* * *
The Rians did not dream so many would accept the open invitation. Atlantis burgeoned in population within a week. Cities, towns, villages, and hamlets hundreds of miles beyond the realm and those in the Americas became ghost towns almost overnight. Nearly three million workers and their families from South and Central America were ferried by the airships to Atlantis and stayed in tent cities. Far beyond their expectation, people, on their own, travelled great distances just to witness the inaugural events that the Rians ran out of places to accommodate them. In spite of the multitude that came, there was never a problem---the Atlantians, through the years, adapted the Rian philosophy of helping each other that no dwelling within the whole of Atlantis was without guests. The Atlantians took it upon themselves to act as host to strangers that came for the event. With a unified language among those who participated in the Rian project, vocal communication was not a problem.
Everyone was having a great time. There were many things to do and see---circuses, cultural programs, games, races, and everything conceivable to keep the people of all ages occupied and entertained. With the sky turned to gigantic screens above the parks, people lay on the park grounds with wireless headphones over their ears and viewed documentaries projected overhead.
On the eve of Inauguration Day, the stadium ground nearest the pyramid ship was packed to capacity. At the area nearest the stage, families occupied the bleachers way before sunrise and those that stayed much earlier got the seats closest to the cordoned area reserved for the special guests that fronted the stage.
The palace the dining hall was opulently adorned. Twelve impressive chandeliers lined its ceiling highlighting the gold and silver trimmings on the pillars, the statues, the paintings frames, and the beautiful murals on the walls around.
King Arth, in his elegant king’s robe, was in good spirit. Delighted as he went from one table to another entertaining his guests. His mood was jubilant as he chatted with the Rians (except Amo Obib and Ningning who remained in the ship due to their vow) having early dinner. Soon after dinning, Commander Nerus announced, “Please excuse us for duty calls. We will see you at the stadium in an hour,” and the Rians left the hall. The king’s guest stayed behind to enjoy their meal and the occasion.
The grounds, on and around the large stage and the path that led to the Pyramid ship, was covered by lead sheets that allowed the Rians to walk freely. It protected the Rians from the radiation that radiated from Earth’s core. They were in the snag-fit with uniform and still in their leathered moccasin shoes.
When the Rians got to the stage, Indit, in-charge of the programs, was shocked to see thousands of small cut white papers littered on and around the two-level stage. To her relief, she saw Changlai supervise the cleaning crew. She walked over to Changlai and asked “Changlai, where did all these small cut papers come from?”
Changlai replied, “On the last program, they decided to use, at the last minute, cut papers to dramatize snow falling. Apparently, they cut the papers smaller; dumped more at the blowers; and to make matters worse, a strong breeze scattered it around. I am deeply sorry for all this. Do not worry. More men are coming to help clear the mess.”
“Thank you so much, Changlai. I could always depend on you,” she said and went her way.
Changlai looked sad and felt guilty as he watched her leave. He personally liked Indit and loved and respected the Rians but had to betray them. He had no choice, it had to be done.
Indit walked a short distance away and found Natoy on guard by the gate that led to the only route to the ship. King Arth insisted and Amo Obib reluctantly agreed to limit entry to the ship only during the duration of the inauguration and had it fenced. He reasoned that with thousands of offices and hallways inside, visitors could easily get lost.
When Indit got near Natoy, asked, “Why are you here and where is your family?”
“I was instructed to guard the gate and lock it once the main program starts. As for my family, they’re somewhere out there most likely watching some side programs. We will see each other later,” he sounded edgy.
“Is something bothering you, Natoy?”
He was uneasy when he responded, “It must be the crowd. I’ve never seen so many in one place.”
“Come to think of it, it really can make you jittery. They’re having a wonderful time though with all the activities going on. Do not worry. Everything will be fine. I have to leave you. We only have less than an hour-long intermission, and we still have so many things to attend to. Naska is Imar,” and took the fenced route to ship to get something and went back the same way to join with the other Rians near the stage.