Six months later… The sun is dipping towards the horizon in the late afternoon sky when the autocab pulls up in front of the house. This is my quiet time every day when I sip some iced green tea or lemonade and sit on the porch to gaze out over the changing land.
Marcelo stands over me while Robert, a stylish man I’ve had the pleasure of meeting twice, does my makeup, and another man presses my suit for the day. “Did you get any sleep last night.
“Breathe, Vivian.” I inhale through my nose and let it all out through my mouth.
The bridge of this dropship is in chaos when we arrive. Red lights flash, and the frozen image of a maroon-faced admiral dominates the center screen.
I’m giddy with excitement, watching the drama unfold around me. Everyone is on the edge of their seats, their attention intense and ready.
There’s not much to choose from when it comes to food. My stomach is growling, and my body demands sustenance, so I have to be okay with what I can find.
Jinzo leans over my body, places my hands on my chest, and tucks a blanket under my head. He can’t tell that I’m right above him.
It’s a long trek across the frozen tundra to the foothills and the possibility of shelter. I take socks from my bag and give them to everyone to use as mittens.
