“This is interesting.” Said Leslie, as she saw what a human restroom looked like. “We do not have furniture like this on our planet.”
“It’s not furniture,” Nina snickered, “This is a sink, this is the toilet, and the walk-in closet, and…” She stopped as they glided over in front of the full-body mirror. From the vantage point of sitting atop her figure, Nina had not yet had the chance to see all of her shared body. Nina saw, in its completeness, the Czeultian body. She tried moving her arms. The figure in the mirror waved its stalk-like appendages back and forth. Nina tried clasping her hands. The figure responded by opening and closing the set of green claws at the end of each limb. She then ran her new arms over her body. The body felt scratchy and oily to the touch.
Leslie didn’t seem to mind this exploration. She added, “Since we share this body, Nina, I can feel everything that you can feel. Hmm… I wonder what my sister Lilith is experiencing right now with a human female body. Farley, is there much difference in your species between the male and the female?”
You cleared your throat, not sure how to approach the answer, when Nina preempted you from opening your mouth. Her face betrayed an expression of concern.
“What if my body can’t survive in the environment on Czeulti?” She gasped. “Will your sister take care of my body and find a way to live on that planet until we switch back?” This thought hadn’t occurred to you and it ran a chill down your spine. You and Nina have no idea what biological requirements it takes to live on the alien planet. Would a human body, conditioned to live on Earth, survive in an unknown environment?”
Leslie contemplated this concern before replying, “If I know my sister, and I have for my entire life, then she will live. Your body should be fine.”
Your scientific interest piqued, you joined in the conversation. “Out of curiosity Leslie, what are the necessary conditions for life on your planet?”
“The conditions are remarkably similar to that of Earth. Not exactly, but close.” Leslie began, as Nina continued to gaze at her head –swapped body in the mirror. “We Czeultians obtain our energy in two different ways. Most importantly, we convert light energy into sugars and break down that sugar for metabolism. It is similar to your Earth plants when they photosynthesize. Incidentally, this is also why our species is green. In our second method, which is uncommon but useful in extreme situations, we consume other organisms on our planet. As it appears that you humans are unable to use photosynthesis, this is what Lilith will do to get energy. As to whether or not the food on Czeulti is nutritious for a human diet, I cannot say for certain. I believe it is, since there are many similarities between Czeulti and Earth.
“To assist in photosynthesis, we Czeultians must also have carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and water. Yes, in this regard it is exactly like your plants on this planet. Our species has sacs (like your lungs) which fill up with the needed gases, and we absorb water through scale-like pores. At first I was concerned that this planet did not have enough carbon dioxide in the atmosphere to support a Czeultian’s needs. But as your atmosphere is composed primarily of nitrogen gas, we can devote less energy to nitrogen fixation and more energy to catching carbon dioxide from the air.”
“That is fascinating,” You replied. “But what do you mean by ‘we’?”
“I mean simply that Nina and I need both nitrogen and carbon dioxide from the air as nutrients.” Leslie answered indifferently. “That is correct, Farley. Since Nina is sharing this body, she is doing the same things a Czeultian does to survive.”
“Really? I don’t feel any different.” Nina blinked. “Is that true Farley?”
“There’s two ways to find out.” You smiled, a bevy of possible experiments running through your mind. First, you escort Leslie and Nina into the backyard. It is a bright and sunny day with no clouds in sight. Leslie and Nina glide over a patch of grass into the sunlight. The warm rays of summer bathe over them for a few minutes.
“How do you feel?” You ask.
“Mmm, I feel… good.” Nina cooed, closing her eyes and tilting her head upwards. “It’s like getting a tan… but so much better. I can’t explain it, Farley. The sun feels so nice.”
“Is this enough proof?” Leslie asked.
“One more test for now.” You replied quickly, not wanting to let the opportunity go to waste. “Come back inside with me. I’ve got a particulate sensor in the garage I’ve been aching to use!”
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