Paul had Hunter take the lead. He knew the best place to process the people through was Mountain City, but there was no way he was going to be able to put all four Transports in the hanger bay at once. He double checked with Lucy, she confirmed, that as large as the ships were, he could only land one at a time inside the hanger bay. He decided to land the two ships with the Klelta at the Spaceship Factory’s landing pad and let them stretch their legs a little while he processed the humans. He knew that it may take a day or even two to get them settled. He contacted Marcus to make sure one of the production floors was still empty and he confirmed it was. He knew he could house them on the plant floor temporarily.
Hunter and Prince Hon stayed behind to assist Marcus with the Klelta. Paul and Justice escorted the other two ships to Mountain City. He had one ship hover over the bay for several hours while the first ship full of refugees was unloaded. As soon as they had exited to the hanger floor, he then had the second ship repeat the same action. By the time he entered the bay behind the departing transport, he was amazed to see orderly lines formed under the direction of the Dragon Guard, along with Calanyo and the Xhondarians, while thousands of the residents of Verron worked together processing 62,000 people into their new home. He easily recognized his mother and uncles and their wives, his two pregnant nieces, his three daughters and their mothers and hundreds more he had not even gotten to know as yet. He walked to Dr. Joe Verron, and asked what he could do to help. His brother responded with, “We’ve got this, but Marcus only has his plant people up there to help, maybe you should grab some Marines and go help them. It will be at least two days, probably three with this many people, before I can do anything for the others. Paul took the hint that he was going to get in the way and had Justice call a few hundred of his Marines to meet them at the Ship Factory. He reminded him that it was for humanitarian work, not to do battle and tell them to bring as much food as they can. Just before he headed for his ship he remembered the elderly couple that had been helped by Hunter. He quickly found them and escorted them directly to his brother with instructions to take care of these two first. Paul then headed for the ship he arrived in and departed, as many on the ground waved him goodbye.
When he arrived at the ship plant, it was quite a sight to see 10,000 giant-sized blue/gray men and women walking around admiring the ships in progress and the ones on the yard. He found Marcus and his plant supervisor showing the leaders of the Klelta the open production floor that would be their temporary home for a couple of days. When King Verron walked up, the man thanked him for such a nice clean place to live. Paul looked around at the brilliant white shiny floors, walls to match and a pleasant warmth, even on a day when the temperature outside was barely above freezing. Many of the people had already staked-out their spot and unrolled their bedrolls. Soon afterwards two hundred Marines arrived with pallets of food, mostly MREs, but as the Klelta began to open the little packages and the soldiers began to heat water for coffee and hot water for the dehydrated meals, the place became a buzz of friendly Klelta and laughing Marines. Most would eat at least four MREs before considering themselves satisfied. Paul had already decided that he would try to do a BBQ for them soon, if there were enough cows on Verron. Soon Hunter and Prince Hon showed up and were telling King Verron how pleased everyone was with the accommodation, and asked when they could begin their work. Paul had never seen anyone so eager to please. He decided that he would gather the Klelta who were designated leaders and at least take them on a tour of the Capital City, Industrial Park, Steel Mill and Quarries, where he would need the most help. At least they would have a realistic idea of what they were in for. But first he had the Klelta leaders gather in one of the meeting rooms and asked Lucy to show them the holograph of the proposed city and industrial park. Paul could tell the head gears were turning as they looked at the designs and how to build them.
So that there would be plenty of room, Paul decided to take the now finished, but unarmed, Gljarne Class Destroyer four his brief tour. He and Hunter couldn’t wait to get it in the air. So far only Dalhia had been out in it while running tests on the reactors. Hunter volunteered to help her when she finally armed the beast and did weapons trials. One of the beauties of the Gljarne was the ability to have transparent walls. Since Verron Steel was also used to make the windshields and portholes in their ships, it could be made to look like solid steel with proper light refraction and then fully transparent when the illusion was removed. As a war ship it never hurt to have unrestricted visibility from the sides and rear of a ship. Even the Klelta could fit into this ship, even though the controls and weapons systems would need modifying for their size.
As soon as the dozen Klelta and Prince Hon were boarded, Paul maneuvered the ship out of the production bay next door to the Klelta’s temporary home. There was quite an audience of both Marines and Klelta admiring the massive ship as it cleared the hanger doors. Once clear, Paul had a hard time giving up the opportunity to fly the big ship, but knew he really needed to be a tour guide to the men who would soon be building his cities and factories. He reluctantly allowed Prince Hon to take his seat and handed the controls over to Hunter as he went to point out what he would soon need these men to do. As soon as he entered the Fighter Hanger Bay, where the men were congregated, he had the ship computer activate the side portals. Suddenly, where there were once solid hanger doors, there appeared open windows. His guests quickly rushed to the left and right to see the magnificent view as they flew over the Robert’s Range. Paul was enjoying simply watching his visitors; none had ever been off the ground, now in one day’s time they had flown in outer-space and high over the mountains of Verron.
As they approached the construction sights of the industrial park and Capital City, Hunter slowed the ship to a speed so slow it became an observation deck. Clearing of timber and most of the sight work had been completed for both locations and slabs and footers poured for several buildings, the new transport craft factory was almost finished. The church of course was finished and the government building, research facility, and hospital had been begun. They were also about to begin work on the mall and apartment complex. Lucy once again projected the hologram in the middle of the hanger bay. It was so much larger, the tallest building, like the Bank and Apartment Towers, were as tall as the Klelta. Paul could tell that his guests were discussing their approach to doing the job, he realized that he would have to arrange a meeting with Kenneth Verron the next day to get his blessings on what is to be done. They next flew to the nearby quarry where stone was to be cut for the building; it was beautiful dark green granite, almost so dark it appeared black at first appearance.
The flight to the mines and steel mills took them out across the bay and a view of Mountain City to the north and Alicia Falls to the south. Paul couldn’t believe how much he just wanted to retreat to his suite and hide out for a few days. Hunter increased his speed and in record time was again hovering over the mountain area that was being mined for trununcian and shipped directly to the nearby steel mill. The mill and the mine were operational but production from both was only a fraction of their capacity. As they approached the steel mill he had Hunter land so he could give the Klelta a plant tour. As massive as the plant was, with its fully automated production capability, the Klelta were not overly impressed. They admired the technology, but Paul’s one plant was nowhere near the capacity that he needed to provide structural steel for his construction projects and the steel needed for spaceships, weapons, body armor, farm machinery and heavy equipment. It was decided then that the Klelta would help Verron get the capacity of their mine and mill up to meet the requirement for their manufacturing needs, and that Verron would use Klelta steel for the construction projects. Paul was relieved to know that he did not need to immediately meet both requirements from his plant. He had no doubt that once it was functioning at full capacity and multiple shifts it could, but right now they weren’t even close. He thought, “With 62,000 new citizens I should be able to staff the mill
and the mines completely for one shift, and add several thousand to the ship plant and the construction crews.”
On his way back to the Ship Factory Paul contacted Kenneth, Roddy and Wendal requesting that they come to the Spaceship Plant early the next day to meet his 10,000 new workers. After Ken calmed down from his excitement, Paul told him it will probably be a few thousand less, since some will be at the quarry, mines and mill. Ken informed Paul that several thousand potential construction workers had already been identified in the group of humans processed so far. He informed Ken that he intended to import the steel for construction from Klelta. From what he had seen, it was every bit as strong as Verron steel but it was considerably heavier and thicker. For building high-rises and factories, that would not be a problem. It was, after all, the steel used to build 500 story buildings on Xhondar I, it should be able to handle 60 story buildings on Verron.
When they arrived back at the ship plant there were six Speeders and a Two-Seat Fighter parked out front. Since none of the Speeders was pink, Paul quickly realized that Tala was still flying Calanyo around in the two-passenger craft. Hunter was excited to see his friends from the Guard show-up and they had already gathered an audience of Klelta around the small Speeders being flown by a bunch of kids. Prince Hon couldn’t wait to meet the rest of the Dragon Guard. He practically drug Hunter from the Destroyer as soon as they landed. Paul and the remaining Klelta just smiled at his enthusiasm. Hunter gave his little sister a hug and introduced the Guard to Hon. Hon’s Xhondarian was quite good, so everyone understood him, but 99 had to get someone else to translate when he wanted to speak to him. Ninety-nine had been excited when he met Calanyo, but was even more excited to meet Hon. He had been the only non-human on Verron for his entire life, now he was not the only one who stood out in a crowd. When Hunter came to Tala and Calanyo to do the introductions, Tala introduced Calanyo as her sister. Hunter chalked it off as 10 year-old enthusiasm for having a new best friend, but Chase and Katelyn didn’t show any signs of disagreement like a big brother or sister usually did. Hunter didn’t want to make a scene and just said, “That’s news.” Tala, not to be slighted by her older cousin, raised her voice as he turned to walk away, “You don’t know nothin’! Mom and Dad said that ‘cause she was an orphan that they were goin’ t dopt her. I asked what they meant and Dad told me she would be my sister; so there.” Hunter turned back to face the two nodding heads of Calanyo’s soon to be siblings and couldn’t help but reach over and hug the adorable Calanyo and say, “Welcome to the family runt.”
Paul overheard the conversation and double checked with Marcus to be certain this wasn’t some childhood make-believe. Marcus confirmed that he and Danyel had fallen in love with the little girl and were not about to allow her to be orphaned. Paul smiled and said, “Well, if you need a Kings approval you’ll have mine and no doubt the Queen Mother is already in on it.” Marcus laughed and replied, “Grandma-ma has already decided that 99 is like your son and thought Calanyo would fit right in with the rest of her crazy family.” Paul walked over to the Dragon Guard and before he could even speak, Tala began her obvious 10 year-old manipulation technique, “Uncle Paul, Calanyo has already reached level nine on the simulator and can keep up with me on the freestyle runs by the bay. We’ve been sword fightin’ and everything. If she makes a 10 I’ll let her have my Speeder and use the fighter if you want. Don’t you think she’d be a good Dragon Guard?” Paul knew where this was going, and in fact did think she would be a good addition, but he was not going to add anyone to the Guard without some serious thought about it first, and he had just been too busy. He looked at the shy little face and the way she was obviously already a part of the group and decided he would be firm and hold his ground. Instead he said, “What do the rest of you think? Can she be trusted to do what is required to be in the Guard?” All of them unanimously replied with an enthusiastic, “Yes.” Paul realized he was an old softy, but would have probably approved of her anyway. He could think of no one who would be more loyal than an orphan who had been made part of a unique family. He continued, “Does she understand what the Guard does and that she will need to go through the same treatment you did?” This time Calanyo whispered a very respectful, “Yes, sir.” Paul couldn’t resist. He reached over and lifted her off the ground and gave her big hug, saying, “Welcome to the Guard! Calanyo Verron; has a nice ring to it. I here by name you Princess Calanyo Verron, daughter of Prince Marcus Verron and sister of Prince Chase Verron, Princess Tala Verron and Princess Katelyn Verron. As King of Verron I declare this adoption is official and irrevocable. I’ll have someone draw up some papers.” Paul looked at Tala, “You would actually give up your Pink Speeder for your sister?” She hesitantly nodded yes. “I’ll tell you what. As soon as she makes a Level 10 I’ll give her Hunters Speeder.” Hunter looked flushed. “I’ll give him a Fighter instead. One day you will all have them, but for now, the oldest gets one first.” In unity, the Dragon Guard voiced their approval. Now there were eight.
Sixty-two thousand people being processed into Verron ended up taking almost two weeks. No one was prepared for such a rush of people. No families were broken-up but they were scattered all over Verron; with the Spaceship Factory, mining, farming and the soon to open transport factory getting the majority and construction getting a large share as well. While they were being processed Paul had the Vehicle Storage Facility emptied of the remaining vehicles and transferred to locations around Verron that either needed them now or would need them in the near future. The facility was actually nicer than the empty manufacturing bay at the Spaceship Factory and was connected to Mountain City by tunnel and underground shuttle. He converted two of the transport/carwash bays into showers and increased the drone numbers in the large central kitchen in order to prepare meals for the Klelta. The exit doors of the storage facility opened to the valley where the industrial complex was being built, so they were much closer to where they were needed, since the Capital City was being built just across the river from the industrial complex. Over 1000 were now living in the settlement where the mines and steel mill were located, with another 500 assigned to the quarry and concrete plant. The rest were focused on the work to be done in the area closest to Mountain City.
The Klelta were even more excited about their new location, since they could order food to be delivered to their new quarters or go eat in the central dining room with the humans of Mountain City. They had especially grown fond of an item on the menu designated The Klelta Burger; two pounds of ground beef on a bun, with all the amenities, plus a huge serving of fries and a 32 ounce drink. This burger gave new meaning to the term Super-Sized. They would soon add a 72 ounce steak to the menu as well. The Big Texan would go broke if a group of Klelta came to eat, one hungry Klelta can easily eat four of the two pound burgers; to them they’re like White Castle.
After Kenneth, Benny and the rest of the construction team met, they decided to make a trip with Paul to meet King Hon and to map-out production and delivery schedules for Klelta Steel. Since Paul already had 100 Marines on Klelta he duplicated the gateway he had used for Xhondar I and had oil pumping into the empty Klelta tanks in just over a week. He would have a bunker built around it as soon as possible. There were literally millions of Klelta anxious to get back to work doing what they did best, mine stone and make steel. Kenneth and Benny were amazed that for long roof spans that would normally require columns or pillars to support them, Klelta steel required none, even if they supported additional floors above them. The 2500 foot wide transport factory would require no support between outside walls. The slightly arched four foot I-Beam Steel Beam would be shipped in one piece and require no crane to lift it into place. A team of four Klelta could telekinetically lift the beams into place and secure them to the outside walls. Ken and Benny, along with both Ken’s sons, now had to completely rethink everything they ever knew about construction. The Klelta steel erectors did not require cranes and lifts to position steel beams required to support the conc
rete floors poured and lifted into place. Anything they couldn’t simply lift, they used telekinetic power to move into place. Everyone present at the meetings on Klelta returned optimistic about exceeding even Paul’s over ambitious construction schedule.
Prince Hon IV was not a typical 12 year-old. He wanted to do everything his new friends on the Dragon Guard did, but even though his status as a prince would have given him a room in the palace, he chose to live with the other Klelta in the transport building, and anytime he was not with the Guard he was working construction with the other Klelta. He felt a strong duty to his countrymen and his father, and was determined to learn the traditional skills of the Klelta people, plus any new skills he could learn from his human friends. He did, however, get up early every morning and run with the Dragon Guard. Since Calanyo was not yet enhanced they kept their runs away from the mountains. To their shock and amazement, a 7 foot-tall Klelta was just as strong and agile as the enhanced humans. He could leap and jump equal to or better than any of his new friends. When they would do strength training with Bhlani, Hon IV could easily out-lift even his instructor and not even strain to do it. When he would swordfight or practice Jxansa Gha, he was definitely slower and less skilled, but he was so strong when he swung a sword it would knock anyone in the way completely over. Paul knew it was good for the Guard to know that there are other races of aliens that can do a lot of what they do, and to never assume that they would always have superior speed or strength. They must learn strategy and weapons as well, and become masters of The Power. A head-to-head fight was never their first option. They were glad the Klelta were their allies. When Prince Hon told the others how King Paul had defeated his father, Chase asked, “And they’re still friends?” Paul smiled and replied, “That is exactly what I’m talking about; use any trick you can think of, the object is winning.”
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