He could hear something, voices or maybe even the sound of a phone ringing, definitely something. He typed a few more words and waited. It was like he was listening in on a conversation, no-one was talking to him or responding to what he had typed. There was no interference this time, it was muffled but otherwise he could definitely hear voices. He knew no-one would respond to his typed words, that was just for record, eventually it would be seen. Just to hear someone acknowledge him, that’s all he wanted. He quickly glanced at the clock on the wall, two more minutes, there was still a chance.
“I was at the concert last night it was great, why didn’t you come?”, he heard.
He was creasing his forehead as if it would make the sound clearer. It was a woman, she sounded in good form but he didn’t recognise the voice. It wasn’t what he wanted to hear, they were obviously chatting before work, that was normal.
Then he heard a stronger more formal voice, “Right everyone, let’s get things in place here, I know it’s all a bit of a pain but you know the routine, watch your monitors, we broadcast in thirty seconds, ready now.”
He started to feel his heart beat faster and took a long deep breath.
“Great, another big hello how are you!” came the sound of a sleepy and bored young man.
He gripped the edge of the desk and clenched his teeth as he heard the snide remark.
“Hold all, we have a double broadcast today, we’re going to mix the two, save on time. Let’s hold off now, back to normal duties please.”
As he listened to the last voice the crackle started and the sound gradually faded. Double broadcast, he thought. Well maybe that was good, normally that meant another one within thirty minutes. He stood up and pushed the wheelie stool away. As he walked toward the counter he looked over at the large glass window and smiled. It was a botanists dream. So many amazing plants. He had it all, flowers, shrubs, crops, all healthy and all fine. It had got to the stage where he could prove that, as he was harvesting and eating them himself. He always felt excited and the desire to tell someone was bursting out more and more.
He pulled the flexi monitor toward him and tapped the screen a few times. Stats appeared with details of temperature and air quality, all seemed fine. He selected the Log Button, and smiled as the record would continue to show good progress. He looked down at the counter top and as he smiled he nodded his head. Maybe just one would be in order. He jumped up from the stool and walked around the counter to the fridge. Inside was a small clear bottle and he pulled it from the holder. He smiled as he looked at the vintage and then poured a glass.
Suddenly the main monitor started to beep and he quickly moved to get in position, this was early for a second broadcast. He was starting to get excited again. He placed his glass to one side out of view and typed a few commands through his console. There was some crackling noises to begin with and lines across the screen. This was normal and despite the feeling he had for smacking the screen, he remained patient as the transmission gradually came into focus. This time there was no back chat or general conversation, things seemed to be much more organised and formal, he was pleased, a real progress update.
“Ok, are we ready? Ok, right, I’ll start then if you’re sure it’s ready, yes?”
It was the same voice he had heard at the end of the last broadcast. He was getting more excited, there was going to be some significant news, maybe a relief visit.
“Ok so, this is a message for Commander Jason Philips. My name is Johnathon Peters, I am the Secretary of Defence for the current elected government at the present time of March 2025. I have been receiving advisory documents as to the state of the mission you are involved with and understand that apart from fragmented and unconfirmed communications, the International Space Agency has been unable to clearly state that this mission is still fully operational. It is my understanding that we have not received a confirmation of specific order responses detailed as ISA-Com-45 for the past eighteen months. It is therefore the decision of the International Space Agency to initiate termination of Project DP101 with immediate effect. In accordance with the standard operation instructions, assuming you are receiving this communication, you should initiate Earth bound return program DP101-RE-1 immediately. We are unsure if you are receiving this communication, we salute and value your contribution to the greater good of researching possible deep space life inhabitance options and mark your service to our country and the world in general. Right, is that it?”
Johnathon looked at the dark monitor as he waited for some further audio to break through.
“Tell him when, it’s on the notes,” he heard.
“Oh, yes of course. Just to ensure all protocols are complied with, you should be aware that according to our computations, you will receive this communciation approximately seven, that is zero seven, years after transmission. Right, is that it then? Can we get on with things?”
Johnathon stared at the monitor for a while as the crackling sound commenced.
“But I have food, it worked, people can live here,” he murmurred. He reached over to the power socket for the monitor and gripped it.
“It worked,” he said again, “do what you want.” He yanked the socket from the wall and the crackling died.
“Seven years is a long time Mr Politician, maybe you’re not around anymore, but I am.”
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