MARTIAN MATERIALS: AN ARGUMENT

.

Ming complained.

If I'd put the duvets in suitcases under the bed - our clothes wouldn't have been transported to Mars.

So I said - I didn't think of it.
and
I'm frightened of suitcases.

Then I asked why he needed so many skins of the kind we humans wear.

Ming said - For the prisoners.

It was a late delivery.

It was supposed to have arrived on Monday; Tuesday at the latest.

I shivered.

(Martian White with a Twist of Lime. Is that what Amy said . . . ?)

"So - all the prisoners are from Mars?"

Ming said - Only some. But their disguises are wearing out.

I asked (very unpleasantly - and I apologised later) - why they hadn't been provided with stronger ones?

His reply was long and rambling - and not entirely to the point.

(He got carried away.)

(He thought I was claiming human superiority.)

(!)

It was interesting though.

Human skins are fragile. They tear easily. What right did I (a human) have to criticise Martian textiles?

Humans lose their luggage nearly every time they fly anywhere. Why did I think it would be different in space?

Humans haven't thought of Sock-Power.

Earth has a 'Shoot-To-Kill-If-You-See-An-Alien' policy. That's why Martians have to wear disguises. (Did I want him killed?)

(This was the worst argument we'd had since the one about tomato seeds at the Garden Centre.)
And (finally) if he hadn't chosen such a good disguise I might not have agreed to marry him.

Initially, I thought this was rather romantic - and I smiled.

Afterwards, I wasn't sure.


SHOPPING LIST
Pappadums (three packets)
Washing powder
Eggs
Sharp sand
Onions
Ten five-inch clay pots
A tin of Tuna
Potting compost.

NOTE
Find out if Ming Porcelain Day Lilies (as recommended by Melanie!) can be ordered from the Garden Centre.


The temperature is rising. It's gonna be a hot day.

_____

For Tomorrow