Page 4 of Malliko
“What kind of climate are we talking about?”
“It’s a mild climate with beaches and water.”
I sat up a little straighter and asked with hope in my tone, “Like the pink peninsula on Mepoi?” It was a popular vacation destination because of its beauty and clean water.
“It’s similar but with a blue and gray color scheme,” the older man said. “I’ve had the privilege of studying fauna on Earth, and I promise you that it’s very intriguing. The best part is that there are few risks in admiring the plants and flowers there. Few are poisonous or flesh eating and none of them attack or move.”
“Good to know.” I smiled, thinking that this research project might not be what I had hoped for initially, but at least Earth was famous for its beauty, and I wouldn’t have to live in darkness with depressed cyborgs.
CHAPTER 2
Arrival on Earth
Strapping myself in, I got comfortable in the shuttle and looked to Alaan, who stood watching on the side.
“I’m sure it feels strange to be a passenger when you are an accomplished pilot yourself,” he said with a friendly smile.
“That’s alright. It’ll give me time to enjoy the view and not worry about a thing.”
Closing his hand, Alaan covered his third eye and bowed his head. I returned the gesture as the ceiling of the small shuttle closed.
The pilot was a young female who was very talkative and friendly. “I’ve been to Earth at least a hundred times, but I almost never leave the shuttle. All I do is chauffeur you scientists back and forth.”
Gently, she steered the shuttle out of the docking area. “At least Earth is an incredibly vibrant and colorful planet that’s pretty to look at. Its blue oceans, white clouds, and green and brown landmasses make it a stunning sight when viewed from this angle.”
I made a sound of agreement and watching the planet below, I pondered out loud. “The captain said that the local inhabitants are unaware of life on other planets. How is that possible if you’ve visited them that often?”
“Oh, it’s not just me. Spaceships from the Federation come and go all the time.” She gave me a quick glance and eagerly elaborated. “There are certain places we can land and only with spaceships that have reflection shields approved by the Federation. We’ll need to go down fast, so it’s a good thing you’reused to flying. The majority of people don’t know about us, but some do. At least the ones working at the bases where we enter and exit from.”
Getting comfortable in my seat, I said, “I’m going to a place called Los Angeles.”
“Haven’t been there, so I can’t tell you anything about it. My orders are to take you to Base Thirty-seven, which is nice and simple. At least compared to Base One.”
“Why? What’s Base One like?”
The young pilot seemed excited to be teaching me all she knew and explained, “From what I understand it’s the oldest of the bases and hidden really well. It’s inside a mountain that none of the locals are allowed to come near and it’s been there for thousands of Earth years. I saw a cute Ugon captain there on my fourth trip.”
I smiled. “You like big ears then?”
Cacala had a lovely laugh and I liked how her eyes lit up with trouble when she confided in me. “I know it’s not for everyone, but yeah, I think they’re amazing. Did you know that their ears are extra sensitive, and they like it when you…” She stopped talking and pulled in her lower lip.
“When you what?” I asked with a smile.
Shaking her head, she spoke in an apologetic tone. “I’m sorry. I’m afraid that I’m a chronic oversharer. It’s just that I’m a bit nervous to meet you, to be honest.”
“Me? Why would you be nervous about meeting me?”
“You’re Malliko, son of Sallisha, and I know about your heroic work for the Federation. My cousin served under you, and he sort of idolizes you.”
“Who’s your cousin?”
“Nerix Caman.”
I immediately laughed out loud.
“What?” the pilot asked with confusion on her face. “What’s so funny?”
“Nerix Caman is your cousin?”
