[ After lunch ]

  After Sva had enjoyed her shower, she invited me over. She had changed into a greenish uniform, unlike the more casually looking uniform she wore earlier. It does look pretty good on her, but it seems a bit too tight. But it's as we said back at work, 'great packaging can further improve a great product.' Don't get me wrong, I don't trust her one bit, but I can still enjoy watching the packaging, right?

  We enjoyed our lunch together in a small restaurant in the entertainment district. While we aren't exactly friends, I still believe that cooperation is in my best interest. Her humor is unexpectedly nice and she doesn't appear to be arrogant or nosy at all, only quite suspicious. All in all, definitely not what I had expected to find in a counselor. Then again, by now it's safe to say that she isn't a real counselor.

  Frilia called me again, reminding me about the presentation. I'm not only expected to attend, but this is also the same presentation as the one she was asking me to help her out with. She also asked if I needed help getting there, but I told her that I'd be there in a few minutes, without the wheelchair. The presentation will be held in this same building, so it's perfectly fine for me to walk there.

  Sva and I used the elevator to arrive on the 25th floor where a huge lecture hall is waiting for us. No joke...the pce is absolutely huge! Then again, most things around here seem to be quite spacious. Frilia has prepared drinks and snacks for the participants, but thankfully she didn't mind that we enjoyed some of the refreshments a bit sooner.

  The first few participants just arrived, so I asked Sva to take a seat nearby. She was very surprised that I wouldn't join her, until Frilia expined that I would help her with the presentation.

  I'm now standing next to a lecture stand on an elevated ptform, close to Frilia, while observing the arriving participants. Most of them are Lantosian...except for a few 'others.'

  "Frilia?"

  "Yes, Kaya?"

  "That person over there. What race is he?"

  "He's Lonkaran. First time seeing them in person?"

  "Yeah." The person in question is definitely humanoid, but completely bald. The cranial ridges make him resemble an alien character in StarTrek, a Klingon to be precise. "Do you also know if Klingons exist?"

  "Klingons? No, can't say I've heard about those. Why?"

  "Nevermind, just something I heard."

  Only five minutes ter the lecture hall was packed with people. There were still empty seats, but not too many.

  When my watch beeped, a hologram appeared after I pushed the 'accept' button.

  "Kaya?" Sva's face is clearly recognizable in the hologram, so I look at her, since she's sitting nearby. Why would she call me now?

  "Heeeey, Sva. Are you okay?" I waved at her, but others must have thought it was meant for them. Well, waving is not a crime, is it?

  "I'm fine. Just wanted to say that I'll be rooting for you. You can do this!"Right...she's probably trying to sound like a counselor, got it. Nah, not falling for that.

  "Thanks....but I'm not nervous or anything. This is actually kinda fun for me."

  "Something tells me that you don't really need a counselor anymore."

  "Don't you dare say that!" I shouted.

  The whole lecture hall is suddenly very quiet, but only for a few moments. Frilia is looking at me, and a few people near Sva are also staring at her.

  "Oops," was the only thing I could say. Well, I guess I vented some of my frustration at her just now, unintentionally showing her my distrust.

  "Yes....see you ter....teacher." She hung up on me before I could try to fix the situation with a joke.

  Frilia then says "you two seem to get along well?"

  "No, not at all. She's a counselor, nothing more. She's only teasing me, I guess, so I had to return the favor."

  She smiles and then says "gd it's fine then. I'll activate the amplifier now, so people can hear you. So please don't use your Comm."

  "Okay, understood." Amplifier? Ah, a microphone, got it.

  Frilia starts the lecture, and she doesn't appear to be nervous at all, not one bit. She's calm and even seems to be enjoying the attention.

  "Good afternoon everyone. For your information, key personnel awaiting their role assignments shouldn't be here. It's the same room, same floor, but in block D."

  Surprisingly, two Lantosians rushed out. Yeah....happened to me too, so I can rete.

  Frilia smiles again, definitely expecting this to happen. "Yes, human buildings tend to be complicated for us, but no longer once you have completed this lecture. So if you're here for the introductory course on human customs, concepts and curiosities....... then you are in the right pce."

  She picks up a remote control and activates one massive view screen behind us."Everyone, I'm Frilia, the primary tutor on human matters. Should you have any questions, remarks...anything reting to human culture....contact me. You already have my contact details, so feel free to send me a message and I'll answer as soon as I can.

  With me here today is my special guest, Kaya, also a new arrival like most of you. She however was blessed with parents who were human enthusiasts, as she lovingly referred to them. Kaya, would you please introduce yourself?"

  "Sure, Frilia." Okay, why the heck not? I'm the only one with white hair, so why not die of embarrassment while I'm at it? I know I volunteered, but getting this much attention....is a bit much, to be honest.

  She hands me a really small device, like a metallic USB stick and I assume that this is their version of a microphone.

  "Good afternoon, everyone. I'm Kaya, and it's great to be here. Like Frilia said, I'm new here like most of you.

  Feel free to ask me anything about human culture or devices, just like Miss Frilia here. She invited me to help you with some examples and such, and I hope that we're going to have lots of fun today.

  Apologies if my manners are a bit off since I was raised by human parents as an innocent little experiment. You'll see what I mean, so....this should be lots of fun."

  I heard a few "aaaaahhhs, and ooooohs," probably because nobody expected me to have human parents. I simply had to tell them, since it's my official backstory, and the more people know about it...the better.

  I waved at them while returning the microphone to Frilia. She blinked a few times, because st time we met I had only told her that my parents were only 'human enthusiasts,' not actual humans.

  A moment ter she smiled and winked, so I assumed that my introduction went well. Lots of people returned my wave, so things seem to be going really well.

  Frilia first discussed basic human greetings and it didn't take long for the 'handshake protocol' to be discussed.

  At that moment, a Lantosian man in the audience with disgust in his voice asked "how are we expected to touch hands with humans? It's disgusting! Why do they even want to do that?"

  I gestured to Frilia that I wanted to answer his question and she didn't hesitate to give me the opportunity and...the microphone.

  "Em...sir, would you please join me here?" I pointed at the one asking the question.

  After a few moments the man joined us on the elevated ptform. "Thank you for walking all this way. May I please have your name?"

  "Forna, from the house of Jorn. Thank you for taking the time to answer my question." He bowed to me, and I felt that I had to do the same.

  "Sure, Forna, it's my pleasure." Wow...most Lantosians are actually really polite.

  He gave me an odd look, so I tried to answer the question before he could ask it."As you probably just heard, I gave you an unusual reply. It's a human reply to be precise.

  You see, humans don't always reply in predictable ways. Unfortunately travel to other locations on Earth is currently prohibited, but I can tell you right now that people have very different customs in different pces. Many customs are very simir to ours, so you don't have to worry about being impolite. Humans will know that their culture is new to you, and they often have the same concerns when meeting one of us.

  Point being....shaking hands is a very odd thing for us Lantosians to do. We find it strange....an odd gesture...some even call it disgusting. And you know what? You're right. It can be disgusting.

  In some human cultures people bow to each other without the need to shake hands. Other cultures like the people in this region, our kind hosts, do prefer to shake hands. It's considered a very polite thing to do and while you may find it disgusting, it's of vital importance to shake hands if you want to be respected. Some humans may find some of our ways revolting as well.

  Ha! You should have seen one of them when I was eating breakfast...but the feeling was mutual."

  Lots of ughter came from the audience and that was exactly what I needed in order to stay calm and continue smiling. "Oh, please allow me to switch to another subject for a brief moment. Don't drink their coffee. Humans love that beverage, and they truly believe that they are polite for offering it to you. So trust me...you WILL be offered the stuff. I made the mistake of tasting it, but luckily only had a sip. Drinking more of it would have caused severe abdominal pain within 15 minutes. You...have....been....warned.

  Anyway, back to the handshake. Some humans actually share your opinion about it being a disgusting thing to do. You never know what they touched moments before touching your hand, right?"

  I saw many nodding people, and Forna agreed as well. So I look up at him, since he's quite a tall man. "If you really feel the need to avoid shaking hands at all costs....then do that. Simply bow before they can shake hands. It's a common greeting used in Japan, one of the many human nations. So please remember, if you truly can't shake hands, bow to them. It's still a sign of respect.

  But...if you really need to shake hands because the situation demands professional etiquette, then do it. Allow me to demonstrate."

  I offered my hand to my test subject and he did the same.

  "Em.....no, that's a bit too stiff. Make it more...natural. Approach me and offer your hand while introducing yourself."

  He took a step back and then walked over to me while extending his hand. "Greetings, I'm Forna. A pleasure to meet you."

  We shook hands and then I saw him grimace."You can let go now." I said. "Shaking hands isn't difficult. You will feel it when your counterpart releases the hand. In any case, it shouldn't st more than a few seconds at most. Forna, that was a great and very respectful handshake. Just don't show your disgust like you did just now."

  Many people in the audience are ughing, so I have to correct the situation. "It's a natural reaction many of you would have had. So the same applies to all of you. You can feel as much disgust as you want, just don't show it. As I already said...it's about showing respect. And now, my dear Forna, what to do with your hand?"

  "Yes...I was wondering about that." He smiled for a moment.

  "Covertly wipe it on your uniform. As long as nobody sees that...you're good. But if you get caught...man, you would have a really bad day."

  "Ha ha ha..." lots of ughter in the audience.

  "So to repeat, shaking hands is hardly difficult. Perhaps you can take a disinfectant with you. Or excuse yourself and use the restroom."

  "Em...what's a restroom?" Forna asked.

  "Oh...em......it's a more polite word for toilet. A pce where you can relieve yourself of your bodily fluids and such. I'm sure many of you have had the privilege to use those human facilities already."

  "Ahhhh...understood. That's a great idea." He seemed genuinely relieved.

  "Well, that concludes my little lesson on shaking hands."I returned the microphone to Frilia and the gentleman returned to his seat.

  In the next half hour I expined many different concepts like what being married means and how to interpret human icons. Things like 'toilet for men' and 'emergency exit' were apparently a total mystery to them. Frilia did most of the talking, however.

  After the lecture had ended, Frilia took a moment to talk to me."That was very impressive, Kaya. Talking to an audience like that. Most people would feel apprehensive."

  "Well, I'm used to being in these kinds of lecture halls, so this is not my first time listening to a lecture."

  "Even more impressive, and they loved your little examples with lots of humor. I'd love to have you with me next time. Humor isn't something we tend to include in a lecture, but it went well. I'll try that next time as well."

  "And I had lots of fun as well. But I'm not sure if I can attend next time. I work for General Services these days and occasionally repair drones as well. So I'm not sure if I can attend, but I'd love to try?" It's a little lie, but I really don't feel the need to repeat this lecture over and over again.

  "Awww......a pity. You're perfect for this." Her expression shows genuine disappointment, but she's very polite.

  "Yeah....I really had a great time, though? You really know a lot about humans, I have to admit."

  "That's high praise from someone exposed to human culture for so long."

  "Uh-huh, but it still doesn't mean that I know all about them, right?"

  "True. Well...let me know if you can join me next time, okay?"

  "Sure. Do you have more training sessions like this? I mean on other topics?"

  "Yes, there are a few more. One is about co-working with humans; another one about human technology; and one about human entertainment. You'd be surprised how difficult it is to distinguish between entertainment and factual news."

  "Wow...I'd love to attend those." Just for the fun of course.

  "You're always welcome to attend. Kaya...since you know so much about them...do you know why humans in this city are so reluctant to share our existence with other humans?"

  "Ahhh.....now that's a really fine question. Yes, there are those who think that other humans are not ready to learn that they aren't alone in the universe. Some Earth governments believe that society as a whole would colpse, resulting in utter devastation. I heard however that humans at some point will get training....just like this...but in a different way. You talked about entertainment. Do you know what TV movies are?"

  "Yes, I saw a few of those myself."

  "Great. If I'm not mistaken, they are pnning to make more fiction movies soon, but they will start to slowly add a bit of preparation into those, so humans won't fear us once our existence is made public."

  "You really are well informed, aren't you?"

  "Thanks for the compliment. Bme my parents for most of that."

  "Ha ha ha.....okay, let's continue this conversation another day. Another lecture will start and we aren't invited." She winked. "Will you join me for a te lunch?"

  "Ah, sorry, but we've already had lunch. Maybe soon?"

  "Of course, See you."

  "Bye!"

  I think she intentionally used human greetings just now!

  Sva told me that she had also enjoyed the presentation and then congratuted me, after which we made our way to the entertainment district. We don't have much else to do, and it is still much too early for dinner, so she suggested telling me about their...our...homeworld during our first counseling session. I of course agreed, but because my legs still hurt a bit, I sat down at a nice and secluded spot with a great view between the buildings and Sva joined me there as well.

  At some point my thoughts started to wander, making me feel homesick. Sva quickly realized that I needed a moment and thus excused herself to use the restrooms.

  "Mom...dad....god, I miss you. Sorry, but I can't go home. No idea what Ben told you....but I'm stuck here. But at least I'm still alive. Just a few more days and they'll let me call you, okay?" I whispered to myself. At least they are aware that I'm still alive, so that's a relief.

  My watch beeped, showing me that another email had arrived. Sva had returned by then and she asked if she could read this together with me, and I had no objections since the message's subject didn't seem to indicate anything confidential.

  ===================================From Hierarchy central computer

  Your profile was updated.Css points + 15 for sharing expertise during a lecture: 1 sessionCss points + 15 for volunteering to help new arrivals on Earth: 1 session====================================

  Em.....okaaaay? Seriously, can't I unsubscribe? Computers...they're all the same wherever you go, right?

  And to make matters worse, more emails arrived shortly after.

  The next one was another text-only message. It surprisingly was a repair request, coming from Anisa. She didn't exactly send it to me, but to the city's drone repairer, so she probably doesn't know that's me now. I'll definitely visit her shop as soon as my legs allow it.

  The st message was a recorded emotional video from the four dies who I had apparently saved after the pne crash. They stood together in front of the camera and bowed to me, thanking me and telling me that they wish to somehow repay my kindness. They also apologized for not being able to thank me in person, since the Hierarchy had already recalled them to the Homeworld. So they did the next best thing, they added an invitation to visit them there.

  By the time I had received the message, they were already in transport stasis, meaning they were going to be sleeping for about six months until they reached their homeworld.

  I sent them a short message, with Sva's help, telling them that I had appreciated them contacting me. I told them that they didn't owe me anything, and more importantly, that I wasn't exactly pnning on visiting the homeworld anytime soon.

  "Sva? Can we have the counseling session here? My legs need some more rest, if you don't mind. And I really want to learn more about Lantosia."

  Her answer however surprised me. "Starting tomorrow I'll begin counseling people, but for now, yes, I have all the time just for you."

  "Oh, right, I guess I misunderstood. I thought that you were assigned to me as a private counselor or something. But of course you'll need to help others too."

  "I'm sorry for that, I should have made that clear from the beginning. I won't be able to join you without an appointment, but we can certainly pn a few sessions in advance. I'll leave it up to you when you're ready to talk. Will that work?"

  "Um, yes. I think I actually prefer it that way." She probably isn't a real counselor anyway, and I'd rather talk to Ben about her first. "So...do you have some time for me now? Maybe half an hour or so?"

  "Of course, that's perfectly fine. Besides, this pce is quiet, so nobody should be bothering us here. What would you like to discuss, Kaya?"

  She sounds very polite, but she's still an alien. Someone abducted me, and others tried to do the same. Sitting here might be safer for me, but I doubt that she'll be able to actually help me. Maybe I should try asking a few difficult questions, just to see how she'll react?

  "Um....I'd like to learn about our history. I guess we should start with the most obvious question. Why am I the only one with white hair?"

  "That....is complicated."

  Bingo, she frowns and is avoiding eye contact. Not sure how this works for aliens, but so far their gestures and expressions aren't all too different from my own. She's definitely hiding something at least.

  "Please try anyway. I'm Lantosian now, so I have the right to know, don't I?"

  "Okay, as you wish. But you really shouldn't tell anyone about you being...different."

  "Trust me, everyone already thinks that I'm different, Sva."

  She smiles and then says "okay...I see that you already suspect that you're even more different than you thought you were?"

  "Exactly. So can you please expin? If I'm in any danger, I should know what's really going on. And since you're my counselor, and are aware of my cloning incident, I assume that you already know all about me, so please...tell me."

  "Alright, as you wish. Let me take you back in time, about 200 years. Back then our race was divided into two groups.

  Our Northern continent was home to the Draga. All Lantosians alive today are a member of that group, including myself. The Southern continent was home to the Taleena, but they went extinct. You, Kaya, are a member of that group. You are the only Taleena alive today."

  "Wow."

  "Precisely. Since only the Draga survived, we no longer call ourselves such, but refer to ourselves as Lantosians. Does that help?"

  "Yes, thank you. Of course you know what I'm about to ask next."

  "If you really must." She doesn't appear too happy to discuss this topic.

  "Yes, I must. Let's face it, it's my history now too, isn't it?" I waited for her to nod. "So why did my people go extinct?"

  "Simple, a long and bloody war ended their existence. I can't tell you more than that. It's a very, very sensitive matter, and it's in your own best interest to hide the fact that you are....different from everyone else."

  "I will absolutely remember that. But I heard a few interesting rumors. A general Kiwi or something apparently obliterated their continent, basically commiting genocide. Did that really happen?"

  "I don't know how you got that information, but this conversation is over."

  "And gone is our nice little chat. I thought you were my counselor?"

  "I am. But I'm not responsible for our past."

  "And I never said that you were! We are talking about our distant past. I just want to know what happened!"

  "As I said... it's a sensitive matter. Do your own research, but it was exactly this kind of animosity between our races that ended your kind."

  "Huh? What animosity?! We're only talking about history! And what do you mean...my kind? What am I to you? Disgusting?"

  "No, you are only a victim. You were not supposed to become a Taleena. And now I want you to drop this subject, or I'll leave."

  "Okay, okay, sheesh...I know when to quit. Sorry, okay? I only want facts, so I can protect myself."

  "Then you'll have to find out for yourself. Excuse me, I need to go."

  She however didn't stay at all, and left me alone, thankfully not seeing that I flipped the bird behind her back. I'm definitely going to put her on my bcklist. Very, very suspicious behavior, especially for a counselor.

  I spent the remainder of the afternoon alone in my quarters, thinking of ways to uncover the truth about my Lantosian ancestors. Something's fishy, and I want to know what it is. This might be the reason why people want to harm me, so I simply have to know. Knowing the facts might even keep me alive.

  Surely there are historical records, right? Should I ask the computer for more information? Judging by Sva's response, that might be dangerous. She basically wants me to drop the matter altogether.

  I sent a very polite text message to Ben, telling him that I met Sva and wanted to recommend her to him due to her excellent counseling skills. Ben will definitely be able to read between the lines, but so far he hasn't replied.

  Around 5 pm, I received an urgent request from Jake to report to a human medical facility. He didn't tell me why General Services wanted me to go there, though. Hoping it might be a welcome distraction from my unpleasant conversation with my *former* counselor, I called for a taxi.