Journey to Calyx-4

Journey to Calyx-4

We grow up learning about this planet that magically appeared in our Solar System that has the same conditions as Earth but better. I mean, looking at the current state of our planet, anywhere- even Mercury was better to live in than here. There were no forests left, everywhere we look we would see all the same gray big buildings. The seas and oceans that our ancestors swam in no longer existed the way they did before. It was all toxic; to the point even a touch of a fingertip would poison you immediately. The air pollution was the primary reason humans were dying and almost all the animals gone extinct. 

Calyx-4 when it first appeared and was confirmed to be safe for humans to live, the rich traveled there first. Leaving us growing up with stories how it was so green and blue, how clear the air was, how beautiful everything is. We weren’t sure if the stories were true, because there was no evidence that the news from the planet would travel to ours. Because why would the rich people want us peasants to even dream about travelling there and disturb their peace. 

So, it was pretty shocking when my father came home that day and told us we were going to travel to Calyx-4. We didn’t have much time to question it, as he was in some sort of a rush. 

“Are we running away?” I asked, not being able to hold my thoughts any longer.

“No. I won the tickets,” my father said but something bugged me in his response. I felt like he was lying. But as we were in a hurry, I couldn’t voice my concerns. 

We packed a few things and left the house as soon as possible, and was welcomed by a big van in front of the lawn. They didn’t seem very friendly but I brushed it aside. 

The journey to the Rocketship felt both exciting and anxiety inducing. It was like going into the unknown but also new opportunities. I was also pretty scared because we were going to be put in Cryos, because even with all the technology we have now, the travel from Earth to Calyx-4 took about four years- hence the name Calyx-4. 

As we were about to arrive at the Rocketship, the air felt a lot heavier than usual. Something was wrong but I could not put my finger on it. I looked at my father to see what was going on and all I could see on his face was a terrified expression. Before I could ask, the van door swung open and we were escorted out by soldiers. 

This place looked nothing like the way it was talked about. The eerie feeling shook my whole body up. Hearing a click sound, I looked behind me and the last thing I saw was my father being handcuffed before my eyes were covered. 

“You are being sent to Calyx-4 as prisoners for the crime Mr. Ackley has committed.”