Page 4 of Between Earth and Eternity
“As we near the maiden voyage of Zenith, the excitement is buzzing. The first historic crossing to Eden will be a day to remember.”
Excitement is buzzing? Really? Who programmed her to say that?
“Preparations continue to move forward, and we are grateful to everyone at Mannox Industries for making this dream a reality.”
A video appears next to Zara, showing clips of engineers and bots welding, scientists in labs appearing to be testing something important, but who honestly knows. They’re probably A.I-generated images too.
“And while we grow ever closer to this monumental day”—she pauses for dramatic effect—“the first ever Lottery isdrawingnear. No pun intended.” Someone yells out a whoop that’s followed by a few cheers. “The drawing begins at 8 p.m. MST tomorrow evening, when twenty lucky individuals will be selected at random for passage to Eden.” She might as well say viewing is mandatory; we all will be watching. “Those whose names are called will join the other twenty-thousand passengers on Zenith, the one and only civilian ship that will eventually take everyone to Eden, making intergalactic trips back and forth while providing luxury and comfort for the long journey.”
Yes, because luxury and comfort are the most important aspects to focus on rather than getting everyone off Earth as soon as possible. I’m no engineer by any means, but I’m willing to bet they could have put their resources into constructingmultiple ships to take us all together, but with Mannox at the helm, it comes down to the glorious extravagance of it all. A chance for Alister and the rest who could actually afford a ticket to bask in their glory.
“In other news . . .” Zara continues, and I shoot El a glance. We both know what’s coming. “This is a reminder that while the majority of us look forward to this prodigious achievement, a small group of radicals continue their attempts to disturb Mannox Industries’s important work with their acts of destruction.” I feel El’s concerned gaze on me. “Rest assured, there is no need to fear, as badges continue to secure worksites and city borders. We will not let this mission fail. As always, remember, ‘From Earth to Eden. Together.’” A few people clap in approval.
I roll my eyes, knowing no one is paying attention to me or Elliot. He lets out a sigh of annoyance. Zara switches topics in a smooth transition to remind of the dangers of dust storms while most go back to their conversations.
“It’s not a workday without a Zara segment, is it?” El asks, settling himself back in his chair.
“Nope,” I agree, shaking my head. I look down at my hands, pondering if I should even bother asking what’s on the tip of my tongue, but it’s only Elliot, so I lower my voice and do. “It’s only going to get worse, isn’t it?”
He stares out the window for several beats and answers without looking at me. “There’s nothing to lose at this point. We all need to decide what we want for the rest of our time here and after.” If we do get an after.
I know he’s right. These groups are fueled by the anger at knowing so many lives are deemed lesser than, finding the ideals and operations of Mannox Industries inhumane.
These “radical groups” aren’t alone, nor are they wrong. There are calculating hands writing our story—the story of Earth’s final days; it’s just not going to be a happy ending for everyone.
Rumors have circulated for years about rogue groups who have found ways off the planet: stealing personal ships from the ultra wealthy who own short-distance vessels merely for the flamboyance of what their money can buy. These unlawful groups pilfer goods from the outposts and worksites littered across the galaxy.
None of these stories have ever been confirmed. Even if there were evidence, we would never know with the media fully in Mannox’s control. Despite the doom and gloom, a spark of admiration lights in me knowing that there are people who want things to change, but I don’t see how they can succeed when the enemy is untouchable.
I have never and will never praise Mannox as a savior, but I’m still a sheep following willingly.
If you have nothing to lose and nothing to gain, what do you fight for?
The dangerous middle ground.
The powerful have everything to lose, and the powerless have everything to gain. But what about the rest of us? Those of us standing midway, who silently observe, turning our gaze back and forth to watch the match of struggles. Is it better to hope for the best, or die trying for something I can scarcely comprehend?
Elliot is lost in his own mind like I was, his gaze fixed on the passing cityline.
“What’s going on in that head of yours?” I ask, ruffling his hair.
He grins, turning to face me as the shuttle starts to descend, approaching the campus. “Just thinking.” He flicks the brim of my hat, and I scrunch my nose, adjusting it back into place. “Come on, San Fran. Let’s get through the workday, and then it’s celebration time.”
“We are excited to announce that our exploration missions have found other planets and moons with valuable resources and materials. Construction for these workstations is already underway, and applicants for work assignments will now have the option to select positions at these new posts.”
Announcement from Mannox Industries, May 2127
The bustling crowd disperses as we disembark, pouring into the city center, a blend of old brick architecture beside reflective glass and metal structures. In the aftermath of the flooding and destruction, most of the buildings were repaired,except for the city center, which was torn down and completely rebuilt, with new structures and housing on every corner.
This area of Wasatch contains more than just Mannox Headquarters; it has become the hub of civilization, where high society watches over us figuratively and literally. High-rise apartments make up several blocks of the city center, and I can’t help but crane my neck, wondering what a life of luxury would be like in a burning world. Probably the same as in a thriving one. The only difference is the impending need to escape to Eden before things take a downward turn, which isn’t even an inconvenience if the bank account is full. From one indulgence to the next.
Elliot and I speed walk to get through the grounds, passing the massive spherical glass building in the middle of campus: the corporate offices. Supposedly, Mr. Mannox’s office is housed there, but I suspect it’s rarely used. The scandalous whispers passed down from those close enough to catch glimpses of the Mannox family’s living arrangements are both astonishing and aggravating, from lavish parties to the comfort of their everyday lives. Zara’s special insider-look segments are something I avoid at all costs.
From the little news I do follow about The Mannoxes, I know Alister’s oldest son has been taking over more of the business side of things as of late, making more public appearances and speaking on behalf of the company. It seems like their most important job is to put on the show that, with Mannox Industries in charge, everything is and will be okay.
A ten-minute walk brings us to our destination, my home away from home.
Many would deem the aging E.P.S. building ugly and of little importance compared to the bright and shiny structures that surround it, but for me, it is a temple. It was one of the last educational institutions left on Earth—even Elliot and Iattended university for a couple of years—but needs changed, and education is not high on the priority list if you aren’t studying something “useful.” Education may be deemed low, conservation of history dropping down even further, but the work that we compile at the Earth Preservation Society is proof that there was a time when the human race led a complicated but beautiful existence. Here, we gather our creative history—a study of what life was, maybe even what it could be like on Eden when we’re given the chance to do something other than survive. The lesson I have learned most of all in this vocation is that humans haven’t changed much over multiple millennia. I find it comforting; it connects us to all generations of Earth from the beginning.
