#human manuel

It was just as I feared. The humans found me monstrous. I was the epitome of the uncanny valley in both of my species. No matter what I wore, how I talked, or how I acted. The way I looked was something that could not be overlooked. Every human we passed was unable to keep themselves from reacting to my presence. Audible gasps, widened eyes and double - no triple glances were just a few of the reactions.

The human meant to observe me was ecstatic as far as I could tell. She stared up at me with an excited glow in her dirt colored eyes. It was obvious she was a scientist, all scientist looked at me that way. She was already jotting notes down about me. Although I could speak English without the use of a translator reading it was very difficult for me. I could make out some words but others were, well, alien to me.

Captain Ki’rnne gave me a look and I stood up straight again keeping my gaze forward and professional. Finally Sarah Campbell stopped outside a large set of doors guarded by armed humans. She spoke to them briefly and they opened the doors. Sarah Campbell and Dr. Willoughby stepped aside and turned to Captain Ki’rnne.

“Please enter here. The Human Council is here waiting for you.”

Captain Kiernan gave her a nod of acknowledgment and entered through the doors first with me at his right side and Fu’knlgt at his left. Fu’knlgt was an Sikknic like Huder. A powerful serpentine species with two front arms and clawed hands. We were told that humans had a complicated relationship with similar smaller creatures to the Sikknic that they called anacondas. While it seemed that the humans had a healthy fear of these anacondas it didn’t stop them from still making a few into pets. Still we were uneasy about how the humans would react to Fu’knlgt’s appearance.

We entered the Human Council room to be greeted by the site of a large round table with humans of different hues and garments conversing. They quieted as we entered and one who stood directly across from us stood.

“Welcome Captain Kiernan, Iqi and Fu’knlgt,” this human was the president of the Human Council, President Tapiwa. I recognized her image from my lessons about Earth. Her skin was an unnatural beautiful brown hue. Her hair hung in small dark braided ropes down her shoulders. She smiled warmly at them.

“We are the Human Intergalactic Council. Please take a seat,” she gestured to the open space reserved for them. There was only really a seat for me, the humans had created a large padded area next to the table for Captain and Fu’knlgt to situate themselves. Captain and Fu’knlgt sat on the padded area and I in my chair. Already I ran into a problem. These seat had a back and there was no comfortable way to sit properly with my wings still folded neatly behind me. I perched on the edge of my seat and ignored the cramping in my wings.

“Thank you for having us President Tapiwa,” Captain began. “We are very glad to be here and discuss the arrangements of Iqi’s stay.”

“Of course,” President Tapiwa sat. “Iqi this is your first visit to Earth, correct.”

“Yes, I’m very excited to be here,” I smiled pleasantly, thinking of how I’d rather be anywhere else.

The human leaders did a better job of hiding their surprise at my appearance then their people, but I could still see the look of shock in their eyes. It was uncomfortable.

“We can’t begin to tell you how pleased we are to have you on Earth. Your mother was a hero to us and to have you here feels as though a piece of her has returned home,” President Tapiwa said opening a file.

“Thank you, it feels good to finally visit my mother’s home planet,” I replied.

“The people you see before you are all from different provinces of Earth,” President Tapiwa spread her arms. “They all and many more offer you residence on their lands, but the choice is ultimately yours. We would like to know your limitations however so we can offer you a list of countries with more habitable climates for you.”

Captain Ki’rnne spoke up. “Iqi can handle most human ranges of temperature but he is still sensitive to direct sunlight. He is well adapted to colder temperatures, the coldest he finds comfortable with no protective wear is -50 degrees Fahrenheit. The warmest he finds comfortable is 70 degrees Fahrenheit.”

A handful of scribes around the room were frantically jotting down the information Captain Ki’rnne was giving President Tapiwa.

“Interesting,” the President said. “Are these your survivable ranges or just the ones you tolerate?” She asked me.

“These are the ranges I find most comfortable with no protective gear. I can survive beyond these ranges with protective gear but I am more tolerant of the cold then the heat,” I said remembering our visit to the Planet Tr’iuvtu. The planet orbited in such a strange way that when we arrived the temperature was ideally cool for me. But within moments of the planet’s orbit reaching its halfway mark the temperature skyrocketed.

I completely lost control of my body. My skin began to lose fluids at an alarming rate, My head felt as if it would burst from pressure, I vomited the little breakfast I had had aboard the ship. The panic to escape the heat was overwhelming. I was later told I was writhing on the ground ripping out my own feathers and clawing at my skin like an animal. If Huder hadn’t gripped me in his jaws and dragged me back onto the ship I was sure I would have perished. I still had the scars on my chest where his fangs had pierced me deep.

I was later told that the temperature had reach only 90 degrees Fahrenheit in human standards. I had been in high temperatures before and not experienced such an extreme reaction. Our medic speculated it was because of how sudden the temperature change was. Xe warned me to be more careful on planets with rapidly fluctuating temperatures from now on.

“I should also add that I cannot tolerate rapidly changing temperatures. My body will go into shock if the temperature rises too quickly,” I said.

President Tapiwa nodded seriously. “We’ll avoid warmer climates altogether than. As for your dietary habits. Do you have any restrictions that you know of? And what are your preferences?”

“I’ve found that I can consume most foods that are known to be eaten by humans and a few of the foods eaten by the Darites.”

“Really!” President Tapiwa exclaimed. “The Darite diet is arsenic based is it not?”

“Yes,” answered Captain Ki’rnne answered. “Is there a problem?”

“No, no. It’s just that arsenic is an extremely dangerous poison to humans so I’m surprised Iqi’s body can tolerate it.”

“I can only eat a few of their foods. If I eat too much in a single sitting I will get ill,” I elaborated.

President Tapiwa nodded. “Of course. Are there any substances you know of that you should avoid?”

“Not that I know of,” I shook my head.

“We try to keep Iqi away from substances that we don’t know how his body would react to,” Captain Kiernan said “Even Darite meals are very limited in his diet to avoid making him ill. Being the only one of his kind we’d rather err on the side of caution.”

“Understandable. Thankfully the Earth has hundreds of different climates so you should still have many choices with regards to where you would like to stay for your visit,” President Tapiwa smiled.

“Where is my mother from?” I asked hesitantly.

“She is from the United States of America,” President Tapiwa said. “Specifically the state Florida which has a very hot and humid climate. I’m sorry but your mother’s home wouldn’t be a good fit for you. However there are different parts of the country that have much colder climates that you may find comfortable.”

I nodded. “I’d like to hear about my options for this country please.”

“Well I can leave the explanation of the USA’s climate to Chancellor Nakano,” President Tapiwa gestured to a male with short straight dark hair who nodded and smiled at me.

“I was under the impression that the Human Intergalactic Council had only one leader,” Fu’knlgt hissed, not unkindly.

The humans tensed at his voice. Even President Tapiwa looked uncomfortable.

“I am the only leader of the Human Intergalactic Council,” President Tapiwa explained. “But the other humans you see around you are the leaders of different provinces of Earth. Earth simply has too many countries and ethnicities so we split our land masses into sections based on population then dispersed thoses section among the 30 leaders you see before you now. Chancellor Nakano is the one in charge of the region containing the United States of America.”

Fu’knlgt simply nodded not wanting to frighten our hosts again.

“I know humans are a diverse group amongst themselves when it comes to belief systems and ways of thinking,” Captain Kiernan changed the subject. “But what is the overall feeling of the public to Iqi’s arrival? And how do you believe they will receive him?”

“As you said, public opinion on a global scale is widely varied. This is mainly due to humans not knowing what Iqi looks like. Humans do not like the unknown, and with no information up until now I’m afraid some humans have come to their own assumptions. However, after seeing Iqi myself I believe the United States population will welcome him fairly well. Their main religion is Christianity after all,” President Tapiwa chuckled along with a few other humans.

I tilted my head to the side confused. “What does a human religion have to do with my appearance?” I asked.

President Tapiwa blinked for a beat as if not understanding my inability to understand. Chancellor Nakano answered.

“Christianity has the belief that their god has helpers called angels. Angels are winged mythological creatures known to answer prayers, protect people, and be very beautiful and clad in white. You bare an uncanny resemblance to these ‘angels’.” He explained.

I touched my own face. “Beautiful?” I asked to no one in particular.

“Yes,” President Tapiwa agreed. “You are very angelic looking. People will respond well to that. But please remember that not all humans are the same so expect varied reactions from them.”

I was surprised to see the other humans in the room nodding in agreement as well. They thought I resembled some mythical creature they found beautiful? They… didn’t find me wrong?

“Of course,” Captain Ki’rnne said. “Will we be permitted to join Iqi for a few days until he get accustom to this planet.”

“Of course! We have many questions for you and your crew as well. Many regarding Maia Floros' time among you as well.”

“Naturally,” Captain Ki’rnne said.

I looked up at him curiously. He never told me much about my mother. The captured human who struck fear into the hearts of those who opposed her. It seemed as though the only thing I knew of my mother were legends. But I wanted to know who she was not what she was.

A loud commotion outside caught everyone’s attention. Shouts and yells could be heard but not understand. One of the guards walked to the door when it suddenly burst open and a young human female with fire for hair stormed in. She took a quick glance around the room, her blue eyes blazing until they met my baffled ones.

“Iqi, look at this,” Hermione grinned showing me her phone.

It was a picture of me in the park, my back towards the camera, my gaze on the sky. My pale figure contrasted stunningly against the brown, reds and yellows of the trees.

“2 million people have already commented on it!” Hermione squealed. “I’m pissed that they photoshopped me out but it is a really good photo.”

I nodded in agreement. “Is this what all the humans will do with the photos they took?”

“Probably. I wouldn’t be surprised it some of them frame the photo in their homes. Say, when we get back to the condo I’m going to make a website for you.”

“We probably won’t be back until tomorrow or very late tonight.”

I frowned still upset at myself for being so absent minded and forgetting Captain Kiernan would be leaving today. I could have spent the day with Huder. I could imagine his quite literally bone crushing goodbye already. I could feel Captain’s disapproving gaze on me, scolding me for one last time.

“Hey,” Hermione took my hand. “The pilot said we would make it on time. We’re only half an hour away.”

“I’ll only have just as much time to say goodbye then,” I sighed.

“Whether you have an hour or years, goodbyes always hurt the same. You’ll still be able to keep in touch. And the internet is open they’ll be able to see you all the time!”

I nodded.

Hermione sighed. “I’m not going to lie. It won’t be the same. But I have an idea for a new hobby to keep you distracted.”

“What?” I asked.

“You’ll see once you’ve finished your goodbyes,” she winked.

-

As promised we arrived at the base where our spaceship had landed less than a week ago. There was an hour until launch. It’d take fifteen to get through the checkpoints, ten to get to the space, another ten perhaps to hunt down Huber. Which left me less than half an hour to say my goodbyes.

Hermione let me go ahead of her knowing it would take longer for her to get through the checkpoints. The guard guiding me seemed to understand I was in a rush and moved quickly. Despite our quick pace it was twenty minutes to launch when I finally got on the ship.

“Gt’ire! Where’s Huder?” I asked frantically.

Gt’ire pointed one of her tails down a corridor and I hurried down it. It didn’t take me long to find him, well he found me. Just as I opened the doors to see Captain Ki’rnne giving a short speech of goodbye to a single reporter with a camera, Huder launched himself at me. I could hear the humans cry of surprise as Huder’s muscular body encased me and began to squeeze.

“You fucking brat,” Huder hissed quietly in my ear, in his own language. “Too busy frolicing with your Soenil friends to remember me huh?”

I gasped an unintelligible apology, feeling my wings bending painfully.

“Oh, you better be sorry,” Huder chuckled.

I could hear my heartbeat over the sound of Captain Ki’rnne trying to reassure the humans that I was in no actual danger. I wasn’t so sure my heart felt as if it would burst.

I flapped my one free wing against his side signalling I was at my limit. Huder sighed and reluctantly released his grip. I coughed and gasped pitifully on the floor.

“I’m - I’m sorry. I forgot you were leaving today,” I choked out, wiping tears from my eyes.

“Iqi are you alright?” I heard an anxious human voice call.

I looked up Captain Ki’rnne was standing between the humans and I, he had taken a defensive posture. There were only three humans total in the room but they all had a weapon in their hands and a look of panic in their eyes. My own eyes widened as I realized the weapons weren’t really weapons. One held a jagged table leg, another held the shaft of a lamp as a makeshift dagger and the last had a piece of broken glass in it’s hand, wrapped in a cloth.

The rumours appeared to be true. Humans really could make a weapon out of anything and were absolutely crazy enough to attack animals much more powerful than them. The idea of three adult humans thinking they could take on even a teenage Sikknic was laughable. But here they are, their makeshift weapons in hand ready to attack.

I tried to stand leaning against Huder for support who looked as if he wasn’t sure if he should be fearful of these humans or not.

“I’m fine,” I quickly said. “This is just a misunderstanding. Huder would never harm me, we were just roughhousing.”

“Yes,” Captain Ki’rnne said. “Huder and Iqi have grown up almost like brothers this is just how they greet each other. I understand he may not seem like it to a Soenil but Huder is the same age as Iqi. They are children and I would appreciate it if you didn’t point your... weapons at them.”

The humans hesitated but eventually lowered their weapons and dropped them altogether.

“We’re sorry,” one of the said. “We truly thought Iqi was in danger. And we’re sorry if we frightened you Huder.”

Huder simply nodded, he had a peculier look on his face.

“Thank you,” I said. “I know you only had good intentions.”

“I’m pleased to know I will be leaving Iqi on a planet where even the reporters are warriors,” Captain Kiernan smiled relaxing his stance.

The humans laughed. “Oh, we’re not warriors or anything.”

“Yeah I failed gym in high school,” one laughed.

“How did you know how to create weapons so quickly then?” I asked intrigued.

“Oh, uh… Well I don’t know. I just thought Huder was trying to kill you and I didn’t even think about it,” one of them said scratching his head.

“I was a girl scout when I was a kid so that helped I guess. But yeah I just reacted,” another said.

Captain Ki’rnne seemed baffled. “You just... create weapons as an instinctual reaction to danger.”

“Uh, I guess so,” the humans shrugged.

Huder eyed me. “Can you do that?”

I shrugged. “It’s not like I’ve been exposed to much danger.”

“Well, Huder,” Captain said. “Go help prepare for launch. Iqi and I have somethings to discuss.”

Huder nodded and gave me one last look of farewell before slithering off. The humans began to pack up their stuff and clean up the mess they had made. I walked to Captain’s side.

“Captain,” I began in his native language. “I apologize for my tardiness…”

“Don’t concern yourself with that,” Captain said. “It’s good that you’re settling into Earth so well. And it seems that Earth has accepted you.”

“Yes, I feel very welcome here,” I couldn’t help but smile.

Captain turned to me a peculiar expression on his face. “Your mother…” he began.

I looked up at him expectantly.

“Your mother was a force to be reckoned with. A true example of humanity’s ability to not only survive but prosper in even the harshest circumstances. But she had flaws, Iqi. Remember that. Even the best of humanity has flaws. They can be easy to overlook with all of humanities great accomplishments, but don’t ever make the mistake of thinking humans are perfect. Do you understand me?”

“Yes, Captain,” I nodded. “I should trust them, but still remain wary.”

“Good,” he smiled. “Iqi, it was an honor to raise you aboard this ship. I hope you find what you are looking for, but if you don’t there is always a home for you aboard my ship.”

“Thank you Captain,” I didn’t know what else to say.

He turned and began to leave. I was filled with a sudden panic of abandon and gripped the fur on his hunches. In my mind’s eye I could see my mother - her image blurry - walking out. He turned to me surprised as I walked to his head and wrapped my arms around his thick neck.

“I’ll miss you Captain,” I whispered.

He rested his head on the back of my wings and we stood there, embraced for a beat before he clear his throat and lifted his head.

“Goodbye Iqi. Be good,” he said then walked out the door.

It was harder then I imagined to stay in the building and watch through the glass as my first family flew off into space. But Hermione came to stand beside me and linked her fingers in my hand with a comforting smile and I knew I’d be alright.

“President Tapiwa wants to talk to us,” she said.

“About what?”

“Our unscheduled outing. We’re kind of in trouble,” Hermione shrugged unfazed that the leader of her world was agitated with her.

~

“Do you have any idea what could have happened to Iqi in that park?” President Tapiwa somehow managed to keep a calm face while speaking with complete rage.

“Nothing happened,” Hermione said. “We took some pictures and got a caricature painting.”

“And Iqi was plucked,” President Tapiwa turned her gaze on Hermione.

“Yeah, but like, he got what he deserved. And Iqi handled it better than I would have.”

“Do you know what that man is going to do with your feather Iqi?” President Tapiwa asked.

“Uh, keep it. I think,” I said sheepish.

She showed me her tablet. There was a picture of my feather along with a selfie of the man holding it up. It was being bid for. I gaped at the still rising price.

“Two million dollars,” President Tapiwa said. “It’s expected to rise significantly over the next few hours.”

“Holy shit Iqi you’re a walking gold mine,” Hermione laughed.

“That’s the problem, Hermione. Can you imagine the horrible things people would do to your brother if they could get their hands on him?”

“Yes, I can,” Hermione became serious. “But Iqi can’t be hold up and have his only contact with humans be via fancy galas and events. He needs to meet everyday people not just politicians and celebrities.”

“It’s too dangerous…”

“But I have a solution that can ensure Iqi’s safety and still allow him to communicate with people,” Hermione smiled.

President Tapiwa sat down sighing. “Well let’s hear it.”

“We can make an official website for Iqi. One where everyday people can sign up to meet him. Let’s say three days out of the week we have a small group come to the condo to meet with him. He can learn so much from them and vise versa. Iqi can also maybe do little facetime sessions where he talks to people one on one. Or maybe he can start a video diary on the internet where he can ask people questions and maybe answer questions they may have for him. There’s a whole world of possibility!” Hermione grinned excited.

I also liked this idea of having people come over in small groups and getting the chance to ask them questions. The crowds in the park were rather intimidating, this sounded a lot nicer.

“Hermione I know you mean well but exposing Iqi to the public is too dangerous and the funds we would need for security with all these people in and out will be way too expensive,” President Tapiwa said.

“What if we charge people for these visits,” Hermione argued. “We could also have a donation page.”

“People will find it suspicious that an - and forgive my language Iqi - but an alien asking for money from the public when he seems to already be living a luxurious life on their tax dollars.”

“Then we tell them the truth! We say the cost of security for these visits are incredibly expensive. Rather than spending the people’s tax dollars please feel free to donate whatever you wish.”

President Tapiwa sighed. “Hermione…”

“Please let us try it,” I begged.

They turned to me.

“I’m - I’m tired of being cooped up. People want to know more about me and I about them, but if we can’t see each other we’ll just make assumptions.”

“And assume makes an ass out of you and me!” Hermione added cheerfully.

I gave her a blank look.

“Jesus Iqi you really need to learn how to spell,” she shook her head.

“I’ll let you two try. One visitation. We’ll help you get the website running. But I don’t want random people for the first one. Ask people to send a page long submission about why they want to meet Iqi. Then I’ll have our people sift through to choose ten applicants for this initial meeting,” President Tapiwa said.

“Really!” I beamed.

She smiled. “Don’t get too excited. If this goes south that the end of it. Understand?”

“Yes, President Tapiwa! Thank you!” We grinned.

Hermione and I chatted excitedly about our plans for the event. As we approached the doors I noticed it was raining.

“Is Earth rain toxic?” I asked.

“Hmm, oh no it’s just water. The same kind we drink,” She gave me a funny look. “Do you want to run in it Iqi?”

“I want to fly,” I said watching the gentle drizzle fall from the sky. “I’ve never flown in rain before.”

“Do it!” she said excited. “I’ll get a video!”

She fumbled for her cell phone as we opened the door. She stayed in the doorway eagerly urging me on as I stepped into the drizzle. The rain was cool and refreshing. I stretched my wings to their full length. They were almost as wide as I was tall on both sides. Stunted for the Darite but humans thought they were enormous. I raised them and bent my legs to break into a sprint. I beat my wings as I ran feeling the strength rise in the as I rose off the ground. The humans hurrying in and out of the build all stopped to watch me make my first proper flight on Earth.

Finally I had enough momentum and I leapt from the ground beating my wings hard to lift my heavy body. I rose ten, twenty, thirty feet off the ground and held myself there. I spread my arms to bathe in the rain. I ran my hands through my hair and pulled my sleeves up to feel the cool water on my skin.

A buzzing sound caught my attention and I opened my eyes. A drone was flying near me, hovering in the air and watching. I reached out to touch it but it pulled out of reach. I smiled and prepared myself to descend, my wings already tired from the effort. Judging the distance I froze my wings and dropped from the sky. I could hear the sudden cries of alarm from the humans as i fell from the sky. I smiled and caught myself about five feet from the ground and dropped the rest of the way.

“A sister?” I exclaimed. “How?”

Chancellor Nakano sat down in the identical egg shaped chair beside me. President Tapiwa had left the explaining to him while she and Captain Kiernan continued their discussion.

“Well your mother had a child before she had been abducted by those smugglers all those years ago,” Chancellor Nakano began.

“I was told my mother was still a child when she was taken,” I interrupted.

“Technically yes. Maia Floros was 19 years old when she was taken which is on the cusp of adulthood. She had Hermione when she was 14 years old, which is very young and unusual for humans but not impossible.”

“Hermione,” I tasted the name on my tongue. It was foreign and difficult to pronounce. “She looks nothing like my mother.”

Chancellor Nakano chuckled. “Yes, she supposedly takes after her father. But there is no denying she is your mother’s child. She’s been quite excited to finally meet you.”

“Why was she denied access to meet me?” I asked.

Chancellor Nakano frowned. “What makes you think she was denied access to you?”

I casted him a curious glance. “She was obviously not intended to be there when she arrived. And she was dragged out of the room after announcing herself.”

“Ah, the thing is that there was protocol in place. You and her were to meet and a different scheduled time. A time in which you had already been informed you had a sibling. Hermione felt that family shouldn’t have to take a backseat to intergalactic protocol.”

The way Chancellor Nakano spoke of her was with annoyance. I felt a sudden protective urge to defend her.

“I agree,” I said a bit haughtily. “I would have liked to have been informed about relatives on Earth before my arrival. If that option had been considered perhaps there would have been no need for my sister to be dragged off like an non sentient beast.”

“Ah, well we apologize for the use of force…”

“It is not me you should apologize too.”

“Ah, well, yes, of course….”

I sighed. “Tell me of my options for living in this United States. Are there any climates suitable available?”

“Yes, of course!” Chancellor Nakano beamed grateful for the change in subject. He pulled a map out of his file. “I would suggest all the northernmost states such as Washington, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.”

He pointed at each state as he listed them but it made no difference to me. I did not know enough about Earth to tell these places apart. I pretended to study the map closely before pointing the the most familiar sounding one.

“This one here is known for its diversity correct,” I asked.

“New York? Ah, you must be thinking of New York City,” He pointed at a very small dot on the state. “Yes, New York City is known for diversity, but it is located near the very bottom of the state and the summers get very warm. Is diversity very important to you?”

“Yes it is,” I pondered the map for a moment. “How often do the seasons change on this planet? And how quickly?”

“It takes an entire cycle around our sun for the seasons to make a full cycle. We have a different season every 4 months or approximately every 2 fv’irtes.”

“Hmmm, do you think it would be possible for me to spend the colder seasons in New York City and the warmer ones in perhaps a colder climate.”

“Of course! Chancellor Smith oversees all of Canada and Russia which are famously cold countries,” Chancellor Nakano smiled.

“How cold are then during New York City’s warm seasons?” I asked putting the map down on the short glass table in front of us.

“The temperatures typically range from 68 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit in Canada during the warm months. But if you’d like there is a part of Canada closer to the Artics that use to belong to the United States if you’d like to feel like you are still in your mother’s home country.”

“No I’d rather expand my horizons,” I looked up at the floor to ceiling glass windows. Earth was certainly a very green planet. Plant life stretched as far as my eyes could see. I could imagine soaring above the vegetation underneath the stars and moon surrounding this planet.

“Well I’m hesitant to suggest Russia to you due to the political climate surrounding them right now,” Chancellor NAkano cleared his throat.

“They don’t want me here,” I said not unkindly.

“There certainly is some… tension in regards to your visit. I do not believe you would be in danger however…”

“Canada it is then,” I announced standing. “I’d like to see my sister.”

“Of - Of course,” Chancellor Nakano quickly gathered his papers. “I’ll take you to her immediately.”

I followed the nervous Chancellor out of the room and down a series of hallways. I could hear her before I saw her.

“YOU FUCKING ASSHOLES THINK YOU CAN DETAIN ME JUST BECAUSE I WANT TO SEE MY BROTHER! I DON’T CARE IF HE’S THE FIRST OR LAST OF HIS KIND HE’S MY. FUCKING. BROTHER. AND IF I WANT TO SEE HIM I’LL SEE HIM NOW! YOU JACKED UP MORONS DON’T FUCKING OWN HIM! YOU…”

She paused mid-sentence as Chancellor Nakano and I entered the small office space she was being held in.

“Miss Hermione, I’d like to introduce you to Iqi…” Chancellor Nakano began.

Hermione ignored him and marched right up to me. I took a step back at her forward approach. She gripped my face in both of her hands firmly but gently. My wings fluttered nervously as she peered at my face as if searching for something only she could see. She features softened and she smiled at me.

“We look nothing alike!” She laughed, her fiery hair shaking around for face.

I swallowed. “I suppose we both take after our fathers.”

“Ha,” she released my face, touching one of my ears gingerly. “Yeah I guess so. How have these idiots been treating you? Alright? Are you hungry?”

“I’ve been treated well. I was surprised to learn I had a sister, I had assumed I was my mother’s only child,” my ears flicked under her warm touch. She had a certain smell I couldn’t place but found fascinating.

“You poor thing,” her smiled softened. “You must have thought you were all alone in the universe.”

“A little,” I nodded. It was strange to think that millions of miles away unbeknown to me there was another creature on a spinning planet who cared and worried for my well being.

“Ah, I forgot to introduce myself,” she laughed. She gripped my hand in hers and gave it a firm shake. “I’m Hermione, I’m your sister and I’m gonna take you home with me.”

“Iqi and I have already discussed his living arrangements in a climate that suits his needs,” Chancellor Nakano butted in.

“And where is that,” Hermione rolled her eyes.

“New York in the cold months and Canada in the warmer ones. As much as we’d love for Iqi to stay with his family Florida is just too…”

“Does the heat bother you Iqi?” Hermione interrupted the Chancellor.

“Yes,” I said with an apologetic smile. “Certain temperatures can be detrimental to my health.”

“Detrimental to my health,” Hermione laughed. “Yeah you were raised by aliens alright. Fine, I’ll move to New York with you. I know you must have a million questions.”

“Ah, I’m not sure we have living arrangements prepared for you in New York Miss Hermione,” Chancellor Nakano stepped forward. “We will however give you a direct line to Iqi so you can stay in contact with him whenever you like.”

Hermione opened her mouth to say something but I put my hand up to stop her.

“Chancellor Nakano,” I fixed him a steely gaze. “You had no way of knowing I would choose New York as my Earth home until just a few minutes ago. Is it safe to assume there are no living arrangements ready for me there at the moment?”

“Yes?” he answered hesitantly. “However…”

“Well then, when you are making my arrangements be sure to take into consideration that my sister will be joining me.”

Chancellor Nakano pursed his lips. “Of course. Shall we join President Tapiwa and Captain Kiernan?”

Please go check out the whole story on Wattpad! Thank you for your patience in waiting on this chapter! I had a lot of things going on and since this chapter is a turning point in the novel/ novella/whatever I wanted to get it right!

https://www.wattpad.com/story/135795678-iqi-arrival

“I can not believe you read the entire thing,” Hermione shook her head at me in disbelief opening up her package.

“I can’t believe you ordered more clothes,” I raised an eyebrow at her setting the Quran down on her nightstand.

“What? I got something for you too this time!” she grinned.

I plopped down on her bed. “Hm.”

“So did you enjoy your read,” she asked still digging through her package.

“It was surprisingly similar to both the Bible and Tanakh. But I guess that’s to be assumed considering they have similar origins,” I sighed. “I can’t believe humans have so much conflict with each other simply because of vague differences in these texts. I can ever imagine any written word being moving enough to inspire such violence.”

“Eh, humans were slaughtering each other long before any of those books were written so it’s more likely that people are just trash and the books are excuses,” Hermione said shimmying on some boots.

“I don’t think people are trash,” I muttered.

“That’s why people love you,” she laughed. “When’s your next session anyways?”

“Two days from now. Tuesday.”

“Good, any cancellations?” Hermione asked walking up to the mirror to admire her shoes.

“Only one. But that spot was fill up pretty quickly so security had time to run a background search on them,” I stood up. “I’m hungry. Can we order some food?”

“Sure. What are you craving?”

“Jamaican.”

Hermione grinned at me. “If someone told me a year ago that my alien brother would ask me for some Jamaican food I’d laugh in their face.”

“I think you’d laugh in their face regardless,” I smiled.

“Ha! Yeah, you’re probably right. Go see if Willoughby wants anything, I’ll start ordering on Grubhub. What do you want?”

“Brown rice, oxtail and fried plantains,” I could feel my mouth already salivating at the thought.

Hermione chuckled to herself. “Alright.”

I walked down the hall to Dr. Willoughby’s lab nodding to the patrolling security as I went. It was always strange walking into the lab knowing it was specifically designed to study me. I could see sample of my hair, blood, feathers and skin organized neatly around the lab. Dr. Willoughby slept peacefully at her desk, her head resting on a thick open book. I smiled and walked up to her resting my hand on her head softly and waiting for her to stir awake.

“Iqi,” she yawned loudly. “Do you need something?”

“No, Hermione and I are ordering some Jamaican food. We were wondering if you wanted any?”

“Aw, you’re so sweet,” Willoughby stretched, still yawning. “Yes, can you get me some jerk chicken and rice. Oh and a sprite too!”

“No problem,” I began to walk off. “Also, I know I’m suppose to just let the security do their jobs but should I ask them if they want anything as well?”

“I’m sure they would love that. It must get boring patrolling a high security building, nothing ever happens here,” Willoughby stood up and opened a draw, pulling out a small notebook.

“Here,” she said. “Write down what they want and give it Hermione. I’m sure she has more than enough money with that session you have coming up on Tuesday.”

“Thank you,” I smiled taking the notebook. I wrote down jerk chicken, rice and Sprite on the first page.

“No, thank you. Also could you drop by after lunch so I can take some blood samples?”

“No problem,” I called walking out.

It only took about fifteen minutes to gather everyone’s order but Hermione was an impatient woman.

“Where the hell have you been? I’m starving,” she scowled.

“Sorry, it took a while to get everyone’s order,” I apologized holding out the notepad.

“What do you mean… You took everyone’s order!” she gasped.

“Yeah, Willoughby said you’d have enough money for everyone,” I frowned sensing Hermione’s irritation at me.

“Ugh, that moralistic…” Hermione shook her head. “Okay I’ll order it just this once but next time we order food it’s just you and me.”

“Sorry,” I said.

Her expression softened. “Don’t worry about it kid.”

“Can I ask you a question?”

“You just did.”

I scowled at her response. “Where do you get money from? I thought you needed a job to get money.”

Hermione laughed. “Not in this digital age my dear brother. As the creator of your website I get a small percentage off of the sessions you have with the public. Considering how much people are willing to cough up to meet you that small percentage in usually a significant amount of money.”

I frowned. “I thought we were going to keep it affordable for the everyday person.”

“We are,” she reassured me. “With each session we sell eight tickets at a reasonable price. The last two however are left up to a bidding war so the price rises significantly with those two tickets. This way the poor can buy a normal ticket while the rich fight over these two opportunistic tickets.”

“How much do they usually sell for?” I asked.

“Hmm, anywhere from $500,000 to a million. The session you had with that Arabian prince was $2.4 million! Can you believe that?” Hermione laughed.

I tried to imagine 2.4 million water bottles. It was… difficult to comprehend that amount of wealth.

“Alright the food is all ordered. It came up to $345.67,” Hermione sighed. “Plus tip is like $70 so… Christ that’s like $415!”

“Sorry,” I apologized again.

“It’s alright. Willoughby was right that I can afford it but it’s better to save money then blast it.”

I looked around her room littered with new purchases and nodded in agreement.

“Hey Iqi,” Willoughby stuck her door in the doorway. “That Katherine girl is on TV right now.”

“Really!” I grinned.

“Yep channel 8,” Willoughby laughed.

I got up quickly to head to the living room.

“Jeez where’s the fire?” I heard Hermione say behind me.

I plopped down on the sofa and used the remote to get to channel eight. There she was. Her hair was pulled back into a tight ponytail. It was straight like mine rather than curly now. She had a very serious expression on her face as she walked up to the podium. She was wearing traditionally male human garments. They made her look intimidating. She faced the camera and began to speak.

“Good evening. My name is Katherine Ahuja and I am the co-CEO of SOUS - Study of Unusual Species. Ever since we have come out as a public company there have been many speculations about what the species we study exactly are. Who we are and what are we trying to achieve. I stand before you today to put these questions to rest - but I should warn you that by answering these question I will be generating more questions.”

“Ooo ominous,” Hermione said taking a seat next to me.

“She looks scared,” I said.

“Her company is suspicious as fuck. With all the recent hacks she probably is scared,” Hermione said.

“First of all I will introduce to you the one creature that is the reason SOUS has stayed so secretive all these years. We all know now that we are not alone in the universe as sentient beings. But what you don’t know is that we are not even alone on our own planet,” Katherine said.

“Is she talking about me?” I asked.

“No, everyone already knows about you,” Hermione was watching intently now.

“No, I am not talking about our brother from the stars, Iqi. We have cousins, who live beneath the sea. They’ve been here for thousands of years, in hiding. But some of them are ready to come out and join hands with humanity if we will allow them. Iqi’s arrival and openness with the public has paved the way for these cousins of ours. And it is my honor to introduce you all to Ler and Kym,” she gestured to the curtain behind her which opened to reveal a large glass wall.

Behind the wall was water and two creatures came into view. The crowd on the tv were silent as the larger of the two swam up to the wall. I’ve never seen a creature like this. It had the upper body of a man but the lower of an aquatic mammal. He was at least twice the size of a normal man and covered with short grey fur with a long black flowy mane of hair. He smiled adoringly down at Katherine Ahuja who smiled tightly back up at him. The other was a younger, smaller female who seemed to be with child.