Moving Platform

The voice came over the PA system, in one of those 'soothing' voices that instantly put you on edge at the sheer sterility of it's tone.

"Please step onto the moving platform. Please use the handrails. The security fields are for your protection."

I stood nervously then with one large step placed my weight on the moving platform and slowly glided forward. Ethereally sliding across the floor like a specter still firmly rooted in the real. I was on my way to the outer planets. I could not turn back now. Committed fully, at that point; heart, mind and soul.

I was going to be one of those research explorers of ancient times, the ones that found new continents and told stories over Scotch at the Royal Explorers Club. I was going to find my place in research history. I was going to find my death. I knew I would never see Earth again. I, I was really unnervingly ok with that.

-From yet untitled and unfinished work, Crocuta, 1998