Utopian Estates

Copyright 2012 Angus H. Day

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Cover Illustration Copyright © 2012 by Belinda Pepper

Editing by Jacqueline Driggers and Angus Day

I want to thank my wife, Cheryl Elaine Day, for believing in my ability to do anything I put my mind toward. I feel I only have that ability because of your love and support. I thank my parents for encouraging me to stay with reading while they were alive, and my seventh grade English teacher Mrs. Prescott, who helped me discover that a novel was not an intimidating thing. Every day when I get ready for the non-writing aspects of my life, I can see some influence of my therapy on another person and it doesn't seem all bad. Enjoy.

Utopian Estates

table of contents

Chapter 1: Leaving the Nest

Chapter 2: The First day of work at a new job.

Chapter 3: A quiet night of first day recuperation.

Chapter 4: Diplomacy and business.

Chapter 5: Belinda gets pulled back from an abyss.

Chapter 6: Filling the pool.

Chapter 7: Just add water.

Chapter 8: Urban myths of Utopian Estates.

Chapter 9: Remodeling new houses.

Chapter 10: Repurposing.

Chapter 11: Home is where the ass is.

Chapter 12: You mind the business while we take care of...business.

Chapter 13: Revenge?

Chapter 14: Utopian Estates Phase Two.

Chapter 15: Having the means to deal with your genes.

Chapter 16: Sometimes it takes a road trip to get to know someone.

Chapter 17: A big empty egg with a light on inside.

Chapter 18: Tombstone.

Chapter 19: Contact that should have been remembered.

Chapter 20: Stand off on the edge of Empire.

Chapter 21: Did you call to stop the mail and paper?

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Chapter 1: Leaving the Nest

The waiting room looked like the outer area of any number of business offices that you could find in an Earth domed city. Rich synthetic wood paneling, plush chairs not too comfortable but speaking of success, a trio of receptionists dealing with messages and appointment schedules. Looking out of the only window at the reddish Martian landscape was the only indicator that this was not earth. People even dressed in the latest earth fashions, though they all carried an emergency exposure suit rolled up to the size of a prescription pill container.

Fiona was fidgeting with her earring drive, which contained (among other things) a copy of her under-experienced resume. Having just graduated from a business program in Auckland Dome, she had immigrated to Mars with no offer of employment. She had the portion of her parents estate that would last her for most of a year if she couldn't find work, but this was only her third day on planet, and her second interview. A well-proportioned woman with stunning red hair and soul-probing blue eyes called to her from the receptionist's desk. You’re new to mars aren't you.

How can you tell?

Most Marsies would have gotten up and left by now. What is your name again?

Fiona Ellyssa McIntire. Should I leave? Has the job been filled?

My name is Morgaine Rush. I'm Mr. Rockman's executive assistant. The job you came for was the...near surface rental business development position. That has been eliminated because Mr. Rockman sold off that division to Phobos Closet Corporation this morning.

I see. Thanks for letting me know. Have a nice day.

That's it then? Not interested in any other opportunities? This one's gone, might as well go on home eh?

Miss Rush, I came here to apply for the only job I knew to be here, and you've told me it doesn't exist anymore. Is there another job I might apply for here?

We do have a job that has just opened up, but you have to be looking for a home. Have you acquired living space yet?

No miss, I have a room at the Hyatt. What is the job?

Miss McIntire, I have to report to Mr. Rockman. If you would retake your seat, I believe he will see you in about five minutes.

Yes Miss Rush. Fiona sat back down.

Fifteen minutes late, Fiona was at the end of her patience; having decided that working here, she would just be tormented by the receptionist who seemed extraordinarily delighted in her discomfort. She was rising and preparing her attire to leave when a young man approached her. Excuse me, are you Fiona McIntire?

I am, and if you are here to stall me from leaving, I'm afraid that I have made up my mind. It really is rude to keep job applicants waiting all day for the chance at an interview. You can tell that Mr. Rockman to start his company policy restructuring right there.

I don't think that I have to do that.

You're right, you don't. Good day whoever you are.

The man, who seemed to be in his early twenties, laughed.. You just told Mr. Rockman what you thought of his policy, why would I need to repeat it to myself? If you really are set on going, then good day to you Miss McIntire. If you still wish to be employed, then follow me. Don't bother with the arguments that you can get a job anywhere. Your Mars visa is only renewable through my company or didn't your placement office point that out?

Fiona's face blanked in concentration, trying to remember what had been said in the Auckland School office the month before her trip to Mars. It seemed that for the moment, Mr. Rockman held the upper hand.

He stopped abruptly, and Fiona dazedly walked into the back of him. He turned and looked at her with a confused frown. Miss McIntire, have you met anyone who has transferred?

I don't understand the frame of reference Mr. Rockman. How do you mean transferred? Money, jobs, moved residence...

Transferred from their body into an avatar.

I believe that my Uncle did when the word went around that he had been killed on the Planet of Man, and my father supposedly has; but I've not seen him in four years, so I couldn't say. Is that going to be important for the job?

Mr. Rockman had a smile that was a little lopsided, like he was enjoying playing a joke. Miss McIntire, I am Ronald Rockman and I am one hundred and fourteen years old. Though I have transferred into an avatar that gives me the body of a twenty year old human male, I would still deeply appreciate it if you could abstain from walking into the back of me.

Yes Mr. Rockman, I'm deeply sorry and it won't happen again.

I'm certain of it. Now please take a seat in front of the desk and we'll get on with the job details.

I'm sure I can do it sir, I won't let you down. Fiona was now falling all over herself trying to hang onto the opportunity to work with the legendary Mr. Rockman.

First, you were hired when you signed the employment application at your school. I don't pay for people to come to Mars for job interviews, so stop with the groveling. Second, I'm young again, so I am to be called Ronnie or Ron. Got it?

Fiona's head had turned into a bobble doll, even though Ronnie had not raised his voice above conversation level.

Third, we build residences here. As soon as a residence is permitted habitable, it must have an occupant owner or mortgage holder, or the space reverts to Mars government ownership and the developer loses all of their investment. Part of your employment requires you to hold a mortgage on one or more of our residences.

Really? You haven't even told me what you will be paying me. How do I know I can afford a mortgage?

Ronnie smiled Ah, not getting that past you am I? Okay, we brought you on at 150,000 Cuatos per month. The mortgage of one residence will leave you with 100,000 Cuatos to live on per month...Miss McIntire, hello.

Fiona regained track of her circumstances and closed her mouth. I thought all jobs these days paid in IA credits. I have no idea what a Cuato is nor how far it will go in the local economy, sir err,...Ron.

It was obvious that Ronnie was enjoying this exchange. Sir Ron? No, just Ron will do. The average wage on Mars is 300,000 Cuatos per year. That exchanges to 100,000 IA credits, depending on the annual exchange rate. You do know that you landed on Mars, correct? Mars has not signed with the IA officially, so we still have separate currency. I looked it up once, and the name Cuato came from some obscure twentieth century science fiction movie that had Mars in it. So the Martian Tourist bureau thought it would help the economy. Want to find out what you'll be doing?

Fiona was lagging a little bit on processing the information, but she replied Yes Ronnie.

You graduated with a concentration in corporate diversified financial architecture and infrastructure right?

Yes Ronnie.

So does that mean that you will be competent with money and stabilizing a company's financial base.

It means that I've been taught how people in a business school on earth who have not been practicing the skills would go about it sir.

Now that is awesome. How did your attitude allow you to get passing grades, let alone top marks?

This finally got Fiona to loosen up, as she laughed a little. I don't think they knew what else to do with me.

Tomorrow you start to learn how the business world really works, and I will be your teacher. The rest of that can wait until the morning. Other position responsibilities include as follows: you will live in and keep up a residence, changeable every month as I can get buyers. You will of course work a standard Martian work week, with evenings and weekends off when the needs of the company permit, and you will accompany me as my escort to all official gatherings.

This term brought Fiona up short. Sir or Ronnie, I'm not here to be your mistress or sex slave. I think you may have hired the wrong person.

Ronnie's demeanor changed to one of more seriousness Miss McIntire, employees beginning with my company are required to have a physical and be tested for drug usage. If you continue to misinterpret things, I will be forced to amend that policy to include a mental exam. At no time did I mention anything beyond escorting me to official functions. Is that understood?

Fiona was sure she had just released urine and that her underwear now needed changing. I again apologize...Ronnie. I don't know why I just behaved like that.

You know, you have had kind of a rough first day. How about we call it, and show you your new house for this month? Your belongings have been moved there by the Hyatt.

Fiona just then realized that she was going to have to share transport with Ronnie, as he made his way around the desk to accompany her. Ronnie, if I could just have a moment to freshen up in the restroom, I will be ready to accompany you.

Ronnie smiled Yes, of course. There is one two doors down the hall.

Fiona smiled and rose up, walking backwards to the office door. I'll just be second. She turned and trotted to the restroom, accidentally closing the door harder than she intended, and collapsing on the floor in a heap of embarrassment. She reached up her mid-length business skirt and scooted her wet panties down her legs, drying off her legs using the detachable hot air gun over the sink. She was looking around for something to do with the soiled garment when she spotted the recycler in the wall labeled Sanitary Product Collector. She tossed her panties in, and a red light above the door came on with an obnoxious buzzer that she was sure could be heard on Phobos. After a minute the light went off and the buzzer silenced. Washing her hands and hitting the toilet cycle button for no reason but to cover, she exited the restroom. Walking past Ronnie's office to meet him in the lobby, she noticed that the chair she had occupied was gone, and she felt the blood rushing to her cheeks.

Ronnie greeted her in the lobby with a warm smile on his face I'm going to have Belinda here take you to your home and get you settled in Fiona. I'll see you at 0800 in my office, understood?

Yes Ronnie.

Belinda, the red headed receptionist, and Fiona had not spoken since being reintroduced at the office before boarding the two person rover tram for the three kilometer commute to Fiona's new house. Belinda, how does this mortgage deal work if I'm switching residences every month? Won't I have to reapply for each new place?

No. Mars law has flat lined housing prices, so they all cost the same and mortgages are transferable from residence to residence. In thirty years you could have a brand new house paid off. That's the vision anyway.

Do you have one of these houses?

Yes, but I'm married and have a child, so I only get to trade up every two years. Mars law again. Are you excited to be working with Mr. Rockman?

Aren't we supposed to call him Ron or Ronnie now that he is...young again?

Yeah, he did say that, but I've worked for him for twenty years and I knew him when he was old and decrepit. It's difficult to adjust to the new him. I will say that I have never been intimidated by him enough to pee my pants. Are you going to be all right?

Fiona's cheeks were now a firm approximation of the palette of the Martian soil. How the hell was she supposed to do any work for this company now that she was so humiliated?

Belinda looked at her and chuckled. Don't worry so much dear, I'm the only one that knows for sure. I noticed the chair when I brought Mr. Rockman the habitat permit for your home, so as far as I know he hadn't noticed.

Why the sudden change of you taking me rather than him?

I explained that I would be better suited to helping you get settled in, seeing as you are female and he is not. It is surprising how often I can use that argument. I should be running the company by now.

Aren't you?

This got both of them chuckling as the commuter cart pulled up in front of an asteroid steel sliding door. All residences have to have sealable airlocks adjoining the commuter cart way in the event of a breach. It's new code and you can't decorate the door except with the cart way address number.

Fiona looked at the door and saw 'R4134'. What is my address in case of the unlikely event of someone wanting to find me?

Belinda smiled and recited Zubrin's Way Right 4134. I'm Left 2730 by the way, in case of the unlikely event you might need something. Yes Fiona, I get sarcasm. Shall we explore?

Fiona and Belinda approached the door. The only feature seemed to be a pressure switch plate about a meter above the floor. I just press this and it opens. How does that keep anyone from just walking into my house?

Belinda had held back about two meters apparently finding passing traffic more interesting Just press it and let's go in, shall we?

Fiona pressed the plate and the plate she was standing on dropped five centimeters and deployed secure links around her ankles. A mechanical arm came out of the wall taking control of Fiona by the upper arm and flipped out a retina scanner, which produced a green light. The devices retracted and the door opened to a male voice saying 'Welcome to your home Fiona'.

Fiona spun on Belinda Why do I feel I'm the butt of a day full of pranks? Could you have warned me about that?

Belinda had her hand up to her mouth stifling a laugh I didn't know it was going to do that. I was feeling the need to pee, and I'm glad now that you went first or we both would have finished the day with wet knickers.

You've worked for him for twenty years and you didn't know about this? Fiona stated skeptically.

This is the newest model residence, and the security features are only a week old. My house has the security feature of a taser threatening to juice you up unless you give it the daily password or leave. This thing actually grabs a hold of you; I think I'll take a pass on the next upgrade.

They went inside and toured the four rooms, after noting that Fiona's things had been delivered. Belinda left, telling her that she would return to pick her up at 0700 so that she could be settled and ready for her day with Ronnie.

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Chapter 2: The first day of Work at a new Job.

Good morning Fiona. I hope you are ready for a busy day with a steep learning curve stated Ronnie as he entered the lobby at 0730 in the morning.

I am as ready as I think I can be at the moment...Ronnie. How shall we begin?

Well, I'm going to give you the overview of our immediate project, and then you will attend a couple of meetings with me to get today's work moving. How's that?

Very good. What is the project?

We are going to make a housing development with a community lake.

Fiona's face must have lost every bit of pigment as she processed this statement. Currently Mars colony had fourteen settlement-towns that were built into the Martian ground with few if any exposed buildings. All water resources had been scrounged from some polar water ice and a comet that had been captured two decades previously. Martians were now living on first generation recycled water.

Ronnie took in the sight of Fiona, and had a good belly laugh for a minute. You either are falling ill Fiona or you think me insane. I assure you that is the project in all seriousness, and we will be achieving it. I have secured a deed from the Martian government for a lava tube in the Argyre Planitia that will store enough captured water to equal two of North America's great lakes, with a shoreline that will surround the lake with waterfront housing serviced by a loop rail system.

"Ronnie, I know that I am new to Mars; and what you are proposing really appeals to me, being from New Zealand. Where are you going to