Tomorrow's Gone (#Wattys2015)

Chapter 7: Space

*UNEDITED*

Stumbling back, I stared out into the vast space. The stars were brilliantly pale and in stark contrast to the pink space and nebula they rested in. We slowly floated past comets and space rock that seemingly avoided us, going around the space as if it had an invisible shield protecting it from the harmful rocks.

Which it most likely did.

I stared in wonder and admiration out the glass, unaware of the fact that I was slowly approaching the glass until I stood inches away from it, my warm breath fogging up the cold glass. To think we existed with such marvelous universe... we were so small and insignificant compared to the vastness of the universe.

"Fascinating, isn't it?" a soft voice startled me out of my epiphany. I looked over and found Cosmo beside me, looking content and proud.

I smiled despite myself. "Yes, it is. How far are we from Earth?" I murmured.

Cosmo shrugged, his dark eyes delving into mine with such intensity that I wanted to look away. "Many, many light-years away," he replied simply, vaguely.

My eyes widened. "How long were we asleep?" I asked, shocked.

Cosmo seemed to deliberate for a moment. "I couldn't say... I lost count," he seemed confused. "I forget how you earthlings measure a day," he furrowed his dark brows, his long black lashes casting shadows across his cheeks bones.

"A week at the most," a masculine voice answered from behind us.

Cosmo swung around, ducking his head. "Father," he said respectfully.

"I couldn't help but overhear your conversation. Yes, you were asleep for quite a while. Being absorbed and morphing into light tends to do that," Augustus said nonchalantly.

I blinked, stupefied. "Huh?" was all I managed to make out.

Augustus chuckled. "Never mind that, you will learn soon enough. I do want to accommodate your stay here, truly. We hold nothing against you or your family. All we want is to use you as bait to get to Siruis... you will all have a comfortable stay. You are free to lounge about, and Cosmo here will see to it," Augustus walked over to his son and clapped him on the shoulder.

Cosmo nodded. "As you wish, father," he said submissively.

I frowned. I could already tell the relationship between Augustus and Cosmo was more of a servant-master thing than that of a father-son relationship.

Augustus gave me a broad smile. "I must attend to important matters. I take it that you have yet to meet my Queen, correct?"

I shook my head vehemently.

"Splendid. I will have her come over and greet you. I sincerely hope your stay here is pleasurable," he smiled secretly and then walked away, leaving me nearly shuddering.

Cosmo turned to me, looking apologetic. "I am sorry, but I must excuse myself. My mother will be over shortly. I will also have servants come over to attend your every need," he spoke politely.

I nodded. "Thank you," I said out of obligation.

He nodded and left the room without another word.

After looking out the glass wistfully once more, I rushed over to my family.

"Are you alright?" Mom asked, eyeing the glass door warily.

I nodded. "Yeah, just a little shaken. How about you guys?" I asked, concerned.

Mom nodded. "We're alright. Did that... boy do anything to you? Or the man?" Mom asked anxiously.

I shook my head silently, looking over at a sullen Daniel. I walked over to him as the rest of us resumed conversation.