figure whose hair shifted through shades of yellow and gold. His wings were silver, with blue patterns that matched his skin. “Marek is my Emal-Velus, in your language that translates to my Life’s-Companion, what you would call my husband.”
Liam gave the names of his companions.
“Would you four join me for supper?” he asked, “I’ve arranged for food to be provided for us in my private quarters.”
He smiled, “My own Life’s-Companion will be there, and our daughter.”
Elina nodded, “That sounds wonderful, Captain, thank you.”
Liam hesitated, “Please understand that I don’t mean to indicate distrust, but I would like two of my security officers to come with us and remain stationed outside the door to my quarters. If nothing else they can keep people from coming by to gawk at you.”
Elina nodded once more, “Of course, Captain, we understand.”
Liam led the small group to his quarters. Inside, Clara and Esther sat at a table. Esther jumped up when the group came in, staring at the aliens with wide eyes.
“You’re so pretty” she breathed. The little girl’s words brought smiles to all four alien faces.
Elina bent and lightly tugged one of Esther’s curls, “Thank you, little one, I could say the same to you.” Esther beamed, not at all perturbed by Elina’s nearness.
“Will you sit next to me?” she asked eagerly.
Elina laughed softly, “If you would like that, little one.” Liam watched with a kind of affectionate amazement as his daughter took Elina’s hand and led her over to the table, pointing out a seat to her before sitting down between the seat that would be Elina’s and her mother. Marek sat next to Elina, while Antina and Keltan sat across from them. Liam took a place at the head of the table, next to Clara.
Clara gave the aliens a nervous smile, “I’m Clara, and this is Esther.” Elina introduced herself and her people.
Clara smiled again, a mischievous smile, “I have to admit that I’m kind of relieved that the beautiful woman from another world my husband has been talking to is already married.” The others laughed as she began serving the food.
“I hope you all like chicken pot pie.”
“I’m sure it will be wonderful,” Elina said.
She turned to Liam, “I am interested to know why your people are seeking a new home”.
Liam sighed, “There’s a war back on Earth. A terrible war, worse than any we’ve ever had. Many people are afraid we will wipe ourselves out.”
Elina nodded in understanding, “And that’s why your ship exists, so even if life on Earth is wiped out your race will still exist somewhere in the universe.”
Liam nodded grimly, “That’s right, that’s our mission.”
He looked at Elina curiously, “You said that your people have been aware of Earth for a long time.”
Elina nodded, “Yes, we have observed you and learned about you. We have thought about making contact, but it was always deemed too great a risk, not knowing how your race would react to the realization that you are not alone in the universe. We did not know of your war though.” She smiled ruefully, “Well, our government may well have, but it was not public knowledge.”
“Do your people have wars?” Clara asked.
“The last time the inhabitants of our planet were at war with each other was a hundred of your years ago,” Marek answered. He smiled a little, “I am a historian.”
“The last time you were at war with each other was a hundred years ago,” Liam repeated softly, “Have you been at war with other races more recently?”
Elina’s smile this time was grim, “You are quick-minded, Captain. We are even now at war with a race known as the Hok-Kar. They are a very violent race with little tolerance for anyone who is not Hok-Kar.”
Liam attempted to keep his tone light, “I guess if we run into them they won’t accept an invitation for chicken pot pie, then.”
“I’m afraid not.”
The mood around the table had turned grim.
Clara shook her head, “Well, it will do no good to worry about it now.” She glanced over at Esther and Liam knew she was worried the conversation would frighten her. Elina seemed to sense this too. She turned to the little girl with a smile, “So, tell me little one, how do you like living on a spaceship?”
Esther smiled, “It’s cool. I like looking at the stars. They’re so pretty. I miss my friends back home, but I have new friends here. And Amy says she’ll teach me to hoverboard when I’m a little bit bigger!”
She looked at Elina thoughtfully and tilted her head, “Do you have a little girl like me?”
Elina exchanged a glance with Marek, “Actually we are expecting a little one soon.”
She lightly tapped Esther’s nose, “I hope the child will be as sweet as you.”
Clara smiled, “Congratulations. When is the child due?”
“It should be no more than two weeks now.” Clara’s gaze went to Elina’s stomach.
Elina laughed, noticing the look, “Not all species carry children the way you do.”
Clara blushed, “Of course. I’m sorry.”
“It’s quite alright.”
“So how do you have babies?” Esther asked.
“Esther!” Clara’s face reddened further.
Elina laughed gently, “It’s quite alright," she repeated.
She smiled at Esther, “When a baby is going to come a big sphere, a ball of light, appears between the parents.”
“Light?” Esther’s eyes were wide.
Elina nodded, “It’s like light that has become partly solid. The sphere detaches itself from the parents and the baby grows inside it until it’s ready to be born, but even when they’re far away the parents are connected to the baby. We carry our connection in here,” she tapped Esther’s head, “and even more importantly in here.” She placed her hand gently over Esther’s heart.
Esther’ eyes were wide and Liam could see a similar look of wonder and fascination on Clara’s face. He imagined his own looked the same.
“It’s fascinating to learn about your race,” Liam paused, “I just realized you haven’t told us what you call your race.”
Antina spoke up, “We call ourselves Lemarians; our world is called Lemara.”
“I would love to learn more about Lemara and your people.” Liam said. He rose to his feet. "It’s getting late. Will you stay
