I did not answer Inga’s question immediately. Her form had disappeared, and I appeared to be left alone, watching water fowls playing in the pool. It reminded me of the explanation Melissa had given me for the frequent disappearance of Arcturians, and their reappearance. She said it was about energy levels. To maintain a human form required energy, for as long as the form was maintained. But Arcturian trans-dimensional communication needed a massive energy in-flow, hence the form had momentarily to be discarded. Melissa herself disappeared many times, as we were working together on a demanding project, mathematical or similar: she had to consult with other Arcturian entities.

Inga reappeared, as in a dream. I had to answer her question: had we talked about having a child. Yes, we had, and I knew that was the deep reason for her to seek to retain only her human form. Without renouncing to the Arcturian, fifth-dimensional being, procreation with a human would be impossible. My dear love. And this was also the reason for the trial. We would break a taboo, the 14th dimensional law that proscribed inter-dimensional breeding. As I was explaining this to Inga, I was aware of her deep attention. If the Court queried this matter with me, I did not know how to answer their questions. It was one thing to enjoy sexual play with a consenting alien, another to plan procreation against Earth and Arcturus ethics and laws. There was a pause.

Inga said that there was no possible way of avoiding the question. I had to tell the truth, and recognise that I did not have the courage to renounce Melissa’s love, and thus had to accept her decision, though knowing the consequences. Thus I had to plead guilty of cowardess, of accepting Melissa’s decision she’d taken demonstrably under my influence. I felt trapped. Inga’s logic was irresistible. We agreed to conclude the day after, and for me to sign then my confession.

Inga disappeared, and I took the small path through the woods that led to my cottage. The door was unlocked. A fire was burning in the chimney. I went to the small kitchen and heated some vegetables, made some fennel tea. I had to rest, and prepare myself mentally for the next day. In the worst case any possibility of communication, let alone direct contact, between us would be impossible, Melissa may be exiled to a far away world, and I may have to face human justice, and lose my freedom in another trial.

I slept without dream. As I got up, a large dog came to me and waggled his tail. I gave him a hug and asked for his name, then realised he wore a strong leather collar with a tag. His name was Paul’s friend, Paul being my own name. I showered, made some frugal breakfast, and dress up in sober and comfortable clothes for the day. I tidied up the room and the kitchen, took a small bag, writing paper and a book, then went out for a morning walk to the pond, together with my new friend. He and I settled on a bench, on the other side of the terrace near the courtroom. I started writing some thoughts for my later discussion with Inga.

Inga arrived an hour later. I was in deep discussion with my friend, Paul’s friend. She handed to me a thin sheet of paper with a summary of our discussion the day before, and a statement for me to sign, recognising my guilt in being unable to stop Melissa, and agreeing to her decision. I said I was unable to think how the statement would be understood by the jury’s group of Arcturians and humans. Inga did not answer, but commented that each one of them would read this through the prism of their culture. I wondered about the representative of the “celestial bodies”, the six-dimensions being.

Then Inga said that all the great Earth religions had recognised the existence of an eminent spirit, in the Christian case the Holy Ghost. That the symbolism of the Trinity existed, in Arcturian tradition, in all civilisations they had encountered. She then asked me if I was religious. I replied that I believed in the Creator, of the sanctity of all beings in the created Universe. She seemed happy with my reply, said she needed to speak to colleagues, and disappeared.

Paul’s friend and Paul resumed their silent conversation.