Science fiction short story: Waiting for rain (Part 1/3)
My mother passed away this morning. I had not heard the news until late afternoon.
I have a one hour break in work from 12 to 1 pm, when I have my lunch – a protein sandwich and a glass of clearlite. This is usually the best time of the day for me. At the dose I take it, the drink soothes my nerves for exactly forty five minutes. I listen to Beethoven’s ninth symphony during this time, recline in my chair, and let my mind drift. Exactly at 1pm my break ends, and I return to my routine monitoring of water levels in district 8.
12.15 pm was the time when my thought-filter let the news pass into my brain. I must say, even with the latest brain-lobe-inhibitor-current-controller, or ‘Bliss’, as we call it, the news came as quite a shock. I felt a cool current surge across my heart, and my head sank into my hands. A minute later, I looked through my window at the beautiful scenic skyline. A dark gray effusion of clouds were taking over the sky, and from the movement of the trees, I could see that a gentle wind was flowing. Usually, Bliss could process these visuals to put my mind in a state of idyllic serenity. But today, it didn’t work.
The holographic screen at the center of my office turned on with a low hum, and the image of my supervisor came into focus.
“Mr. Carrey, I have just heard the news from the hospital. Are you all right?”
“I think so.” My head felt empty, yet strangely heavy.
“Our meters say that your Bliss chip is running at its current limits. We talked to the company’s tech-center, and they recommend letting it access your memory to help you feel better. “
“I am all right, really.”
“I’ll connect you to the company’s technical center. I am sure they can help you feel better.”
“I don’t think I need it. Thanks.”
“Contact me if you change your mind. Normally, the company does not allow leaves in the middle of the work week. But looking at the weather patterns, we need all men to be working at their peak levels. Yours is a critical position. We don’t want you to be distracted. We might have to flood the dam.”
“I know that, sir.”
The image disappeared. I looked at the clouds outside. They seemed to be spiraling and gathering above the reservoir. He is right. We might have to open one of the sluice gates. The last time we had an overflow, the company stock prices went down by twenty points overnight.
I should have felt anxious, but for some reason, I felt cheerful. I opened one of the glass panels, and a gust of misty, cold air swept across my face.A strange sense of nostalgia overwhelmed me. Something must have happened on a day like this. But I could not remember what it was. A sharp humming noise came from the Bliss chip at the back of my head. It intensified as I tried hard to remember.
I heard the familiar hum and looked at the holographic screen. It was a young woman. With her bob cut hair and her bright smile, she looked oddly cheerful.
“Sir, I am from the technical unit.” She said.
“I didn’t ask for assistance.”
“Our readings indicate that you have been exerting your Bliss its performance limits. Such action could prove hazardous to your health.” She said. “Moreover, it seems that you have tried to access memories that might worsen the state of your mind. Bliss has blocked access to those synapses for the time being.”
That’s why I can’t remember. I asked, “What do you recommend?”
(To be continued)
Image: http://img.eltipografo.cl/media/2014/...
