The massive airlock doors
opened with a great hiss of steam and rumbling gears. Signs in unreadable
languages gave instructions that no one would understand. The visitors moved in
clutching their precious Tickets to themselves lest a stray gush of air from a
vent blow it down one of many side passageways throughout the whole ship.
They followed the small
robot that waited beyond the airlock. Its blinking lights leading the way, they
were brought to a large paneled room, which despite the attempts at décor in the
form of potted plants and a water feature, felt like you were inside a slowly
rotting carcass. Wires drooped from the ceiling like
entrails, metal panels had rusted into a multitude of different colours giving the
impression of a bad bruise and water leaked from an overhead pipe that dripped
onto the steel floor with a rhythmic thump. Behind this could be heard the
ever present drone of the ship’s engines, which ran somewhat counter to the gentle
gurgling of the water feature.
“Tickets please,” intoned
a scratchy synthetic voice, “ for the greatest show no longer on Earth.”
Turning, they saw a
hunched figure situated by another set of giant doors. With a face like a
harlequin, it watched the visitors with its two glowing eyes, surrounded by
gaudy flags that seemed to make a mockery of cheerfulness.
“Tickets please,” came the
voice again. “The next tour will begin in just a moment.”
Placing the Tickets in the
cold palm of the machine, the visitors waited with barely contained excitement
as it stacked their Tickets neatly, tearing off the corners with a deft movement.
They knew little of what
was to come, only that the greatest treasures of Earth could be viewed from
within the ship and only those with a Ticket were allowed to see them. Facts
and rumour spread throughout space from where the ARK had already been, the two
becoming so intertwined as to become legend over generations. All they can
agree is that you will never look upon life the same way again.
“I hope that you will
enjoy your visit.” The machine handed back the precious stubs. “There are
wonders beyond that door that few now can see, appreciated too little when there
was a chance.”
It leaned over the edge
of the booth, rickety neck extending to its greatest length, “This is a
funerary barge and an ark, caring for that which matters most before it is
lost.”
A slow hissing began
which preceded the opening of the airlock doors. They moved clumsily, the two
halves pulling apart at different speeds with the occasional screech of
protesting gears. Steam escaped through the opening and a giant shape moved forwards
through the shadows, slow metal footfalls growing ever louder.
Looming in the entrance, the
figure stepped forwards parting the remaining tendrils of steam.
“Hello, my designation is
BARRY, I’ll be your tour guide for today.”
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