Dear Earth, We Now Depart

Just Another Morning

Macy's POV

          The end is nigh. We were warned, but people are known to question, doubt and challenge the truth. Denial, fear, even pride play a role when it comes to the ignorance of man. My ancestors were different; they searched out the truth as they studied the vast universe trying to learn the secrets it had to offer. They were astronomers and engineers. They discovered many things, but had to put their dreams aside and focus on much more pressing matters. The universe had to wait. Earth was of higher priority. Given the task of guarding the future, humanity was put into their hands.

However, time does what time does. It moves forward. Eventually people forgot about the cosmos and the exploration for discovery. Survival became the number one priority.

Centuries have passed since NASA closed its doors. Now the fate of humanity lies in my hands, a task passed down from generation to generation.

I have to assume that I am the only one who can ensure the survival of our species. Otherwise, I may fail to do my part. I cannot let that happen; I promised my parents that I would do my best. My father, he was our town's leader. He was courageous and strong. If I only had a fraction of his strength... My mother, she was his loving and loyal companion. Some say that she was the one who was truly in charge. I suppose that she was his strength. She helped the community in more ways than I could remember. People looked up to them both. How could I dare compare myself to them?

Nevertheless, I must carry on their duties. I am their heir, as is tradition. Yet, they died before I was old enough to learn all of their secrets. How can I save lives without knowing how? That is my task. I must find my own way to ensure the survival of man. I may not be a great world leader, but my town relies on me. I mustn't fail them.

Another day begins, and I fear for my friend's life. Humanity can wait; just for today, he is what I must focus on. My dear and ever so lovable crony. My best friend. We met young, and had but one thing in common: we had both lost our parents to this dying world. His parents in particular, were killed during a supply run. Our town was just one of many before the neighboring towns joined ours. Whenever our town needed food, water or medical supplies, Terran's parents, Jude and Keane would travel a hundred miles in harsh weather and treacherous, unkind landscape to the city of New Paxton. There they would collect as much as the city could offer, which usually wasn't much, but we learned how to ration and make a small portion of food last. We don't live large, but we live.

Jude and Keane had done made this trip over and over and knew what they were doing, yet on one run they never returned. It was then my parents who risked their lives to find them. Alas, when they were found, it was too late. Their van had crashed and they had suffocated to death in the dust storm. Their air purifying masks were functioning completely fine, so it was concluded that they died instantly before they could put their masks on.

My mother took pity on their son and decided to take Terran into our home. She gave me the responsibility of looking out for him, which I have faithfully done since. Now, several years have passed and it's become increasingly difficult for me to protect him. He seeks the same path as his folks and there's little I can do to stop him. And how could I? He wants to do his part and help the town endure. I share his goal, but... I can't stop myself from worrying about him. I've just lost so much. I don't want to lose him too.

Walking through the hall to the control room, I link with my deputy mayor's Earconn asking for an update.

"Talk to me Harry."

Harry Tomlin was not the deputy to my parents, I had elected him myself. He is my only family left and I trust no one more, well, save for Terran. It had been an easy choice at the time. After all, I was only twelve when my parents died. Who could I trust if not my own mother's brother? He did his best to teach me, and in return I did my best to learn. We spent so much time together, I began to feel comfortable being sassy with him. He may be regretting not putting a stop to it years ago.

"Nothing on the radars. Honestly Macy, did you expect him to be on time?" His attempts to comfort had the opposite effect.

"I'm heading your way now, I'll be there in ten, update me if anything changes. I mean it! Don't just wait for me."

"Roger."

After walking down the hall of space history, and going up ten flights on the elevator, I head down the hall to the control room. The hall, lined with portraits of my ancestry, dating back to what was thought to be the end of the world: total climate change. How things have changed since then... Cities fell, many died, communication went down, leaving millions unable to connect to each other, but the world is still holding on. Though I can't help but wonder, for how long...

At the end of the hall is a single black door. I press my thumb to the reader, followed by a retinal scan. The black door slid open and a kind, electronic voice says, "Welcome, Macy."

Upon entering, Harry says, "Macy, looking bright and beautiful. Sleep well?"

"Don't distract me Harry, I see right through you. Bria, brief me on the situation."

Bria, although a decade older than I, was probably the only female friend I had. Being raised by my uncle, I kept to my studies and never got to make any friends besides Terran. Bria was already working here with my parents when their torch passed to me. She helped my through a lot of personal issues that only a women could. She is a trustworthy friend and employee. Terran went to public school. He was able to have a social life that didn't evolve taking care of a thousand people. Damn him. Bless her.

"We've been monitoring the radar all night and all morning and still haven't seen or heard anything yet. The radio remains staticky, but considering the latest weather updates and the time he was scheduled to leave New Paxton, and his average speed through dust clouds, Javier suspects that he should arrive within the next couple of hours. So, take a breather. We can start worrying if he hasn't arrived by noon."

Bria had a point, and Javier's calculations are correct nearly every time. I sat down and put my head in my palms. Patience isn't exactly my strong suit.

"Harry?" I grunt.

Harry rushingly places a fresh cup of coffee before me. I take a sip and wish Terran would just arrive safely already. I take another sip.

"He'll return." Adrian assures me. I hope he's right. I smile at him, and look up at the large monitor as it scans and scans.

Adrian was a kind old man. Almost like the grandpa I never had. He's probably our town's oldest citizen, and is considerably wise. He's much better at providing comfort than Harry. He's just a warm person.

"Terran checking in. Come in. Over."

I run over to the radio and pick up the mic, "Terran this is city hall. We read you. What are your coordinates? Over." I anxiously await a response. Every moment of static kills me.

"I'm not sure. I'm driving blind here. Over." Shit, his GPS must be malfunctioning. He could drive off a cliff or into an acid lake. I try to think of what to say to him. I take in a deep breath.

"Okay Terran, do you know how close you are? Is your GPS broken? Over."

More static.

"Macy?"

"Yes it's me." I grip the desk.

"I've been blind for an hour or so Mace. I've been trying to radio in."

Bria snaps her fingers and points at me, saying "He's about 15 miles out." She motions toward her screen, pointing at where she believes he is.

"How do you know he's there?" I ask.

"Our radio only reaches a certain distance depending on the weather. Considering the weather today, he should be in this area. Hopefully he's been able to stay on the route even without the GPS."

I hope so too.

I pick the mic back up, "Terran, are you still on the route? Over."

"I believe so. Over."

I put down the mic and head for the door.

"Macy where are you going?" Harry asks.

As I walk out the door I say, "I'm on the rescue team this week. Tell Terran to sit there and wait for me. I'm going to save his ass."