Lies and Liars (Part 1)

Everyone gets a book filled with the lies people have been told on their 18th birthday. But someone must track the lies. Meet Samuel, or as the LCHX calls him, Sammy. He is responsible for making sure the lie collector machines run smoothly and that every person in his district gets their book on time.

Waist deep in a lie vat, I hear a familiar concerned whirring behind me. "Ole Bertha has broken down again, hasn't she? LCHX? " I call to the robot hovering. 

"I'm afraid so, Sammy. It appears that the inscriber has broken and impaled the lie paper. Again." LCHX moves to perch on a table, swinging its leg. 

I twist and wiggle my way out of the vat. "Really? That's the ninth time this month." My face and arms are covered in both machine and lie grease. "I give up! Can you send a request to the Elders to see if we can get another lie center to help?"

LCHX's gears twist and turn as the message is sent out. An automated response appears on its chest a moment later. 

The Elders have received your request. Please expect a response in 7-9 Etia rotations. 

"Thanks, LCHX." I glanced at the clock. It was nearly 5 o'clock Etia time. "LCHX, isn't it time for you to get to the dock so you can make it to your next lie center?" I turned to address the friendly robot, but it has already left. 

I sigh and start to clean my work station. As I do, I come across the schedule for all the lie books I need to deliver in the Shiel quarter. Most of them have been delivered, but the last one on the page hadn't been marked off. I frantically scan the page, hoping against hope I'm wrong. But to no avail.

Alaska Hess. 718 Trovel Street, Abry District, Etia.

I've forgotten one in my daily haste.

I yell and curse to no one.  I check the time again. 5:02. Too late.