Page 36 of Between Earth and Eternity
The crowd erupts into an agreement of applause before he continues, “It has taken thousands of lives, resources, the best intellects and most brilliant minds of our race to find a way. And here we are, standing on this magnificent vessel, proof that we have accomplished just that, that we will live on and better than ever before.”
A scatter of applause breaks out again.
“It is my promise and my family’s legacy.” He gestures over to them.
The brothers couldn’t be more different. Slade looks like he would rather be anywhere else, picking at his nails, wearing an obnoxious red outfit—it reminds me of something Kol would wear—but Vallen watches his father with an impassive expression. He wears all black. A suit similar to his father’s, but in a more casual fashion with the shirt underneath his coat unbuttoned at the collar. One hand in his pocket, the other hangs at his side, where a few of his fingers are adorned with rings.
Vallen is regal, listening to every word of Alister’s speech, but he looks bored, as if he has heard it a thousand times. I wonder if he watches, knowing he will take his place, observing what he will one day become, what will be expected of him. Does he welcome the pressure? Or maybe, always knowing what his life would be, it means very little to him; just another day as the son of the most powerful man in the world, perhaps in the universe. Even if Vallen did, by chance, have one of thoseI hate my life poor little rich boystories, I wouldn’t feel an ounce of pity for him.
I could never feel sorry for someone like Vallen Mannox. Ever.
“The best eras of the human race have only begun, and we welcome each and every one of you to stand beside us to commence this new age for mankind. I have come to see that we are all family in the end. A family of Earth, soon to be of Eden.It is the Mannox way to take care of the preciousness of life. We promise to do that now and always.”
I bow my head to hide my disdain, noticing Laz slouching in his seat out of boredom. I echo the feeling. How many times can this man say the same thing but in a different way? A man in power will never waste an opportunity to open his mouth, it would seem, though he needs to learn when to shut it.
“So family, friends, let me once again welcome you aboard Zenith. We hope you enjoy the journey to our new world, our new home.”
I’m surprised he doesn’t bow, honestly; it would be a perfect end to the performance. His words were impressive, but I don’t buy a single one of them. He doesn’t give a lick about anyone in this room. The man standing on that stage already has what he wants: an insurmountable amount of money. It sickens me that nearly everyone here willingly gave away millions. And I wonder if they ever asked themselves if they should. The audience is enraptured by the speech, rising to their feet once again. I stand but don’t clap, studying the Mannoxes closely, because while I hate their untouchable status and bigotry, they are quite fascinating.
I’ve witnessed bits and pieces of them through a screen over the years, but in person, they’re something else entirely. They look real, yet they are anything but.
Alister grabs his wife’s hand and kisses her on the cheek. Her smile, while obviously fake, is stunning.
Slade is already gone, practically ran off the stage, but Vallen watches the crowd as his parents wave. He scans the sea of faces, like he is trying to understand how to feel, unsure of how to react to their exuberance. He very briefly glances over our row. His eyes blip over me for less than a second before lingering on Runa, and she offers him a subtle nod.
“Is it finally over?” Laz asks, stretching his arms above his head.
I watch the last three Mannoxes leave the stage before I respond, “How could you expect any less from Alister Mannox?” I ask.
“You got me there.”
“It was a bit much,” Ori adds, and Payson nods. It seems I have found my people after all.
It’s a madhouse as everyone tries to exit the auditorium at the same time, but having no idea where we are going, we follow Runa blindly. Other stewards direct the traffic and help their groups find their way.
“The tube system is the fastest way to get around on the ship,” Runa says when the twenty of us come upon a long train-like compartment. This must be part of the spindle web system we saw from outside, connecting in all directions throughout the ship. “A map of the tube system is on each of your devices.” She demonstrates by pulling out her own as a holographic map floats off the screen, showing where we are currently. “Simply type in your destination, and it will route you, but I’m confident the places you go regularly, like the dining hall, will become second nature in no time.”
Seems easy enough as long as you don’t wander around without a StarComm. Otherwise, you could easily get lost for days, no doubt.
“Where are we going now, Miss Runa?” Romy asks.
When we all have boarded a cheerful bing echoes through the train, warning the doors are closing, and suddenly, we are off like a speeding bullet. At least, it looks like we are as lights whoosh past us, but the car is completely stable.
“We are on our way to meet someone who is eager to speak with all of you, Romy.” She pats her on the head, and Romy smiles excitedly.
Who would care to meet with us?
Once we exit the train, we soon find ourselves in a long hallway leading up to a pair of large mahogany doors.
“Who do you think it is?” Ori asks before we step through the doors.
Before I can give an answer, Payson joins in, his tone cold as he says, “I think I have an idea.” I give him a quizzical look, but he simply shrugs.
We walk into a large, open-concept room that has an office space and sitting area. The teenagers are rowdy, flopping onto the furniture. I don’t blame them, I want to do the same, but Runa gives them a glare that instantly calms them down.
“Everyone, over here please.”
We group together, and before I can take in much else of the luxurious space, Vallen Mannox walks into the room.
