Telstar 4

Chapter 3.

Chapter 3.

"All guests please report to Hall 1."

The message was broadcast throughout the guest wing of the colony. Sara and Paul were waiting in the corridor to escort the group into the hall and to ensure that no one was missing. This was an introductory presentation, essential viewing for the visitors in explaining what they could and couldn't do, where they could and couldn't go. All chief personnel would also be in attendance to give talks on the demonstrations and activities they would be providing.

"Erik, do I really have to be here. I'm in the middle of a job on Ranger 2 that really can't wait if you want me to take the 'guests' on a trip?" Sia was still finding it impossible to hide her dislike of the tourist side of the colony.

"Yes, Sia. You do have to attend. And you do have to lose this attitude of yours towards the guests. There will be no explorations without them, no Rangers, no Telstar 4!" Commander Storr kept his voice level but it was obvious that he meant every word that he said.

Sia gave him a sceptical look.

"Okay, Sia. I'll make it nice and simple for you. Without the guests you will find yourself back on Earth with no job. And if you don't pull yourself together I'll send you back myself.

Erik Storr turned and walked quickly away leaving Sia muttering to herself.

The guests were all waiting in Hall 1 when Sia arrived but the presentation had not begun. There was a lot of excited chatter among the civilians as they sat facing the front of the room. As Commander Storr took up position in front of them the lights dimmed to a pleasant yellow hue.

"Welcome, ladies and gentleman. I trust that you have all settled in to your quarters and that you all find them satisfactory."

"These rooms are absolutely great," said a man in the front row.

"A bit sparsely furnished though," this comment came from Henry Bently.

"Sssh, Henry," his wife admonished, clearly embarrassed by his remark.

"You are quite right Mr. Bently. There are no luxurious furnishings

and extras but I think you will find the experience of joining the Colony for a while worth any.......discomfort."

Sia wanted to point out that the guest quarters were certainly luxurious compared to the rest of the colony, especially in comparison with those of the personnel. She bit her tongue and looked at her feet; if she caught Mr Bently's eye he would see her disapproval.

"You have yet to experience your quarters to the full though. They have many benefits that you will still be unaware of. The temperature is automatically controlled but you may adjust it in your rooms by just touching the button with the thermometer shown on it. Push the top of the button for more heat, the bottom for less. The beds adjust themselves to the ultimate comfort position for your body but again they can be manually altered should you wish."

"All science personnel please report to Lab B. All science........" The computerised voice sounded over the speakers making Commander Storr pause in his descriptions.

Arno and his five fellow scientists left the room, obviously perplexed by the summons. Commander Storr clearly wanted to leave with them but was reluctant to appear rude or to give the guests a reason to worry. Sara stepped forward.

"Thank you, Commander Storr. As officers in charge of guest well-being, Paul and I would like to bring the visitors to the empty guest room to give a practical demonstration of the unique features they will find."

"An excellent idea, Sara. We will meet up again later for an info session on the various activities you will find available here on Telstar 4." With that, Commander Storr all but rushed from the room eager to catch up with the scientists.