Ajax glanced around, feeling guilty as he welcomed the wealthy onto his ship with a fake smile plastered onto his face. He felt a slight glow of pride inside as he heard the exclamations of wonder coming from those already inside. The glass bottomed spaceship was one of its kind and really a wonder to behold, especially on a clear day like today. The entire planet was visible below them and it would encourage the passengers to spend more money to bring family members on board to witness this amazing spectacle first hand.
As always, there was a mix of anticipation, fear, and awe whenever a non-crew member stepped on board. Passengers could never quite believe that the floor, such a large expanse of glass, would hold against the vacuum of space, but it did, and was in Ajax’s opinion the finest spaceship in existence.
Ajax was a fair man, he’d always worked hard to make an honest living. He usually took passengers on short space cruises, or taxied them to intergalactic holiday destinations. Up until now he’d always staunchly avoided entering the space race, he had his principles and did not want compromise them by entering the race and probably winning as he knew he would. This year was different, he had no choice. Times were hard and if he and his crew ever wanted to see their families again they would have to win the race.
It rankled Ajax to know he was backed into a corner with no other option than to sacrifice his morals and participate in the race. “Hello,” a voice snapped Ajax out of his reverie. “I’m so happy we won a space in you’re beautiful ship, its the chance of a lifetime, ” said a beaming passenger as he boarded with his entire family. He had two adorable children that excitedly ran into the main cabin to stare at the planet below them in wonder. Ajax fought with every ounce of his self control to keep the smile plastered on his face. “Welcome onboard, I hope you enjoy the journey,” he replied with a slight shake to his voice, but the passenger was too distracted with his family to notice the strain in Ajax’s voice.
Ajax retreated from his welcoming station shaking and feeling like he was about to vomit. He hadn’t counted on there being children on board. Would he be able to go through with his orders? He took a deep breath and tried to pull himself together. If only participating in the race was enough, why did he have to win it too? Ajax knew he would do it, children on board didn’t really change anything, at least winning wouldn’t kill them, they would still have a chance to live their lives. That was the only comforting thought he clung onto as he made his way to the command deck for the start of the race. These children on board would live, even if he won, unlike his own angelic children and those of his crew. Their lives depended on him winning this godforsaken race.
Please read The Space Race Part 1.
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The Literary Dream 