by Don Koch
The response was as expected.
"I thought as much. I am here today to tell you that you have an opportunity to change that but it will require a fair amount of work on your part. The question is, do you want the opportunity to improve your conditions knowing that it will mean an investment of your own efforts to achieve it? Those of you that elect to do nothing will remain in tents separated from the rest of the prison population. This facility will be divided into about 50 compounds, each of which can house up to 2,160 inmates. You will have cells that will house up to 6 persons that are 8' x 40'. These cells look like the containers you would see on a cargo ship but are specially designed as living spaces and are nicer than any jail cell any of you have ever seen. Each compound will have a structure to house a dining hall, meeting hall, instruction facility and crafts facility that will be where you will likely to spend most of your time. There will also be gardens that you can operate to grow food and to grow flowers. There is a substantial exercise yard and outdoor sports area. A few days ago some of you marked out where these facilities will be located. Now it is time to build them. The Solarans will be placing the cell structures on their foundations starting today. These will need to be fastened down and a roof for each will need to be built. That roof will have solar cells in place to provide electricity for your cells as will most exterior walls. About a tenth are ready for installation and that will start in a few minutes. You will have to build the roof for the cells. As much as can be prefabricated, has been. The other structure in the compound will also need to be built. For those of you unwilling to participate in this project, you are to gather now around the flagpole with the large orange flag. You will be removed to your permanent tents and be isolated from the rest of the population. If you choose that route, you will live a no-frills existence. It will not be very comfortable and it will be very basic. If you want extras, you will have to work for them. The work you do will be recorded and provide a means to improve your lifestyle here."
After a few minutes, he continued, "Well that is encouraging, you are all willing to work to better your lot. I see no one opting for the orange tent villas." There was general laughter.
"OK, now we need to know what kind of skill sets we have amongst you and how much experience is there. I am assuming that the rest of you are willing to learn. The Solarans have been very generous with the construction materials they have provided. The buildings will be hurricane resistant. This is an opportunity for you to learn some skills that will improve your conditions. Those of you with sufficient skill levels will become our instructors and foremen. The cells for the first five compounds should be arriving any minute now, so if you will turn your attention to the North you will see them as they arrive. The remaining stacks will be delivered as they are manufactured. The expected production rate is about 3,000 units per week"
With that Andy removed the Warden and Josè from the platform. A minute later the stacks for the first 5 compounds started to arrive by teleportation. In an hour, 20 stacks had been placed and construction was underway.
Chapter 19 - Intruder
# Juneau #
# Monday, July 25 #
As soon as the four arrived, the intruder disappeared.
Andy and Pat teleported to the ship and mentally addressed the alien.
The alien was clearly shocked that he had been followed.
The shock on his face from the question silenced him. It took a few minutes for him to collect himself.
The Admiral told Andy when they first noted the emanations and where. It did not take long for Andy to confirm his suspicion that the Solarans were the source of the emanations. Particularly when heavy lifting was involved.
rms but without disguise.
When the others arrived Collum made the introductions including how they had come to be on the ship. Collum's son, Fass commented,
Andy smiled.
They all looked at one another and grinned.
Andy and Pat returned to the ship and declared an emergency. Everyone showed up at the ship.
Pat described the meeting with the Lotan survivors and the disturbing news they brought with them. Meanwhile, the intelligence gathered by the Lotan ships had been sent to Aston for review.
