“Enoa, would I really be that distracting if I met with other crew members?” you ask her, puzzled. “I was told that the Erimosi aren’t a curious species like humans. So why am I so interesting here?”
Enoa looks furtively, and seems reluctant to tell you anything. But after a moment she acquiesced, telling you “That is true, we aren’t a curious species like humans. Humans seem to be interested in everything, poking their fingers into every topic and place they can find.” The human phrase is ‘poking their noses,’ but you don’t correct her. “It’s true we explore the galaxy very slowly, and only when we see something that interests us. Like humans! When we discovered your species, we were very interested in meeting you.”
That is an answer, but it doesn’t tell you enough. “But Enoa, why are my people interesting to you? What makes the Erimosi curious about us?”
“Mmm…” Enoa says slowly. “The Erimosi aren’t curious about everything like you, just very interested in very particular things. And some of those are things that humans definitely have, that you definitely have… it….” You look at Enoa attentively as she seems to be on the verge of telling you some kind of secret, but to your disappointment, she stops herself and changes the topic. “Actually, human… once we were aware of your arrival, some of the crew have been petitioning to be allowed to meet with you. While I cannot permit you to interact with large numbers of the crew, you could meet with an individual. If you are interested....”
“Actually, that’d be great!” you tell Enoa. “The Erimosi have done so much for us back on Earth. I’d like to meet someone outside of the Embassy. And if they really want to see me, I think that’s only fair.”
Enoa bows slightly as you walk. “You’re very kind. The petitioners held a lottery for just such a contingency. Under the circumstances, I can authorize a little time with the winner for you. She’s a young security officer named Balla. I can take you to her quarters.” You agree to Enoa’s suggestion amicably. While you were here for the Yathi, it wouldn’t hurt to spend some time with the crew. After all, they are taking time out of their duties to accommodate you. And if they really want to meet with you, who are you to say no? Still, it is a little strange that you’re being separated from them so much. And the fact that Enoa only agreed to let you meet with more of the crew when she was talking about something she was uncomfortable with. What was she about to say back then?
“Here we are.” Enoa says, stopping your train of thought. You were standing in front of a door, one of many in this hallway, another sign of how big this ship was. You idly wondered how many Erimosi were on this ship. “This is Balla’s quarters.” Enoa pressed a button at the wall, opening the door. Inside was an Erimosi in a red garment, again little more than a bikini covering her waistline and chest. If she were human, you’d put her around 20 years old, but you weren’t exactly sure how long lived Erimosi were, or long long they were children. “Balla, since you won the lottery I’m letting you meet. You can spend time with the human until your duty shift begins, and you are not to invite additional crew during that time. Agreed?”
Balla jumps up from her sitting position at her bed, grinning enthusiastically. “Agreed! Thank you, Enoa! Come in, human! Come in!” Balla calls to you energetically, grabbing your hand and bringing you into your quarters. You turn around to see Enoa bowing slightly as the doors automatically shut behind her.
Balla’s room is small, but comfortable enough for two people. The only place to sit is on Balla’s bed, against the far wall. She sits down there, and motions for you to join her. “This is so exciting, I actually get to meet the human!” Balls says gleefully.
“I still don’t understand why the Erimosi on this ship are all so interested in meeting with me. Is it because I’m the first human to travel into deep space?” you ask her curiously.
Balla leans in close to you, her face mere inches from yours. “I suppose there’s not point in hiding it from you now, human. Now that you’re here, what I really want is to…”
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