Issue 02-18 Episode 17

Morky, still in 2044, finds a seedy motel in the downtown core. He walks in the front office and nobody is there, there’s a sign that says, “ring bell 4 service,” so he taps on the bell furiously until the Matron of the hotel wobbles on in. Before she gets to the desk she stops at a mirror to compose herself, takes a deep breath in and then proudly announces herself as Carny Mellons, proprietor of the Majestic Mell-Inn. “How can I help you? Are you interested in a room with a view or a view with a zoom? Morky answers, “I, ah, just want a room. I’m afraid to ask you, what is a view with a zoom? “Ms. Mellons answers him, “Where have you been for the last few years? Ever since those pods came out, the world’s most ancient profession for women is almost obsolete. I got a brand new model that hasn’t been touched yet, and if you suck in your gut, you might fit into it.”
“Uh, no thanks, just the room please, I can’t waste my time with temptation, I’m on a mission!”
She says softly to him, “A missionary man eh? Well… You don’t know what your ‘mission’ then, sweetums” and then hands him the pass fob to his room. “Room 213, it’s up the stairs and on the right side, catch ya later!” Morky turns back around and with some fumbling words says, “Thanks a melo…. I mean million.”
Morky, slightly embarrassed, procedes with his dogs and walks up to the room. He hears noisy pods being used in some of the rooms as he walks by them. He shakes his head and also catches a heavy wiff of pipe tobacco and herbs lingering in the air. “Why did I choose this place?” Then he remembers “Oh ya …. because the sign said pets welcome.”                                                                                                                                                                                          As Morky, accompanied by his canine companions Spriket and Kriket, make their way down the corridor towards his room, he’s enveloped by a cacophony of noises and scents. Hastily scanning each door for his room number, he notices something peculiar as they approach room 216. Unlike the others, it emits a different, more subdued ambiance, with the scents gradually fading. Only a faint hum of hi-tech machinery emanated from within. Perplexed, Morky and his companions pause, sensing an eerie shift. Intrigued, Morky and his companions exchanged glances. This peculiar room, he sensed, demanded a vigilant watch and possibly further investigation.