Solar Streak A.O.K. (short story)

Solar Streak A.O.K. was a Dateline 2066 short story printed in TV Century 21 that contained elements from the Doctor Who universe.

Summary
Sixty years ago, the Jupitans begin to plan a rocket project which will take their civilisation from a state comparable to Earth's Stone Age to the space-faring age of the 21st century. The World Space Patrol offer their assistance, presenting men and equipment, but the Jupitans refuse, determined to accomplish the feat by themselves. In 2066, Jupiter's first rocket, the Solar Streak, blasts off from its launch pad at 07.12am, with over five million tourists from across the Solar System watching. Its payload, a four ton research satellite successfully reaches its planned orbit around the planet, heralding a new era for its peoples. The universe is captivated as it waits for an astronaut to be put on Neptune, Jupiter's next step in its journey.

Meanwhile, the Undersea Farm in Bermuda is proclaimed a success after two years of production. With the undersea wheat harvest at ten thousand bushels per year, the money spent on the farm is determined to be "more than justfied" by TV 21. The report admits some difficulties with staff housing, however, noting that the seaweed crop outgrew its glass field and infested the surrounding living quarters which forced the men manning the farm to move out. Additionally, it states the fish multiplied to such an extent that some were also kept in staff's quarters in lieu of their designated compounds. In light of these issues, Sea Farmers Ltd report their plan to start experimenting with remote controlled robot workers.

As the November elections of the World Government approach, rumours circulate once again in Unity City that World President Nikita Bandranaik will not seek re-election. The President's recent ill health and increased pressure from governing Earth makes this possibility more probable than ever before, though these same rumours persisted during previous elections and were proved to be wrong then. At a press conference, Bandranaik refuses to comment on the matter. During a separate event, the World Government announce that they will co-operate will all others in the space-lift of water to the drought-stricken planet of Zoray by loaning six tanker ships for the operation.

Also on Earth, more than two hundred vintage spaceships set off for the annual rally to Venus. A 2006 liquid fuel ship owned and piloted by Zor Cosmos is the first to arrive. He is later followed by a single seater rocket ship built in 1987 and operated by Liam O'Blarney, who secures the record for being the oldest pilot in the rally and having the oldest ship in the process. Only 161 more ships cross the line with the rest, having broken down on the route, being picked up by breakdown ships and returned to Earth.

On Mars, circus engineer Professor Milton puts on a demonstration at Kahra State Circus, intending to showcase a thirty-foot cannon able to fire a human into orbit. As reporters from every major newspaper watch on eagerly, Milton loads the cannon and presses the firing switch. A deep rumble quickly emanates from the cannon and the test robot is sent flying out, on fire, into the big top. After authorities bring the blaze under control, the journalists on the scene learn the misfire resulted in an accidental success, with Milton himself sent into space orbit by the force of the blast.

Elsewhere, Herbert Bittle retires from being a postman. Free from the woes of his former profession, the first thing he does is bite a dog in revenge for the years of torment he endured while delivering mail. Bittle is soon detained and charged with cruelty to animals, with a court date scheduled for the following week. Unrelatedly, a lunar geographical team find the remains of one of the earliest rockets sent to the Moon from Earth by dating the wreckage to 1963.

Characters

 * Nikita Bandranaik
 * Zor Cosmos
 * Liam O'Blarney
 * Professor Milton
 * Herbert Bittle

Worldbuilding

 * Nikita Bandranaik proved similar rumours wrong in both 2052 and 2059 when he was returned to office with overwhelming majorities.
 * The Unity City News Agency is covering the rumours concerning Bandranaik.
 * Zor Cosmos rescued his craft from a breaker's yard on Mars.
 * Liam O'Blanery also piloted his ship on its maiden flight in 1987.
 * No rain has fallen on Zoray for almost two years.
 * The Weather Control Centre state that "force nine" gales will move from Thames to Humber in the evening and advise ships to remain clear of the area.

Story notes

 * This is the first Dateline 2066 story to contain elements from the Doctor Who universe.

Continuity

 * Nikita Bandranaik has been World President for three terms of seven years each, starting in 2045. (PROSE: This is 2065)