Chronicles of Jake 1: My Return to Planet Earth

by Peter Lewis Atkinson

  I took that note out of my pocket that the president gave me to read what was written on it, which turned out to be mainly about a personal welcome to us. But had a phone number to ring if he could help in anyway. I put the note back in my pocket for now. We were driven back to our ship. The chauffeur confirmed at this point that this limo was at our disposal during our stay, along with several police officers for our protection. Now straight away the limo was going to be useful as no sooner had we got inside the ship then I asked Rachael if she would go and take some of our gold for exchange for some hard currency, asking if anyone would like to go with her. We needed some items, so a department store would be her next call. Alkarren females liked shopping as much as humans. Nearly everyone on board wanted to go, including the children. I explained to the daughters that there was only room for five. As Rachael had to go, the other four seats would be taken by the adults this time but they might be able to go sometime during our stay. So who won, Perri Minty Luka and Lara. You could see the others were a little disappointed but tried not to show it, I looked at them and said, ‘‘Alenna, Jenna, Lumi and Yarkeli there is nothing stopping you from going with Rachael tomorrow if you like.’’ This idea was greeted by eagerness and acceptance by all of them. Alenna of course could have insisted on going first but she is always fair and accepted the drawing of lots.

  There was no time to spare; they had to leave right away as there was only about an hour and a half before closing. We found a nearby place we could exchange the gold, so off went the four wives and Rachael along with a short list from me. I wanted to get all the wives some sunglasses as I could tell the difference in light intensity from Earth’s sun was bothering them the moment they stepped outside. At the bottom of the list was something regarded as sort of important, a message to Rachael: please do not forget to buy some chocolate biscuits. From the bridge we could see a placard being held up with the words BBC on it. We were also being beckoned to come and speak to them. I turned to Alenna; after a short discussion it was decided that Alenna, Jenna and I would go and see what he wanted. As we exited the ship the ever-present crowds let out a roar and pushed forward against the fence, which bowed considerably but held. I was a little concerned not only for our safety but the crowd as there could have been a disaster if it gave way. I was concerned that people could be crushed, so I shouted towards them to please stay back. Luckily this did have the desired effect; well, at least temporarily, as some police officers who also had seen what happened had moved in to keep them back.

  We went up to cameras and to the person holding up the placard, who wanted us to come to the studio to do an interview. I looked at Alenna, it would be her decision. However, first she wanted more details. Here are some of my conditions asked Alenna, "First our safety must be guaranteed second the interviewer must be female along with all the crew, our police officers must be consulted and agree to this, as they would be expected to be with us." The man got on his phone. While he was busy we talked to a group of women with their children. I said we. What I should have said was Alenna and Jenna talked to them. I just stood back and listened. The children were interested in ours. A back and forth question and answer session proceeded. They got the gist that Alkarren children have very much the same interests as human children and that they weren’t really that much different.

  The BBC man now got back to us and agreed with Alenna’s demands. A coach would be laid on for us the next morning to take us to the studio. Alenna took our liaison police officer aside to talk with her as to what was happening and to see if she had any concerns about this. I could see them nodding with acceptance at what they had discussed. Alenna came back over to Jenna and me, just saying we all had to be ready to go at ten o’clock in the morning. We waved at the crowd as we proceeded to return to our ship.

  Some time had passed and Alenna wanted to know how the others were getting on with the shopping trip. Wanting to know is something prime wives do all the time, keeping an eye and ear on everything. Alenna was no exception to the rule and was on her communicator to them to get an update. They were just about to leave the department store so should be returning back at the ship very soon. Alenna stood on the bridge waiting and watching out for them to arrive while Jenna and I went to see how Lumi, Yarkeli and the children were getting on. As it was past time for our evening meal. As we walked into the galley we could see all the children were there, all seated watching Lumi and Yarkeli preparing the food. We informed them that we expected the return of the others at any moment. Some of the children were now complaining they were hungry, Lumi replying that they wouldn’t have long to wait.

  After washing our hands Jenna went and helped with the food preparation while I went to talk to the daughters. ‘‘Girls,’’ I said to them, ‘‘Would you like to go to the beach for a day if I can arrange it?’’

  This got them all excited and without exception they all replied, ‘‘Yes please dad.’’

  I then said, ‘‘I will see what I can do.’’ I planned to ask the prime minister if this was at all possible when I talked to him later. I joined in the wait for our meal. It was not long before Alenna came in to say they were back. After they had cleaned up they all arrived in the galley. Rachael handed me a bag which I put on the seat next to me. The usual seating arrangement meant the children sat on one table and the adults the other. Alenna always sat opposite me with Jenna and Minty either side of her, all the other wives sat where they pleased as did Rachael and Yarkeli. Out of the other four wives one in particular liked to make sure she sat next to me if she got the chance and that was Lumi, as she was still infatuated with me even after being a wife for a number of years. Perhaps the others were as well, but didn’t wish to show it in front of the others. Perri took the seat one side of me, as Lumi was ready to sit down you could see she wanted to sit where the bag was. I obliged saying, ‘‘Come on Lumi.’’ while moving the bag, the others knew that she always wanted to sit next to me. Teasing her a little laughing and saying she was not the only wife and that they planned to beat her to the seats next to me in future. Lumi smiled at them and said, "Try your best."

  We all tucked in to our meal of fish, rice and peas, with a chopped tomato dressed with grated quilick, which grows on a bush and is bright green and strangely it tastes like cheese or be it mild cheese. Once you get used to its colour you can think of it as cheese but the only real drawback is that you can’t melt it. So no melted cheese on toast. The fish came from Molk, the rice and quilick from Alkarr and the peas and tomatoes have of course originated from Earth, which we in person had brought back as seeds and were now widely cultivated on Alkarr. We followed this meal by having various fruits for dessert. When we had eaten I looked into my bag and told the wives that I had a present for them, handing each of them a pair of sun glasses, which meant no more squinting due to the different light intensity of Earth’s sun. I gave everyone chocolate biscuits and passed them around, which were enjoyed by all, especially the children.

  Chapter 9

  An Interview and Some Fun Time

  I needed to phone the prime minister to find out when I could speak at the United Nations. On phoning him he explained that most of the leaders had said next Monday, which was three days away and that it would be at the headquarters in New York. I was also to phone the president of the United States later to arrange transport if needed. After a short conversation of other things he had wished to ask about, he asked if my family and I would like to have a special visit to the science museum the following evening. I said we would be delighted. He said a coach would be provided for transport. I thanked him and then took the opportunity to ask if I could take the family to the beach for the day. He thought for a second or two, saying we could, but it must not be announced where we were going to cut down on security problems. I told him where I would like to go and we had our own transport telling him about our shuttle Calypso. He said there woul
d be a section of beach cordoned off and full details would be provided later. He also suggested perhaps some diversionary information was given that we were going to a different destination. I agreed. After we had finished our discussion I now had to tell Alenna about our museum trip. She already knew I wanted to arrange the beach trip and had given me the go ahead to try, but the museum trip I had agreed to without consulting her first, which was not a sensible act on my part. You may think that was a bit wimpish of me but having lived on Alkarr for thirteen years that’s how it worked. Alenna made the decisions involving the family as she was the prime wife and regarded as the head of the house. I just had to accept that; besides I didn’t want the aggravation.

  Right this is how I announced it, ‘‘Can I have every ones attention. We have been invited to go somewhere exciting. Now it’s going to be a surprise visit; a coach will collect us tomorrow evening and take us there.’’ Alenna was about to speak when I followed with, ‘‘I must now tell Alenna the details of what’s happening.’’ Alenna and I both left the room and went and sat in our cabin, I then explained to her all about it, looking at her and hoping for a favourable reply.

  She replied, ‘‘Taking decisions are we now without speaking to me first?’’

  I gulped and said, ‘‘It came from the prime minister so I could not really refuse.’’

  Alenna then said, ‘‘Don’t look so worried. I am not angry with you. I understand you were put on the spot to give an answer, in fact I am quite looking forward to that trip.’’ It was then decided we would after all keep it a surprise for the others.

  We were all up early the next morning so as to be ready for the arrival of the coach that was being dispatched to collect and take us to the studio. A few of us had gone to the bridge just to view what the weather was like and to check up on how many people were still at the park. The crowds were still there in large numbers; many must have spent the night there. When they spotted us at the bridge windows they let out a huge roar of excitement, so we all waved to show our gratitude of the super reception and support we had received since our arrival on Earth. With the exception of Yarkeli and Pooky as they did not have hair, all the others had now busied themselves to be ready for the studio cameras, making sure their hair was to perfection, with not a strand out of place. Even the little ones all neat and in the custom two ponytails, which also included my sister Rachael who always did what Alkarrens do as she loved to fit in and be no different from them.

  I said to the children, ‘‘Shall I style my hair with two ponytails?’’ They burst out laughing and giggling. I then said, ‘‘Wouldn’t I look good then?’’

  Still sniggering one daughter said, ‘‘No don’t be silly dad.’’

  I then laughed saying, ‘‘I would look silly wouldn’t I?’’ They then all agreed. I just grinned at them, of course I had no intention of styling my hair as they do, but I did like to wind them up a little at times, just to see what reaction I received. The family all had their best tunics on and not the everyday jumpsuits. They all looked so smart and very pretty; obviously they wanted to be at their best for the cameras. Alenna told me to go and get ready and to wear my best tunic and hat, so I obliged, leaving first to make way to our cabin to collect what I needed, before proceeding to my man cave so I would not be interrupted until I was ready.

  When I emerged from my den I went to the bridge. The coach was just arriving so I informed the others that we had to go. They looked all ready to go but a number were still fussing in front of mirrors. Alenna, sensing the urgency for us to get on the coach, hurried them along. We all made our way to the door while the crowds frantically waved at us as we emerged from our ship, we then proceeded towards the coach in a line. Just then someone in the crowd started shouting obscenities along with threats of violence against us. I watched as a group of supporters descended on that person. Alenna and the others were taken back by these threats of violence against us and were a little worried. I assured them the best I could that it was an isolated case and was being taken care of, thinking to myself, I hope the crowd do not take the law into their own hands and punish the person too harshly as it will only make him more aggressive towards us.

  We all boarded the coach and took our seats. The adults had at least one of the younger children sitting next to them. By the way all the wives had their sun glasses on, which was a relief for their eyes as they no longer had to squint. Alenna remarked, ‘‘What do you think they will ask us at the interview?’’

  I thought for a second then replied, ‘‘Space things.’’ A simple answer perhaps a little obvious.

  Rachael said, ‘‘Maybe but I suspect they will what to know personal things about us so be prepared when they ask awkward questions. Just don’t say anything if you want to keep it personal; only say no comment.’’

  We arrived at the BBC and were shown to the studio. We must have looked like we were going to a grand ball or other with our best tunics on. We sat down with the youngest at the front with adults seated just behind them. It was time for our interview which was to be recorded in front of a live audience and broadcast later in the evening. Most of us were surprisingly calm. We were then introduced as the House of Albion, the visitors from the stars. Now the questions started; Rachael was right they did want to pry. The first question, ‘‘Jake, seven wives, how do you feel about that?’’

  I replied, ‘‘You’ve got to look at it not from a human’s point of view. Earth is unique in having fairly equal males to females. On all other worlds it not the same. Births not only favour females but grossly favour females. On Alkarr males only make up approximately three percent of all births, so it would be impossible to have one to one relationships on any other planet apart from earth. I have seven wives. This does in no way mean I should have around another twenty five wives to bring me in line with the three percent. In fact I am quite happy with just having the seven.’’ looking at Alenna as I said it. ‘‘Anyway there are a good percentage of females which do not wish to marry for various reasons.’’

  Then the interviewer asked, ‘‘Do you have a favourite wife?’’

  I replied to this one with a question, ‘‘Do you have children?’’

  The interviewer replied, ‘‘I have two sons.’’

  I then said ‘‘Do you have a favourite son?’’

  She replied, ‘‘No of course not.’’

  I then said, ‘‘Then please don’t ask me if I have a favourite wife.’’

  She then apologised, but now went on to ask, ‘‘How do you go about choosing your wives?’’

  ‘‘I don’t,’’ I replied, ‘‘Although I did get the chance to choose between three sisters on one occasion. No the choice of wives are totally down to Alenna. She is the prime wife and the head of the house. It’s her decision on what if any wife or wives join our house. I will leave it to her to explain how it works.’’

  The interviewer now turned to Alenna and she explained how it worked through deals and alliances. Now as expected the interviewer asked her, ‘‘Don’t you get married for love then?’’

  Alenna replied, ‘‘Not as such. If you do not like the man you don’t have to put yourself forward to marry him, but once you are then that’s it and before you ask do I love my husband the answer to that is of course I do, as do all Jake’s other wives we are totally loyal to him.’’ I thought to myself Alenna that so sweet of you to say so.

  The interviewer hadn’t given up, ‘‘Do any wives have affairs?’’ she quickly said, ‘‘I don’t mean your wives, other houses wives.’’

  Alenna said, ‘‘Certainly not, it would dishonour a house besides all males are chaperoned at all times so there would be little chance anyway.’’

  Then the interviewer asked, ‘‘Do you get jealous of other wives with your husband?
’’

  Alenna looked at the others. To her that was a strange question to ask and they all started shaking their heads, ‘‘No way,’’ was their reply. A number of questions brought the no comment statement such as what are your sleeping arrangements, which are personal of course.

  Now it was time for some questions from the public. The first was, ‘‘What powers your ship and does it travel faster than light?’’

  I answered, ‘‘Our ship is powered by fusion reactors. As for travelling faster than light, no,’’ I replied. ‘‘It travels close to light speed, it’s not possible to travel faster than light if you could you would be into the realms of creating a time paradox, I am not an expert in how it works but here’s the general idea of how it does though, our star drive compresses the space between us and the destination star. This makes the star closer to you so you do not have as far to travel. I won’t say it is as simple as that, as its certainly not simple, but it works and that’s good enough for me.’’

  Another question, ‘‘How many planets have you been to?’’

  I replied, ‘‘I have lost count. Some are moons of larger planets where the moon is habitable but the planet is not. As for the amount I have been too... well getting on to a hundred at least.’’