In Silent Dreams

CHAPTER 20 - Ice Pop

"The advent of science and technology has allowed us to reach where we are today. But was it worth it? We grow colder and further apart, a society divided."

- Jaas Heinaht

Elizabeth looked out of the cockpit, into the dark cosmos. The distant stars and planets sped past her sight. Elizabeth closed her eyes for a brief moment. The sounds of the ship's humming engines soothed in.

** **

Jude: "What's this?"

Jude pointed at a small violet stick in the cooler.

Shopkeeper: "It's a popsicle!"

J: "So it pops."

S: "It doesn't. It's a sort of icing snack. You suck on it and the flavour melts in your mouth."

J: "Then why call it a popsicle?"

S: "I don't know! I wasn't the one who invented this."

** **

Eva: Beth. We need to top up. There is a refuel station on the way. We could get some more provisions and snacks as well. I heard the Ghosper system has great confectionery.

Elizabeth: "Sure, Ghosper chocolate?"

Eva: That's a sure. Purple chocolate's your favourite. We still have room in our fridge for a stack.

E: "Fuel, Food, Chocolates. Our shopping list is checked."

Eva: Are you sure you aren't missing things out?

E: "What could I have missed?"

Eva: Mayyyyybeeeeeeee.... Some fuel and ammunition?

E: "Wait... Did my ship AI just tried to imitate a human thing of extending a word for emotional effect?"

Eva: Yes it did. Yes it did.

E: "Wow."

Eva: You seem surprised.

E: "How much percentage was that?"

Eva: Seventy five.

E: "I'll have to start buying you pads and shampoo next as well?"

Eva: AHEM. AHEM.

E: "That was a bad impersonation of a cough, B.T.W."

Eva: I thought so too.

E: "It's good to have you back."

Eva: It was only a few hours.

E: "A few hours too long."

The refuelling station came into view. It was a large Entid Class Station, complete with twenty docking platforms, and fully automated repair systems. Several ships were flying around the station. The Eva descended down onto a pad.

Eva: Okay, I need a systems checkup. You can go to the mart and buy your stuff.

E: "Word."

The mart doors slid open, and revealed a massive room full of shelves and display monitors.

Elizabeth: "Ahh... Umm... Emm..."

Shopkeeper: "Yes miss? Are you finding a particular item?"

Elizabeth was carrying a large basket full of chocolates.

Elizabeth: "Do you have papseekles?"

S: "What?"

E: "Pap see kles. The ice sticks."

The shopkeeper gave a confused look.

Elizabeth smiled awkwardly.

Shopkeeper: "OH."

The shopkeeper walked over to a nearby coolant box, and pulled out some coloured sticks.

Elizabeth nodded.

Eva: Welcome back.

Elizabeth chugged a large bag on the ship floor.

Elizabeth: "Is this thing called a papseekle?"

Eva: Umm.

E: "Okay."

Eva: We should probably lift off and be on our way. Another contract?

E: "Well... Sure."

Eva: This one's pretty far, about ten cruise clicks. Contract sign Shadow. Target is a wanted criminal who escaped law enforcement and is hiding on a planet in the system.

E: "Sounds like fun."

Eva: The planet is said to have dangerous creatures and large worms which try to eat you.

E: "Fun."