Prologue
The receptionist sat at the front desk absorbed with something on her phone and chewing gum loudly as Dr Hans Gorman eyed her impatiently from across the otherwise silent waiting room. Suddenly the ringing of the landline in front of the receptionist broke the silence causing the short mousy woman to jump in her seat before quickly answering the phone.
After a few moments of quiet conversation, the woman looked up at Dr. Gorman and motioned for him to approach the desk. Adjusting his tie as he stood up, Dr. Gorman made his way to the desk with an air of confidence. “You’re Doctor Gorman correct?” The woman asked, still chewing her gum obnoxiously as she spoke, Hans nodded as the receptionist hung up the phone and looked back up at Hans, “Mr. Shepherd will see you now, down the hall and it will be the last door on your left” the woman said before immediately returning her gaze to her phone screen.
Hans scoffed quietly as he turned to make his way down the clinically white hallway, his Oxford shoes echoing on the hardwood floors as he went. The slightly disgruntled doctor walked for what felt like an eternity before finally reaching the door the receptionist had told him to go to. Hans noted the large metal plaque that adorned the door that told anyone who had come this far, that this was indeed Mr.Shepherd’s office. Once again straightening his tie it took a moment before the doctor found the nerve to knock.
Footsteps could be heard just beyond the door as Dr. Gorman noticed his hands begin to sweat, but before he had a moment to rethink his plan, the door to Mr. Shepherd’s swung open with a jolt. Standing in the now open doorway was a tall and slender man who couldn’t be older than thirty, “Doctor Hans Gorman as I live and breath, please come in, make yourself at home.” The man said extending his hand to offer the befuddled doctor a handshake
Dr. Gorman hesitated for a moment, surprised by Mr. Shepherd's youthful appearance and his warm, welcoming demeanour. Nevertheless, he composed himself and shook Mr. Shepherd's hand firmly. "Thank you, Mr. Shepherd," he replied, stepping into the office that exuded an air of authority and innovation.
The room was tastefully adorned with eclectic artwork, and a large window offering a breathtaking view of the city skyline. Hans couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and curiosity. As he settled into a comfortable chair, Mr. Shepherd took a seat behind his sleek desk, his piercing blue eyes fixed on the doctor.
"I've heard remarkable things about you, Dr. Gorman," Mr. Shepherd began, leaning forward with genuine interest. "Your work in the field of sustainable habitats and advanced technologies has caught my attention. That's precisely why I reached out to you."
Curiosity piqued, Dr. Gorman leaned in, eager to hear more. "And what is it that you need mine expertise for?" he inquired, his professional curiosity mingling with a hint of skepticism.
Mr. Shepherd smiled knowingly before he answered. "Dr. Gorman, I am the CEO of a groundbreaking venture aptly named ‘Virtue’. Our vision is to build a completely self-sustaining space station colony, a place where humanity can thrive and make a fresh start. We aim to create a haven for scientific advancements, exploration, and a harmonious community. No religion, no politics and none of that mind-numbing social media, just humans allowed to reach their full potential. Alas, to achieve this vision, we are in dire need of specialists such as yourself."
The doctor's skepticism wavered, replaced by a glimmer of excitement. The idea of designing a space station fit for long-term habitation aligned perfectly with his passion for pushing the boundaries of what was considered possible. He had dedicated his career to finding solutions to Earth's environmental challenges, and this opportunity seemed like a natural progression.
"I must admit, Mr. Shepherd, your proposal sounds ambitious and intriguing," Dr. Gorman admitted, his eyes gleaming with newfound enthusiasm. "But building a sustainable space colony is an enormous undertaking. It will require cutting-edge technology, extensive planning, and a team of brilliant minds. How do you plan to tackle these challenges?"
Mr. Shepherd leaned back in his chair, his gaze fixed on the doctor, radiating confidence and determination. "Dr. Gorman, Virtue is not just a dream. We have already taken the liberty of assembling a team of top scientists, engineers, and visionaries who share a common purpose. We are at the forefront of technological advancements, and we have secured substantial funding to support our mission from a handful of benefactors. That's why I wanted to speak with you, Doctor. I need your expertise to ensure the sustainability and well-being of our future inhabitants."
Dr. Gorman pondered Mr. Shepherd's words, his mind racing with the possibilities. The chance to contribute to a groundbreaking project of this magnitude was both exhilarating and daunting. He knew that accepting this offer would mean leaving behind his current life, his research, and everything familiar. But the opportunity to shape humanity's future among the stars was undeniably enticing.
After a moment of contemplation, Dr. Gorman looked Mr. Shepherd in the eye and spoke with a newfound conviction. "Mr. Shepherd, I'm honoured to be considered for this extraordinary endeavour. Count me in. Together, we will build a space station colony that will redefine what it means to be human." Mr. Shepherd smiled at the acceptance of his proposal before standing and once again offering his hand to the doctor, “Wonderful Hans, I will have a limo pick you up from your hotel tomorrow morning as well as have my receptionist forward you a copy of the documents and your contract tonight.” Mr. Shepherd paused for a moment to take a sip from the glass on his desk before continuing, “Our goal is to have Virtue up and running by 2035, so we should get to work immediately. Please, Doctor Gorman, rest up tonight and we will begin promptly first thing tomorrow morning.”
As the two men’s eyes met, a shared sense of purpose and determination filled the room, setting the stage for a collaboration that would change the course of history. The journey to create Virtue had begun, and Dr. Gorman was ready to embark on this extraordinary adventure.
