Poignant Skies

Hosting

Dr. Lee Kurt did not expect to have tea with the Human a few days after he found her floating in space.

"Ms. Marie has been quite curious about our planet Dr. Lee." The chancellor said. "I'm sure you wouldn't mind hosting her for a month or two to learn about our planet?"

"Hosting?" Selena asked.

"Novus would welcome new migrants from other planets by getting a family or household that would host them for a few weeks." Dr. Amon explained. "This way the Novan host is able to explain and expose the migrant to his or her new home planet."

"I see." She replied. "If it's not a burden to Dr. Kurt..."

Lee had to forcibly gulp down his hot tea. "Not at all Ms. Marie. It would be my honor."

"Please call me Selena."

"Selena." Dr. Kurt said. "It's a very uncommon name."

"Is it weird, my name?"

"It's actually very pretty." Dr. Kurt replied.

"Of course she will be given a different identity for protection." The chancellor continued abruptly as he handed out some papers to Lee and Selena. "She will be Leila 213 from planet Num. She is applying for migration in purpose of better career opportunities as an astrophysicist."

"There is a planet called Num?" She asked. "Num as in like an abbreviation for numbers?"

"Yes." Jay replied. "It's where 12 out of our 20 qualified annual migration applicants come from. The planet Num has become scarce with resources but the people are disciplined and well educated."

"You will be hosted by Dr. Kurt in his home for 7-8 weeks." The chancellor continued. "You will assist him in house chores and other lab work while he teaches you about the planet, its culture, way of life and history. This should help you transition to a new life here. Once settled down, we will provide you a house in the Sina Hills, a prime residential area. We usually provide the basic residence in the clustered house complex for our migrants but we will make an exeption for you. Then you may opt to reveal your true identity or not to Novus population after you have been formally migrated as a Novan."

"I have yet to remember many things. I'm not sure if I'll be ready by then chancellor."

"It's okay Ms. Marie. Our primary goal is to make sure you are well and safe."

"I appreciate it Chancellor." Selena replied. "I look forward to being an asset to the planet."

"Of course." The chancellor smiled. He stood up and everyone followed. "Shall we move on?"

"Ms. Marie, your new things will be delivered to Dr. Kurt's residence shortly." Dr. Jay said as he turned to Lee. "Please expect a few renovations from our end."

Lee Kurt was already expecting a lot hidden cameras in his home by now.

"If you are ready, we will deliver you and Dr. Kurt to his home."

"For a second, I need to go to the powder room." She said.

"This way." Dr. Jay led her out.

Lee immediately took the chance to talk to the chancellor privately.

"Sir, why me? I'm sure you have a lovelier home here where the NICC can easily observe."

"This is a sanctuary and historical site Dr. Lee. Besides, you found her." He tapped his shoulder. "Finders keepers."