The Void

“The Void”…..

“Well that’s a good name” I thought as I sat staring out the carbon infused, reinforced glass; Exoglass they call it. Designed to allow marvelous views like this while keeping you safe from the vacuum of space. This particular Exoglass is in a bar overlooking the station, known as New Houston, that orbits the moon. My home. I used to be proud to tell people I lived on the first space station made by man. Well, the first successful one anyway. No one can forget the tragedy of Atlantis. Some say that picking that named doomed it from the start. Maybe they’re right. I don’t usually buy into superstition like that but, for some reason, that does feel like the truth.

“The moon looks particularly beautiful today.” I think to myself as the giant white cookie like object takes up most of my view. A perfect backdrop to the dark and dingy city below. I always thought it was interesting that it can be so beautiful and yet so deadly at the same time. I’ve always felt some strange connection to it. Like the moon was calling to me. It’s the reason I moved here. The reason I stayed. But now….

Oh, there’s the shuttle coming up from Lunar Landing. It’s been a while since I’ve been down there. It’s not a bad place to visit, but I’ve always hated that name. Way too on the nose for me. Then again, what if someone’s kid came up with it? That would be just perfect wouldn’t it? I would feel like….Well, probably like I feel now.

I look back up to the off-white neon sign with the bar’s name seemingly tattooed on it. It’s dim glow lighting the top of the bar. If there were a lick of dust I’m sure I would be able to see it. I know there won’t be though. The air system won’t allow dust, for one, and the cleaning bots keep the place nice and shiny. Just makes the place feel sterile. “I guess that’s also appropriate for the name” I think with a chuckle.

I look off to my right and see the red glow of the station news network. “Satan’s eyes” we call it. Not just because of the reddish-orange glow that reminds you of the devil’s eyes looking over your shoulder but also for the nonstop evil side of humanity that it showcases. Murders, rapes, arson….politicians. I wonder if I’ll be on there soon. I let out an audible sigh and move on.

I continue to look around, seeing nothing but empty stools, empty benches and tables. I can’t help but think “The Void. What an apt name”. Not that I’m complaining. That is why I came in here. It appeared to be a nice quiet place to sit and have a drink to myself. There’s not even a bartender anymore. Now you just double tap on the bar and a menu appears where you tapped. Just place your order and an android will shortly appear and put your drink down in front of you before disappearing back into his little hidy-hole. For my current disposition it’s pretty perfect.

I look into my nearly empty glass as my thoughts return to the proposition that has been weighing on my mind like an artificial gravity well mag-tied to my neck.

“It would change everything” I say aloud to no one in particular. Talking to myself is not an uncommon occurrence. I like to joke that it’s the only way I can have an intelligent conversation. It’s bollocks but it gives me a laugh.

As I mull the details over again I look towards the sign. I belt out a guffaw as a realization washes over me. My thoughts shifted to all the ways the bar’s sign could be an accurate representation of me. Me, sitting in an empty bar, talking to the ether. My thoughts burning a whole in my heart and mind. I think about what my life has now become and shake my head.

“I wonder what those people who said ‘Atlantis was doomed from the start’ would say about me finding myself at a bar called ‘The Void’.” Again I say aloud. Almost willing my question back in time, hoping for an answer. “They’d probably say it was appropriate. Maybe they would even go so far to say it was an omen” I reckoned. I wonder if they’re right.

I let out a long sigh as I take another look out of the Exoglass.

“Man the moon sure does look particularly beautiful today” I mutter before I gulp down the rest of my drink and place the glass gently down.

I push myself up from the bar, feeling my back ache and stiffen slightly before allowing me to move again. I stand there for a moment, frozen in time. My legs refusing to be willed into action. After an eternity in my mind, I turn towards the exit.

“I wonder if they’ll conclude ‘The Void’ was in my soul” I consider as I slowly walk out the door.