"What seemed like days passed, as I was moved from my cell, to talk to my jailer, and he kept telling me of the atrocities committed by the Humans, and how well-treated our people would be, if we went along with the Nissite plan for galactic progression.

"Each session was more intense, and as I felt weaker it seemed to make more sense. The more receptive I became to the Nissite’s ideas and suggestions, the lower the light level was in my cell, and I started to receive food and water in small quantities.

"It was clear they were trying to brainwash me, though why I could not tell. I was nobody important. I was a simple city doctor, who’d had the misfortune of meeting an alien. Whatever their reason, I knew to keep a level head, and played along with their methods, slowly expressing signs of submission and acquiescence.

"It got so bad that there was a day when I woke up actually believing the lies. I found myself thinking how much better off we'd be as the servants of these Nissites, rather than the food of Humans. What had started out as a simple lie to curry their favor and get the bare necessities of life had become true in my mind.

"What snapped me out of it, you ask? I suppose coming home has helped a bit. Really, I don't know what to believe, but walking around these familiar streets, seeing fellow Leshers once more, I understand what was being done to me, and how wrong it would be to sacrifice our culture and our freedom just for a little security. I do not know if Humans are the parasitic monsters the Nissite said they are, but I do know that I would rather see our people die, fighting free, than become slaves to another species!"

Quieting from his lengthy monologue, Hissar sat back and listened to the rain outside, as the drops reverberated against the tar roof overhead. The familiar sound was so welcoming to his ears, after so long being separated from such simple weather.

"How did you escape?" Nester asked, captivated by his friend's tale.

"I didn’t. They let me go, once they felt I was thoroughly convinced that their plan of domination was essential to the survival of our people."

"After they were convinced you would be on their side," Grisha mentioned, leaning back comfortably on the wicker couch. The tall seat kept the back of her head supported, even while sitting straight up and scribbling notes down on her reporter's pad.

"Do you know what happened to Sophia?" Nester asked.

"They never said. I don't even know if she's alive. Dear God, how long have I been gone?"

"It's been almost forty days," Nester replied. “How are you going to explain all this to your wife?”

“Oh my, Haushina! I’d almost forgotten. I haven’t a clue what to say to her, or the rest of the world, for that matter.”

"I doubt you'll be taken seriously by anyone outside a tabloid,” Grisha said with dejection.

“Madam, are you saying I should lie, and cover up my alien abduction?” Hissar asked with an impassioned hiss.

“Just think about what people will say when you go spouting off about Alien abductions and secret plots,” Grisha advised. “Two hundred years ago, the world was flat, and the sun revolved around it. Most people can't imagine worlds beyond our own, even in this industrial era. Your tale would incur laughter, or get you thrown in jail for heresy and sedition."

"Nobody will be laughing when the Nissites reveal themselves,” Hissar muttered despondently.

"Yes, but in the meantime I think Grisha’s right. We’d best keep our mouths shut," Nester said, standing up. As he got to his feet, he felt his head spinning a little from exhaustion and the continuing progression of the scale-rot.

Grisha rushed up and held Nester's arm as he stumbled.

"It's late," Grisha said. "I think it's about time we got some sleep, and took care of that scale-rot."

"Right," Nester said, feeling thoroughly drained.

"So, you have finally set aside your morality," Hissar commented.

"Hardly, Hissar. Grisha and I are married," Nester said. "Now, if you'll excuse us, we need to get some sleep."

"Of course," Hissar said, feeling more surprised by the news than he’d ever let on. "Do you mind terribly if I spend the night on your couch? I don't feel comfortable going home at this late hour."

"I would never turn you down, old friend," Nester said. "Get some sleep, Grior. Things will look better in the morning."

"May the dreams be kind," Hissar said, moving over to the couch.