Michelae paged through some of her Physics notes and rubbed her temples. The past few hours had been spent looking for explanations, but she could not find any. It was Saturday morning now, and she was no closer to an answer.

“So, did we pass through a wormhole in space?” she asked.

“No,” Oya said.

“Were our molecules disassembled and reassembled again?”

“No. It was magic. It is magic. It’s that simple.”

She was interrupted by a knock on the door. Tiffany ran to open it. It was Gif. He was smiling widely. Michelae embraced him tightly. He kissed her in return.

“Baby, I was so worried about you!” Gif said.

“Something happened. Come inside.”

Michelae led him to her room, where Oya was waiting, on the floor. Oya rose and sized up Gif. She gave a small grunt and sniff and gripped him close. “You smell of evil,” she whispered.

“Of what?”

“Yes, it is a distinct scent. A certain aroma that I am sensitive to. Where have you been? No, a better question: What have you obtained?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“She saved my life, Gif. Don’t lie to her,” Michelae said.

“Okay okay. I took a bunch of stuff, but I don’t think any of it is … ‘evil’.”

“Show me,” Oya demanded.

Gif led them to his car and showed them the bag of trinkets. Oya tossed each of them aside. Gif began to protest, but Oya stared him down. She examined a golden flute more closely, then slowly shook her head.

“Do you think I am a fool, Gif?” Oya smiled.

“I don’t even know you. Why are you even looking through my stuff?”

“Your stuff?” Oya laughed. “This is from the planet Cathos. Are you a member of The Congregation?”

“The what?”

“Just show me what else you … stole.”

He started to protest, but she held up her hand. “Now, boy.” He looked to Michelae for support, but her face was as stern as Oya’s.

Gif went to the cubbyhole and produced the amulet. He dangled it in front of Oya. She smiled and grabbed it. She traced her fingers along the purple jewel. “Gif, my boy! You have saved me so much time and effort. This Amulet is a holy relic!” Oya beamed. “The Congregation believe that there’s an artefact – this – which contains the essence of every tribe member ever born. It has the power to resurrect the entire race. The trouble, though, is that they can only see it if they have physical bodies. That would explain why my old enemy has been killing and taking on human life force so regularly. One needs a solid form to find this!”

“Wait, so … my boss? You mean … the person I’ve been working for … he’s an alien?”

“Yes, a very dangerous alien that needs to be stopped. This artefact can only be destroyed if the Congregation is exterminated. Where is he hiding, this boss of yours?”

“Cafe Mambo. It’s not far from here.”

“Good. You drive.”

“Oya, can Gif and I have a moment alone?” Michelae said.

Oya rubbed her head and vanished. Michelae led Gif to the car. They sat on the backseat and Michelae sighed.

“I was attacked last night. A group of men tried to …” she began, then broke down and sobbed.

“I’m so sorry, baby. I wasn’t there to protect you.”

“No. That doesn’t matter. I have something to tell you. I’m not sure how to say this.” She breathed deeply. Gif. I’m … I mean I’m not …”

“I know what you’re going to say. I knew from the first moment I saw you and I don’t care.”

“How can you not care? I’m not a real woman!”

“You are my Michelae and that’s all that matters. If you want to change, I’ll support you. We can keep some those of those jewels. You can have the surgery like … next week!”

“I love you, Gif!” They kissed ferociously. Gif began removing her clothes and kissing her neck. The windows steamed up as both of them surrendered to their passions. Their eyes locked and they smiled.

“It’s finally happening,” Gif whispered, but as his hand moved to his pants a knock on the window made them both jump. Michelae knocked her head against the roof of the car and Gif’s nose hit her knee.

Oya opened the back door. “You humans! Like rabbits! This is no time for intimacy! We need to eliminate The Congregation!”

***

Tell us what you think: Gif responds positively to Michelae telling him about her physical, outward gender. He tells her they can now pay for reassignment surgery. Is this unbelievable to you, or does it show true love for who a person really identifies as?