Gideon watched the alien girl with interest as she sipped the tea; he tried to be discreet about it, of course, for he didn’t want her to feel like a test animal or anything of the like. Interesting, she concluded. That brought a satisfied smile to the professor’s face. From his short time with Dhivael, he decided that interesting, accompanied by further consumption, was a rave review from the Rihan girl.
“Yes, Dhivael, humans feel some need to identify in groups smaller than just The Human Race. Sadly, there are wars, prejudices and animosities that go back hundreds of years among some groups of humans, merely because this group did something to that group 600 years ago”, he shook his head, “So senseless. Even here in America…the great Melting Pot…humans identify, not just as American, but as Irish-American or African-American or Italian-American…do you see?” He tapped his lip, “Learning our history will further illustrate what I’m saying to you.”
“Ahh, you have read a little, I see. There may be other rituals, from different cultures, that mimic Rihannsu traditions as well. Perhaps you will be kind enough to point those out should we happen upon any?” Gideon sipped his tea and studied Dhivael for a moment. She spoke of basic foundations…the professor measured the weight of every word. “Are there any on your planet who theorize that Earth may have been visited by Rihannsu in the distant past and that humans may actually be descended from your people?”, he set his mug down, “…or perhaps both of our planets were seeded by the same space-faring race at different times?” He watched her eyes to catch any reaction to his words.
When the DVDs were mentioned, Gideon laughed, “I’m not so sure the Dean would agree that I Love Lucy or The King of Queens is educational, but I think they will be for your purposes.” He grinned and tapped his pen on the desk, “Perhaps you could keep notes for me. Tell me which ones amused you and what you found amusing and why? I think it would be very interesting to read.”
Gideon smiled at essentially being called primitive and sensitive by the alien girl, but he wasn’t offended. How often had he been in her position, speaking to a tribesman in the Amazon or New Guinea? No, it seemed it was his turn at playing the savage.
“I’ve traveled to many lands, my dear, and studied cultures both old and advanced and old and primitive. I never tire of seeing new lands and meeting new people”, the professor grew excited about the topic and physically forced himself not to open up the cabinet and pull out his slide projector. “Perhaps one day, when you have time, I will show you some photos from my excursions.”