Epilogue
A Month Later
Day 27, Month 01, Year 0001 (January 17, 2013)
Adrian was typing on his laptop. "Two years after the events of North Korea, Shadow 1, the lead aircraft that Robert and Irma piloted during the war, was sent to the Pensacola Naval Air Museum, where it will remain on display forever, never to take to the skies again. Over the next three years, the other couples eventually got married. The future looked bright for all of the former pilots. The end." Laura said as she read the last lines of the book Robert wrote, Shadows of War.
"It's good." Laura said. "I thought you'd like it." Adrian replied.
"Tell me, Dr. Wilson, apart from books and art, do you think there's anything else we might possibly share in the future?" he asked.
"Are you asking me out on a date, Dr. Helmsley?" Laura asked with a smile. "Because, you know, my diary is pretty full." she added.
"Actually, yes, I was." Adrian replied. They were about to kiss when the intercom made an announcement. "Dr. Helmsley to the bridge, please, Dr. Helmsley to the bridge." the intercom announced.
"Come here." Laura said as Adrian nearly turned to go.
They kissed again for a few minutes before breaking apart for air.
"Ladies and gentlemen, this is Captain Michaels speaking. In a few minutes, I will give orders to unseal the decks." Captain Michaels began.
"Come on." Adrian said as he led Laura out. "At 2345 last night, our sister arks, Numbers 6 and 7, have joined our course. For the first time on our journey, we will have clear skies and moderate-to-good air quality. As you know, our passenger count is way over capacity, so please be careful when you step out, and of course, enjoy the fresh air." the captain finished as everyone made their way to the doors leading to the outer decks.
Irma and Robert were among the crowd, Jennifer and her family right behind them. Elyon, Taranee, Nigel and Cornelia were in their own group a couple of yard down.
The crowd watched in awe as the doors began to slowly open. As the crowd stepped out, the view was breathtaking.
The doors had opened to reveal a beautiful sunrise, with few clouds.
Elsewhere on the ark, other outdoor decks were being opened to allow the passengers to enjoy the fresh air and clear skies.
Around the arks, helicopters kept an eye on conditions around them.
Topside, air traffic control towers rose up out of the tops of the arks, a set of helipads located next to them.
"Oh, Adrian, excellent. I called because we just got our first satellite feed. The equalization of the oceanic seabeds has not turned out to be as extreme as we expected. The waters are receding much faster than we thought, thank God, and this is hard to believe, but the Himalayas are no longer the roof of the world. It's now the Drakensberg mountains of KwaZulu-Natal." the professor said as Adrian approached.
"The entire African continent has risen." Adrian said as he looked in awe at the displays. "Several thousand feet, and it likely never even flooded." the professor continued.
"That's why they call it the Cape of Good Hope, we've already set course for it." Captain Michaels added.
Outside, Robert and the others were enjoying the view. "Uncle Bob, when will we go back home?" Bella asked.
"Well, we talked about that, we're gonna find a new home somewhere out here, right? I mean, wherever our family is together, that's home." Robert replied.
"Yeah, and we will always be together, no matter what happens or where we go." Irma replied.
They looked on at the ocean ahead, knowing that there was a bright future ahead for them, and the rest of what was left of mankind that now resides on the three arks.