CHAPTER FOUR
Siam, December 3, 2308 06:00:05 (T-Minus 02:05:11:06)
Hotaru groaned as the alarm on her chronometer sounded. Was it morning already? She had turned in at 21:00, per regulation, and had fallen asleep quickly. That meant almost nine hours of sleep. Why was she so groggy? She pushed herself from her bed, walking in her tank top and exercise shorts to the washroom to shower.
Retinal scanners in her room activated lights as she entered rooms and turned them off as she left them. Her shower was already running, set at her preferred temperature of forty-one degrees. She disrobed, and entered the steaming shower. She washed quickly, and exited the shower, toweling dry, and then dressing in simple black kimono.
Walking into the kitchen, she found her breakfast of eggs, toast and fresh fruit waiting in the MKIII. It was only missing her glass of orange juice, which she ordered upon removal of the plate from the machine. Plate and glass in hand, she headed to the table to eat.
"Activate viewing screen, channel sixteen twenty-two." She said to her Dwelling. The screen flared to life, and changed from a nature scene to the local news.
"In other news, prominent businessman Bijay Narang was found dead in his home Thursday morning by his daughter. Officials do not suspect foul play, and the coroner is listing the cause of death as Cancer. Narang is widely known for creating the PanaSung Company, which manufactures implantable tracker chips for livestock. Clinical trials began this week on Penal Territory inmates.”
"Narang's death will certainly halt the continuation of the trials, but, having one-third of the inmates tagged, data collection will begin next week. Sources from PanaSung say they will try and get Narang's work back up and running as soon as possible."
Hotaru smiled to herself. Another job well done. Scooping the last bite of eggs into her mouth, she picked up her plate, and placed it in the recycling terminal next to the MKIII. Ensuring the seal was closed on the recycler, she headed back into the bedroom, and changed into her workout gear. It was time to prepare for the next Letter.