Free 2042: The Great Cataclysm by Melisande Mason

sun and provide full power to run the vehicle twenty-four hours. This small pad was imbedded in the opaque top of the transparent hood made of Navilon like that used on the Platypus, it also generated power for the GPS system that enabled the passenger to give voice directions to their destination, and alter that destination if required. The GPS system would take them to that destination by the quickest route avoiding any traffic jams along the way.  Not only had this Trancar revolutionised ground travel, but it had stopped all pollution and road accidents, as it was able to detect other cars in it’s path and deviate, thus avoiding crashes.
    ‘They’re compulsory now. No petrol or diesel cars are permitted within the city limits anymore.’
    ‘They’re all bloody identical. How d’you know which is yours?’
    Josh clicked the key in his hand and a dome three rows away lit up and beeped several times.
    ‘Bloody ugly things.’ Nick muttered as they approached their car. ‘I bet you miss your limo. They don’t make them with tall guys like us in mind.’
    Josh ignored his quip. ‘There’s a small compartment behind the seat for your bag.’
    Nick stuffed his bag into the small space and crammed himself into the curved passenger seat.  He pushed a flat button on the armrest and a seatbelt smartly wrapped itself around his body. His shoulders pressed against each side window leaving no room for movement, but at least their was good legroom, even for his long legs. He slammed the door a little harder than he should and immediately felt guilty for his short temper.
    Josh climbed in the driver’s seat. ‘Where d’you want to go?’
    ‘I dunno, any decent pub will do.’
    Josh looked over his shoulder. ‘You’re acting very strange Nick. Obviously something bad’s happened. Why can’t you tell me?’
    ‘Sorry Josh.’ Nick shook loose his hair. ‘You’ll be the first to know. Right now I need to get my head together. D’you mind?’ Nick knew if he told Josh now he would get no sleep at all, and he was desperately tired and his head thumped painfully.
    ‘Okay buddy. Whatever you say. Hilton Garden Hotel, thanks Tran.’
    Josh turned his head again. ‘First thing tomorrow, okay?’
    ‘Sure.’
    The Trancar headed out for the hotel and when they left the car park Josh said, ‘Screen’ and a paper thin screen folded down inside the windscreen blocking his view. ‘We can catch up on the news while we travel.’ He said.
    The television panel displayed three split screens. The top right panel displayed his secretary at his office, while the GPS system beneath that screened their movements.  The news caster looked no different to any talking head, except he wore a tight fitting body suit that reminded Nick of his wetsuit.
    They travelled the highway into the city in one lane beside seven other lanes carrying long lines of Trancars, some towing two or more cars. Large Tranvans resembling trains occupied the first two lanes. The Trancar was so well insulated that Nick could hear very little traffic noise, just the gentle hum of it’s electric motor.
    The monotone voice of the newscaster soon had Nick nodding off to a fitful sleep and he awoke to find himself at the hotel.
    ‘Eight O’clock - my office!’  Josh ordered.
    Without answering, Nick grabbed his bag, closed the door, gently this time, waved over his shoulder and kept walking disappearing quickly through the front doors into the lobby.
    ***
    The hotel room promised a restful stay in a cream and gold suite. A cream leather lounge topped with gold scatter cushions was arranged around a square coffee table and faced the superb view of the Washington skyline. The heady fragrance of a huge vase of cream roses gracing the table permeated the room and complimented the peaceful atmosphere. As in all hotels and most homes today, the wall facing the lounge displayed a very large beautiful painting. This one was a continuation of the Washington skyline. A