We sit, facing the lake, our food spread out before us on a blanket. The lake water laps calmly at the shoreline, and I can hear what sounds like bird songs filling the air. Altair hands me a plate of food and we eat. The sky turns a beautiful shade of lilac, as the suns begins to set.
"Are we facing west?" I ask, crossing my legs beneath me.
"No. The sun rises in the west and sets in the east." He says.
"Oh, I wonder why it's different? Back home the sun rises in the east and sets in the west."
"That's because Earth and Rojus rotate in opposite directions. Earth rotates toward the east and Rojus rotates towards the west."
"Why is the sky a light purple color?"
"You sure are full of questions."
"Sorry." I say.
"It's purple because of the protective forcefield around this city. It's what keeps the city of Paridon safe from unwelcome vistors."
"Unwelcome visitors? Do you mean humans?"
"Humans, bipedals of all kinds, and other things..."
He doesn't elaborate and by the way he says 'other things' I'm not sure I want to know what he means. "Can I ask you another question?" I say after a few minutes of silence.
"You just did," Altair says with a slight grin on his face.
"Okay, several questions then," I say laughing.
"Go ahead." He says, his face returning to its usual somber look.
"Do you like me?" I ask, turning serious.
"I like the fact that you are straightforward and have no trouble asking whatever is on your mind."
Not really. There are several things I would love to ask but I'm too afraid to ask. "That's not what I mean."
"I like all of the people that have come to this planet, for whatever reason they have."
I sigh. "That's not what I mean either."
"Then what do you mean?"
"Do you like me as in, do you view me as someone you would possibly date?"
"Why? Do you view me that way?" he asks.
My face flushes with embarrassment. I really hadn't expected him to turn the tables on me. "Well... I... you are always around. Does everyone get a special one-on-one dinner with you?"
"They might. But you haven't answered my question. Do you view me as someone you might date?"
He is good-looking and he seems sweet. "Honestly? I don't know you very well. And there is a lot I have to get used to first."
"Good answer. Now is not the time to worry about dating."
This conversation is not going at all how I pictured it. Maybe if I change subjects... "How did you know the Ghemin had Carina and me? What made you decide to rescue us?" I ask, interrupting the silence.
"We have an... understanding with the Ghemin. Rather than them dumping you on a strange planet, they are to inform us if they have anyone of... certain potentials." He says.
"What does that mean, 'certain potentials?"
"Does it matter? Do you really need to know the tiny details about everything?"
"No, I guess not."
"Maybe you just need to be grateful that you were rescued."
"I am grateful."
"I mean, we can go dump you on that disgusting planet the Ghemin would have dumped you on. It's not too late."
"No. No, please don't. I'm sorry, Altair. Really I am."
We sit in silence, eating our food. After a few moments Altair speaks up. "Why don't you go walk around and check out the lake."
I take off my shoes and walk along the lake's edge. Insects jump out of my way as I go, some landing in the water and scooting along the surface. Some of them jump into the flowers that line the water's edge. Occasionally, a fish will swim to the surface, swallow an unfortunate insect, and return to the water's depths. I run my hands through the waist high grass and flowers as I walk, sending up clouds of pollen and filling the air with their musky scent.
"So, what do you think of this place?" Altair asks from behind me.
I turn around and walk back. He's still sitting on the black blanket I left him on, a few minutes ago. "What do I think of this city or of this lake?"
"Let's start with the lake. Do you like it here?"
"Yes, I do." I say, turning and staring out across the water. "I've never seen water so blue and so clear at the same time. It's like looking through a large piece of glass and getting to see what lays underneath."
"Just be careful. There is a drop off somewhere over there." He says.
I turn back to look at him and see him pointing in my general direction. "I can swim, so I'm not really worried about it."
"Not here. Not ever. There are all Asqar Sicine plants growing below the surface."
"What are Sicine plants?"
"Asqar Sicine. The rough translation is 'water creeper'. They are vine like plants that grow in the lake. They will wrap around your legs, and you will be trapped below the surface. You can't see them from the water's surface, despite the clear water. Promise me you will stay away from the lake if I'm not with you." Altair says.
"I promise."
"Come back and sit with me." He says. He holds out his left hand to me. "We can chat for a while longer before I escort you to the welcome celebrations."