It was actually a little reassuring and almost comforting that he didn't keep a great distance between them, but didn't get closer than was polite either. Such a consideration was a great deal more than she was used to from anyone outside her very close circle of friends, and even they had shied away from her at times in the early days.

"It sounds like a very eclectic and fascinating universe," she commented, choosing her words carefully. "My Earth is still searching for proof that we're not alone. I almost wish I could live to see us become part of that community, to find out if things are as wonderful as they are here."

It was like a dream, the idea of being able to interact with other species and not have them automatically be terrified and assuming the worst of her. "I hope- I hope that we've fixed things. That our Earth survives to take its place in the universe, because it wasn't going to before. The governments of the world had come together to hunt us down, like you said. Anyone with the mutant gene, anyone who sided with mutants, anyone whose genetic line would eventually have the X gene... Most were just killed, but those of us with useful abilities were put into prison camps to be studied. Over three-quarters of the planet's population was dead or captured at last count, and they weren't going to stop."

She cleared her throat and looked away from him, quietly adding, "I hope we can make the world a better place this time. For everyone."