I hope everyone's holiday was good. I successfully put up my x-mas tree and I've only got four people left to shop for. So, feeling pretty good! Last year I was so behind, it was ridiculous. So, I decided to do everything earlier.
Chapter Six
When I opened the door, several people were already filing in the hallway. I looked around before stepping cautiously onto the cool grey floor. As I made my way down the hall, someone called my name.
"Bella! Hey Bella!" I looked back to see a familiar face. It was the girl I met in line on earth, Alice.
"Hey," I said, moving over to let her walk beside me, "How are you?"
"Better than yesterday," she made a face and stuck her tongue between her teeth, "waking up yesterday was nightmare. How about you?"
I shuddered, "yesterday was… interesting."
She laughed, "I'm glad we all feel the same. Who knew a 103-year journey would do that."
I laughed, "Well, at least we're only three months from Outerra."
She nodded eagerly, "What are you planning to do once you get there?"
"Build a house, get a job as a nurse, and find a new life. What about you?"
"Same as you. Only, not a nurse. I have an interest in the preservation part of Outerra."
"Preservation?" I said questioningly.
"Yeah, preservation. Outerrian's are really into environmental conservation. Their planet is insanely healthy. The water, oxygen, and soil are so clean… it'll be nice to be somewhere that isn't polluted." She said dreamily, her eyes closing.
"That sounds nice," I sighed, "You've done a lot of research about Outerra."
"Yeah, I studied up before getting into the pod."
"So, what do you think this meeting is about?" After a moment of silence.
She shrugged, "Not sure. It should be interesting though."
I chuckled before entering the auditorium. It was exactly like a very movie theater. Only larger and cleaner. Alice and I were escorted to the front row after we showed the smiling android checked our platinum cards.
The auditorium went silent when the lights dimmed. A person sitting behind a desk in a nature-inspired looking office appeared on screen. The person looked… different. I didn't know how to describe the difference, but he looked like a human. It was weird. The person just looked like he was glowing, healthy, and friendly.
"Hello travelers of the Mayflower. I sincerely hope your trip was pleasant." He said, "I am Carlisle. The current senior president of Outerra. My great-great grandfather orchestrated the colonize agreement with the Colony corporation."
There was a moment of chatter before Carlisle continued.
"We are very happy to host all of you on our planet. But before you land, I'd like to give you a few minor details of our planet," He stood and walked to a very large window and pressed his hand against it. The glass collapsed away like a ripple in a clear lake.
"This is a small glimpse of my planet, and soon to be your planet," He took a deep breath, "The air here on Outerra is unpolluted, unlike the air on your former planet. The water is clean, the soil in healthy, the plants are plentiful, and the planet is thriving," He paused to smile at the view, "we go to great lengths to preserve our planet. Everything built on Outerra is environmentally beneficial to the planet. Outerra is a beautiful planet that will offer each and every one of you benefits. You'll be healthier, live longer, and be happy. Outerra is the perfect place to start a new life. As the official spokesperson for the Outerrian people, I want to say, welcome. All we ask is that you abide by the simple standards we've set. Under your seat are detailed books that will thoroughly explain everything on Outerra. The people, the buildings, the customs, the environment. I urge each and every one of you to take these next three months and learn about Outerra. We look forward to seeing you in three months." He waved at us before the screen turned black.
As everyone was clapping, a man in a pilot's suit stepped onto the stage. He motioned his hand to quiet us.
"Good morning, how is everyone?" He asked, his voice was deep. Everyone answered in unison.
"Great, great," He chuckled, "Now, we're on this ship for the next three months. That doesn't seem like a long time, but trust me, to some of you, it'll seem like an eternity. But, there is more than plenty of things to keep everyone busy. There's pools, a gym, a spa, a cafeteria that serves breakfast-lunch- and dinner, a restaurant that changes theme every week, and plenty more. You will hopefully not be bored."
Alice leaned over to me, "we should definitely hit the spa."
"Now those books that president Carlisle mentioned are very important. Everyone is to read these books and learn about Outerra. The Outerrian's are kindly welcoming us as residents to their planet and we must treat it with respect."
I felt like a child being given a lecture on going out to a fancy restaurant.
"You will be tested twice on Outerrian knowledge. In forty-five days will be your first test. Forty-five days after that will be the final test. If you don't learn these customs, then we'll have to put you in extensive classes before landed. Now, enough with the seriousness, please go enjoy yourselves and don't forget you class time."
He waved before walking off the stage.
Alice and I stood, exchanging a look.
"Wanna be study buddies?" I joked.
"Oh totally," she snorted, "But first, I want breakfast. Let's go." She grabbed my hand and lead me to the cafeteria.
Everyone must have had the same idea because the cafeteria was packed. Luckily the room was huge and sectioned off. Alice and I got in line. I peeked over the crowd to see a large machine. It was kind of like a vending machine. The choices were on screen and anything you picked was handed to you by an android that was standing behind a window. The food took about two minutes to get to the person.
When it was my turn, I ordered an Outerrian version of coffee and Anozoa and Hamersia oatmeal with Tanyernia eggs. I honestly wasn't sure what the hell I was eating, but everything on the menu was Outerrian food.
I guess it was to get us acclimated to Outerrian foods. Alice and I sat at the same table together. She poked her food with her clear metal spork.
"I'm kind of afraid to eat this stuff." She said.
I nodded as I stared down at my six-small purple hardboiled eggs and my orange, grey and… some new colored oatmeal.
I bit my lip, "I guess it makes sense for us to eat their food. I mean we will be living on their planet, might as well get used to the food."
She looked up and nodded.
"Well, here goes nothing," she dryly chuckled, "1… 2…3…" she said before taking a bite. She chewed slowly, then looked at me with a surprised look.
"Hey, this is actually pretty good." She took another bite.
I scooped up the strange oatmeal and cautiously put it into my mouth. I swished it around my before swallowing it. The flavor was interesting, not bad, but it was something I'd definitely have to get used to it.
"How does it taste?" She asked.
"Interesting," I said, "not bad, but very interesting." I took a bite of the eggs. That taste was… hard to describe. They were nothing like earth eggs, the taste was meatier. Eatable, but, very strong.
Once we finished eating, Alice grabbed my hand, saying something about a spa.
"Before we do that, I need to go to the communications room." I said as I pulled my hand out of hers.
"Why?" She asked.
"I have a message waiting for me, I need to check it." I slipped away quickly before she could ask any more questions.
I had to stop at the information station to find out exactly where the communications room was.
"Hello, I am David how may I assist you today?" The voice on the information station asked.
"I need to find the communications room." I asked.
David brought a map with a highlighted red line to the communications room.
"Take this route, it'll take you directly to the communications room."
I followed the route to the large elevator. It was on the fifth floor where all the training rooms were. On my way, I passed a room for engineers, medical personal, and construction workers. I guess these were the rooms where all travelers who had desired job experience came to learn how to do their jobs on Outerra.
The communications room was located at the end of the hallway. This place was empty. I guess no one really had a need to communicate with anyone. Everyone they knew has been long dead.
A virtual person, that was about 5 inches tall appeared when I sat. She waved at me.
"Hello, I'm Azura, please, scan your card to receive or send messages." She said.
I scanned my card under the red light. It took a second for it too beep.
"How may I help you Miss Swan?" Azura asked.
"I'm looking to see if I've received any messages from earth? From my father?" I asked.
"You have received one message. The message was received June 25, 2944."
I made a face, "The day after I left?"
"Would you like me to play the video?" Azura asked.
"Yes, please." I said.
A hologram screen appeared in front of me. It was my father in a hospital room. My eyebrows scrunched.
"Good morning Bells, I hope you slept well," he chuckled, "I'm sure you're probably going to be mad, but," he sighed, "I decided to…" he paused, struggling to tell me what he was doing, "I decided to go through with M.A.S."
"What!? Why would you—!" I sputtered.
"I know, you're freaking out right now Bells," He said, raising his hand and stopping my protests, "I know we had talked about it, but, Bella, I'm a dying man. So, it doesn't matter if I die in three months or today. I'm sorry, I know this is probably upsetting."
I looked down at my hands, my face feeling very hot. My head was spinning. I couldn't believe he had decided to do this. And there was absolutely nothing I could do or say. This happened 103 years ago, it's ancient history now.
"I gave Sue and her kids our home. Sue is here now," the camera turned to Sue, and her two children. Sue was holding a tissue to her eyes, dotting at the tears rolling down her cheeks.
"I'm sorry Bella, he was persistent, and I couldn't talk him out of this." She said.
"Today is my last day on earth, as yesterday was your last day. I hope that you find the life your mother and I always wanted you to have. I put a little treat in your purple bag. I love you Bell, and one day, we'll see each other again." He smiled and the camera turned off.
The lump in my throat vanished and turned to air which I swallowed dryly. I couldn't believe it… he had really gone through with the M.A.S. I couldn't do anything to stop it. He had hidden this from me. How could he?
"Miss, are you alright?" The voice made me jump. I wiped the stray tears from my cheek.
"Oh, yeah. I'm sorry do you want to use this?" I asked.
He shook his head, "No ma'am. Miss Brandon sent me to find you."
Oh, he must be an android, "Uh, tell her I need to be alone."
He nodded but continued to look at me questioningly, "Are you alright?"
"Yes. I'm fine." I answered, wanting nothing more than to be alone.
"I see a chemical unbalance in your system," he peered harder, "You are feeling sad. Do you need me to assist you to the psychiatrist? We have four on the ship."
I shook my head, "No thank you. I just need to be left alone."
"Okay. I will leave and tell Miss Brandon that you are feeling sad and need some alone time."
"Wait—," he had already left the room before I could tell him not to say that.
I shook my head, "Erase the message Azura. I don't want to see it again."
"Yes, Miss Swan."
I left room quickly. Wanting to go to my room and just hole up in there until we were at Outerra.
Now, I have my personal opinion of 'Medical Assisted Suicide.' As someone who watched her father decay from stage four lung cancer, I am in favor of people with terminal illnesses having access to controlled substances that'll allow them to pass easily and at their leisure. My father absolutely hated the fact that he just became so weak.
That's just my opinion, but I'd love to hear yours! So, maybe you give me a little review? Huh? C'mon, ha-ha. I hope you enjoyed this chapter!