10 Minute Tales, Part 2

Sep 17 - Out of Reach

The bombs had fallen a long time ago. My mother said that she felt the shockwaves as they entered Sanctuary. Father insists it was just the quaking of Sanctuary as it prepared to launch. Whatever the case, my mother was one of the last three people to enter Sanctuary before its doors closed. The stars beckoned Sanctuary closer with welcoming arms, even as mankind's own machinations brought about their end. My parents, and those of my friends, were brought to safety by the good in mankind's heart. They were brought into orbit, circling the planet far above and watching, weeping as the beautiful land became barren and lifeless, as the oceans turned a dull grey. We had nearly killed our home, but we would wait. Those that had not reached Sanctuary now scurried along the ground, succumbing to their bloodlust and madness. However, this is not their story, as my colleague has reminded me. This is our story. This is my story.

-----

I watch the planet every day, in the hope that I can find some greenery from my vantage point. I was taught that many of the landmasses were covered in vegetation, a lot of it suitable for consumption. Imagine that! Food growing right from the ground! We have not been able to accomplish such a feat, even with the samples of soil my father brought with him. I was not even born when we started watching, and now I am nearly twenty. Today seems to be another hopeful silence. I have been in the observation chamber for nearly an hour. Maybe I will go eat soon. I have been asked to stay here, though. The leader would be displeased if I left, so I shall stay and observe. I... I have noticed something.

He closed the notepad and brought himself closer to the window, squinting in disbelief. Over what was once North Africa, a squall of clouds were swirling wildly in what looked like a powerful storm. He considered reporting this, turning to the door, when a bright flash brought his attention back to the planet. It was a lightning storm, but one of unprecedented strength.

"Curious." he muttered, leaning a little closer. "This does not suit the area's reported storm conditions..." he started to type his findings when the storm suddenly... the only way to describe it was to say that it broke, shards of the storm drifting away in every direction. He stared in disbelief, his fingers pausing over the keyboard.

There was green. Africa had grown vegetation, and in large quantities.

-----

He practically ran to the Leader's dormitory, tablet firm in hand. He slid to a stop in the lobby, his progress halted by a large, sealed door. A circular hole opened, a camera sliding out and staring at him.

"Test subject three one eight." a voice echoed throughout the lobby. "State your business with the Leader."

"I wish to report the findings of my observation period. I believe it is crucial to the ongoing mission of Sanctuary." the camera zoomed a little, staring him in the eye. Two minutes of uncertainty later, the camera retreated through the door and the panel closed.

"You may enter."