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It was dark in Professor Jacobs’ study.
A pool of light lit the table where he was studying some of his documents. He couldn't concentrate. He should be grading his students’ papers, but having Della here made him confused and nervous. He should have been planning on speaking to the local government about the impending invasion by the Vvong. Yet, he wasn’t sure how to proceed. He knew he was smart, but he was not a man of action, a man who knew how to speak to leaders.
"Hello, Professor."
A shape emerged from the gloom. He almost called out in fright, but he recognized the slim figure of Della. She moved silently and planted herself on a leather chair across from him. He smiled. He couldn't help it.
She said, "I was bored. I can’t just sit in my room like this."
"I'm sorry. I don't know what to do next."
"Your leaders of Earth must know. It is going to happen soon."
"How do you know?"
The elf looked out the window. She stood and stared at the stars beyond. "The Vvong will never stop. They are creatures born of nothing and crave only the seeds of magic for nourishment. They have destroyed entire worlds."
Professor Jacobs almost stood and walked to her. He wanted to enfold her in his arms and kiss the nape of her neck. Della turned to him as if she knew his thoughts.
"I know,” he said. “But my leaders would want to know when the invasion will start."
Della didn’t speak for a long moment. She looked at the professor. "The Vvong will come the next season. One of your Earth years. They will come in hordes and kill everything. We must stop this," she finally said.
"Why don't the Elves come here?” Professor Jacobs replied. “They must have powers to help us."
Her voice was melancholy. "The Elves and all their magical powers are not the same as they used to be. They are scared, and hide in the metal space station they call the Hive. They might help us, but I think it is too late."
"Yes, but they can at least assist us."
Della turned to him. The light of the lamp made her look beautiful and surreal at the same time. "There might be a person who could help you,” she said. “But the High Council will stop him. We are on our own for now. I can help you talk to your leaders."
He paused and looked out his window. He said, "The Vvong must know about me."
She nodded. "I feel the Vvong agents are here. They might have come in the guise of a human helper."
"I was thinking... I have a friend in the government office. He might be able to help us."
She nodded again. "We can talk to him tomorrow."
"It’s not that easy. His name is Erlick, and he travels away for long periods of time, working as a secretary to the Governor. I’m not sure where he is."
Della suddenly looked out the window. She grabbed something from her belt. It was a long knife.
"What do you hear?" he asked.
She turned sharply to him. "Be quiet," she hissed.
Della ran out the room. She was so silent, he didn't even know she was gone until he noticed she was no longer standing at the window. He looked for something that he could defend himself with. He saw a letter opener and hefted it in his left hand. He hoped it was not one of the Vvong creatures. They were insect-like, with sharp jaws, and they moved like the wind.
He needed to talk to Della about getting one of the magical sabers she carried, but he knew she would deny him her weapons. He turned off the desk lamp. The study fell dark, the only light coming from the moonlight outside.
"They're gone."
The professor cried out in surprise. "Sorry, you’re so silent. I didn't hear you enter."
Della moved to the window again. "I couldn't tell who they were. They are clearly trained in the art of deception."
"Who are they? Vvong creatures?"
"I don't know. But it must be somebody in your government. They were good, almost as good as Elves. I found this." She held up a note. "It’s addressed to you."
A paper was folded over twice. Della placed it on his desk, and he turned on the light. His name was printed on the front in bold writing. He opened it.
It read:
"We know who you are and what you have done. You need our help, and we need yours. In a few days, we will be in contact with you. Please restrain your elf."
The note was not signed. He showed it to Della. She nodded.
"You can read English?" he asked.
"Yes, English is very similar to elven script. Can you trust these people?"
"I don't know. But I will try to contact my friend tomorrow."
Della nodded. She stood, looking at the note for a few seconds.
"Do you have any alcohol?" she asked.
"Well, yes, I do." He walked over to a wooden bureau chest. The Professor rarely drank, but he had a stock of bottles for when the Dean of the University would visit him, which had been often, until Della had stayed with him.
"What do you want? I have scotch, tequila and bourbon."
"I don't know any of those drinks. Just give me something strong. Something like Dwarven spirits."
"I don't have that.” The Professor grabbed a bottle of scotch and poured half a glass.
She took the glass and drank, then nodded at him. "That was good. Get some rest. I will watch over us."
"You need sleep as well," he said.
"Don't worry about me. Could you pour me another drink before you sleep?"
"Are you sure?"
She smiled.
