"We have dissected the plant and reconstructed its DNA in numerous settings. What makes your data so spectacular?" I snap reminded how I was torn from my day off for this.
"Its DNA is too...perfect." He says, simply.
"What do you mean by perfect?" I arch an eyebrow at the archaic term.
"It is exactly how something constructed by an intelligent life form might be."
"Come again?" My brain is working overtime to compute this new information.
"This was sent here from some intelligent life form with the purpose of annihilation. Whoever sent this meant to wipe our species out. An extinction event."
"What an imbecile! We are one of the most adaptive creatures in the solar system! Who would even -" I pause to reflect.
"That is it, use that oversized brain of yours."
"Wow, that almost sounded like humor." I laughed then turned serious. "The Alliance."
"My thoughts exactly."
"Then why would they give us permission to eradicate the parasite and plan a colony ship?"
"Calypso, if you cannot put two and two together..."
I pause and put one hand over my heart with the other over my stomach. Breathing deeply into my chest then gut, I feel a calmness take root. As I exhale the peace travels to my extremities then to my brain. Eureka!
"They think we will die fighting the plant or destroy our planet." Noah is nodded intently. "Alternatively, if we are all in one ship we are an easy target."
"Accurate."
"Well, what do we do?"
"Strategize."
"Who can be trusted?"
"Everyone in this room."
Noah and I sat staring at one another. The emptiness of the lab was sobering.
"Thank you for sharing this information but I cannot stay to strategize at present."
"I see that." A smile briefly made an appearance at the corner of his lips. "You look beautiful."
"Thank you." I can feel warmth filling my face. "I am to be somewhere in an hour. Please excuse me. We can pick this up in two days time."
"I will be ready."
"As will I."
Adamanthe is prompt. When I enter his craft, I notice his face covered with a mask.
"Here." He hands me a black silky mask. "This is a masquerade."
I feel relieved to be covering my face. Less recognizable, especially to my boss, Adam's dad.
"Thank you." I place the mask on and firmly tie it.
"You look absolutely stunning."
Hearing another compliment makes me feel shy.
"Thank you for everything, the gifts, dress, event - everything." I say breathlessly.
"Calypso, I-" He does not finish his sentence. We arrive at the most beautiful venue I have ever seen.
"How magnificent!"
"Yes." His eyes don't leave my face. I can feel them searching for the essence of my very being.
"What is it you wanted to say?"
"Will you permit me to keep close proximity to you throughout our evening?"
"I should think so. I will not know anyone here."
"An advantage I will gladly use to stay near." His eyes lit up and his smiled warmly at me.
"Then let us proceed with our evening." I smile back at him.
He leans forward and our lips brush. "Absolutely."