The plans for off-world colonies had been debated for some time. It’s just that Vrak never had the capacity to move any of its citizens in great numbers. Even the Bolden transport ships were more concerned about cargo. But all that was about to change.
The Nef
The final landing ports should be completed soon, according to the designs provided by their close allies. The Nef iself was idea. A wide, flat, and remote desert but with rail links that could, and have been, upgraded to form new spurs to key areas. As well, some Vrakians did express a desire to explore, which was a bit unusual given the current mindset. True, those that lived along the coast did seem more at home wandering about the sea and the walrus-kind did like to dive deep below. But to leave Earth was…unconventional.
====
-Are you sure about this?
-Are you kidding? It will be wonderful? Besides, what have we got to lose?
-You’re right, of course. We have no family here. And I always wanted to travel.
-Don’t forget the sunblock.
The Nef
“Jump City”, as it was informally known, sprang out of the western Nef like a weed. It was a gathering point for all citizens who wished to participate in the off-world relocation efforts sponsored by the government and major corporations, such as Hyperion Transport Systems. Like all cities that were built too fast, it faced the usual problems of power and water supply, sanitation, and inner city transportation. The transportation links to the city, however, were quite good but the gate patrol was slowing things down which led to traffic delays. Still, if you were already a worker employed by one of the major corporations involved in the project you would be facing less difficulties. That is, you would be granted first access through the gates and then secluded to your own company quarter – which was usually a walled neighbourhood area. Freelancers had a bit of a rougher time, having to look for accommodations and food from the newly created seedy and overpriced establishments that bordered the walled in areas. As one drew closer to the eastern part of the city, businesses that were associated with the spacecraft were seen. They shared store frontage with various fleshpots and used car dealerships since, after all, if you were leaving earth for good, why keep your car? Lawyer offices specializing in wills and auction houses also dotted the landscape. Jump City was, in some respects, a giant garage sale/pawnshop.
About two kilometers east of the city were the many spacecraft platforms to actually shuttle the people up into hastily assembled orbital stations where they would make their journey to Mercury. Old style shuttles, complete with booster rockets thundered into the sky, carrying with them the hopes of a few brave colonists. As well, newer and more advanced craft from Vrak’s allies could also be seen.
The platform area, otherwise known as “Jump Zero” was ringed with razor fencing with bunkers every 100-200 meters. Patrols were constant, and to say that a military presence there discouraged any trespassers would be an understatement. The only proper way in was to be funneled through the “Jump Zero Gates”, in which a citizen had to present an inordinate amount of paperwork, submit to a criminal check, and pay the astronomical relocation fee.
====
-You got the fee money?
-Yeah, you got the papers?
-Right here. Say, look at that price for a room! By Bok’s whiskers…
-Sure, what did you expect? Besides, according to the schedule, our shuttle should be leaving tomorrow. You know, it feels kind of liberating to get rid of everything.
-I know what you mean. And I got a decent kronor for most of it. I just left some photo CDs with my mom.
-Let’s check in and get a room before the price rises even more. Maybe we can afford a couple beers before we go.
-I’d like to get laid too. I hear the gravity on Mercury is less. I wonder what that will be like?
-Pervert.
The Tappee ships were a much needed boost to the whole endeavour. Who would have though of Vrakians colonizing another planet? But, the dream was coming true, and while the long-term effects on the body were unknown, it was a risk some people decided to take.
Jump City itself, especially during the war, was under tight security. The military was worried that someone might try to transport a bomb aboard a cargo vessel, so an increased presence was noticed. The Tappeens themselves were busy training Vrakian staff on how to use advanced detection equipment, in conjunction with the usual X-ray detectors and ever present sniffer dogs.
====
-This is it. Mercury bound!
-Man, we’re really doing it.
-We are buddy. We are. Make some easy cash and then, bang, buy that house in Jiggady and drink shooters all day.