Gideon was immediately taken with the young woman standing in his doorway; at first glance, one would assume she was human, but through intelligent human observation and a few tricks of the craft, he knew she was not. This dark-skinned beauty was also no demigoddess or citizen of faery…those races were in tune with the Earth and she, while thriving here just fine, was not. As if this wasn’t enough, he watched her gaze studiously roam over his face and body, taking note, but nothing more. Gideon was thrilled, for, if he was not mistaken, he had an extraterrestrial standing face to face with him at this very minute.
Would it be rude to ask her questions about her home planet…her culture…customs…religions? Would it be untoward to grab his notebook and take notes as she spoke or to even ask her to make sketches? The idea of another whole planet to explore, alien cultures…Gideon’s mind was reeling. He sighed and logic intervened; of course she wouldn’t be able to divulge too much. They, whoever they were, were obviously an advanced civilization and couldn’t divulge too much information to the people of Earth. His eyes met the dark eyes that were very much like his own, Perhaps the withholding of info only relates to technology, he mused.
With a pleasant smile, Professor Gideon Whyte stepped to the side and invited the young lady in. “I’m not familiar with the orthography of your language or it’s naming system, so I’m not sure what to call you, young lady. Would it be Miss t’Vrenak or Miss Dhivael or maybe Miss ir-Elehu?”, he pulled out a chair for her to sit in, next to his desk. Taking his seat behind the desk, Gideon unconsciously mimicked the girl’s perfect posture. “That’s very forward thinking of you and something I’m sure all of your professors will take positive note of, young lady. I’m very excited about your participation in my anthropology classes.”
Walking to a small freezer in his office, Gideon spoke to his fascinating student, “May I get you something? Bottle of water, soft drink, chocolate bar? I’ve had my several mugs of tea for the day…”, he grinned, “…I believe it’s time for some water. I’m out of my imported chocolate, but I do have some Hersheys”.
Returning to his desk, Gideon thought about her questions for a moment, “I’m very passionate about my subject and that will come out in my teaching. I want my students to love anthropology as well. I want them to crave knowledge, crave uncovering that next riddle…answering the unanswered questions.” He showed her some of the books that Brandon had brought up from the library. “We start with books and we do lots of reading and we ask lots of questions and I may give you assignments to answer some questions. I will probably give assignments on ancient peoples, rituals, migrations, DNA, etc.” He looked at her and his eyes almost twinkled, “No, Miss, I have nothing to prepare you for my class. I’d rather you come with a clean slate”.
Leaning back in his chair and taking a bite from his chocolate bar, Gideon knit his eyebrows and then asked, “Would it be rude of me to inquire, what is the name of your planet and what do the people call themselves?”