Good Morning Antemyst

II. Lead Them To Water

At 1206, the first explosion, large and bright enough to be seen from Satellite Two in Earth's orbit, occurred in New York State. The Isle of Man followed. Then went one in Siberia, and then Osaka. Rio and the Outback. Soon all thirteen Green Thumb countries and Japan were accounted for, and unnatural clouds covered the Earth's face.

I could see the crew reacting. Despair, hopelessness, loss. I felt it all too. "Open convoy comms, with video," I said. I broadcast from the bridge, where there were no other faces.

"Good morning, Antemyst." I did not try to smile, but I did hold back everything else. "I'm sorry to report that the most recent precognitive visions have come to pass. Many lives were lost and more will be soon. Earth can no longer be our home anymore.

"But we are fortunate in that we are going to be with the rest of our people, in the Cyrna system. We are already on our way and soon we will be traveling much faster. Our convoy will arrive at Cicyryxi in approximately three months. We'll be comfortable then, and Cicyryxi is a beautiful place, much like our atoll. We will never be far from home." Here I offered a tiny smile. "We can look forward to that. We can be strong for each other, as we have been before. This is another opportunity to rise above. This is a chance to show the universe that the best parts of Earth survive, through us."

I took a small breath. "As always, breakfast will be available in about half an hour, depending on your craft. To those on board with me, I hope to see you then. Otherwise, please enjoy your trip. We'll be in touch." I gave a slight bow and the comms were cut.

The crew were watching me carefully. I saw a spark of hope among them. It would be enough for now. "Thank you all. Clear cruise and check course. Captain, you have command."

"Yes, Leader." Clarak nodded, and the available crew set about their duties.

I was sure, though, as I returned to my cabin, that they were as unable to shake the images as I was. The plumes of fire and smoke, the clouds drifting and spreading and covering ever more of the Earth from sight.

There were only two people allowed access to my cabin. One was Captain Clarak, and only in case of emergency. The other was Rowley. He was the closest thing I had to a best friend, although I had many friends. He was the only one I could confide in.

Immediately he hugged me. I let myself collapse a bit in his arms. He just held me tighter, knowing better than to speak. He had to be feeling the same way I was, but somehow he was able to set it aside. He always did, for me. Later we would talk about it. Later, when I had the words.

"Miss Fosterman," the comms operator said, his voice coming through very suddenly. "There's a craft hailing us. JSC Joanna."

"Hail them back." Japan StarCraft Joanna belonged to Almajoya. Melisma had been late in leaving. As the empress of Almajoya, a former territory of Japan, she had attempted to use her leverage to convince the Green Thumb to end its programs. Japan had closed its programs after its Gifted-triggered collapse, but apparently it had been plugged in enough that the fatal error had destroyed its former site too.

Melisma Ramijozana had been fighting to save the world. Antemyst was radioactive now, yes, but due to its proximity to Japan, Almajoya had been decimated, and the island would be underwater soon thanks to the resultant tsunami. Also, Melisma had lost the vast majority of her population. The crew of her craft were almost exclusively Antemystics, and only twenty-three of her citizens had heeded her call to run. They were the ones who needed comfort.

"Hailed," the operator said. "ASC Horizon is also indicating the approach of a second starcraft. NOSC Crescent."

I exhaled. The New Orleans portion of the movement had also made it out. I had loaned a starcraft to Astaire Kenton, their leader and also a precognitive, for that purpose. I wondered who he had brought with him. "Send them our greetings as well."

"Will do, Leader. You've also got a message from Cicyryxi. It's urgent."

"Thank you." I switched off the comms and left my cabin without having to explain anything to Rowley. Bad news was not something I was eager for so soon.