Beyond The Glowing Whirlpool

Chapter 55: ALL PRINCIPLES ASIDE

-I spoke with Damaris. - Said Ivar to Aries, as the two of them waited for the captain in the headquarters.

-I hope you heeded my advice. I don't want to fall under the heat of my fiancee. - Replied Aries.

-No worries, everything is resolved between us. She finally let it go and accepted Stacie.

-Splendid! I knew you could do it! - Aries suddenly wrapped his arm around Ivar's neck and squeezed him. - I'm so proud of you!

-People normally do not attempt to choke those they are proud of. - Said Ivar, prying his arm open. - Stop fooling around, the earthling captain is going to be here soon.

-Sigh, you're such a kill-joy. - Aries released him.

-Kill-joy? - Ivar stared at him with surprise. - Where did you pick up that phrase from?

-I heard some earthling use that phrase on each other from time to time.

-Stacie once called me that. - Ivar dropped his gaze with evident longing in his eyes.

-Hah, I can see that. - Laughed Aries. - So, what are you going to do about her then? I don't suppose you are about to leave things as they are, are you?

-No, of course not. Naturally!

Aries was about to ask Ivar what's his plan, but captain Arthur walked in at that moment and interrupted them.

-Sorry to have made you wait. - He said upon entering the room.

-No worries. We're in no rush. - Replied Aries.

Captain took his place at the table, and they got down to the business, discussing some matters. The meeting lasted for about half an hour, and after they were done, Aries had to return to Sattera. They were going to meet up with Damaris and Assarel to leave together. Suddenly, Ivar turned to Aries and asked him to wait for him outside while he talked to captain Arthur alone. There was something personal, that Ivar wanted to ask him. Aries nodded and went to the stargate room along with Damaris.

-Captain... - Started Ivar, looking straight at him - I would like to ask you a big favor.

-Yes? What favor would it be? - Captain looked at Ivar with surprise and a puzzle.

-I would like to go to Earth.

-You what? - He exclaimed, in a shock.

-I wish to go to your home planet and find miss Maclay. I want to bring her back. - He looked at captain Arthur with a determination in his eyes - Can it be arranged?

-But, why would you want to burden yourself? I can just revoke her leave request and have her return. Or send Janice with your message instead. She and miss Maclay were pretty close.

-No. I wish to do this myself. - He replied, without blinking.

-Okay... - Said captain, staring at Ivar with a stagger - In that case, I think we can arrange for you to visit Earth. But, unlike in your part of the world, our people are not aware of alien life outside their planet, and the P.O. project is kept secret by our government, so, we have to be extra careful. Since your kind and ours don't look too different to the naked eye, your appearance shouldn't be an issue if you're willing to dress up into something from Earth for the trip, in order to blend in.

-I don't mind. I will do whatever is necessary. - Said Ivar determinedly.

-Well, this is perfect. There's actually an annual meeting regarding the P.O. project on Earth that I have to attend to in a couple of days, so you can come with me. I will arrange for a private attendant to take care of you while there and escort you to where miss Maclay lives.