Page 34 of Abalim

Nyvira and Tharion chatted and pointed out places and people in their village.

The pair announced names and titles that went right over Lisa’s head. She was too busy gaping at everything. Gripping Abalim’s muscled arm helped keep her steady, so she didn’t wander off or fall flat on her face because she didn’t watch where she was going.

“Here we are.” Tharion brushed aside the hanging dried leaves covering the open door of the small hut and led them inside.

It was a simple single room. The only furniture was a bed that best resembled a type of nest made up of leaves, twigs, feathers, and linens against the far wall. In the middle was an unlit fire pit under a small opening in the roof.

“You must be tired after your long journey. Rest. You have plenty of time before the end meal is announced,” Tharion said. “If you have need of anything, just ask one of the villagers to assist you.”

“We are grateful for your kindness. How can we pay you for it?” Lisa let go of Abalim’s arm.

For the first time, the two Lumarians frowned. “I do not understand.” Nyvira tilted her head. “What is the meaning of pay?”

“It’s where when one person provides goods or services to someone else, they give them something in return.”

The two slender aliens looked at each other. Each of their heads flinched back before looking at her again. “What a strange concept.” Nyvira’s whistle was low. “Here at Aroonshire, just tell anyone what you need and they will provide it for you. That way, all receive the bounty Echovara provides.”

“You Eastern-Southerners have strange ways.” Tharion shook his head. “But, no matter! As per the dictates of the mighty and all-knowing God Echovara, all are welcome here.”

“Yes, yes!” Nyvira agreed. “Enough of that. Rest, and we will see you when last meal is sounded.” She turned her body slightly to the side with her hands open and her palms facing outward.

Tharion mirrored her gesture, and then they both left.

“Well—” Lisa put her fists on her hips. “—they were, ah, cordial enough.” She put a forefinger on her bottom lip. “I guess these suits work okay, since they didn’t freak out. How come I still see the real you?”

“Remember, Rerqel said the suits were programmed for the Lumarians to see us as one of them. I guess they didn’t do the same to you and me.”

Lisa shrugged. She had to admit, seeing the real him was no hardship. “Okay then. Now what?”

“Now we get to work.”

“JR15, come out and analyze the surrounding area and see if there are any anomalies.” Abalim lifted the hair at the nape of his neck to give his bot friend an easier way out of his hiding place.

“Ack! A spider!” Lisa squealed with her fingers over her mouth. “Don’t move. I’ll swat it away.”

Abalim jerked out of her reach. “No, don’t!” He turned to face her. “That’s not a spider, he’s my AI companion, JR15.” The little bot raced down his arm, his spindly legs barely touching his skin until he stopped and quivered on Abalim’s open palm. “See? He’s a little robot, not an organic insect. Aren’t you, JR15?”

Lisa’s forehead wrinkled as she gazed at the small droid on his hand. “That’s a robot?” She looked up at him. “You said he’s an AI. Does that mean he sentient?” She sucked in a breath and clasped her hands together as she studied the little guy in Abalim’s hand.

“Yes, he is. He’s also our way to communicate with those on Earth, as well as my brothers who are looking for your other friends.”

JR15 gazed back at Lisa, and his wider-than-normal eyes blinked at her.

He must be focusing his eyesight on a different level since he didn’t need to wet them.

“JR15, say hello to Lisa.”

The little bot bowed his head with a slight smile. “I am very pleased to make your acquaintance, Ms. Lisa, ma’am.”

Lisa place an open palm over her heart. “Oh my God, he’s so cute! But you can just call me Lisa.”

“Yes, Ms. Lisa, ma’am.” JR15 nodded his silver-and-green metallic head.

“Oh, but…”

Abalim chuckled. “Don’t bother. No matter how many times I’ve asked him not to be so formal with me, he keeps calling me Mister Abalim, sir.” He focused on the tiny bot. “JR15, let’s start with this hut. Analyze the perimeters to make sure there isn’t anything electronic or organic hidden we need to be aware of.”

Abalim lifted his palm up the give the bot a boost. His spider shaped companion opened his back panels to let his translucent wings loose.

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