Telstar 4

Chapter 1

Chapter 1.

"All personnel report to Hall 1. All personnel report to Hall 1."

The recorded message sounded around the colony as Commander Erik Storr pressed the alert button.

By the time the forty-nine people that staffed the colony had assembled he was waiting at the front of the hall.

It was hard to maintain the formality normally expected of a Commander while living in a space colony. Fifty people shut up together over several months soon got to know each other's good points and bad ones. Although superiority and responsibility existed in positions, the reality of life was much more relaxed than in a similar base back on planet Earth.

"Okay, guys. It is the day we have been preparing for. The shuttle with our first group of 'guests' will be docking shortly."

This announcement was greeted with moans and mock joy. Erik smiled tolerantly then held up his hands for quiet.

"I know it is going to be hard to suddenly have twenty-four more people in residence here....."

"You can say that again. The spoiled rich, no less." Sia, leader of the Exploration Department was clearly not happy about the imminent arrival of the holiday makers.

"Sia, and everyone else who's not too happy about all this, remember this important point. These spoiled rich people are funding the continuation of this colony. These colonies have been developed just for the enjoyment of people such as these. Our scientific and exploratory work are a secondary function. The holiday makers must be treated courteously and with respect at all times."

"Oh, boy." Sia muttered.

"They will not be able to run riot here. All twenty-four of them have signed agreements to abide by strict rules while they are in residence. And all have agreed to listen to and obey instructions given by personnel."

Before Sia could make any comments, Erik said, "Yes Sia. That includes those given by you!"

Sia turned to Science Officer Arno Graff but before she had a chance to say a word, Erik continued.

"These people have paid a lot of money to be here. We are obliged to make their stay a positive experience so that they will return home full of recommendations to pass on to their other rich friends."

Commander Storr looked at each staff member, maybe letting his eyes linger slightly longer on Sia, as he said, "You will be tolerant, only stepping in with orders when it is really necessary. Now let's get moving. Everyone back to their posts apart from the Welcoming contingent, who will accompany me now to the docking bay. Thank you everyone and please remember to SMILE."