T’ZAK
Maria’s eyes are so sad that it gives me physical pain to look into them. I hope the secret I am about to share will help her.
“Now the test is over, I can tell you why you were chosen.” I reach into the protected pocket of my pants and pull out the letter.
She looks confused as I place it on the counter between us.
“Your mother fell in love with an alien who, unlike me, passed the test and went back to live on Hedian. Except he could not forget her and a year ago, he came back to visit her again. They were intercepted on his ship and both of them were taken back to Hedian. Your mother wrote you a letter which the authorities confiscated. This is the letter.” I tap the note lying on the table.
Maria grabs the note and reads it.
“My dad was an alien? My Mom thought she’d only be away for one night and instead she’s been on Hedian for a year?”
I nod. “I’m sorry, I couldn’t tell you until my test was complete. You were chosen because you are half-Hedian, half-human. Your senses are more acute than normal humans, but they are dulled by such a long time on earth.”
She shakes her head. “Is my Mom okay?”
“She is in good health and well taken care of. In fact, her and your father are living together in the Garnat’ler meadows until the outcome of the investigation concludes. It takes a long time. I know you must have been worried.” I reach my hand over.
“This is all too much. I can’t think straight. When will I see her again?” Her voice is quiet.
“It should be this week. Do not worry. She is safe.”
“And you?” Her voice is pleading.
“I will go now.” I bend down and kiss her, feeling the soft swell of her body against my own.
“I don’t want you to see me cry, T’zak.” She angles her head away to look out the window.
I nod. “Goodbye, my love.”
I am barely conscious of my journey to The Crux. I am heading to my execution and yet all I feel is the separation from Maria. At least she knows her mother is safe and well, and soon they will be reunited.
Biek looks up at me when I walk in. His face is serious. The manner of my death is a mystery, closely guarded by Hedians, so I do not know what to expect. And now, separated from Maria, I find I do not even care.
I walk over to him. “Biek, I am ready.”
“Sit down.” He gestures to the stool by the bartop.
I sit. The bar looks strange by day, the overhead lights on and the windows open to let in fresh air.
“You told Maria about her mother and father?” Biek polishes glasses at an unnatural speed, since it is only he and I here.
“Yes. I am glad she knows now.” My heart has a heavy sensation around it, knowing I will never see her beautiful face again.
“T’zak, you’ve kept the secret well. It is my turn to tell you a secret. The test you underwent is not what you think it is.”
I search his face as he lifts one eyebrow imitating a human display of amusement. Why is he toying with me?
He sets the glasses on a high shelf. “You have passed the test. You displayed a desire to protect your human that made our Council proud. In fact, you have fallen in love with her, am I right?”
I nod. “What is the test, then?”
“Those of us that love and protect the human race stay on earth as helpers, lovers, adjudicators - there are many roles. The Hedians who pass or fail the test, but show no empathy or love for humans, return to our planet. All are told they passed the test. It is a secret known to few.” He smiles.
“But what about Maria’s father? He went back to Hedian?” I stare at Biek.
“Yes, an adjudicator who was in love with him sent him back. She contrived a situation where he was not allowed back for twenty-one years. As soon as he could come back, he did. Now the Council are reviewing what happened, which is why he and Maria’s mother are detained on Hedian.” He shakes his head. “Our technology is advanced but our politics leave a lot to be desired.”
My mind is spinning. A minute ago I thought I would die and now I can be with Maria. I have to find her and tell her straight away.