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Chapter 1
Time seemed to slow to an agonising pace, as Lem stood half-turned, hand still reaching for the door handle. His heart was racing and his mouth was dry, though he couldn't imagine why he was reacting this way. After what seemed to be an age the spaceship's door finially opened all the way, and the crowd of green aliens stared with bated breath.
"Yip yip!" A little xenomorph came bounding out the open door, it's tail wagging happily. It was alone.
Had Chuck simply come to return the xeno? Would the ship take off again, it's mission completed? Lem was completely frozen, almost as if moving would break the moment and the ship would disappear.
And then, suddenly, it was like something snapped and time came rushing back to him in one sudden wave. Chuck stepped through the ship's door, trademark cocky grin on his face, and gave the crowd a half-wave.
"Hey," He started smoothly, "So it looks like I'll be sticking around for a little bit longer. Anyone got a spare couch?"
Though he was outwardly easy-going, Lem could see Chuck was desperately searching the crowd. Their eye's locked and he gave the tall alien a weak smile.
"Lem! Buddy!" Chuck started working his way through the crowd towards his friend, "How do you feel about putting up with me for a while?"
"Oh, um, yeah. I'll have to check with my parents but I'm sure it'll be okay."
"Great!" Chuck threw an arm casually over his friend's shoulder, not noticing how it caused Lem to tense up, and steered him towards the house.
It wasn't fair. For years I'd lived on the same street as Lem, and for years I'd adored him. It was bad enough having to compete with that vaccuous bitch, Neera, but now this giant ugly alien was closer to Lem than I'd ever been, after knowing him for only a few days. Why was Lem so blind that he couldn't see that these people, if one would call the alien a person, didn't deserve him. They could never love Lem as much as I did. No one could.
"Why did you come back?" Lem asked hesitantly, hoping for something but not really sure what that something was.
"Well, I was almost at the command module when I realised what an amazing opportunity this is. I mean, I discovered a planet full of intelligent life! This is the sort of thing that makes a man's career you know. There's so much to learn here, and they'll probably send another ship out anyway so it won't be forever. I transmitted a message to the module, so they'd know what happened."
Lem deflated slightly, almost imperceptibly so Chuck didn't pick up on it. Whatever it was he wanted to hear, that the astronaut stayed for his career certainly wasn't it.
"I was really hoping you'd be able to help me," Chuck continued, unaware of his friend's disappointment, "I have so many questions about your species, and this planet."
Realising that he was being ridiculous – his friend had returned, so why was he sad – Lem shook his head and offered Chuck a bright smile.
"Of course I'll help you Chuck. I'm so happy you decided to stay, and I'm sure the others are too."
"Hey why don't you grab them and you can all give me the grand tour, without being chased by the military this time. Preferably starting at someplace we can grab a bite to eat." He chuckled as his stomach let out a loud grumble, "First thing you can help me with is working out what is safe for me to eat here."
Lem grinned at his friend and without thinking he gently grabbed his hand and lead him back towards the front door. By the time he realised what he'd done, Chuck's fingers had closed around his, making withdrawal impossible.
Of course he couldn't tell Lem his real reason for staying, and the explanation he offered was true enough anyway. It was exactly the same thing he'd sent back to Kennedy. The fact that his primary motivation was being near Lem, (and to a lesser extent, Neera, Skiff, and Eckle), was something he intended to keep quite to himself. Although it was hard when Lem grabbed his hand and pulled him towards the door. The locals here were a very open and friendly bunch, aggressive military aside, and he'd have to get used to the cultural differences. That was surely what the hand-holding was after all. He wasn't going to believe that Lem felt the same way that he did, even though he wasn't entirely sure what it was he felt to begin with.
The crowd was still outside the house, though somewhat smaller as the miltary was trying to get people to move along.
"Chuck!" A small voice cried out excitedly, the only warning before a tiny body crashed into his legs, "You decided to stay!"
Eckle was still gripping one of Chuck's headshots and stared up at him with wide, sparkling eyes. It warmed Chuck's heart to see how much the kid looked up to him.
"Yeah kid," He ruffled Eckles hair, "I couldn't leave my number one fan now could I."
Neera and Skiff made their way over, less energetic than Eckle but enthused to see the astronaut nonetheless. Only Neera picked up on Lem and Chuck's linked hands; they had let go so quickly that no one else had the chance to notice. She and Lem exchanged a glance, knowing that they needed to have a long, private talk soon. Neera was not nearly as oblivious as Lem, and knew exactly what was going on. Chuck's return was going to change things for everyone.
General Grawl and his men had started telling people to leave almost as soon as the alien and Lem went inside. Luckily I have a perfect view of Lem's house from my bedroom window. I know this because I'd watched him from there many times over the years. Using my binoculars I could see everything.
They were only inside for a short while before heading out again. Rage built up when I saw the stupid alien holding my Lem's hand. How dare he. To my relief he let go when Eckle, Neera, and Skiff approached. After a brief exchange the five of them headed off down the street.
This was ridiculous. He was finally losing interest in Neera, but before I'd even have a chance to do anything about it this alien was going to swoop in and ruin everything.
