#iqi

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.

The applause broke off sharply as the curtains opened and I stepped out into the light. I was atop a giant staircase that lead to an extravagant banquet hall with tables of surprised humans. I didn’t know what to do. Well, yes, I did. I had to walk down the stairs, along the wide open space between the tables, climb the stage then give my speech. But I would rather do anything but make that silent journey as the humans gawked at me. I scanned the sea of faces for a familiar face and caught eyes with Hermione. She made a motion with her arms as if telling me to unfurl my wings once again.

I took a deep breath, smiled politely and began my descent, nervously unfurling my wings as I went. Audible gasps went up in the crowd as I completely unfurled them and reached the bottom of the stairs. They began to clap as I walked - slightly faster than President Tapiwa would have liked. I sighed internally, this wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. The humans smiled at me when I made eye contact with them and I smiled back at them.

Except for one. She had long dark hair and beautifully smooth brown skin. She had decorated her hair with red ornaments that matched her lips and silky dress. She was beautiful and she frowned at me, her hands reluctantly clapping. I tried smiling at her but her expression didn’t change. The human man standing next to her rolled his eyes at her and gave me an encouraging smile as I made my way to the stage.

I began to close my wings as I climbed the stage. The woman who announced my arrival beamed as I stepped towards her.

“Let’s give another round of applause for Iqi!” she cheered into her mic.

The crowd gave a roar of applause that quickly died down as I shook her and and gave her a small embrace. She then left the podium to me and the crowd stayed standing waiting for me to speak.

I cleared my throat. “Please sit, don’t stay standing on my behalf.”

The crowd quickly took their seats eagerly waiting to see what I would have to say.

“Thank you for welcoming me here on Earth and here in the City of New York. I am called Iqi. I am the child of the Human Maia Floros and the Darite Fi’rtnite. As for the moment I am just visiting Earth in the hopes of finding a stable home to settle down on. The welcome I’ve received here makes me hopeful that my search may have ended. I look forward to living among you and learning more about this strange planet my mother called home. Thank You.”

The crowd cheered and clapped for me despite how short the speech was. I was beginning to think Hermione was right when she said they would love me simply for putting on my shoes.

The woman who introduced me came back on stage.

“Thank you Iqi, for being here! We are just as thrilled to have you among us! Now President Tapiwa will…”

The night dragged on like that for about an hour. Different humans of varying importance stood to give small speeches and give me welcome as I sat at my sister’s table between her and Willoughby.

Finally the last speaker climbed the stage. It was the girl in red, watching her now I could see she was rather small in stature compared to the other humans. She stood nearly a full head shorter than most but she had this air of confidence that seemed to gather her respect. She approached the podium and for the first time I saw her smile.

“Good evening everyone! My name is Katherine Ahuja and I’ll keep this short since I know you all want to get to the eating, dancing and hounding poor Iqi with questions,” the audience laughed heartily. “As you all know I am the co-CEO of SOUS a company I know you have many questions about and I promise they will all be answered in the coming months. I suppose I can thank Iqi for providing the well needed distraction my PR people have been praying for.”

Again the crowd laughed, I had to smile at the joke as well. Perhaps this girl didn’t hate me.

“Iqi before I make you the subject of anymore of my jokes I’d like to say welcome to Earth,” she gave a pause as the audience clapped for him once again.  “You are a symbol of humanity’s ability to survive, thrive and multiply in any situation,” the crowd roared at that joke, even Hermione cackled next to me.

“We hope you will choose to stay with us when choosing your own home planet. We look forward to seeing your growth, your humanity but most of all you being really really confused about everyday Earth things,” she beamed at him as the audience gave one last roar of applause standing for him as they clapped.

I blushed quietly as they cheered for me excessively. The announcement woman took the stage again.

“Thank you Katherine for an entertaining speech as always,” Katherine stopped halfway to her seat and gave an exaggerated bow which gathered more laughter. “Now let’s eat!”

The food served as delicious. I enjoyed tasting the different Earth flavors. Hermione and Willoughby managed to sneak me food from their plates as well, against the wishes of the President and Captain Ki’rnne who had elected to stay behind to let me “enjoy” this moment. There were two other people at our table. Roger Jackson who was the CEO of the largest producers of rocket fuel in this country and his wife Mary-Ann Jackson who was very pregnant with their third child.

They were interesting enough but I found it difficult to keep up with the conversation. Hermione, Jasmine and Willoughby were happy to explain things to hme but I didn’t want to be too much of a bother.

When the desserts had finally come out I felt a sudden tug on one of my lower wings which cause me to unfurl them in surprise. You could have a pin drop in that banquet hall, I could feel my face burn. I turned around slowly to see a small human child standing frozen behind me her hand still outstretched. We stared at each other for a beat before I saw tears began to swell in her eyes.

I quickly closed my wings and took her hand in mine, trying to think of what an angel would do in this situation.

I smiled softly at her. “Don’t be afraid. I’m sorry I frightened you.”

She sniffled slightly and looked up at my face. I put my hand on her head and patted her softly. I think humans like stuff like that? She sniffled again but she was visibly more calm. She reached up to touch my ear and I leaned down to give her better access. She smiled at me and touched my nose and her own. I realized she was comparing her different features to mine and smiled back at her.

She pulled back and looked at my wings again. “Can I have one of your feathers?”

I was surprised. I was under the impression that very young humans could only speak gibberish and a few proper words. I was also surprised at the request. Why on Earth would a young human want a piece of my body?!

“Yes,” I found myself saying. I opened one of my wings again and fingered for an old feather, one that was due to fall out. I got a good grip on it a plucked it with a wince. I handed it to the girl and she stared at it with awe. She looked back at me.

“Did it hurt?” She asked.

“Only a little, it’s like pulling out hair,” I explained.

She contemplated that for a bit turning the feather around in her hand. One a moment I thought she might give it back, but what use did I have for it now? Finally she reached into her thick coily dark hair and yanked out one of her own strands. She handed it to me with a smile. I took the little piece of her strange hair and felt an emotion surge up in me that I could not place.

“Thank you,” I said quietly holding the hair.

She nodded now that our little exchange was over and wandered back to wherever she came from. I sat up straight examining the little hair she gave me. Did she give it to me because she saw it as equal in value? Or did she do as an apology for the little pain I felt when I plucked my own feather?

“Iqi?” I heard Jasmine say softly.

I looked up at her and abruptly realized that every eye was on me in that moment. Not just every eye, but every camera as well. I could feel the blush rising in my cheek and I carefully placed the hair in my chest pocket.

“Alright shows over, go back to your overpriced desserts everybody,” Hermione said.

“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?”

I peered down at the dwarf planet my mother once called home. It’s swirls of white and blue were slow moving and mesmerizing. I saw Captain Ki’rnne's reflection approaching me in the glass. I turned and looked up at his towering stance. He stood nearly twice my height on his quadrupedal legs, he was even more formidable when he reared back onto his back legs. A thick armour like red exoskeleton covered his back, tail and top of his head, ending in a point at his forehead like a war helmet. His four black eyes regarded me inquisitively.

“Are you excited to finally see your mother’s home?” He asked in his rough native language.

“I think I am?” I sighed.

“You are nervous.”

It wasn’t a question. “What if…” I shifted anxiously. “What if they don’t like me?”

Captain Ki’rnne turned his gaze to the planet we were slowly approaching. We would make our descent in less than four clicks.

“The Soenil are different from the Darite. Your mother’s people are far more accepting and tolerant of beings different from them. In fact they are known for it, otherwise you wouldn’t be standing here today. Besides you look more like the Soenil than the Darite, acceptance would be easier regardless.”

“Fu’knlgt says I don’t look like either of them,” I frowned looking at my reflection in the glass.

“You’ve seen what other Soenil look like,” Captain Ki’rnne said. “You bare resemblance to both.”

“But not enough,” I turned from the glass.

“Iqi,” Captain Kiernan sighed.

“I’m going to go prepare for arrival, Captain,” I said switching the conversation into Basic Intergalactic Language.

“Very well.”

I could feel his eyes on my back as I left the common area. I was certain the Soenil would find me just as wrong as the Darite did. The Darite were no strangers to cross breeding with different species but I was a particularly horrific combination to them. I was old enough to remember the look of their faces as they took in my appearance, I remember my father’s reaction. A hairless, short limbed, crippled abomination were the exact words my father’s sire had used to describe me.

To his credit my father did attempt to defend me. It wasn’t my fault I was so deformed. I was the first pregnancy and birth recorded between a Soenil and any other species. Of course there would be some complications. But my father’s sire would not accept me, so I was sent back to the ship that had delivered me to my father’s planet.

I waved my hand over the sensor at my door. The door slide open with a soft whoosh and I stepped inside my room. Sighing I side stepped my passed out roommate and walked to the mirror. I gazed at my features warily. Captain was right that I looked more Soenil than Darite, but that was only in structure. I had a Soenil’s short stance and limbs, their head hair, colorful iris and fleshy lips, but I could not say I looked like a Soenil. I inherited my father’s pale white hue, flat bifurcated nose, long pointed ears and wide feathered wings. But my wings were not big or strong enough for travel. They were stunted in growth and only as wide as my body was long. I come fly but only short distances.

“Attention crew members: We will be landing on Planet Soen in less than a click. Please prepare yourself for entering the atmosphere. As you all know Planet Soen is Class 5 and extremely temperamental. Make sure all equipment is prepared for landing and all crew are accounted for before descent.”

A loud piercing alarm signified the beginning countdown to entry of Planet Soen’s atmosphere. I quickly dressed myself in the Soen garments Captain Ki’rnne purchased me on Planet Dtriun. I kicked my roommate Hud’erpaktr. He just groaned and tighter his coils around himself.

“Wake up Huder,” I sighed practicing the Soen style hair-dos I researched. The Soen were weirdly obsessed with altering their appearances to “fit in”. I figured I should at least look like I made the effort to assimilate.

“What do you want?” Huder hissed at me.

“We’re going to enter Soen’s atmosphere any moment,” as if on cue the ship shuddered as it descended on the planet. “You need to get up and try to look presentable.”

Huder uncoiled himself with a aggravated growl. H slithered his thick, long body over to his cot and pulled his wrinkled uniform over his head with his two clawed arms. He gaze me a once over with his yellow vertical slit eye.

“What are you wearing?” he barked in laughter.

“This is Soen fashion. Captain thinks I should dress like them to make it easier to assimilate,” I frowned looking down at the outfit. It was a bit ridiculous looking, but it actually fit me so it was less ridiculous looking than most clothes I wore.

“Oh you definitely look like them,” Huder laughed slithering around me.

“Get off,” I scowled still trying to imitate the Soen braid. Huder continued to wrap around me with his almost foot thick body, he teasingly contracted.

“You do know that Soelin is female right?” Huder chuckled in my ear having wrapped around the entire height of my body.

“What? How can you tell?” I gasped as he contracted again.

“Soelin’s females generally have longer hair while the males cut it short,” Huder said flicking his forked tongue in my face.

“You’re gonna wrinkle my clothes,” I gasped at the increasing pressure on my chest and legs.

“Hmm, you know what to say if you want me to let go,” Huder hissed in my ear.

I cursed in Shinguo at him. “Let go,” I choked struggling against his powerful coils.

“Say it,” Huder smiled predatorily.

I knew that although Huder was my friend he was absolutely the type of asshole to strangle me until I passed out, even on a day as important as this. I swallowed my pride.

“D’idptgat,” I gasped.

Huder laughed heartily releasing me from his grip. I swallowed a deep breath and stretched my crushed wings.

“Great now my feathers are a fucking mess,” I gripped. I looked in the mirror, the pathetic braid I had been working on had come undone.

Growling I brushed my hair down and let it fall in waves down my back. I plopped myself down on my cot and began to fluff my feathers up properly. The ship again shuddered but with the familier tremble of touching land. We were on Soen.

“Shit,” I cursed.

“Relax you’re wings are gonna look weird to them no matter what,” Huder yawned. “Just go with it.”

“Shut up.”

“Welcome crew please gather at quadrant four exit number 3,” the intercom announced.

I groaned and stood gave my wings a few good beats to fluff out the other feathers quickly. Huder hissed at me as his papers flew around the room, I ignored him and hurried out to quadrant four.

Captain Ki’rnne gave me a disapproving look as I half run half flew into quadrant four.

“A new look Iqi?” he asked.

I looked down at my thoroughly wrinkled Soenil garments. There was nothing to do about it now. The first doors began to open.

The Soenil’s had made arrangements to keep us in a temperature and gravity control building during the duration of our stay, which was good because Soen’s gravity was much more powerful than other planets despite its small size.

With Captain Kiernan leading the way we exited our craft unto a vehicle that would transport us to the building. A Soenil was waiting at the front of the vehicle to greet us. It was the first time I had seen a Soenil up close. This one had long hair that was tightly pulled back to the back of its head. I groaned inwardly. Who knew what it would think of my hair loose and unstyled like this?

The Soen greeted the captain first.

“Welcome to Earth Captain Ki’rnne,” it said in the Soen language called English. “My name is Sarah Campbell, I will be your guide to the welcome committee. This is Dr. Willoughby, she is an alienologist who is the one who will be studying Iqi, the human hybrid you spoke to us about.”

The other Soenil was so small and unassuming I had missed it completely.

“Thank you for your welcome humans,” Captain Ki’rnne said, his translator changing his words to English. “This is Iqi. He is a human and Darite hybrid.”

I stepped forward holding out a hand, careful to keep my wings from extending as well. “Hello, I am Iqi. I’m very pleased to be here,” I smiled politely.

Hey guys I’m so sorry it took so long for me to come out with this chapter. I don’t really have an excuse I was being lazy about it. But I’ve really gotten back into the groove of things and I’m happy to announce that chapter eleven is almost completed as well!

Support me on Wattpad please!

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

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I regretted my recent life decisions. I never really had to make any before and now I was spying for my mother’s home planet on members of said planet. As Katherine walked out of the stunning white mansion towards us on the beach I couldn’t imagine her to be capable of all that President Tapiwa. She was dressed casually. She wore a pink tee-shirt with some Earth writing, baby blue jeans and white sneakers. The only thing that reminded me she was a scientist was her white lab coat that blew in the wind with her hair.

“Iqi! I’m so glad you came!” she beamed.

I couldn’t help but smile back… or notice Hermione’s scowl.

“Yes, thank you for inviting us Ms. Ahuja,” Hermione smiled politely.

“Of course,” Katherine smiled back, she turned to me. “Ler and Kym are so excited to meet you. The others too.”

“The other scientists?” I asked.

“No, the other Selkie,” she smiled.

“Our reports say that you only have two Selkie in possession,” one of my security stepped forward.

“Do they?” Katherine mused. “You must have been misinformed. Also the Selkie are not my property they are my guests. Come. Let’s go inside.”

We followed her up towards mansion where her own security stood on guard. The doors opened on their own as we stepped into the pristine and white… home? The mansion looked nothing like a lab or research facility on the inside. It looked like a family home with furniture and pictures on the walls. We followed Katherine into the living room confused as two of her security guards trailed us.

“Here we are,” Katherine said cheerfully. “Now I apologize for the breach of privacy but I will have to have you all searched before we enter the facility. Jeremy,” she said gesturing to one of the security guards.

They began to pat us down carefully being gentle but thorough. Hermione wasn’t having it.

“Is this all necessary?” she complained. “Why invite us if you’re going to treat us like criminals?”

Katherine laughed. “Oh trust me this is a lot kinder than the security protocol they had when I first joined. I was blind, deaf and handcuffed for most of my journey to SOUS.”

A few of the security chuckled along with her.

“Well, now that that’s out of the way let’s head downstairs,” Katherine touched her hand to the wall and a panel lit up scanning her hand print. Suddenly it seemed as if the wall split in two and opened to a sleek white elevator. She gestured for us to enter.

“Now do you guys want the short or long tour of the facilities?” She asked as the doors closed behind us.

“The long tour,” I said quickly remembering that President Tapiwa wanted me to get a good idea of the facilities capabilities.

“Long tour it is then,” she smiled as the doors opened again.

“Katherine! Did you know that there’s a Sword Art Online movie!” I heard a male voice call as we stepped out of the elevator.

“Noam,” Katherine replied as we exited the elevator. “You remember Iqi right? From the banquet.”

The young man I had seen with Katherine that night was sitting on a couch with his laptop on his lap. He grinned as we entered.

“Iqi! My man! What’s good?” he addressed me familiarly.

“I’m well, thank you,” I said not knowing how else to respond.

He stood up and walked towards us. I noticed with a bit of curiosity he had green eyes. I didn’t think any humans did, perhaps he was wearing contacts to change his eye color. Humans are weird like that.

“Noam this is Iqi’s sister Hermione and their guards Kapono and Anton,” Katherine introduced us.

“How did you know our names?” Kapono asked suspiciously.

Katherine smiled warmly at him. “I know a great many things Kapono. Especially about the people I allow into my facility.”

“So are we gonna have this tour or what?” Hermione asked annoyed.

“Where are you guys touring first?” Noam asked Katherine.

“I was gonna grab you first then head down to the labs Joham and the others are there.”

“Alright I’ll come with,” Noam smiled enter the elevator.

Katherine gestured for us to come.

“So Iqi,” Katherine asked. “Have you been enjoying New York?”

“Yes,” I nodded. “The city has such wonderful people. It seems larger than life at night.”

Katherine smiled. “I still remember my first time in New York. It was so loud and there were just too many people.”

“You didn’t enjoy it?” I asked.

She shook her head. “No, I was a kid it was terrifying. But now I really like New York, there's lots to see and do there.”

“Oh, I don’t get out much,” I said.

She gave me a small smile. “Well, that’s to be expected considering your popularity with humans.”

The elevator doors opened to a brilliant laboratory. Dr. Willoughby would have lost her mind at the sight of it. A stark contrast to the white pristine mansion above the laboratory was bright and colorful. Beautiful murals decorated the walls and each distinct station had its own personal flair. The scientists who had been working and walking around all stopped at our arrival.

“This is my laboratory,” Katherine beamed. “This is where the bulk of our work is done.”

We stepped into the lab awed at the high ceilings and decor.

“Everyone is this Iqi, Hermione, Kapono and Anton. They are our guests and will be staying with us for a short time.”

We got a small chorus of hellos from the relatively small group of scientists. I was surprised. I expected an army of experienced faculty but there seemed to be less than twenty. They varied in age from as young as Katherine to much older humans. They also varied in hue, size, shape and more. Most human scientist seemed to be the pale type it was delightfully strange seeing so many different types of humans working here. Katherine seemed to like different.

“So what exactly do you do in this laboratory Katherine?” Hermione asked.

“Oh all kinds of things,” Katherine smiled walking us through the lab. “Whatever really holds our interest. Right now we’ve been into cancer research so we’ve been doing a lot of that lately.”

“I’ve been working on some cures against ebola right now. It’s a very free-range kind of lab,” Noam added.

“What does that have to do with the Selkie?” Hermione asked frowning.

“Nothing at all,” Katherine smiled in a way that implied otherwise.

I only half listened to their conversation as we walked through the lab. I was much more interested in the devices and work the scientist here were doing. They smiled when I made eye contact with them but for the most part continued their work undisturbed. It was almost like seeing me wasn’t a big deal. And that felt… kind of nice. It’s like I was just another person walking through, not Iqi the angelic alien child of the warrior Maia Floros.

“Absolutely not!” Hermione snarled.

I turned back to them wondering what had upset Hermione. Katherine met my eye.

“I was just explaining to your sister that I only allow very few people to have contact with the Selkie and your entourage would have to wait here or elsewhere in the lab while you and I visited,” Katherine said apologetically.

“Why do you think we brought guards?” Hermione huffed. “They aren’t here to protect against you they’re here to protect against those things!”

Katherine eyes narrowed. “That’s exactly why I won’t allow them near the Selkie. I can’t have a bunch of trigger happy people who already see the Selkie as threats to be near them. That’s a recipe for disaster. Iqi comes with me alone or not at all.”

“Not gonna happen…”

“Fair enough,” I said.

“Excuse me!” Hermione gaped at me. “Iqi if you think I’m gonna allow you to just…”

“Hermione no offense but I don’t need your permission,” I said not unkindly. “Also I have more experience with meet new species than anyone on this planet. Katherine is right that a hostile attitude brought into an situation can make the situation hostile,” I quoted Caption Kiernan.

“Besides it’s not just you,” a new voice said.

A tall slender dark skinned man approached us. He had a strong aura of authority but a warm and pleasant smile.

“Katherine only allows three people in this facility besides herself to see the Selkie on a regular basis,” the man said. “She’s very protective of them.”

“Joham,” Katherine beamed. “You’re back! How was your honeymoon?”

“It was glorious, I don’t know how I’ll ever repay you,” Joham smiled.

Katherine snorted. “Please Joham, that was me repaying you for all you’ve done. But back to the topic on hand, Iqi if you’re ready to go we can head down right now.”

“Yes,” I said excited.

“No!” Hermione said firmly.

“We’ll take the elevator Iqi,” Katherine ignored her walking past the group and back to the elevator.

I casted Hermione an apologetic smile and hurried after Katherine. The look she gave me was almost murderous. But I knew I was safe with Katherine. At the press conference the creatures seemed so gentle and looked at her with such love and devotion. It was clear they were more than science experiments to Katherine.

As we waited for the elevator to descend I took a moment to observe Katherine. This was the first time I had seen her up close. She was small for a human but always walked with her head high. Her hair reminded me of the tygit fabric made on planet Hqi’quet. It was dark full of texture but extremely soft looking. I wondered silently if it was as soft to the touch s it was on the eyes. Her brown skin wasn’t as dark as President Tapiwa’s or Joham. It was a lovely shade of dirt, warm and oddly unblemished. Her dark brown eye was suddenly on me.

“You’re observing me,” she said.

“Sorry,” I stammered embarrassed at being caught studying her. I had forgotten humans didn’t like being stared at for too long.

She laughed. “Don’t look so frightened. I’m used to be observed by humanoids. Ler has a strong fascination with humans, much like you.”

“Humans are very strange,” I nodded. “But there’s something wonderful about your oddness.”

She smiled at me. “No wonder they love you so much,” she mused.

The elevator doors opened to a sudden burst of fresh air as if we were outside. The smell of the sea was rich and salty but misplaced to the view of the giant pool in front of us. We stepped out and it made sense.

A giant glass wall was the only thing that seperated us and the ocean. It was almost as if we were underwater. I realized the pool before us was also filled with clear beautiful seawater. Different fish and aquatic plants were living inside of what I could see of it. In the middle of the pool was a structure that looked like a rocky set of caves.