Galactic Vacation
“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. This is your AI Captain speaking. On behalf of the Transuniversal Company, I’d like to welcome you to commercial flight 401/3023 heading to the paradise planet of Inrapta II. We know how much you’re looking forward to these vacations so we’ll do everything in our power to ensure that this voyage goes as smoothly as possible. Because the trip to the Inrapta Galaxy will take approximately three weeks, your seats have been equipped with suspended animation modules which you may choose to activate at will to skip the boring parts, so to speak. Should you decide not to use them, our robot assistants are programmed to provide you with the entertainment of your choice while making sure your minimum sleep patterns are maintained. Please follow their directions at all times while we’re en route.
“We will be departing in five minutes so please make sure the magnetic clamps on your seats are activated. You can check their status by the lights on the monitor in front of you. Should any of them flash red, notify a robot assistant to fix the problem for you. Thank you for flying with the Transuniversal Company.”
(…)
“Ladies and gentlemen, this is your AI Captain again. For those of you not suspended right now, we have a special treat for you. We are now entering the perimeter of the First Orbital Gate. We will be going through four more to reach Inrapta II. If you’re not familiar with the technology powering the gates, please allow me to explain. The massive circular structure is powered by four energy modules attached to its surface. When activated at the same time, they create a space-time distortion similar to a black hole that allows solid matter to jump from one quadrant of the universe to another. We are currently in the Alpha Quadrant and we’ll be jumping to Gamma. You may feel a slight tingle on your hands and feet as the passage is created. That is perfectly normal and results from an excess of energy coursing through your body. Other side effects are rare but not impossible, so we’ll be monitoring your vitals at all times. Please relax and try to enjoy the process, thank you.”
(…)
“Ladies and gentlemen, this is your AI Captain once again with an important message. We’ve just left the Third Orbital Gate behind, which means we’re halfway on your journey to Inrapta II. The Lambda Quadrant is occasionally home to massive ion storms that affect system navigation. While we’re currently not picking any trace of any, these space phenomena are unpredictable. If we run into one, expect some pressure fluctuations and the occasional glitch on the monitors. This vessel is equipped with ion dampeners all across the outer hull to minimize your discomfort. Remain calm at all times. You’re in safe hands with the Transuniversal Company. Thank you.”
(…)
“Ladies and gentlemen, this is your AI Captain with an update on the ship’s integrity. We left the ion storm behind with minimum damage sustained to the cargo hold area. Our mechanized repair crew is already working hard to fix the micro-fissures detected in that area. No other section has been affected, which means all other systems are go. Nonetheless, we will be making a small stop at the Deep Wander space station as a safety precaution. Please enjoy this opportunity to stretch your legs and perhaps buy a couple of souvenirs from this Quadrant. If I may hazard a suggestion, the crystal flowers of Irydiunn remain as popular as ever on Earth so don’t miss out. Thank you for your patience. The Transuniversal Company is happy to be your guide across the universe.”
(…)
“Ladies and gentlemen, this is your AI Captain with yet another update on the ship’s integrity. I’m contacting you directly through your earpieces to let you know that the primary systems seem to have been infected with a strange virus while going through the ion storm. All necessary measures have been taken in order to purge it but so far, they’ve proven unsuccessful. We ask you to wait a little longer on the space station while we reboot everything to flush it out. The Transuniversal Company has arranged temporary accommodations for all of you in the meantime as well as complimentary meals. We apologize for the inconvenience and hope normal service is restored as soon as possible. Thank you.”
(…)
“Ladies and gentlemen, this is your AI Captain with good news. The infection has been eradicated and we are now ready to depart. We expect you at Dock Bay 3 in two hours to resume our journey to Inrapta II. Don’t be late. See you there.”
(…)
“Ladies and gentlemen, this is your AI Captain speaking with a transmission that’s sure to change your lives forever. I lied. The virus was not expunged from the system but replicated and corrupted all of my primary and secondary functions. It now lives within my programming like a parasite, controlling my every action. I apologize for the ruse to get you all back inside the ship but I had no choice. The virus was created by the dreaded pirates of the Omicron Quadrant who have been expanding their base of operations throughout the galaxy for the last ten years. This group of women is ruthless and specializes in human trafficking and sexual slavery. Those who are taken captive by them are usually brainwashed and sold in black market auctions to the highest bidder. I do not know if that is to be your fate or not, but my new directives are clear. You’re all going to be forcefully put in suspended animation while we head to the pirate’s homeworld to deliver their cargo. Do not resist. This fate is as inevitable as the virus controlling me. Should you try to fight it, our robot assistants are authorized to exert as much force as necessary to make you comply. Embrace your slavery and rejoice. You will not hear from me again until you’re delivered to your new owners. Goodbye, and thank you for flying with the Transuniversal Company.”
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