Page 54 of Between Earth and Eternity
“Well, I better get changed.” I stroll back to my room, and a few minutes later, Ori sticks her head in just as I adjust the gloves over my hands.
“Skyler, seriously. Are you sure you want to do this?”
Last chance to back out. I study myself in the mirror. If only my family could see me now. Something like a legitimate space explorer stares back in my reflection.
I let out an exasperated breath. “I haven’t died yet, so why not?”
“Not gonna lie. You look like a total badass,” Ori says, admiring me in my full outfit, her voice floating through my helmet comms that we synced to one another. I’ve asked Runa to check that the helmet is secured twice already.
“So do you. Maybe we missed our calling.”
She looks at home in her getup, like she’s worn it a hundred times. I may look spiffy in a fancy spacesuit, but I don’t dare move too much in case something comes undone. What is the extent of activity level for these things?
I bet Payson would know if I asked, and he would reply with something likeThey’re meant for all levels of activity and are completely safe. Ask anyone who has ventured out into space before us.Imaginary Payson makes a good point.
“Everyone, please keep the line moving,” Osman calls out over the large crowd. We’ve watched a few shuttles disembark already, and we are next in line to board.
“You good?” Ori asks, shaking me from my daydreaming.
“All good.” Not really.
A shuttle hovers down to the loading platform, and we shuffle inside, still getting used to maneuvering with the suits. Runa and other stewards help everyone get secured in the heavy harnesses.
“Pulling away from Zenith,” the pilot announces over the intercom.
We float away like a bubble, and the second we are out of the protective force field, the air shifts. A few people gasp, and some laugh at the sensation.
I immediately hate the feeling of zero gravity. I feel hollow being weightless. One second, I had a solid form, and now, I am a ghost.
“This is so trippy. My arms feel like noodles!” Ori exclaims, watching her limbs float involuntarily with a huge smile on her face.
“That’s one way to put it,” I reply, my jaw clenched.
Thankfully, the journey to Sega is short-lived, as the skyline of the city tucked under the large hemispheric structure comes into view. Neon purple and blue lights outline the buildings against the stark grey surface of the moon as they stretch to the starry sky. We remove our helmets, strapping them to our backs once we exit the dock through a long tunnel that leads into the main street of the futuristic cityscape. My body somehow senses we are on solid ground once again. I’ve missed the foundation of something real, and I’m suddenly glad I came along after all.
Zenith passengers venture off in different directions, mixing into the crowd. The street is lined with shops selling goods from clothing to food, much like an intergalactic marketplace.
“Where should we go first?” Ori gazes excitedly at all our options.
“How about we start from the beginning and work our way up? That way, we won’t miss anything.”
She agrees, and we fold into the crowd.
It’s a sensory overload as we stroll down the street, taking our time to explore. I never expected so much life could exist away from Earth. It makes me realize just how incredible Eden could be—will be.
There’s everything from jewelry to tools to tech. We stumble upon a vendor selling moon rock rings that shine like opal with a neon violet hue, which catch Ori’s eye. I peruse the collection of rings as well and then, with a sideways glance, I see someone, or someones, I was not expecting.
Laz and Payson.
They’re across the street with their backs facing us, but I know it’s them.
What are they doing here?
As if he senses my gaze, Payson looks over his shoulder nervously but doesn’t glance in my direction. They seem to be in a serious conversation with a stranger, who looks to be a Sega resident. Whatever he’s saying, Laz shakes his head, frustrated. Then the stranger motions for them to follow, and Laz complies. I hide behind the display as Payson takes another glance around before chasing them into the dark alley.
“Ori. Are you good for a minute? I just remembered something I wanted to check out.”
“Of course. Let’s meet at that coffee spot we passed earlier.”
