Back to preperations

"So, is there anything else to know?"

Archie nodded sharply. "Yes. Whichever Novaxan you care for, they will not know English. Our elders chose this, to keep our culture as close to free of influence as possible. They will be able to show appreciation through their emotions...but will not be speaking much. If they do, it will likely be thinking aloud. You're ahead of others after what happened, but only in understanding. It will be a difficult adjustment, but the protocol for the placement program does not allow for the...emotional involvement you had with her."

James nodded. "I won't lie...it'll be an adjustment. Is...she happy?"

Archie took a deep breath, but James caught the faintest bit of a dull blue. Sadness, he now knew. "...I should see what other preparations you've made."

James nodded, standing to show him the room for his coming guest. Archie gave an approving nod, shifting to a happier green. "This is...impressive. Most out there find the easiest container for water they can."

James smiled. "Well. I wouldn't really be comfortable with bare minimum after what I've seen."

Archie shimmered with a teal color. "Thank you, James. As the pod alpha, I worry. For Novaxans, emotions are our primary communication...because of this, every individual in my pod is like one of my own children. I can rest easy placing one of them in your care...you've proven that already but this is all simply amazing."

That brought up a question that had been digging at James. "About that...is being the alpha why you're all...big and uh...red...and shark-y?"

Archie flickered white and blue for a moment, before white shimmered across him in a wave. "I...ah. In a way, yes. Though the direct cause is iodine. I eat meat. Fish, primarily. The other Novaxans avoid it, opting for a more vegan diet to keep from assuming a similar physique. Our appearance was similar to my own on our arrival, and it was incredibly startling to your officials. Most avoid iodine rich foods, resulting in the paler complexion and lack of muscle mass you are familiar with. As the alpha, I need to exude more authority in my presence. The result was our elders deciding to allow those foods to the alphas of each pod, to make for better protectors."

James raised his eyebrows with awe. "That's...incredible. Just that small change does that much. Would it make the same changes in any Novaxan?"

"You are a curious one, James... No. I was raised with that food. A Novaxan that did not, and began eating iodine rich foods would begin gaining more muscle mass, but not to the same extent. Not to worry. They've been informed to refrain still."

"Wow..."

"If that is all I should be going. Your officials have yet to select the Novaxan you shall care for, and I will need to be there to ensure they choose a decent fit."

"Oh! There is just one more thing. My mom and sister wanted to be here to meet whoever it is. They're hoping it'll make it easier to have them around when they visit."

Archie flickered white, blue, and yellow for a while. Eventually, blue washed over him. "They may. I will return tomorrow with the chosen Novaxan, and I will inform them what they can expect. Thank you, again...this place should be comfortable quickly."