The Water Wheel (formerly Arkadia)
an excerpt

Siobhan Patel leaned back in her chair, watching the game. A smile tugged at the corners or her mouth. She watched the ball pass back and forth between the players, closed her eyes and listened to the announcer.

“… and that’s unlucky for the defence as Rhys-Jones puts it out of touch. This gives United a golden opportunity, though, with a corner. And it’s Gravsten with the kick… and it’s in! A flaming header from Patel! The defender steps up and just thumps one into the back of the net; the keeper had no hope of saving that! And surely now, United are through to the tournament…”

Siobhan opened her eyes, and saw herself run around the field on the viewer screen. She remembered the feeling of absolute joy that reminded her most of weightlessness. They had won the game 3-1, hers being the final goal of the night. She wasn’t the hometown hero, but for a player who rarely scored, it felt like a career highlight.

Siobhan caught herself using words like “career,” even if it was only in her mind. She chuckled, and switched the viewer back to her work screen, showing the list of active files and, she realized now, the flashing light of an incoming call.

“Dammit,” she said aloud, although there was no one else in the station. She fingered the button on the console in front of her to answer the call and said, “Groves Constabulary, this is Siobhan Patel, how can I help you?”