Niall stood on the desk in front of the audience for the first time, people were pointing, talking and a few held up handmade signs with various supportive phrases. He was breathing deeply to control his nerves and Naskia was smiling at him to reassure him. He’d gotten a few hours sleep during the recess and felt wired and ready to go. Not only did he have to recreate his own code but he’d first need to recreate Dorok’s own custom version. It would take many hours of painstaking coding in difficult circumstances. Not life threatening circumstances but definitely life altering circumstances.

The committee soon entered along with a tech from the holographics department. As the committee took their seats the tech placed the requested holoprojector on the table and powered it up.

“Miss Armac, are you ready?” Professor Kurathen asked.

Loona looked at Niall who nodded that he was before she turned back to the committee. “We are…”

“Very well, there is five hours left of this session, you have four hours to recreate the holoprojector programme.” Professor Kurathen spoke getting up. “At least two committee members will remain here at all times to observe.”

Niall approached the panel of the holoprojector and exhaled deeply as he planned out how he would proceed. There was beeping noise as Loona turned on the screen above Niall so people could see him work. Niall felt a little self-conscious as all eyes focused on to the much bigger hi-def image of himself on the screen but dug deep and reminded himself of who he was.

“I’m Dr Niall Freeman” the voice inside his head spoke. “Recognised genius on two worlds, I redesigned the magnetic containment field to make Earth’s first viable fusion reactor, I taught a girl to read and write in a few weeks, I taught a Titan to do high energy equations, I won the heart of the most beautiful girl on Archavia and I beat the crap out of a giant pervert. I can do this and all these people should be grateful to watch!”

Niall started to tap at the screen as he decided he needed to start with the projector’s input and analytical matrix. He could roughly remember the code Dorok had used and filled in the gaps with his own knowledge. He started to tap furiously, line after line poured out and some people in the crowd started shouting support.

Loona sat down in the chair beside Naskia and crossed her arms. “Nothing I can do for the next few hours. It’s all up to him now.”

Naskia rested her face in her upturned palms, her arms braced on the table below her as she looked straight at Niall working on the projector, not his image on the big screen. “He’ll do it, I know he will…”

Loona didn’t respond, she turned on her pad and started to read a book. Naskia continued to stare at Niall as he worked away at the screen in front of him, ignoring the hubbub from the crowd discussing what was happening and placing bets on what the outcome might be. She wanted to go to him and sit with him but she wasn’t sure how it would look.

“Loona…” Naskia spoke up after some time.

“Yes?” Loona said without looking up.

“Can I go sit with Niall? I think it might help if he knows he has support and people see me with him, rather than just sitting here…” Naskia said like a kid asking for more chocolate.

Loona looked up and thought for a second. “It should be ok. Just don’t stroke or coddle him, think politician’s wife; be quiet and dignified and show your support. If I think you should back off I’ll cough loudly, ok?”

Naskia grinned and stood up quickly rounding the table.

“Naskia! Remember the signal” Loona whispered.

“I will!” Naskia said back approaching the stage.

She carefully pulled out the witness chair, doing her best not to make any noise that would disturb Niall and sat down doing her best to suppress a smirk as she remembered what happened the last time she sat in the witness chair.

“Is it ok you being here?” Niall said without looking away from his work.

“Yeah it should be fine, I’m just going to sit here and show my support for you. I won’t leave your side until you’re done.” Naskia said trying not to sound too cheery. “Just let me know if you need anything; water, food, toilet break and I’ll get it for you.”

“Thanks Nas…but I want to do this in one sitting. I want to keep my concentration.” Niall was still furiously tapping away on the screen. He had moved on from the analytical matrix to the image projection matrix. After that he’d need to sort out the movement and control matrices and he would be finished.

“Sure…just let me know though, I’ll be here.” Naskia said watching him and ignoring the eyes watching her.

Niall continued to tap at the screen. He heard her words but he didn’t absorb them he was so wrapped up with his task. He finally realised she had spoken to him a few minutes later and stopped and looked up at her pretty face watching him.

“Thank you Nas.” He said. “I really appreciate you being here. It’s helping.”

Naskia smiled as Niall returned to the screen. She wanted this to be all over, she was sick of losing her time with him to hearings and practice for taking the stand, when this was all over they needed to get some quality alone time together. She sat day dreaming of things they could do together; go to a museum and show Niall some Titan history, go swimming in a lake somewhere and spend a nice day out where it was warm and sunny, maybe a nice day out in the country. While they all sounded like nice things to do they were probably both impractical and a bit risky. A full day in the holosuite would probably be best.

The minutes ticked into hours and Naskia continued to sit by Niall offering support while Loona continued to read. The audience dwindled to a just a few people and then as the deadline started to approach more and more people arrived. With only 45 minutes remaining the lecture hall was full to bursting and people lined the back of the hall waiting to see if a Human really could reprogram a basic holoprojector to appear Titan sized and just what he would he look like.

Niall compiled the program and activated it. The image whirred to life in front of the desk but soon shimmered and disappeared as the sound of gasps from the audience faded with disappointment.

“Dammit…” Niall cursed as he started scouring the imaging matrix for errors.

“Shhh, don’t worry sweetie.” Naskia said leaning down to be level with Niall and smiled at him. “You’re nearly there. And even just that flicker of an image is more than a lot of people would have expected. Just keep your cool Mr Genius.”

Niall breathed deeply and started correcting errors in the code he spotted. “Thanks Nas, nearly there…”

Niall worked through the code for twenty more minutes before another projection spluttered to life for a few seconds before Niall turned it off spotting errors with its movement. The atmosphere in the room was tense as the deadline approached. The committee members were all present, focusing on Niall’s image on the screen.

“Sweetie…I don’t mean to rush you, but you’re running out of time.” Naskia whispered.

“Almost…got it…” Niall said scrolling through the code not spotting any errors. Niall continued to scroll until he got to the bottom and was happy he was good to go. “Nas, can you turn the projector round so I’m at the back and the image projects to the side of the table. And tell Loona to turn off the screen.”

“On it!” Naskia said getting up quickly and turning the projector hiding Niall behind it. She rushed over to Loona and sat down telling her to turn off the screen.

As the screen turned off Niall tapped the holoprojector. “Well…here it goes…”

Naskia held her breath as she waited to see what would happen. There was total quiet in the lecture hall as the committee and the audience waited to see if Niall would walk out from behind the projector or if he would appear before him.

“C’mon sweetie…stop show boating and just turn it on…” Naskia muttered.

The air beside the table shimmered and the red suited Niall appeared at the side of the table facing sideways. He turned and looked out at the audience and raised his hand.

“Hi.” Niall said with a smile.

The audience started to applaud, they had never seen anything like it. A moving hologram controlled by the movements of a person was impossible to do with anything but the most expensive, high end equipment. This feat had been performed by a Human with basic equipment in just a few hours.

Naskia got up and ran to Niall, she threw herself into his chest and wrapped her arms around him. She buried her head into his shoulder as he wrapped her arms and pulled her in tight. She could feel him shaking slightly with tiredness and nerves from working under intense pressure and scrutiny for nearly four hours. She stood on her tip toes and kissed him on the cheek, even with her heels on he was still considerably taller than she was.

“I knew you could do it sweetie.” Naskia beamed up at the rather smug looking Niall. “Now your toughest challenge yet; not coming across like a pompous ass!” She stuck her tongue out him and he smiled.

“Thanks for reminding me, I wouldn’t want to show up Professor Gerhatt now, would I?” Niall said.

He spotted Lyroo going very pale behind her desk. Watching him up there; his height, his clothes, the way he carried himself, it was impossible to tell he wasn’t Titan. Niall shot her a wink as he enjoyed the look of panic and confusion on her face.

The audience finally settled down but continued muttering to each other as they watched Niall and Naskia, they looked just like any other young couple in love. The seven committee members watched on calmly as Loona stood up and walked to the stage, the normally tall girl now looking quite normal next to the tall projection of Niall.

“Go take your seat Nas, I think Loona wants to start.” Niall said looking very relaxed.

Naskia stood on her tip toes and kissed Niall on the cheek before whispering “Good luck” into his ear before turning on her heel and running like an excited school girl back to her seat. She was bouncing in her chair she was so excited. She’d have to see if one of her well paid brothers would buy her a holoprojector, even if her birthday was still a while away.

Loona slowly paced the stage as she waited for quiet, it didn’t take long. Everyone was keen to hear what Niall had to say.

“My last witness is already on the stage, Dr Niall Freeman.” Loona said feeling confident she could use his full title. “Would you like to sit?”

“No I’m fine thank you, I much prefer to stand.” Niall said happy with where the hologram was positioned.

Loona quickly glanced at her pad making a mental note of what order she wanted to ask her questions. “Dr Freeman, can you please outline for the committee your qualifications and experience?”

“Sure, I have a PHD in Quantum Mechanics and a second PHD in Nuclear Engineering from the Universities of Cambridge and Oxford on Earth, I have also been awarded a PHD in Particle Physics and High Energy Sciences from the Department of Physics at Tannhauser Gate University. I have spent years studying and working on fusion reactor projects. ” Niall said keeping his tone frank and trying to avoid sounding arrogant.

“And how old were you when you got your first PHD?” Loona asked.

“Fifthteen years old.” Niall responded.

“Titan years?” Loona prompted, aware now she needed to remind the audience they were watching a Human.

“No, Earth years. I would have been just over two Titan years old at the time.” Niall said supressing a smirk that only Naskia picked up on.

“And the second?”

“Sixteen Earth years old.” Niall said.

Loona stopped for a second coming up with a question that wasn’t in her list. “At what age do Humans normally gain a PHD?”

“Anywhere between 22 and 26 years old.” Niall responded.

“That’s quite impressive Dr Freeman. What’s even more impressive is the fact that no Human has ever achieved any academic qualifications from a Titan institution before.” Loona said pacing slowly trying to remain as neutral as possible. “Miss Prenn has made it clear that this isn’t just about you. She says it’s about the Human species as a whole. Your civilisation’s collective intelligence and its culture are just as important. How would you respond?”

Niall thought for a second, it really was an interesting question and his initial idea of saying “She’s a fucking idiot” clearly wouldn’t wash.

“I’d actually be inclined to agree with Miss Prenn.” Niall said flatly raising some mutterings from the audience. “I am at the upper edge of Human intelligence but the average level is a lot greater than most Titans are aware of. We are venturing into space, we are curing diseases, we’ve created a network that lets people communicate with anyone on the planet in an instant and yes we have engaged in two hugely destructive wars but we have learnt from them. We are more cooperative and less willing to engage in conflict. Trade is flourishing and the creation of instant communication allows people everywhere to relate to each other in a way never thought possible just a few years ago. I’m sure your earlier witness will corroborate this.”

Loona paused for a few seconds to allow time for Niall’s words to sink in before she continued. She needed to push a bit now, she wanted to make it look like she wasn’t on his side. “And what of culture? Can you honestly tell me that Humans can match us in culture? We have works of art on a planetary scale, centuries of plays and music. Can you really match us there?”

Niall smiled, it was more of a smile of acceptance than one of derision or arrogance. “You’re right, Titan culture is vast and supreme in its complexity and intricacies. But it’s not a competition, no species can truly say ‘our culture is the greatest’ as it’s all subjective. Titans live long lives, most Humans are dead before a Titan is even an adult. You try to be the best you can be in terms of detail, scale and complexity. We do not. Our culture is heavily based on emotional responses. Our great works of art, literature, music and plays are more about forming an emotional connection and expressing a feeling that is trapped within us and has no other way to get out. The most famous painting on Earth was painted 500 Earth years ago. It’s of a woman sitting in front of a landscape with a plain expression. To some she looks to be happy and others she looks to be sad. There is no right or wrong answer or impressive detail to speak of as you would have in Titan culture. The beauty is in the interpretation, the emotional connection between the artist and the observer. That’s the essence of Human culture; emotion conveyed from creator to observer.”

“In what way are you culturally intelligent Dr Freeman?” Loona asked.

“Well I’m not an art fan, I can see the beauty in a building or a machine but it just seems to elude me in art. I’m well read and familiar with most of Earth’s great literature. I prefer epic tales of adventure to romance or poetry. I like mysteries too, books where you are trying to use clues and subtle hints to work out what is going on and what the ending will be. I am a musician; I can play several instruments, music was always something I’ve been passionate about.” Niall replied.

Loona walked over to the desk and picked up her bag, she fished around in it for a few seconds before removing a small object and walking over to Niall with it. Niall smiled as he quickly identified the object as his acoustic guitar.

“Would you care to demonstrate?” Loona said holding the instrument by its head between her thumb and forefinger.

“Certainly, if you just pass me the guitar I can demonstrate.” Niall said.

Loona walked to the back of the table and handed the guitar directly to him rather than the hologram. His image blurred for a second as the large, wooden instrument came into view. Niall placed a strap over his shoulders and one hand at the top of the neck and the other over the hollow in the centre.

“This is an acoustic guitar. It has 6 strings of differing thickness that can be adjusted by pressing down on the neck on the guitar.” Niall said as he strummed the strings filling the lecture hall with the gentle guitar hum.

Niall played a few more chords before gently starting to strum Naskia’s favourite song, Pearl Jam’s Daughter. Niall smiled at her knowing he’d need a voice to help get across the emotional element to the song. “Care to give me a hand Nas?”

Naskia turned red at the request, it had taken her a long time to get comfortable singing in front of Niall and now he wanted her to sing in front of over 100 people. She shook her head and tried to sink into her chair to show just how reluctant she was, though she knew Niall needed her help. He couldn’t sing to save his life.

“Go on Naskia, you aren’t going to leave him hanging are you?” Loona said before poking Naskia in her side and forcing her to her feet.

Naskia shot Loona an “I hate you” look as she nervously crept towards the stage and a mildly smug looking Niall.

“Glad you could join me!” he said.

Naskia knew she had to sing but she didn’t want to perform something that was so personal to her, she’d rather sing something she thought was personal to both of them. She approached him and stood on her tip toes and whispered in to his ear. “Not that one, High and Dry…”

“Hmmm” Niall smiled as he stopped playing for a second and then started playing the intro to Radiohead’s High and Dry.

Naskia draped her arms in front of her and clasped her hands together and nervously rubbed her fingers as she waited for her cue to come in, she was terrified. She didn’t know if she was more terrified when faced off against Lyroo or now.

Naskia scrunched her eyes together as she opened her mouth to sing. “Two jumps in a week, I bet you think that’s pretty clever don’t you boy?”

Niall smiled at her, she rarely sang and he always loved it when she did. He tried to encourage her but he’d usually only hear her when she’d had a few drinks or didn’t know he was awake. He strummed the guitar a bit harder, forcing her to project her voice a bit more to help her sound less nervous.

“You broke another mirror, you’re turning into something you are not…” Naskia sang sounding a bit more relaxed after the first verse. Her beautiful voice echoed round the lecture hall.

The audience watched with interest, music on Archavia was normally a loud and complex affair. Multiple instrument players interlacing complex lines of music in a way that barely sounded coherent to the lay man but experienced music lovers could pick out each individual instrument and its intended purpose. Listening to just two people was completely different. Naskia’s voice was clearly filled with emotion and complemented perfectly by Niall’s gentle guitar.

Naskia found her stride halfway through the second verse and felt confident enough to start highlighting notes for extra emotion. “Don’t leave me high, don’t leave me dry.”

Naskia stood to the side and watched Niall as he played the solo, not too complex but enough to show off some skill and show that Humans weren’t completely simple when it came to music. The solo contrasted well against the nice, strummed chords of the verses and chorus.

“It’s the best thing that you ever had, the best thing that you ever ever had” Naskia sang now feeling quite happy; the audience appeared to be enjoying the show and it was giving her confidence.

“Don’t leave me high, don’t leave me dry.” Naskia’s soft, angelic voice repeated over and over again filled with emotion and meaning as she glanced over at Niall, still not confident enough to make eye contact with members of the audience.

The song ended and the audience applauded and muttered amongst themselves about what they thought about the song. Naskia stood blushing and trying to hide behind the loose strands of fringe as Niall basked in the applause. Loona approached her and told her to get back to her seat quickly. Loona wanted to use the effect of the song and her last questions to make a lasting impression on the audience and committee members.

“Thank you Miss Bass, that was very moving.” She said to Naskia before turning to Niall who had set down his guitar. “A very nice song and certainly highlights the point of Humans focusing on emotion in their culture. Could you provide any other examples?”

Niall thought for a second before realising he had the perfect answer. “I have a data pad with thousands of songs and films. I could upload them to my blog as further evidence of Human culture.”

“That would do very nicely Dr Freeman.” Loona responded hiding her surprise. It was a good idea and one she should have thought of sooner.

“You’ve sat here for the last few days listening to opinions from professors and officials, your species and the woman you love verbally assaulted and belittled. Would you like to take this opportunity to respond or to say anything?” Loona asked.

Niall smiled and scratched the bridge of his nose for a second. “I would actually like to say a few things. The first thing I’d like to say is that I’m so very sorry to Naskia. She didn’t deserve to be publically humiliated like that. The second thing I’d like to say is that I don’t hold a grudge against Lyroo, it seems like she thinks she’s doing the right thing and doesn’t appear to be acting out of bigotry or malice. It still doesn’t mean she’s not wrong.”

Niall collected his thoughts. He was desperate to sound humble and not arrogant. “There are a lot of differences between Humans and Titans. Development level, metabolism, aging, thought processes and most notably size but we are remarkably similar. In fact I think we have more in common than we do different. We look identical, we act identical, we have the same emotions, the same drives and the same flaws. We form the same social groups; we raise families, have friends, universities, cities and empires. We have the same drive to learn and look for answers to the meaning of life’s great questions. It’s uncanny how similar we are when we remove size. I look around the room now and I don’t see a room full of aliens, I see Humans, my mind cannot tell the difference. Can any of you look at me now standing here in front of you and tell me you don’t see a Titan? Can you tell me that you don’t have to remind yourself that I’m a Human?”

Niall stopped again to let his words sink in. He wanted his last line to have some clout. “Now ask yourself if you can’t tell the difference between us…then why treat me any different?”

Loona watched Niall’s face. He had kept it stone solid without a hint of arrogance. She had been worried he might have gone off a self-righteous tirade in an attempt to show how superior he was but he had judged the room correctly and spoken well. She waited for ten or so seconds to let the audience digest his speech.

“Thank you Dr Freeman, you can step down now.” She said.

Niall deactivated the hologram and Loona summoned Naskia. She approached quickly and set her open palm down on the table beside Niall allowing him to step on.

“I’m so proud of you sweetie.” She whispered as she picked him up and carried him back to the table. Niall chose to stand rather than sit as he usually would, he wanted to keep up his dignified appearance.

“Miss Armac, have you completed your five arguments?” Professor Kurathen asked.

“Yes I have.” Loona replied.

“Very well, we will reconvene tomorrow morning where we will announce our decision.” Professor Kurathen spoke getting up to leave.

Niall exhaled deeply. That was it. There was nothing more he could do than to sit back and wait for the outcome. He looked up from the table to the nervous looking Naskia and a very relaxed looking Loona walking back towards the table. He knew she had a cool head but it was ridiculous how calm she was.

“How do you do it?” He said up to her.

“Do what?” she replied.

“Look so calm after all this!” Niall said lifting his arms in the air.

Loona shrugged and thought for a second. “I know we’re going to win. Our case was a lot stronger, we had two votes on the panel already and we have the support of the majority of the student body. Between us we debunked pretty much all of Lyroo’s arguments. I don’t see how we could lose.”

“Well no matter what the outcome I’d like to say thank you. You’ve been amazing from start to finish and I’ll always owe you.” Niall said sounding nervous. He rarely spoke from the heart like this and he was unsure how to do it properly.

Loona’s practised persona broke for a second and her cheeks went red, she knelt down and sorted through items in her bag in an attempt to hide away until she could shake off her embarrassment.

Naskia smiled as the two normally confident people looked so awkward. She was happy she got to be the one to fix things for once. “Shall we see if there’s a holosuite free? I’m sure we could all use a drink after the last few days…”

“That sounds nice actually.” Loona replied.

“Yes! An excellent idea! At least you should have no problem carrying me home after I finish an entire bottle of whiskey.” Niall joked.

“What’s whiskey?” Loona asked.

Niall let out a small chuckle.” Oh you’ll see, you’ll see…”