The Evacuation of Solfilius

The Evacuation of Solfilius - Part Six: Exodus

Chapter 16, 2 hours until impact.

Coronus was beginning to shed an ominous glow above the horizon, her unbridled wrath now prepared to let loose upon the planet.

The temperature was rising far quicker than it would normally this time of the day. Some stray particles from the CME were already making an impact with the planet, increasing the temperature. The full fury of the CME had not yet reached them. However, it would very soon.

This morning was go time. Nothing could go wrong now. ten thousand lives were at stake.

Outside of the ship bulkhead was an ocean of cars, from which thousands of people were flooding out. John and a few of the council members were helping to guide people in, trying their best to avoid a crowd crush or stampede. Justin had never been more stressed in his life. His heart was pounding like a jackhammer against concrete. It almost hurt. Standing next to him was Abagail, who was clinging to Justin's arm tightly. The noise, the impending sense of potential doom, and everything else going on was proving to be a lot for her to handle. Justin was relieved it would all be over soon, both for him, and everyone on this planet.

After some time, everyone that emerged from the sea of cars was now in the ship, and the torrent of people had stopped. John had already ordered the council to start counting all the people in the ship. He insisted on leaving no one behind, even if it meant sacrificing his own life to get everyone on board.

Coronus began to rear her ugly head further above the horizon.

The engineering teams were dashing around, conducting the final checks on the ship. The best pilots and captains currently present on Solfilius had been organized into a crew who would be responsible for piloting the Bronto. Normally, it was their job to pilot the Anklyos to and from Adusta, and to wherever else the ships needed to go. But today, they would be piloting everyone off of this hellish planet, rescuing thousands upon thousands of people from death. They had moved into the bridge, and were ready to take off when given the all clear from John.

After what felt like an eternity to Justin and the others, the final checks had been conducted on the ship. The Bronto was ready for flight. The council had finished their count of everyone on board too.

Everyone was on board.

But one.

John was rushing around. He was trying to ensure everyone was ready to go.

A member of the council approached him. It was Adam.

"John, we are missing one person. Derek." He said, nervously.

"DAMN IT!" John yelled.

He bolted out the bulkhead, and ran out to search for him. Justin stayed put and watched on from inside the safety of the ship. It didn't take long for John to find Derek. He was in the utility station, rummaging around in some kind of bag. Suddenly, it clicked in Justin's head.

He went back for his alcohol.

Justin felt furious. John had just endangered his own life to try and save Derek's. He watched on in anger as John rushed him back onto the ship, forcing him to leave the bag behind.

Justin knew Derek took such a stupid risk because he was addicted. But he felt even this was an extreme measure for Derek to take so he could continue drinking. Justin put it down to everything Derek had been through these past two or so days. It was a lot on everyone. Derek was no exception. He was probably freaking out today. He wanted to drink so he could cope. This realization didn't quench his anger, however.

The pair rushed onto the ship.

"Close the bulkhead! Let's get moving!" John yelled.

It was a good thing they got back quickly. The temperature was rapidly climbing. The CME was building in intensity, and they couldn't afford to keep the door open for much longer. The bulkhead slowly creaked shut. The lights came on inside as the fusion reactor roared to life.