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    The Dream Machine. A collection of science fiction short stories
    The Dream Machine. A collection of science fiction short stories
    The Dream Machine. A collection of science fiction short stories
    Ebook114 pages1 hour

    The Dream Machine. A collection of science fiction short stories

    By Lee Bradbury

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    About this ebook

    We all dream about what the future may hold for us, both on a personal level and to the human race and world in general. But in which ways will the future change from the present? We are interested in how the environment, institutions and technology will impact on people’s lives in the future.
    This collection of short stories examines different aspects of possible future worlds.
    The Dream Machine – When a machine is developed that allows users to receive the benefits of a full night’s sleep in two hours, will the technology be embraced or feared? The benefits of the machine are clear, allowing greater productivity and fitting more into a day but some worry about what is really happening to those who use the machine.
    Flying in the Abyss – The War on Terror has been ongoing for decades. Those fighting the war barely remember September 11 and technology has made killing depersonalized in an asymmetric battleground. But what happens when participants cannot distinguish between computer simulations and the theatre of war.
    Winning the Lottery – Set in a place where receiving permission to have a second child is more precious than any monetary prize. What happens to a couple when they feel they have won the lottery to have another child. Others are suspicious that the winning couple manipulated the odds of winning to their advantage.
    The Heart Attack – One day you may be feeling perfectly fit and healthy and the next you experience chest pains. You think you are about to have a heart attack but your doctor examines you and tells you, you are perfectly healthy. When faced with this situation, do you believe your body or your doctor?
    Strawberries in Space – After a terrifying battle in deep space a crippled vessel is forced to limp home. The captain is focused on returning the vessel and crew home safely while evading enemy ships and other hazards. To forget the horrors of war, the captain dreams of happier times when she was eating strawberries and cream.
    My Phone, My Best Friend – Phones have progressively become more powerful and are more of a social tool rather than merely a communications device. When social media, the power of the internet and organizational skills are combined in a phone, at what point does the phone take over your life?

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherLee Bradbury
    Release dateMar 1, 2013
    ISBN9781301493661
    The Dream Machine. A collection of science fiction short stories
    Author

    Lee Bradbury

    Lee Bradbury was born in New Zealand but has lived in the inner city of Sydney, Australia for twenty years and has qualifications in economics and management. Bradbury is employed as a Financial Analyst by the New South Wales Government and has been involved in the corporatisation and privatisation of a number of Government businesses. Bradbury’s work history has included both the private sector and public sector in fields of economics, finance and insurance. Bradbury has always been interested in science and science fiction and tries to keep up to date on scientific developments and advances, particularly in the areas of cosmology, particle physics and technology. Other interests include art, history, cooking, Chinese calligraphy, public policy and the military. Previously Bradbury has written papers on cost-benefit analysis and defence policy. Bradbury enjoys and has travelled extensively including some periods of work overseas. Travel destinations have mainly been around North Asia, South East Asia and to a lesser extent the Pacific and Europe.

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      Book preview

      The Dream Machine. A collection of science fiction short stories - Lee Bradbury

      The Dream Machine

      A Collection of science fiction short stories

      By Lee Bradbury

      ****

      Copyright © 2013 Lee Bradbury

      All rights reserved.

      Smashwords Edition

      ****

      DEDICATION

      To my friends – GeGe, Susan and Tats

      And all those who have ever inspired me to write.

      ****

      THE DREAM MACHINE

      Fiona woke up after a session inside the dream machine. She took the dark visor covering her face and looked around the pod she had been sleeping as the door opened. Set inside the black velvet cushioning was an electronic panel beside her, emitting flashes of light. She smelt a slight floral scent, which added to her relaxed feeling.

      Matthew came into view. She could see he was an android, but gave Fiona a caring smile. Then he asked, How do you feel?

      She stretched out her arms and replied, I feel great. I can’t believe that I have only been asleep for two hours. Usually I need eight hours sleep to feel this good.

      I am glad this has been a positive experience, said Matthew as he offered his hand to assist Fiona. She took his hand and stepped out of the pod and then walked towards the dressing room. As she began to walk off she heard, Let me know if you require additional assistance. As she walked away she glanced back and saw Matthew give her a bow. She thought, he must have Japanese software. Once inside the dressing room, she prepared herself for work. She put on a fresh outfit and then sat and looked at herself in the mirror. A facial machine almost silently slid over towards her.

      Now she gently placed her face into the facial machine and received a gentle massage. Then she felt the cool cleanser being applied which had a citrus scent. Then machine hands wiped off the cleanser in gentle circular movements. Next she felt the movement of sponges, brushes and pencils move across her face as make-up was applied. She heard the soft whirl of the motors as the machine retracted from her face. Now she looked at herself in the mirror and smiled. The make-up had been applied perfectly and she felt ready to go out and face the world. She thought, I could never apply make-up this perfectly. She was thankful how technology had made her life easier.

      She walked along the street with a spring in her step. She felt refreshed and relaxed and knew that she was looking her best. She looked briefly at those walking along the street and wondered if they had used the Dream Machine. She had always been an early adopter of technology and was quick to sign up to use the machine. When she arrived at work, she marched in confidently.

      Her friend Rebecca saw her, Hey girl, there is something different about you.

      I have just been in the dream machine and I feel great. It clears my mind of clutter so I can concentrate on the task at hand.

      That’s what it is. You really have a spring in your step and the confidence that is oozing off you. Keep that up and you will drive the boys wild, she said with a giggle.

      Hey, that is exactly my plan, said Fiona with a smile indicating that she wasn’t entirely serious.

      You will have to tell me more about the dream machine.

      Yes of course. See me later at lunch when we can talk. But now I have a mountain of tasks to complete. With that she walked to her desk and sat down. She barely noticed others working around her. She was focused on her work and nothing was going to distract her.

      The morning went by quickly. She was working so hard she had barely looked up from the computer as her work colleagues arrived or passed her desk. She wasn’t aware of the time until Rebecca came up to her desk. Rebecca asked, How are you going? Ready for lunch?

      She looked up in surprise, Is it that time already? I have been going like a rocket and hadn’t noticed the time. But now that I think about it, I am starving.

      Where do you want to go?

      Do you feel like Asian noodles?

      You want to go to the Cool Cat Café?

      She laughed, Yes that is exactly what I want. I just love those robot cat chefs that prepare the meals.

      OK that’s fine by me. I think the robot cats are pretty cool as well and at least we know the food has not been touched by human hands, she said with a mischievous smile. The friends then walked out together.

      The journey to the café was only a short walk along the street. Outside the air was warm but the sky looked overcast due to the massive sunshades high above the clouds. These shades had been in placed a number of years to reduce the level of solar radiation. Hydrogen electric cars zipped around the streets almost silently. As they walked along the street they failed to notice that they were being watched by security cameras. But then security cameras were everywhere, recording every movement by everybody and everything.

      At the café they are taken to a table by an android. They sit down and make their meal selection from an electronic touch screen that came down from the ceiling. I love the aromatic smells of soy, garlic and ginger being cooked. You know these descriptions of the food on the menu and the accompanying pictures are just adorable.

      Yes it is absolutely Asian. But best of all is the video link that shows your meal being prepared by the robot chefs so you don’t need to wonder how long the meal will take to arrive.

      Who thought about creating robot cats? It is just so quirky and fun.

      But Rebecca’s face now became serious. She looked into Fiona’s eyes and said, Tell me, how many times have you used the dream machine and what happens inside?

      Have you not tried it? I have used it twice and each time it was great. I was inside for two hours and come out refreshed and full of energy. Usually I need eight hours of sleep but after using the Dream Machine I can fit more into a day.

      Do you recall what happened inside? What dreams did you have?

      She looked back at Rebecca and noticed that she was deadly serious. She thought for a second and then said, You know I can’t remember the details of the dream. All I remember is that it was a very pleasant relaxing experience. All I know is whatever happened I felt really good afterwards. Why don’t you try it for yourself?

      Umm. That’s what I had heard. But I am now ready to try it out myself until I find out more about what is really going on.

      You make it sound like some sort of conspiracy.

      I don’t want to alarm you but I have heard something about the machine. I am told that it looks at your subconscious mind.

      What? Why would it do that? She was surprised but not dismissive of her friend’s concerns.

      I am only telling you what I have heard. I don’t have all the answers yet. They finished their lunch and walked back to their office. At her desk, she thought about what Rebecca had said. She didn’t know why Rebecca was worried about the dream machine, as far as she could determine there were only positive benefits and besides the government wouldn’t allow a dangerous machine to operate. But deep down she knew that Rebecca was concerned about her and she thought that was rather sweet.

      The next day Rebecca came over. Hi, are you free for lunch? I have someone I want you to meet?

      Intrigued Fiona asked, Are you setting me up on a blind date?

      Sounding defensive she replied, No, it is nothing like that. I think you should talk to my friend Geoff. He has some information about the Dream Machine and is keen to talk to you.

      OK, see you at lunchtime. She wondered what information Geoff had on the Dream Machine. But she quickly became engrossed with her work and didn’t think about Geoff again until her concentration was broken by the ‘beeb beeb beeb’ of her phone. She looked at her phone. It showed a message that it was time for lunch.

      She then walked over to Rebecca, Are you ready for lunch?

      Yes, I am starving. Let’s go.

      They then walked out together. Where are we meeting your friend?

      I hope you don’t mind sushi?

      That’s fine. Tell me more about Geoff?

      I have known him for a few years. He is very interesting.

      So you are keeping me in suspense?

      Rebecca laughed, "No it is not like that! It isn’t a date, it is just that Geoff is very intelligent but some people might think he is a bit cautious. He knows a lot and looks at

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