I TERRA BASE
"To MATTHEW BROOKS DODSON," the paper in his hand read, "greetings:
"Having successfully completed the field elimination tests for appointment to the position of cadet in the Interplanetary Patrol you are authorized to report to the Commandant, Terra Base, Santa Barbara Field, Colorado, North American Union, Terra, on or before One July 2075, for further examination.
"You are cautioned to remember that the majority of candidates taking these final tests usually fail and you should provide-"
Matt folded the paper and stuck it back in his belt pouch. He did not care to think about the chance of failure. The passenger across from him, a boy about his own age, caught his eye. "That paper looks familiar, you a candidate too?"
"That's right."
"Well, shake! M' name's Jarman-I'm from Texas."
"Glad to know you, Tex. I'm Matt Dodson, from Des Moines."
"Howdy, Matt. We ought to be about there-" The car sighed softly and slowed; their chairs rocked to meet the rapid deceleration. The car stopped and their chairs swung back to normal position. "We are there," Jarman finished.
The telescreen at the end of the car, busy a moment before with a blonde beauty demonstrating Sorkin's Super-Stellar Soap, now read: TERRA BASE STATION. The two boys grabbed their bags, and hurried out. A moment later, they were on the escalator, mounting to the surface.