Page 41 of Thalen

The adults applauded enthusiastically.

Several children groaned.

Jesse laughed. “I see we have some students who aren't quite as excited about that announcement as their parents.”

The children groaned louder.

Jesse held up his hands placatingly. “But before you all start plotting ways to avoid lessons, I'd like you to meet the person who'll be responsible for making sure you actually learn something.” He gestured toward the side of the stage. “Please welcome our new schoolteacher, Mr. Nick Carter.”

Nick stepped forward to enthusiastic applause.

“Nick, welcome to New Haven. Your role will see many fine, young minds help shape the very future of our colony. For that, we thank you for choosing to come here.”

“Thank you.”

Nick stepped back, hastily leaving the stage via the second set of stairs on the side to rejoin his mate and their kits.

Jesse waited for the applause to fade. “Our sheriff and deputy have already begun their official duties, but we haven't yet had the opportunity to give them their badges.”

The crowd murmured approvingly.

“Since the badges were designed to reflect the traditions of old Earth law enforcement, we thought it only fitting that the official pinning be done by someone who understands the importance of tradition and who more than anyone, has dominion over the colony.” Jesse looked at Johree. “My mate, and our governor and prince, Johree.”

Thunderous applause sounded as Johree inclined his head in acknowledgement. Once he could be heard, he gestured for the two males in question to come up. “Sheriff,” he called as he did so.

The sheriff stepped onto the stage.

“Deputy.”

The deputy followed close on their heels. Evan’s grin grew wider, thinking more was about to happen with the mated pair than was at first apparent.

Johree indicated that they should stand before him and they did so, side by side.

“Please raise your right hands.” He paused, letting them do so before he continued. “Do you swear that you will faithfully uphold the laws of New Haven, protect those placed in your care, serve every citizen fairly, and carry out the duties entrusted to you with honor?”

“I swear,” the sheriff said.

“I swear,” the deputy echoed.

“Do you swear that you will use the authority given to you not for personal gain, vengeance, or favor, but for the safety and welfare of this colony?”

“I swear.”

“I do so swear.”

“Then by the authority entrusted to me by the Dragonii Empire and the good citizens of New Haven, I recognize you both as officers of New Haven.”

Johree took the first silver star from the table. He pinned it carefully to the sheriff's chest. Then he turned to the deputy and did the same with the second one.

Applause broke out.

The sheriff and deputy turned to wave to the crowd before they stepped to one side of the stage, proudly displaying their new stars.

Jesse waited until the applause died down. A huge grin broke out across his face as he looked directly at us.

“And now I'd like to ask Thalen, Evan, Vrann, and Jason to join us,” he said.

Evan froze. I felt his fingers tighten around mine as his head swiveled to look at me.