World Builder #ONC2024

9| evidence is surfacing

WYATT

WHEN FORTIS WAS finally complete, the others created their planets.

It was magical to watch as The Creator made so much color and life from such an innocent looking machine. I watched in general wonder and amazement as our planets were created in front of our eyes.

Though it did take several long, tiring hours.

And all I could really think was that even though I finally had everything I had ever wanted, Lucas wasn't there to share the experience with my like we had always planned.

I couldn't help but wonder where he was. If he was okay. If he got to go home. If he was alive.

I turned away from the massive windows, moving to record my first video diary. With any luck, I could get it finished and take my first trip to Fortis the next day. I couldn't wait to see what all my hard work looked like when it was finally real and alive.

"Are you okay, Wyatt?" Jackie called from her position above the windows. She had selflessly allowed everyone to go before her. She was finally watching her planet become real.

I admired her patience, and would never be able to say that I would do the same for her. I wanted it too much to wait.

"I'm all good. How's the planet looking?" I replied from my position on the stairs. I had been making my way up to the recording desks.

"I can't believe it's finally happening. I really hope there isn't anything wrong with it. I had so much fun designing it, and to think that all those hours of work could be for nothing... I guess it's scary." 

That was an oddly vulnerable conversation to be having across the lab, but I couldn't help but feel touched that she was opening up to me and whoever else was in earshot. It was like now that we weren't competing for the chance to become World Builders she wanted to be my friend.

Which touched my heart in ways nothing else ever had.

"I totally get that. I think my biggest thing was that it wasn't going to work and that I would be kicked out of the program. This," I gestured to the lab, "is all I have ever wanted. Thanks for letting me go first."

Jackie nodded, her eyes shining, though that could have been the lighting. 

I continued up the stairs, content with where I was: surrounded by people who understood my goals. It didn't hurt that I could look out the window and see the fruits of my labor bright and beautiful against the black backdrop of space.

Fortis glowed, a healthy golden aura surrounding my planet. Vibrant green land masses and large blue oceans were visible from EXO, and I couldn't believe my dreams were finally a reality.

When I reached the top level, I walked to an empty desk and sat down before turning on the camera and setting up the lighting. When I was situated, I finally pushed start.

"Hello, I'm Wyatt Kerr and I am the creator of Fortis. Today, June third two thousand nine hundred and five, was launch day, and so far Fortis looks healthy and alive, as expected. The atmosphere seems to be intact, and all land masses are accounted for. Overall, a successful creation day. See you tomorrow," I said into the camera, struggling to maintain eye contact with the lens. Hopefully I would get better with time.

I stopped the recording and uploaded it to the computer next to me and also onto a separate hard drive I would keep with me. I didn't want to take any chances when it came to documenting Fortis' journey.

"Do you know what we will do next?" Emmet called from his desk, clearly done recording his own video. His planet, Rosada, had gone second. It seemed he had gone for a more flora centered planet.