The Solar Wind Read Free Page A

comfortable on  your own, then they’ll work out a schedule for you, but they will talk with you more about that on Wednesday. Now, if you’ll have a seat in the waiting room next door we’ll finish processing your group and escort everyone to their quarters with their travel trunks.”
    Helena waited impatiently for Ava to be checked in. “Isn’t this exciting? I’m going to be working on Level 5 and living on Level 6. What about you Ava? What level are you on? Are you going to have a room-mate?”
    “No room-mate. They gave me a single dwelling. I’ll be working on Level 3 and living on Level 4. It looks like I’ll be able to walk to and from work, I’m glad, the public transportation fees for the trams are outrageous.”
    “Wow, Level 4, that’s nice.” Ava thought she detected a slight note of jealousy in Helena’s voice. Ava’s prior research of Orionis revealed that the station had 12 levels. Like an onion’s layers, the outermost levels were larger and the lower, inner-most levels were smaller and more compact.  It was no secret that the more affluent people and businesses were situated closest to Level 1 and it seemed to go down from there. The extent of the differences in class amongst the levels did not seem to be widely publicized. Ava figured they would learn more at tomorrow’s orientation.
    “I’m going to have a room-mate.” Helena mockingly pouted. 
    “That’s great Helena; you’ll have someone who can help to show you around.”
    “Yeah, I guess so; I wasn’t expecting a room-mate. I’ve never lived with anyone other than my parents. I always had my own place in college.  I hope she’s not a psycho.”
    “I’m sure she’s not.” Ava laughed as they exchanged addresses so that they would be able to call and message one another.
    The ITO completed the registration of its new residents. There were a few more people in the waiting room that must have come in on other starships. Several sighs of relief were heard as the tram arrived to collect everyone and their possessions to escort them to their new homes.
    Ava was one of the first residents to be dropped off on Level 4. Most of the others would most likely dwell on one of the lower levels. Ava suspected that because of her profession, she needed to be closer to the clinic and was assigned her quarters based on this. An ITO officer punched a code on the number panel next to the door. A chime prompted Ava to press her thumb on the digital scanner to record her thumbprint which would now be her entry key. Once everything was set the door silently slid open and Ava said good-bye to Helena as two of the officers carried her trunks inside. The door shut instantly once Ava was inside and the lights turned on. They were apparently set to activate on motion sensors in order to conserve energy. The vents began to cycle once the sensors were activated, flushing out the dry, stale air. What a nice little one bedroom apartment Ava thought. Although small and plain, it was neutrally decorated and adequately furnished. A small lightly cushioned couch and metal table were in the center of the main living area.  A large monitor/television hung on the main wall next to the tiny kitchen. Two small stools stood at the kitchen bar/counter. Whoever had lived here before arranged the small desk with the computer next to the entryway, a nice placement Ava thought. Next Ava checked out the small bedroom. A twin sized bed, small armoire and dresser overwhelmed the space. The bathroom next to the closet also housed the laundry equipment, small, but more than adequate for one person. Overall Ava felt satisfied with her new home and began the task of unpacking her few belongings.
    After a short rest, Ava accessed the map of Level 4 online and decided to venture out to buy some food. Residents were allocated a set amount of water each day. Using more than the assigned amount meant receiving a water bill above and beyond the rent. Most residents could not