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- Story Listed as: Fiction For Adults
- Theme: Science Fiction
- Subject: Character Based
- Published: 05/31/2024
Cerule
Born 1990, M, from Trail, BC, Canada.jpeg)
DIGITAL LOG (306) - Recorded on Stardate 1566c
Entry 1:
I love my Pod.
It’s where I spend most of my time, eating, sleeping, and plugging into the network. It’s circular; white and soft, made of a cutting-edge memory foam. The left wall is where my console is – and that’s how I access the vast information streams that teach me everything I need to know. Yesterday I learned: there are two-hundred and fifty pods on this section of the ship. That means there’s more than a thousand people living aboard the vessel; I know this because there are four sections (or quadrants) on The Hestia Starliner – a colonization ship that’s been in use for over two-thousand years. There are many digital recreations of the construction of the ship; it’s enjoyable to look at these.
I am quite lonely; the network tracks my apathy markers to ensure my cortisol isn’t reaching dangerous levels – and this is fortunate. There are twenty-four other passengers in Subsection-A, the part of the ship I inhabit. Those are the only people I’ve ever socialized with, and there’s a two hour daily limit. From what I’ve learned, humans need more face-to-face interaction than the amount we are provided.
Many millennia ago people were allowed total freedom when on colonization missions; however, the drawbacks far out-weighed the positives, this is made clear in the history logs. Countless people perished – I don’t know how many – but the computer tells me it was due to “key psychological differences” in their personalities. There are many parts of our history that are labeled “questionably divergent” and can only be viewed by officers and regents.* This was decreed over 5000 years ago by Earth’s last grand-emperor, Claudius Vherzog and helps to prevent dissidence among the residents of the five star-systems.
Or so I am told.
Footnote: * (a regent is an interstellar-community leader)
DIGITAL LOG (306) - Recorded on Stardate 1570c
Entry 2:
Today, I saw something funny in the common-area.
There was a man who refused to re-enter his Pod. This is not something that happens often.
It created quite a stir.
Security came and demanded he return to his Pod – they stated the 50 Rules of Colonization – meanwhile several doctors prepared medical instruments to run a battery of tests on the man; mental, physical, and biochemical.
Before the tests had begun; The Regent arrived and announced his presence on Subsection-A. He had a full troop of men with him; this frightened the passengers even worse. But when he spoke, he told everyone to calm down – and iterated that the man did not need to enter his Pod – if it was such an affliction to him.
And then he called the man by his name. An audible gasp was heard around the room.
We are not allowed to speak our names until we reach the destination. This act was truly benevolent; The Regent’s kindness in speaking this man’s name aloud. I cannot print it in the log – nor can I speak it; but let me tell you, it was a beautifully phonetic name. Full vowel sounds; sharp syllable play, uniquely eloquent. It was wondrous to hear, like a little of our humanity had been given back to us. All the people in this subsection wished they could hear their own names – most of them had forgotten their monikers long ago – reverting to the callsigns on our consoles. Mine is 306.
After giving the man some sedatives – the doctor’s proceeded to escort him to his Pod. He seemed subdued when he was placed inside. The Regent left shortly after; with an air of seriousness about him. But before he did, he said this, “I can not mind all of you, like I have just minded this wayward sheep. Please, stay stoic. Realize we will make a new life on the planet; a new life for all generations. Surely, you can stay strong for humanity’s sake – can’t you?”
I think I can, I don’t know about the nameless patient but hopefully he too will be fine when we reach our destination. It’s a shame we aren’t allowed to use our names.
I’ve never been told why.
DIGITAL LOG (306) - Recorded on Stardate 1575c
Entry 3:
The planet is resplendent, a green oasis of immeasurable fruitfulness – vines run like patchwork between ancient trees, providing most of the planet a healthy amount of shade from the bright sun overhead. Rich, effervescent waterfalls could be found all over, interconnecting and running continuously towards the vast oceans that covered 76.3% of the planet’s surface. There was a freshness in the air; it’s unlike anything I’ve ever experienced.
It took fifteen years of isolation – but we all have a new chance now.
DIGITAL LOG (306) - Recorded on Stardate 1576c
Entry 4:
A full year later The Regent and the rest of the officers disembark from the ship.
Myself and the neophytes are working everyday to construct a suitable living habitat, free to come and go as we please – we use lightweight synthetic materials from the cargo compartments, in combination with the planet’s natural resources. We use skills that we have learned in our studies during the voyage here. The officers acquiesce to our knowledge in this area – and focus instead on scouting, dismantling the ship, administering rations, medical supplies, and the handheld laser-tech required for engineering and excavation.
Sadly, this will be my last entry.
All power must be conserved for heating and other essential amenities until a suitable habitat is erected. It is necessary to survive with minimal support from the homeworld. I will miss writing my journal entries, but I have a whole new life to live in this cerulean paradise.
My name is Alcmene.
– END OF LOG –
Cerule(Lee Fenton)
DIGITAL LOG (306) - Recorded on Stardate 1566c
Entry 1:
I love my Pod.
It’s where I spend most of my time, eating, sleeping, and plugging into the network. It’s circular; white and soft, made of a cutting-edge memory foam. The left wall is where my console is – and that’s how I access the vast information streams that teach me everything I need to know. Yesterday I learned: there are two-hundred and fifty pods on this section of the ship. That means there’s more than a thousand people living aboard the vessel; I know this because there are four sections (or quadrants) on The Hestia Starliner – a colonization ship that’s been in use for over two-thousand years. There are many digital recreations of the construction of the ship; it’s enjoyable to look at these.
I am quite lonely; the network tracks my apathy markers to ensure my cortisol isn’t reaching dangerous levels – and this is fortunate. There are twenty-four other passengers in Subsection-A, the part of the ship I inhabit. Those are the only people I’ve ever socialized with, and there’s a two hour daily limit. From what I’ve learned, humans need more face-to-face interaction than the amount we are provided.
Many millennia ago people were allowed total freedom when on colonization missions; however, the drawbacks far out-weighed the positives, this is made clear in the history logs. Countless people perished – I don’t know how many – but the computer tells me it was due to “key psychological differences” in their personalities. There are many parts of our history that are labeled “questionably divergent” and can only be viewed by officers and regents.* This was decreed over 5000 years ago by Earth’s last grand-emperor, Claudius Vherzog and helps to prevent dissidence among the residents of the five star-systems.
Or so I am told.
Footnote: * (a regent is an interstellar-community leader)
DIGITAL LOG (306) - Recorded on Stardate 1570c
Entry 2:
Today, I saw something funny in the common-area.
There was a man who refused to re-enter his Pod. This is not something that happens often.
It created quite a stir.
Security came and demanded he return to his Pod – they stated the 50 Rules of Colonization – meanwhile several doctors prepared medical instruments to run a battery of tests on the man; mental, physical, and biochemical.
Before the tests had begun; The Regent arrived and announced his presence on Subsection-A. He had a full troop of men with him; this frightened the passengers even worse. But when he spoke, he told everyone to calm down – and iterated that the man did not need to enter his Pod – if it was such an affliction to him.
And then he called the man by his name. An audible gasp was heard around the room.
We are not allowed to speak our names until we reach the destination. This act was truly benevolent; The Regent’s kindness in speaking this man’s name aloud. I cannot print it in the log – nor can I speak it; but let me tell you, it was a beautifully phonetic name. Full vowel sounds; sharp syllable play, uniquely eloquent. It was wondrous to hear, like a little of our humanity had been given back to us. All the people in this subsection wished they could hear their own names – most of them had forgotten their monikers long ago – reverting to the callsigns on our consoles. Mine is 306.
After giving the man some sedatives – the doctor’s proceeded to escort him to his Pod. He seemed subdued when he was placed inside. The Regent left shortly after; with an air of seriousness about him. But before he did, he said this, “I can not mind all of you, like I have just minded this wayward sheep. Please, stay stoic. Realize we will make a new life on the planet; a new life for all generations. Surely, you can stay strong for humanity’s sake – can’t you?”
I think I can, I don’t know about the nameless patient but hopefully he too will be fine when we reach our destination. It’s a shame we aren’t allowed to use our names.
I’ve never been told why.
DIGITAL LOG (306) - Recorded on Stardate 1575c
Entry 3:
The planet is resplendent, a green oasis of immeasurable fruitfulness – vines run like patchwork between ancient trees, providing most of the planet a healthy amount of shade from the bright sun overhead. Rich, effervescent waterfalls could be found all over, interconnecting and running continuously towards the vast oceans that covered 76.3% of the planet’s surface. There was a freshness in the air; it’s unlike anything I’ve ever experienced.
It took fifteen years of isolation – but we all have a new chance now.
DIGITAL LOG (306) - Recorded on Stardate 1576c
Entry 4:
A full year later The Regent and the rest of the officers disembark from the ship.
Myself and the neophytes are working everyday to construct a suitable living habitat, free to come and go as we please – we use lightweight synthetic materials from the cargo compartments, in combination with the planet’s natural resources. We use skills that we have learned in our studies during the voyage here. The officers acquiesce to our knowledge in this area – and focus instead on scouting, dismantling the ship, administering rations, medical supplies, and the handheld laser-tech required for engineering and excavation.
Sadly, this will be my last entry.
All power must be conserved for heating and other essential amenities until a suitable habitat is erected. It is necessary to survive with minimal support from the homeworld. I will miss writing my journal entries, but I have a whole new life to live in this cerulean paradise.
My name is Alcmene.
– END OF LOG –
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Denise Arnault
09/16/2024Very inventive. I wonder if there will be a sequel, or did the colony not flourish?
ReplyHelp Us Understand What's Happening
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Cheryl Ryan
09/16/2024It's a beautiful sci-fi story with a bit of fantasy. The writing was well done and skilful. Very impressed.
ReplyHelp Us Understand What's Happening
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Joel Kiula
09/16/2024Great story...i love science fiction stories and they make your mind wonder to infinite realities.
Reply
COMMENTS (4)