Red lights were flashing. The sirens were screaming for attention, drowning out the consistent moan of the gravity engine. Panicked people paced quickly from one end of the station to the other. Things aboard The Horizon weren’t looking great. Yet Alan Coley thought that this was the perfect time to sit down and have a cup of dehydrated coffee.
The Horizon was a state-of-the-art solar observatory in an orbit around the star 3820-Sagittae. The main purpose of the facility was to collect data on energy capturing and applications; everyone on board was either a scientist or an engineer. Alan was the latter. His area of specialty was to maintain the solar shields; large, reflective panels that protect The Horizon and its inhabitants from the frightening temperatures and radiation courtesy of 3820-Sagittae.
As Alan neared the bottom of his cup, an announcement was broadcasted throughout the station.
‘Alan Coley, could you please report to the Bridge. Alan Coley.’
With a reluctant sigh, Alan drained his cup and walked to the bridge.
~~~