by Tom Tryst
The other group of thirty are also having their going away party at another apartment. The few to be left behind, those not chosen, gather at The Tavern. They really have nothing to celebrate, but that doesn’t stop them from partying as they wait for the buses that will take them to their new job assignments and new homes - all unknown factors.
Most of the others have already left The Compound and their beloved Glen Haven for unknown futures in the world outside the city limits and the protection of the military.
Those accepting the aliens’ offer have been advised not to drink alcoholic beverages before the flight, as it could cause some discomfort on arrival. The libation of choice was sparking unfermented apple cider. And they ended the party early, as they were advised to get a good night’s sleep. All would meet in the dining hall at 0830 hours for their last earth meal of military REMs, then report as a body to the waiting spaceship.
His brother David is the first to arrive for the party, along with his wife Janet, and their son Darrel, now a teenager taller than his father.
“Hey, Dave. Hey, Janet,” Daniel greets them at the door. “Who’s this good-looking guy with you?” He points at Darrel.
“Don’t know,” David responds, going along with the joke. “He’s been following us everywhere.”
Janet puts an arm around the young man, adding to his embarrassment. “I think we’re going to keep him.”
“Welcome, Darrel,” Daniel greets him, ushering the family into the room.
“Hey, Janet,” a greeting that is supposed to take in them all. She is holding two tall glasses, and offers them. “Sparkling apple cider,” he advises, then turns her attention to Darrel, “What would you like to drink.”
“That would be fine.” He points at his Dad’s glass.
“I hate to disappoint you, Son,” David says with a smile, “but it’s non-alcoholic.”
“Dave!” Janet scolds. “You know he doesn’t drink.”
“You think?”
Darrel cheeks are flushed by his discomfort. Sherry comes to his rescue, guiding him away to the bar to get him something to drink.
Settled on one of the sofas, Daniel asks, “So, you guys ready for the big adventure?”
“We just got to where we liked Kentland, then we end up here,” David responds. “Then we get attached to the Village, and we’re going to move again. I hope this is the last move.”
“I’m sure it will be. Nobody’s ever came back. They tell us this is a one-way ticket.”
“Well, I’d feel better if we had some pictures of our new planet,” Janet says, looking at her husband. “We’d at least have some idea what to expect. And I’m not all that happy about leaving everything we possess behind.”
Sherry joins them, but Darrell goes out onto the balcony. She heard what Janet said, and responds. “Apparently, it’s too difficult to transport solid objects.”
“But I’ve got metal fillings in my teeth!” Janet objects. “And how about people with false teeth? Or metal implants?”
“No problem,” Daniel interjects. “They said we will be transported and arrive just as we are. And they assured me there is no pain or after effects. You won’t even know you’ve been transported across the universe until you step out on our new world. One second you’re here, the next - there!”
“I have some jewelry handed down from my great-grandmother. I hate leaving it behind!”
Sherry is looking at Janet as she speaks, “I know how she feels. There are some things I’ll miss, too.” She turns her attention to Daniel. “Can’t they make exceptions for small things?”
“If you’re wearing it,” Daniel assures them, “it will go. But you can’t just carry something. Maybe put it in your pockets. I’m not sure. All I can advise is to bring them along. They’ll tell you if you can take it or not.”
Someone knocks on the front door. Sherry hurries to open the door for Tabitha and Victor. The girls hug warmly, but her hug with Victor is more reserved.
“Come join us!” Daniel calls across the room.
Victor is in his police uniform, less his gun belt and other gear. “Just came from a call out at one of the farms,” he says in apology. “Tabitha was in a hurry to get here.”
David noticed his badge is also missing. “Turn everything in?”
Victor nods. “I am officially a civilian.”
“And I am glad!” Tabitha exclaims. “I get so tired of him being called out at all hours.”
Victor knows better than say anything in response, and quickly changes the subject. “So what has a guy have to do to get a drink around here?”
Sherry jumps up in response. “Sorry,” she apologizes as she heads for the kitchenette. “I serve the first one; after that, it’s help yourself.”
Daniel answers the next knock. It is Charles and Carol, both having quickly changed their minds - and their attitudes - about emigrating. Probably at Carol’s insistence.
The first words out of Charles mouth: “You serious about no booze?”
Daniel chuckles. “I know how you feel. We should have had this party last night. Had our last good drunk on earth.”
“I did1" Charles advises.
Soon all thirty are present, including the Davies’ daughter, Debby, and her husband Jonathon Franklin. The room is crowded; several go out onto the balcony. There is one center of conversation: the voyage across the Galaxy to the planet Paradise, their new home. All are anxious, but for varied reasons. Most have reservations regarding what to expect when they arrive, but most are nervous about the trip, not unlike a person who has never flown facing his first flight - in an experimental airplane. All are glad they will not be alone.
During the evening, Victor takes Tabitha by the hand and leads her through the bedroom and into the bathroom.
As he shuts the door, she quickly responds. “I hope you don’t think what I think you thinking. Not now!”
“No, no,” he replies with a weak smile. “I just want to talk - privately.”
She can tell from his expression something is bothering him. “What’s wrong, Honey?”
“Nothings wrong,” he responds, taking both her hands in his. “I just want to make sure you’re up to this . . . you know, going to another planet. It’s so. . . .” He struggles for a word.
“Bizarre?” she prompts.
He nods. “We don’t know, really, what we’re letting ourselves in for. Maybe everything is just as the aliens say. I’m willing to take the chance, but - well, if it turned out bad, and you suffered. I couldn’t stand that!”
“Honey, we all know there is a risk. I’m willing to take it. Things are already going to hell in a basket here on earth, and if we stay, we’ll be out there in that mess. Whatever our lives will be on Paradise, it would probably be worse here.”
“I just want you to know,” he insists, “that the choice is yours. We can stay behind if you want - take our chances with what the government has to offer. It’s not too late to change your mind. I’m sure they would find an important assignment for us.”
“Are you having a change of heart?” she asks, frowning.
“No. I’ll do whatever you decide. Me, I’m used to taking chances, risking my life. I’m thinking of you.”
“I understand there’s a risk. I’ve taken that into consideration. We can face anything together. I want to go.”
“Then we’ll go,” he replies, the tension in his face relieved. “I want to go, too.”
He enfolds her in his arms, pulling her body firmly to his. They kiss. His hands slide down onto her buttocks, pulling her even tighter against him.
She fells his arousal and abruptly pushes him back, smiling. “Not here. Later.”
“Promise?”
She kisses him again. “You have to ask?” Then she turns, taking his hand in hers, leading him back to the party.
Daniel has told all of them everything the aliens revealed him, including what he has learned from their past conduct. While he, too, has doubt
s of the aliens’ intent, they are small. He truly believes they will not regret the move. Now that all have made the decision to go, he keeps his words encouraging. As they prepare to leave to get the good night’s rest the aliens suggest, they agree to meet at the dining hall for a cold breakfast and hot coffee, their last meal on earth.
When the last of their group leaves, Daniel and Sherry retire to the balcony, he for a little fresh air, she for one last look at her precious lake.
“Do you think we’re making the right choice?” she asks after a long silence, both enjoying the cool night air after the stuffy, crowded apartment.
He slips his arm around her. “I thought we talked this out. Having last minute jitters?”
“You know what they say: ‘If it looks too good to be true, it probably isn’t.’ I can’t help having a little doubt.”
“Honey, we really don’t have to worry,” he tries to reassure her, “Look at the bunch they approved. Many wouldn’t make good manual laborers. And a few are way too skinny for food. A few women are far from sexy, if that was what they were after. They declined on many strong men who would be good workers, many plump people that might be good eating, and many lovely women.”
She has to chuckle. “You’re right. I’m just being a bit paranoid.”
“It’s going to be OK, Babe!” he assures her once again. “If I had the slightest reason to doubt their intent, I wouldn’t risk your safety. We wouldn’t go!”
Both are silent for a while. Then Daniel pulls her closer, both arms around her, and kisses her softly. “What say we make our last night on earth something to remember?” he suggests with a smile.
It is well past midnight before they get to sleep.
It is not yet 0900 hours, yet all thirty have reported to the lobby of Operations, where 37 is stoically waiting, saying nothing. They are in mixed clothing, for there was no ‘uniform of the day’ posted. Daniel noticed that most of the women were wearing lots of jewelry and the pant’s pockets of some men were stuffed. He chuckles to himself, for he knows the androids will make them leave most behind.
At 0900 sharp, 37 moves to the door, turns, and orders, “Follow me. Please.”
All thirty of them, with Daniel in the lead, follow the android out the door and to the space ship beside the building. The dull black, squat, square structure looks more like a strange storage building without doors or windows than a vehicle capable of space travel. As 37 nears the structure, an opening appears. He waves the line of people to enter.
Waiting for them is another android, this one without a number on its chest. It asks them to follow him. The interior is well illuminated from an unknown light source. They quickly enter a large, cavernous room with rows of what looks like glass coffins, bringing several gasps from the group.
It is 37 that reassures them that they are the means by which they will travel. Two more androids appear. One takes the men to an adjoining room; the other takes the women to a separate room.
The procedure is the same for both. They are instructed to undress and leave their clothing in a pile at their feet. The androids hand out what looks like full coveralls, white in color. They are very light, almost like a fine silk, and fit firmly no matter the size of the wearer. What jewelry or wrist watches are in direct contact with the body, can stay with them. Everything else must be left behind.
When all are dressed, they are led back to the chamber and told to select a cylinder. Couples can stay side by side. One by one, the androids help each person into a prone position in the transport devise. When the last of the thirty are comfortably laying on their backs, their arms at their sides, metal arms extract and join over the chest, waist and knees of each, then settle gently to hold them in place. A glass, or some clear material, rolls up over them, sealing the cylinder.
Some are beginning to feel claustrophobic in the enclosed case, even though they can see out and see the cylinders beside them
Daniel looks over to where Sherry lies beside him; she is looking back at him, trying to smile. He takes several deep breaths, bracing himself for the trip.
Abruptly, all the covers slide open and the restraining bars release. Daniel’s first thought is that something went wrong. The androids start helping people out.
“What’s wrong?” Daniel asks as he is being helped out of the cylinder. There is no response. Only then does he realize that the androids are different from the others he has seen. They are more robotic in structure, less humanoid. As more are helped out of their cylinders, the people begin nervously talking softly among themselves.
“Are you OK?” Daniel asks Sherry as soon as she is standing.
She nods. “Are we there? Nothing seemed to happen! I know it couldn’t have been more than a minute in there.”
“I think we’re there,” Daniel answers. “They said it wouldn’t take long.”
Even as he spoke, he becomes aware that the room they are in is different from the one they were in before. He looks at the cylinders; they are all in rows like they were when they climbed into them. Then he takes a better, longer look at the androids. While vaguely humanoid in shape, they are far more mechanical, with visible joints. And they move more stiffly.
As one moves by him, he asks, “Have we arrived?”
It neither answers nor breaks stride.
He sees many of the others looking at him with dazed expressions. All he can do is shrug.
As the last of the robots leave, another figure enters and approaches the rows of cylinders. He looks very human, dressed in very earth-like clothing.
“Welcome, my friends, to the planet Paradise!” he speaks in a loud, authoritative voice. “I am John Weber, your assigned guide.” He lets this sink in before continuing. “Yes, I am human, like you. I was among the first transported from earth. I know you have many questions - which I will answer - but for now, if you would, follow me to where we can sit and talk.”
All follow him through the same door he entered, finding themselves in a small auditorium, with three rows of theater-like seats, each row stepped up to give all a clear view of a small stage with a flat, black, glass-like wall behind.
When all have taken a seat, John Weber steps onto the platform. There is no need for a microphone in such close quarters.
“Again, on behalf of the citizens of the planet Paradise, I welcome you, one and all. I realize you are all anxious, wondering what your future awaits. Let me start out with telling you everything the Peace Keepers and the Universal Council has told you is true. As they assured you, they cannot lie. The fact is, they have no need to lie. They are such an advanced civilization, they are beyond the need to deceive.” He pauses here, expecting questions.
Daniel doesn’t disappoint him. “So we are to live as free men - and women - in a rural community - a communal?”
John nods. “Pretty much. It might surprise you that the Universal Council are very religious. They are the representatives of the entire collection of co-operating planets in this sector of the galaxy. Citizens of the Universe live their lives pretty much in harmony with the religion you might have practiced. - that there is an all-knowing, all-powerful, Grand Creator of the universe who rules with love. They just don’t try to give this being any specific form. To them, it is an entity; a force. This world we are on - your new home - is populated only with Christians, for the Universal Counsel has the wisdom not to mix earth religions. Those earthlings having other beliefs were settled on other worlds.”
Daniel continues. “So none were made slaves?”
John grins broadly. “No. And none were taken for food or sex. If you will bear with me, I’ll give you a brief introduction to your new life. Then you can ask any questions I have not already answered.”
Daniel recognizes a polite ‘shut up’ when he hears one. He nods.
“The planet Paradise,” their host continues, “Is, as astronomers would say, Earth-like, suitable for carbon-based life forms. It is slightly smaller than earth, orbiting a slightly larger ye
llow sun, an orbit that takes over two-and-a-half Earth years to complete. However, we do not measure time by our solar orbit, but have established a calendar as close to the one we were used to on earth. The planet has an oxygen/nitrogen atmosphere, with slightly more oxygen than you’re used to. You won’t notice any difference until you do something strenuous; your breathing will be easier. Also, the planet being smaller in mass, the gravity is less. You might have already notice, but it’s not all that less. Just gives you a nice spring in your step.
“I know they told you it is a semitropical atmosphere in Earth terms. As the planet’s axis is perpendicular to its orbit, there are no seasons. At the equator, it is pleasantly tropical; as you head north or south, it becomes semitropical. Further still, it becomes temperate. And at the poles, where there is low sun the year around, it is cool. However, the thick atmosphere - three times as thick as Earth - keeps the temperatures moderate, usually only a ten-degree difference between day and night, and a twenty-degree difference between the equator and the poles. That’s measured in degrees Fahrenheit. The plant rotates once every 26 hours and 12 minutes; that’s in the Earth minutes you are used to. The length of day and night are the same for all but the poles, where it is eternal sunset/sunrise, dusk/dawn. A day is exactly 26 hours, with the length of an hour here being fairly close to the length of an hour on Earth. With the thicker atmosphere dawn and dusk are a little longer than you are used to. You can count on approximately 12 hours of darkness. We have no moon, so night in the country, away from artificial lighting, can be quite dark.
“Water is plentiful, almost everywhere. Lots of freshwater lakes, rivers and streams. It rains much like in the tropics; most days are sunny with an afternoon shower. Only a quarter of the planet is ocean, slightly salty, and relatively shallow, averaging about 500 feet deep. The planet is old and stable. There are a few mountains, with most of the land consisting of gently rolling hills or flat plains. Lots of forest. It would be possible to live off the native fruits and vegetables, but we prefer a more rounded diet.”