Suddenly the ferocious beast that had been using its fingernails to make the terrible noise turned into one of the giant birds and flew around the corridor. This agitation added to the confusion. The passengers were still screaming; now all the other creatures started making their own ear-splitting sounds.
Before the birds could attack any of the other migrants, darkness suddenly fell upon them, as if an enormous black curtain had been dropped over the entire hall. In a split second, the darkness lifted and light illuminated the room again. The rows of office buildings above had been lowered into the middle of the hall, as though an invisible hydraulic ramp had placed them there.
Everyone was quiet except for two migrants who had their eyes shut, both of whom were screaming at the top of their lungs. They were Martin and Morgan. Carrol’s heart quickened as she wondered why they were screaming. At first, she thought they might be making fun of how terrified she was but she soon realized they weren’t paying any attention to her.
*
Martin and Morgan seemed to have had a nightmare of sorts during the momentary darkness. The witch they had laughed at earlier, the one with the long pointy nose, had seen what was happening and decided to use it as an opportunity to scare them. Using magic, she’d projected an image of her face right in front of them. The witch’s face was infested with large, pus-filled pimples and boils that looked like they could pop at any moment. Some were as red and swollen as ripened cherries, while others had already erupted leaving open sores. Her few teeth were rotten and her mouth smelled like a dirty latrine. Her one good eye glittered in the dark; the other, a glass eye, rotated in its socket. Her thinning hair was jet black. She laughed manically, tormenting them for their bad manners.
Chris tried to snap his friends out of it by tugging at their hands. They opened their eyes and stopped screaming. Martin saw the rest of the passengers staring at them and exchanging nervous looks. Some looked suspicious, as though they thought Martin and Morgan might be making fun of the situation. Their looks made Martin and Morgan feel ashamed and emasculated, but they quickly pulled themselves together as if nothing had happened. They didn’t tell their friends why they had been screaming and no one dared to ask.
The birds were all gone, including the ferocious-looking creature that had transformed into a bird. Everything seemed to have returned to normal.
Mr Stevens’ limb had disappeared, as had the blood on the ground. Perhaps the drop-down office block had somehow cleaned up the mess. The migrants realised they might never know how the organisers had resolved the issue or how the clean-up had been carried out because the darkness had lasted just a few seconds.
A chill swept across the room; danger had become a reality. The migrants were sober and reflective. Martin looked at James, who seemed to feel terrible about the whole incident. Maybe he was upset about not being able to save Mr Stevens.
‘I told you those things were alive. I was sure I saw them,’ Chris whispered to Monica, who nodded and leaned against his shoulder.
The programme organisers didn’t say or do anything to address what had happened. Instead, they simply hurried over to let the migrants into their departure hall.
Finally, the group heard an announcement. Two hundred and ninety-nine curious and frustrated passengers turned towards the loudspeaker mounted on the wall for the broadcast from an unfamiliar voice. ‘Attention, all passengers. We are very sorry for the incident that has occurred here today. This is something we’ve never witnessed before at the Channel of Exchange and it has taken us by surprise. We apologise for any inconvenience caused to anyone who has been affected physically, mentally or otherwise. It is with a heavy heart that we inform you that one of your fellow passengers, Mr Stevens, will not be travelling with us to Mars as he was badly injured. He is currently in hospital receiving treatment for his injuries.
‘We are grateful to those of you who did whatever was necessary to protect yourselves and your fellow passengers, even risking your own lives. A special thank you to James Carna, Martin Salexy and Morgan Joshy for their efforts to save the lives of others without any regard for their own welfare.’
Everybody applauded. A few of the passengers threw a smile or a nod towards Martin and Morgan, and to James, too.
The voice went on: ‘We are launching a full investigation into the matter and we will make sure that the perpetrator of this heinous crime is punished. Any passengers in need of counselling should not hesitate to visit the psychotherapist on board the spacecraft. Your safety is very important to us and we will continue to do everything within our power to make sure you stay safe. Please take the time to revisit your handbook and ensure that you continue to follow all safety standards. Thank you for your attention. Goodbye, and have a pleasant onward journey.’
The migrants began to speak to each other in hushed tones as they waited for instructions from the organisers. Even Martin and his group were quiet; they had been shaken to their core.
The organisers sent out personnel who had them line up in single file in their departure hall and complete their registration by using their thumbprints to sign in. The scanners were on a table in front of the departure gate. Once the process was complete, they were led into large rooms to change into their travelling clothes, a pair of simple overalls. Each passenger was issued with a gas mask. Finally, the organisers guided them into the spacecraft to their designated seats.
‘Attention, all passengers travelling to Mars. This is your commander, Tidor Thomson, speaking. I welcome you all on board this ship, Go-Go-Kedson spacecraft number GKSC110X. Please fasten your seatbelts – this is a requirement for take-off and landing.’ The migrants immediately started securing themselves with the double-strapped belts on either side of their seats.
The commander went on. ‘This ship is equipped with an artificial gravity field which is generated by technology to help regulate gravity once we’re in space. This high-speed spacecraft moves at the same velocity as a launched projectile. As explained in your handbook, it usually takes between 150 and three hundred days to reach Mars from Earth, depending on our speed and other technical issues. Since this is a high-speed craft, we are hoping to get there in 150 days’ time, if everything goes according to plan. We expect that it will take two hundred days at most.
‘As you can see, this spacecraft is completely different from the space train. On board this vessel everyone has their own cabin, except for families who are travelling with young children. Because we need the lightest possible weight to gain adequate speed, your sleeping quarters are compact but they are fitted with everything you need for your stay, including changes of clothes, toiletries and first-aid supplies.
‘This vessel has four decks. The first level is below deck, where Chef Ozmond and his experienced crew run the kitchen. Here you will find the gym, which we encourage you to use at least twice a day to enhance your blood circulation. The second level is where you’re seated now; the cockpit is also situated here. Your cabins are located on the third and fourth levels, along with the entertainment station and a common room where you can socialise.
‘Due to the length of this journey, at least five months in real time, we discourage wasting any materials, especially food and water. The food-storage system has been calculated to last for the duration of this trip and portions will be controlled. This ship uses a technologically advanced filtration system to recycle all waste water into clean drinking water. Passengers are only allowed to shower every other day in order to maintain the required water level.
‘Alcoholic beverages are available but please be aware that all passengers have a strict daily allocation that they are not permitted to exceed. Once you have consumed your quota, you will have to wait until the next day to receive further supplies. We do not tolerate drunken behaviour on board this vessel as it can endanger lives. Drunkenness is a punishable offence that could result in detention of up to two weeks in our on-board detention facility. If a passenger is caught overindulging a second time
, the remainder of their journey will be spent in custody.
‘We advise all passengers to abide by every rule and regulation stipulated in the handbook to ensure a smooth passage to Mars. We have a team of law-enforcement officers on board who will be working around the clock and detaining passengers when necessary. In the event that someone commits a severe offence, they will be transferred to the appropriate authority upon our arrival on Mars. There are two doctors on board, Dr Trent and Dr Mannet, along with several nurses and other health professionals.
‘Also travelling with us is a team of engineers. The chief engineer, Marcus Lee, is responsible for the maintenance of this spacecraft. Passengers are forbidden access to the engine room, which is below deck. Please be advised that doors marked “Staff Only” are restricted areas.
’In the event that the siren sounds, you must immediately return to your seats and fasten your seatbelts. The same protocol will apply to landing.
‘Finally, we ask that you please conduct yourselves in a respectful manner towards both the staff and your fellow passengers throughout the journey. Thank you for listening.’ The commander drew an audible breath. ‘This spacecraft will now prepare for take-off.’
CHAPTER 12
DEPARTING TO THE RED PLANET
Carrol sat anxiously at the edge of her seat waiting for the craft’s take-off. Sweeping the coach, her eyes fell on Martin, who was sitting facing his friends. He ran his hand repeatedly over his hair as silence descended upon the craft except for the noise from the engine as it accelerated for take-off. Remembering what had happened at the Channel of Exchange and in the camp, she wasn’t sure what to make of him. One minute he was a nice, heroic person, another minute he came across as mean and insensitive. Perhaps he’s nicer and kinder without his friends, she thought.
The spaceship lifted off the ground vertically like a rocket, with a less-violent form of propulsion because of anti-gravity. Carrol felt a heavy sensation like a gravitational pull; she drew a sharp breath with her eyes closed to keep from screaming from fear. When she had calmed herself, she gradually opened her eyes and looked around to see if people were looking at her. She could tell that the other passengers must have felt the sensation from their facial expressions, or the lack of them, and their body language. Some people still held on tightly to their seats, anticipating what they imagined would be the roughest ride of their lives.
Turning slightly, she glimpsed Martin and his trailblazing friends. They seemed to find it exhilarating to soar to the skyline and beyond. Peering through the windows, they were mesmerised at the openness, which stretched indefinitely. They exchanged warm glances. Martin reclined comfortably, looking out as though he was enjoying the sight and the tranquillity it offered.
Fear still lingered over some of the migrants like a dark cloud on a miserable, rainy day. Their sense of adventure had long since evaporated and they still gripped their arm rests tightly with their eyes clamped shut. Unluckily for her and some of the other passengers, the strain and terror they’d experienced from the pull of gravity did not equate to fun.
Carrol was suffering from shortness of breath due to her fear and uncertainty. She looked at Mr and Mrs Tate. Mr Tate looked fairly comfortable but Mrs Tate sat stiffly on the edge of her seat, wondering what they’d signed up for, especially after her earlier ordeal.
At the edge of the Earth’s atmosphere, the ship experienced minor turbulence. Carrol clutched the armrest tightly, bracing herself. There was a long silence, then the engine shut off. Fearing the worst, Carrol didn’t relax her vice-like grip.
In addition to the openness around them, everything felt still. Carrol wondered if the ship was even moving; since there was no way of knowing for certain, she agonised about whether there might have been an engine malfunction. She stared hard at the clouds for any sign of movement but none was visible. The commander hadn’t made an announcement so she told herself that everything must be okay. She breathed a sigh of relief when some small clouds passed by again and she realised that the craft was travelling smoothly.
I can’t believe a spaceship could be so smooth whilst in motion. It’s like being in a moving hotel. I’d better stop thinking about how well it’s going before I jinx it, like I did in the Channel of Exchange, she thought. She had praised the organisers for keeping the place so peaceful just before the trouble had erupted, and the coincidence made her uncomfortable. She focused her gaze inside the craft and her eyes met James’s. She quickly looked away, despite the admiration she felt for him because of his bravery at the Channel of Exchange.
Carrol watched the small passing clouds until they disappeared. I like this openness, she thought. It’s kind of scary but alluring, like a desert, a sphere of emptiness. Sadly, she realised that was exactly how she felt: empty and isolated. She fixed her eyes on the passing lights from other flying objects travelling miles away until they eventually disappeared from view.
*
Martin and his friends listened attentively as another announcement was made. ‘Attention, all passengers, the seatbelt sign has been switched off. You are now permitted to leave your seats and move about the spaceship. There are lots of places to visit, like the refectory, your cabins and the upper deck.’
Even before the commander had finished speaking, most of the passengers were out of their seats and heading off in various directions. Martin saw that James had left his seat to explore. At least he doesn’t have to babysit anyone here; we are all safe for now, Martin thought.
Monica and Chris headed to the upper deck, while the three other boys went down to the kitchen. Next to the kitchen was an enormous dining room; it was long and cylindrical, and the walls were made from corrugated metal panels. Rows of long, wrought-iron tables and benches had been welded to the floor. At the front of the room another metal table, also securely fastened, displayed a buffet of delicacies and drinks. It was all clean and organised. Everything on the ship looked and felt like metal – even the fibreglass and other materials used in the fixtures and fittings.
The immaculate corridors were lined with pipes and grooved metal panels and they had bright lighting from the ceilings and floor. Doors opened with the touch of a button; some worked by sensors. The communal areas were furnished with minimalist metal furniture, chairs and tables. Each piece of furniture was fastened to the floor or the metal walls. The spotlessness and sterility gave it all a futuristic look.
The group found each other on the upper deck. The boys were reinvigorated and seemed to have put the incident at the Channel of Exchange behind them. Martin saw James there too; he beamed a smile at Martin, who smiled back and then quickly looked away. What’s up with this James guy today? I have never smiled or spoken to him in the whole six months in camp and today I’ve had to smile at him three times, he thought.
‘Where have you guys been?’ Monica asked.
‘We’ve been in the dining room which has the kitchen attached to it, then games room. Don’t tell me you haven’t seen it! It’s the best room in the entire place by far,’ Martin said. ‘What have you been up to?’
‘We’ve been up here, but we also went to check out the rooms,’ Chris replied. ‘They’re small, with only minimal space to move around. Ours looked slightly bigger than normal, maybe because we’re sharing. But each room has its own bathroom with a shower cubicle, a small sink, a medicine cabinet and a mirror.’
Monica explained that the beds were freshly made with clean white cotton sheets and were surprisingly comfortable. The room looked and felt clinical but it had the essentials: toothpaste and toothbrushes, towels and a flannel blanket.
‘Some have balconies facing the courtyard,’ Chris said. He explained that the interior courtyard had a seating area. Other rooms faced a corridor, the walls of which had windows that looked out into the openness of space. These windows were welded shut like aircraft windows. ‘Have you guys already explored everywhere?’ he asked.
The boys started laughing.
‘You’r
e joking, right?’ asked Koi.
‘Well, I guess with the games room, we’ve practically been everywhere worth going – and that’s the games room,’ Martin said. ‘Man, it’s out of this world! At the entrance there’s an area with seats that are covered in huge, soft cushions – and that’s even before going in. Picture a room with every game you can think of. It has all types of space games, big arcade machines and viewing screens. It’s packed with consoles and gadgets, ducts and equipment. The room was lit up like the Blackpool illuminations or New York City at night. It’s a teenage utopia!’ He beamed. ‘The gambling station has flashing, colourful lights. There’s this endless clanking noise of falling coins coming out of the machines. I’m guessing that’s mostly for older people—’
‘Speak for yourself,’ Koi interrupted. ‘I like gambling and the machines. Don’t make out like it’s an old people’s thing.’
They started laughing as Martin quickly recovered. ‘Okay! That's totally fine.’ He rolled his eyes playfully.
This exchange made Martin consider his own interest in gambling – he liked it but he thought of it as an old person’s pastime, so he gambled secretly. He smiled upon hearing Koi defend it.
Martin saw James watching them. James quickly turned his head. Martin thought he was becoming creepy but said nothing to his friends. He turned to Chris and Monica to continue his story. ‘As I was saying, the games room has a station for board games. You pick up the chips at the counter and you can request them for any games you want. How awesome is that? I guess board games are a nice pastime for people with a lot of time to spare – like everyone on this ship,’ he said.
‘Man, why were you both screaming in the Channel of Exchange? Surely you weren’t trying to make fun of the situation?’ Chris asked.
‘Oh, it was nothing,’ Morgan said. He and Martin exchanged a dark look. All the excitement in their faces faded instantly. They did not want to remember that experience, let alone mention the word ‘witch’, in case she returned to hurt them.
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