Matt felt he'd just stepped over a cliff and taken a dive into something he couldn't come back from. Volunteering to work at an alien palace...But what else was he going to do with his life?

Plus, he wanted her as his wife.

Quana hugged him. "That's great!"

His anxiety intensified. "I...I thought I'd...just see...my family and go back at the end of the week."

"So what do you want to do first?"

He gulped and looked away. His plans involved the jewelry store, but he couldn't tell her. He fell silent as he contemplated the expenditure. He didn't have that much in the bank.

"Matt?"

"Sorry," he stammered, his face turning red. "Let's go see Keith."

His stomach felt sick just thinking about his friend. They'd been like brothers, but recently he'd done nothing but lie to him.

Matt felt no better when he reached the top of the ladder, watching Dista laugh and point at squirrels and birds in the hot sunshine. The heat felt like the weight of hell bearing down on him.

"Dista," Quana scolded. "Don't do that!"

"But—"

"It's socially inappropriate for—"

"Do those really taste good?" Matt asked.

Quana shrugged. "They're okay. You want one?"

Matt laughed. "No."

"What is this thing, geigy?"

"It's an automobile. They're land vehicles like a Hegfoz."

"You told me you demolished a vehicle such as this." Dista stared through the window. "Must we use this antique? It doesn't look safe."

Quana shrugged. "It is the most efficient and inconspicuous method of transport in this society. For safety it has primitive protective devices like harnesses and collision activated balloons."

Dista tapped the roof. "This protective covering seems flimsy."

"The vehicle is designed for the conservation of fuel. Careful adherence to transit laws will prevent damage."

"I see! How rustic!"

Matt opened a door, and Dista nervously stepped up to the frame, staring in. "How quaint! It's like the Ibgaplax of Ladnar the third!"

"Please," said Quana. "Seat yourself."

Dista cautiously eased into the back seat and Quana showed her how to use the seatbelt. "Will you be well back here, or should I sit with you?"

"Yok," said Dista. "I think your male companion would prefer if you sat next to him. I should be fine, geigy. Thank you."

The princess belted herself in the passenger seat and they took off down the road, the rider in the back seat making giddy noises of excitement and gleeful comments at every little thing they passed, frequently breaking into fits of hysterical giggles as she pointed at houses, billboards and construction equipment.

About forty minutes later, they arrived at Number 210.

Having not checked the mail in several days, Matt found the little aluminum box crammed to the brim with junk mail and other things. In fact, they'd included slips to pick more up at the post office, due to the excess. Amid the mess, he spotted bills and a white security envelope containing his last paycheck and a separation notice. He sighed.

"What's that?" Dista asked.

"Mostly junk."

Quana explained the old fashioned practice of bulk mail, bills and paychecks to her.

Matt led them upstairs, to the living room of his apartment.

"Well look who's here!" Matt's roommate shouted, jumping up from his chair. "And you've brought friends!"

Dista smiled at Keith as he shook her hand, but said nothing.

"I am honored to make your acquaintance," said Quana. "Matt has told me so much about you. You are a man of great faith."

Keith grinned. "Aw, gee...I admit I am pretty active in my church, but I'm not that great."

"Such humility!" Dista cried. "It is no wonder that Ponai blessed you to bring Matt to Jesus!"

"Ponai?"

"I meant God. Sorry."

Keith stared. "What's with the winter apparel? Have you been skiing or something?"

Quana gave Matt a nervous glance. "Um, yeah."

He laughed. "That's awesome! Next time you should get him to try sky diving! I can never get him to do stuff like that!" He grinned at Matt. "So how was Galveston? Did you have fun down there? Sheesh, you spent more than a month down there. You must have had some kind of fun, right?"

Matt took a deep breath, mentally fumbling for the right words.

"I guess you were working a lot, weren't you? What did they have you doing? Building houses?"

"Uh, Keith?" Matt stammered. "I need to level with you. I didn't go to Galveston."

"That's right...It was...Cape Canaveral, wasn't it?"

"Keith. Listen." Matt sighed. "I lied about the whole thing."

Keith gave a fake laugh. "Buddy! What's the deal? I thought we were supposed to be friends! You know me, you can tell me anything! Why did you lie?"

Matt opened his mouth.

"It's your grades, isn't it? You're flunking out. That's it, isn't it. Of course, that still doesn't explain where you were for a whole month." He gasped. "No...You made a girl pregnant. It's her, isn't it?"

Matt's face turned a shade of pink. "No! Listen!" He took a deep breath. "I had to make up a story because I knew you'd never believe the truth."

Keith looked a little red himself, but with anger. "C'mon, man, of course I'd believe you! You don't have to lie! That hurts! We've been through so much together. I took you in! I believed you about the abuse even when everyone else called you a liar! And you think I wouldn't believe you now? What kind of scum do you take me for?"

"I'm sorry, Keith. This is one instance where nobody in their right mind will believe me."

"Wow. What happened? You have a vision or something?"

Matt sighed and shook his head. "Keith. Please. Be quiet and let me explain."

His friend clammed up for a moment, staring at him with a pained expression.

"Keith. I just spent the last couple weeks on an alien planet."

"I knew you were yanking my chain!" Keith laughed, slapping him on the back. "You really had me going there for a minute." He chuckled, then stopped when nobody laughed with him. "This some kind of practical joke?"

Both Matt and Quana shook their heads slowly.

"Keith. They're space aliens."

"This isn't funny, Matt."

"I know. This isn't a joke."

Keith frowned. "You should stop hanging around these guys. They're really leading you astray."

"They're both Christians, Keith. How could they be leading me astray?"

"Not every person that calls himself a Christian is following scriptural truth. These guys, I mean, girls, whatever...it almost sounds like that cult they had in California with the shrouds and Nike shoes."

"It's not like that at all, Keith. My friends call Jesus the Son of God and Lord. They might even go to church with us sometime. But they came from outer space."

"Christian space aliens?"

Matt shrugged. "That's what they are."

Keith looked disgusted. "I had no idea you had such a sick sense of humor."

"It's like I said before. Not a joke. I'm telling you the truth."

"If you're really serious about this, you need psychological help." He scowled at the females. "You all do."

"I know it sounds crazy, but you've got to believe me. I was actually on another planet preaching to space aliens."

Keith shook his head. "You're talking about baptizing Klingons. How irreverent can you be? You're really starting to scare me."

"He's telling the truth." Quana rolled up her sleeves, showing Keith her gray fur.

Keith gawked at her. "Wow. You've got hairy arms."

Dista pulled down her collar.

"And necks. How can you stand to wear fur on a day like this?"

Quana rolled her eyes. "So this is where you get it from!"

"It's real, Keith. Check it."

Keith examined her arm closely, then tugged on a clump of fur.

"Ouch!"

"Damn! That coat is stuck on there good!"

The princess gave Matt a frown. "Now can you see why I had to lie so much?"

"Keith, I've got to tell you something."

"What now? You're gay?"

Matt shook his head. "No!"

"You...joined a cult."

"I already told you—!" Matt sighed. "Never mind."

He removed his shirt and scarf, showing off his tan and brown fur.

Keith's jaw dropped in surprise. "You glued a fur coat to your skin too?"

"No..."

"What is it, a hormone problem? Some kind of weird surgical procedure?"

Matt sighed.

"What would you call this?" Quana stuck out her tongue, splitting it in four.

"Good heavens!" Keith shouted. "What happened to your tongue?"

"Nothing. That's the way...God made me."

Keith visibly shuddered. "I think you should have some...surgery to fix that problem!"

"No need for that," Quana folded her tongue back to a human shape and stuck it out.

"That's sick!" Keith cried, rubbing his eyes. "That's so...nasty!"

"We also have tails." Quana gave Matt a nod.

Matt pulled out his tail, waving it at his roommate.

After silently gawked for a few minutes, Keith at last said, "That's clever. You got all the wires and attachments down where I don't want to look. How much did that thing cost? It looks expensive like those gadgets they sell at party shops around Halloween."

Matt sighed and rolled his eyes. "Fine. I'll show you the whole thing."

"Please don't."

Matt took a pair of scissors into the bathroom and cut a hole in his pants, walking out with his tail doing stretches behind him. He grabbed a brush with it, waving it at his friend.

"This can't be real," Keith stammered. "There's just no way. Where did you buy movie props like this?"

"For the last time, it's not a prop! It's part of my body! Want to touch it and see?"

Keith grimaced. "This is so wrong..." He grabbed the tail, poking and pinching the scaly epidermis, bending it back and forth.

Matt patiently endured the torture until his friend dragged him across the room, yanking hard enough to cause pain. That made him holler for him to stop.

"What the hell! Did you get this thing surgically attached?"

Quana giggled.

Keith rubbed his face. "It's some space age harness with pain stimulators, isn't it?"

"Do you really think I can afford something like that?"

"No, but your new friends might!"

"I'm not going to strip naked just to prove I'm telling the truth."

"Good, because I don't want to see all that."

Matt sighed.

"We'll have to show him the ship," Quana said.

Matt reluctantly agreed.

"You built a spaceship movie set?"

"Keith, could you come with us on a little trip?"

"Is it worth missing the game for?"

"I think so."

The princess rolled her eyes. "My ship can display television programs."

"Sure. Why not? I got nothing better to do. Just don't keep me out too late. Unlike some people I know, I got class tomorrow."

Lacking any spare pants at the apartment, and not wanting to borrow Keith's, Matt draped a blanket around himself to hide his tail, leading everyone to his car.

"What's this ship you're trying to show me?" Keith asked. "You're talking about a UFO, aren't you?"

"Guep."

"What?"

"Sorry. Yes."

"This I gotta see."

Matt let his passengers in.

After buckling up, slamming the car door shut, Matt realized he'd left something important outside. He screamed.

"Matt! What's wrong!" someone shouted, but Matt was in too much agony to respond. He had no idea that a foreign part of his body could be so sensitive.

Howling in pain, Matt frantically fumbled with the door latch, screaming for someone to help him. Keith just stared, not doing anything but asking him if the door was locked.

In too much pain to comprehend, Matt just cussed and yelled until Keith unlocked the door and threw it open.

Matt snatched his tail away from the jamb, inspecting the damage. No bleeding, no swelling. It just throbbed, looking quite red. "Damn. It's still there." But part of him wanted to keep it.

"Ow," he moaned, trying to rub pain from his scaly appendage. "I forgot I had one of those."

Keith stared with a guilty look on his face. "That really hurt?"

Matt gave him an ugly scowl. "What do you think! Of course it hurt! Do you think this is an act?"

A voice from the back seat spoke up. "Are you okay, Matt?"

Matt nodded. "I'm fine. Next time I want to cut off my tail, I'll try surgery. It's less painful."

Keith seemed even more ashamed. "You're really okay?"

Matt nodded. "I think my tail is going to be fine. I guess it won't swell up or anything until later." He gingerly tucked his tail inside the car and shut the door again.

"How primitive!" Dista remarked as Matt pulled out of the parking lot. "This vehicle doesn't even have Xugpolu!"

"It's just as well. Just be careful and there won't be a problem."

The two females continued chattering in the back seat as the car rolled up the street.

"You know what?" said Keith. "I think you might be telling the truth about that tail."

"No! Really?"

Keith grimaced. "I know you. You aren't that great of an actor. I don't think you could have faked being in that much pain, even if you did take some weird drama class." He stared in silent fascination. "So...what, you just started growing a tail?"

"Basically."

"I'm not that good with science, but I'm pretty sure it's fatal to grow an extra limb at a late stage in life."

"I've had that thought myself. I just hope we're wrong."

"Me too."

The two Earthlings didn't speak until the car reached the freeway.

Keith took a deep breath. "The tail, okay, I believe it. I still don't believe you have a flying saucer."

"It's a start."

His friend squinted at him. "You got your ears pierced!"

"More like tagged. They put me in a zoo."

"Hypothetically speaking, why would you hang out with people, I mean, aliens, that do that to you?"

"I found my calling, Keith."

"Whatever. Did they probe your rear end?"

"Um, not until I got thrown in the zoo."

Keith burst out laughing. "Do they have any good pizza places down by this so-called spaceship?"

"Um...Quana?" Matt called.

The jabbering in the back seat stopped. "I think...There might be one a few miles down the road."

"Cool. So...how did you meet her?"

"She went to class with me, and we kept running into each other."

"And she just asked you out on a date to an alien planet?"

"No, she had a spiritual crisis and needed my biblical knowledge."

"And this somehow involved you going to her planet for a month." Keith rolled his eyes. "If this ship is a hoax, you're buying the pizza."

Matt grinned. "You got any money on you?"

"I got enough. What about you?"

Matt chuckled and shook his head. "I'll figure something out."

"You'd better! Unless you want to take back this crazy story."

"Fine, fine. Don't worry. I got it."

"It's a bet then."

They rode in silence for a few miles. "You meet any Ewoks?"

"No..."

"Klingons?"

"Nope."

"That doesn't sound very exciting."

"I almost got killed a few times, and the government threw me in a cage. Does that count as exciting?"

"Maybe, but it's not what I expected."

"Life can't be all about gunfights and explosions."

Keith called someone on a cel phone. "Hey. What you got going on today?" He paused, pressing the phone to his ear. "Guess what? Matt just came back."

Matt stared at the phone. "When did you get that?"

Keith tapped the case. "This? Last week. Why?"

I wish you would have had that earlier, Matt silently grumbled. "No reason."

Keith returned his attention to the phone. "Sorry. He was asking about something."

Pause.

"Not really sure. He's got this ridiculous story about space aliens and he's apparently going to show me his so-called `spaceship' in a minute. This oughta be good."

Matt rubbed his tail with a free hand.

"Yeah, I think the only paranormal thing about this is the fact Matt has two female friends, and he's somehow grown a tail."

Matt turned down an exit ramp.

"...I dunno. Maybe it's some kinda birth defect that showed up late or something. He's grown a fur coat, too." Pause. "I don't...think it's fake. He screamed pretty loud when he slammed it in the door...Swear to God, it's real. I checked."

Matt turned up the air, annoyed at the warmness of his fur coat.

His friend nodded to the tiny voice buzzing in his ear. "All three of them have it. They must have glued the hair on or something." Keith stared absently at a passing semi, talking plans for a date. "...I fully intend to take pictures. I think we'll both get a good laugh looking at their art project...and the costumes." Keith smiled and said goodbye. "So, Matt. Did you get to meet E.T.?"

"No."

"Darn."

They silently passed a train yard and a series of factories and warehouses.

"Well, rat boy, you still owe me half the rent."

"Sorry. This was sort of a spur of the moment thing. If I could have had it my way, I wouldn't have have skipped school either."

"I'm not mad at you, I'm just saying, I paid your half of the rent, so you owe me two hundred."

This is really going to make it tough for me to get Quana a ring, Matt thought. "I'll...write you a check when we get back."

Quana leaned over Matt's seat. "So, Keith, what made your parents decide to adopt Matt?"

"Well, I always took him to camps and youth gatherings, so they knew him pretty well already. It's kinda sad. When his parents kicked him out of the house, Pastor Harris found him sleeping in front of the church door. We didn't even know what happened at first. We just noticed he wasn't at school, so I called his house. His mother didn't want to talk to me, and didn't know where he was anyway. A few days later, he was back at school and I found he was living at the pastor's house, so I invited him to come live with us instead. My folks were surprisingly cool about the whole thing. He became like part of the family."

Sighing, Matt turned down a freeway exit, grateful that Keith didn't mind him driving with the air conditioning on full blast.

They arrived at Quana's house. Keith got out and stared at the building, peering over the fence. "Okay, where is it?"

"It's cloaked."

"Yeah right." Keith laughed. "Lead the way."

Matt led him to the pool. Keith stood staring at the water with a look of amusement. "That must be a damn good cloaking device. I don't see a thing that even remotely resembles a ship."

"Follow me." Matt climbed halfway down the ladder.

"No way. My clothes will be soaking wet."

Matt pantomimed throwing water at him, but nothing splashed out.

Keith did a double take. "What! How did you do that?"

"Come on down. It's about to get weirder."

Keith followed Matt to the pool bottom. Once he saw Supica for the first time, he just stared with his jaw hanging open for a long time.

Matt crossed his arms triumphantly, grinning at him.

Keith paled. "Looks...like I'm buying dinner."

Letting out a low whistle, Keith wandered around the craft, snapping pictures with his phone, his face still betraying a look of shocked disbelief.

He pressed a trembling hand to the hull, jerked his hand back, trying to shake the burn away.

"I should have warned you to be careful."

"It's...okay." Keith stepped back, gazing at the curving shell. "Shotgun."

Matt laughed.

"Can we take it for a little spin?"

Matt glanced at the owner. "What do you think?"

Quana shrugged. "Perhaps a small flight." She led Keith up the ramp to the central chamber.

"Awesome." Keith snapped pictures of the interior. "What is this place?"

"It's sort of like an entertainment center/living room."

"Those screens are TV's?"

"More like monitors."

"Cool. Could you put it on channel four? I want to see if the game's on."

Quana relayed the message to the computer and all the screens filled with Astroturf and helmets.

"All right!" With surprising carelessness, Keith plopped down in the scary looking alien recliner, losing himself in the game.

Matt chuckled when he saw Quana's servant getting similarly fascinated, eyes glued to the screen as she took a seat right next to him.

"You got any nachos around here?" Keith asked.

"No."

"That's a bummer."

Matt changed into an unmutilated pair of jeans, then stopped the game in mid play at the thirty yard line.

"Hey! I was watching that!"

"Relax. It's recording the whole thing. Do you believe me now? Do you believe that I went to an alien planet, and these ladies are aliens?"

"I...don't know how else to explain it."

"Good. Listen...I'm leaving in a week, and I won't be back for a long time."

Keith looked sad. "What's wrong?"

"I don't belong on Earth anymore." Matt tugged on the fur on his neck. "I got this. And a tail. I'm pretty sure it's permanent. It's not going to make it easy for me to find work."

Keith frowned.

"Quana's mother offered me a job. If it doesn't work out, I look alien enough to find something else."

"If you think that's best. I guess I can't blame you. But I'm going to miss you, buddy. I'll be sorry to see you go, but I get it."

They gazed at each other sadly.

"You should tell mom and dad."

Matt nodded.

"I hope you can come back to visit often."

Matt took the game off pause, stepping outside to clear his head.

He glumly seated himself on a battered wooden bench on the pool deck, watching the sun setting over the back yard.

As the sun set lower, Quana came and sat beside him. "What are you thinking about?"

"I'm an outcast on my own planet. But I have family here. Sure, they're my foster parents, but they look after me, and now I'll only see them on rare occasions like holidays because of the distance."

"I know how you feel. I went through that the first couple months when I was here. But God worked through all of that for good."

"I guess you're right. At least it's not something selfish like moving to California to pursue an acting career."

"Is your family saved?" Quana asked.

"My surrogate family is."

"Then you'll meet your surrogate family in heaven."

Matt nodded. "I guess that's true. It's just...I don't know, it's hard to imagine that."

"It's not a funeral, Matt. You're just moving away."

"I know. But it feels like a funeral."

Quana put her arm around him.

"I don't know. People grow old and die so fast when you're away."

"I understand the feeling. But I'm sure it happens at the same rate whether you're there or not."

"Yes, but that's time I can never make up. I might not be there when they need me the most. I'll miss out on so much!"

"I thought the same thing about staying here on Earth."

Matt stared at her. "You thought about that, huh?"

"Guep." Her eyes welled with tears. "I...yeah."

He blushed. "For...me?"

She nodded, coloring a bit herself.

"I...I don't know what to say."

Quana smirked a little. "I'm sure you'll think of something."

He looked away, watching birds pecking the dirt.

How is this going to work? He thought. I've heard even small distances can break up a couple. I guess I'd save Pete and Camille a financial burden if I did live on Pathilon.

"Hey! Where's the restroom!" Keith shouted from the ladder.

"There's a toilet in the ship."

"I'd rather not pee into a vacuum, thank you."

Rolling her eyes, Quana showed him into the house.

Quana will be fine, Matt thought as he watched a flock of geese passing overhead. I'll be the one with problems adjusting. I wonder how missionary families handle this sort of thing. I mean, technically, my family is any gathering of Christian believers, but I'm going to miss Pete and Camille.

"I can get your family a communicator if you like."

"That would be nice. If they could figure out how to use it...They have problems with computers and remotes and Facebook and stuff...How much does it cost to make calls to earth?"

"It's one flat rate. Plus I'm a princess, so they don't charge me anything."

"No long distance? That's heck of a coverage area."

She chuckled.

They fell quiet again, watching the sun sink lower.

Quana squeezed his hand. They gazed into each other's eyes.

"I love you, Quana."

"Hua chik alat jeko." She hugged him.

"When's the last time you cleaned in there?" Keith shouted as he stepped out of the house. "It looks like a filling station bathroom."

Quana pulled away. "Sorry. I don't use that one that often."

Chuckling, Keith climbed back down the ladder.

"So," Quana said. "When are we going out?"

"Not sure. The game could run all night."

"I'm not going to wait all night for dinner." She marched to the side of the pool.

Matt followed Quana down into the ship, wincing as the sounds of an air horn blasted his ears on the way up the ramp.

The whole place sounded like a stadium, televised spectators augmented to the point of appearing to stand next to him, and through the din, Keith and Dista laughed and chatted about the game.

Matt gawked as they shared a bowl of alien bug legs, dipping them in an unappetizing looking gray sauce. Keith munched them like chips, only stopping when he noticed the staring.

He licked his fingers, grinning at him. "Hey, Matt! Dista here doesn't know what a quarterback is. I tried telling her, but she doesn't get it. Don't you have a universal translator or something?"

"Not really. Guess we didn't go over that when we played last time, huh?" Matt glanced at Quana, but she only shrugged, so he gave her his best Wava interpretation.

"Oh. So it's an offensive unit similar to an Emfurk."

"Um...maybe?"

"Thanks." Keith munched another insect leg.

Matt grimaced. "Where did you get that stuff?"

"Diswhatmer made it for me. Want some?"

Matt shook his head. "When's the game over?"

"Why? You hungry?"

"Yeah. And like she said, the game is recording."

Quana nodded. "In addition to other sports programming."

"Cool." Keith chomped another alien snack.

"Uh...Keith? I don't think you should be eating that."

"I know! It's got a horrible aftertaste. I'm going to need something to wash it out of my mouth."

"No, I mean, look at me. Their food may have been a factor in what happened to me."

"You mean to tell me it'll put hair on your chest?"

Matt laughed, shaking his head. "Worse than that. Unless you like looking like a freak."

"Oh c'mon! There's no way just eating food will turn you into that! That's just bad science!" Keith crunched another insect. "Man these things are addicting. They taste like mold, but I can't stop eating them!"

"You want to do pizza?"

"That's fine."

Quana shut off the game. "There's a place down the road."

"Terrific. How about you fly us there?"

She lowered the ramp. "I can't. We won't have anywhere to park."

"Fine. I still want to take it on a spin sometime tonight."

"The only spinning you'll be doing is in the Venven, the back seat, as I'm flying you around."

"Yeah," Keith stammered. "That's what I meant."

Following Quana's directions, Matt drove his passengers down the freeway to a barn shaped building, and they walked into a grungy, dimly lit dining area, seating themselves at a table surrounded by TV's.

After ordering, Keith said, "All right. What's the story?"

"Story?"

"What did you do on that alien planet?"

Matt gave him the abridged version. Just as well since Keith kept getting distracted by the game and muttering things to Dista partway through some of his explanations.

When Matt left for the restroom, he returned to find them jabbering back and forth to each other in both languages, giving one another admiring gazes, so he gave up on continuing. Matt just rolled his eyes and pretended not to notice the two.

What happened to his other girlfriend? Matt thought. Is he going to let her go?

When the pizza arrived, Quana swallowed a pill.

"What's that?" Matt asked.

"A digestive enzyme. Abreyas can't handle certain types of food very well." She handed Dista one.

Keith dug into the pizza. "So...You're just going to move away and live on Mars for the rest of your life?"

"Pathilon," Matt sighed. "But yes. I got offered a job there, so I probably won't be here very much anymore."

"I guess if that's what the Lord wants, I'm not going to stop you. At least you've found a job. Maybe you'll have better luck over there."

Matt gave Quana a faint smile. Her grin in response cheered him considerably.

Keith leaned over the table. "Matt, you've really got to tell Pete and Camille about your plans. They'll be worried."

"You think they'll believe me?"

Keith frowned. "Probably not. You'll probably have to show them the ship."

"How big is their yard?" Quana asked.

"You're seriously going to park that thing in their yard?"

Quana shrugged.

"So you'll do that, but you won't take us to the pizza place."

"It all depends on how much room there is. How big is the yard?"

"Oh, fairly big."

"And how big is fairly?"

"I don't know. I didn't take out a tape measure to measure it."

Quana sighed. "If something the size of a swimming pool landed there, what would happen?"

"You'd probably ruin Camille's garden and break patio furniture."

"We're not landing there."

Keith frowned. "Oh well. It was an idea."

"We should all wear Abreya costumes, then drive your parents to the ship."

"Gee, got any that fit me?" Keith joked.

Matt chuckled. "No, what I meant was—"

"I know, I know." Keith glanced over his shoulder. "We going to get in trouble with the CIA?"

"I don't know. I'm not too scared of them. At least if someone captures me here, I can at least order a cheeseburger to be sent to my secret underground cell."

"Not afraid of scalpels, huh?"

Matt shrugged.

"You haven't been followed around by anyone in black suits?"

"Not that I'm aware of."

"That's good." Keith paid the bill, checked his watch. "It's getting late. Maybe we should go back to your place and have that ride."

Once back at the house, they took a short flight over Kansas City, whirling across the Missouri, the theme parks, the casinos, and Union Station before settling back in the pool.

Matt grinned. "So. What did you think?"

Keith feigned indifference. "It was pretty cool. Better than the Omnimax."

Quana undid her safety restraints. "What's Omnimax?"

"It's a special domed movie theater."

"Only if the movie theater can fly."

"Sure," Keith chuckled.

Matt rolled his eyes. "Are you trying to get your money back now?"

Keith laughed. "Trying? I thought I was getting it back." He gave Matt a half smile. "Just kidding." Keith checked his watch again. "Man, it's late. I guess I'd better get going."

"Not going to finish watching the game?"

Keith got out of his chair. "Maybe some other time."

"So, Matt," said Quana. "Where do you want to stay tonight?"

Matt swallowed. "I...I'm going back to the apartment. I'd like to sleep in my own bed for a change."

His best friend raised an eyebrow.

To cover the faux pas, Matt stammered, "I meant, an earth bed. I still have to pay Keith back for the rent. And I'd like to get some supplies."

"I don't blame you," said Quana. "Anyone would need a break from a trip like that."

"The only problem is that I might end up clogging the drain with my fur coat."

"You can always come over here and use the Zinug."

"That's true."

Keith sat on the arm of a chair. "If you need to shower tonight, I'll just put the game back on and wait."

"You sure? I thought you were in a rush to leave."

"I'm not in that much of a hurry."

"Okay."

When Matt returned from showering a few minutes later, he found Keith and Dista sitting together on the same couch, chatting with each other.

Matt tapped his friend on the shoulder. "All right. Let's go."

He led Keith to the hatch, waving goodbye to Quana as he lowered the boarding platform.

Giggling, she ran up and hugged him.

"See you tomorrow."

"Good night, Wusu."

"Do I get a hug, too?" Keith laughed.

Shrugging, Quana gave him one.

Dista sat up in her chair, asking in Wava if she should join in. Quana gave her an "I don't know." Then, to Matt, "Tomorrow, then. Eyap mez."

"I might be a bit late..." Matt stopped himself. "Never mind. I really should bring you along to see my parents."

Quana's eyes widened. "Which ones?"

"Pete and Camille. I don't think I'll ever have a good reason to take you to see the other ones."

"You never know."

He and Keith returned to the car.

"So..." Keith said as they took off down the highway. "Um...I noticed you and...that girl seemed kind of close."

Matt rolled his eyes. "Yeah?"

"You two seem to have spent a lot of time together. I was just wondering if..."

"We haven't slept together, if that's what you're trying to say." Matt took a deep breath. "But I am planning to marry her."

His friend's mouth fell open. "You serious?"

"Yes. That's why I wanted to stay at the apartment for awhile. I'm going to sneak out and get a ring."

Keith chuckled. "Pete and Camille are really going to freak when they hear about this. Boy, that trip really changed you."

Matt made no reply.

After a moment's silence..."Presuming she's of a completely different species, what makes you think you two can even have children?"

Matt blushed. "I...don't...but if we do, I don't want it to happen outside wedlock."

Keith laughed and shook his head. "Whatever." He fell silent for a few moments. "Guess you already know you've been missing a lot of classes."

"Yeah. It couldn't be helped."

"You know, that other girl...uh..."

"Dista?"

"Yeah. Her. Is she related to your girlfriend?"

"I...don't think so..."

"You know...she's kinda...cute. I think I'd like to go out with her sometime."

Matt snickered. "I thought you had a girlfriend."

"She's gonna move out of state soon. She's already kinda...pushing me off."

"Bummer."

"You think you could get me Diswhatsits phone number or something?"

Matt thought about it a minute. "She'd probably like it better if you asked her yourself."

"You mind taking me back there to see her some time?"

"Sure. Why not?"

"Cool."

"By the way, she only has a Vemorik...a...communicator, so it might be difficult for you to contact her. I guess you can borrow mine if you want."

"Do I have to wear it on my shirt?"

"It's not like Star Trek. They actually look like phones."

"Oh. Do they charge for long distance?"

"No. Quana told me hers were paid or something."

"Do they have a galactic UPS?"

"Um, no. But that would be cool."

"What about molecular transporters?"

"Quana said she can't do that without destroying whatever it is you're trying to send. I asked."

"Darn," Keith sighed. "So, I guess this week is it for you?"

"Well, not exactly. I'll come back to visit as much as I can."

"But you don't know how much that'll be."

"Yeah."

"Good luck." Keith frowned as he stared out the window. "I locked myself out of the apartment a few days ago. Kinda wish you were there to let me in."

"Sorry. I was a little stuck."

"It's okay. I finally got in." He smirked. "At least it was a warm night, so I didn't need a fur coat."

Once at the apartment, and Matt reimbursed his friend for the rent. He spent the rest of the evening finding things to pack for his trip, trying his best to unwind.

Despite the tail and not being able to put the thermostat below seventy, Matt managed to sleep better than he had in days.

The next morning, Matt ate the first earth breakfast he'd had in a long time. Microwavable breakfast burritos, Pop Tarts and cereal. He found it less enjoyable than he expected. Artificial. Matt decided, with a frown, that his palette had changed.

His stomach flip-flopped, though not on account of the food.

While Quana currently seemed to be the type of female he'd like to spend the rest of his life with, he had misgivings.

He cared for her deeply, found her physically attractive, but still harbored resentment for all the suffering she'd put him through. Endless hours in a little white box, staring at the blank walls, with only deranged strangers for company. Forcing him to stay at the monastery place and fast until he ate her food, food he wouldn't have needed to eat if she'd actually showed a little forethought, or left the place when he'd asked. And she dragged him through the whole mess with nothing but lies, false promises, and twisted bible verses.

Another thing: He had buyer's remorse about the whole `converting aliens' thing. At the time he felt it right, but he had been starving, and it could have clouded his judgment. He baptized Quana because he remembered Quana the human, but the others, well, it felt like blasphemy, and the guilt ate at him. How do I really know if what I did was right? By the time he'd mentally processed all of this, he already stared at a row of gold rings inside a display at the jewelry store.

He really did love her. A lot. Or was she merely bending him around her finger?

The cubic zirconium ring with a titanium band was all he could really afford. His last check had been pitiful, and he spent just about everything else.

Perhaps if he studied alien scripture more, he'd be able to support the alien mission with boldness and certainty, or at least steer them toward the correct messiah so as to not make a further mess of things. Either way, he wanted to be there, and so he walked out of the store with a tiny black box and twenty five cents left in his bank account.

In the car, Matt spent more than ten minutes absently staring at the ring as he worried about the outcome. He feared she would reject his meager offering and crush his heart, but his confident side disagreed.

Terrified, he briefly considered going to his parents and talking it over, but he'd already made up his mind. This was only stalling.

Matt fingered the ring box. It is only an engagement.

He drove back to Quana's house, climbed down the ladder, and knocked on the ship's hatch.

The ramp lowered. The princess stood at the top of the ramp, smiling at him. "Hi, Matt."

"Hello," Matt stammered. "Dusaq, I mean."

She chuckled. "Are we going to go see your adopted parents now?"

Matt shook his head. "Ummm, I've got to wait for Keith to get out of class first," he quickly blurted, reaching into his pocket. He fingered the ring box, looked away out of embarrassment.

They stood facing each other in an uncomfortable silence.

"Dista is in the shower, but she'll be out in a minute."

It's now or never, Matt thought. I've got to do this. He trembled all over.

"Well..." Quana's eyes rolled, making Matt wonder if she already knew. "Would you like to sit down? I have some Nurnax and Zufa legs if you're hungry..."

"Umm..." Matt stammered. "Uh..."

Quana giggled. "What is it?"

Oh come on, Matt! Matt thought. You can do this! Now! He dropped to one knee, offering her the ring. "Quana, will you marry me?"

Quana covered her mouth in embarrassment. "Are you serious? You really want to do this?"

Matt nodded. "I'm an Abreya now. There's nothing I'd like to do better than helping you hatch your first egg."

Quana's face turned the color of an unripened banana. She apparently hadn't taken her color change medicine yet. "Oh Matt!...Matt, Matt, Matt."

She shook her head, a gesture that dampened Matt's spirits and wounded his heart. "Um...what...about that thing we discussed? When Shojoji was treating you?"

"Quana, I'm like a half Abreya now. If that's not a sign that it can work, I don't know what is."

Quana frowned, her green blush deepening. The expression definitely said no.

He paled, breathlessly waiting for her next word.

"If you are serious, really serious about this, then...propose to me in the fashion of an Abreya."

What! Matt's heart resumed its previous nervous thundering. "Okay?" His face turned pink. "How do you do that?"

"You get down on all fours and offer the gift with your tail."

Matt suddenly felt very hot. "Um, I can't do that tail thing in these clothes. Could you wait here a minute?"

Quana laughed. "Sure."

Matt dashed off to the store room, searching the cabinets for appropriate clothing. He quickly found the palace uniform, and the girly pink outfit she'd tried to make him wear.

He stared at the skirt a minute, then, fearing that Quana had only been joking about wanting to see him in it, decided to wear the tunic with the odd purple leggings instead.

Once reasonably attired, he ran back to the ramp, and found he had an audience. Dista now stood next to Quana, dressed in a kimono-like outfit.

"What are you doing?" said the gray faced servant.

"Shhh!" Quana smiled at Matt expectantly.

Burning with embarrassment, Matt dropped on all fours in front of her, holding the ring box over his head with his tail. "Okay, Quana. I'm ready."

"Proceed."

He opened his mouth. "Quana, will—"

"In Wava."

Matt rolled his eyes. "Quana...giwi...chik...how do you say `marry' in Wava?"

Dista held up a little black rod with a glowing light and giggled. Matt thought it to be a camera by the way she held it.

Quana grinned from ear to ear. "Scrumsaarg. I can't believe you didn't know how to say that."

"Sorry. I'm nervous."

"It's okay," she giggled. "So am I."

"Quana, giwik scrumsaargua?" Matt pointed the ring box at her with his tail.

"Close enough," Quana laughed. She gave him a grateful bow, taking the box. "You can stand up now."

Matt got to his feet, laughing nervously as he watched her open the box.

"Nalah." She fell silent.

The pause became long enough to worry him. It seemed certain she'd turn her nose up at the cubic zirconium.

He swallowed. "Well?"

She gazed into his eyes a moment, then burst into tears. "Oh Matt! Of course I'll marry you!" She threw her arms around him, crying on his shoulder. "Hua chikalat, Wusu dinka!"

"Jub jub?" Matt laughed.

Quana nuzzled her nose into his cheek. "Jubjubjub!"

She rewarded him with a kiss that bordered on the immoderate.

[0000]

This concludes the first installment of a novel nobody probably wants to read. A lot of the ideas here have become prototypes for the Ernie story that I posted before this one. I wanted to test audiences and see if they'd read a story about a space alien who converts to Christianity. The answer is yes and no. I've gotten complaints. I've got a sequel written about Matt's marriage, but I won't post it here unless someone asks.

[0000]

ALIEN CHARACTERS:

Ayeni: Quana Falcameer's younger cousin.

Bonbon: Speckly faced Quaceb from the Takofuea.

Breon: "Docent" of the Sebanil.

Choxu: Prince of the Voorop nation, previous suitor for Quana Falcameer.

Dista: Personal servant of Quana Falcameer.

Entox: Head official of the Sebanil.

Giladl: Quaceb monk with green fur, was previously a merchant before joining the Takofuea.

Goksar: One of the shortest Quaceb monks at the Takofuea.

Kodo: A monk at the Takofuea. Stripe tailed, same age as Chaz.

Korteena: Quana's grandmother.

Nabal Getfoi: Prince of Kadegni, fiancee of arranged marriage to Quana Falcameer.

Nennop: A member of Quana's family.

Poog: An elderly Takofuea monk.

Quana Falcameer: Princess of Pathilon.

Rusa: A male arranged to be Quana's suitor.

Shilem: A senior scholar of Quaceb literature at the Takofuea.

Shojoji: The medic at the Takofuea.

Spak: Gleenpach dance instructor at the Takofuea. Was previously a farmer before joining the monastic order.

Syed: A palace guard, Quana Falcameer's previous boyfriend.

Tama Falcameer: Queen of Pathilon.

Thiftreda: Princess of another nation bordering Bencap.

Tilika: A servant at the palace at Bencap.

Tovia: A female monk at the Takofuea.

Wursobva Morgan: Quana's best friend, and professor at the college Matt studied at.

[0000]

GLOSSARY

Abreya: Furry aliens with bare humanoid faces and hands, long opossum-like tails, and feet resembling human hands.

Agyhat: "Dance building/center".

Arimadex: A famous Pathilonian college, comparable to Harvard or Oxford.

Arthotech: A country on Pathilon.

Auno: Powerful subatomic unit, providing energy surpassing that of nuclear fission or fusion.

Bariafu: A special cloaking system for Pathilonian spaceships.

Barbitnox: Quaceb ancient computerized scriptures.

Bedzyk: First female ever created, according to Gaxea.

Bencap: A country on Pathilon.

Beptot: The Quaceb hell.

Beaurbak: Security device on a spaceship.

Bifafras: A prayer of penitence.

Bindif: Dining area of the Takofuea compound.

Boomosi: Far rural area of Pathilon, inhabitants known to be uneducated bumpkins.

Bovnek: An ape-like creature.

Bub Tig: Special entree enjoyed by Abreyas.

Bujaxia: A dinosaur-like sea monster.

Carnrick: Seller of ceremonial Hoyroqs.

Ceju Gousan: "New Contract with Ponai."

Cejmiega: "Newby" or gringo.

Chirqui: Obelisks that absorb essences of sacrifices, transporting them to Kwibron, for the honor of Ponai.

Civoka: A vitamin and protein rich tuber resembling a sea cucumber.

Cufajha: "Choir."

Cugfik: An alien pest with behavior similar to a cockroach, but it has a shape like a Koosh ball and leaves behind a trail of slime.

Cylert: A prophet in the Quaceb religion.

Deglos: Planet near Abreya planet Pathilon.

Denamori: A Venus-like planet with thousand degree temperatures.

Deoring: Paradise planet described in Holy Gaxea.

Dinagla: A statue which Quacebs use to remind themselves of the great prayers of the faith.

Duvalha: A dictatorial nation of Kaybok system history.

Duwaky: Transit tunnel.

Duxamca: Pathilon's best amusement park.

Duzalka: A high rank of servitude in the royal palace.

Elazfil: Coming of age observance for Quacebs.

Emfurk: A runner in Trievadel games.

Ferleok: Coldest of the eleven planets of the Kaybok planetary system.

Fetmip: Chemical that can change coloration of your blushing and blood.

Fiqajko: Small medical station.

Fopakna: Quaceb anointing ritual.

Fotebja: Abreya entertainment device.

Fubalca: Special knockout gas developed by Abreyas. Contains a percentage of breathable air.

Futamer: Planet destroyed in Auno wars of Duvalha.

Gaxea: The core Quaceb religious book.

Gerbite: A prophet of Quacebism.

Gleenpach: Quaceb ceremonial praise dance.

Gogibi: Cryogenic stasis machine.

Gojot: "Living room" of a spacecraft.

Gi'uz: Ceremonial Quaceb headwear for males and females.

Grunkiahu (Grunk): A large flying creature, ridden by Abreyas like horses.

Hariumbuble: A prophet of Quacebism.

Haxgorg: Personal toilet waste disposal appliance.

Hayajvis: A pest like bedbugs or mosquitoes, a constant annoyance to Abreyas.

Hazaji: A disk-like object used for gambling and various games, similar to dice or flipping a coin.

Heakga: A manta ray-like tent used by Quacebs during matrimony.

Hegfoz: Fossil fuel powered vehicle found on Pathilon.

Hirejosi: A sawing machine.

Hoyroq: Premium sacrificial animal used to expunge Quacebs from their sins.

Ibgaplax: A model of Hegfoz.

Indural: A region on planet Deglos.

Iznolgu: Environment suit.

Jiticuha: A monastic organization.

Jufuceri: Planet in which law treaties regarding Auno energy were drafted.

Kadegni: Country located close to border of Bencap.

Kaiaquke: Stellar nursery

Kecuru: Special mineral found on planet Deglos.

Kemmer: When animals go into heat.

Kicabaii: Special gas that exists on Kugifogelo, has unusual properties that affect coloration of its atmosphere.

Kipom: Quaceb messiah.

Kisostrom: A book in the Quaceb Holy Gaxea.

Klecut: A laser knife.

Kodebano: A sport enjoyed by Abreyas.

Kugifogelo: Planet nearest Abreya planet Pathilon.

Kwibron: Core religious site for the Quaceb faith.

Ladnar: A famous ruler of Pathilon.

Laima'j: An aromatic plant, which is burned to ashes for use of bathing and drying off.

Lanoxis: A day of the week on Pathilon.

Lemwag: Abreya showering cubicle.

Lerilite: Laser sawing element on an Hirejosi.

Lutab: An organic swimming pool, with wormy creatures along the sides for cleaning purposes.

Lyuntaaz: Quaceb religious observance similar to passover and Hanukkah.

Macevas: A plant similar to rice, which is made into a bread-like substance.

Mailetta: A book in the Quaceb holy Gaxea.

Medufa: "Planet of Temptation/Downfall" according to Gaxea.

Mimapi: Matriarchs of the Gaxea.

Miricacci Sector: A galaxy containing the Abreya universe.

Mixajqa: Medicinal root used for treatment of epilepsy.

Muadwomp: An eyeless rodent, similar to a rat, but with teeth that can chew through metal.

Nafnith: Main world altar of Quaceb faith.

Naidru: An order of prophets in the holy Gaxea.

Nanpoi: An entree made from curdled milk.

Naridza: A country mentioned in the holy Gaxea.

Navaktos: Quaceb ceremonial mats.

Neflah: Ceremonial Quaceb headwear for females.

Nidrix: Musical scales used by Abreyas.

Nilfloip: Quaceb compass that directs one to holy sites.

Nisentil: A cereal-like food with a meaty flavor.

Nubsa: One of the Falcameer family's royal Grunkiahus.

Nujvack: A method of stunning targets you wish to capture.

Nurnax: An alien delicacy.

Obnurd: Personal toilet waste disposal appliance.

Order of Glomer: An ancient society of Quacebs.

Pabizol: Vision correcting devices.

Paryiz: A pool with special cleaning creatures along the size.

Pathilon: Planet of Abreyas.

Pemiufo: A country mentioned in the holy Gaxea.

Pija: A staple food for Abreyas, similar to wheat.

Pijaturu Festival: A grand celebration that harkens back to ancient times, regarding the harvest of Pija.

Pihodai: A group of Abreya Quacebs described in the Gaxea.

Pocwam: A Quaceb saint.

Ponai: Quaceb religious name for God.

Pouncil: A book in the Quaceb holy Gaxea.

Pufedaga: Special mineral found on Ferleok.

Pulotage: Docking center at Bencap palace.

Qatald: Device similar to an intravenous catheter, but not requiring a vertical stand for the pumping of fluid or blood. The machine can lay flat and reposition without interrupting the flow.

Qawdar: A high rank for females in the Quaceb Takofuea.

Qidmab: A region south of Bencap, known for unique cooking.

Quaceb: A monotheistic Abreya religion, or one who adheres to the religion.

Quidsy: Spaceship manufacturing company.

Quinamm: A month on the Pathilonian calendar.

Rantag: A book in the holy Gaxea.

Reserpinax: A valuable mineral found on Deglos.

Rilla: First Abreya ever created, according to the Gaxea.

Roskecia:Book from the Quaceb Holy Gaxea.

Rujodale: An alien type of furniture, resembling a Venus flytrap.

Rukhag: A month on the Abreya calendar.

Saholiqe: A country on one of the planets described in Gaxea.

Savcay: A large flatworm, often served as an entree in gourmet settings.

Sebanil: The zoo at Bencap.

Shoktar: A saurian creature used for riding and farming.

Sihiku of Tocedopu: Alien tree of forbidden knowledge, described in the Gaxea.

Sinaxin: Country well known for the enslavement of Quacebs.

Snaral: A transport station, mainly used for Wamzik.

Sostrom: A religious battery of tests, which a Quaceb must correctly answer to qualify for admission to Quaceb school.

Stopamoya Jerz: Famous Quaceb saint/Pocwam.

Supica: Quana's spaceship.

Takofuea: Quaceb monastery.

Tagososi Bosigoqa/"Flash Matter Transit Zone": Hidden area of space where bubbles of time can be encountered.

Tanlanka: A ruler of a Quaceb nation, mentioned in the Gaxea.

Tarru Lorejiba: Matrimony. Literally "Binding of tails."

Tesagob: A sacred Quaceb hymn.

Treivadel: A sport similar to Jai Alai.

Treivanox: An arena where Treivadel is played.

Tuldil of Fuceti: A second version of the tree of forbidden knowledge, according to the Gaxea.

Ukrozwi: What Abreyas call the snake-like tunnels on Deglos.

Vanseb: Quaceb religious temple.

Vemorik: Communications device.

Venven: Rear passenger seat on a spaceship.

Vitabese: One of the smelliest animals on Pathilon.

Voorop: Nation adjacent to Bencap.

Vuncha: A stylus for electronic devices.

Wamzik: A fuzzy, organic `train' that Abreyas ride.

Wava: "Tongue", the language of Abreyas.

Wighesh: Dress-like garment worn by male Abreyas.

Witad: Spirit of Ponai.

Wodov: Priest or priestess of Quaceb faith.

Wumpus: A scavenger shrimp-like creature that cleans out the mouth, used instead of toothbrushes.

Wusu: A chicken-like creature used as livestock.

Xugpolu:Tail safety sensors.

Yadafcu: A special race of Abreyas found in the book of Rantag.

Yagduz: A region to the far south of Bencap.

Yencegab the Brewer: A prophet famous for turning water into alcohol.

Yarkolemsis: A month on the Pathilonian calendar.

Yonites: A nation of Quacebs.

Zajyaf: A book in the holy Gaxea.

Zatyah: A Quaceb prayer about the arrival of the messiah.

Zinug: Abreya shower box.

Zorlaeba: "The Evil One."

Zote: A leafy green, similar to parsley, except as large as a head of lettuce.

Zufa: An avian species used for cooking.

Zux Leem: An alien fruit.

WAVA LESSONS:

Note: These aren't solid rules. I got tired of trying to trying to write stuff in Wava after awhile and just threw everything together. Sometimes I didn't even spell the alien words correctly.

Bitu: Indicates future tense.

Bri: Used before a word to indicate plural forms. Often used at the beginning of a word.

Cik: Can be used instead of Chik, as a contraction.

Gi: Add to word to indicate "we," such as Gisnaa ("We can").

Iga: Add to word to make possessive.

`Ih: Used to indicate past tense.

Teb: Indicates action progressively, like "ing" in English. Example: "Walking" would be "Jujagteb", not "Jujago".

O'h: Past tense ending in a vowel.

Paga: "Quality of being". Example: "Borpaga" (Worriment).

Yi: Functions the same as "not" when added to words.

Contractions: Words can be combined into contractions. Example: Guki'ua=Guki+Hua ("May I"), Chibya=chik+bya (you were) Kreeuv=What is it (Kreah+Guv) Marud=This female, Chiib (Chik+hib) Bisib (Bisa+hib).

Compound contractions are used sometimes, such as: chigoselsa (chik+gosa+oalesa). Gelgos (To+him). Rudib ("This is"): Ruhd+Hib

NUMBERS:

Dool: 10

Rey: 9

Fat: 8

Dolsike: 7

Leeg: 6

Diete: 5

Ri: 4

Oim: 3

Hanna: 2

Bid: 1

LEXICON:

Aaberahu: Solely/strictly/alone

Abukos: Nothing

Adanep: Behavioral model

Ahdep: Halt!

Aiju: Closer

Algot: Any

Andere: Amen

Aoqigoia: Neutralize

Artane: Beacon

Audep: Halt!

Ausuhi: Force (v)

Azulfine: Upstairs

Barb: Their

Batua: Dressed/wearing

Bav: Did

Bea: The

Bebak: Other

Becuro: Finally

Beekay: Seek

Baueco: Bless/guide

Benuforte: Prophet

Benuton: Prophecy

Biofa: There

Bisa: Who

Biti: Let/allow

Biv: Klargish word for "One."

Bixok: Queen

Boqadi: Answer

Boqedo: Prove

Boine: Bless

Boqadi: Proof

Boru: Worry

Bosagre: Chick (baby bird)

Bowfez: Stand

Bozakda: Stupid

Bya: Was

Cacurei: View (n)

Cahna: Name

Cajbei: Trouble/problem

Cagote: Ignorant

Cao: Far

Capamfe: Wonderful

Casiku: Recognize

Cazqui: Hope

Cehoo: Welcome

Ceiogefa: Already

Celburyix:A Klargish term, meaning "Branch."

Celini: Understand

Ceo: Her

Cevafpe: Maximum

Cewafme: Sick

Ceygaum: Cult

Chik: You

Chisda: Heaven

Chuzka: Idiot

Cikdew: Fast (v)

Citboi: Danger

Citiseu: Sign/Indication

Clozaril: Disable

Coamurugi: Hypothetical

Codimol: Done

Con: With

Copagva: Qualified

Coz: As/for/from

Cron: Owe

Cujajl: Evil

Cuocup: Shall/Will

Culumafa: Worship/adore

Cumfio: Generation

Cutajma: Recover

Daced: Plan

Dahna: I am

Darulo: Mate/Have Sex

Datucue: Absolutely

De: Of

Debotoke: Consider

Degatec: Store (v)

Demofoa: Order

Depo: Again

Depogast: Reenter

Derako: Soon

Dete: Each

Deubew: Fear

Devibo: Pagan/unbeliever/heathen

Dezafvi: Outfit (clothing)

Divag'qa: Experience

Dobov: Clip (v)

Docuinu: Best

Doqjah: Surrender

Dotasa: Future

Duboqidu: Grant/allow

Dudpim: Rather/Prefer

Duhem: Die (verb)

Duquedaka: System

Duigoje: Separated

Dusaq: Hello

Dutio: Happen/occur

Eidaraba: Guess/suppose

Eiko: Now

Emilihu: Threat

Eurtep: Well/Somewhat good

Eyap Mez: Good night

Faneso: Should/Might/Shall

Feobex: Wrath

Fapai: Fight (verb)

Fepahoi: Choice/option

Feut: Whether/if

Fexagta: Wing

Fihbux: Easy

Fijbuy: Ball

Finihu: Seem/appear

Fipogue: Waste

Fito: At/to

Fod: Back

Fomu: Thing

Fonome: Before/first

Foqipi: Child

Fuhe: Even

Fuqapeh: Bride

Gac: Have

Gahagi: Has

Gapagna: Careful

Gapsom: Affection

Garu: Keep

Garzok: Heathen

Gaz:u: Know

Geben: Father

Gebupega: "People" (Abreyas)

Gecar: Difficult

Gefmoo: Another

Gehgapeqak: Egotistical/Egomaniacal

Gejcuh: Touch

Ge'l: He

Gibet: Them

Gik: We

Giperhofi: "Weirdo"

Gimble: Affectionate nickname like "honey".

Gingahan: Serious

Giwi: Will

Glaap: Want

Gosa: To

Gosaca: Engine

Gubayo: Hand

Guep: Yes

Guki: May/might/can/could

Guli: Play

Guom: Where

Gubayo: Hand

Gurabo: About/concerning/on

Guv: It

Guvicoh: "It's" (contraction of "it is")

Ha: Or

Hacapad: Meddle/dabble/toy(v)

Hakafha: Egg

Haofek: Morning

Hapa: Eat

Hargawage: Cannibal

Havajgu: Adulterous

Hawcuqi: Except

Hei: On

Hib: Is/are

Hieroda: Alarm

Hifarud: Ever

Higiwi: I will

Hinupu: Cute

Hojila: Tell

Hojita: Tell

Hua: Me

Huqea: Fake/false/artificial/fraud

Hurgoco: Fool

Hurota: Foolish

Husigu: Quantity

Ibblesquib: Forget

Ip: An/"A"

Jagbei: Return

Jagopune: Give up/surrender/leave

Jaii: Do

Jaogoa: Capture/Catch

Jaolal: Catcher

Jegfoj: Clever

Jeko: Also

Jiaz: Like

Jilat: Try

Jocabai: These

Johoca: Side

Jomofo: Join

Jopotaju: Comfortable

Jouge: Begin/Start

Joreh: Palace

Jub: So (in order that)

Jufae: Friend

Jujago: Walk

Jujuba: Immediately

Julujau: Invalid

Jupe: But/However

Kai: And

Kaha: Get/Gain

Kahna: Name/"Called"

Kalaja: Political

Kalefim: Powerful

Kalefimpaga: Powerfully

Kee: So (interjection)

Kehag: Time

Kenuiji: Prepare

Keucam: Happy/Cheerful

Kigo: Sorry

Kijafwa: Service

Kimera: Present/presence

Knoli: Find/discover

Kogel: Stay

Kolapibu: Sharing

Kood: Both

Kreah: What

Kuditig: Specific/Particular

Kuiyo: Holy

Kulwad: Stop

Kusele: Make/Create

Kusuqali: Change (v)

Labuc: By/under the order of/under/subject to

Lagupo: Week

Lajuje: Word

Layd: Here

Legparf: Mean

Leijue: Thief

Lepop: Feel

Liduli: Pace

Lifahu: During

Loex: Good

Lorejiba: Bind

Lotfem: Job

Mabby: Awake

Maltuje: Ask

Marun: Female

Mepjar: Really/seriously

Mese: Too/very

Metau: Zero

Micha: "Little"/"small", often used affectionately.

Midasu: Truth/True

Midhohu: Honestly/seriously/truly/really/actually

Minahujo: Display/show (v)

Moacibi: Praise/Flatter

Moqo: In/inside

Mudkma: Listen

Mugmar: Bride

Mugnar: Groom

Muhafofo: Relationship (connection)

Naca: Flesh

Najikece: Detect

Nalah: Wow

Najufe: Boyfriend

Nar: Him

Narun: Male

Naxu: Maybe/Perhaps

Neebee: Search

Niblet: Kill/destroy/shut off

Nioqa: Dress/clothe (v)

Nocodo: Problem

Nueto: Silly

Nuqida: Prison/jail

Nux: Help

Oalesa: Would

Obes: Please

Oopuhane: Individual

Pae: Give

Palafnu: Slow

Paneciqa: Everywhere

Parehe: Then

Paryiz: Pool

Patnar: Firing

Patuihi: Defect

Pebe: Say

Pequecoja: Confess

Peraha: Cage

Pihile: Clearly/definitely

Pikhi: Need

Pimopek: Exterior

Pimqam: Self Praising/Self Important

Pisoqo: Just/only

Podo: Meet/introduce

Pofokiai: Password

Poiagupu: Heart/Mind

Puebuko: Elder (honorific term)

Pugot: Everything

Puguqe: Belong to

Pumcko: Think

Poqufa: Virgin (Klargish word)

Pusasuji: Hide/conceal

Putu: Data/Info

Pututula: Information

Pyoci: Like (verb)

Qafe: Take

Qaigas: Event/Occasion

Qasolire: Purpose/Reason

Qecajeda: Birth

Qidu: Table

Qilahami: Treatment

Qiol: My/mine

Qoeloqe: Challenge/competition

Quako: Self

Quayhox: Fur

Qiciheli: Recording

Qugu: Certain/Sure

Rajua: Dear

Raraba: Must

Raulu: Bring

Redaheo: Nice/fine

Remabe/Reem: Mother/mom

Reodacol: Rain

Repisita: "Jerk" (Disagreeable Person)

Riko: Be

Ritaqomi: Approaching

Roca: Within

Rofi: By

Rua: Your

Rudibugu: Background

Ruhd: This

Rulijo: What we have?

Saasaa: Water

Sakhai: Rest (v)

Salbue: Harvest

Saojifa: Security

Scrumsaarg: Marriage

Sejucore: Planet

Shnarf: That/concerning

Siruka: Wrong

Snaa: Able/can

Sohenogi: Question

Soisofu: Family

Soqokuru: Identify

Sotukobe: Religion

Stako: Feces

Subecosu: Bother

Suka: Many/Much

Susocir: Bald

Taboloco: Creature

Tarru: Tail

Tebesoe/Tebesque: Command

Tibu: His

Ticoh: Is

Tipohu: Add

Tiks: When

Tocedopu: Wisdom

Tohibou: Run/operate

Toihoja: Board(v)

Toib: See

Tuc: "Child" or "Baby", usually used condescendingly or as a pet name.

Tupaha: Possible

Ucuk: Speak

Ukxa: Pants/overalls

Umua: Thank you

Vatus: King/ruler/lord

Viravo: How

Weh: Our

Welk: Use

Xoc: Go/Going

Wof: Now

Yalnov:

Yok: No

Yunk: Why

Zaib: Correct

Zemitqame: Nerve (bodily organ).

Zoor: Because/since