She was affectionately called the Princess, the Ark that had saved the lives of so many. It drifted through space, and none of those on board knew where the journey was headed. Everyone present had a role to fulfil. For the most part, the days were monotonous, dull, predictable. The older survivors subsisted on fading memories, while the younger ones had little mind for anything else and had resigned themselves to the situation. The fact that they were the only ones left alive, and that they should be grateful for it, had been instilled in them from a very young age. Questions were not permitted. The New Order had to be maintained, and the promise that the Princess knew the way had to be enough. Elias didn't know how much time had passed, but one day he found an envelope in his workshop containing a message that answered the unease churning inside him. The news that the Ark was stationary and heading nowhere was difficult for him to stomach, as was the revelation that there was absolutely nothing wrong with Earth and that they were nothing more than lab rats. He clutched the key firmly in his hand as he set off for the engine room. Uninvited, but determined enough to do the right thing. He didn't know how long it would take, but he knew the truth would come to light once he turned the key.
