Adem Different stepped out of the party as Ozzy's attention was more and more fixed on the fighting females with their clothing becoming more ruffled and torn. His nostrils welcomed a fresh breeze that pushed away the horid smell of fish for just a few moments.
"You needed some fresh air to, eh?" a young woman's voice said in an Irish accent. Adem nodded as he turned to face Brianna. "I want to thank you for the necklace. I just haven't had time this past week."
"The natives say it will grant you strength and luck." Adem stepped further away from the factory and towards the beach. "Superstitious, I know; but it's supposed to be the thought that counts, right?"
"That's exactly right."
The two stopped at the shore. Adem gazed out over the vast sea with the moon's image waving unsteadily in the waves. Brianna examined the stars in the sky. "Do you miss it? Your home."
"Yes, of course," the alien answered. "It's what I've known my whole life. I left so much there, including my sister. But it's all gone by now. Hundreds of thousands of years gone, even by your calendar. Lamenting about it will only make matters worse. It's better if I just move on ahead. How about you? What about your home?"
"I wouldn't call where I've been the last few years a home, really," she answered. "Everything is pretty complicated." A mixture of sadness and anger entered her voice.
"Sorry if I asked the wrong question. It's just the only way for me to understand you."
"No, no. It's fine. I understand that you have ask questions. I know you want to understand our culture."
"Yes," Adem said. "That too."
