bEarthday

Imogen glanced her at watch for the hundredth time. She was pacing her apartment, why did it feel like time slowed down more then normal when she was waiting. Looking at it once more she swore softly to herself. All most six hours to go. She couldn’t get ready yet. Nor cook the food. Looking at her apartments main window, with its shutter tightly closed she could not help but start to feel a little nervous.

Everyone on the ship remembered there first time they saw a planet. The only thing in endless star fields that had any kind of colour in it. Some said which world you first saw had an impact on the kind of life you lead. If you saw Saturn, then you would be hard working and pragmatic. Mars, passionate and quick to fight for those you loved. But for Imogen, hers would be Earth. The cradle of humanity.

The last time the Exodus had passed was thirty seven years ago. But for Imogen it was even more special. Today was her twenty first birthday. Or her bEarthday as she liked to say. That would make her special. People that saw Earth as their first planet had amazingly good omens. Smiling as she though of Charley. Yes today she was going to get him to notice her. Walking across to her wardrobe she tapped the door and it slowly swung open. Reaching in she took out her new dress. Sparkling in the light it shimmed. If he ignored her in this, then he was most likely gay.


“Imogen.” the soft voice of the her apartments central computer said. “My sensors are telling me that you are with in one minute of having the caramel flats burn. Would you like to know more about baking?”

“No thanks Holli.” Imogen said as she checked her watch. Four hours forty six minuets go to.

Slipping her hand into an oven mitt Imogen counted slowly to twelve. If you caught them just right. Quickly opening the oven door she took out the tray with the caramel flats on it. Yes, perfection. “OK Holli, reduce oven temperature to one twelve.” A soft bleep told her that her command was understood. Knowing it would take a minuet or two for the correct temperature to be reached she slid into her bathroom and peeked under the cap she had on.

“Imogen, would you like to know more about the latest hair styles?” chirped up Holli.

“No thank you Holli.. Can we keep hints to culinary and décor please?” Once again Holli bleeped in confirmation.

Two hours to go. Imogen checked the food she’d set out. “Holli, can we have a thermal scan on the ice cream please? “

“All items are at minus three Imogen. Do you wish me to keep scanning and adjusting thermal setting’s on the server to attain optimum taste?”

“Please Holli. Oh and can you pull up all my play lists. I think we need something romantic tonight.”

First guest arriving any second. “Holli, I need you to keep me as priority light point. I need this dress to amaze.” Checking herself in the mirror Imogen could see the apartments lighting move ever so slightly. As it did she could see her dress light up like the stars. Taking a step each way she could see the lights adjust a tiny amount so that her dress would always sparkle.

“Charley Khol, tonight your ass is mine.”

Five minutes past nine. All Imogen’s guests had finally arrived. The Hicks twins were busy trying to chat up anything in trousers. Rumour had it that they had paid out for genetic enhancements to their 'assets'. That kind of thing was ok if you wanted to look like some kind of slut. But Imogen knew that her looks were all down to original makers spec.

Maxine made her way over to Imogen with two tall glasses with a pink liquid in them “Come on. T minus six minutes girl. Get this drink in your hand.” She said as she gave one to Imogen. Looking over she could see the main shutter start to slowly rise. People clapped and whistled. As it did it ravelled the beauty of open space. Stars twinkled silently, as they had done for countless ages. Each of them stood for a while and looked out. Waiting for the final guest to show its face,.

“Its now twenty one minutes past twenty one hundred hours. On today Miss Imogen Clarks twenty first birthday.” Chirped Holli.

Just then it started to slide into view. First all they could se was the glow of the atmosphere. Then it started to slowly fill the window. A beautiful gem hanging in space. The birth place of mankind. Home. Clouds formed all kinds of images as the Earth slowly moved across. They could see the shapes of the land masses. Places that Imogen and her friends could only dream about visiting. As she looked out she suddenly felt a hand gently lay on her shoulder. Turning she smiled into Charley’s face. His soft eyes smiling back at her.

“Happy Earth day birthday Imogen.” he said quietly as he lent in.

Smiling Imogen quietly thanked the planet as it slowly drifted across the window. Yes, seeing the Earth for the first time was pretty good..