A Celestial Love: A Journey Beyond Earth

The year was 2064, Daniel and Maria had been together for eight years, with a loving relationship that began with dating for over a year before getting married. However, Daniel had kept a secret from his wife since they met, and the day had come for him to reveal it.

A few days ago, Maria went to the hospital because she had bad pain in her abdomen, and she was feeling weak and tired all the time. The doctor ordered a GTT test and an ultrasound. The ultrasound revealed possible cancer on her liver, but they would have to wait for the blood test to make sure. A couple of days later the doctor called with the blood test results and she was diagnosed with early-stage liver cancer. The doctors discussed treatment options with them, including chemotherapy and radiation. Fortunately, they detected the cancer early enough to believe that these treatments could eradicate it without requiring surgery.

Daniel must reveal his secret to her: he is an alien from the planet Targof. He consulted a doctor from his planet who suggested that they might be able to treat her more effectively and quickly without the side effects of chemotherapy. However, Daniel is unsure how to approach this situation, as it will be a huge shock to her, and she may not understand why he kept this secret.

Daniel insisted on getting a second opinion and said he would contact a specialist to make an appointment. Maria found this strange and questioned why he didn't trust the hospital doctors. Daniel promised to explain everything once they were home. Although curious, Maria didn't question him further because she trusted him.

Upon returning home, Daniel sat Maria down and revealed the whole story: he was from another planet, a shapeshifter, and believed that a doctor from his world who was on Earth could help her far better than any doctor on her planet. Maria didn't believe him, so Daniel had to transform into his original form. Terrified, Maria asked what he had done to her husband. Daniel explained that he had to keep the secret from her, but couldn't help falling in love with her. He wanted to tell her many times but feared scaring her. Unknowingly, she had met other Targofians, including one of her best friends. After some discussion, Daniel managed to calm her down and help her understand. Although still angry, Maria tried to be open-minded. She loved him; Daniel was patient and understanding, aware of her fear of dating after an abusive marriage. Maria agreed to see the doctor from his planet for help. Daniel informed Dr. Vocar, who said she would arrive in the morning and that the tests should take less than an hour.

The following morning, they awoke, prepared coffee and breakfast for themselves and Daniel's friend. At around 10 AM, there was a knock on the door. When Daniel opened it, he saw Vocar, an attractive redhead about 5'3" tall, wearing blue jeans and a black Jinjer band t-shirt. Daniel introduced them, and they sat down to chat. Maria inquired how long they had known each other, to which Vocar responded, "We don't know each other too well; Daniel just knows me because he checks in once a week. We've talked a couple of times, but this is actually our first in-person meeting." After breakfast, Vocar said, "Well, we should go to my ship; that's where all the magic happens."

"Go to your ship? It's here?" Maria asked nervously.

"Yes, it's cloaked and phased on the roof."

Maria was scared but also excited to be going onto an alien spaceship.

"Ok, hold onto my hand, and we'll be on the ship in a second," Vocar said.

She took Vocar's hand, and Daniel took her other hand. They were pulled up to the ship by the tractor beam, passing through the ceiling as if they were ghosts. Maria looked around, fascinated as they rose up and were inside the ship within moments. The tractor beam guided them directly to the medical bay, where Maria observed the advanced machinery, reminiscent of what she had seen in science fiction shows and movies.

"Just sit down; this won't hurt at all. It's a scan similar to an MRI but much clearer," Vocar gestured to the chair. Maria sat down in the chair, and Vocar instructed the ship's AI to initiate the scan. A blue light swept over her body, producing a hologram that Maria found fascinating. Once the scan was complete, Vocar invited Maria to stand up and join him in examining the holographic image. He pointed out her liver and the cancerous area within it.

"Ship, does your database contain any methods for eliminating this cancer?" Vocar inquired.

"I believe so, but I need to run some simulations first. Doctor Vocar, please obtain a blood sample from Maria for testing," the AI responded. Dr. Vocar retrieved an instrument resembling the hypospray from Star Trek. "This won't hurt," he assured Maria, "it extracts blood by creating a minuscule hole, much smaller than any needle used by doctors on Earth. There, finished."

"I didn't feel a thing," Maria remarked.

Dr. Vocar removed the sample tube from the device and inserted it into a small compartment in the computer.

"This should only take a moment," he said.

"Thank you, ship," Maria addressed the AI.

"You're very welcome, Maria."

"I'd probably have a million questions, but my mind is blown and not working right now." Maria lightly chuckled

"That's understandable," Dr. Vocar replied. "If you have any questions later, feel free to ask at any time." He continued, "I have the results and believe I can synthesize a cure. It will take some time due to simulations, but I will keep you informed. Would you like a tour of the ship?"

"How can I say no?" Maria laughed as Vocar and Daniel guided her around the ship, explaining each room they entered. She observed her surroundings with the excitement of a child in a candy store, thinking, "A candy store where I can't touch anything."

They escorted her to the bridge. "Would you like to see your planet from above?"

"Once more, how could I refuse?"

"Take us upward and show the lady the exterior," Vocar instructed the AI.

The screen displayed the outside as they ascended, eventually leaving Earth's atmosphere. Maria gazed at the screen, speechless. Then, she suddenly exclaimed, "I'm in space, on an alien spaceship above Earth. It's breathtaking. I've heard that seeing Earth from space for the first time changes one's perspective on life, and now I understand what they meant."

Daniel smiled as he watched Maria marvel at the view. He approached her and gently took her hand. She looked up at him, smiled, and leaned her shoulder against his arm. "Is this your only secret?"

"Yes."

"If I weren't such a sci-fi fan, I might have been frightened and run away instead of letting you take me onto your ship. I've always dreamed of going into space and wondered if other beings existed out there. Now, I know."

"So, do you forgive me?" Daniel asked lovingly, looking into her eyes.

"Well, you owe me for not telling me all these years, but I understand why you didn't." Maria hugged Daniel tightly.

"Could you please return to the med bay? I have a cure," the AI requested.

The three individuals proceeded to the medical bay, where Vocar opened the door to the computer and extracted a vial."This compound contains nanobots with a substance that will eliminate your cancer. It should take about a week, but it will be gone."

"Thank you, Doctor Vocar, and thank you, Daniel."

"You're welcome. Just live a happy, long life with Daniel."

"This compound will also extend your life."

"By how much?" Maria asked.

"I'd say by two... the computer paused for effect...hundred years or so."

"You did that on purpose? You have a sense of humor," Maria said.

"Well, I don't really have emotions, but I've been around humans enough to pick up their humor."

"So, honey, we have a long time together." Maria said

"The only reason you'll live only 200 more years is due to the nanobots losing power. If you visit me in about 180 or so years, I can provide more, and perhaps with ongoing research, they'll last even longer."

"That would be nice."

"Additionally, you won't get sick anymore - no colds, flu, cancer, or any other human disease."

"Is it possible to give this to humans?" Maria asked.

"No, firstly, it would mean revealing our existence to your race, and considering how some of your species react to the unknown, it is not worth taking that risk. Secondly, similar to the show Star Trek, we have a kind of prime directive not to interfere significantly unless a species faces extinction. Your species is heading in that direction, and we are consulting our Elders to determine how we can help. If we can find a way to assist with your technology and resources, perhaps. We have scientists working on it, and as we collect samples and test them, we might discover a solution," Vocar answered.

"I understand, and your secret is safe with me." "Do you want to meet the rest of my colleagues and friends?" Vocar asked. "There have been a few humans who discovered our secret, and they are nice. I think they would like you guys."

"That would be great!" Maria and Daniel responded.

"Okay, I will inform them that we are coming, and we will leave in a couple of minutes."

Vocar spoke with her friends, who were excited to meet Maria and Daniel. Vocar then led them back down to Earth, towards the ranch they now called home. They landed in the barn, where everyone was eagerly waiting. Upon opening the door, introductions were made, hugs were exchanged, and Vocar was right - they all got along well. Ripar, Roj, and she felt as though they belonged to a family, genuinely caring for their human friends.