Ch. 1: 222 Years Ago
A man wearing a suit runs toward a small ship. He’s surrounded by security, and there’s two more stationed at the entrance to the ship.
An older woman cries out, “Mr. President, at least take the children; give them a chance!” Each of her hands is clutching a small child. The boy looks about a year older than the girl.
President Nathaniel Max stops and turns towards the woman in the crowd. He doesn’t make eye contact with anyone or look down towards the children. He declares, “Everything I’m doing is to save our people; to give us the best chance of survival.”
The woman glares at him as she points out, “There’s more space than people you’re taking.”
President Max nods his head. “That’s intentional. This voyage might last several centuries. Room for growth is necessary. We also must worry about the food production to use ratio. We have farming levels, but more citizens equates to more animals being needed, as well as more growing space for fruits and vegetables. We simply don’t have time to make the necessary expansions, that would also reduce living space by being done. We’ve thought of everything.”
“What about genetic diversity?” The man next to her asks, “Or is inbreeding not part of your worries?”
“Every citizen on the Ark of Hope, regardless of their job function, was carefully chosen keeping all factors in mind. Everything was accounted for.”
“For yourselves!” She snaps, “Have you given a single moment of thought to those you’re leaving behind?!”
“You’re in God’s hands.” President Max replies before turning to leave.
She defiantly responds, “You’re no less in his hands!”
“Space is our future!” he yells, starting to pick up the pace.”
She screams, “Not forever! Just as you’re leading some into space: one of your descendants will lead many back to planet living.”
The closest guard shakes his head. Whether from amusement, or disagreement, no one can tell.
The woman yells louder, "Destiny can't be stopped by anyone!"
President Max continues as if she never said anything.
Minutes later the minor craft launches and goes to dock on the major craft hovering in low orbit.
The boy holding the woman’s hand asks, “What are we going to do now?”
“Only God knows,” is all she can answer.
The camera man states, “That sums it up. I however am going to send this to the ship. May they never forget what was done this day.”
He scans the faces of the crying children before shutting off the camera.
