Destiny: Quantic Dreams Book 3 by Elizabeth McLaughlin (books for 20 year olds .txt) 📗

every surface. People worked in silence, the only sounds the murmurs and crying of family members bidding their loved ones goodbye. Perhaps for the last time. Eliza and I worked to pack up our possessions in quiet, the only communication between us present in body language so familiar it was as clear as speech. The realization that we were really joining this epic, final quest slammed itself into my mind and suddenly I was brought back to the days when the world felt too small. Who was I kidding, taking on this kind of journey? I wasn’t young and strong anymore. My middle-aged body had plenty of aches and pains. It was still recovering from the epidemic; I found it just a little bit harder to jog or run. It was like my lungs had been permanently altered. I shuddered to think what other side effects the strange illness had on my body. When it came down to it, how much could I really stand? If we were faced with a real threat, would I be able to defend myself?

I jumped at the touch of someone’s hand on my shoulder. It was Dad. He threw his hands in the air.

“Easy! It’s only me!”

“Sorry, sorry.” I screwed up my face and blinked hard to wipe the fear from my expression. “I guess I’m just a little jumpy. It’s been a quick transition for me, you know. Virtual world to shelter to outside to who the hell knows where now. I didn’t really think about it before.”

He pressed his lips together in sympathy. “Believe me, I know how it is.” Anger flashed through me. I knew that he was only trying to make me feel better but he had no idea how it had been for me. In less than six months I had uprooted-no—been ripped from my entire life only to have things get progressively more shit as each went by. I knew that I shouldn’t complain, everything that had happened moved us toward a more stable life, but god damn it if I didn’t miss sleepy mornings with my family. Laying in bed with my wife. Drinking coffee.

“Yeah.” I gave him a quick embrace. “Thanks, Dad. Everybody going to be ready to go on time?”

“I think so. You’re not thinking of volunteering for plow horse duty, are you?” He waved toward the sleds.

I poked at my stomach, miming the presence of extra fat. “I don’t know, I think I’ve gained a few pounds.” He laughed. Even with the feast of potatoes and meat, there wasn’t a single colonist that had a spare ounce of adipose on them. Before I could devote any more time worrying about our caloric intake I heard a clear bell in the darkness. Time to get moving. We caught up with Eliza and Marcus at the growing gathering. As expected, one hundred brave and foolish individuals lined up in front of the shelter’s entrance. The whole group was clad in their ‘cold weather’ clothing and looked quite comfortable next to shivering colonists in lighter fabric. Maybe this whole marching into the abyss thing wasn’t so bad. At least I’d be warm.

Eliza left my side to take her place next to Jason and Nicole. “Good morning, everyone. And thank you for getting up at this ungodly hour. Those of us who are departing today are grateful for your presence. I’d also like to point out that our rations of hot drinks will be yours shortly, so there is a consolation prize in it for you.” A few laughs could be heard. “At this time I’d like to invite anyone to the front who would like to say a few words.” At first, no one moved. Then a bespectacled young man made his way to the front of the crowd. He wore a close-cropped beard and I saw a kippa on his head.

“My name is Lucas.” His voice was soft and gentle, almost boyish in a way that belied a kind personality. I saw this firsthand when a little boy and a girl ran up to him, wrapping their arms around his legs. “And these are my children. For those who are unfamiliar, the cap on my head denotes that my family and I are Jewish. I am not a rabbi, but if it’s all right I’d like to say a prayer for those leaving us today.” Lucas looked to Eliza for her approval and she nodded.

“May it be Your will, Lord, our God and the God of our ancestors, that You lead us toward peace, guide our footsteps toward peace, and make us reach our desired destination for life, gladness, and peace. May You rescue us from the hand of every foe and ambush, from robbers and wild beasts on the trip, and from all manner of punishments that assemble to come to earth. May You send blessing in our handiwork, and grant us grace, kindness, and mercy in Your eyes and in the eyes of all who see us. May You hear the sound of our humble request because You are God Who hears prayer requests. Blessed are You, Lord, Who hears prayer.” It was clear the words were old. I didn’t know that many people still held strict religious beliefs anymore. The notion of faith had fled from most people’s lives long before I was born. “Thank you to each and every one of you who are leaving the safety and comfort of familiarity today to seek a better future for us all. May God keep you safe.” Lucas and his children made their way back into the group and I saw a woman hug and kiss him before turning back to regard Eliza.

“Anyone else?” She spread her arms to gesture the next speaker forward. A few others took their turn in presenting prayers or parables they held dear. Just as my PDA beeped, reminding me that we had to set out soon, I saw one last person take their place. My father.

“This is a