<span style="font-family:Arapey"><span style="font-size: 15px">Her eyes went a fraction wider as Valinor earnestly took her hand in his. The gesture was so abrupt and surprising. But it didn't give Allison any cause for alarm. His hand was warm and his skin was soft, without any of the blemishes or calluses her own hands bore. It softened the blow of an otherwise very depressing announcement. There was nothing the people of Earth could do to fend off this imminent visitor. They could put up a fight, certainly, but it would only be in vain against a far more advanced species that no one else even knew about! It was hard not to feel hopeless in that situation, despite his telling her not to. <br/>
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Her ears perked up at his offer of assistance and intercession on Earth's behalf. He'd taken her writing hand in his and she didn't want to seem rude by removing it in favor of scribbling down notes. So she listened carefully, wanting to commit every word, every detail of their conversation to memory. She seemed puzzled by his assertion though. He was the only one of his people who thought the people of Earth were worth saving? Why? Were her people that terrible that alien species looked down on them? And what was she supposed to teach him about earth's culture? What was it going to accomplish in the long run? It seemed like an odd request.<br/>
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Allison spoke slowly, taking time to really articulate her thoughts. "So, let me see if I understand all of this." He'd hit her with a lot of information in a very short amount of time, after all. "You're saying that you and your people can protect us or defend us from this species that's hurtling towards Earth. But you're the only one on this... council who thinks we're worth saving? And you think that showing the rest of them... Earth's <i>culture</i> will help sway them to your side?" She paused. Even saying it out loud seemed strange. But who was she to argue with an alien? "I mean, I'm happy to help. So, what do you want me to show them? I'm not really sure what constitutes our 'culture'."</span></span>