Emergency Broadcast - Part 1 (Short Story)

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Images of chaos flickered across his eyes; video footage of riots, protests, and demonstrations were taking place all across the world, in each major city and even some of the smaller townships.

"Ian, are you in there?" He could hear a muffled voice, before a few knocks at the door. "Yeah, come in." He replied, taking his headset off.

The door opened, and from his desk, he could see the smiling face of Daron Mika, his brother-in-law. The smile washed away as he stepped into the room and looked around. "You're getting deep into these theories of yours," Daron said as he stepped closer to a previously blank wall, now filled with multiple screenshots and paragraphs of hand written text.

"I've been trying to figure a few things out," Ian said as he stood up, the door was still open a jar, and he saw his son standing at it waiting to be invited in. "Go and help your mother, Adric." The son had a face of slight confusion and disappointment. "Go on now." After a quick nod, Adric closed the door.

"He's a good lad," Ian said softly, as he turned back to Daron. "A boy needs his father. He doesn't need to see him cooped up in his office all day, chasing shadows."

"Chasing shadows? If you don't want to open your eyes to what's going on, be my guest, but don't belittle me for worrying." Ian replied, trying his best to contain his impatience. Daron scoffed at that and continued to inspect the wall. "What is all this? Riots, political leaders, 'freedom movements.' You have to admit, it's a bit mad."

Ian took in a deep breath. "That's exactly what it is, madness. Things are about to change, our worlds are going to see a vast transition. They have already passed the amendments, now it's just a matter of time before they enforce them." "Yeah, I see. Look, what's this doing for you? Is it making you feel good, is it making your family feel good?" Daron said as he turned around, to stare deep into Ian's eyes. "I mean, come on, Ian. No offense, but you look terrible. Evelyn told me that you haven't been sleeping, that you've just locked yourself away in here, morning, noon, and night."

"As I said, I'm researching. Trying to make sense of this nonsense, and trying to come up with a plan of action when it happens. I need to be able to protect my family." "They don't need protection! They need attention. They need you. Not a sleep-deprived wreck. Come back to work, forget all of this, you need stability in your life."

"Why? So I can bury my head in the sand and pretend there's nothing wrong? Quitting was probably the best thing I could have done." Daron leaned back against a wall, folding his arms as he did.

"Let's go outside, we'll go for a walk. Get some fresh air, I think you could do with an endorphin boost. It's not all doom and gloom unless you want it to be. We can choose what to read and see." "Do you know there are demonstrations going on, not just on Thetis, but on all worlds? People have had enough and are trying to stand against them." Daron could only sigh and shake his head. "Yeah, there are demonstrations taking place. But, it's about raising the minimum wage, not, well, whatever this wall of yours says."

"Raising wages? You think that's what it's about. Do you think people would put their lives in danger for a few credits at the end of the week? They literally passed a law, that will see the world transition into a Confederation, and reading the fine print means that all property, and assets are owned and controlled by the state. Tomorrow they could walk in here and take my house. When they start to take it all away, what will you do then? Have you seen the camps? Single-room apartments, where we're all going to be put?"

"Single-room, what? Why would they put us there? Listen to yourself. None of this is going to happen, you're paranoid from lack of sleep. Those camps are for any new arrivals who want to emigrate to Thetis, they're emergency accommodations. Emergencies, like an influx of arrivals, or I don't know, a chemical spill. They're a place for people to go if needs be. Just watch some broadcasts, or read some announcements, it's all explained." "Explained by who exactly? People bought and paid for by the state?" Daron couldn't argue with that and just looked down at the floor in silence.

"I even have some documents about some new start-up companies. Subscription services for food, clothes, and luxuries. You won't be able to own the shirt on your back pretty soon. Life is about to change, drastically. You'll have a work outfit, a leisure outfit, a formal one, and an informal one. When the year is out you give it all back, pay another subscription, and your new sets of clothes arrive. Is that the world you want to live in?" Ian was almost frothing at the mouth by the time he finished speaking. Daron just stared at him. "What are you talking about? Why would they do that?" "Why would it be a classified document?" Daron shrugged. "Anyone could have written that, it's not exactly hard."

Daron pushed himself against the wall and walked past Ian to the door. "Come on, reading and learning random thoughts given to you by other people sitting alone in their bedrooms, worrying and panicking over nothing? The sorts of people you're getting your information from are chasing views and clicks, depending on donations from people who think there's something wicked going on. Now, let's go. We're going to have something to eat, and put all this behind us."

He opened the door and looked back at Ian. "Look, if it is like you say it is, I'll admit I was wrong and I'll never question anything you ever say again, until then though, trust me."

Ian walked to the doorway. "Okay, but by then it might be too late."

"It's a risk I'm willing to take," Daron replied, before sniffing the air. "No offense, but I think you should have a wash first. That smell might turn the others off their food." He said before chuckling to himself.

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A wash was a good call, after the shower and a change of clothes, Ian felt rejuvenated and more aware. He entered the kitchen, to the praise of Daron, his wife, Evelyn, and his son Adric. "Here he is," Daron said. "Looking better already."

Adric ran up to Ian, wrapping his arms around him. "Dad, can we all go for a walk?" Ian nodded, looking down at his smiling face. "Of course, we can go for a walk soon. Right after we have something to eat."

"Where do you want to go? We can take the transport to the lakes of Noma, it's always peaceful there. Or we could go to The Spring Forest. You've always liked it there." Evelyn said as she threw a few strings of Gabnattle meat into a frying pan. A blast of sizzling was heard, and the smell of it cooking filled the room instantly. "Yeah, I don't mind." The tension in the room was present, and Ian sat down at the table resting his hands on the surface of it, feeling a slight bit guilty for his recent behavior. "I'm sorry about everything, I think I just got a bit absorbed in my research. I'm just afraid."

"Don't be sorry, it's understandable," Evelyn said, turning from the stove momentarily. "Yeah, don't worry about it. I think we've all become obsessed with things here and there. Remember when I became obsessed with Free Space, learning the history of each planet." "Hah, yeah, you wanted to move to Dosha, live in a subterranean home beneath the forests," Evelyn replied. "I still might, who knows, I might retire there," Daron said in a jovial manner.

Ian was left with a feeling of discomfort, he couldn't shake the feeling of dread; something in him said that just around the corner something was going to happen. What it was, he couldn't say, but he knew something wasn't right.

"Anyway, we'll go, and we'll leave the datapads and communicators at home, and just have a walk. Good clean air, and no technology, that's exactly what we need." Evelyn said as she placed a plate in front of Ian. "But, what if I want to talk to my friends?" Adric complained. "Dad!?" He said, looking at Ian. "You can talk to your friends when we get back, we won't be long."

Daron dug into his food straight away. "I'll admit, the main reason I came over was to eat your food, hah. Have to look after the wallet, you know?" Daron said to Adric, turning the boy's expression from worry to gleeful joy within a moment.

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The walk was exactly what they needed, switching off and enjoying some relaxation was better than being cooped up in his office all day.

Now flying back home, he listened to the others in the transporter talk and laugh amongst themselves. On the horizon, he could see his home and the homes of their neighbors. Taking the ship down, he could see some movement on the street, which wasn't an unusual sight. What was unusual was the number of people leaving their homes and walking in the same direction.

Taking the ship down to land outside the house, he couldn't help but notice the older couple from next door, out on the street with bags and suitcases, shuffling to the end of the road. "When we get out, go inside," Ian said, as he stared at them. "Ian." "Evelyn, trust me just go inside." He replied, leaving no room for arguing. "What's going on, Dad?" "Nothing." I hope its nothing anyway.

Activating the doors, the roof of the transport hissed as it folded outward, opening the sides in the process. Ian was the first to stand outside and threw a knowing look at Daron, whose expression said that something wasn't right.

Ian walked down the pathway, toward the old couple. "Hey, Mr. and Mrs. Bechtel, what's going on? Are you off on another holiday?" Ian asked, trying his hardest to sound happy. As he looked up the road to see others leaving their homes, with luggage of their own.

"I wish it was a holiday, didn't you hear." Mrs. Bechtel replied. "Some terrorist cell has used the demonstrations as a distraction to let off some chemicals or something, they're highly toxic. Scumbags." Ian's blood ran cold. "Don't worry, the government has it under control. They put out a warning for all citizens to wait for evacuation. The emergency broadcasts went out about an hour ago." Ian nodded to that. "We've been out all afternoon and didn't hear about it. "Do you want us to tell the pilots to wait for you?" Mrs. Bechtel asked. "No, that won't be necessary, we still need to pack and get ready." Mrs. Bechtel nodded to that. "Okay, well only bring the essentials as advised, I'm sure we'll see you down there, they should be here soon."

Ian turned and walked into the house. As he got through the door he saw Daron, whose face was white. The first thing he could hear was the repetitive chimes of an emergency broadcast, playing on all devices in his home. "All citizens are advised to wait at their nearest pickup zone. A T.L.E. transport ship will be along soon for evacuation. Take only necessary items; any item deemed unfit will be left at the pickup zone." An automated voice said, before repeating the same warning.

"Ian, I, I. I don't know what." Daron fumbled and couldn't get the words out. "A terrorist cell has released a deadly agent. All citizens are advised to wait at their nearest pickup zone."

"What are we going to do? We'll have to pack. What is considered necessary?" Evelyn asked, in a panic-stricken tone.

"We're not going anywhere. Grab some things and head down to the basement." Ian said, taking charge of the situation. "A toxic agent has been released, we could, well, I don't know, we have to go with the others," Evelyn replied.

"No, we're not going to one of those camps. We're going to wait and figure this out."

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Here's a story that I thought of the other day, and finally found the motivation to get started.

It's not going to be a long one, but I do think it'll be interesting.

Set on the planet Thetis, which is the capital planet of Confederation Space, the human territory. It's the first time being here, and at that, it's a chance to work out some of The Confederation histories.