My grip was slowly loosening from the bottom of the seat. I quickly pulled myself back down, and focused on staying there.

Theo started laughing. “You know, your hair’s a mess!â€?

“I can imagine.â€?

He stopped talking, and his hand was removed from my shoulder. I assumed that he’d gone back to his seat; the doctors and scientists were going around making sure everyone was.

“This ride will take approximately 171 hours. Your living quarters are out the door behind us, and the library is in the hallway to the left. There is plenty to do here.â€?

I didn’t recognize the voice.

“Food will be served at 9AM, 1PM, and 7PM. Clocks are located in every room, and you’ll report to this room at those times. Your names are posted on each door to your room…â€?

He continued listing off all of the things we had to know, and when the end of the announcements finally arrived, I stayed where I was. Dr. Karon came to my seat. “You room is the first one on the left. This way,â€? he said, pulling my arm to follow.