Metamorphosis

2. Hopelessness

Erraticus silently nodded to everyone in the room, and to the noise of chairs and rustling papers everyone took their seats.

Among those present at the council, the ruler immediately noticed Mr. Watson, the director of the space company, Mr. Eddington, the head of the Avrog Research Institute, and Edward Johnson, the physicist. The latter seemed noticeably agitated, nervously fidgeting with a crumpled sheet of paper in his hands and biting his lips.

'Dear colleagues, good afternoon,' Erraticus said, folding his hands on the table. 'On the agenda of our meeting today is the implementation of the EDP, discussing possible timelines and informing citizens about the project. Mr. Watson, how is the rocket launch preparation progressing?'

A lean man of about forty rose from his seat.

'Dear Mr. Erraticus, colleagues,' he began, surveying everyone with slightly squinted eyes, 'as you already know, a few weeks ago, all components of the ED-1 Primus rocket completed testing on Comrade. I am pleased to report that all major tests were successful.'

Photographs flashed on the wide screen on the wall.

'The reflector and MCDs* are working properly,' Watson continued. 'Currently, we are verifying the tracking devices, communication devices with the base and the AI system. The rocket operates entirely through automation, ensuring continuous communication. In case of problems during the flight immediate notification will be sent to the Mission Control Center, and then the research team will make the necessary decisions. It should be noted, of course, that the time to receive the message will depend on the distance from the ship. Closer to the halfway point of the rocket's journey we will no longer be able to control its flight. The estimated travel time for the ship is seven and a half years. The maximum time for delivering a message is three and a half years. Based on this, in the event that the rocket reaches its final destination, we will learn about it eleven years after launch.' Watson licked his lips. 'In general, the ship will be fully ready for launch in eight days.'

Johnson noticeably squirmed in his chair. Erraticus shot him a quick sidelong glance.

'Thank you, Mr. Watson,' said the ruler, and the man sat back in his chair, adjusting his tie.

'Mr. Eddington,' Erraticus turned to the director of the Institute, 'as we discussed at the previous meeting, we will need to launch at a certain time. Can you already specify the exact date and time for launching the rocket?'

Eddington, a short plump man in glasses, nodded as he stood up.

'Absolutely correct, dear Mr. Erraticus and colleagues,' he began and, clearing his throat, continued, 'To reach the destination, as you know, a direct, unobstructed path is needed. According to calculations, the launch should take place precisely on the twenty-third of the fourth spring month at 7:30 in the morning, twenty days from now. The next such opportunity will not come until six years from now.'

'Is it possible to spot the ship from Earth in advance?' Erraticus asked a question, if only to ask something.

Eddington shook his head.

'It will only be possible to see the rocket from the planet when the craft is in the immediate vicinity of Earth, about an hour before reaching the final point.'

The next forty minutes were spent discussing the stages of the ship's flight, scheduling upcoming press conferences, and dates for public voting among the citizens of Codor. Subsequently, ministers' progress reports followed.

Erraticus nodded absentmindedly. Johnson was on pins and needles.

'Thank you, gentlemen,' the ruler finally uttered when the last minister finished his speech. 'Today we are joined by Edward Johnson, a physicist, cosmologist and astrophysicist. Mr. Johnson, would you like to add anything?'