Astro Nerds Astronomy Magazine (June 2014) Issue 1 | Page 40

40 S ID K ER N OR C 41 FUZZBALLS & THE SQUEAKY SQUIRT by J L Kennedy “No thanks… I’m not hungry –“ “You’re always hungry, Twinkle! You haven’t caught Fuzzball Flu, have you?” Twinkle, the youngest Fuzzball in the Space Base, was reading an email in the Control Room. “I’m OK but Squeak has a problem,” replied Twinkle. His mother, Priscilla, came in carrying a plate of his favourite cupcakes. Squeak was the smallest robot on planet, Quadro. “I’ve just made these, Twinkle. Would you like one?” “Poor Squeak, what’s wrong?” asked Priscilla. “He’s lost his voice – that’s why we have to email each other. It’s Squeak’s birthday next week – he just wants his voice back – no other presents.” “I’m sure he’ll be fine by then –“ “Don’t think so, Mum. Squeak hasn’t managed even a small squeak for more than two weeks. Yesterday he was reprogrammed and rewired but that failed.” “Speak to Drew - he’s the best space engineer - he might be able to help. I think Drew’s having a shower though now – he’s just finished work on my Comet Rocket.” Twinkle fled down the Fuzz Flume and found Drew in the Star Spa. “Drew!” squealed Twinkle. “Can you make a robot talk? Squeak’s lost his voice –“ Astro Nerds June 2014 Astro Nerds June 2014