Exo

The Announcement, Ch.1

"As you all already know, our planet is dying. We spent the last four decades in search of an Exoplanet with a sustainable environment and resources as that of earth."

I zone out of the discussion my father is currently holding and I continue to fiddle with a tiny device (that is roughly 8 inches). The device called Malbot180 rested on the palm of my hand. A wire was attached to it that connected it to an oval that was stuck to the back of my ears.

"We will never give up. We have to find a planet with these conditions before the year of terror, which is three years from now. This might be our last human expedition, but I will not let it go to waste." My father continues, "As we always do, six of our kind will do for this expedition. But, I shall make some changes in the expedition. Instead of using our astronauts, we will use-", he clears his throat before he continues. I notice that he has a worried expression on his face. "six underage pupils."

Underage pupils... Teenagers? Everyone who was currently in the room gasped, including me. "But Dr. Parker," a woman who sat across me asked."How will they accomplish such a huge task. You are leaving the future of the human race in their hands, now is not the time to go for a different approach!" I took off my earphones as I continue to listen to the conversation, my eyes were wide with shock.

"For the past few decades, all of the astronauts who went on the mission have either died or have gone inactive. This is our last chance Dr. Sanders, it is time to change it."

There was a silence. I heard a few gasps from the room, people around me started whispering to each other. I just sat there in shock unable to take anything in. After a minute or two, everyone came to a conclusion as Dr. Sanders stood up to speak.
"We shall obey your orders, but you should know that the faith of the world is in their hands, or rather yours." She said with a stern expression. As a kid, I would always get scared when she looked at me with that expression. She scared me even now as I looked at her, her narrowed eyes paralysing me.

I fixed my gaze onto my father. What was he thinking? Why would he do something like this? He was the head of NASA and he came up with this? He opened his mouth to speak, "Thank you for respecting my decision."
Everyone one in the room stood up and bowed, including me.

×××

My mind was filled with countless  questions as I continued walking down the corridor. I turned around just as I felt a tap on my shoulder.

I turned around to see a girl with short auburn hair that came till her neck and big Hazel eyes. She gave me a lopsided grin whilst walking up to match my pace. It was Jeanine Sanders. Guessing by the last name you could already guess that she was the daughter of Dr. Sanders. She was also my best friend.

"Hey Jason."

If you didn't already know, I'm Jason Parker. Son of the director of NASA, Victor Parker. I looked at her, smiling.
"Hey Jean", I said as we continued walking and discussing the recent events

"No offense" Jean started "but your dad's crazy."
I would normally oppose her every statement, but this time I couldn't help but to agree with her.

"He's totally crazy, why would he want to do something  like that!"
I said as I turned to her. "If he wants a group of teenagers to go to space, he would only take ones that were capable."

Jean's expression darkened as I said that. I caught on to her thoughts. Jean and I practically grew up in the space center, we didn't even need training.

He wouldn't make us do it. He knew the risk it would pose to my life and Jean's. He couldn't.

×××

I reached my hub at the edge of the city. I stood under the sensor and walked inside as it unlocked.

My father was not at home as usual. He always came late from the headquarters, an hour after I did.

I don't usually wait for him to arrive, but after today's meeting, I had a million questions to ask him.

A couple of hours pass by as I finally hear the sensor activate. My dad walks in, looking tired. His jet black hair was messy and his warm eyes were cold and distant. His expression unusually dark.

I tried to ignore his quiet demure and flooded the house with a million questions like "What were you thinking?" and "Why would you do this?" He didn't answer a single one, but continued ignoring me. Then I realised that something was truly off

"Dad what's wrong?"

He looked at me with a solemn expression. "They said that you had to be in the expedition." He said. He opened his mouth to say more but he closed it again. His blue eyes looked at me with great sympathy.

I couldn't believe it. I was chosen.