Mysterious Teaser

Paris, 2056, Parallel Dimension b-2. An alarm shrills through the halls of the European Space Agency. A rare occasion on the quiet days of this time. While the bicycles make their ways through the city outside and the warm sun sparkles through the double glass windows of the baroque building, I was just starting yet another Duuday in our 6-day week. While work usually begins at 9, I wanted to start early to make progress with my project.

Now, this. Whatever it means. I stand up, roll my magnetic chair a couple of metres away and mentally contact Gib. "It's all fine, we have an urgent message to forward to you, security systems clear, no fire, no vandals, all clear." Thanks, Gib. Straight to the point, as always.

I start making my way through sunlit hallways to the central meeting room. We've been told to immediately gather here in case of any announcement, which, in this case, probably is the case.

While meeting rooms have become redundant in the time of cognitive messaging, we still use the location for meeting up with colleagues. Lyda, my good friend from the research department, enters the hall from one of the other doors which frame the circular room.

Joan steps up. In his clearest voice, he announces only one thing.

'We've got contact. And a timer.'