Station Galt

"Okay, Tec, what time is it?"

The small capsule brightened with the sound of his voice. An artificial glow illumined the bare walls and a simple sleeping pad. A Plexi window showed darkness on the other side. It was a comfortable eighteen degrees Celsius according to a thermostat above his head.

"... calculating..." said a feminine voice, grating in its programed cheerfulness. "The time is zero-zero-zero-zero according to the E6 calendar, Month or Mensis Maius, Day twelve. Do you wish for me to calculate the number of Journey Days?"

"Thank you, Tec, but that won't be necessary."

"Nourishment is scheduled for zero eight hundred hours, is the temperature to your liking?"

"It's fine."

"Illumination expires in ten, nine, eight, seven, six..."

"Tec?"

"... canceling... How may I assist you?"

"Tell me again about Earth."

"Do you wish for me to continue the narration of E2019."

Yes."

"Continuing the history of E2019 until breathing and heart rate regulate and blood pressure drops. Mensis Quintilis, Day twenty-nine, fourteen hundred hours..."