...

Chapter 14
Nancy
Fear of Humans

Nancy swallows one of the pills that she was given for the pain in her shoulder by the doctor today. After a few minutes she smiles, she must say this one was much quicker in easing the pain and does not make her feel weird. Checking her schedule she finds nothing that indicates she can't take some time for herself. While she is deciding if she should go for a cup of chaffee or a quick nap suddenly both Martin and Jack come through the door and Jack points to his office.

Following Martin inside the room she can see that he looks miserable. They take their places at Jack's desk and can hear Jack talking to one of the assistants that no one was scheduled, but to let him know if there is an emergency. He then walks inside and goes to his desk and sits down.

"He had another little visit with that human today." Jack says as he looks first to her and then to Martin.

"His name is Mike Donovan, Jack." Martin says with a frown. Nancy now understands why Martin did not look happy, he knows that they are not so certain about this human he has become involved with.

"Just tell us what they want now," Jack snarls back to Martin. "There is something always."

"You of all people should understand how important it is to have these people on our side and to work together." Martin says with a sigh and for moment places a hand to his brow as though fighting an urge to become angry with Jack.

Nancy sits quietly waiting for one of the men to speak, but neither do. Her ears suddenly perk as she hears a noise outside. "Excuse me I will be right back." The individual that has come into the waiting room needs a small touch-up and she checks to see if an assistant is free. After a few minutes the crew member is taken to a room for the small touch-up. Taking a breath she tells herself that this discussion about the human Mike had to happen it could not be put off. To her and Jack it feels like the human is using Martin, but what can they say as they are not interacting with the man. Nancy simply goes back to join Martin and Jack and hopes for the best.

". . .Jack, it was such a beautiful site. I looked off into the ocean from this cliff. I am so envious of the humans world. I have seen visuals and artwork as to what our world was once like and I believe it was like being on our world sixty years ago. To think it was so. . ." Martin turns to her as she sits next to him. "I was just telling Jack about just standing and watching the ocean. It was so peaceful, if only I could have stayed longer."

Jack who had seemed quite interested in the story Martin had been telling him about the ocean now seems to be almost glaring at him. "Glad you enjoyed the view. Now what did they want? I know that they always want something and they always will."

"Be kind Jack, we invaded their world not the other way around." Martin states with a calm voice.

Nancy understands one thing the humans want more and more each time they see Martin. The one called Mike is using the growing friendship to his advantage and putting their movement at risk each time he meets with the human. Well, she is with Jack on this one, the humans want what they want and don't seem to care that they are putting Martin's life at risk.

"Please, Martin. You started to make a comment about the hospital when Nancy had to leave. Please, continue." Jack says quietly.

It takes a few moments, but Martin nods his head towards her and continues. "It's funny I have to admit I did go there nervous about what he wanted this time. It seemed like a combat of sorts, I swear. We both had our hands on our hips staring hard at each other. Finally, he said he needed our help at the hospital."

"No!" The word came flying out of her mouth. Nancy sits stiffly and embarrassed as both Jack and Martin stare at her. Taking a breath she knows they are now waiting for her to say something. "He sent that news person Kristine to section thirty-four. Do you have any idea how that could have gotten you into trouble. No, wait, that is all of the Fifth Column in trouble. We're lucky we all aren't in custody right now. Monitoring equipment setup everywhere and growing. Now I am hearing about drones being used to monitor conversations. Even more scary is that the Youth Corp is being brought into Security. Those may be young people, but they are so, so, so devoted to the Great One. You can't go anywhere these days without them talking to others their age about devotion and unity to the cause. I mean, young troopers and crew are talking about how the Great One is everything."

"I know, " Martin looks unhappy and frowns. "It was slow in the beginning, but you can't go anywhere without them talking about their devotion. So many of them, I feel like it is a new monitoring device, only its a breathing monitoring device."

"I used to feel badly for the Youth Corp because of all the forced training they have gone through since young children. Then the bonding was increased and they crossed the line. No, one should trust anyone twenty-one and under and maybe even a little older." Jack says shaking his head at what he has said. "Anyway, what do they want to do?" Frowning, "Humans want?"

"As for Donovan, I told him sending Kristine to that section of the ship was foolhardy." Martin takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly. "Their going to expose John on their television system, which means our true selves. We will finally make that mark against the Regime. They need one of us on the ship to keep ranking officers from shutting off their transmission."

Jack gives Martin an inquiring look, "How is that supposed to happen? Steven will stop it long before this transmission goes out and in fact they will never even get inside. I have heard a couple of security officers talking about the passes and they can't be duplicated."

There is a long pause as Martin seems to be trying to figure out what to say and sternly speaks, "He says they counterfeited the passes. Before you say they can't, I believe they can. I also, reminded him that there was no way they would have a chance against the troopers."

"What. . ." Nancy starts and simply stops speaking, she can see that Martin is going to do whatever this Donovan person wants. Even if what the human wants puts everything that they have done in jeopardy.

"Nancy, I understand." Martin has turned to her, "Please don't worry. He has everything prepared and thought out as to what they need to do."

Jack is rubbing his forehead and the glint of anger is becoming more evident. "This scheme of theirs is not just rash, it isn't going to give them what they think. For this to work they want something from you. No, that would be all of us in the Fifth Column." Looking down for a moment he slowly looks back up again, "Humans will also see us totally as monsters, it won't matter if you want to be here or not. It won't matter that you may have children dying at home, friends starving as our world dies. It simply won't matter, we will be seen as green slimy monsters after this escapade at the hospital."

"He admitted that it may not be a great idea, but that they need to get their fellow humans to know what is truly happening." Martin looks first to Nancy and then to Jack, but neither look very happy. Giving them a pleading look he says, "Humans need to know who we really are. This will help them to learn that the universe is not going to look like them, maybe it is time for them to take that first step."

"You don't look to convinced yourself that this is good. This may actually benefit the Regime as it will cause unrest with the humans, which will turn against our staff on Earth. Maybe total violence will explode towards our people so rapidly that no one will will be able to stop it or even slow it down. This will then unite those who have become uneasy with the Regime on our ships." Nancy shrugs, "I can't help this feeling as something is wrong with this."

Martin looks up at the ceiling for a moment and back to them as he speaks quietly. "I know there can be repercussions for us, but they need us to do this for them."

Jack seem to be snarling as he says, "Let me guess. He begged you. Oh, please Martin; please. Look the more I hear about this the more I am beginning to fear humans."

"There is nothing to fear from humans. I did agree that we will somehow keep their transmission from being halted." Martin appears to become nervous, "They. Ah, they. . .may need one more thing from use."

"Of course they do!" Jack says with an intense look.

"I know they always want more and more from us." Martin says.

Nancy shakes her head, "If I was the human. Well, I guess. . .I would too. The problem is, they are putting our movement at risk and don't care."

Suddenly, Jack hits his desk. "They need us to run interference for them."

Martin sighs, he has a look of someone who is growing tired of the conversation, but knows he must gain support from them. "I am going to work with Joseph and we have already discussed what may be needed to keep the transmission continuing so that the humans will be able to see it. As for getting them out of there, Donovan says he has a plan and I shouldn't worry and not give myself an ulcer. I have no idea what an ulcer is. We just need to be aware of the situation for now and if something happens be there for them. This is good for us as well as we don't want them caught."

Jack looks sad as he speaks. "If you add up the Fifth Columnists on all fifty ships we have over a hundred and fifty, more than we thought we would have. Now it sounds to me like putting their lives in danger is of no consequence to this Donovan person. All of those individuals lives don't matter just as long as the humans get what they want. Again our lives don't matter, only human lives matter."

There is an awkward silence and then Martin gives Jack a pleading stare. "Our lives do matter to him. I am sure they do. He knows that we are still people."

"But you don't know that for sure. You are just saying this and hoping it is so." Jack says as he glares at Martin. "Lets say only one Fifth Columnist member is killed or arrested because of assisting these humans, we may see our movement stop growing. Putting our lives last in order to put the human life first will cause many to question what we are doing. Correct me if I am wrong. It also, doesn't sound like he gave you his supposed plan of escape."

"No, he didn't, but he cares," Martin says quietly. "He will not put our lives last and you will see that all will go well. When we first started this network to make a mark against the Regime, I thought it was to help the humans as well."

"Will, will, will, will." Jack snarls as he stands. "Let me know when, will happens. Yes, what we do is to help the humans, but most importantly it is to make a mark that causes a downward spiral of the Regime."

"Are you angry?" Martin looks up at Jack giving him a concerned look. "They understand that we must be careful. Things like this, Donovan knows can harm us, he will do nothing to damage our network."

Jack gives Martin a curious look. "No, they don't care Martin. It is their resistance mission that they care about. What we are doing will help them, but they will hinder ours to do what they want." Jack taps his head a few times as he says, "Think Martin. Think. This is about them and only them." Then he sighs, "That being said. I will support you no matter what I think the outcome will be in the end." Smiling he continues, "We have and always will be there for you. I promise from the beginning to the end, it matters not if we die trying. Just that we try."

"Thank you Jack," Martin says as he stares into his friends eyes. "I promise, I will not allow anything to happen to what we are doing. We will bring the Regime down or at the least make a mark that will speak to everyone."

For a moment Jack seems to be considering what Martin has said and then he walks over and places a hand on Martin's shoulder for a moment. With a smile Jack says, "You're a good man. You and Nancy stay and talk for a while. I have an appointment to begin a complete redo on a ranking officer and I need to prepare the room." Jack walks towards the door and turns staring at them for a moment. "I meant what I said. I do support you and if this is what must be done, then I will be there for you no matter the outcome." Then he is gone leaving Martin and Nancy alone in his office.

"Oooh, goody." Nancy slaps her hands together and with goofy tone says, "Just adorable."

Martin turns to her and shakes his head before he speaks. "Excuse me did I do something wrong? I know you may not understand, but you haven't said what I thought you would to dissuade me. Yet, I can tell you are not happy."

"Eeek!" Nancy again sneers at him. "Golly, gee whiz. Poor little human being."

"No!" Martin exclaims a bit of anger in his voice. "What is wrong with you? This isn't you."

"You do understand that human is not a true friend."

"We are becoming friends, you shouldn't be afraid of the humans. Maybe we won't be close friends, but we can help each other as time goes by. Truly he has no wish to betray me."

Nancy is not sure what to say to Martin, but she needs to say something. Since the day that Martin told them that he wanted to leave with Donovan and the human girl that Diana had been holding, she has been concerned. Martin said Donovan had told him no, that he should not run away, but to stay and continue his own resistance. What did this mean really. What it said to her in the beginning was that Donovan supported Martin's cause, but it also said that Martin was a coward. Regrettably she now has concerns about Martin leading their cause. Fear had overcome him and he was ready to run and leave them behind. It showed a weakness in Martin to the human and it gave this Donovan a hold on her friend. This hold he has been playing time and time again on Martin. Finally she just spits out, "He's using you. He doesn't care about you or our cause, it is only about the human resistance."

There is almost a look of shock on Martin's face, "He is not using me and he knows that our network is going to help their resistance. I have already gone over this with you."

A feeling of guilt comes to Nancy, but she still fears for her friend and decides to continue. "You are just one of the people that came to his world on fifty ships, and have begun to take over all of Earth. However, he now knows how much you want to correct what is happening and so he sees nothing wrong in using you in order to get what he needs. This no matter what could happen to you. I don't think he sees your life as the same worth as another human. You are an alien, one he sees as a monster and not the gentle and giving man that you are."

"No, you are wrong." Martin is sitting stiffly in his chair. "He knows that we are not the same. Although, he does seem to think that we are lizards. Even so he is fair in his judgment of us and understands what we are doing here."

"Whatever you do, do not tell them anything about us. Remember it may not be him, but anything they get they will use against us. There are the Downstairs children, they are completely innocent and the one he gives any information to may not care. They will just want us dead."

"I will never give away information on us, no matter how important it may seem at the time. We could be the best of friends, again I swear, I will never tell or give them any information willingly on our people."

Nancy shifts uncomfortably in her chair as she feels he is still not accepting what she is saying. "Sure maybe you will become friends," Shrugging as she feels he refuses to understand. "Maybe the best of friends, but when danger happens and and he must make the choice on who to save is it you or a human who is a total stranger. Well, it will be that human he will place first and not you. You will be the lizard monster as that shadow of doubt about you will always be there with him." All she can do now is take a deep breath as she awaits his reaction.

"You are wrong, friendship is not what species you are. It is an emotional bonding." Martin says flatly.

Shrugging once again she decides his reaction could have been worse. However, she wants to make sure that this man whom she considers to be a good man understands what his budding friendship with the human really is about. "On our world we have had to get along with four different types of people. We may look quite similar, but we are different. There are those physical differences; we are different in what we eat and how we eat, our binal organ, the inability to mate with one another and other things as well."

Martin clears his throat, "I understand that we are different and I also know that the Whipelli can breed with only Whipelli as the Ibrea with Ibrea. In fact, it is rare for there to be a child between Depol and Dahax now. We are different, but so are humans. They have different color of their skin and their different religions can be difficult for them, but when faced with a disaster it is something they know must not stand in the way of a difficult challenge."

Nancy glances at her hands for a moment, she has no idea how to get him to understand that the humans will never accept them for who they are. "Yes, but it is simply one main difference, their skin color and they still can't get along. Of course, there is a difference of religion as you pointed out, so maybe that is something to be considered as well. However, it takes a complete disaster for them to work together from what you are saying."

"Yes, exactly sometimes you need that challenge to sweep the differences away." Martin says with an vague smile.

"We are here on their world and with what is happening we should be that challenge that has them working together. Instead, they still fight each other." Nancy holds up a hand to express what she is saying. "Think about it, you are so different in their eyes, they will never accept your true self. You will always be different to them. You Martin are the challenge and it doesn't matter if you support the Regime or not."

"No, you are wrong. Given time they will learn."

Nancy shakes her head, "No. No, they won't. So please be careful around them. There is a reason that ranking officers do not want human scientists to know about our people. They will use everything and anything against us. Always remember never tell them about your friends, your personal history. Don't give information that you don't need to give. Try to hide things, as they will use everything against us. Maybe not your friend in the making, but others that he will give the info to. Always stay quiet as you never know what would be the wrong thing to give them. Promise me."

Martin reaches out and takes her hand gently, "I promise. They will never know everything about us. I would never tell them that there are four different people on our world. I will never tell them about the history of our world, wars, plagues and technology we have or will be developing that they could use against us. I will help them though and eventually they will help us. Then we will strike out against the Regime and make that mark so the Leader can no longer subjugate our people at home." He gives her a large smile and a wink, "Could be one day you will find your best friend is a human."

"That would be fun, but my dearest friends are you and Jack." Nancy gives his hand a squeeze. "I am just worried, something about your interactions with that human bother me. I can't put my finger on what is bothering me about all of this." Looking down for a moment, worry comes to her that she may have damaged their friendship. "We're still friends?"

"Goes without saying. You said all of this because you're my friend and you worry about my safety and the safety of those in the Fifth. This is not an easy road." Martin gives her a warm smile. "I promise you, you don't have to fear the humans. They are just like us. I mean this, they are just like us."

"Now, I think I am even more scared of them. Just like us," Nancy says as she laughs.

"That is correct and I meant the good things about us." He stands and holds a hand out to her and he pulls her up from the chair. "I gotta go, Brighton from the Seattle ship is here and is going to be doing some training. He's a Youth Leader and has been elected to take charge of a ship if all ranking officers were to suddenly disappear. We know the real reason, as they are being left when the older crew and officers leave." He smiles once again. "I do appreciate your friendship."

"Thank you for putting up with me." Nancy sighs, "I got to go as well as my break is over. Time to fix pretend skin and chastise people on how they care for their pseudo-skin."

Martin places his hand on her shoulder and she pushes it aside and gives him a brief hug before they walk out the door together.