Page 40 of Emperor of Draconis

“Whiny?” Earl asked.

“It means someone who complains all the time and feels they are always being treated unfairly.”

“I can understand a male not wanting to be described that way.” Earl observed.

“All males can understand, but why don’t females mind?” Torr asked.

“They don’t view it in the same way. They feel if there is a problem, they need to make it known. That way there won’t be the same problems for the next people to arrive.”

“It’s possible the problems are all theirs.” Torr said.

“But not likely. Let’s see them and work this out.”

“I’ve got them staying here for now so that’s no problem.” Earl noted.

After couple hours, they had worked out the issues and found acceptable jobs for those concerned. One of the ladies was a chef and Tomi was convinced to begin a catering company with her and a local in charge. It was a great solution and expanded Tomi’s business a lot. Now it should be time to see about meeting with the leader of those humans from Earth among the rogues. They returned to the meeting room just as Garulto came in.

“My Emperor and Empress, I have the leader of those from Earth and he is ready to speak to you.”

“Have him sent in.” Torr demanded. His secretary ran to see it done. A dirty man dressed in torn clothes came in and stood before them. “Do you represent those from Earth that were brought here by the rogues?”

He hesitated a moment. Maybe he didn’t like the way the description sounded. “I do. My name is Michael. It seems we were deceived.”

“Indeed, you were. What is it your group wishes us to do about your circumstances?” Torr asked.

“The rogues told us we would never be allowed to return to Earth. Even were we allowed, the cost to ride a ship home would be expensive. Are there jobs here or on nearby planets where we could establish a life for ourselves?”

“There are colonies where many are needed, but there are also certain jobs here that could be filled. Do you know what many of your males do?” Kitty asked.

“They are blue collar workers for the most part. We have a few craftsmen who shouldn’t be hard to accommodate and factory workers too. A few acted as if they never worked a day in their life.” Michael admitted.

“Those trained in needed jobs will have no problems. The group with no training and possibly no desire will have the choice of going to Coroga or being hunted. I’m curious, what did you do for a living?” She asked.

“I was a lawyer. There are too many and it’s hard to make a living.” He admitted.

“Still, isn’t this a poor choice for an educated man?” She wondered.

“I bought the spiel and would have returned home with enough money to buy my own firm.” He offered.

“It must have been a good sales pitch.” She observed.

“The best. They covered our misery at home and how this program you run was making things worse. Then they offered us everything if we would just help briefly.” He explained.

“How did they explain their need of your group?” She asked.

“They said everyone here was drinking the cool aid. Their leader said the kings, except for one, had fallen under the emperor’s spell and followed him without thought.” He admitted.

“What about the one?” She asked.

“We saw him before we agreed. He explained how they weren’t allowed to ask questions or speak against anything the emperor wanted.” He said.

“Did you know the kings have open house days? All except the one you spoke to. He’s abusive to his people and drains them dry. That’s the plan the leaders of the rogues have. They have no loyalty. The king you spoke to, he has white hair?” Torr asked.

“Yes. He was very convincing.” Michael said.

“Please be our guest over night and at breakfast we will tell you what we can do for you.” Torr decided.

“Okay. After that I can go?”

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