Eight Minutes

BEFORE <1>

Asher takes Serena's hand in his as their shuttle takes off, leaving the earth behind them. Serena is breathless, her heart racing and eyes bright. Her cheeks are flushed with excitement and adrenaline. Asher is biting his lip, scared about their mission, to equip the sun with sensors that give the earth warning about an explosion. He rubs his hands together more times than necessary, fidgeting with his ID band.

Serena silently reassures him, sensing his panic. She knows it's going to be okay, she hopes. She doesn't dare think about the dangers of their expedition, they must complete their task and worrying does not make it any easier. She smiles, unable to be sad or scared with the exhilaration pumping through her veins.

Jax sighs across from them, their friend from training who is assisting them on their mission. He is stretched out on his chair, as if watching the television or reading a book. His hair is messy whereas Serena and Asher took time to make theirs look neat for the journey.

"Why did they want us to do this? What's the point if nothing can be done when the time comes?" Jax asks, tilt8ng his head to the side and raising an eyebrow.

Serena catches Asher's eye, rolling hers slightly, Jax taps his foot, impatiently waiting for an answer. He has his own opinion, that the government wants to torture us, but he likes to argue, even when he doesn't believe his point is correct.

"I think humans like to be prepared, to know what's going to happen, even if they don't like it." Serena says, slightly butter, as if she can't change the way things are but wants to desperately.

"By the time the alarm does go off then maybe humans will be able to do something to prevent extinction. The sun is supposed to live for a few hundred years still, it is possible that there will be a way to escape the solar system in time." Asher replies, confident and reassuring.

Jax nods, satisfied with their thoughts. This is rare and Serena smiles to herself, expecting Jax to explain in excruciating detail why his absurd idea is correct and any other is completely wrong.

Asher peers out of the window as the earth shrinks, almost completely in view. His expression is difficult to read, te perfect mask. Intrigued by his interest, Serena gazes out of the window, her awe clear on her face. No matter how many times she travels into space, this will never not be beautiful.

"So..." Jax begins, Serena closes her eyes, knowing that he is going to ask a difficult question. "Do you miss her?"

Asher sits down again, exhaling sharply through his nose. "Who?" He asks, fighting to keep his voice steady.

"You know who!" Jax continues, a smile playing on his pale face.

"I'm beginning to wonder why we ever made friends with you!" Laughs Serena. She is soon joined by Asher and eventually Jax. This joke is overused but always lightens the mood, Serena executed it perfectly ever time!

When the laughter has died down, Jax makes his way to the bedroom, claiming that he is 'worn out from all of the sitting and not doing much.'

"Do you miss her?" Asher asks, unable to contain his sadness.

Serena sighs and rests her chin on her hand. "More than anything." She whispers, her voice breaking.

Asher nods slowly, his eyes distant. "I can't believe we've only been away from her for less than a day but..."

"It feels like so much longer." Serena finishes.

Asher smiles, sadly and puts his arm around his wife and as they fly out into space, their thoughts are on Earth.