Boredom and warning

The first interview was not particularly interesting for Mike, beyond meeting the interviewer. A gigantic Dunori male, he was as hyper masculine as Kyrie was feminine. With similar dark purple skin, but black hair instead of white, and the same tail and backwards jointed lower legs, it was obvious that they were the same species.

Mike is a bit intimidated at first, but the interviewer, whose name is Roland, is quite personable and friendly. He seems genuinely interested in the human race, and his powerlifter’s physique is offset by an almost comically small set of reading glasses he puts on. His questions, however, are for the most part dry, scientific inquiries.

The only question that really breaks the monotony is towards the end of the interview. Roland looks up from his writing. “Not to deviate too far into the realm of the more salacious reporting I’m sure will follow, but I have a question of a more personal matter.”

Mike nods. “Of course, I was told to expect some of those.”

Roland shrugs. “Nothing too private. I’m simply wondering if you have considered where you can fit in our society. Surely you cannot be kept here forever, correct?”

Damon responds. “Of course not, but these things take time.”

Mike nods. “I’ve only been here for a couple days, I barely know anything outside this facility. And besides, I’ve been welcomed quite warmly here.”

Roland raises an eyebrow at that. “I won’t dig any deeper into that statement. I feel I should inform you however, that while the reaction to your arrival is largely positive, there are some rumblings of a more negative reaction. Very minor thus far, but it’s only been a few hours since the announcement.”

Damon looks a bit surprised. “A negative reaction? I saw no such thing!”

Roland nods. “You are a scientist, I wouldn’t expect you to. I may be a science reporter, but I am still a reporter. Just keep an ear to the ground on this.”

Mike smiles. “Thanks for the heads up, at least!”

The rest of the session returns to bland, scientific questions. Mike answers as best he can, with Damon filling in the rest. Afterwards, Roland shakes Mike’s hand and leaves, and they meet Alicia in the hallway. With a big smile she walks up to Mike. “So, I think your next interview is going to be a lot more fun!”

Mike laughs. “And why is that?”

Damon sighs. “It’s Fiona, isn’t it…”

Alicia grins. “Yup!”

Mike looks between them, confused, and Damon sighs again. “She is a Tyrii like me, but she has some Fanir ancestry somewhere that gives her an unusual appearance. It makes her VERY popular.”

Alicia nods, still grinning. “And I think she’s going to really like you, Mike! You’ll see!”

Mike laughs.