“I don’t know what to do about it. I enjoy being around Mark—no, that’s not accurate… I get almost giddy around him sometimes. He’s incredibly funny and I’m always having to stop myself from laughing at the silly things he does.”
Toni didn’t say anything and Julie found herself wanting to explain.
“But it’s more than that. He’s so smart and in his own lighthearted way he takes his responsibilities seriously. If anyone’s going to figure a way for Earth to come out of this mess on top it will be him.”
“So you feel safe with him?” Toni asked.
“No, not really,” Julie laughed. “Being around Mark is like living on the edge and never knowing what’s right around the next corner. It’s exciting but I wouldn’t call it safe.
“And I don’t know that I could ever feel secure with him. Let’s face it, women are attracted to him and he loves it; he’s a dog and it’s hard for me to think he’d change.
“Toni I go back and forth; one day I’m feeling like Mark and I are made to be together and the next I’m thinking I’d be miserable. To top it all off I don’t have time for any of this. We all have more responsibilities on our shoulders right now than we’ll probably ever have in our entire lifetimes. I just need to focus on my duty.”
“Have you told Mark how you feel?” Toni asked.
“Oh Hell no,” Julie quickly responded. “And you’re not going to say anything either. I mean that.”
Toni laughed and said, “You don’t need to worry about me Julie but I have a favor to ask. Two favors, actually.”
“Of course,” Julie said. “What can I do?”
“Firstly I want you to know that I’ve never been successful at putting a part of my life on hold. I’ve always found it best if we just face what comes up when it happens.”
“What else?” Julie said rather softly.
“No matter what happens or what anybody might think I want you to remember that I truly value your friendship and that I’m always on your side. Can you promise me you’ll remember that Julie?”
“Toni, you’re scaring me. What’s going on?”
“It’s just that I have something important to tell you dear, something that all of you need to know and unfortunately it’s probably going to change the nature of our relationship—I just hope it doesn’t end our friendship.”
“What are you talking about?” Julie said frantically.
“I wasn’t born on Earth Julie. I’m also a member of the Coridian Dynasty.”
“Major, I can’t expect you to accept this but I am a loyal member of your team,” said Toni.
Julie watched as the major considered Toni’s words.
She’d immediately brought Toni to him and caught the major leaving his quarters to start the evening session with Captain Silva; an evening session that had now been put on hold.
“I’m glad you understand my position Dr. Andretti because I cannot afford to make that assumption right now. I am grateful that you’ve decided to come forward though.”
Julie had been very surprised with Major Reagan’s first two questions. Almost immediately after Toni’s confession he had asked if there were any other Coridians with the mission and if there was anyone not born on Earth that was with the mission.
Toni had responded ‘not to her knowledge’ to both of them.
Why she hadn’t thought to ask those questions herself or why no one had thought to ask them of Captain Silva was just another example of how fast everything was happening and how out of our own depth everyone on the team was—except possibly for Major Reagan. He might miss something here or there but he was focused and competent on a level Julie had rarely seen before. Mark might figure out the answers but it would be the major that kept them all together until then.
Just then Mark walked in the major’s door saying, “I got your message Major. We’re ready to…”
Mark’s voice trailed off when he saw the three of us sitting around Major Reagan’s dining table. Julie had always known that Mark was astute but this was a great example of it; he immediately sensed something and asked, “What’s wrong.”
“Dr. Spencer, Dr. Andretti has come forward to admit that she also is a member of the Coridian Dynasty.”
“Hello Mark,” Dr. Mom said with a smile.
“I think,” the Major continued. “That it’s best if you handle the questioning with Captain Silva while I continue talking with Dr. Andretti. Can I count on you to do that?”
“Of course,” Mark said.
“Good, and two things doctor… don’t give this away. I don’t want Captain Silva or anyone else knowing for the moment what we know about Dr. Andretti. Also, please don’t lose sight of the questions we decided we needed answers to.”
Mark stood there for a moment and then switched his gaze to Toni; perhaps looking for something to say.
Toni spoke first, “It’s ok Mark. The major needs to compare our stories before filling everyone in. Go interview the Captain.”
Nodding to himself Mark turned and left the cabin.
“So Dr. Andretti, how long have you been on Earth?” Major Reagan asked.
“Major, especially under the circumstances why don’t you just call me Toni?”
“Very well, how long Toni?”
“I’m one of the originals that came in 1749. Most of us are.”
“And Captain Silva?”
“Yes, him too.”
“Why are you on Earth Toni?”
“Captain Silva told you why we came and what amazed us about your people Major but I suspect you mean why did we stay? And that’s a little bit harder to answer.
“Speaking for myself,” Toni continued. “I fell in love with Earthers in general and then I fell in love with an Earther in particular. I pay the price for my sentimentality you know. I’ve outlived three husbands in my time here. It’s hard to watch someone you love waste away with age while you remain healthy.”
“What’s different about us Toni? I know what Silva said about shorter lifespans causing us to be frantic but on a personal level what distinguishes us?”
“What Captain Silva said is very true Major,” said Toni. “There is an energy about your people that vibrates. You don’t take anything for granted and you don’t sit still. Don’t underestimate how unique or potentially valuable that can be but I know you’re looking for more than that.
“The best I can do is to share some of our theories with you; speculations really. We think that because your gene stock comes from Homo erectus that perhaps you have a little more of the ‘wild animal’ in your DNA. I know that doesn’t sound very scientific but there is no denying that Homo sapiens are more aggressive by nature than any hominoid group in the galaxy. Your women can be fiercely protective of their children and jealous of their man. Your men on the other hand reek of competitiveness. Even your physical frame is larger and much more muscular than other males across the galaxy. The competitive nature, the built-in aggressiveness, the animal physicality… to say that we were fascinated when we discovered you is the understatement of the century.”
“I’m a little confused,” said Major Reagan. “Captain Silva is a small man in stature but he doesn’t lack in physicality.”
Toni laughed. “Major do you know how hard he worked and how long it took him even with our most advanced nano supplementation to get even half the muscle mass he carries now? We had to resort to hormonal treatments and other pharmacological aids to get him where he is—and he’s barely fit enough to sit a desk in your Army.”
“Sit a desk? What does he do?”
“I really should let him tell you this Major but you’ll find out soon enough that he’s an analyst for Army Counterintelligence. As a matter of fact, it’s his CI experience that is responsible for letting us infiltrate the Noridian Dynasty in the first place. Galactic culture doesn’t have a lot of experience with what you call ‘cloak and dagger’ but you Earthers have perfected it.”