Chapter 5: Funeral March
Soon enough, everyone was gathered around Veronicas capsule. When her ship exploded her body had shot into space from the impact. Thankfully we were able to spot her and used Centurys collecting arm to grab her. However it didn't take a genius to figure out that underneath her suit she suffered multiple internal injuries. Her long black hair was neatly placed around her face and purple hyacinths surrounded her. A light scratch went from her chin, down her neck and disappeared underneath her suits collar. Trent gave a speech about how good of a friend she was to him and how thoughtful she was to to others. Sara talked about how great of a worker she was; always diligent and head strong. Dylan explained to us how they first met in school and had the same dreams.
I wasn't the closest to Veronica but nevertheless her death still saddened me. We all had the same dream to continue humanity and we're all passionate about it. I don't believe in a higher being but I know that she did. I hope she found comfort after death.
A while passed before I was broken from my trance to initiate the fire sequence. Since we're the first Elders on the Century exploration, we get cremated to have our ashes displayed on a wall for future generations; a way for us to live on and be honored after colonization. I looked at everyone else in the room and when my head nodded we said in unison "Your journey is over, may we meet in your next life." My fingers pressed into the button and Veronicas body slowly went into the wall and was encapsulated with fire. Although we could only see the hyacinths through the viewing window, we stared at them burning to ash. When we were in training, we had to pick out our metal urns for when our time came. Veronicas urn was a light gold color with pictures of nature surrounding it.
"I'll be putting her ashes into her urn in a few hours if anyone would like to be there." I stated as my friends cried. I've dealt with many deaths in my life so it got hard to cry over the years. I lead the way to the cafeteria for us to have some drinks and food.
After about an hour I took my fourth and last shot. I don't normally drink but when I think about how I almost died how Veronica died, my anxiety over life becomes overwhelming and my work gets messy. I became a doctor to help people because if it was me, I wouldn't want to never see trees or butterflies or my friends again. Perhaps if there was an afterlife I believed in I'd be more hopeful, but what God would let the Earth that they created go to chaos and destruction.
I sat in my spacious workroom, glancing at Veronicas chamber while filing and writing statements for her death for our colony and Centuries history. Sara walked in with furry little Kai in her arms; her black hijab matching perfectly to his color. "I thought you could use some company and cuddles.." Sara said as I received my new little baby boy into my arms. "You always know how to cheer me up." I replied with a little smile. Sara and Kristie were the only ones who know about my massive anxiety over dying. It's the reason I almost didn't get accepted into Century. Over years of training for space, I proved them time and time again that I'd give my life to save anothers. I motioned for Sara to sit and she happily obliged. "I don't think the others will be coming, they're far too drunk to leave the cafeteria." She giggled out as Kai jumped to the floor by my feet. Of course, because of her religion, she doesn't drink alcohol. Something I'd never be able to do. I walked to our safely packed urn storage and removed Veronicas eternal home. I opened up her capsule and carefully swept her ashes into the urn as Sara watched, a few feet away. I tightened up the lid and walked back to the storage to put her back safely. Sara hugged me before going back to her station to begin our journey. I walked to my room with Kai at my feet and a camera in my hands. At this time, Earth should be in view from my room and I wanted to get one last picture of it before takeoff.
Closing the door behind me, I walked to the screens on the wall that showed Earth, however, it looked a lot different than when we left it. The fires were worse, the atmosphere was mostly smoke and dust, the water was dark from pollution, the ice was barely visible, and there were no green spots left to be seen. I snapped a photo and tucked Kai into our bed.
I changed into my official Century uniform and started my way to the bridge to begin our new life.
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