Escaping the Cradle

by Karen Page

Part 39

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Part 39
DATE:FC+150

[Studio shot: Robyn at the desk]

Robyn (News Editor):
"You are watching a special programme on the impact of Aurora. There are the obvious implications, but also quieter changes already reshaping our lives. Some we predicted after First Contact, others have surprised us. To help unpack it all, I'm joined by our Political Editor, Tim Harper, and our new Science Correspondent, Jade Stone."

Segment 1: Timeline of Events
[Graphic: Timeline bar appears]

Robyn:
"Let's start with how we got here. The first test was performed in front of the world — though few realised what it was."

[Clip: Pudsey bear floating into view on the Space Station]

Robyn:
"Many thought this was a NASA stunt. In truth, it was the first test of an interdimensional drive. The bear was transported from Earth to orbit, and NASA had no idea how."

Robyn:
"By January, the drive was tested on a ship. It jumped into orbit and back. That test didn't go unnoticed. First Contact followed soon after."

[Clip: Prime Minister's First Contact announcement]

Robyn:
"Our first glimpse of Aurora came in February, when the Prime Minister bravely boarded the test ship. A vessel that had never left the solar system."

[Clip: Horse Guards Parade, PM walking to the landed ship]

Robyn:
"She put her faith in that ship, and in the aliens who she was visiting."

[Cut to March footage]

Robyn:
"In March, Eos launched. Seen over Australia, then showcased across the UK in a publicity campaign. At the same time, the Prime Minister unveiled plans to transform the country for this new era."

Jade:
"At the end of May they put a satellite into orbit. Traditionally this has been done using a rocket, and the cost of launching a satellite might nearly be as much as building it. Over the years, rockets have become more reliable, and as reuse occurs, cheaper. But there are still long queues to get them launched. They used their interdimensional drive to move the satellite into the correct orbit with none of the vibration and dangers of the old method."

[Recent footage: alien arrivals]

Robyn:
"And just this week, three alien species were seen publicly. Vers'am, Alphonian Ambassador; the Reginadde Ambassador; and Shinara, a Rohastin diplomatic doctor, photographed returning her visitor's permit to the Home Secretary. Unlike her discreet arrival, her departure was handled openly — a sign of how quickly alien presence has become part of everyday government business."

Segment 2: Domestic Changes

Robyn:
"So, what other changes have happened in the UK?"

Tim Harper:
"Over the past two months, government departments have been reshaped. Schools now teach Hytuna as the primary secondary language. Science courses include astrophysics. The Foreign Office has a section for alien diplomacy. The Home Office has updated border regulations for non‑Earth traffic. Health has begun training doctors for cross‑species emergencies; radiation exposure, zero‑gravity physiology, irregular sleep cycles. Transport is investigating regional hubs, since ships like Eos don't need runways. And the Treasury insists goods must still be tracked for tax and safety, even if they arrive in seconds."

Segment 3: Outlook

Robyn:
"Tim, what about the political side?"

Tim Harper:
"The Prime Minister created a unit to ensure changes were consistent and broad‑reaching. Colin Hood was put in charge. Some thought it was punishment for a question he asked during Prime Minister's Questions. But my sources say he's been pivotal. Driving reforms forward rapidly and clearly."

Robyn:
"So, what now for Colin Hood?"

Tim Harper:
"Rumour is he'll shepherd the legislation through Parliament to ratify the UN referendum. That would be the next great test; not just for him, but for the government as a whole."

Robyn:
"And what future changes might these new ships bring?"

Jade (science correspondent):
"Eos has already taken a group of space scientists to the gas giants, allowing them to conduct research on‑site while staying in real‑time contact with colleagues back on Earth through the interdimensional tunnel. That same technology could soon be used to launch a series of satellites across the solar system, creating a network that expands our reach far beyond Earth."

[Graphic: animation of satellites linked across the solar system]

Jade:
"Closer to home, companies are exploring how to adapt the drive for Earth's internet backbone. By reducing latency, it could transform global communications."

[Cut to footage: airport terminal]

Jade:
"Travel companies see Earth‑only ships replacing long‑haul flights. London to Sydney in a second. The longest part of the journey might be immigration, not the flight itself."

[Cut to footage: container port]

Jade:
"Manufacturers want to ship goods this way too. Instead of a month on a cargo vessel, goods could arrive direct to port or even straight to warehouses. That would slash CO2 emissions, and the UK's 2050 net‑zero goal might finally be achievable.

Closing

[Studio shot: Robyn]

Robyn:
"From Pudsey bear to planetary legislation, the pace of change has been extraordinary. We've seen how Aurora didn't just change science; it changed society. And with the referendum ahead, the next chapter is about to begin."

* * *

"We've had a request," Ashleigh stated in their get together. "Five aircraft companies have requested manufacturing licences to build spacecraft."

"Five?" Liam asked, surprised.

"It surprised me too. I know the Prime Minister used it as a technique to get the American's onboard. Whether she used it elsewhere, or whether corporate spies are involved, I've no idea. But a large European aircraft company, a Russian, a Chinese and the large American one."

"And the fifth?"

"A ship builder. They want to build a star liner for tourists. Capable of week-long cruises."

Liam snorted. "I bet it will be full of people trying to make the mile-high-club look antiquated, not tourists looking at the stars."

Ashleigh blushed and looked at her tablet. "I'd not thought of that," she mumbled.

Becky was intrigued. Was Ashleigh blushing because she'd not thought of zero gravity sex? Or not thought that was what the liner was probably going to be selling?

"Different people will want different things in space. It isn't for us to say what is permitted," Ashleigh said. "I presume these companies want to start discussions now before they start that design work. It's pointless if we say no. And if we say yes, it's going to take them time to come up with designs."

"I suppose anything Laura's factory creates is going to be bespoke anyway. I doubt they have the capacity that these companies have. For Earth-based vehicles, what is being created is going to be a lot simpler than what they currently build. Only space-based ships will be hard work."

"The biggest issue is someone trying to reverse engineer it," Evan said, after a moment's contemplation.

"I can try to make it more secure, but there is only so much I can do. I suppose if it is removed and opened, we can do something, but there are limits."

"And we can build something into the contract," said Ashleigh. "If you tamper, you lose your licence to operate using them. It would mean the end of their company. We retain that the drive and power system belong to Star Bright. They are leased in contractual terms and if they break any of those terms, the contract is void."

"Will that work?" Becky asked.

"Probably not, but it might slow them down. It only needs to last until after the referendum, and then you can publish your patent. In the meantime, you need to come up with specifications on what they need to build. What areas they need to provide for the drive and power, and what interface is needed for them to use it. I'll get our lawyers to start conversations."

"I'll let you know about device security," Henry said. "I might get Sam to try to break it when I've done."

"Good idea. We might need it. I've been discussing with Laura Taylor the concerns that the NSA, GCHQ, and other Signal Intelligence agencies probably have regarding the potential loss of intercept capabilities. She has proposed a solution, but I don't think you'll like it."

"Why not?" Becky asked.

Ashleigh filled them in. There was a stunned silence before Becky, Evan and Liam erupted in fury.

"It was just an idea," Ashleigh said when they'd stopped ranting. "We've not had any indication they're still interested, so shall we leave that for now?"

There was nods all around, and Ashleigh sighed in relief.

"Okay, onto other matters. Randal has passed security checks. The watch was given to him by a family member. Why and how I won't go into, but it isn't a payoff. I'll be letting Jessica know she can use him for more confidential work, but to not give him the full dump yet."

"Orbital calculations can be done without giving the underlying knowledge," Evan agreed.

"Great. We have authority to fly into America again. I've arranged a contract at Scottsdale Airport in Arizona. It should be quiet enough. Last year operations were upgraded to 24/7, which works for us. I looked at Van Nuys Airport, but even though they deal with a lot more VIPs, there are a lot of press flights from there."

"Fantastic. Location isn't important. We jump in, and then jump to our destination. It doesn't matter where in the USA. A jump is a jump. But if people are thinking in plane terms, they won't be expecting it."

"Exactly," Ashleigh beamed, glad someone understood her logic.

Evan gave a small smile. "Why the news about America? Has Earth-1 been authorised?"

"We have an export licence from America, and an import licence to the UK. All regulatory hurdles like ITAR have been cleared."

"So, when can we get it?" asked Liam, excited.

"Hold your horses," Ashleigh said, holding up her hands. Logistically, it is not that easy. We have to go through certain routes. Technically we could just jump it in one go from one satellite company to the one in Manchester. But the rules don't allow it. James and Sam should be here soon, and we can go through it."

"What is the status of Earth-1? Is it packed up and ready to go?"

"That was finished last Friday. It is barely more than a satellite bus, so having it packed isn't going to cause payload issues."

As if they'd known they'd been discussed, James and Sam sauntered into the room in a quiet but heated discussion.

"Ashleigh, James needs a quiet word," Sam said as they got to the desk.

James gave a glare at Sam, but when Ashleigh suggested they went to an office, James followed.

"What's that about?" Liam asked.

"My life isn't worth that much," Sam replied, ominously. "Did I hear something about Earth-1?"

"We were just discussing that it was all packed up."

"Yes, Jessica told me earlier. She's so pleased things are moving."

It wasn't a surprise to anybody that Sam already knew. Jessica was Sam's partner, so knew more about both sides of the business than anybody, except probably Ashleigh.

When James and Ashleigh came out, Evan asked, "You're not leaving us, are you?"

"No," James laughed nervously. He took a deep breath. "I've been dating someone in the company, and Sam thought Ashleigh should be told just in case there's a conflict."

"You dark horse," Liam said playfully. "Who?"

James actually blushed. Nothing fazed him while flying but this had him in knots. "Laura," he muttered.

"Laura Taylor?" Evan asked, the only Laura he knew in the company.

James nodded. "We've been seeing each other since February."

There was a pause. Laura Taylor was one of the co-owners of Star Bright.

"There's more," Ashleigh said.

"I..." James paused, and then in a choked voice. "I'm going to be a father."

"Congratulations," Becky said, moving across and giving James a hug. "Double congratulations even."

Evan was next, and gave a hearty handshake, followed by Liam.

"You aren't upset that I'm dating the boss?" he asked stunned.

"Someone wise once told me that you can't help who you fall in love with," Becky said.

Ashleigh gave Becky a friendly nudge, as it was Ashleigh who'd said that about Becky falling for Hilda.

"Anyway, I'm dating one of the co-owners," Ashleigh said. "That hasn't caused issues, has it?"

"You are quite bossy to us," Liam mused, in a teasing way.

"That's my job," Ashleigh said. "I was brought in not just to purchase, but to keep you all in line."

"So, I have a personal request," James said, and steeled himself to look at Liam. "When The Anchor was broken into, you used a tunnel to send the two spies to the locked workshop. How easy would it be to create something more permanent. Say between here and the factory. Or perhaps to install one at Laura's." He added quietly. "It's a long drive to North London."

"I think one in The Anchor too," said Becky. "We can transport here rather than drive."

"Tempting, but the alarm couldn't be set," Ashleigh said. "But this is a good side project. Liam, work with Henry to build something. It should be easy to install, but discreet so it isn't obvious. The control pad should only have fixed locations, which we can update when needed. It should only be possible to activate by authorised people."

"You'd do that?" James asked, slightly surprised.

"Let's call it a test. It might be quite useful for others. However, it is very easy to misuse. Jump into somewhere not allowed. Hence why I think we need some caution."

"We'll build safeguards in," Henry said, looking at Liam, who nodded.

Ashleigh asked Becky, "And how are you getting on with the communication document you received."

Becky smiled. Ashleigh knew the answer, but this was a team meeting, and the others didn't know.

"It's a huge document. I can write the gateway, but the rest needs to be a bigger effort. It needs to go to the email companies to build in. There's a meeting of the IETF next month. It's too late for inclusion, but if I put some type of English high level together and send it to the steering group, we might be lucky."

"What are you thinking?" Evan asked, interested.

"Well, we have SMTP to send email on Earth. Perhaps we need a GMTP. Galactic Message Transfer Protocol. It's addressing could link to Earth-1 where we implement the messaging, linking it to the correct beacon."

"That sounds huge."

"It isn't small."

"You farmed out small coding tasks before," Ashleigh pointed out. "I think you need to start doing so again or you'll never get it done."

Becky sighed. "I know. I'll end up as the architect and not do anything interesting."

"Oh, I'm sure you will get some juicy things to do. You normally do."

Sam laughed. "Are you still talking about coding, or something else?!"

"Moving on," Ashleigh said quickly, before the conversation got back to the star liner. "Evan and Liam, any joy with trying to find something that stops a tunnel exit?"

Evan sighed. "No, but it's slow work. We've been trying different materials but so far nothing stops it. We're going to start looking at gases next."

"Okay, keep at it. Last thing is Earth-1. It is ready for collection. We'll do that Monday. The logistics is tricky. It needs to go via an exit port and an import port. We can't send it directly between the two satellite companies. We're also a bit cautious, because we aren't sure that someone won't try to interfere."

James nodded. "So, what's the plan?"

"We need two ships. Eos and Aurora."

"I can only pilot one at once," James reminded them.

"You will fly Eos. Sam will fly Aurora," ordered Ashleigh. "You can do that, can't you?"

"Yes," said Sam cautiously.

"Great. Then the biggest issue is collecting the satellite safely. And for that trick, we are reliant on Henry."

"Me?" asked Henry, surprised.

"You. Now this is what I want you to do."

Ashleigh outlined the plan and Henry gasped.

"That's imp—" Henry started and stopped. He rubbed his nose and gave a nervous laugh. "I look forward to the opportunity this gives."

"You'll do it?"

"I will practice and let you know. We should make our new motto: Star Bright, where we turn impossible ideas into tomorrow's every day."