Page 7 of Malliko
“Oh, it’s an expression. Which reminds me that we need to go over your cover story. You can’t be from around here or people would expect you to understand references like that. Based on the information I’ve received about you and your research assignment; I’ve set you up as a PhD student in anthropology. You’re studying the modern dating culture and human sexuality. If anyone asks you, you’re from Liechtenstein in Europe. It’s a tiny nation and most of the people you’ll meet will have no ideawhere it is. While you’re in Los Angeles, you’ll be living next door to me. The agency owns both apartments and that way I’m close if you have questions or run into trouble.”
I took mental notes and listened closely as she continued.
“You’re thirty-three years old and if anyone says that you have an unusual name then you tell them that your parents were hippies.”
“What’s a hippie?”
“A free spirit who doesn’t like conventional things.” She smiled. “Which explains why their children are often given unconventional names. Trust me, all you have to do is say that your parents were hippies.”
“Understood,” I said and made a mental note while Tania continued with her instructions.
“Tomorrow, you’ll turn up at this address and ask for Darren White. He’s the boss at Go2Match, which is a social network for singles. They have great insight into what people are looking for in a partner and you’ll be working with their team to conduct your research.”
“Thank you.”
“I’ll also provide you with addresses for sex clubs and bars where humans go to meet each other. You might want to take a day or two to get calibrated to the density on Earth, but definitely go check it out on Friday or Saturday. That’s when people have time to go.”
We exited a gate and left the military base. “Thanks for the tip. I have a lot of historical research to digest, and I was planning to dive right in. That will give me something to compare against.”
“Good idea. You’ll see that mating rituals for humans have come a long way from the days when young people needed chaperones and were kept apart.”
When a car came toward us, it passed very closely and it made me turn my head. “It’s strange that they prefer to stay on the ground instead of flying. It doesn’t feel safe.”
“As I said, Earth isn’t as technologically advanced as your world.”
“But they know how to fly, do they not?”
“Yes, but cars are cheaper than planes.”
I turned in my seat to look at the endless strip of road behind us. “How is that possible when cars require all this surface laid out?”
“Roads are paid for by the public, which technically is all of us car owners too, but that’s different… I don’t know how to explain it. Oh, by the way, before I forget. You’re engaged to a beauty back in Liechtenstein.”
“What’s that?”
Tania gave me a sideways glance. “It means that you’re bonded to a mate. Remember to tell that to all the women you meet.”
“Why?”
“Because we don’t want another researcher leaving behind a pregnant woman with a broken heart and a ruined life.”
I turned my head to look at her. “Like your mother.”
“Exactly. So, if someone comes on to you… and they will, trust me… just tell them that you’re engaged to be married. In fact, once we get home, let’s do a photo together so you can show it to the ones who don’t believe you.”
“Of you and me together?” I was trying to follow her logic.
“Yes. It doesn’t matter who the woman in the picture is as long as they buy that you’re with someone.”
“Can’t I just tell them no?”
Tania made a strange sound that had me leaning closer to investigate. “What was that?”
“I didn’t say anything. It was a snort.”
“The sound came out through your nose.”
“I know. That’s what a snort is. It indicates disagreement.”
