Spaceport West Read Online Free PDF

V sign.
    “Oh, ya, I know that. That’s part of the appeal, right?”
    “And you’re okay with that - never seeing your family again? Most people would see that as a deal breaker.”
    “Like, have you met my family? That’s why I want to go!”
    Tiggy placed a discrete cross on the form. Over in the next interview room, Dyson wasn’t having much more success.
    “So, Mr… @spaceboy, is that correct?”
    “Yes sir, that’s my name, sick init?”
    “You changed your legal name to have the ‘at’ symbol at the start?”
    "Absolutely sir!” his face suddenly fell. “Do you think that was a stupid thing to do?”
    “Well, who am I to judge…” said Dyson, rubbing his eyes in despair.
    “I just think your feed is your life, man!”
    “Okay I follow you.”
    “You do? Man that’s brilliant!”
     
    Three hours later
     
    “Ms Madly, please tell me a little about yourself,” began Science Officer Beauchamp, glancing at the clock hopefully.
    “Right, well after I left high school I was rather hoping to study astrophysics and music therapy at uni, but my grades weren’t quite up to it.”
    “And since then you’ve been working at,” Tiggy referred to her notes “the Little Blighters Music Studio for the Criminally Fidgety is that correct?”
    “Yes, ma’am.”
    “Please, call me Tiggy. And what makes you think you and Mars would make a good fit, as it were?”
    “Well, I’ve always wanted to be on telly!”
    Tiggy rubbed her eyes and looked at the clock again, which surprisingly hadn’t changed much in the last 30 seconds. Aster Madly could tell she was losing the argument and changed gear.
    “But it’s more than that. Mars is such a great opportunity for the human race to start again, isn’t it?”
    “Go on.” Tiggy sat up and tried to concentrate.
    “Well, our planet used to have such potential, but we’ve kind of spoilt it haven’t we? It’d be so good to have another chance. I think.”
    “Good attitude Aster. I think you’ll be hearing from us soon!”
    Tiggy and Aster shook hands and the latter left, beaming.
    Next door, Dyson had just started speaking with Freddie Clayton.
    “What skills would you be bringing to Mars, Mr Clayton?”
    “I-I’m quite up to date with my computer skills, sir.”
    “For example…?”
    “Well, I know quantum cortex programming for androids, transporter nav systems, life support development…”
    “Good. Much experience with humans?”
    “H-how do you mean, sir?”
    “Well, say for example I locked you in a small metal container with twelve complete strangers for several months, with a limited supply of food and drink. How well do you think you’d cope?”
    “Is that very likely, sir?”
    “It is if you’re a successful candidate Mr Clayton. Those are the exact conditions you’d be facing on the transporter to Mars.”
    “Wouldn’t we be in frigosleep?”
    “I see you’ve done your homework. Yes, you would, but not the whole time. Please can you answer the question.”
    “I-I don’t know, to be honest. I guess it would be nice to make some new friends…” Freddie trailed off and hung his head.
    “Cheer up Freddie! You do realise you’re the best candidate I’ve seen all day? I think there’s a good chance you’ll be chosen. We’ll be in touch.”
    Looking genuinely surprised and delighted, Freddie shook Dyson’s hand and left, floating. Not literally. Once outside the room, he looked around furtively, then tapped his watch which quietly beeped in response.
    “Katy, I think I’m in. I think I’m going to Mars!”
    “That’s wonderful news Freddie. But don’t count those chickens.”
    🚀
    “Minister? Captain Watkins here. You said you wanted to meet some of the candidates we’ve shortlisted?”
    “Yes I did Captain, whenever is convenient.”
    “Well, we’re actually standing outside your office now, except, no-one seems to be letting us in.”
    “Ah. Apologies Captain, Toby has just popped out to buy me a coffee.