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“Here’s the big question,” said Louis. “What are you really doing here on Earth? Don’t lie to me.”
Nineed seemed to consider this for a moment, then plunged ahead. “All right, Louis, my friend. This is what we are doing. Your kind is about to experience a great change in consciousness. That is all I will say. Do not ask more.”
“What kind of change in consciousness?” Louis persisted.
“I have already said enough,” said Nineed, crossing his arms over his chest.
“Can I see what you’re doing over there then?”
“I think not. Doing so might burn off your epidermis.”
A blast of loud squeaks issued from the other side before Leegar appeared looking haggard and annoyed. “You should be upstairs going about your life,” he snapped. “We do not have energy to spare for unneeded verbal exchange!”
Louis, though tiny compared to his captors, and yes, that was exactly what they were, nevertheless stood his ground. “Excuse me, but this is my house! My name is on the deed, I pay the bills and I don’t see either of you contributing to the expenses though you are interfering with my privacy and space!”
Leegar, with an explosion of angry chirps, turned on his heels, disappeared behind the furnace, then reappeared with his bony hand out, something lying upon it. “Take it!” he barked.
Gingerly, Louis reached out and grabbed it. It appeared to be an extremely large ruby.
“Where we live, this is a common crystal for use in our equipment. In your world, it is rare. Trade it in for currency. Possibly you can live the rest of your short human life without having to toil.”
Louis was speechless. He’d been going to ask if they were planning on leaving any time soon but now refrained, mumbled thank you and fled up the stairs. He hardly noticed Nineed’s apologetic and queenly wave of his hand.
About Margaret Karmazin
