Spinward Fringe Broadcast 7: Framework by Randolph Lalonde Read Free Book Online

somewhere else, then I'll need your help,’ said
Samuel.
    ‘This is my place. Make sure you pass on my
message; that the meek inherited the Earth, but only after the
strong thought there was nothing left to fight over.'
    'What do you think you can salvage here?
Your love of God has kept your feet on the ground your entire life,
but not even He would want you to try to resurrect his garden on a
world covered in ashes.'
    'In a Kingdom of ashes the cinder is both
destroyer and king. It's time for the faithful to come together and
begin the long process of rebuilding. From death and destruction
will come the lesson, and from the lesson: hope.'” Liam Grady
cleared his throat and looked over the massive gathering. His voice
was carried to everyone on the crew through their communications
system. “That was a reading from The Book Of The Departure, as
recorded by Samuel himself on the first day of the Stellar
Calendar. He and his brother were forever separated after the
destruction of the majority of the upper Eastern continent on
Earth. Countries that we watch videos about, like Germany, Russia,
China, Korea, and England were almost completely destroyed on the
day that conversation took place, and a nuclear winter was about to
envelop the entire globe. We know that time now as the First Fall
Of Man. Axiologists know it as The Departure, when our race
divided. Some interpret that division as the materialistic-minded
leaving a ruined earth behind, so they could plunder the virgin
galaxy.
    "I prefer to look at it another way. Both
sides of humanity still had hope. The majority hoped they could
find or make a place that was like the one they left, much like
this.” Liam gestured broadly, taking in the ocean and beach. The
sound of the waves lapping up against the shore was all anyone
could hear until he went on. “Those that remained on Earth to
rebuild had a special kind of hope. That is the hope that leads us
through the darkness even after we have lost friends, loved ones,
have seen terrible violence and waste. In reflection, I couldn't
help but compare our situation to The Departure. So many have fled,
much like Samuel. After leaving the Triton behind, our old
crewmates either sought new opportunities or could not stay because
the memories would not rest while they were surrounded by the
people who shared their experiences. We must not blame them for
their departures. Everyone within the reach of my voice has decided
to remain because you see hope where your fellows did not. Whether
that hope is perceived as security in numbers, the power of
camaraderie, or the warmth of love and friendship, it is hope
nonetheless. We do ourselves and those that could not survive to
see this dawn credit by holding on to that hope. We honour them by
building a place in the galaxy for ourselves. It is thanks to their
sacrifice that we stand here, and we should celebrate as though
they stand right beside us. We commit their remains to the waters,
and celebrate the dawn in their presence.”
    Hundreds of crewmembers tilted their urns.
The quiet hiss of ashes pouring from hundreds of vessels was a
sound Ayan would never forget. It was unlike anything she'd ever
heard, and with all her heart she hoped she'd never hear it again.
Beside her, Oz poured the remains of one of the enemy leaders,
Major Harold Cumberland. No one claimed his body, so the Carthan
Government gave them the option of letting them dispose of it, or
giving the ashes to the Triton crew. Oz claimed them.
    Beside him was Paula, who poured the ashes
of Deck Chief Angelo Vercelli. Liam Grady was on Ayan's right, and
he poured Alice Valent's ashes since Jacob, the rest of the Samson
crew, and many others couldn't attend. The urns themselves turned
to sand when they were empty, leaving them with a small metal
placard as a memento.
    Liam Grady broke the mournful silence that
followed. “In a well known transmission to Samuel, long after the
departure, long after he'd made his home in