62

Irregular Orbit

The doctors had been extremely careful, but there were signs that the government was getting closer. Dr. Lamia and Dr. Oga stared at the model made of chewing gum, straws, and bottle caps. "This is ridiculous." Lamia yawned and stretched, "I'm inclined to agree with you, but we can't give up."

When they do capture us, how do we know that things will go according to plan?"

"We don't."

Dr. Lamia's matter-of-factness was both reassuring and annoying. Furuichi had confided in Oga that unless they were able to sever the teleport in the old research room, the foreign planet would move to destroy Earth and all its inhabitants. Oga ran a hand through his greasy hair and sighed out of his nose. What good can two fugitive scientists do?

Lamia wasn't all that hopeful that their plan would work, but it would have to do. Her mother always told her to face her fears head on, and this plan was going to do just that. "If they are really all that close to finding us, the plan will set into motion in about two days. We should just rest up for now."

Oga fought the urge to argue. Lamia was right. No matter how scary this plan was, it was their only shot. Oga shuffled his way back to his room and gazed at the sleeping pills. He should stop taking these. He might get addicted. Dr. Oga tousled his hair before letting his hands slap his thighs. Tonight might be the last night anyway.

Furuichi didn't speak all at once when they met back in their little jungle. Instead, he gathered the human in his arms. "I know you're worried about your planet, but don't fret. Our planet is standing down."

"That's great! That means we're not going to die!"

When Furuichi's mood hadn't lifted, Oga tried to push off greedy arms. Both annoyed at not having enough strength and the sinking feeling that bad news was coming, Oga's words seeped exasperation.

"Isn't that a good thing? My planet wouldn't die and yours wouldn't have to waste precious resources."

"Oga…" Furuichi's arms held the doctor tighter.

"We wouldn't be able to communicate anymore. Our dimensions wouldn't be aligned for at least six eons."

"I...I don't understand."

"Teleports work like...radio's on your planet. You don't like the music, you change the channel. Our specific channel won't align together for at least six eons. Oga," Furuichi cupped Oga's face in tender hands though Oga could still feel the tension running through their fingertips, "won't you please reconsider? You're my mate, and I can care for you. Now that we have learned to communicate...Oga wait!"

Oga managed to wrestle free of Furuchi's grip. "This decision is too sudden! I-I don't know…"
"Oga please! At least consider coming back to live on my planet." Furuichi could sense the heavy resistance toward coming back to live together, and though Furuichi could sympathize, he was also desperate. If the alien couldn't think of something fast, Furuichi may as well kiss his mate good bye forever. "You could bring the other doctor. The woman with natural hair."

When Oga couldn't understand who Furuichi was talking about, oga turned around to ask, "Who's 'the woman with natural hair'?"

"Isn't she the one that has been hiding with you?"

"Dr. Lamia?"

Oga fell into a small fit of laughter, but Furuichi could sense some of the reservation pass. Neither of them could wait any longer to talk this out or come to a proper solution, but Furuichi hoped to Neiikagra that Oga would choose to stay together.