Contact

by M. D. Neu

  Todd had heard stories like this before. It wasn’t uncommon even today. “Didn’t you try…”

  “No. We…I let it happen. Something I’m still ashamed of.” Greg grew quiet as he led Todd a bit more out of the way. “I told myself there was nothing to do. I wasn’t the only one; we came up with excuses. It wasn’t till the last year when he was in the hospital that I couldn’t take it anymore. I had to help him. He was my baby brother, and I loved him. I know it doesn’t sound like it, but I did. I couldn’t let him die on the streets forgotten. So, I moved him into my house. We hired a private nurse, but by then the fight was out of him. Allen spent his last few months as comfortable as possible, but more importantly, he didn’t die alone. We were with him.” He sighed. “That’s why I told you what I did that day. I didn’t want you to assume I was blowing smoke. Probably more info than you wanted, but…” He shrugged.

  “So the president knows?”

  “That’s why he sent me. Well that, and I requested to go.”

  Todd scanned the room, stopping on the secretary of state.

  “I didn’t…” Greg followed Todd’s gaze to the Secretary of State, then he focused back on Todd.

  “What?” Todd asked.

  Greg’s face went flat, his lips vanishing into a thin line. “You should be mindful. Several people in the presidential cabinet and some of our allies weren’t happy that the Nentraee picked you for this post. Our allies lessened their objections when the Nentraee assured them that their dealings with those nations would not change. However, there are still people in our government and overseas who wanted to see someone they trusted in the post.”

  “Is that all? Tell me something I don’t know.” Todd laughed. “I’ve seen the articles, and I’ve gotten the nasty phone calls. And there are some terrific negative social media pages. You should check it out. It’s kind of funny. Anyway, I can handle it.”

  Greg inhaled softly, checking over his shoulder. “I hope you can. Be careful and watch your back. These people can be sharks.”

  “Mister Todd Landon,” the vice speaker’s familiar singsong voice said.

  Todd froze.

  “Mister Todd Landon, I would like to present my wife, Doctor Laina Soemu.”

  “Oh…ah.” Todd stumbled over his words. He was startled, almost dropping his cane and empty glass of wine.

  Greg was calm with a cheerful expression on his face, his voice filled with Washington charm. “Mister Vice Speaker, a real pleasure to see you again. Doctor Soemu.” He offered a polite nod in her direction.

  Mi’ko bowed in return. “As with you, Mister Greg McNeil.”

  “Lovely to meet you, Doctor Soemu,” Todd said, glad that Greg bought him a minute to recover from his potential blunder.

  Dr. Soemu’s dress flowed over her body, hugging her curves while the conservative cut and rich shades of emerald presented an image of strength and elegance. Her hair was arranged in an elaborate, formal braid, ending in a bun on the top of her head.

  How long does it take her, or any of the females, to do that?

  Laina bowed toward Greg and then turned to Todd. Her green eyes ran over him. “The pleasure is mine, Mister Todd Landon. Please, may I present our twin sons Hir-shif and Hir-ko, and our youngest son Mi’cin.”

  The three young males bowed to Todd. It was such an odd feeling having people gesture that way, but it was their custom and Todd wasn’t about to disrespect them.

  “I’ll leave you to get acquainted.” Greg offered a respectful nod to Mi’ko and his family.

  Todd’s heart pounded in his chest as Greg headed off, a devilish smirk tickling his face.

  “Not to worry, Mister Todd Landon,” Laina said. “We will not eat you, as your movies might suggest. You have my assurances.” Her expression was playful, and she had a beautiful grin on her face.

  The twinkle in her eyes put him at ease. He chuckled. “I’m sorry, was I that obvious? I wasn’t expecting…” He glanced at the floor and then focused on his new boss and his family. “I’m sorry, I’ll work on that.”

  “You will understand that I could not keep my family from meeting you any longer, Mister Todd Landon,” Mi’ko said. “I apologize if we seem forward or abrupt. We are still get used to these American human customs.”

  “No, it’s an honor to meet you. Thank you for the wonderful gift of the Kap’erin. It’s beautiful. I didn’t want to give it up.”

  “I pleased that you appreciate it. There was much debate, I can assure you.” Mi’ko placed a hand where the clasp of the cloak would have gone. “As for wearing the Kap’erin into the reception this evening, we did not consider it a proper setting. We are no familiar enough with you tradition in such matter.” He nodded and added, “However, you will have plenty of other opportunities to wear it.”

  A waiter came by and offered to take Todd’s empty glass. The glass now gone, he was able to shift the cane and his stance to something that lessened the pressure on his injured leg.

  Taking a calming breath, Todd scrutinized the Nentraee family. It was time to see if his studying had paid off. “Let me see if I can remember you correctly.”

  He surveyed Mi’ko’s family, one member at a time. “Doctor Laina Soemu, I know that you work on one of the life science ships as a doctor. I believe your field is bio-nanotechnology and you’re the head of the research.” He caught a small nod from her. “You’ll be talking to some of the medical schools on how the Nentraee use nanotechnology to repair damaged organs and to cure internal diseases.” His body relaxed. “I’m sure our scientists are excited to meet with you.”

  “Very good, Mister Todd Landon. You honor me. Yes, the technology is exciting. We have been using nanites in medicine for seventy of you years. It field you world is starting to explore.” She shifted her stance, standing taller. “We are hope that we can adapt this to treat several forms you cancer as well as other illnesses. However, this will take time and study. Sadly, it will not be a fast or quick process.”

  “Understandable.” More at ease, Todd faced the twins. It’s like a game. Let’s see how many of them I get right. “Hir-ko, you’re in life sciences?” He turned to the second twin. “And Hir-shif, you’re teaching on the speaker general’s ship?”

  The two men’s mouths turned into smiles. They both appeared to be younger versions of their father.

  Hir-shif stuck out his hand, offering it to Todd.

  Wow. They are making an effort to adapt to our culture. It mustn’t be easy.

  “I the one in life sciences. My focus is biochemistry, Mister Todd Landon. Thank you for you effort. It will be interest to see how the chemical reactions required for life to exist and function on both our worlds are different and the same.”

  The shaking of hands almost caused Todd to fall over and lose his arm in the process. Hir-shif let go of Todd’s hand. His eyes grew large, while his mouth opened in worry. “Please forgive me. I sorry. I was not sure of how much effort to use. I hope I did not cause you harm.”

  “It’s fine. We’re all still learning.” Todd adjusted his suit jacket and straightened up. “You almost make me wish I were a scientist, Hir-shif, so we can talk more on your field of study. Unfortunately, science was never my strong point.”

  “Not to worry, Mister Todd Landon. I would be happy to sit with you and explain it. The field is exciting, and I would very much like talk a human about it. Since you have no expertise in subject that would also be helpful to me. I am sure most human will not understand this and the practice would be very helpful. If I can make someone like you to understand then I would be able to make many understand.” He stopped. “I apologize. I do not mean to say you unintelligent.”

  Todd blinked a couple of times, and his mouth slightly opened. “I…um…I never thought you did.”

  “Mister Todd Landon, Shif sometimes think everyone is interested in biochemistry when that is no the case.” Hir-ko turned from Todd to his brother and back. “Have grown up with him and listen to him spea
k of nothing more, I can assure you it is no interesting.” He shook his head. “I am the educator, Mister Todd Landon. I am also the eldest twin, so I have had to endure my brother far long than anyone else.” His cheek raised in a hint of a smirk. “Now that events on Earth have calmed, I will be visiting a school here you might know: Cambridge University. Have you been there?”

  They shook hands. Hir-ko’s grip was much softer and the shaking less violent. “No, I’m afraid not. It’s one of the top schools on our planet, though.”

  “I understand.” Hir-ko adjusted his suit jacket. “It is supposed to be an excellent school with high standards; that is why I am visiting. It is unfortunate you were not able to attend. I am sure you had the intelligence for it.” He shifted his stance. “My visit will focus on the curriculum. I am eager see if it is similar to ours. It will be nice to share teaching techniques cross-culturally. I hope human and Nentraee teachers have much to share and learn.”

  “I’m sure it’ll be interesting.” Todd turned to the youngest of Mi’ko’s sons, who had quietly watched the exchange. Mi’cin absolutely got his good looks from his mother. He had the same brilliant green eyes. Mi’cin didn’t appear young, maybe in his middle twenties. “You must be Mi’cin. I believe you’re finishing a degree at the university, correct?”

  Mi’cin bowed, instead of shaking hands.

  I guess not all of them are big on handshakes, but that’s fine. Shaking hands is our custom, not theirs. Still, he’s kind of cute. Nice eyes.

  “Yes, that correct. You are the man who lost his mate and whom my father put all his hopes. I trust you do not disappoint him or the rest of my people.”

  Todd was taken aback. In general, Nentraee were supposed to be polite in their conversations and not so direct. So much for those reports.

  Laina’s eyes narrowed with disapproval. “Mi’cin.”

  “Please forgive our child, Mister Todd Landon.” Mi’ko also glowered at his son. “He tends to speak his mind when it is best to not do so.”

  The bow that tied the vice speaker’s hair loosened, and Laina fixed it.

  Ah, that’s sweet.

  “No, it’s fine. I like a man who speaks his mind freely. I’ve been accused of the same myself.” Todd straightened up. “Mi’cin is correct in his assessment. I hope I don’t disappoint you and your family. Well anyone really.”

  He tried to keep the atmosphere light, even though he winced inwardly at the mention of the attack and Jerry’s loss. “It’s an honor to meet you. I’ve been anticipating this for weeks. I finally get to put some of my Nentraee research to use. I’m excited learn about your culture and share it with my people.”

  “Thank you, Mister Todd Landon.” Laina’s face filled with far more warmth and graciousness than Todd felt on his own.

  Laina’s expression stiffened, and she focused on Todd. “On behalf of our children, we want to thank you personally for the continued life of my husband and my children’s father that you have give us. It is rare to find a brave man and rarer still to find one who values the life of another as equal to his own. You are going against nature to ensure his life continues. For that, we are grateful and understand we can never repay you. We also share with you the sorrow of you personal loss. We only hope our joy helps ease you pain.” The family bowed to Todd.

  The room became silent during the exchange, as other people, forgetting their conversations, watched Todd and Mi’ko’s family.

  Todd was sure he was turning a deep crimson. He didn’t know what to say or do—Laina’s comments were sudden and awkward.

  Todd cleared his throat, finding his voice. “Your thanks and your words are greatly appreciated.”

  Finally, they raised their heads, and the onlookers returned to their conversations.

  Mi’cin’s eyes narrowed on Todd. “I have a question, if I may? Is it true you mate was a male? I don’t see any other couples like that here. Is that abnormal on you world? I find it ever curious.”

  Todd didn’t think his face could get any hotter. The heat seemed to travel all the way to his toes.

  The chimes sounded to call everyone in for the meal. He pretended he didn’t hear the questions, and instead shifted on his cane and pointed to the door.

  “We should head in.” It was all he could manage to say at the moment. He had a fleeting thought of whether it would be bad form to crawl under a table and hide there for the rest of the night or until security kicked him out.

  Twenty-Four: Goodbye Party

  TODD RAN HIS hand over the Kap’erin. It was soft as silk but heavy like wool. He put the cloak back on the closet shelf. He didn’t want to hang it up. It might stretch out, so he made a special spot for it next to a few of Jerry’s things he couldn’t part with: Jerry’s goofy Hawaiian print shirt and stupid San Jose Sharks foam hat. The rest had been given to charity.

  The trip to DC had been short. He didn’t get to see much of the city, which was unfortunate, but possibly for the best since he was alone. Maybe with the new job, he’d get the opportunity to go back and spend more time there.

  Things were moving so quickly. It was hard to believe in a few weeks it would be Halloween. How would he explain that to the Nentraee? Maybe they wouldn’t ask.

  “Hey, Gimpy. You ready to go?” Dan held out Todd’s cane.

  “I can manage without it,” Todd replied. With his leg not fully healed, he wasn’t comfortable driving. Thankfully, Dan was willing to help out. He ambled into the living room, Dan leading the way. “I can’t believe this is it, you know? My last day.”

  “Don’t be so dramatic,” Dan teased, running his olive-colored hand through his dark-brown hair. “You’re leaving your job and starting a new one. A better one, I might add. One that will open up a hell of a lot more doors than the one you’re currently in.”

  “I know. I’m getting it out of the way before I’m bogged down by government officials.”

  I don’t have a clue what I’m supposed to be doing with the Nentraee, so how can these dumbass bureaucrats tell me anything?

  “Don’t think about it now.” Dan handed Todd his jacket. “It’s chilly out.”

  “Thanks, Mom.”

  “Bitch.”

  Todd shrugged on his jacket, and they headed out the door. He cast a glance at the house as he hobbled to the car.

  My last link to Jerry, and I’ll be damned if I’m giving it up.

  “So, what are your plans now that things are back to normal, and I don’t need a babysitter anymore?” Todd got in the car.

  “Well, I have my little job. Plus, I’ve decided I should stay close to my family. My mom is still a mess. I don’t know. She’s just…Maybe I should take her over to the visitor center or up to one of the ships. Something, so she isn’t so scared.” Dan started down the street. “I’ve been checking out apartments. I found a great one on First Street, right near the lightrail and not too far from downtown.”

  “I hear the new memorial is sorted out.” He wanted to make sure Dan understood it was okay to talk about it.

  “I’ve heard that too. It’ll be good, get things back to normal, fill in the void in the city. It’ll help the healing.”

  “I should’ve been more involved.” Todd sighed. “Not so withdrawn from it all. Hiding in the fantasy world of my games.” He frowned. “I don’t know how you and Kati tolerated me.”

  “’Cause we’re saints.”

  Todd laughed, then faded into silence for the rest of the drive.

  When Dan parked, and the engine shut off, Dan’s brown-eyed gaze met his. “I was going to warn you at home.” He hopped out of the car. “There’s a going away party planned.”

  “Bastard.” Todd brushed away Dan’s offered hand of help to get out of the car. “Why didn’t you say something?”

  “Why? So you’d come up with some stupid excuse to not go?” Dan said. “Get over yourself. This is for your coworkers. It gave Jim the opportunity to buy a cake from Peter’s Bakery. You know how much he loves that
place. Plus, it’ll give you that final opportunity to tell everyone to fuck off. Like you’ve always wanted.” Dan pointed at the building.

  “Dan, I want you to stay at the house,” Todd blurted out.

  “What? Why?”

  “I’m going to need someone to take care of the house and Bianca while I’m working. I don’t want to leave the house empty, and I can’t take Bianca with me. I don’t want to give her away. I’d feel too guilty.”

  “Ugh…such a drama queen. Look, chica, we can figure it out later. Now let’s get you to your party.”

  “No.” Todd stopped walking. “I need to know you’ll stay in the house. Please.” His eyes burned into Dan’s, trying to show him how important this was.

  “Fine, but we’re gonna draw up a proper agreement,” Dan said. “Now come on you have a party to go to.”

  Jim rushed from his desk outside Varick’s office to meet them in the lobby and led them to the conference room, then opened the door for them. Before Todd had a foot in the door, all his coworkers were cheering and clapping. Kati walked up in a lavender suit, showing off her legs and heels. Her black hair was brushed straight and draped over her shoulder; she hugged him and whispered in his ear, “Play along and have fun, or else.” She gave him a kiss on the cheek.

  “Yes, ma’am,” Todd whispered back.

  “We’re going to miss you around here,” Varick boomed. “Who else could handle the shit I gave them, especially when the company started?”

  Varick had the same off-putting sneer-grin he’d had the day he told Todd of the Nentraee visit and the reception. Varick had been lucky the day of the attack. He only had a mild concussion and a few cuts. He was out of the hospital the following day. To see him now, one would never have guessed he went through that.

  I wonder how he’s coping?

  “And I’m going to miss you too.” Todd shook Varick’s hand.

  Todd greeted his coworkers and made his way around the room. He noticed the cake and ice cream and a green wrapped box on the table. Seeing the smiling faces, he made an honest effort with everyone, shaking hands and forcing out smiles and saying with as much honestly as he could that, yes, he would, in fact, miss them too.