Fiction First

76 and Rising

‘Cocoalite is like air, like oxygen, like money – the currency that powers everything.’

Garroway stepped down from the podium and left the auditorium. It was a dangerous life these days. Cocoalite was the subject of so much controversy. He was always on his guard trying not to say the wrong thing.

***

‘What’s the current price of cocoalite?’

A hush fell, then a shrill voice piped up, ‘76 and rising!’

‘76 and rising’, went down the line. Eyes looked at screens, screens flickered, transactions tumbled over each other and money was made and lost.

Finally, business was over and they all packed up to go home.

‘Night then’, said Halcyone.

Garroway couldn’t take his eyes off her as she left the room.

He said goodnight to his computer and stood up. Seconds later he was home. Floating in his armchair he flicked his home screen into life to catch the news.

‘The scarcity of cocoalite has reached alarming proportions. Ǘbergovernment is concerned that society will be unable to function unless supplies are restored’, the news interpreter said.

Garroway quelled the screen with a look, kicked off his shoes and poured a drink. He savoured the sweet bitterness as it trickled down his throat.

He decided to call Valarian.