Earthling Ambassador by Liane Moriarty Read Free Book Online Page B

heaven’s sake, even Plum was depending on her!
    â€œRight,” said Georgio. “This way, Nicola.”
    He pressed a button on the wall and it slid smoothly open.
    â€œAfter you.” Georgio waved Nicola past him. She stepped tentatively forward, then jumped in fright when she heard thunderous applause.
    She was on a stage. A group of people just as tall as Georgio—some even taller—were standing in a semicircle below her, clapping vigorously. She looked around to see whom they were applauding and realized she was the only person on the stage.These giant people were all cheering for her! She stood awkwardly, biting her lip. Should she bow? They were much too happy to see her.They were clearly expecting something she couldn’t possibly provide. She wanted to say, “No, no, it’s just me, ordinary Nicola!”
    Georgio came striding onto the stage behind her and went straight to a lectern with a microphone.
    â€œThat’s right, ladies and gentlemen, it took some doing, but I have found the Earthling Ambassador. May I present the first ever Earthling to grace our planet . . . Nicola Berry!”
    The audience clapped even louder. Nicola squirmed and plucked at her Earthling Ambassador sash.
    â€œI know you’re all dying to hear from Nicola herself, and in just a moment I’ll ask her to say a few words.”
    What? Now she was going to have to give a speech? This was starting to seem more like a really difficult school assignment than a top secret mission.
    â€œHowever, I would first like to introduce each of you to Nicola. As you know, Nicola, every member of the Save the Little Earthlings Committee had a hand in coming up with the list of questions that helped identify you. First up, may I present . . . Mr. Rory Racrory!”
    A bald, bespectacled man stepped forward, blushed, and bobbed his head. “An honor to meet you, Nicola.”
    â€œRory is Globagaskar’s leading letterologist,” said Georgio. “He suggested I needed to find someone with at least one letter r in their name.”
    â€œYes, indeed, my studies show that people with r s in their names tend to be rational, reliable, and relentless,” said Rory. “The more r s the better, I say!”
    Mmmm , thought Nicola. Could it be that Rory is partial to r s because he had so many of them in his own name?
    â€œNext we have the lovely Mrs. Molly Smith.”
    A plump, freckled lady with red curly hair waved cheerily up at Nicola. “Hello, Nicola! I included the question about freckles, because I’ve always found you just can’t trust a person who doesn’t have at least three freckles.”
    Nicola smiled politely and thought, You’re all as mad as hatters!
    A woman in a gauzy robe with hundreds of clinking silver bracelets sliding up and down her arms stepped forward.
    â€œThis is Ileria,” said Georgio. “She’s a highly respected astrologer who told us the Earthling Ambassador’s birthday would be in March, April, December, or June.”
    â€œMay the stars align in your favor, Nicola!” Ileria bowed deeply.
    â€œAnd next we have law enforcement professional, Sergeant Tom Atkins,” said Georgio. “He very sensibly recommended we check for skills indicating courage, such as backward Rollerblading.”
    A square-chested man in what looked like a police uniform gave Nicola a sharp salute. “Greetings, young Earthling.”
    Nicola straightened her back. Could he tell just by looking at her that she wasn’t really a courageous person at all?
    â€œNext is Pamela George, one of this planet’s most reputable color experts.”
    A woman wearing a large purple hat, long purple gloves, and a flouncy purple dress said, “Hello, dear. I made sure we checked you had something purple in your wardrobe because research shows people who like purple are passionate, talented, and capable of achieving great