Tomorrow's Gone (#Wattys2015)

Chapter 11: Unexpected

Fortuna stood before us meekly, her head lowered in respect. "May I be of assistance, lady?" she asked politely.

I cleared my throat. I hadn't really thought this through, had I? "Umm... well my sister and I seem to be at odds with this ship, we don't really know how to get around it and we are a bit... weary of our surroundings. We were wondering if you could show us around and maybe teach us a few techniques on how to get around?" I stumbled through my explanation.

Fortuna, seeming taken aback, instantly regained her composure and nodded quickly. "Yes, of course. I can explain to you a bit about the ship and maybe acquaint you with the ship's entertainment centers," she said in a soft, calm voice.

We agreed quickly. She led us out of the room and began talking. "This ship houses the royals and the military. It is made to withstand an attack from our powerful enemy. It is also invisible," she added.

With an imperceptible raise of my eyebrows, I asked, "Is there any way to deactivate the shield?" I tried sounding nonchalant as I said this.

Fortuna answered normally. "Yes, you can deactivate it at the main control panel, but it is under strict surveillance, so it is not easy. Only the captain of the ship and the royals have access to it," she explained.

I pursed my lips, disappointed. "And what other information is in the control panel? Maybe the ship's coordinates, right?" I asked slowly.

Fortuna gave me a weird look. "Yes, but why would you need to know that, lady?" she asked, dropping her careless façade.

"U-um, I was just curious to see how far advanced your technology is compared to earth's technology," I stuttered the lie.

Fortuna smiled tightly. "Ah, I understand. Well our technology is far more advanced than yours. By eons," she explained.

My eyes widened, betraying my surprise. "That is... fascinating, I'd like to explore your ship further," I said honestly.

Fortuna smiled. "Then we shall advance," she led us down the hall. We eventually ended up at an elevator. Stepping in, she swiped at the panel a few times and we descended.

"Since you want to learn just how advanced our technology is, I will take you to the floor where the main control panel is. That room is locked, but the other technology that allows us to see out into space is exposed," Fortuna stood stiffly beside us.

We simply nodded, while I plotted ways to sneak into the room or at least get information.

Diana's hand brushed mine, and I looked over and gave her a pointed look, where I showed her just how afraid I truly was. If we were caught trying to steal confidential information, we were good as dead.

The doors slid open with a whoosh, and we stepped out into the cool air. We were in a room made completely of steel. The soft thrum of technology surrounded us. I scoped the room, finding dozens of huge panels covering the walls, each depicting different scenes. Some depicted asteroids, others depicted planets much like earth. There was people sitting around these panels, each too distracted to take notice of us.

My heart stopped as I stared at a panel to my far left. New York City was displayed. The sky, for once, was riddled with stars, and to my utter surprise...

Most of the lights of the city were off. It was nearly completely dark.

I gasped as tears stung in my eyes. Had the world ended?

"Are you okay, Zo?" Diana asked from beside me.

I nodded, then turned to Fortuna. "Has Earth ended?" I asked bluntly.