2206 : Window Onto A New World
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XVI. The Solid Time Of Change
have to admit that my life here isn't that different from what it was on Ovel » he shared, staring blankly down and to the side of his famous boss a while longer before returning to his typical air of jollity. « I'm glad you feel that way » declared the scholar with a quick affirmative nod, « do you find living here limits any of your regular activities ? » he pursued the interrogation. « No, not really » pensively observed the coder, « apart from going outside, obviously » he added in a humorous fashion, « but I never really was a fan of the outdoors anyway » he proceeded, more gravely, « I never really enjoyed team sports that much either » the programmer revealed in a similarly sombre manner, « I prefer to train on my own and I can do that at the gyms... they're especially well equipped here I must say » he ultimately emphasized. « They are indeed » agreed the scientist, « I take it you still haven't ventured outside ? » he submitted, evoking the reluctance of his interlocutor to suit up and wander under the toxic atmosphere, « I mean, apart from your helijet ride with Commander Sokolov » he rectified without delay. « Nope ! » resolutely announced the assistant, with a touch of disdain, « and I still have no intention to » he attempted to assert as insistently, unable to contain a subtle grin, « in a way, I did go outside » he suggested following a short silence, marking another pause for suspense, « via the virtual simulations » Evans explained facetiously, « and I have to admit that it was quite an experience » he told Sturn, this time seriously. « Not quite enough of an experience to convince you to go out there for real though » the space engineer hazarded. « No sir ! » maintained the developer, displaying a decidedly negative expression, « not yet in any case » he then hinted, less confidently. « Well, well, that last part sounded like an eventual yes to me » the researcher bantered. « Well, well, maybe it did to you » the employee reacted playfully, « but to me it mostly sounded like a not yet ! » he exclaimed, both coworkers laughing at the funny statement. « Are you becoming familiar with the facilities ? » the pundit wondered once the hilarity had subsided. « I wouldn't say familiar yet » the techie answered, « I've visited most of the buildings... well, around here anyhow » he clarified, stopping for an instant as he remembered some of the locations, « I really like how mass transit works here » he enthusiastically pointed out, « it's almost like having your own driver » the software specialist noted, « I'd like to see one of the remote mining colonies eventually, from the inside I mean » he carried on after a brief reflection, « and the detention centers too » he concluded, curious. « That can be arranged » ensured the doctor of physics, « in fact, as far as the prisons go, Celia will probably be in better position to help you with that » he proposed, guessing that her ongoing studies would afford the woman easier access to the correctional institutions, « any news from her ? Do you know when they plan to join us ? » he inquired right away,
The Threshold
220
Christopher Stewart