To The Stars Through Hardships

It's gone. June thought. Our home. It's actually gone.

The mother and father of Charity went over to sit with June to console her as their surrounding environment continued to be lit in red, while the alarm sounded in the background of their grief. But they didn't hear it. June was on her knees looking out one of the ship's windows at the still self-destructing Earth, like a fiery orb. Tears were in their eyes, though they kept their backs straight and chins up, trying their best to breathe calmly through the distress. However, their strength did not hold forever. They eventually did break down and wept together.

"Hey, I never did get your names." June said to the husband and wife sitting to her.

"I'm Connor," said the husband.

"And I'm Madison," said the wife. "What's your name, sweetie?"

"June." She sat in silence for a moment. "I'm sorry about your loss."

"It's not your fault. You did all you could." Connor said. "And it's not their fault either, they were just following protocol. Sometimes, bad things just happen out of anyone's control."

They enjoyed a moment of peace together before the entire ship suddenly shook violently. The passengers all screamed in terror. Then again. June snapped herself back into focus and examined what was going on outside. Only then did she notice Earth's flaming debris flying out in every direction. Due to the ship's gyroscopic and artificial gravity technology, the ground remained level for its passengers. However, looking out of the ship's windows, one could see that its crew was working diligently to take evasive action.

Meanwhile, on the bridge of the New Ark, crewmen rushed about from station to station.

"Sir, we have incoming from multiple pieces of debris," said the ship's tactical officer, Ross Grayson.

"How long before the energy shields are up?" Asked Captain John Robin.

"We just now got it online, but we are being hit hard," said the engineering officer, Ben Pine. "I'd say the shields can absorb six collisions before it dissipates."

"Grayson, have all ship security officers mounted the point-defense turrets?"

"Yes, Captain."

"Give my command to fire at will," said the Captain. Ross immediately after relayed the order through an earpiece.

Likewise, Captain Robin ordered Ben to have all available technicians to disperse and tend to any damage that had already been done or damage that seeped through. Throughout the halls, a legion of engineers were quick at work to repair and assess damage, then they sent the information back to Ben.

At the turrets, the ship security officers blasted at any incoming debris. They were skillful at the task and no chunk debris had impacted the ship since the first two strikes. Still, pieces of what was once Earth kept coming to buffet the New Ark. It seemed like thousands.

Fear and doubt crept into the hearts of the ship's security. "We can't possibly keep them all back!" Shouted one security officer.

"We have to try! There are millions of people on this ship. We can't let them die!" Shouted another.

They continued to blast away. One after one. That's all they could do, focus on the incoming threats without worrying about how many remained overall. That wasn't their duty.

Suddenly, there was an impact that caused the New Ark to rumble.

"I can't move this gun, it looks like it jammed after that hit!" One officer said.

"I'll cover you, go and help the passengers!" Said the neighboring officer.

Back in the ship's hallways, the passengers were running aimlessly for sanctuary.

"The ship's crew can handle this. Right?" Madison asked.

"I don't know," Connor said. "They might be outnumbered."

A voice called out from June's pockets. She took out an earpiece and placed it in her ear. "Dispatch calling all space police officers. We need you to guide all passengers to their rooms. Sending everyone a map of where everyone should be."

She took out her badge and pinned it at her left breast. "Follow me." She said to Connor and Madison as she ran off into the crowd.

Things were claustrophobic in the crowd. She helped people who fell over back and their feet and prevent the rest from trample on them. As she progressed through the crowd, she ran into one of the ship's security officers.

"Officer." The security officer nodded in salutation to June. June nodded back.

"It's crazy in here, we need everyone to calm down." June said to the security officer.

The security clicked a switch on his belt and began speaking over the ship's intercom system. "All passengers of the New Ark." Everyone stilled themselves for the moment. "Please remain calm. Look for your nearest police officer or security and follow them to your rooms. You will be safe there."

Though still fearful, everyone placed their trust on the ship's crew as June and others led all the passengers to their rooms through the loud, glowing hallways.

Back on the bridge, Captain Robin asked his crew how much longer before the New Ark was away from all the danger.

"I don't know, Captain," Said Ross, the tactical officer. "Debris keeps coming and it doesn't look like it's stopping soon, sir."

"Grayson. Pull me the rear view." Ross lowered a display that allowed Captain Robin to see what was happening behind them. "Look! The explosion itself is over. If we go back to the origin point, it should safe from all the debris flying outward."

"You want us to turn back, Captain? After all we've gotten through?" Said Kristy Mullens, the woman at the helm.

"It's better than staying out here and waiting for these flying rocks to pulverize us, now do it!"

"On it, Captain. Making 180-degree turn." Kristy said reluctantly.

All my crew just needs to survive for another two hours tops. I know it's a lot to ask of them, but they can handle it. The entire ship needs them to be able to handle it. The captain thought to himself.