Page 24 of Emperor of Draconis

She grinned at him. “They are kids and on the last trip they were wonderful.” She stopped smiling. “There weren’t any issues I’m unaware of, are there?”

“No, I have many couples that would like to raise children. I want to see how open minded these kids are. Possibly even play with them.”

“I get it. You’re a big kid at heart and you’ve heard about the playroom and reading room onboard for the kids.”

“I might have heard something.” Torr admitted. “The kids will be coming up soon. Let’s go meet them.”

He followed along as she led the way. The facilities she’d had put in for the kids were wonderful and Torr would like them. The rooms were extra high with slides and swings as well as other playground equipment. It was segregated by age so little ones wouldn’t get hurt. They arrived just as the first kids did. They stopped and stared at them and the kids behind them ran into their backs.

“Come on in. I have a playground and I need your opinion on it.” She said.

Kids immediately turned their attention there instead and began to play. It wasn’t long before every piece of equipment was in use. After a time, food began to arrive and some of the kids noticed it.

“Come here, everyone.” She called as the blinds began to be raised. “Look outside the windows. Anyone know where we are?”

A young boy raised his hand and she nodded to him. “We’re in a theme park?”

“Not a theme park, although that was a good guess.”

A little girl raised her hand. “We’re in outer space?”

All the older kids began to laugh. “You are right. We are in outer space. This is a space ship and we will be going to another galaxy. You are all headed for Draconis. That is a large planet and it is a little bit like Earth. The air is breathable, and the water is drinkable. The food there is fine for us to eat. Most of the planet has weather like early summer. A group of children already went there and they all like it. I believe you will like it too. It’s time to eat and this food is Earth dishes made with Draconis ingredients.”

“Come sit here everyone.” An assistant instructed. “You may ask questions while you eat.”

The children all looked hungry and hurried over. They sat down to eat supper with them. The kids fell over the food and it was no surprise. Some of them looked terribly underfed. “Just eat slowly so you can enjoy the taste. No one will take any food away from you. There will even be fruit snacks and other food and drink available to you anytime you get hungry.” She explained.

That seemed to slow them down and stop some of the suspicious looks they had been giving each other. The places some of these kids came from were not good places. Taking them away was the best thing that could happen to most of them. Torr seemed to enjoy being with the kids and was talking to those near him.

The meal, tuna salad sandwiches with pretzels, milk or juice, and sun fruit which was similar to oranges was eaten quickly. Tomorrow they would get a breakfast buffet with an omelet station. The cook was a lady from the first load of humans from Earth. She’d been a cook and she met a male that was part of the crew and now she was too. Kitty had heard the lady had worked with Tomi while the ship had been between voyages.

While they had been with the kids, the others had started loading. She and Torr hurried to the bay so she could address them before the shutters opened to show them the spectacular view of the Earth from space. A few dozen were already there looking at them expectantly.

“I’ll be speaking to you when everyone arrives. You’ll get a chance to ask questions then.” She told them. As more people came in, those on hand would inform them of what she’d said.

The bay was beginning to fill up. She saw families and single males. More males than usual and she was sure they were here because of the need for soldiers and guards. A few of the females had that military look as well and wore clothes that were functional too. If a fight broke out, their clothes wouldn’t hold them back.

Torr was checking out the crowd with interest. The numbers were up this time on all ships. If they tried for more people next time, an additional ship would be needed. She was sure if a ship was added, a location would be as well. The emperor was taking this program and running with it. The guards motioned that everyone was now onboard, and she motioned to open the shutters.

People gasped as they headed to the windows to look out. There were always a few excited individuals. Families were usually calm and ready for anything. Now was when hysteria hit if it hit anyone. This time it was a male. The guards gave him a shot and led him away. Now it was time for the talk. The speech she had memorized would work every time.

“Some of you may recognize me from your entrance interview. I’m here to help you adjust to your new opportunity. There are also three counselors that will assist with any problems or questions. You were selected over large numbers of other applicants because you said you always wanted to go to space and your other answers showed you were open minded to unknown species. My sincere hope is you didn’t lie because this is a one-way trip. You will each be given a book to read that will give you information on the planet Draconis. Each room also has a computer that can be used to research jobs of all kinds.

If Draconis turns out not to be a fit for you, there are six other colonies available to choose from. These may be on a planet, moon, or asteroid. There are already humans on Draconis, and their group is well established. The other colonies are getting their first group now or will soon in the future. Once you take the time to read your book, I will be available for questions. You will be escorted to your rooms and your escorts will explain where everything is. Thank you for coming. Food for supper will be served in the dining room the guards will show you to.”

Everyone headed to the dining room while some of the guards took their bags to their rooms. Things began to settle down as everyone went to the dining room and sat down. She thought things looked better this time as the people seemed calmer. Maybe the changes they’d tried had corrected some problems.

“Anyone have any questions now?” She asked as everyone sat down, and food was passed out. “This food is Earth dishes made with foods from Draconis.”

Now everyone looked at the food with concern. Finally, they decided this was all there was, and some began to eat. A few seemed to like it and the others just ate. No one expressed any dislike so that was a good point. Now there were questions as people fought to get the answers they needed.

“Where are we going?” A man asked.

“Everyone on this ship is going to Draconis. Some of you have already been selected for jobs and you know where you are going in general. Many of you will have a chance to find a mate or pick a job.”

“What if I can’t find a mate?” A woman asked.

“If after several months you reject every proposal, you will be given a chance to find a job. No one will be forced to mate anyone. There are many jobs you will have your choice of.”

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