Contact

by M. D. Neu

  Todd turned to the voice. Jerry stood there beaming from ear to ear, a soft glow around him. A surprised grin stretched across Todd’s face. He should be in shock, but how could he be? It was so familiar and welcoming. Part of him hoped Jerry was watching out for him no matter how ridiculous it was. However, to see him…even if it was a manifestation from his subconscious, it didn’t matter. He got to see him.

  “Do you remember when we went diving, and you were sucking down the air?” Jerry asked. “After the first dive, you got so worked up that you didn’t want to do the second dive. The dive master had to get in your face and tell you to loosen up. He had to remind you that diving was supposed to be fun, and you needed to chill out.”

  Todd rolled his eyes. “I’m still suspicious about those tanks. I think they were leaking air.”

  Jerry’s grin widened. “Whatever you say, Mister Man. But what happened during the second dive?”

  “I relaxed and didn’t focus on the air gauge and how fast I was using up my air supply.”

  “Right. You focused on the scenery and having a good time. That ended up being one of your best dives. It’s the same thing. If you’re convinced you’re going to fail, then you’re going to fail.” Jerry walked over to him. “They wouldn’t have picked you if they didn’t find you capable. The ones who don’t think you can… Well, it’ll be even better when you prove them wrong.”

  “I wish you were actually here with me to be a part of this. I miss you so much.”

  “I’m here.” Jerry pointed to Todd’s heart. “Even though I’m not real. I’m still here with you.”

  There was a tapping at the door so Todd turned. “Just a sec.” He glanced back to where Jerry was standing. He was gone.

  They’re right. I just need to relax and enjoy. Whatever is gonna happen is gonna happen.

  “Let’s do this.” He grabbed his cane and made his way to the door.

  It’s time to get my party on.

  Twenty-Three: The Kap’erin

  FROM HIS SEAT on the stage Todd examined the guests and media in front of him. There were so many cameras and lights, he was sure he’d have a suntan by the time the guests moved into the reception. In between the blinding camera flashes he noted how formally everyone was dressed.

  It’s a black-tie event, and I’m a part of it. I hope I’m dressed all right.

  Todd thought the White House would have bigger rooms. They were currently in a staging area and would be moved into the East Room for cocktails and then into the State Dining Room for dinner. He wasn’t sure what to expect. He appreciated how much work had gone into the event. It was organized chaos. The Secret Service stood at attention in tuxes as the Nentraee Security wandered around the crowd in their businesslike security outfits. Neither side was taking chances tonight.

  When he’d first arrived at the White House, he was immediately escorted to his seat by Secret Service agents, which he appreciated. His sore leg made standing for long periods impossible. It amused him that he had yet to meet either the president or the speaker general. Part of his briefing explained the purpose of the reception.

  It was nice to see Mi’ko here. Mi’ko stood with a female Nentraee and three younger, male Nentraee—presumably his family. Vi-Narm wasn’t too far away; she eyed Todd quickly, then turned away.

  Todd could have brought a guest, but he hadn’t been sure who. The only person he would have wanted to bring was Jerry, and that was impossible, so he figured he would come alone. A decision he now regretted.

  As the president spoke, his wife regarded him adoringly. She wore a stunning navy-blue dress that hugged her curves. Todd wondered who designed it.

  The secretary of state, like the others, watched the president. At one point, she turned and caught Todd’s gaze, a slight frown crawled over her whole face. He got the message and stopped people-watching.

  “And now, ladies and gentlemen,” the president said, “it’s my privilege to introduce the speaker general of the Nentraee people, Mirtoff Esmi.” President Zachary joined in the rumble of enthusiastic applause as Mirtoff moved to the podium.

  Mirtoff bowed to the president. Leader to leader, they were a match in that they both seemed impossible to disturb. Not the media, not the cameras, not even the crowd. Her posture was perfect, her shoulders leveled, and her head and neck held in a straight line. Her auburn hair was elaborately braided and pinned up. Her pointed ears and high, ridged forehead made it impossible to see her as anything but alien.

  She’s still pretty, and her dark eyes are like a pool of melted chocolate.

  Todd adjusted how he sat in his chair, making sure his leg was comfortable.

  “President Zachary, I thank you.” She offered him another slight bow. “On behalf of my people, I thank you and the government of the United States for its hospitality. Who among us would have thought only a short time ago any of us would be here tonight? A new beginning for all. At this moment, our two histories join to become one.”

  There was more jubilant applause.

  “This new beginning would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of many people.” The crowd broke out into another round of clapping, and she waited for it to die down before continuing. “If possible, we would honor all who have work to make us welcome on you world. Unfortunately, we cannot, so I ask that you accept my personal gratitude.”

  Todd thought the thunder of the crowd was a bit much; however, considering all that had happened, people were probably being overly polite.

  Mirtoff turned her focus on Todd, and his face instantly heated as every eye was on him.

  “We have decide to honor one among the many who we consider represents that which is the best in us all. In hopes that he will help us to understand you better, and that he will help you understand us. Opening doors and extending the arm of friendship for all. It is with the greatest of respect and honor that I present this man to you tonight: Mister Todd Landon, Special Envoy to Mi’ko Soemu for Terran Affairs.”

  Todd stood with a death grip on his cane as thunderous applause reverberated around the room. He tried to move with confidence and intent over to the speaker general. He bowed. Bowing was a Nentraee tradition, one that Andy had told him would be acceptable in this context. “Consider it their version of a handshake,” he had said. Todd took a breath and raised his head.

  After ambling over to the president, Todd shifted hands on his cane, careful not to fall. He shook the president’s hand, noting that he, too, was careful.

  “Good luck, Mister Landon. We’re counting on you.”

  Todd gulped. Be confident. He wanted to throw up. “Thank you, sir. I mean, Mister President.” It was all he could muster; everything else Andy told him was forgotten.

  Todd turned back to the speaker general, who had stuck out her hand. She looked as awkward as when he had first met the Nentraee at his office all those months ago. Touching skin for the Nentraee was an intimate act only done between couples and family. His face lightened at the gesture, his smile grew larger, and a sudden lump took up residence in his throat.

  Relax and breathe, and for the love of God, don’t cry.

  “You honor us, Mister Todd Landon. We welcome you. I welcome you,” she added as Todd took her hand and gently shook it.

  She faced her aide, and he walked over carrying folded material that matched the deep blue color of Mi’ko’s. “As a symbol of you position, Mister Todd Landon, that you will hold in our government, may I present you with our Kap’erin.”

  Her assistant, Danu, bowed, holding the neatly folded Kap’erin in his outstretched arms.

  Todd’s eyes grew large. What the hell! No one mentioned a gift. What the hell am I supposed to do now? There was no mention of a gift being presented to me. How am I going to hold it and my cane? Great. I’m going to look like a fool in front of everyone.

  He noted the flashes of cameras. He glanced at the president, who was grinning and clapping as well.

  Bullshit! You had no
idea this was coming. Why are you standing there clapping? This wasn’t part of the plan.

  Jerry’s soft voice spoke in his head, “Roll with it. It’ll work out.”

  If the president of the United States faked it, so could he. “Thank you, this is very kind; you honor me.”

  “No, Mister Landon, you honor us with you acceptance of our gift. Now, allow me to bring forward the man whose life you valued enough to save. He will officially present this gift.”

  Todd stood with what he hoped was an appearance of modesty. He peeked over to the president’s handlers.

  They’re worried. Of course, they are. This wasn’t on the agenda. Idiots!

  He took a breath. Focus. He blocked everything from his mind and concentrated on the vice speaker.

  Mi’ko stood up and walked over, then bowed his head to the president, and then to the speaker general and took the cloak from Danu. His lips grew into a calm smile, making his eyes soften. “This Kap’erin represent our people and our tradition. Each of the seven embroidered symbols represents one of the seven clans from our world. They are combined on this cloak to show unity. It unites us.” He pulled the cloak open for it to be viewed.

  Again, Todd was blinded by the flashing of the cameras.

  The cloak had a wide embroidered collar with silver stitching. Two large silver clasps were at the top, and each clasp had a deep-blue stone embedded in the center. There was no hood. The embroidery continued the entire length of the cloak to each of the symbols.

  Todd counted eight, not seven. It was beautiful.

  Mi’ko moved to fasten the Kap’erin on Todd. He draped the cloak over Todd’s shoulders and affixed the clasp on the right and left lapel of his suit jacket where they attached. “As a show of unity, this Kap’erin has an additional symbol on it, one we have chosen to represent you human clan and you Earth.”

  The symbol was embroidered in some kind of silver thread and was in the shape of three stylized heart symbols that met at their curved tops surrounded by a circle.

  What does it mean?

  “Wear it with great honor and pride, Mister Todd Landon.”

  Once the Kap’erin was secured, Todd slowly turned around and faced the cameras. The flashes and clapping seemed to last forever.

  Mi’ko backed off.

  Todd, President Zachary, and Speaker General Esmi stood for pictures. Any previous awkwardness now passed. Once finished they were able to retreat into the East Room, away from the media.

  Mirtoff’s aide, Danu, offered to take the Kap’erin. Todd accepted the offer, then relaxed, feeling lighter. He sauntered over to a server, who handed him a glass of white wine. He managed to hold the wine in one hand and hang onto his cane with the other. There were no seats, so he would have to stand. He hoped the wine would help a little with the mounting discomfort in his leg.

  “You’re not used to this are you, Mister Landon?” a pleasant and confident voice said from behind him. He turned to see the president standing there with the first lady on his arm.

  “No,” Todd stammered. “I mean, not really, sir. I mean, Mister President. Sorry.”

  President Zachary grinned. The First Lady’s pleasant full-lipped smile also greeted him. He instantly relaxed. Her voice was polished and had an air of amusement to it. “Not to worry, Mister Landon, you’re doing fine. I suppose your hiding in the corner is on purpose given your nerves?”

  It’s not hiding; it’s out of the way.

  “The presentation of the Kap’erin threw everyone off,” the first lady said. “I thought Andy’s head was going to pop right off. The poor man. We should have expected something like that. The Nentraee are a gracious people. The welcome gift they presented Richard and me with…” she paused, but then, with an amused tone, continued. “Well, let’s just say it’ll have everyone talking.” She was as welcoming and gracious as people claimed. “I find in those situations that if I smile and tilt my head, that’s all they’re after. Well, that and a few dozen answers for their questions.”

  “Alison, you’re more than a pretty face, and you know it.” President Zachary put an arm around her waist. “Mister Landon, don’t let this woman fool you.” He patted her waist. “She may appear as delicate as a flower, but behind that soft smile is the mind of a political shark. I learned years ago to never get on her wrong side.”

  Todd nodded and took a sip of his wine. “I’ll keep that in mind. Mister President, I wanted to thank you for—”

  President Zachary cut him off with a firm look and wave of his hand. “Mister Landon—Todd, if I may—it is we who should be thanking you. What you did meant a lot to the Nentraee, obviously, but it also put the United States ahead of the other nations in our dealings with them. That’s extremely important to our country. That blasted attack on our own soil. It made us look bad, but what you did and now this.” He glanced around the room and then clapped his hand on Todd’s shoulder.

  Todd wasn’t sure what to say to that. He forced his eyes to meet the president’s. “I did what was right. I wasn’t thinking. I just acted. I wish…” He shifted his stance, his mind filled with thoughts of Jerry.

  The first lady picked up on the fallen conversation. “We were all saddened by the losses, and we are sorry for your personal loss. It is a pain I wouldn’t wish on anyone.” She reached out and touched his hand, as it rested on his cane. “For whatever it means to you, we were both very sorry your husband was killed. It is a tremendous loss.”

  Todd blinked away the dampness that threatened his eyes. “Thank you. That’s very kind of you.” He needed to change the topic. He cleared his throat. “It’s amazing, Mister President. We are lucky to be here, especially now. It’s a whole new world. History is going to remember all of this. It’s a monumental time.” Shifting, he forced his chin up. He would be dammed if he was going to show weakness in front of the president and first lady.

  “I’m glad I’m not the only one who agrees with that. I hope we get to see more of you.” The first lady touched her husband’s arm.

  “Please enjoy the dinner, Todd. We’ll speak more I’m sure.” President Zachary rested his hand on his wife’s.

  “Thank you, Mister President.” The first couple walked off to greet and talk with the vice president and her husband.

  “You handled that nicely. They liked you. They don’t normally talk that long with guests, at least on the first pass. Of course, you aren’t just any guest.” Greg stood off to Todd’s side holding a glass of wine.

  Todd sipped his wine before speaking, “I sounded like an idiot.”

  “Not in the least.” Greg held up his glass. “Welcome to Washington, DC, and welcome to the White House, home of all the idiots in our country and those we import from overseas.” His face lit up as he spoke. “If you want to observe a true idiot, look over there at the Speaker of the House.”

  He pointed, and Todd casually shifted. The Speaker was laughing at something. “That man laughs at his own jokes that I can assure you aren’t the least bit funny. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to hear ‘pick a cod, any cod.’” He shook his head.

  Todd sipped his wine again, watching the Speaker amuse himself while the people he was with smiled blankly.

  Greg turned back to him. “You know I have to admit, after our first meeting, I never thought you would come here.”

  Todd’s neck and face warmed. “Oh, God, I’m still mortified about that. I…it was all so fresh and so raw and you…you…”

  “I walked in with a big red target on my suit. I don’t blame you. I don’t. It was a difficult time, I’m sure, and because of the Nentraee’s short timeline, our government didn’t have much choice.”

  Greg stopped a waiter carrying a tray. “Ah, the mini Beef Wellingtons, try one.” He picked up a napkin and nabbed two of the hors d’oeuvres.

  Todd balanced his drink in the hand with his cane, then took a napkin and one of the hors d’oeuvres offered to him. The server walked off. He took a bite of the beef, sa
voring the warm, lightly spiced flavor. “Wow.”

  “They’re amazing. I love them. Luckily, so does Allison, so they’re always on the menu for events like this. She’s got amazing taste.” Greg popped a whole one into his mouth and washed it down with a sip of wine.

  Todd finished the rest of his nibble and then moved the wine glass back to his free hand. “About that day…I wanted to ask. What did you mean when you told me that what I said didn’t fall on deaf ears…are you?”

  “Ah, famous last words. They’ve come back to haunt me,” Greg quipped. “No, Todd, I’m not of your…ilk…”

  Todd winced at the word. Greg didn’t seem to notice, and Todd let it go. He doubted Greg meant anything by it.

  “But my younger brother was.” Greg’s tone changed slightly, his voice became soft and reflective. “My brother was the baby, and we protected him. Growing up, he was sensitive; that’s what my mother would say. Anyway, we did our best and watched out for bullies and so forth.”

  Taking another bite of his second mini Beef Wellington, Greg continued. “But we weren’t able to protect him from everything. Once my brother got sick, there wasn’t any more hiding. We had to face the fact that he was gay. His partner, or ‘roommate’ as we told the neighbors, was the first to die. We stood by and watched his family come in and strip the house of everything. They even took the bed. Why? I have no idea. Maybe to be spiteful. Add insult to injury.” He shook his head. “No matter how bad my brother thought we treated him, and we treated him pretty badly, we were saints compared to them.”

  Greg finished off his wine in one gulp, sorrow and regret filling his eyes. “I suspect what killed Allen wasn’t AIDS; it was when they were legally able to sell the house from under him. They kicked him out and left him homeless. No one would hire him. He was starting to show symptoms of the disease.”