Far Horizons: Tales of Sci-Fi, Fantasy and Horror. Issue #21 December 2015 | Page 15

he raised his hand. For a time, no one spoke, and the captain seemed either to be anxious or sad. Finally, he cleared his throat and began. “We have been on this journey for four years now. As is custom, though not regulation, we have spent these four years in expectation of a destination that we would not ourselves realise. Though our hearts are strong, we have allowed despair to consume us. The enormity of our journey weighs upon us. We do our best to smile and to find purpose to our lives beyond racing to our fated end. We have not succeeded. For months I have been searching for a means to brighten the souls that inhabit this lonely vessel, but it was the children who actually found a way.” At this remark, the beam of light centred on the captain expanded, bringing into view rows of children behind him. The broad—shouldered man paused as this happened, allowing all of us to see, for the first time, the future. This was t