Dwellers of the New World Chapter Nineteen ( Pt 2 ) On Board

There was a pause while Addie and Dawson waited, then Max came up on the screen. “Boy! Am I glad to finally speak to you Captain.”

“So! What's been the problem your end Max?” Addie could feel the pressure from his colleague and knew that whatever had happened, it was probably worse than he expected.

“I've no idea Captain; one minute everything was fine, but then a huge, dark cloud engulfed us, it didn't float off but just hung in the air; whatever was lurking within the cloud rained down and sent everyone into a deep sleep, it was only two days ago that people started to wake.”

Max hated the fact that they'd been defenceless. “All the electrics, computers and fixtures exploded. We've been left with one hell of a clean up. The engineering room was flooded, as well as the control room and also some of the corridors. Most of the engineers that were on duty that day have been left with some kind of infection, but we isolated them straight away.” Max then remembered the return of one of the other ships. “Captain Owen's ship managed to return via a wormhole, they remained in the craft till things settled down, but now they are back with us safe and sound.”

Addie was pleased for Captain Owen, but something else worried him. “How are my family Max?” It had been so long and he was missing them desperately. “Is Lena okay? What about Luke?”

Max didn't want to worry Addie as he was still so far away, so refrained from telling him about Lena's illness. “Uh! She's fine. Luke's been helping to clear up – they're both missing you.”

Dawson too was now concerned about his own family. “How's Laura and the children?” He asked biting his lip and feeling guilty at how much danger he'd put himself in.

“They're all okay!” Replied an annoyed Max. “But the sooner you get back here, the better.” He was busy and desperate to get on with his work, it left him feeling edgy.

Addie could tell the man was agitated, so decided to end his call. “Thanks Max, I can tell by your tone that you're busy, so good luck with the rest of the clear up.” He suddenly remembered the other reason he was contacting home. “Oh! By the way Max – we're returning with some guests, so you will need to set up the quarantine quarters.”

Max wasn't so sure this was a good idea. “You can't bring people back from another world – what would the Minister say? You know he won't allow it.” This was all Max needed, extra confusion on top of everything else.

Addie was unwavering, even though he knew it was wrong he wouldn't back down. “That's a chance I have to take, which I'll sort out when I get back, but for now Max, just do as I say.”

“Okay – you're the boss Captain.” Max was intrigued as to who Addie would be bringing home with him. “So! The plot thickens, I'll see you all soon.”

The screen went off, as they discussed about when to leave, in the end they decided that food and sleep were in order, then they could take off feeling refreshed.

Varden and Gideon were the first to enter the cleansing cubicle, Penny assured them there wasn't any danger. A door made a whooshing sound as it slid to one side, the two boys entered as the others watched on, still all huddled together afraid of the strange place they'd found themselves in and feeling even more lost than when they were in the Doom Chamber.

Varden held Gideon's hand as a beam of light came down and across their naked bodies. Strange music began playing as the cleaning process began, firstly with a scanning machine that went up and down, leaving a strange feeling of calmness that the boys had never experienced in their lives, they shivered when a blast of cold air shot through their hair removing any dirt particles that might be lurking. Very soon each boy went through the same process until they were all clean and ready for a rest.

The boys slept on the floor of Addie's quarters, with metallic covers enfolding them, but they couldn't get used to the environment they found themselves in, everything was so bright, but eventually sleep came after a lot of tossing and turning.

Tawny still in the cage, stayed close to Simon, watching the boy slumber, while Brad curled up close to him too In Penny's quarters. The ship remained peaceful for a long while, she was the first person to wake up. Never before had the woman been surrounded by so many males. 'Just as well I don't mind the company of men!' She thought to herself, making her way to the bathroom and climbing over Brad and his son.

After dressing, Penny was glad to get a knock from Addie. “Can you wake everyone and get them all sitting down and belted up. We'll be taking off when you're ready, and just as soon as Dawson makes his way to the bridge ready to join the others.”

Ben – Brad – Simon – Varden and the other boys were all strapped into special seats, while Tawny was still contained in the cage which was strapped down too. Justin and Stewart kept an eye out for any problems with the equipment, but everything seemed fine, so they were ready for take off. The boys clenched their fists in fear, their bodies shaking, not understanding what was going on. They'd hardly spoken since entering the ship, too nervous, their minds full of what ifs! And wondering if they'd ever see their world again. There was fear in their tiny faces as each child kept their eyes shut tight, thinking they were going to die.

Ben and Brad tried to remain calm as the ship began to rise, they didn't want the boys to see their fear, but inside their hearts were beating fast. Brad held his son's hand, squeezing it so tight, it caused Simon to squirm. “Ouch! Father you're hurting.”

Poor Brad didn't even realise he was so panicky. “Oh! Dear son; I'm so sorry. This is such a new strange sensation; my whole body feels like it's been cut in half, one half is up and the other is down.”

Simon knew what his Father meant, he too was aware that his body felt heavy, but was being split in two. Once the ship stabilized, they all felt more comfortable and soon most of them were napping, though Simon was excited and felt an immediate connection with these strange people from another world.

Dwellers of the New World Chapter Nineteen ( Pt 3 ) An Unknown World | ABCtales