Fast Cars and Intergalactic Speed Dating

43: Normal Adventures

The crew members of the Beyma quarantined at the Entry Facility for a full five days. The prospect had sounded like it would be an ordeal, but it was ultimately rather pleasant: they were among friends, they were clean, they were well-fed, and the staff at the Entry Facility were kind.

Commander Brown was the only other human they'd met since their arrival on Las-Kendarr. Richard would have his work cut out for him trying to learn all of the names, origins, and cultures of the alien people he met, but he had been glad to discover that most residents either knew English or possessed a universal translator, so communication was quite easy.

On the day they were released, the humans and the Karra were greeted by Commander Brown and a tall, slender person who resembled a lizard, with six legs on the lower part of her body and a very long, snake-like neck. Her name badge read FIFTEENTH, AIP (SHE/HER) in English above a translation in the other language, which Richard had learned was Uturesku, a tongue that was relatively common as a shared language across many galaxies.

"We've arranged for you three to stay in one of the AIP tenements," said Commander Brown as they led the large group to a vehicle parked outside of the Entry Facility. It was a sleek, bus-like vehicle with huge wheels clearly made for gripping into the dusty Las-Kendarrian soil. "They're mostly furnished already, and we should be able to supply anything you might need."

"Great. Thank you." asked Kavita.

"But we aren't going to be stuck there, right?" asked Shashi. She ignored a quelling glance from her mother. "I've been cooped up in a spaceship for a hundred thousand years, and then we were in quarantine for a month—"

"It was only five days," said Vaivala. "And a very comfortable five days."

Commander Brown laughed. "You won't be stuck in your residence," they said. "You've been released: you're free to move about Las-Kendarr as you wish."

Shashi skipped a few steps on her crustaceous legs, enthusiastic and impatient. "I'm gonna get the front seat, then," she said, and she was off, scuttling toward the waiting bus without waiting for permission.

Wessona shook her head as Vaivala hurried after her daughter. "I apologize," she said. "She is but a child, and it has been a wearisome journey."

"Don't worry. This is your home now," Command Brown said kindly. "She should feel comfortable and free."

They turned, walking backwards and raising their voice to address the whole group: humans, Chorodonians, and Karra all. "Fifteenth will be your tour guide for the first few days. She'll show you where you can buy food, where you can stock up on some fresh clothes, where you can get some exercise. If there's anything you need as you get situated in our community, you may contact her; she will be your Community Liaison."

"Sweet," said Garth. He grinned at Fifteenth, giving her a cheerful wave. "Skaskedani, right? Haik'a, caru."

Fifteenth raised an eyebrow—or, rather, the horny eyebrow-like ridge above her right eye—looking pleased. "I'm well, thank you. Well done, Earthling. I am impressssed."

"I'm winning at the intergalactic speed dating game," said Garth.

"Garth has a gift for languages," said Ol-Maran. They had improved immensely in the days since their arrival with high quality medical care. Already, the bandages on their arm revealed the shape of a new appendage growing in to replace the part that had been torn away in the attack at the Martian Waystation.

Commander Brown shook their head, exchanging an amused glance with Fifteenth. They turned back around to walk forward again. "Well, speaking of games and languages, there are a lot of social events in the area. It'll be a great chance to get to know some of the broader community."