Iqi: Arrival

Chapter Two

 It was just as I feared. The humans found me monstrous. I was the epitome of the uncanny valley in both of my species. No matter what I wore, how I talked, or how I acted. The way I looked was something that could not be overlooked. Every human we passed was unable to keep themselves from reacting to my presence. Audible gasps, widened eyes and double - no triple glances were just a few of the reactions.

The human meant to observe me was ecstatic as far as I could tell. She stared up at me with an excited glow in her dirt colored eyes. It was obvious she was a scientist, all scientist looked at me that way. She was already jotting notes down about me. Although I could speak English without the use of a translator reading it was very difficult for me. I could make out some words but others were, well, alien to me.

Captain Ki'rnne gave me a look and I stood up straight again keeping my gaze forward and professional. Finally Sarah Campbell stopped outside a large set of doors guarded by armed humans. She spoke to them briefly and they opened the doors. Sarah Campbell and Dr. Willoughby stepped aside and turned to Captain Ki'rnne.

"Please enter here. The Human Council is here waiting for you."

Captain Kiernan gave her a nod of acknowledgment and entered through the doors first with me at his right side and Fu'knlgt at his left. Fu'knlgt was an Sikknic like Huder. A powerful serpentine species with two front arms and clawed hands. We were told that humans had a complicated relationship with similar smaller creatures to the Sikknic that they called anacondas. While it seemed that the humans had a healthy fear of these anacondas it didn't stop them from still making a few into pets. Still we were uneasy about how the humans would react to Fu'knlgt's appearance.

We entered the Human Council room to be greeted by the site of a large round table with humans of different hues and garments conversing. They quieted as we entered and one who stood directly across from us stood.

"Welcome Captain Kiernan, Iqi and Fu'knlgt," this human was the president of the Human Council, President Tapiwa. Iqi recognized her image from his lessons about Earth. Her skin was an unnatural beautiful brown hue. Her hair hung in small dark braided ropes down her shoulders. She smiled warmly at them.

"We are the Human Intergalactic Council. Please take a seat," she gestured to the open space reserved for them. There was only really a seat for me, the humans had created a large padded area next to the table for Captain and Fu'knlgt to situate themselves. Captain and Fu'knlgt sat on the padded area and I in my chair. Already I ran into a problem. These seat had a back and there was no comfortable way to sit properly with my wings still folded neatly behind me. I perched on the edge of my seat and ignored the cramping in my wings.

"Thank you for having us President Tapiwa," Captain began. "We are very glad to be here and discuss the arrangements of Iqi's stay."

"Of course," President Tapiwa sat. "Iqi this is your first visit to Earth, correct."

"Yes, I'm very excited to be here," I smiled pleasantly, thinking of how I'd rather be anywhere else.

The human leaders did a better job of hiding their surprise at my appearance then their people, but I could still see the look of shock in their eyes. It was uncomfortable.

"We can't begin to tell you how pleased we are to have you on Earth. Your mother was a hero to us and to have a you here feels as though a piece of her has returned home," President Tapiwa said opening a file.

"Thank you, it feels good to finally visit my mother's home planet," I replied.

"The people you see before you are all from different provinces of Earth," President Tapiwa spread her arms. "They all and many more offer you residence on their lands, but the choice is ultimately yours. We would like to know your limitations however so we can offer you a list of countries with more habitable climates for you."