The vote was complete. For the first time in her political career
Kepi was nervous. It was not unheard of for the senate to speechify on a point
of order indefinitely until they had lost interest in selecting a course of
action or had forgotten what they were so passionately arguing about. She knew
this vote could very well be the last shot almost anyone on the planet had of
leaving it alive. The center hologram began to tally the count. It was fast,
but not faster than the beating of her heart. The count and her heart stopped
at the same moment.
The senate had voted in favor of traveling through the ancient
slip tunnel. There were many conversations and several members of the senate
clapped and congratulated each other as if making the decision had been the
hard part. Kepi knew that the work was just beginning.
The senate leader rapped his gavel and the room went quiet. “We
will leave our home by way of the slip gate.” He began. “Now it is up to this
council and all those who serve it to gather the ships, the food, and all those
who wish to leave before our home is erased from existence.” He looked to Kepi.
“Do you or our new friends know how much time we have to accomplish this feat?”
He asked.
Kepi stood and cleared her throat. “I do not know. I will return
to the forest dwellers today and find out how much time we have and if they can
help us prepare for our journey.” She stated.
The council leader nodded. “They may not wish to accompany us
through the gate. We cannot guarantee what kind of reception they will receive when
we reach earth.” He pointed out.
Kepi nodded with a smile. “You can’t even guarantee what kind of reception
we will receive when we reach earth, so let’s focus on making sure we get
everyone off the planet first.” She pointed out.
The council leader nodded. “In three days we will return with our preliminary
ship counts, available resource totals, and a rough idea of how many people we
need to transport.” The council stood in unison. “Good luck to us all.” They
all filed out of the room to begin their work.
Once she was out in front of the building she made a call on her
phone.
Eamon picked up on the second ring. “How goes the speeches?” He
asked.
She smiled. “We’ve voted to assemble a convoy and take it through
the slip ring. I’m headed to the Forest now to gather more information about
the wave.” She explained.
“That’s great. I’m already here. Teaching them to make books. How
long till you get here?” He asked.
“Three or so hours.” She replied.
“See you then.” He said ending the call.
She dropped her phone in her pocket and headed for her ship.
