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Caretakers

“Janek,” a wall mounted intercom chirped. “when you’ve collected yourself I ask that you kindly join us in the Command Center.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Janek replied. He crept down the hallway at a slow stumble, fighting nausea with every step. Hatches opened at random intervals along the corridor, revealing other disoriented crew members. Slowly pulsing yellow floor lights marked the gray metal path to the Command Center.

Slowly, the other awakened crew members joined Janek in the Command Center. All around them, consoles were manned by smiling crew. The voice from the intercom began to speak.

“Hello, friends. I’m Regina Murray, Head Caretaker of the 967th Steward rotation aboard the Starship Texarkana.” Looking tired and content, she continued. “We have drawn you all, the largest group ever thawed, into reanimation for the important task of asteroid harvesting and planetary colonization. Your efforts, over the next ten years, will be the final step in our journey to a new home in this system.”

Applause erupted.

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