by Woosey, JP
The journey was longer than Luke had first anticipated, but they eventually made it to the point on his wrist device. “This is it.” Luke said, standing in front of the doors.
“Why aren't they opening?” Megan questioned.
“I am scanning for any other personnel. Please be patient... You may now proceed.” Novalee finished her sentence and the doors slid apart. A rush of cold air hit Luke's face. He closed his eyes and enjoyed the sensation. Megan and Juan entered the room.
“Look at all the people in deep sleep.” Megan stated, glancing around the large rectangular room.
Luke entered and looked at all of the cryogenic chambers. “They're all in use.” He said, walking past several chambers. They all had people inside of them. “How long have these people been in deep sleep for?”
“The latest entry was twenty days ago.” Novalee answered the question instantly.
“Wait...” Luke tried to wrap his mind around the situation. “Why have you brought me here? If you haven't added anyone else into deep sleep in nearly three weeks.”
“There are a combination of reasons. You are a great asset. You have managed to navigate inside the ship successfully, mostly on your own. You are also very effective at dealing with infected people. If this virus was to be released when we get back to Earth, you would be needed.”
“So we're the only additions for three weeks. Why wasn't anyone else brought here?” Megan joined the conversation, still unsure about Novalee.
“I have tried to include more people, but many died on the way. The ship is large, and this is one of the two remaining cryogenic rooms still functioning. There is the odd cryogenic chamber still working, outside of these two facilities. As you already know, Luke.”
“So what now?” He replied.
“I am preparing three cryogenic chambers as we speak. You will enter them. I will awaken you when we reach the docking platform in orbit around Earth.” The three chambers opened their glass doors as Novalee finished her sentence. “Please enter when you are ready.”
“Are you sure about this, Luke?” Megan sounded unconvinced.
“I don't think we have any other option. We have to stick to this.”
“Okay.” She smiled at him, reassured.
“What about my Dad? Where is he?” Juan struggled to speak. He tried his best not to cry.
“He'll meet us at the docking platform.” Luke replied without hesitation.
“Promise?” Juan's eyes lit up.
“I promise.” Luke knew he might regret those words, but he had to get Juan into deep sleep. I have to look after him now. Ramiro saved my life, so I'll look after his son. He watched as Megan and Juan climbed into their cryogenic chambers. The doors closed on them as they prepared themselves for the freeze. Luke walked up to Megan's chamber. She placed her hand on the glass door from the inside. She mimed words that could only be. 'I love you.' She smiled at Luke, and then all Luke could see was fog. The chamber filled with a cloudy gas. He sighed deeply, and entered the last open cryogenic chamber. The door closed as he turned to face the room. “Tell them everything, Novalee. Warn them of what happened. One mistake and this outbreak can happen all over again.”
“I will, Luke Mason.” Novalee finished her sentence, and then began to hum.
Is that rock-a-bye baby? Luke's eyes closed as his conscious thoughts left his frozen brain.
Thank you for reading.
The Era of Ensemble series continues in Dawn of Deliverance. (Book 2)
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