Page 9 of Thalen

She smiled kindly at him, her entire demeanor softening. I could tell she really was dedicated to the well being and happiness of the children and youth, erring on the side of what she believed to be true and protecting them.

“He knows that one day we will be going, just not when,” I murmured.

She nodded approvingly before addressing Jason. “I was just telling him that your move to one of the colonies was approved, but we both wished to speak to the Mylos to find out about travel arrangements.

Jason’s eyes lit up. “Are we going now? Are you calling them so they can space Uber us to one of their flying saucers that will take us to their ship, which will take us to another planet?”

I laughed. “Not right this minute, no. First we need to find out how they’ll take us, and then I need to go to the local center and deal with some, um, paperwork.”

“Ohhhhh,” he said. “In case you got a husband to meet us. Everyone knows that. It’s on the posters and billboards, and Betty, who’s in the sixth grade, has a sister who’s married to a Mylos; only he’s not on one of the ships. He’s one of the guys that works at a testing center.”

Now Ms. Baines and I both laughed.

“Yes, it’s for something like that, only for just the Dragonii.”

“A dragon man dad would be cool! I’d have a human dad who knows all the human stuff and a dragon dad who knows all the aliens and space stuff! And can I have a cat and a pony? They have cats and horses on farms.”

“You and I will talk about that after Ms. Baines, and I have a private conversation with the Mylos, okay?”

“Okay. It’s almost time for dinner, so I can wait.”

We went out onto the small balcony outside the kitchen, just off of the stairs that provided a second way out of the apartment. I had saved the number I’d called before, so I selected it. Just like the last time, Xeranos answered after the third ring.

“Hi,” I said hurriedly. “I’m here with the social worker working with me on my adoption, and I’d like to place this call on speakerphone so she can ask you some questions regarding travel from Earth.”

“By all means,’ Xeranos replied, so I immediately placed the call on speakerphone. “And you are?’

Oh, good. He’s pretending I didn’t call before so she doesn’t think I snitched on her or anything and make things awkward.

Ms. Baines introduced herself and me and then asked about child safety seats for children aboard the saucers.

“How old is the child?”

“Nearly ten,” I replied.

“In that case, there is no need for any additional restraints. Our seats use a harness system, and they accommodate a wide variety of body sizes and shapes. Children of that age who are average in size for a human fit quite securely.”

She licked her lips. “Would you please send my office written notice to that effect?”

“Certainly, though it was never required before, as child restraints are optional on aircraft and spacecraft, being exempt by lack of mention in either policy or law.”

“Our policy -” she began.

“I’ll send the written information as you’ve requested, but I think if you’ll check, it’s a recommendation for motor vehicles on land for children over the age of eight in your state, and not a requirement even within your department,” Xeranos replied politely.

Her nostrils flared. “Thank you. That was all I needed.”

“Mr. Morales, when were you wishing to schedule a testing appointment?”

“Umm, when is there an opening?’

“I have one tomorrow at nine a.m. You may bring the child if you desire. It is highly recommended that you pack and bring clothes and anything else you may wish to bring with you in case you are matched, so that you will not have to wait for your household goods to follow.”

“That’s a bit early,” I replied, thinking of the conversation Jason wished to have. “Is there one a bit later?”

“Would eleven suit?”

“Yes, that’s fine.”