Giants Of Mars Read Free Page B

physically. “It must be metaphysical. Damn upgrade.”
     
    “Good morning, Mister Bjorn.” Sam’s spoken words hummed with a distinct refinery of someone of his status. He pulled the slim backed chair out for Jason.
     
    Ignoring Sam, Jason could not take his eyes off of her while sitting down.
     
    “Are you ready for our big day, Lexis?” he asked with a smile.
    “I am looking forward to returning to the Chameleon, Jason.”
    “It must’ve been a little boring around here not having the ability to access the Skin,” he said shifting his gaze out at the beautiful redwood forest; the house exterior was almost entirely made of glass; giving floor to ceiling views in every room.
    “Yes, I have felt naked without a constant portal to the Polaris Information System,” Lexis replied.
     
    On the contrary, Jason loved being unplugged from the Polaris Skin, and he was at ease with himself in the tranquil setting of Level 7.
     
    “It’s only human to feel vulnerable.” Jason accidently spoke as if she was human; momentarily an uncomfortable silence gripped the dining room as Jason picked at his eggs.
     
    “I went on a walk this morning where I came across a beautiful waterfall.”
    “A waterfall?”
    “I would like to take you there some day.”
    “Sir, Mister Spline is in the queue.” Sam interrupted their conversation, and placed a Scroll Pad on the table.
     
    It sizzled to life when Jason fingered at the device, giving meaning to the darkened screen.
     
    A rough looking man appeared, and Jason answered, “Good morning, Colonel.”
    “Good morning, Jason. I hope I didn’t disturb.”
    “Not at all, sir, we were just sitting here contemplating whether the eggs tasted better on Level 7 or on Level 5.” Jason jested with a smirk across his face, indicating the taste was less than desirable.
    “I believe that’s one thing that the planners couldn’t differentiate either.” Aldiss Spline momentarily paused, and with a guttural cough, he cleared his throat before continuing. “I know you have a big day but I just wanted to check in with you one last time.”
    “I appreciate the call, sir. I don’t see any complications with today’s launch; I feel everything’s a go.”
    “Great! That’s really good to hear, Jason. Hey, I know we’ve been busy planning the mission. I never got around to asking you about things. How’s the new digs?”
    “Digs?” Jason curiously asked.
    “Oh yeah, the wife and I are studying twentieth century idioms and slangs together. She thinks it will bring us closer together. Anyhow, the digs I am referring to, are your new house and belongings.”
    “Unbelievable, sir! The furnishings are most exquisite, and I do love the ancient suit of armor holding the broad sword, and all the medieval weaponry hanging on the walls. I do want to thank you again for everything.”
    “I don’t know anyone who loves that time period more but I did remember how you ogled at the antiquities of the twentieth-century on Titan. So, I took the liberty of ordering as much furniture from that era as I could find in the catalogue.”
    “They’re great reproductions, sir. I am absolutely mesmerized by the grandfather clock’s mechanical chimes,” Jason mouthed with sincere gratitude.
    “Yes, they truly are fascinating but not exactly twentieth century. I do believe that type of clock was invented centuries early.”
    “One question, Colonel, what’s the red table with numbered balls, and braided leather pouches at the corners?”
    “It’s a billiard table. The wife and I saw one while vacationing on Level 6 last year at the Museum of Ancient History.”
    “Do you know how to play?” Jason simply asked.
    “You know, I can’t remember exactly how it works. However, I think it’s a game of chance; wages were won or lost based on the numbered balls sunk into a pocket by a Casino’s Dealer, using a cue.”
    “Yes, I am somewhat familiar with ancient Casino history but what is a