Page 19 of Between Earth and Eternity
He presses his lips together for a moment. “The work will be wrapping up before Zenith’s departure,” my father adds quietly, almost as if he doesn’t want Runa to hear.
“You mean . . .?” I ask, not realizing I’m squeezing El’s hand until he winces.
“The Earth Preservation Society will be coming to an end.”
It feels too finite, like the final tie will be cut.
“But there’s still more to be done. More to collect and salvage, right?” I hear the paranoia in my voice rise. Runa glances our way for a moment, but her eyes dart back to her datapad.
“I’m not sure, sweetheart, but it’s going to be okay,” Dad says. But I hardly hear the words.
If E.P.S. is no longer, then what will my father do? What will Elliot do? This will affect Rebecca’s work assignment as well. How will they afford food?
“San Fran, you gotta breathe.” Elliot isn’t the only one who sees me spiraling.
“Is everything okay over here?” Runa asks, now standing, her hands clasped behind her back.
“It’s an emotional day. That’s all,” my mother says.
Runa turns to her. “It is indeed.” Her voice is timid, almost as if she’s afraid to say anything at all, but she steps closer to my mom, placing a hand on her shoulder before she returns to her seat.
Not even a steward of Mannox Industries can offer comfort, it would seem, even though she appeared eager to try. Was she trained for this? To comfort families saying goodbye? I will probably never know because, just like in everything else, we do as Mannox Industries directs and do not question why.
As the shuttle travels farther from the mountains and deeper into the desert, the landscape is void of life until we approachour destination. Large structures come into view, and more shuttles zoom past as the ship drifts downward, landing on a large runway.
“This is Base X,” Runa states as we step off the shuttle. “This is where all passengers of Zenith will arrive to complete the quarantine period and where we will board the ship come launch day.”
More shuttles have already landed near us, and a few others glide down as Runa guides us to the large hangar bay that sits beyond the runway. The midday sun beats down on us, the heat radiating off the black tarmac unpleasant, but it’s not just the weather making me sweat.
“Those must be the other winners,” El says.
I peer over to find groups emerging from shuttles like ours, each following stewards dressed in the same uniform as Runa. Once our groups come together, I recognize some of the faces from the night of the Lottery, but their names don’t come to my memory.
I sneak a quick peek at everyone gathered. The little girl stands beside an elderly couple. Her grandparents most likely.
I hope she meets up with her parents soon, wherever they may be.
I’m surprised to find that more than half of the winners look to be around the 20-30 age range. The oldest of the group is a gentleman near my parents’ age, if I had to guess. With him is a woman and younger boy, who clings to his hand. His wife and son, no doubt. I gulp down the emotion building in my throat and quickly turn away.
“Welcome Lottery winners, family, and friends.” The boisterous voice causes me to jump as a man with a slightly darker uniform than the other stewards approaches the crowd. He has gray hair and neatly trimmed beard.
“My name is Osman Hall, and I am Head Steward of Zenith.” He carries an air of importance and authority. The other stewards line up beside him, as if they have practiced this a hundred times. “You may address me as Mr. Hall or Steward Hall, but certainly not Osman.”
I glance at El, who raises his eyebrows at me.This guy.I fight back a smile, amazed I have it in me to smile at all.
“It is my duty and the duty of all the stewards on Zenith to offer you assistance with whatever you may need during your time on Base X, as well as the duration of your time aboard Zenith. Today, as I am sure you all have reviewed in your information details, we will begin your five-day quarantine period and get you all checked in so you’ll be ready for departure.”
I wipe my sweaty palms against my pant leg, already dreading his next words. “Winners, you have a few minutes to say goodbye.”
My mother comes to me first, eyes shining with tears. She holds my face in her hands, looking me over as if she is replaying memories, remembering me as a little girl, a baby in her arms. A montage of my life. She tucks a loose strand of hair dancing in the breeze behind my ear.
“Be safe. Take care of yourself, and I know you don’t want to hear this, but enjoy it, sweetheart. This is a trip of a lifetime.” Her voice cracks near the end. I hug her and then kiss her cheek.
Just as I let her go, my father pulls me into a tight embrace. My chin barely reaches his shoulder, but I stand on my tiptoes to rest it there.
“I love you.”
“I love you too, Dad.”
