if life on Earth is wiped out your race will still exist somewhere in the universe.”
Liam nodded grimly, “That’s right, that’s our mission.”
He looked at Elina curiously, “You said that your people have been aware of Earth for a long time.”
Elina nodded, “Yes, we have observed you and learned about you. We have thought about making contact, but it was always deemed too great a risk, not knowing how your race would react to the realization that you are not alone in the universe. We did not know of your war though.” She smiled ruefully, “Well, our government may well have, but it was not public knowledge.”
“Do your people have wars?” Clara asked.
“The last time the inhabitants of our planet were at war with each other was a hundred of your years ago,” Marek answered. He smiled a little, “I am a historian.”
“The last time you were at war with each other was a hundred years ago,” Liam repeated softly, “Have you been at war with other races more recently?”
Elina’s smile this time was grim, “You are quick-minded, Captain. We are even now at war with a race known as the Hok-Kar. They are a very violent race with little tolerance for anyone who is not Hok-Kar.”
Liam attempted to keep his tone light, “I guess if we run into them they won’t accept an invitation for chicken pot pie, then.”
“I’m afraid not.”
The mood around the table had turned grim.
Clara shook her head, “Well, it will do no good to worry about it now.” She glanced over at Esther and Liam knew she was worried the conversation would frighten her. Elina seemed to sense this too. She turned to the little girl with a smile, “So, tell me little one, how do you like living on a spaceship?”
Esther smiled, “It’s cool. I like looking at the stars. They’re so pretty. I miss my friends back home, but I have new friends here. And Amy says she’ll teach me to hoverboard when I’m a little bit bigger!”
She looked at Elina thoughtfully and tilted her head, “Do you have a little girl like me?”
Elina exchanged a glance with Marek, “Actually we are expecting a little one soon.”
She lightly tapped Esther’s nose, “I hope the child will be as sweet as you.”
Clara smiled, “Congratulations. When is the child due?”
“It should be no more than two weeks now.” Clara’s gaze went to Elina’s stomach.
Elina laughed, noticing the look, “Not all species carry children the way you do.”
Clara blushed, “Of course. I’m sorry.”
“It’s quite alright.”
“So how do you have babies?” Esther asked.
“Esther!” Clara’s face reddened further.
Elina laughed gently, “It’s quite alright," she repeated.
She smiled at Esther, “When a baby is going to come a big sphere, a ball of light, appears between the parents.”
“Light?” Esther’s eyes were wide.
Elina nodded, “It’s like light that has become partly solid. The sphere detaches itself from the parents and the baby grows inside it until it’s ready to be born, but even when they’re far away the parents are connected to the baby. We carry our connection in here,” she tapped Esther’s head, “and even more importantly in here.” She placed her hand gently over Esther’s heart.
Esther’ eyes were wide and Liam could see a similar look of wonder and fascination on Clara’s face. He imagined his own looked the same.
“It’s fascinating to learn about your race,” Liam paused, “I just realized you haven’t told us what you call your race.”
Antina spoke up, “We call ourselves Lemarians; our world is called Lemara.”
“I would love to learn more about Lemara and your people.” Liam said. He rose to his feet. "It’s getting late. Will you stay on our ship tonight? I’ve had quarters set up for you if you accept.”
Elina glanced at her companions then nodded, “Thank you, Captain Hawthorn, we would like that very much.”
“Come on, Esther” Clara said, “It’s time for bed.”
Esther stuck out her lip in a pout, “But I’m not tired.” She gave a huge yawn.
Clara smiled affectionately, “Bedtime, little star.”
Esther relented. She came around the table and reached up to give Liam a hug. He hugged her and kissed her cheek, “Goodnight, Esther.”
“Night, Daddy.” She waved sleepily at the aliens, “Good night, sleep tight.” All four responded with their own good nights.
Liam led the aliens to the quarters he had had prepared for them, thankful that they didn’t run into anyone along the way, then returned to his own quarters, dismissing the security officers before he did.
--------
Early the next morning Liam knocked on the door to the Lemarian’s quarters. Elina answered.
“Good morning,” Liam greeted her, “Did you all sleep well?”
“Excellently, thank you.”
Liam paused, “I was wondering if the four of you would agree to speak to the rest of Amity’s passengers. Everyone is very curious about you, naturally.”
Elina nodded, “I’m sure they are. We will do as you ask, Captain.”
“Thank you,” Liam said quietly, “When would you like to do it?”
Elina considered, “Why don’t we say an hour from now?”
Liam nodded, “I’ll make an announcement.”
An hour later the auditorium was once more filled with everyone on the ship except a few security officers who were on duty. Liam led the four Lemarians in and up onto the stage. He looked out at the faces of the crowd, seeing their wonder and shock as they took in the aliens.
He stepped forward, picking up the microphone to address the crowd, “Shipmates, I know you must be feeling a lot of different things right now. I’m feeling them too. I also know you must have a lot of questions. Our guests have agreed to answer your questions. Please treat them with the same respect with which you treat me.”
He handed the microphone to Elina and stepped down from the stage, taking a seat with Esther and Clara in the front row.
Elina did most of the talking for the group, but the other three participated too, Marek answering most of the questions that had to do with the history of Lemara. No mention was made of the Hok-Kar and Liam was grateful. He knew a time might come when the people of Amity would know the Hok-Kar far too well, but for now the knowledge of them would only cause fear and panic to spread.
Finally the flood of questions ceased. Liam walked back up on stage and Elina handed him the microphone. He thanked the crowd for behaving respectfully and dismissed them. The room emptied out until only Liam, Clara, Esther, and the Lemarians remained.
“I’m afraid the time has come for us to part ways,” Elina said softly, “We must return to our ship and resume our course, and you must resume yours.”
Liam was surprised by how much the thought of saying goodbye to the Lemarians saddened him.
“Let us escort you to your shuttle,” he offered.
Elina nodded, “Of course.”
As they left the auditorium Esther put her hand in Elina’s. Liam and Clara walked just behind them and Liam watched