Chapter 9: ExplorationMr. Gamboa finished upgrading his rocketship, and took to spending a great deal of time in space. He couldn't quite explain it, but somehow launching himself into the sky was the only time he felt he could leave all of his worries and troubles behind him.
He found the planet Sixam to be pleasingly calm, quiet, and dimly lit, not to mention rich with plants and rocks to collect.
He did often have the unnerving sensation that he was being followed, but he didn't let it bother him too much.
Jamaal, on the other hand, was exceedingly bothered. The moment Mr. Gamboa returned from his latest rocket voyage, Jamaal pulled him aside and whispered insistently, “You've got to talk to her.”
“Who? Reese? Has she been kicking over the trashcan again?”
“No, Macaria. She's got that boy over again.”
“Her little friend? Oh, good-”
“No, not good, my friend. She answered the door in nothing but a towel, and she's alone with him now in the hot tub.”
“Is that a problem?”
“She's
glowing pink. It's time you guys had the talk.”
“The talk?”
“Yes the talk. The woohoo talk. The birds and the bees. Where babies come from.”
“Where babies . . .oh, I suppose you're right. Are they still out there? The boy should probably hear this, too.”
“Excellent,” chuckled Jamaal, “I'll go with you for support.”
Macaria and Argus (her little friend) jumped apart guiltily as Mr. Gamboa and Jamaal climbed into the swirling water. “Hey Dad, Jamaal. What's up?”
“Well, Macaria, now that you're older I think it's time I explained some very important things. You see, when two species are very curious about one another-”
“Oh, Dad, no! Please don't!” yelped Macaria.
Mr. Gamboa pressed on, “-sometimes one will send a ship to abduct a member of the other one to perform experiments. Experiments which can be rather invasive, occasionally resulting in-”
“Gotta go!” cried Argus, leaping from the tub. “See you at school tomorrow, Macaria!”
“Well, my work is done,” said Jamaal, as he likewise made his escape.
The next day Argus returned.
“Do you think he really doesn't know?” asked Macaria.
“I guess I could send my mom to talk to him if you want,” Argus suggested. “Her woohoo talk was horrible and embarrassing, but at least it was factually accurate.”
“Nah,” said Macaria, “I think it's better if he doesn't find out. He'd never let us use the observatory again. Speaking of which, want to do some stargazing?”
