Page 27 of Between Earth and Eternity
“As passengers on Zenith and lucky Lottery winners, you will have access to all the amenities the ship has to offer. Your meals will be covered with a basic plan, and you will each receive a spending credit of a thousand dollars per month to use as you desire.” A few people gasp excitedly, including Ori. “As winners, you will be presented at a handful of gatherings that you each are required to attend, but the most prestigious and honorable will be the gala to mark the halfway point to Eden, which the Mannox family and ship officers will also attend.”
A lump forms in my throat. No one said we would be made into a public spectacle. I knew deep down that obtaining passage would come with some fine print, like most things that come from Mannox Industries, and I don’t think this is the last of it. We haven’t even left the surface of Earth, and maybe it’s because the letter has me second-guessing everything or because launch day is so near, but something feels off. I fear there is an underlying motive to all this.
Zara rolls on about the details of the launch, which I try to tune out, as if ignoring it will make it easier to cope with. Ignoranceisbliss if you are trying to avoid your worst nightmare. From what I catch briefly, Zenith is already in orbit, and passengers will be shuttled to the ship and board from there.
“Last but certainly not least, you are expected to be respectful of your fellow passengers and follow any instructions given by crew members atalltimes.”
In other words, be grateful you are here because of the generosity of Mannox, and don’t do anything stupid that would upset the upper class passengers. Got it.
“Steward Runa will oversee your living quarters for the duration of the trip. Please inform her of any needs or questions you may have once we are underway to Eden.”
Even if I know little to nothing about Runa, I’m pleased that she’ll be the steward in charge of us for the rest of the trip and not someone like Osman. I haven’t seen a single other steward offer a smile or any ounce of warmth like Runa did.
“Lastly, you will each receive a new device called a StarComm that will serve as your phone. Since you will now be living intergalactically, your Earth phones will have no use, and these models are only compatible with other StarComm devices. As you exit the auditorium, please hand in any personal devices to receive your new model.”
Shit. Shit. Shit.
No way am I handing over my phone containing all my carefully curated playlists and the hours of recordings of my father’s lectures. There are countless songs and lyrics that have seen me through so much, and I am relying on them to be my crutch for the journey.
“Thank you for your attention.”
Zara’s figure dissolves, and Osman steps forward to take her place. “Everyone, please follow the stewards to collect your new StarComm device.”
I stand, but my legs are wobbly.
“Skyler, you okay? You look a little pale,” Ori says.
Payson places a gentle hand on my shoulder. “Yeah, you don’t look so good.”
Wonderful.
I shake my head. “I’m fine. Totally fine.”
Ori and Pace exchange a look, not completely convinced. We step into the back of the line, and I make sure I’m last, praying that it will give me enough time to decide how to talk my way out of this.
As the line moves forward, I watch carefully as each person scans their thumbprint on the datapad held by Osman while the other steward hands out the new device. Then another takes the old device and tosses it into a clear plastic bag. Inch by inch, I watch the exchanges over and over.
Then it’s Ori’s turn. She scans her thumbprint, and the steward hands her the sleek new device. The other steward holds out the bag.
“I don’t have one, actually,” Ori says shyly. The steward turns to Osman, unsure what to do.
He nods. “Very well, next please.”
They allow Ori to move on without question or concern.
Maybe I can fake this after all. I glide forward and casually place my thumb on the reader, then hold my hand out for the new device. The steward extends the bag once more.
“Oh. Same as her.” I nod to Ori, who waits for me a few feet away.
She arches and eyebrows at me, confused.
Mr. Hall searches my face for several seconds, and I remain impassive. “Fine. Move along.”
I want to laugh in relief, speed walking to Ori and then out the door.
“What was that all about? I thought you had a—” she starts.
“I’ll explain later,” I say before she can continue.
