Text 2 When Technology Fails

TEXT 2 WHEN TECHNOLOGY FAILS

Hawaii, 2014

The television set flashes to a close-up of the president. Dad and I gasp. The president looks haggard and uneasy. Behind him is a plain blue drape. Not even an American flag. I’ve never seen him so... I don’t even know what the word is. (...)

The president’s voice is strong. “My fellow Americans, and my fellow citizens around the globe: I apologize for the deception of the past twenty-four hours. Well-intentioned advisors have counseled me to keep secret what we’ve recently learned. My conscience and my heart will no longer allow that. I have made the determination that you have the right to know about the extraordinary....”

The flatscreen tuns blue. A small text box bounces about the monitor: WEAK OR NO SIGNAL.

“What!” Dad shouts, leaping to his feet.

I stare wide-eyed at the television.

“I can’t believe this!” Dad pounds the remote keys. Nothing. The broadcast returns. (...) The president is still talking in front of that blue curtain.

“..... uncertain of the exact effects. But we do know there’s no reason to be alarmed. We all have a responsibility to each other to remain calm, and to continue to go about our lives in an orderly fashion. (...) I understand we’re already experienceing some glitches. Some satellites are cutting in and out. So, let me repeat, it’s important that you...”

The image goes blank again.

(The next morning) Dad snatches up a Honolulu Star Advertiser lying at the door. (...) There’s a close up screen capture of a grave-looking president with the headline: DISCONNECTED SATELLITE NETWORKS AND ELECTROICS DOWN(...)

I’m able to read the front page over Dad’s shoulder (...):

HONOLULU SATELLITE SiGNAL LOSSES AND ELECTRONIC FAILURES WERE REPORTED THROUGHOUT O’AHU LAST NIGHT DURING A 10 P.M. LOCAL TIME ADDRESS BY THE PRESIDENT (...) THE CAUSE WAS UNKNOWN . (...)

Without GPS signals, all flights out O’ahu airport were cancelled (....) Officials have not been able to make contact with the mainland. (...)

“Dad. I’m worried.”

Austin Aslan, The Islands at the End of the World, Wendy Lamb Books, 2014