Page 21 of Axon’s Lust

David and I escorted the Captain and Lt. Voan to the meeting room as we had done before, only this time when the doors opened, the President greeted them in the flesh, with open arms.

“Captain Weko and Lt. Voan. I am happy to finally meet you in person,” the President greeted with a warm smile.

The two alien warriors looked surprised by his appearance, and they looked at each other before the Captain extended his hand.

“We were not expecting this, but we are happy to meet you in person, as well,” Captain Weko replied. He didn’t seem to be angry, and his reaction eased the tension out of the room.

“Please join me in sitting down at the table. It was very important to me that I meet the first beings here from another planet. I didn’t want to miss this amazing opportunity, as it is truly a great honor,” the President finished.

Suddenly, his visit made sense to me. He wasn’t just meeting the aliens to establish good relations, but because it was historical, and it was important our leader was there to represent humankind.

“We are honored to meet you in the flesh, as well. This is an opportune time for us, as we have something important to tell you,” the Captain said.

“Please, go ahead.” The President replied.

“We will be leaving Earth in 48 hours,” the Captain said, making me suck in a sharp breath. “We’ve delivered the warning to you, and we have provided you with all of the necessary intelligence to protect yourselves from this enemy. Our business has been completed,” the Captain continued.

“Our planet has already sent word calling us back home, and although we would welcome staying longer, we would like to express our gratitude for your allowing us in, considering the dire circumstances,” the Captain said.

My look turned towards Axon, and our eyes locked, my heart dropping to my stomach at the conflicted look in his eyes. I had so much more I wanted to say to him, and so many things I wanted to tell him about myself and about this world.

What was wrong with me? The thought of never seeing him again only made me want him more.

“We understand, Captain. We are grateful to you for the time you have spent here, as I know it must be a great sacrifice on your part,” the President said sadly.

“We urge you to use the next 48 hours to get whatever you can from us to use to your advantage,” the Captain advised. “If there are any last-minute questions, decisions, or any other information you want or need to clarify, it would be wise to get it now.” the Captain suggested.

I will alert my team and tell them of your instructions, as well as speed up and double-check our plans and tactics so we can run them by you once more before you go.” the President said.

The meeting commenced, and I couldn’t help but feel Axon’s rejection again as he looked at me.

The President wanted to spend as much time with the aliens as he could, which dragged the day on painfully. Finally, David and I escorted the President out of the building, and I left with Axon to my apartment.

The both of us were very quiet as we entered, neither one of us saying a word all day.

“I’m going to take a shower,” I muttered without looking at him.

“I will be out here,” he replied, moving to his usual post by the windows. I was so frustrated and annoyed with him that I rolled my eyes and stalked to my bedroom, slamming the door behind me. I quickly took a shower, and when I came out, he was still preoccupied with looking out the window.

I grabbed a bag of fruit from the refrigerator and dumped it in a bowl. I needed to put something in my belly after not eating all day. I shoveled some strawberries and mangoes in my mouth, and about had it with the silent treatment.

“So you are going back to your planet… what do you call it again? Harpo?” I asked sharply, surprising him.

He nodded.

“Are you happy you get to finally go home?” I asked, trying to get him to say something.

“Yes,” he said, sounding uncertain. “…and no.”

“I don’t understand,” I replied.

“I want to see my home again, but…,” he sighed heavily, looking down on the carpet. “But I also don’t want to leave you.”

My mouth fell open in shock.

“What? I don’t get it,” I said, feeling confused by his confession.

“I think you do understand, Jennifer,” he said, looking at me, exasperated. “I have come to care about you. The thought of never seeing you again doesn’t sit well with me,” he admitted, turning away from the window and taking a step towards me. His eyes were intense with desire. He buried his hand in his scalp in frustration, pulling at his long silver hair and making it messy.