Page 60 of The Alien I Fell in Love with on Walpurgis Night

“Questionable.”

We arrive on another ship and before I ask him about it, Axl explains, “I’ve rented this ship to take us to Alliance Force. It’ll take about seven days to get there. During that time you can decide whether you actually want to stay on Earth. If you want to stay and never see me again, I understand. I will still make sure you get there safely.”

Once the transporter door opens, we are escorted out. I’m met by the captain of the Lio, and then shown to my quarters. I’m disappointed that I’m not sharing my quarters with Axl, but then again, maybe I’ve misread everything. But that can’t be because he just talked about me moving back to his home and marriage. One thing that seems very constant is how confusing Alliance culture is.

One of the officers carries my bag into my new quarters. When he leaves I open my wardrobe to hang a few things up and I notice that all of my clothing that I had on the Hio is here. And not only that, but my marriage bracelet is also here. I pick it up and hold it in my hands. I want to be married to Axl but I don’t know if I can live in the Empire for it. It’s difficult for me to put the bracelet back, but I tell myself, “I have seven days to decide.”

There’s a chime at my door and I open it. It's Axl.

“Come in.”

“First, I want you to come for a medical exam. I want to make sure you are healthy.”

“Besides being scared these past two weeks I’m fine.” I don’t include being heartbroken when I thought he just let me leave.

“Still, I want to make sure.”

“Fine.” I leave my quarters to follow Axl to the medical center. “The ship is very nice,” I say as we walk through the quiet corridors. It’s not an Alliance military ship, but more like Alliance luxury.

“It’s a diplomatic vessel, so it’s meant to show off the best of the Empire.”

Once we reach the medical center a doctor and an assistant are waiting for us. “Madame Georgiana if you don’t mind,” the doctor says, indicating a private screening area.

I look at Axl, I don’t want to be away from him now that he’s here. “Axl, will you come with me?”

“I’m sorry that’s not permitted as he is not your husband.”

“But…”

“I’ll be right here,” Axl says from the entrance.

I have no reason not to trust Axl or this doctor, so I follow the doctor. He has me lie down on a medical bed while some lights flash above me. He and his assistant look at the computers and begin to ask me questions. But they are odd questions.

“Did any doctors see you onboard any of the vessels you have traveled on after leaving Earth?”

“On the Hio, on the way over, I was allergic to something.”

“Any other time?”

“In House Zu. I was very confused about things.”

“Confused? What did the doctor do?”

“She said she went in my mind and made me less confused.”

“What were you confused about?”

“Whether or not the Empire or aliens were real,” I admit sheepishly. “I know it’s real now.”

“And do you remember any other time you might have seen a doctor?”

“No.”

“Do you trust me to make sure that your thoughts are your own and you haven’t been manipulated?”

“I don’t think that’s necessary. I feel fine.”

“Georgiana, I understand your reluctance, but I want to assure you, I am here as an objective doctor. If I don’t make sure, the doctor on Alliance Force will before he erases all your memories of your time away from Earth.”

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