About seven weeks after the journey began, they returned. “We here to tell you we will be at Torroxell in a few days. We will plug a Translator in to the accommodation building. You will then be able to speak to other People. Your Translator will update and add your language in.” They left soon after, obviously still uncomfortable and refusing to answer a myriad of other questions.
The Diplomats did not fare even as well as this. Mathew was furious to be locked in. There were Cleaners but no other facilities. No hot food or hot water. No explanations, no information and no visits from the linguists. Used to travelling first class, this was totally unacceptable but he couldn’t even complain. When Edkajil finally turned up just before the landing, it was an anticlimax and he was gone before Mathew thought to question or complain.
Arrival
For all of them, after just under two months Earth time, their arrival at Torroxell was an anti-climax. They couldn’t see anything because it was dark. The frustrated scientists and astronomers had no idea of the location of Torroxell or the propulsion system of the spaceship nor was there anyone to answer their numerous questions. Sarah instructed everyone to take a lot of concentrated food with them just in case as they had no money. And to add to all their other frustrations, they were not met by anyone but at least they were now finally all together.
Edkajil ushered them into a large building saying, “You will be contacted in a day or so. Rooms are nice, much bigger, you are all together now, it is middle of night,” and he left.
Several ‘Hotel staff’ (?), showed them into rooms on two floors of the building, they sorted themselves out and most curled up into the ‘mattresses’ and slept in sheer relief at finally knowing where they were.
*
In Helkmid’s lab, the communicator buzzed. He touched his connector.
“New species, just arrived, at lobby now, seventh floor, this building.”