We're Not from Here

Lan is confused for the entire three-hour morning class. When it ends, the teacher apologizes for what happened earlier and says that while many Zhuri believe humans are violent, some also think humans can be peaceful; his demeanor suggests he is not supposed to be talking about this. The teacher asks Lan to make a presentation about humans to show that the species isn’t violent, and Lan agrees. After class, Lan goes to lunch and meets up with Ila, who’s had an equally bad morning.

A Krik and the only Ororo at the school come to their table and try to take Ila’s translator screen. Hooree and Iruu arrive just in time, yelling for the Ororo and Krik “criminals” to leave. The Zhuri explain that the Ororo is a terrible criminal and that her Krik partner must also be; Krik normally eat Ororo, so there’s no reason for the two to spend time together otherwise. Ila panics. Lan tells her everything will be okay, though Lan themself doubts this.

The rest of the day isn’t much better, and Lan and Ila return home struggling to stay hopeful. That afternoon, the Ororo and Krik from lunch come to Lan’s house.