The Colonists by Keith Fenwick

Author:Keith Fenwick [Fenwick, Keith]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2018-05-08T22:00:00+00:00

Thirty

Wisneski considered his options and wondered if there was anything useful he could do for the tens of thousands of newSkidians headed their way. He hoped the reception process they had designed using androids as marshals worked as planned.

“Fuck!” There probably wasn’t much he could practically do for all but a few of the newSkidians headed their way, but he felt he should head for the closest emergence point to see what he could do.

With a firm grip on Mitch’s arm so he couldn’t escape and cause any more mischief, he strode over to one of the small trucks parked along the short street between the buildings. The vehicles looked remarkably like the truck Bruce used back on Earth. No matter where you went in the universe, societies developed similar solutions to the common technological challenges they faced.

“Any news?” Trev asked, coming to the driver’s side window. “I seem to have lost my access to the MPU. What about you?”

“Me too. Some of the apps seem to be coming back on line now though.”

“What have you done?” Sue demanded angrily over Trev’s shoulder.

“Come on love, we know as much about this as you do,” Trev said, trying to placate her.

“Don’t give me that! You guys have done something to cause a sudden change in the plan.” This was vintage Sue Clark: always seeking to lay the blame at someone’s doorstep, avoid any responsibility for the failure, and thereby somehow prove she could have done better.

“I’m not sure. It looks like someone or something has pressed the download start button before we are one hundred percent ready and started uploading the refugees, instead of the MFYers.” Wisneski understood a delay had been agreed to because of an issue with the support documentation for the newSkidians not being complete. There was a supply issue with the Books as well which needed to be resolved.

“Who could do that?” Trev asked. “It’s above my pay grade.”

“Bruce or the Transcendents, and Bruce is out of contact. There was supposed to be a checkpoint meeting on Monday when he’s back from his weekend away to give the plan the final seal of approval. I guess the Transcendents jumped the gun.”

“Can someone tell us what’s going on?” Janice had approached them and wanted to know what all the commotion was about. Bert had gone dark on her and ominously wouldn’t respond to any questions. She was followed in turn by Morris and Zarif, who stuck to Janice like a leech.

Wisneski saw Zarif’s obvious infatuation with Janice and despite the wider drama unfolding around them, realised that here was a recipe for a broken heart, if ever there was one. He hoped Zarif didn’t go postal when Janice rejected his advances. But then who was he to judge them, with his track record and current lack of interest in companionship, let alone a sexual relationship?

“Someone or something has initiated the download of newSkidians to the planet from Automedon ahead of the agreed kick off,” Wisneski repeated for their benefit.

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