They stood and broke into applause. The guests all came forward and the governor turned the lectern over to them. “Hello,” Arin said, “let me waste no time, in case there’s anyone here who still hasn’t heard the news. The people of Earth will join those of Tarka to help us. Construction has begun on a fleet of thirty transports that—” The auditorium again erupted with applause. The crowd literally leaped out of their seats and clapped and waved scarves and hats and turned to embrace whoever happened to be sitting beside them. When finally it settled down, Arin picked up where he’d left off. “The transports will begin arriving here in about a year. It will take a while, and we will need years to complete the evacuation, but it will happen and we will all eventually be taken to Utopia.” That brought more clapping and waving. “When the dark star arrives, we will be gone. I should add that Professor Blanchard, who headed the team that discovered our situation and led the fight for us has sent his congratulations. I’d like also to thank my wife Kwylla, who accompanied me to that distant, but very friendly, world. And Clay, who was one of the first to step forward as a volunteer for Project Exodus. And finally, Beth and Ken Squires, who were part of the initial expedition.” The crowd stood and applauded for two or three minutes.

Arin finally got them quiet. The guests went back to their seats while he turned the lectern back to the governor.

“Thank you, Arin,” said Rankin. “We should not forget that without Brother Arin and his concern for the strangers who crashed into the ocean on that memorable day rather than try to land on a crowded beach, this night might not have happened.

“I’m aware,” she continued, “that our island has a hallowed tradition for knowing how to party. So, we’ll get to that in a minute. Before we do, I want to express my own appreciation for the courage of all concerned. Of the humans who have given us hope, and of the rest of you, our own people, who are about to create a new future.

“Are there any questions?”

There were: How much notice would they have before departure? Would the people on the island be leaving together? Utopia didn’t seem to have much water. Would that be a problem? And, eventually, where was Priscilla?

The governor passed the final question to Ken.