"Great night for star gazing," Drake said as he walked across the roof of the Vanguard Europe building.
"I'm actually marveling at the view of the city from here," Adem responded as his orange orbs scanned over the mix of history and progression intermixed within the German town.
Marshall came to a stop beside the alien. "I really need to find a better conversation opener. How does 'How 'bout them Packers?' work?"
"There dependence on an ailing and age quarterback puts the future of their offensive line in question. There is a growing need and concern for grooming a replacement quarterback whom the offensive line will be able to respect and trust, thus insureing the success of future seasons."
"Well, that caught me off guard."
"It did, didn't it?"
An awkward silence followed as Drake tried to formulate another line of questioning. It occured to him that the direct route was the best approach when dealing with Different. "Why aren't you inside with the rest of the team?"
"Please don't consider me rude," Adem answered while still gazing out over the cityscape. "I have nothing personal against the rest of the team or the festivities. It's just that that trip across planes of existance with that crystal has left my mind somewhat hazy and disoriented. I'm attempting to use an old technique taught to me on my homeworld. I focus my eyes and mind on one thing, direct all my thoughts concerning whatever it is, and slowly bring my mind back under control. The atmosphere inside was too noisy and full of distractions for me to do it there."
"Ah!" the field learder let out, feeling a bit of relief. "Does it work?"
"Well, it was."
"Hmmmmmmmmm..................... Oh! Oh, I'm....... I'll just get back downstairs and make sure we still have plenty of punch or something." Marshall turned and began to walk away.
"I'll only be a few more minutes, Drake," the alien said as he walked away. "Then, I'll be back downstairs and my old self again."
"Good. I'm not really sure what that is, but it sounds fine."
"Drake," Adem called out before the man entered the door back inside. "Thank you. For the privacy and the concern."
"Hey, we're on a team here. Besides, I'd like to think that our time in La Perdita also made us friends. This is what friends do."
As Marshall stepped inside, Adem turned back towards the city and gazed out over the lights and buildings.
