normal for most species. Don’t worry, my people report to the council directly so it will not impede any progress earth may make in the future. I have a feeling I will be recalled. Of course, I was planning on retiring anyway so it is not a big surprise,” he said. Gillian felt a shiver at his words. Retire? She wondered.
“Retire? You are going to retire?” She asked.
“Yes, that was the main reason for the interview. I was going to retire and hopefully get to know you, my dear. After what had happened, there would be no way I could return now anyway. Everyone believes I am dead at this point. At least everyone on earth does,” he told her. She was touched that she was the one he wanted to finish his career talking too. After the night they had spent, she understood, but felt sad anyway.
“What about us, Marcus?” she asked, managing to keep her voice calm. He saw right through that, however.
“We can continue together, I believe. Whether here or someplace else we will have to decide. Although right now is not the best time to make those decisions. We will have to bug out from here soon and try and stay ahead of them until my backup shows up. Then, my darling, we can decide what we want to do then, how is that?” He asked reasonably. She had to agree.
“Makes sense, I never did understand characters in movies who decide to make serious life choices seconds before the shooting starts. As if there wasn’t a better time for that,” she said rolling her eyes. He laughed and she joined him.
They both finished eating and then they went and tried the blue transfer door. It led to another hut only this one was on an isolated beach somewhere in Africa. It was one of the most beautiful places she had ever been. They ended up playing in the water and having a great time together as the communications net was set up for this location. They had to keep everything separate so it would slow down tracing by the earth first group. As they played, she also interviewed him.
Marcus had come to earth and looked for a means of employment as well as a way to learn about us. He had decided on going to school. Faking the paperwork to make it happen had been easy for his computer systems. As he learned about earth through the humanities programs, he had excelled at football and followed his college time up by going pro in the game. That allowed him the obvious funds to travel during the off season and learn even more about earth. His logic made sense.
“Although I have to say, I considered just finding a good rock band to join. Travel the world and really experience things,” he said with a laugh. She joined him but knew he was serious.
Marcus had also spent considerable time and money in supporting many charities, helping those he considered less fortunate and most in need. His passion showed in everything it did and it was merely a confirmation of what she already had found out about him. He was a man… alien… who had a heart of gold.
“So how can I understand you, Marcus? I can see on the computers that you have a completely different language?” She asked.
“Translator, they are one of the greatest inventions in the last two thousand years,” he held up the small geometric pendant he always wore. It was something he was known for, reportedly wearing it under his jersey during games. Now she knew why.
“I believe that our languages are similar enough that you could learn it as I did yours,” he answered and offered her a beer with lunch.
“Thank you. Actually, talking about similarities, how is it that two species look so closely related?” she asked. She had so many questions she knew she
Max Wallace, Howard Bingham