Page 33 of Whoops-A-Mate From Outer Space
He let out a long sigh and slouched in his chair. “Something we have found is common with what you would call authoritarian governments. The people in power are not accustomed to having their… requests… refused. It causes tension when we do not acquiesce to their demands.”
“I’m sorry.”
He tilted his head to one side. “You have done nothing to require an apology.”
I chuckled. “It’s… more a statement of commiseration and understanding in this context.” I considered for a moment. “I think an apt equivalent would be, ‘It does me sorrow that you’re having to deal with that.’”
He blinked, then nodded. “There is much nuance that our translators have yet to process.”
I shrugged. “English is weird.” I paused. “Eashai has used that phrase, though. Are your translators not linked?”
He laughed. “All languages have their own particularities. As to the translators, words and grammar are shared, and, eventually, common phrases. But they are made to tailor to the needs of the user. Since I am primarily based in Russia, I do not have a need for English vernacular.”
“That’s true,” I agreed.
“I am called Aisho,” he stated.
“Eugene,” I replied. “But everybody calls me Gene. Nice to meet you.”
“A pleasure. I take it you and Eashai have taken each other as mates?”
I choked on air, and Eashai let out a strained noise.
“I… what?” I gasped.
“It is my understanding that only humans who have taken Lalyllte mates are allowed on Lyll,” he stated. “Has that changed?”
“He has received special permission,” Eashai explained quickly. “I requested he be allowed to speak to our humanologists.”
“Is that wise?” Aisho asked.
Eashai swallowed; his Adam’s apple bobbing. “We have reason to believe the risk is minimized.”
One of Aisho’s eyebrows went up. “Then I shall believe your assurances.” He turned back to me. “Enjoy your time on Lyll.”
The pressure in the cabin changed, more than before, and I realized that we were ascending.
Vibrant blue as we emerged above the clouds, it lightened as the atmosphere thinned, then endless black.
“Wow…” I breathed as my eyes adjusted and a sea of stars came into focus. Off to one side, the moon grew larger.
Aisho chuckled. “I forgot that it must be your first time off your world.”
“It is,” I confirmed.
We continued away from Earth for another couple minutes, then the vessel banked slightly.
“A special treat,” the pilot announced as the planet came back into view.
My breath caught in my throat. I’d seen the iconic Blue Marble photo many times over the years, but now the view was mine.
Earth—green and blue with white clouds—hung against the black of space.
“I…” I breathed. “I never… I never thought I’d get to see the Earth like this.”
“As I understand, very few humans have been off your planet. Is that correct?” Aisho asked.
“There are more in recent years,” I replied. “Now that companies have started to launch spaceships, it’s not just governments anymore. But most people never have and never will have a chance to leave Earth, even for a few minutes.”
