Terra Novus

Prologue

"It's been four years since the last bomb went off. We sat in anticipation, waiting for the next explosion to tear us to pieces. But it never happened. The War just... ended. A depression and loneliness remains in place of the war. Everyone senses it, it hangs over us like a fog."

I pause, allowing the last sentence to take effect, melting into the silence around us.

"The Earth is my home, too, and I loved it before this happened. But, we can't stay in mourning forever, the future of the human race is beyond this dead world."

By now, I have to raise my voice slightly over the few protests and mutters.

"There is nothing more we can do for this world! The human race will wither and die here. It may be time for us to accept change and move on to greater things. Recolonize, and build a city that is safer for us, for our families, our children, and for the human race as a whole."

The protests grow louder and develop into insults.

"And if you will not listen."

I stopped sharply, glaring down my audience into silence.

"That is no matter. Because the Ambassador has agreed to allow a small team of researchers explore and find a new home for the human race. My question for you today is this: Will you stay behind in this rotting ground, stuck in your pride and the haunting memory of War or will you put the past behind, and help to create a new world for the future generations of the human race? For your children and grandchildren?"

I stopped there, allowing the audience to process the question before thanking them and leaving my soapbox. I was followed by insults and threats, slowly dying as they realized my question. My Team is waiting for me off to the side of the empty lot, smiles on their faces. "You did good, Calliope." I nod. "Hopefully they listen... I don't want anyone left behind when we leave this... this death trap." I shake my head. "Only one more city to go." Drake sighs, slinging her pack onto her shoulder again. "If only it were that easy." Jade murmured.