All characters are mine. Please do not copy the characters or story in any way. Thank you so much for your support. Please enjoy, and God bless!
Chapter 4
The Skeld was large, threateningly so. Yuki squeezed her suitcase handle tighter. A massive feat, the Skeld looked too large to house fourteen people. Then again, they were expected to spend the next thirteen years (if not more) aboard this metal beast. Suddenly, it seemed just a little smaller.
"You ready?" Her husband stood beside her, his suitcase behind him. A microphone whined, causing the crowd to flinch. The vice president, a small, stout man, began to speak.
"Good morning, esteemed Astronauts. Today, we congratulate you on your wedding. We hope nothing but the best for you." Someone coughed in the audience as he continued. "Like those before you, you will head into deep space to find us a new home. This mission is not for the faint of heart. Your choice to risk your lives will be honored throughout history. For your sacrifice today, we thank you." As he finished his short speech, he saluted the men and women before him. Almost automatically, the aforementioned lifted their arms, returning his gesture. As the crowd separated to find what was left of their families in the audience, Yuki turned to find her father standing behind her.
"Dad!" She hugged him tightly.
"You'll be fine, Snowflake."
"But… I finally got to meet you." Tears poked at his eyes as he was reminded that she didn't have any recollection of her life before the University. He pulled away, holding her arms.
"I'm sorry we couldn't spend more time together. I'm sorry about all of this."
"What do you mean?" Her father sighed.
"Your mother… was different, those last few months. I can't explain it, but something was…"
"Off?"
"Yes," he resigned. "Just… be careful, will you?" Yuki nodded, hugging him.
"Always."
"Yuki," Jesse said as he came to stand behind her. "It's time." Yuki nodded, giving her father one last hug and a kiss on his cheek.
"I love you, Dad." Her father smiled.
"I love you, too, Snowflake." He turned to Jesse. "Give me a moment with my son-in-law, will you?" Yuki smiled.
"Okay." When she left, he fixed Jesse with a steady gaze.
"Take care of her, will you?"
"With my life, sir," Jesse agreed. The doctor nodded.
"One more thing: here's the research I conducted on the Skeld. I've already sent a copy to the University." He handed Jesse a thin, black tablet.
"What do you want me to do with this?"
"I don't know," he admitted. "But maybe it will give you a clue as to why Alise killed your parents, tell you something I missed." Jesse looked at him.
"Thank you."
"Any time." He held out his hand for Jesse to take. They shook firmly. The doctor, though the husband of the one who had killed his parents, had ironically been a father to him. He suspected no one regretted that day like he did as much as the doctor. With a final nod, Jesse left to join his wife.
The proceedings were short and hardly ceremonial. The big fanfare did nothing to cover the solemn, resigned atmosphere as the Astronauts prepared to board. Jesse clutched her hand firmly as Yuki listened to more speeches and pretty words. She gave his hand a firm squeeze in response.
"You ready?" he whispered.
"Ready as I'll ever be." As the music ended, the presidents saluted the forty-two young men and women who would give their lives for the greater good. They saluted, mechanic and needing oil.
"We salute you, young warriors. May God be with you."