Delirium - Fire & Ice Trilogy Skylar Book 1

Chapter 15 - Genesis, The Space Station

The station was a wonder to see, a giant sphere surrounded by five rings with five circular pods placed equally around each ring. As they edged closer the size was enough to mystify and baffle, many passengers gazed in disbelief wondering how all this was possible and how they built it all without anyone knowing. Ahead was the docking port which was nothing more than a mere pin prick on the station, the interior lights flickered on and the pilot spoke for the first time since take off.

"Ladies and gentlemen we are approaching the station, please have your passes ready to display" he told them calmly and with little expression.

Almost at once there was a flurry of movement and chatter. Annie furiously checked her pockets, searching every possibility she still couldn't find it. Fearing she'd lost it she thought back to her last meeting with Oscar and what he had told her before he left.

"Don't lose this, this is the key to your survival" he said handing her a small laminated piece of card. He briefly held it back adding "if you deserve it."

She had taken the card without thought and stuffed it into a pocket; she still didn't know what he had meant by deserving it, of course she deserved it whatever was he thinking. Oliver handed her a card just as she finally found her own, taking a deep sigh of relief.

On each card was all the information needed to board the station which struck fear into Jacob when he realised neither he nor anyone else from the convoy had one. What would happen to them, would they live to see tomorrow. Thankfully none of them had to worry as Skylar emerged from the computer lab and handed each of them a boarding pass. Jacob hugged her tightly with relief surprising her.

With a jolt they docked and an anxious silence descended, with a hiss the side door opened and everyone tried to get out first. Of course Annie joined the mad dash while the others stayed at the back trying not to get hit by the stampede. Finally it seemed to calm and order was restored, slowly the group made sure they had everything then made their way out unsure what they'd find.

Ahead was a sorting station where each person gave in their boarding pass and received a new one, this one had all the information that they would need including who they were and where they would live and work. By the time Skylar got to the desk the attendants there were bored of the tedious task and the never ending queue. Skylar produced her pass; the attendant stared at her then stamped her sheet waving the new pass at her.

"Thank you" Skylar expressed loudly taking the new pass. The attendants face lit up blushing slightly.

"You're welcome" she stated proudly then ushered them through.

They entered into a raised platform above a vast hall, Skylar moved to the railing and glanced around. It stretched far into the distance with many platforms and walkways across. The noise was similar to that of a train station with everyone bustling about; they all seemed to be wearing the same thing just in different colours.

On the level below were four queues separated by lines of flimsy walls, they led onto another set of sorting stations which Skylar could only just see from her position. The others joined her by the railing; Owen grew nervous concerning the others.

"Sky, now I know we haven't known each other for long but um, I was, I mean, ah I was" he stammered unable to get the right words to come out, Oliver looming over him didn't help. George and Farren meanwhile were trying everything to hide their gigantic smiles.

"Yes" Skylar broke in "I would like to go on a date with you."

"Brilliant" burst Owen; he hugged her then recoiled in embarrassment "sorry."

"I'm not complaining" she remarked giving a sly smirk. They all laughed which was a relief, most of the journey had been tense between the boys and now she was starting to understand why.