Contact

by M. D. Neu

  Todd’s vacant eyes moved past the man blathering on.

  Why is he here? What is he after?

  “Both the Nentraee government and the people of Earth owe you a big thank you. The president apologizes for not being here in person.” McNeil’s voice was calm and polite. “However, when you’re up to it, he would like to thank you personally in Washington at the White House. You are quite the hero, Mister Landon.”

  Finally, Todd started to concentrate on him. Mister McNeil appeared to be in his later forties or early fifties. In his youth he might have been a handsome man, but now his lined face bore testament to the harsh years of public service.

  Sighing, Todd shifted, and the familiar twinge of pain wracked his leg. He digested what the man said. His anger built, a mix of physical and emotional pain. Seeing McNeil smiling at him like an idiot, Todd wanted to reach out and punch the smile off his face.

  His words came out tight and icy. “I’m sorry, Mister McNeil. I don’t think the president would want to meet me.”

  “Of course, he would,” McNeil said. “How could President Zachary not want to meet a hero? Specifically one of your caliber.”

  Lifting his injured leg, Todd tried to find a comfortable position. There wasn’t one.

  There is nothing comfortable about my life anymore. It was all blown to hell.

  McNeil was about to speak when Todd stopped him cold with an icy glare. He wanted to lash out. Someone had to hurt as much as him.

  Because of people like you, I lost everything. Because of people like you and the president, I’m in a hospital in pieces. Because of people like the president, Jerry’s dead.

  “You see, the president doesn’t like people like me, sir.” All the hurt and frustration of losing Jerry boiled up inside of him, and he vomited up that hostility toward McNeil. “You know, he isn’t a big fan of us fags, and we aren’t fans of him either! Does the president realize that? Does President Zachary comprehend that the man he wants to personally meet and thank is a fucking faggot? Or is he too stupid to understand such things?”

  His voice trembled, and his eyes started to moisten. “I’m sure that would make his day! Does the president know that the man he wants to meet and thank sucks dick? Does he get that I lost my husband in that fucking explosion? A man I wouldn’t have been allowed to marry if he had his way. A man who shouldn’t have died if our great and powerful country was doing its job. A country under his watch. Does he understand any of that? What does the president really have to say?”

  He needed a sip of water but took a breath instead. McNeil opened his mouth to respond, but Todd rolled over him. “Am I going to get some fucking flag and then be brushed back into the closet after a nice photo op showing the world and the United States how he supports all of us? Even the fucking faggots!” His brain finally kicked in and stopped his mouth. Tears of sadness and anger streamed down his face.

  How could they let this attack happen? How could they not have known someone would try this?

  Todd didn’t want to deal with McNeil anymore, but he couldn’t stop glaring at him.

  “Mister Landon,” McNeil said, completely unfazed by any of Todd’s outburst.

  Todd grabbed the napkin from his tray of food and wiped his eyes.

  McNeil continued, “The president and his wife have asked me to send their deepest sympathy for the loss of your husband. He is aware of your situation and the sorrow you are undergoing. He would like to meet you when you are up to the trip. You don’t have to decide now; think on it, and we’ll be in touch.”

  Reaching out, McNeil touched Todd’s good leg, giving it a squeeze, and started to walk out of the room. Before he left, he turned and met Todd’s gaze. “Mister Landon, what you just said doesn’t fall on deaf ears. I promise you. You are still raw and hurt. It’s why I was sent specifically. Feel well soon. I, too, am very sorry for your loss.” He left the room.

  Todd threw the spent napkin at the door and changed positions before realizing both the vice speaker and Vi-Narm were still standing there. His face was as hot as embers in a fire, his heart hurt, and his stomach sank. He felt like he did when his folks walked in on him masturbating. If he could be struck in the head by lightning, now would be the perfect time.

  “Oh, shit! I’m so sorry…I mean…I…I forgot you were here.” He wiped tears from his eyes with his hands, trying to regain some form of dignity. “I’m so sorry. What I said was…wasn’t appropriate for anyone, least of all you. I’m sorry.”

  Vi-Narm said nothing. Her face was an emotionless wall.

  Adjusting his bandaged arm, the vice speaker said, “Todd Landon, my family and I are very thankful for what you have done.” He paused, studying the room and Todd. “It is our sorrow news to tell you that Weaqu and GanCee both died from their wounds. Their families also send thanks for the attempt to save them.” Both he and Vi-Narm bowed. After a moment, they raised their heads.

  Todd wanted to interrupt the aliens. He wanted to say that he didn’t do anything, that it just happened.

  But the vice speaker continued. “Todd Landon, in our cultural, these types of deeds are something we regard highly.” He stopped and turned to Vi-Narm, then back to Todd. “How do I explain this to you?” He paused. “You are not a hero to me and Vi-Narm. You are a hero to all of the Nentraee. Not because I’m one of the heads of the Speaker’s House, but because you value others’ lives as equal to you own.” He took a step toward Todd. “Actually, greater than you own. What you did was something very few people would do, even in our cultural. For that we are, I most of all, am in you debt.” He bowed.

  Todd’s face grew hotter, and he went to rub his goatee, but it wasn’t there, so he rubbed his chin instead.

  The vice speaker shifted on his heels. “I know in you culture, this is soon, but in ours, I am required to present this offer to you as promptly as possible.” He turned to Vi-Narm. “Which is why I here today when you are not fully well. Once we heard you were awake, and after I gained approval from my government, I was duty bound to come see you.” He checked the door to the hospital room. “I might add you government was no pleased with the new security measures taken, but they allowed it.”

  Todd glanced over to the closed door that McNeil had exited from. Was there something more out there that he didn’t know? Not like he had left the room.

  Continuing, the vice speaker said, “I have come to offer you a position within our government to work for me.” He stood taller and adjusted his bandaged arm. “You would be a special liaison between our two peoples.” He paused. “You would report to me and work with us. You would be involved in all our affairs.” He motioned to Vi-Narm. “This offer has been approved by the speaker general, the Speaker’s House, and the House of the People.”

  Vi-Narm moved forward and presented Todd with what appeared to be a roll of parchment tied with a strip of leather. He hadn’t noticed her holding anything before. A seal rested on it. This seal was on all documents he had looked at before the accident. But nothing he reviewed before was this elaborate with an intricate carving that he didn’t recognize.

  Vi-Narm outstretched her arms, holding the parchment scroll out to him, her head bowed.

  Todd wasn’t sure what to do. Vi-Narm wasn’t moving, and Mi’ko watched him. Slowly, he reached out and took the documents. They were heavier than he thought, and the texture seemed grainy like sandpaper. He wasn’t sure where to lay the bundle, so he put it on the bed next to him, hoping it wasn’t an insult.

  Vi-Narm raised her head and stepped back.

  The vice speaker added, “Our Speaker General, Mirtoff Esmi, is anxious to meeting you, as are many of our people, including me family. Todd Landon, this is a very rare honor.”

  Todd couldn’t have spoken even if he wanted to. His throat was parched. He reached for the cup on his tray, but it was right out of his grasp.

  The vice speaker moved for the cup and handed it to him. “Todd Landon, I do not expect an answer now, nor is one appro
priate. Please do consider this offer. It will be a great opportunity for both of us people, especially with the days ahead.”

  How the vice speaker’s gaze met his and how serious he appeared told Todd this was important. It was something special, even for them. There was much more to this offer than what he was being told. It seemed as if the vice speaker’s own personal honor and duty depended on that scroll.

  Not sure what to say or do, he finished off the water and put the empty cup on the opposite side of his body away from the documents.

  Is that why McNeil was here? Is that why the president is “excited” to meet me?

  He finally found his voice. “I don’t understand. Because I supposedly saved you, you want me to work with you and your government? That seems a little much. I mean, we have diplomats for that sort of thing. They’ve been trained for this.” He focused on the rolled document. Suddenly, the room turned small and quiet. “Wouldn’t flowers and a card have been enough?”

  “Mister Todd Landon, we don’t use plants in this manner,” said Vi-Narm, “but if you would like, we can arrange that. We still have much to learn about your culture and your customs.”

  Todd barked a laugh, which surprised him. Laughing for the first time in what seemed like years actually felt good. What struck him the funniest was Vi-Narm’s appearance. Her left eye was raised, her lips were down, and her hand went up to her braided hair, adjusting it. It was nice to see that he wasn’t the only one out of place right now. He had her totally confused.

  “That was my attempt at a joke. A very bad joke and I apologize.” Todd’s laughter waned as he reached out and picked up the documents. “Thank you for the offer, but I don’t—”

  Vi-Narm stepped forward and waved off his remarks. “Mister Todd Landon, nothing more should be said on this now; you need recovery. Consider it. Say nothing now without thought. Everything is there in document in you language to review.”

  Todd was silent, taking to heart what she said. He didn’t want to offend them.

  “Mister Vice Speaker,” Vi-Narm said, “we keep Chief of Staff, Mister Greg McNeil, waiting. We should let Mister Todd Landon rest. I sure Chief of Staff, Mister Greg McNeil, will need to return to his duties.”

  Both the vice speaker and Vi-Narm bowed.

  “Be well, Todd Landon. May you rest peacefully,” the vice speaker said.

  Todd watched them leave his room and turned to the window, seeing the blue July sky. “God, this sucks,” he muttered.

  Nineteen: Apologies and Invites

  PECKING AWAY AT his laptop he remained quiet. Todd barely noticed Kati enter the living room and sit on the chair opposite him. Bianca jumped up on her, hunkering down to take a nap.

  “Have you thought more of the Nentraee’s offer?”

  Todd shrugged.

  “Todd, it’s been months. You don’t want them to just say screw it.” Kati rubbed Bianca’s head.

  Todd sighed as he massaged his shoulder.

  “Who wouldn’t love to have an opportunity like that?” Kati’s said in a raised voice.

  Todd lifted his face from the screen briefly, then went back to his laptop.

  “Dammit, Todd, All you do is play on that damn computer. You barely eat. You don’t even open your mail. These last few months…” Kati lowered her voice. “It’s like you’re only half alive. I realize you’re recovering…but fuck.”

  He stared at her with his face drawn from exhaustion. All his clothes were baggy, including his shirt, which he was currently swimming in. She clearly wasn’t going to give up talking to him, so he finally gave in.

  “Kati, I’m alive,” he said. “Trust me, the pain is a daily reminder. And I haven’t given any thought to the Nentraee’s offer because there’s been too much going on with the memorial and Jerry’s family. Not to mention the legal crap and my physical therapy. It’s been a never-ending nightmare.”

  Leaning back on the chair, she studied him.

  “Plus, the dumb-ass media, who I wish would go away and leave me the hell alone,” he grumbled. He’d had to call the police a few times—some of the more aggressive journalists had gotten into his backyard, destroying Jerry’s plants. They almost broke through the back door before the media interest finally started to wane.

  He shifted again. He could never get his leg comfortable, but at least the baggy sweats didn’t bother him. His leg was still wrapped up, but nothing like it was in the hospital. The cut had been so deep over a hundred stitches were needed to put it back together. His femur was fractured and was taking longer to heal than he’d hoped. But, the doctor said progress was good. At least the pain was fading. The physical therapist said he wouldn’t have a limp as long as he pursued his therapy religiously.

  “Come on, Todd. Some of the interviews you enjoyed, and they treated you nice.” Kati shifted Bianca. “Don’t be a jerk. You had fun at the party the office had for you. Not to mention the visits from the governor and the mayor. Come on, that was pretty epic.”

  “If you can call a drug haze enjoyable.” Todd sighed. “And yes, some of the media was respectful.” His voice had a flat, indifferent tone. “It happened so fast and the medications I was on— I hardly remember any of it.”

  The memorial for Jerry was the hardest part.

  The funeral, per Jerry’s wishes, was simple. Everyone shared stories about him. Todd played Jerry’s favorite songs. No one wore dark or depressing colors. The hardest part for him was giving the life sketch and not getting overly emotional. He even managed to get a few laughs. What made it the more difficult was not having anything to bury, or not much of anything.

  He’d used the excuse of the pain in his leg and the medication he was on to force Jerry’s family to deal with all the arrangements. It wasn’t his finest hour, and he regretted it now.

  “What about going to Washington?” Kati asked. “Are you going to do that at least?”

  “Well, I haven’t heard back from them, and I’d be surprised if they didn’t just let it all drop. The media moved on, so why not everyone else?” Todd said. “I was harsh to that McNeil guy, but if I get invited, then the way I see it, I don’t have a choice. If I don’t go, it’d be disrespectful.”

  Todd moved his leg slightly and a twitch of pain shot through his body. As if to remind him of how much of an asshole he was. He winced. “I wouldn’t call me back after something like that. I sounded like you.”

  Shrugging, she gently pushed Bianca off her lap. “Jerk. Well, of course he was pissed by what you said.” She dusted off the cat’s hair. “Still though, I don’t suppose it’ll matter. I’m sure he’s used to that sort of thing given who he works for.”

  After stopping his fidgeting on the sofa, Bianca took the opportunity to jump up on his lap.

  “All I know is I wasn’t thinking, plain and simple.” Todd rested a hand next to the cat. “I voted for the jerk. I realized what I was getting. Still, he was better than the alternative.” He shook his head. “I should have never said those things.”

  Dan flitted into the living room. “And what are you two girls talking about? Me, of course?” He flounced on the chair, crossed one leg over the other, rested his hands on his knee, and batted his eyelashes.

  “Oh, yeah baby, come and give me some of that funky lovin’ of yours.” Kati faked at trying to grab him.

  Dan hastily changed his position. “Gross—you’re a nasty ho.”

  “And you’re a snarky bitch, who’s gonna get popped one of these days.”

  “Dan, watch it. I’ve seen her rip apart bigger men than you.” Todd was so grateful for the both of them. They had gone above and beyond.

  “Yea, watch it bitch.” Kati winked, in a very deep, butch voice, putting up her hands to mimic cat’s claws. “And I ain’t no ho.”

  Dan laughed. “Trust me, girl, I know. I’ve seen who you date.” With a raised eyebrow he scanned up and down her body.

  “Anyway.” Todd inhaled the aroma from the kitchen. “So, what’s for dinner? S
omething smells good.”

  “Meatloaf and taters, my precious. I just finished things up in there. You know, if I’d realized I was gonna be your house boy, I would have brought my thong.”

  “Now that’s an image I can do without.” Kati rolled her eyes.

  Dan had saved Todd from staying with his family, a debt he could never repay. “Thank you for staying here and helping me. I owe you. I love my family, but I can’t handle them here twenty-four seven, you know. Like my mother wanted—”

  Dan held up his hand. “God forbid. Trust me, chico, I get it. Plus, I couldn’t bail on you after everything you and—” He broke off and started again. “You’ve done for me.”

  “It’s okay. You can say Jerry’s name. He was your friend, and it’s good to remember him. I need to remember.”

  “Now, Miss Thing, don’t go getting all serious and sentimental on us,” Dan said, fluttering his hands near his eyes and forcing a big dopey grin on his face.

  “That’s what friends are for. Right, Dan?” Kati looked back to Todd. “Plus, when you’re working for the Nentraee, and you will be working for them, you’ll get us both fabulous jobs with them. Of course, I only want to work with them if they have a man that resembles John Bon Jovi or Brad Pitt. Can you manage that for me, Pooky Bear?”

  Dan snapped his fingers. “Oh girl, you got that right.” He held up his hand to her for her to high five.

  She obliged.

  Rubbing his sore leg and contemplating the rolled Nentraee documents he had in the den, he sighed. The coolest thing was after he broke the wax seal, it had changed from red to blue. Once he rolled it up, the seal reattached itself as if it hadn’t been broken but stayed blue. It was incredible.

  “Sugar Lips, it would be an amazing move,” Kati said. “Plus, it would be a change of scenery; it’ll get your mind off other things.” Her eyes grew larger and her eyebrows raised. “I read the documents, and the Nentraee were being all formal and shit. Then they sent you that offer letter that could choke a horse—well, or a man who was the size of a horse.” Her index finger tapped at her chin.