"This isn't an Ekina thing, is it, if... they could do this, they'd have used it for the invasion."

"Lucky for us, it isn't."

"I suppose so."

So he probably really isn't Ekina. Some of the other people here might be now, 'though, at least relevantly. But this guy seems to think his people have things under control.

"So if you're not Ekina, what is your allegiance?"

"My allegiance can be best described as 'here because of accidental inter-dimensional movement' plus 'brainwashing is sure horrifying'."

"It is. How good are dream realms for transport, can you use them to shortcut the hyperspace passages?"

"Back home we are not aware of hyperspace, but the pocket dimensions relate to regular space, sort of coexisting with it. This means that if you walk through a portal, walk a distance and exit through another portal you will find yourself in the same distance and direction."

"So you don't know if you can shortcut them or not? Do you know if pocket dimensions can bridge interstellar distances, it's an interesting question either way but if-

But more importantly, what's the situation with the Kina? I guess you're not here with their permission, but do they know you're here?"

"Pocket dimensions don't grow that fast, but we can test things. The situation with Kina is that we took over this place from them. Presumably, we will figure out how to keep the people here safe and then... deal with the Kina."

"Good. Should we be moving everyone into a pocket dimension in case they decide to nuke us?"

"Yup. But explanations were due."

Lidje is already running for the portal. Losse steps through and out of her way.

"Well, come on!"

And the other occupants of the room follow.

He waves his hand theatrically. "Welcome to our humble abode."

Their humble abode is, or at least this room is, the most overwrought place, with red-brown marble, fire scounses and everything is intricately decorated.

"Is everyone else being evacuated here too? Is there anything we can do to help?"

"That's the plan. Or will be the plan. There is only me, so I am going to need help."

"So- you need portals to evacuate people through, robots to direct the evacuation, and operators for the robots? And space to evacuate into. And you have unlimited robots. And Losse can help you make more space, and Mokete and Tadje can help operate robots. Should we prioritize evacuating more army robot operators?"

"Assuming they are functional, that sounds reasonable. "

"They won't all be, but some of them will. Maybe start with the Kina ones since they won't have just been in conversion."

"Sure. Who we should contact to get things going?"

"The Captain should be trained to command evacuations, and will know who else you'll need and where to find them."

"Might not want to second-guess the Commodore's decision, 'though"

"If someone on top doesn't want to evacuate we can move down to the next person in the chain of command. Do you want to come along?"

Losse, Mokete, Solitse, and Lidje all want to come along.

Good. Do they think he should lead the group or that this will be easier if they come in first and warn about the guy with wings?

Dalkaila should probably lead.

Okay, he will do that.