Young Writers Society

CHAPTER 1

FIRST TIME, LAST TIME

13 years later, 2178, Earth of Origin, New Singapore

The air is always warm in Singapore. Entering from the north by the straits, it carries a mixture of immigrating cultures and marvels of machinery.

Skyscrapers tower above the dense metropolis, reflecting the setting sun off the beams of metal and rolling highways on force shields. Citizens whom live in the sprites can see the shape of the nation’s configuration in the south: circular with spokes of concrete and stone stretching out into New Metropolis. Surprisingly New Metropolis contains randomly constructed buildings.

Walking from tower to tower was quick and easy with force shield and some permanent walkway installations. Cars however, form the main traffic in the air, lightening congestion off the ground.

So indeed the air is an embrace.

Yet the embrace did not last long for Isaac Eagle. For once, after this incident, he will forget the way his long hair floated in the wind as he ran in the fields of his suburban district.

He had grown to almost hate the haunting memories of his own playful youth, his curious nature.

Yet there was something about eagles that fascinated him. He never stopped chasing his father’s pet. Sometimes he would keep doing it for hours till he tires out.

But today was different.

Aeries stepped onto the field. Though she was happy to watch him play, she quickly stopped him in his tracks. She asked him about his day, about having fun. It was never like this.

Isaac’s parents watched intently from home nearby.

“This would be the last day Aeries and Isaac have playtime.” Gail turned to the couple. The mother glanced from the edge of her sharp eyes, irked in a certain way.

“Mr. and Mrs. Eagle,” a social worker sorted out the papers, “you therefore agree to have Isaac under the care of Mr. Gail A. Major?” The two concurred while the mother explained they had discussed it for weeks already.

“I just hope you guys know what you’re doing,” Gail sounded uncertain.

“Yes. It is for the best,” mother explained flatly.

“Of course! Head of the orphanage and a school principal,” father reaffirmed.

“Don’t worry, Mr. Major is more than capable in bringing up Isaac,” that did not move Gail one bit; instead he was staring out the window. The couple stood to see their four-year-old son running in the field.

“Gail,” mother went up to him, “take good care of my son.” She embraced him. “Remind him of us.” Her voice turned raspy.

“Don’t forget,” father patted his back. “Isaac’s life is now in your hands.” Just then, a shiny chain hung from his hands, the very first memories preserved; a watch of gold, a photo of Isaac’s family just over a month ago. “Keep this for him.”

The little boy had sat down, now with his elder brother. Wind blew passed the field as Isaac caught sight of the adults. His brother stood up, letting his figure dwarf the little child. His parents came, getting down to their knees, and for the last time, they embraced.

Gail and Aeries rushed across the field, eventually taking Isaac along. Mother cried, brother pulled her dress and let out his anguish. Father, what can you do now?

The boy screamed. He could no longer hear the cars’ horns in the congested airway. He could no longer feel the warming air. His mind narrowed to the sight of his family.

Goodbye…

Fires began raining from the skies. The first wave of meteors fell onto New Metropolis. Levitating vehicles crush and burn under the immensity of the bombardment. Towers and spires were drilled and shattered in a single breath.

People escaped to the spaceports, crowding the entire take-off zone. Isaac was the only child who got in to the cockpit because of Gail being the first pilot.

Clinging tightly onto Aeries, Isaac felt the tears in his eyes. He squirmed and buried his face into his caretaker.

Aeries fastened his seatbelt, holding him tightly and bracing for the possibility of death.

Gail got into the pilot’s seat quickly, “Morbent,” he addressed the co-pilot, “we’re set for takeoff!”

“Just let me check one thing,” Morbent turned around in his seat, “Isaac?” The little one cuddled close to Aeries, his eyes narrow. His lips and hands trembling.

Morbent frowned and forced a deep inhale. He adverted eye contact.

Acceleration. Isaac caught a glimpse out the window. His heart cringed with every passing moment, watching from behind his long fringe. The throng of humans gathered close to the boundaries and riot control officers. They shoved and heaved, attempting to gain access to what little space there was on the ships.

The underground shelters closed; many were left behind as the next wave rained down. Comets burned through the atmosphere, smashing the second terminal. Freestanding structures around the port fell to the rock and flames. Looking out of the window, Isaac glared down at his home one last time, watching as the world he once knew got smaller and smaller. Soon it vanished into oblivion.

A wormhole opened, taking the ship into the endless sea of stars. Yet, an escape into infinity could not save the child from the mental hell that came…

Shouts rang across the cabins. Gail was astounded by the geography of relative space; a massive magnetic storm loomed ahead, yet the ships pushed on, riding through the endless gas clouds. Shockwaves tore at the fuselage, lightning discharged across the shields, destroying several ships in the cluster.

Isaac’s eyes froze, watching as another ship disintegrated into stardust…

Aeries kept her arms around the boy, pulling him tight as the tremors intensified. The young boy shut his eyes, holding onto the last source of hope before all light ceased…

The sound of struggles vanished into a mere echo. The universe watched in silence as time took a new course.