12:00pm GMT Friday 10 January 2085
The whole Carter family gathered inside the garage, where Dad was trying to squeeze Rover’s carry-cage into the boot. When he was satisfied with its position, he picked up Rover, shoved him in and closed the cage door.
‘Sorry about this Rover,’ said Dad, ‘it’s going to be an uncomfortable week. But you’ll have more room onboard the ship.’
‘Are we finished then?’ asked Zak.
‘One last thing,’ said Dad. ‘I have to turn off the house computer. Do you want to see.’
They all marched back into the lounge. It still seemed homely enough – the dark blue carpet and ceiling; the orange and white animated pattern on the wall; the turquoise and green sofa covers. The only evidence to suggest they were moving out was the lack of solid ornaments.
A control panel appeared in the centre of the wall. Dad cast his eyes on the panel and worked his way through the menus. Suddenly, the whole room transformed. The strong colours and patterns swiftly faded, to be replaced throughout by a uniform grey.
Zak had experienced this in his own room when punished, but he’d never seen the effect on the rest of the house. He took a quick peek in the hallway and kitchen. Beforehand, every drop of colour had been dynamically displayed via the house computer. Now, carpets, stairs, worktops and all other surfaces were blank.
‘I hardly recognise it as our house,’ said Zak.
‘I’m glad to see the back of that wallpaper pattern,’ said Skye, ‘it was vile.’
‘But it’s all on computer,’ said Mum, taking offence. ‘I was going to reuse it in our new home.’
Skye shuddered, and whispered to Zak.
‘See if you can delete it before we get there.’
Zak nodded.
‘Oh, there’s one last thing,’ he said.
