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