AN: For your enjoyment. Please don't hesitate to review -- let me know what you think good, bad and everything in between. -MS
*
Summer could feel droplets of sweat trail from the nape of her neck into the high collar of her coveralls. The air was stiflingly humid and it was evident that many of the humans present were becoming increasingly uncomfortable. Looking around, Summer spotted Dr. Reiss conversing with a seemingly random Zulraian. No other attempts of socialization were made toward the group. They seemed to be waiting for something. What, Summer was unsure.
Finally, the group was led to wait under the shade of a large awning. It was located at the front of a large building. Probably the compound that they were to reside. Before they entered the building, they were introduced to their Zulraian counterparts.
"As you are well aware, you all will be assisting these scientists." Dr. Reiss looked down to his tablet before continuing. "There has been a total of five teams formed. Teams have been decided upon by specialty. Your tablets have been updated with your teammates' information and working location. You will meet in your prospective laboratories on the morrow. Please use this time to familiarize yourself with your teammates." With that, he entered into the building.
After several minutes of awkward silence, stilted greetings were exchanged. Summer accessed her tablet to discover her teammates' identity. Of course the Zulraians didn't need to access anything. They probably already knew every human present names, dates of birth, socials and so on.
Summer saw that one other human was a part of her team, Dr. Ricardo Silva. She looked up from her tablet and spotted him along with four other Zulraians socializing near the entrance of the building. She assumed that he was conversing with their teammates and decided to make her way over to them.
Upon her approach, she noticed all conversation ceased and attention was focused on her arrival. Dr. Silva was still speaking, but the Zulraians did not seem to be paying him any mind. All four turned towards Summer in curiosity.
"Dr. Evans," one stated. He took several steps away from the group in order to meet her half way. "I am Shiltar, Chief Engineer at the Northern Zulraian Academy. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance."
Shiltar reached for her hand to initiate a handshake. Summer accepted, not wanting to cause any offense. He obviously studied several aspects of her culture and wanted to put several principles into action. She thought it was cute.
Shiltar, along with the other three Zulraians, appeared to be in his mid to late 30s. They all had dark hair. Shiltar and two others had long hair and only one had short. All of the Zulraians had a similar facial structure; angular features and square jaws. But Summer found it easy to distinguish the identity between all four mainly due to the tattoo-like designs they wore on their faces.
"Likewise Shiltar," Summer answered. He held her hand a bit longer than necessary. She didn't think anything of it because he probably never shook hands with a human to know how long it was socially acceptable to hold a hand for a handshake. "I understand that we will be working together and I would like to get to know everyone. Is it possible to take a tour of the facilities as well as have a meal?"
He looked back to his colleagues briefly before turning back to Summer with a slow nod of acceptance.
"It would be my pleasure, but first let us meet my associates." They both turned and started to make their way towards the group.
"Summer Evans. I am Jerv," a Zulraian stated once they got closer. "I am quite interested in working alongside you."
"I am also," another stated. He stood next to Jerv. "I am called Farux."
Summer nodded in acknowledgment to both males, somewhat amused at their eagerness. She turned towards the last Zulraian. He stood aloof to the side, obviously not as eager as the other three. He stood out from the other Zulraians in attendance because of his short hair and circular marking surrounding his left eye.
Shiltar, Jerv and Farux introduced themselves to her. The only one left was Omid, the reserved one. His attire was different from the others, also. Instead of silky suede-like fabric worn by many Zulraians, he wore leather.
"Dr. Evans, come meet the last teammate," Ricardo directed her over. "This is Omid. He has been appointed team leader and is absolutely brilliant! His theories involving genetic markers vs. environmental influences are groundbreaking. I'm sure you have heard of him. His research projects and published works are right up your alley."
Of course, Perish'ka Omid! She knew his name sounded familiar. She started following his work in Junior High. He was one of the few Zulraians who cared to publish for Earth and he's been in circulation for about 50 years. One of the main reasons why Summer became interested in science was because of his detail accounts.
"I am familiar with Perish'ka Omid," the Zulraian in question turned his head towards her at the mention of his full name. Summer took this opportunity the study him up close. He reluctantly made eye contact with her and she was taken aback by the open animosity he displayed.
"How convenient," Omid quipped. "Yet I have absolutely no prior knowledge of you."
Summer flinched, not expecting such hostility from someone she considered an icon. She quickly hid her surprise by turning towards Shiltar.
"I believe you owe me a tour," he nodded. Apparently ready to end the tension. The doors of the compound opened as Shiltar led the group down a spacious corridor.
The interior of the building was a light slate gray color. Markings appeared at the beginning of every intersecting corridor, sort of like street signs. Summer was sure that this was for the humans benefit.
"We are currently in Ktu Hall. This building is where you all will reside during your stay on Zulraius. Please note that each hall has a symbol. It is understood that this will assist in your orientation.
"There are three levels to this building. We are currently on the first floor. There is a basement which houses the gym. The Mess is located on this level as well as security and several recreational rooms. As we approach the back of the building, you will note that there is a demarcation, which notates the beginning of the residential quarters. The second floor is where the rest of the quarters are located. Your tablets have your specific lodging locations."
Summer was in awe of her surroundings. Like the shuttle that brought them to the planet, there were no discernible doors or windows. There were symbols placed discreetly on areas that could be doors. "How would one have access to their room? There are no apparent openings and I don't see any handles."
"Good question, Dr. Evans. The symbol located on each door has been matched to its occupant's fingerprints. One must only place their hand on the symbol and the door will open."
"Be prepared to repeat yourself several times, Shiltar. The memory of our human counterparts is not as developed as our newborn babes." Omid whispered, loud enough for the entire group to hear. Ricardo face was aflame and he moved to reply, but Summer placed a hand on his shoulder.
"It's not worth it," she said into his ear. "He may be miserable and resent working with us, but that doesn't mean we have to let his petty remarks get under our skin."
"You are right doctor," Ricardo replied, stepping into line with her. They stayed together for the rest of the tour. Ricardo barely holding in his replies to Omid's condescending comments and Summer trying to temper any arguments that may arise.
"Now we are at the end of the tour,"Shiltar concluded. "The Mess has opened and food is being prepared. Although our selection may not be the fare that you are used to, I am certain that the assortment will meet all of your nutritional needs."
"It's probably better than the rehydrated crap we were subjected to on our journey here," Ricardo joked.
"Yeah, anything's better than freeze dried peas and meat. Are you all going to join us?" Summer looked to the four Zulraians and saw that they were all in agreement except one. He locked eyes with Summer and wore a slight sneer on his face.
"We are required to 'get to know' one another. Although I find their company completely tedious, I will follow direction and attempt to 'get to know' the humans."
There was a long moment of silence. Summer could not believe that he was so rude. It was almost comical how much disdain he had for both of them. If he was so adverse to humans, then why did he go out of his way to make his research available to Earth? From her knowledge, Zulraians were extremely private. About everything. No one pulled his arm about sharing his theories and journals. He didn't owe her or the human race anything, but his apparent contempt for all things human was so obvious and uncomfortable that for a couple of seconds Summer felt it would be best to take her meal to her room.
"Great! Now that we're in agreement let's grab something to eat." They headed into the Mess and were greeted by several over teams who had the same idea. Summer spotted Mindy and was tempted to join her friend, but decided against it. She needed to be with her team.
The conversation started slow. Tension from Omid's presence dominated the atmosphere. The times Summer chanced a glance in his direction, he was caught staring at her. The earlier expression of disdain gone, replacing it was an expression that she wasn't sure how to read. She didn't linger too long on his mood changes, only focusing on the conversations circling around her and hoping not to get into any disagreements with Omid.
When their meal was over, the team disbanded to retire for the rest of the day.
"Girl, did you know that we will be sharing a suite?" Mindy said, plopping down next to Summer. "Here share with me. I know this stuff comes nowhere near ice cream, but it's really close." Mindy grabbed a spoon and started digging into Summer's dessert.
"So we're sharing a room?"
