Psychological breaks are becoming more frequent on the generation ship, and something must be done to mitigate them. A solution is found, but it comes with its own problems.
122.
"Ideally, we'd get them away from the stressor, but they're stuck on that ship for the rest of their lives."
— Wild Speculation Studios, Andrew Reising 🌈 (@WSpeculation) August 1, 2019
"What about VR therapy? It gives them time away from the ship."
"VR therapy is controversial, and can be addictive."
"You have a better idea?"#microfiction#scifi
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123.
"A video game? I'm losing my shit, and this is your answer?!"
— Wild Speculation Studios, Andrew Reising 🌈 (@WSpeculation) August 3, 2019
"It allows your mind to escape for a while. You can do almost anything in the game, live out a second life. We're hoping it'll reduce your feeling of confinement."
"Okay. I'll try rural Earth."#microfiction#scifi
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124.
"That's fantastic! And the bad news?"
— Wild Speculation Studios, Andrew Reising 🌈 (@WSpeculation) August 4, 2019
"People have been…shirking their bedroom duties. Only 20% of couples with no children tried this month. They're on VR instead."
"Shit. We need to deal with that, but not right now. We need people calm and working."#microfiction#scifi
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125.
"So, if I had a breakdown-"
— Wild Speculation Studios, Andrew Reising 🌈 (@WSpeculation) August 6, 2019
"Don't even try it. Mike already did, and Medical busted him. Now, he's banned from VR for a month."
"Oh, come on!"
"If you're that desperate, you can have some of my time."
"Really?!"
"No, you jackass! Just wait your turn."#microfiction#scifi
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126.
"They really miss Earth."
— Wild Speculation Studios, Andrew Reising 🌈 (@WSpeculation) August 6, 2019
"It's good we don't have devices for all of them, or we'd be in trouble."
"We are in trouble. They care more about their game than the mission."
"What can we do?"
"Learn. Fast. We'll be running this ship sooner than we thought."#microfiction#scifi
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127.
"I've watched you a dozen times, and you'll be here if I need help. Besides, you want to do it."
— Wild Speculation Studios, Andrew Reising 🌈 (@WSpeculation) August 7, 2019
"Alright, but if you aren't sure about something, ask. It'll be all of us in trouble if you mess up."
"Yes, sir."
"Anyway, which game setting do you use?"#microfiction#scifi
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128.
No, he had a grander vision.
— Wild Speculation Studios, Andrew Reising 🌈 (@WSpeculation) August 7, 2019
He'd used a torch to cut the tablet screen and shape the plastic, and matched the output to the screen's new shape.
The question was did he tell people, sharing what he knew, or did he keep it a secret.
Decisions, decisions.#microfiction#scifi
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129.
"Yeah. He built himself his own set out of his personal tablet and a few other parts. Do you know what this means?"
— Wild Speculation Studios, Andrew Reising 🌈 (@WSpeculation) August 10, 2019
"Hank's in big trouble for destroying equipment?"
"No! I mean, yes, but that's not the point. The point is, he can make more!"
"Oh. Oh!"#microfiction#scifi
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130.
"I'm not sure where they are, and I figured it was better to do it myself than risk missing the window and needing to recalculate the adjustments. Was I wrong?"
— Wild Speculation Studios, Andrew Reising 🌈 (@WSpeculation) August 11, 2019
"No. If you're sure you know what you're doing, continue, Engineer Winthrop."
"Yes, ma'am."#microfiction#scifi
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131.
It's too many for any disciplinary action to be effective.
— Wild Speculation Studios, Andrew Reising 🌈 (@WSpeculation) August 11, 2019
Luckily, the teens on the ship have really stepped up.
We'll last until their generation takes over.
Suggestion: Future gen ships should be crewed by teens. The only adults should be the officers.#microfiction#scifi
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