erick suspected it was all part of the establishment’s plan. An ardent fan of old movies Erick saw parallels in films on ancient and modern civilisations using the discoveries of the day to control the masses.

After a while, he began to calm down and continued his trawl through the list of channels. A catchy tune from a shopping advert prompted further investigation. The scene showed a group of young people spilling out of a restaurant. Dating for all ages, flashed across the screen. The Make Ur Date, dating agency sounded as good as any other. He selected the auto, which scanned his details into the agencies database. Then he was asked to fill in details of his ideal partner. He chose a brunette with features based on Emily Price. Following this he was asked how many date arrangements he wished to make, he ticked the five box and the surprise selection box, he ticked that as well.

As he finished, five brunettes were presented on the screen. His surprise choice was a blonde with shoulder length hair, bluish eyes, and certainly an attractive figure. Shumal Grobic visually seemed almost too perfect to be true. Erick couldn’t think of any reasons why she would agree to go on a date with him, but he activated the call number anyway. She answered straight away as if she had been waiting for his call. Her voice was pleasant and suggested they meet for a meal and a drink. The only place Erick could recall at such short notice was one out on the western edge of town called The Red Dragon.

Saturday night came and Erick was walking along the pavement towards the restaurant. Still in half a mind to cancel, it had taken longer than expected in making the choice of what to wear from his limited wardrobe. Erick was five, no ten minutes late and hoped his date hadn’t already arrived. He tried to act casual as he stepped in through the doorway and checked the Serv’o’mat to see which table had been assigned to him.

A quick glance revealed she was not already seated, that brought a sigh of relief. Then as Erick approached the table, she came as if from nowhere. In the flesh, she was even more attractive than he had imagined. She moved with a feminine grace and elegance that most modern women of the day would have considered demeaning. Gliding up to the table, she stood by him the top of her head level with his eyes. Her height and in fact all of her proportions in relation to his own seemed perfect. The deep blue eyes looking at him made him feel weak at the knees.

Erick suddenly felt like pinching himself, this all had to be some kind of a dream. In the twenty-second century with DNA screening and the Conception Law, unwanted and especially defect genetic offspring had been almost eradicated. Sixty-years of intervention with Mother Nature had produced a population where good looks prevailed as the norm. It had also produced a commonality of human forms to the point of being boring. Therefore, for Erick to value Shumal Grobic as perfection was on a scale way outside the normal and reaching right up into the stratosphere.

When they were both seated, she asked. “What shall we order first?” Then before he could reply, she said. “I know a drink. Let me see, one for a special occasion, maybe a cocktail.” The smiled she gave Erick, sent a shiver down his spine. “Yes, look here’s one - Passion - it sounds exciting and yet in a way mysterious, don’t you think.”

All Erick could do was nod in agreement with her choice. The drink did seem to do the trick; it certainly helped released all of his usual inhibitions. Soon Erick was speaking with Shumal as if they had been friends for years. For their main course she suggested a Dela Contay, a mixture of meats and vegetables done in a sort of open pan roast. They followed that with forest fruits layered with cream and different favoured sorbets. While they ate and drank, she chatted. Then out of the blue she asked.

“So what is it that you do exactly?”

Erick thought about that for a moment, and then it suddenly struck him, in actual fact this was the first time anyone had actually bothered to ask him.

“Oh! I work at Cyboteck on simulation programs that sort of thing.”

“Why that sounds fascinating, tell me more.”

Shumal twirled her spoon in the air above her plate. Erick bewitched by her presence watched. He had to shake his head to break out of the trance.

“Err! Well after graduating there was a job waiting for me. My first simulation was a Nano-carrier for a virus cure. Then I gradually moved up to work on Nanoteck processors. My most recent work well it’s a bit hush, hush.”

“Oh! Now I’m really intrigued, you must tell.” She gave him one of her beguiling smiles.

During their meal, Erick had been more than aware of the looks from a few of the customers as they stole admiring glimpses of Shumal. Perhaps because of this, his last words made him feel suddenly very conscious of exposure.

“If you’ve finished perhaps we could leave.” The words came out in a rush leaving him sounding slightly out of breath.

“I’m ready when you are.” Shumal replied.

As they left, Shumal was softly laughing and giggling as if she were a bit tipsy. Many an envious eye turned in her direction as they walked towards the exit. As they stumbled out on to the street, Erick used the iNac to call for a PT. By the time they had walked to the monorail rank, a Personal Transporter stood waiting to convey them.

Erick tried to sound casual in asking for her address. “Your place or mine.”

“Oh! Yours of course, then you can tell me more about your work.” She answered quickly. Then tapping the side of her nose, she gave him a secret sort of a wink.

The PT system linked to most residential areas. Leaving the transporter, they had only a couple of hundred paces to Erick’s apartment. They walked arm in arm passing other revellers returning home. Pushing the door open Erick stepped back and invited Shumal to enter. She viewed it as if a totally new experience, and that amazed Erick. Everyone knew that these one occupant apartments were all constructed along the same lines.

“How about a drink,” Erick offered. He stood waiting at the food alcove ready to select her choice.

“That would be nice. Something smooth and warming” She replied. Nevertheless, her next statement took him by surprise. “I suppose we should register.”

“Register.” Erick repeated.

“But of course. If we don’t, we could get into serious trouble.” She gave one of her demure smiles.

“Register, but we’ve only just met.” Erick walked across with their drinks.

“The Conceptual Law states that all consenting adults must register for Recreational Sex where there is intent or opportunity.”

She spoke as if reading from one of those government warnings, as if to precede any further would seriously damage their health. Erick took a quick gulp of his drink and half choked in trying to swallow the liquid. Almost reluctantly he joined her on the lounger; both filed their respective consent forms. Shumal finished first and relaxed back into the soft furnishings.

“So you were going to tell me about your hush, hush work.” She asked looking him directly in the eye.

“I couldn’t. It would be more than my job’s worth.” Erick felt as if he were making lame excuses to a trusted friend.

She laughed. “You must forgive me. I have a confession to make. I also work at Cybotec.” She held him in her gaze, playing out her little deception as the confused look continued spreading across Erick’s face. “In fact I could say my success is directly associated with your work.” She rolled up her sleeve and tapped the ID implant. The iNac activated to show Shumal’s employment details on the wall screen.

“You’re an Avid-Tec Grade four.” He stammered. “Why that’s one above me.”

“Yes, I confess to knowing all about your development of SHAL. I could say the Simulated Human Active Life processor module has been part of my own development within Cybotec.”

Erick couldn’t think what to say next. Sitting together on the lounger Shumal leaned towards him. Her face was so close, Erick could feel her breath on his cheek. It smelt like some exotic perfume. He wasn’t sure how, but in the next instant their lips touched. He felt the caress as she pushed gently against him, her lips firm, cool and so perfect. However, the whole act felt as if choreographed for a love scene. Erick likened it to those from one of the old-fashioned movies he watched. It felt sensual, yet, yet so unreal, he felt no eagerness to experiment or explore the possibilities of the contact. Something was lacking, that unexpected excitement of the moment, when all your emotions are about to leap you into the unknown?

Shamul’s kiss sincere as it might be just didn’t seem right. The thought suddenly entered his head, what if her DNA was that of a relative, no even worse perhaps a half sister. He physically cringed, putting it bluntly he felt suddenly sick to the stomach. Erick backed away surprised at his own response. His true love, his only love still lay with someone else. It had consumed him since his first meeting with Emily Price.

Shumal sat quiet. It was as if she understood, and was not offended by his rejection. After an uncomfortable silence Erick started to talk again, he chatted about his Emily. His whole evening was turning in to a confession. Shumal was acting more like a best friend, showing understanding and interested in even the smallest details. He talked on about the important things in his life. Erick found it all very consoling, but became seriously worried. In the pouring out of his hearts desires was he alienating his friendship with Shumal. What was he thinking?

“I think I should be seeing you home.” Erick said suddenly.

Shumal rose from the lounger. “I think I can see myself home.” As she walked over to the door, she turned and said. “Don’t be a stranger, call me.” Then she was gone.

***

It had been nearly two weeks. Erick had half expected Shamal to turn down his request. Nevertheless, here they were at his reunion and standing at the edge of the dance floor. The gown she wore left nothing hidden in showing off her shapely proportions. The first to introduce himself was Richard Wellesley and his partner. Not long after that, a small group started too gather around them. Naturally, the attention was on Shumal Grobic. Erick found it easy to excuse himself and wandered off to find a drinks dispenser.

While he was obtaining the drinks, Erick spotted Dan Redick dancing, but the girl wasn’t Emily. Slowly he walked around the dance floor until he was back with Shumal. Pushing through the crowd, he found her already with a drink, but she quickly gave it up to one of her admirers and graciously took the glass offered by Erick.

As if reading his thoughts, she asked. “Have you spotted her yet?”

“I don’t think she’s here.” Erick replied and then emptied his glass.

Catching the conversation a dark-haired beauty to his side asked. “Who are you looking for?”

“No one really, just an old friend I used to know.” Erick answered.

“He’s looking for Emily Price.” Shumal quickly butted in and just as quickly went back to continue her own conversation with a couple on her right.

“You don’t mean Emily that’s partnered to Dan Redick.” The woman asked.

“Well yes.” Erick gave the woman a nervous smile.

“You should talk to her friend Jenny Field.” The woman was standing on tiptoe looking across the dance floor. “There, there she is, the one wearing the electric blue gown over in the far corner.”

Erick excused himself from the dark-haired woman’s presence and made his way across to Jenny Field. He moved up beside her and coughed into his fist.

“Sorry to intrude but I understand that you might be a friend of Emily Price.”

Turning to face Erick the woman gave a look of surprise. “Did you say Emily?”

“Yes, Emily, I was looking for her.” Erick asked again.

“Don’t I know you? Just give me a minute.” The woman’s eyes widened. “Yes, of course it’s Erick, Erick Dubtec.”

“Well thanks for recognising me. But I don’t think we’ve had the pleasure.” Erick held out his hand.

“Hi, Jenny Field,” she shook Erick’s hand with some gusto. “I used to sit opposite you in fourth grade. You just wait ‘till I tell Emily we met.”

“Yes Emily. I thought she and Dan would be here together.” Erick enquired.

“No, they’ve been going through a bad patch. Dan he’s a dish all right and that’s his trouble, he can’t keep himself away from new conquests. Emily actually caught him in the act, if you know what I mean.”

“I see, well I was hoping…” for the moment Erick felt lost for words.

Jenny Field sensed the disappointment in Erick’s voice. “She’s spending some time back home with her registered family.”

The pair of them stood chatting for a while. When he came away he had Emily’s home address and call code. As he looked for Shumal, he saw her standing over by the entrance. In the next instant Dan Redick appeared by her side. Erick watched as Dan put his arm around her waist and guided her towards the doorway. In a repeat of nearly a year and a half ago, again his girl had been stolen by Dan Redick.

***

Erick stirred from his deep sleep, the neuro implant activated by the incoming call. Half awake he reached across and picked up the iNac. Walking in to the living area, he triggered the wall screen and was surprised to find the blue uniform of an Angel Guardian.


“Sorry to disturb you citizen Dubtec, but we are following a line of enquiry concerning the sudden disappearance of a Dan Redick.” As the Guardian finished her sentence, Erick looked confused.

“Dan Redick. Why I saw him only a few nights ago at the reunion.”

“Have you seen him since and would you know the whereabouts of a Shumal Grobic?”

“No I haven’t, not since the night of the reunion.” Erick answered truthfully.

“Shumal Grobic, you recently filed a Sexual Recreation form.” As evidence, a copy flashed up on the wall screen.

“Oh!” Erick lowered his gaze to hide his embarrassment. “Yes we did, but we didn’t go through with it, nothing happened.”

“If she makes contact with you again, please get in touch.” The Guardian requested.

“I will,” was all Erick could say.

“Good day to you citizen.”

In the next instant the Guardian was gone the connection terminated. Erick contemplated on what he should do next. He quickly came to a decision. Picking up his jacket from the clothes closet, he left the apartment. Using the rear exit, he was thankful for the light fall of rain. He raised the hood to his jacket in the knowledge that it would not be seen as unusual. Making several detours to the normal route to work, it took twenty minutes longer than usual to arrive at Tec Park Central. Walking past the Cybotec building, he entered the one next door. Checking no one was looking he went for the stairs and down to the lower basement area.

He tried several doors until he found one unlocked, and then made his way to the service tunnel. All of the buildings of Tec Park Central were interconnected. His knowledge to this somewhat cloak and dagger method of gaining entry was the result of an unscheduled extended lunch break. A colleague had shown Erick and two others this route. It avoided the normal video surveillance system and it saved them from the reprimand that might have occurred for returning late.

Reaching his building, Erick took the service elevator to the twelfth. As the lift climbed the floors, Erick slipped his jacket off and folded it over his arm. As the doors slid back on the twelfth, he cautiously peeked out. The corridor was empty. At a quick pace he walked towards the far end and his place of work. He passed his office and carried on to the Lab. After checking all was clear, Erick entered the code to release the door lock. Down each side of the room beyond were several large storage bays. Seven were occupied by androids. Erick walked across to one marked SHC7. Using the keypad, he typed in an activation code. There was the slightest rumbling sound as if some far off machinery was starting up. Thirty seconds later the androids eyes opened and the chest moved as if the machine was breathing. The voice circuits engaged and the mouth movements were synchronised to the sounds spoken.

Using a female voice the android said. “Good morning citizen Dubtec.”

“I need to carry out some alterations to your appearance, would you mind stepping over to the workbench.” Erick stood back to allow the android to step down and with its programmed feminine grace move towards the workbench. “I need to change the appearance of your hair and face, would you mind if I did that.”

Erick waited for the android to activate the internal connectors. The artificial skin stretched a little before releasing the rising facemask. A soft wine of air indicated that the wig had disconnected. Erick checked his chosen alternative, a brunette shoulder length hairpiece and facemask with a more rounded appearance. He swapped the blue eyes for brown ones. The new hair and faceplate in position the android activated the retract mechanism. It took a few moments for the skin connections to blend. On completion, the android stood up and Erick made a careful inspection.

“There that’s much better the only thing to do now is to give you a new name.”

“Why is that?” The android listed as SHC7 asked. “I rather like the one I was given.”

“It’s just that I think if you respond to your present name, it just might get you into a lot of trouble. How about the name Emily, I think that reflects you new looks much better.” There were some changes to be made to SHC7’s programming then Erick walked the android back to its storage bay. He jumped at the sound of the Lab door sliding back. Jonathan Miles stood hesitating in the doorway.

“Erick, I thought it might be you. A Guardian called me earlier.”

“Yes, yes that’s all sorted.” Erick stopped Jonathan from continuing. “Nothing to worry about they called me, that’s why I’m in so early.”

“Lab light being on,” Jonathan stood his hand pointing to above the door. “Just thought if you were here, I better let you know. OK! I’m done! Right, best be on my way then.” He waved a goodbye and the door slid back to leave Erick alone with its inanimate occupants.

***

Several weeks had passed since the reunion. Erick’s life had changed. Things had turned out better than expected. The SHAL module had turned out to perform perfectly and Erick finally had back the love of his life. It was early morning and Erick glanced across at Emily, admiring her form as she lay on her side. As he leaned over, her face was half covered by long strands of brown hair. She stirred as he gently pulled it back with his fingers and kissed her on the forehead. Breathing in deeply and without opening her eyes she rolled over and snuggled further down in to the warmth of the sleep’o’mat.

Erick turned and swung his legs over the edge of the bed. As he stood, he picked up the iNac and slipped it on. Giving a backward glance at Emily, he left the sleep room and walked to the main living area. He switched on the wall screen and selected the local News channel.

It was an update on an old story, a downtown fire that had all but vaporised the bodies of the occupants. The cause of the fire was still undisclosed. Forensics had been unable to recover the identification implants. The news presenter was reporting that the deceased’s ID’s had been reconstructed from the remnants of their iNac’s. The authorities were to hold a press release at 10 o’clock, where the individuals would be named. Erick knew only too well what they would find. It left him in something of a quandary.

Under Conceptual Law only one paring for reproduction was allowed. The only way out of such a contract was if one partner died or both partners agreed to a dissolution before reproduction had taken place. It was logical to Erick that Dan Redick had abused his relationship with Emily and so it was fitting he had to go. But as he had found out, it wasn’t just a matter of removing Dan Redick, he also had to instigate the disappearance of Shumal Grobic. This new development would require some further doctoring of Cybotec records to remove any incriminating links. Still, he had plenty of time to get to the office and the task would be an easy one after what he had committed. Walking pass the sleep room he could see Emily was still deep in her dreams. Five minutes later, he was washed, dressed and ready to go. He came back to check on Emily before leaving.

She woke up looking a little surprised. “I thought you were having a few days off.”

“Something has come up that needs my urgent attention. I should be back by lunchtime.”

Erick lent across and kissed her on the lips. Straightening up he backed over to the doorway and blew a last kiss. Leaving the apartment he smiled inwardly to himself, no crime was perfect. His revenge on Dan Redick was a bitter sweet pill for having Emily back in his life. Yet passion was a strong emotion and who knows what one might be capable of when put to the test.

QDOS

I got very into that story, especially in the first two sections. You describe the world very vividly and easily. BTW - I am a computing guy so found it comfortable. (did you research for the quantum computers bit?). One thing - I would get rid of the "Your place or mine". That is so cliche I am surprised you included it.

Anyway the subsequent sections I became a little confused. At the reunion you suddenly switched POV into Jenny Field for a sentence.

Let me ask a question. Did Erik kill Dan and Shumal in one go in the fire?

Hi Robdemanic

Ah! For a short period in a former life I was an IT Project Manager. As to research, I did in the past, and nowadays to a lesser extent, read the NewScientist.

“Your place or mine” - Although depicting the twenty second century, Erick is an ardent fan of old movies. Maybe that’s a lame excuse, but I felt this cliché epitomised his personality, old, if not very very old fashioned.

Switching POV to Jenny Field for a sentence. Mm! A slip up on my part perhaps that needs to be rephrased.

In essence, the structure of the latter sections of the storyline was an experiment. As for the outcome, certainly a crime has been committed, Dan Redick is dead and Shimal Grobic is implicated, missing. However, here I wanted the reader to use their imagination and decide on their own ending.

Dan Redick and Shimal Grobic could have been killed by Erick with a rigged explosion/fire as you imply. Then you have to review several facts. Erick is the designer of the SHAL processor module. The android SHC7 did you not see that this might be Shimal Grobic. The SHAL module, was it capable of analysing Erick’s feeling’s about Dan Redick and independently take revenge. Did Erick modify and program SHC7 to act as Emily, then send it to kill Dan Redick in a fire, maybe destroying itself in the process. Or was the other remains in the fire the real Emily Price or one of Dan’s conquest? Is Erick with the Emily Price, or the modified android SHC7? Your decision may lie in the way you interpret the last two sentences.

Is it very welcoming to have this feedback and I hope others writers will read this, not just to explore the implications of the storyline, but give a little more thought to the involvement of their readers.

QDOS

Hi QDOS - I think it is great that you leave the reader to muse over it. I like it when books and films do that (too few nowadays). I did wonder if Erik had designed the robot as Shamil, but then I thought that contradicted the earlier section where he meets her for a date and takes her back to his place. Although I suppose he could have done that to establish some kind of alibi (they registered to have sex etc - great idea for a SF story). I did wonder about Emily, and perhaps he had redesigned the Shamil robot to be her. Either way it sounds like Erik is a tricky guy, a protagonist to be wary of. Although the last sentences indicate he didn't like committing the crime, but felt driven to it.

Hi Robdemanic

What can I say, the deviousness of imagination and the emotional turmoil it can bring.

QDOS