by CB Conwy
Yes? Pietr didn't seem to find anything odd about that. You do remember what happened yesterday, don't you? Part of my job is to find a way out of the mess we've created. We had a good talk about that.
You talked to the President? Matt had a hard time getting over that.
Yes, Matt. We're doing a speech together tomorrow. Today, it'll only be us, though.
You're doing a speech tog... What do you mean, only us? Matt had developed a sound instinct for when he was supposed to get suspicious. Side effect of interacting with aliens.
Pietr looked straight at him. I want you there. I want people to see that you're okay and that there are humans who talk to Himika.
Hence Matt's present pacing in the improvised green room of the hotel and his attempt at not peeing his pants at the thought of the horde of reporters waiting for them in the hall on the other side of the door.
His mate blinked, Pietr's mind doing a double take.
It's a saying, stupid! I've told you that a million times by now!
Pietr stepped into Matt's path, catching him the next time he turned to pace back. You ARE going to be fine. We'll go out there, you'll tell everybody that you're all right, I'll apologize for what has been going on until now, and then I'll tell them what's going to happen in the future. That's all. We can do it.
Matt let himself be held for a moment, leaning on his mate and taking in Pietr's quiet confidence.
Then he stepped back, taking a big breath.
"World peace and all that, huh?" He looked at Pietr.
"World peace, baby." Pietr smiled.
Matt took another deep breath and nodded. He turned around and faced the entrance to the hall where the bright lights of the TV cameras waited. Then he stepped through the door with his mate.
End