Maggie's Story (Intergalactic Matchmaking Services) by Ava Louise Page A

The U.S. became aware of a race of aliens about three years ago. These aliens, the Nordonians, have been searching for other races that would be compatible with them for continuing their race. You see, about thirty years ago all of their females, both adult and children, were wiped out by one of their enemies in a chemical warfare attack of their planet. This means there have been no new Nordonians born for thirty years. And never will be, unless they can find other races of humanoids they are reproductively compatible with.”
    Maggie didn’t know what to say. Surely Claire was joking! She just blinked, staring at the matchmaker.
    “I know this is a shock, but I promise you it is all true, Maggie, and I can prove it.”
    “So you are looking for human women to breed with aliens!” exclaimed Maggie.
    “Not just for mating , Maggie. The Nordonians also understand the need for companionship and they share many things in common with us. They build families like we do. They form monogamous relationships just like we do here. With no women of their own race, they no longer have females to share their long lives with.”
    “This can’t be real,” said Maggie as she rose from the couch. She began to pace back and forth in the small living room. “You’re telling me the U.S. government has teamed up with aliens, for heaven sake, to allow them to use humans like breeding cows? And you want me to buy this story? Unbelievable! I thought you were a legitimate matchmaker, not a nutcase!”
    Maggie knew her voice was raised, but she couldn’t help it. This was just too much of a shock considering everything else that had happened to her the last few weeks. She really thought Claire was there to help her find someone she was compatible with, someone to share her life with.
    “You are focusing too much on the reproductive part of this equation, Maggie. It isn’t all about that, I promise. Remember, they want the companionship and caring that comes from relationships, too, the same as you. They believe in soul mates, and hope they can find them among other races.”
    “This can’t be true. Little green men don’t exist. This isn’t Roswell!” exclaimed Maggie. “What does the U.S. government get out it? Why would they agree to something like this?”
    “The Nordonians are teaching us about other races, some that would want to harm us and some that would not. They also use their technology to help our government locate natural resources, which you know is a major concern for most governments. I meant what I said when I said I could prove this, Maggie. Would you like for me to do that now?”
    Figuring Claire would pull out doctored photos of little green men, she said, “Sure. Prove it to me.” Maggie resumed her seat on the couch, crossing her arms.
    Claire rose from her chair and went to the apartment door. She quickly opened it and waved her arm to someone standing outside the apartment. At this gesture, Maggie rose from the couch. Claire stepped back from the doorway, and in stepped two other people, dressed in black pants and wearing short cloaks. They had hoods over their heads, and their arms were tucked into their cloaks.
    Indicating the person in the dark blue cloak, Claire said, “Maggie Cline, I would like to introduce you to Ambassador Pacer of the Rion clan. He is here to meet you and answer any questions you may have that I’ve not covered. The Ambassador speaks English, so that will make things much easier for you.”
    Maggie’s eyes widened as she took in the stranger. He had pushed his hood back to reveal a face similar to a human’s but it was also different. He had no hair that she could see, and wore a black tattoo that wrapped around the sides and to the top of his head. The ambassador’s skin was a combination of light orange and pale green. It was hard to tell where each color left off; they blended seamlessly into each other in a slightly mottled effect. His eyes seemed to be a solid black and