I had been working at Office Emplacement for nearly three years before I noticed that my manager was an extraterrestrial. I attribute this lengthy delay to deficiencies in my powers of observation, for he was as green as an avocado and of similar complexion.
"Mr. Voobnar," I said to him (I believe that is the correct pronoun), "I can't help but notice that you have the coloration and skin texture of an avocado."
"Naturally, Sherman," he replied, "I am from a planet with a considerably different atmosphere and spectral distribution of solar radiation."
"How unusual," I said. "Would you be terribly upset if I reported your extraterrestrial nature to officials of my nation's government?"
"Feel free," said Mr. Voobnar. "Although it would be redundant, as they know all about it. We have had diplomatic relations for the last ten years and have been residing on your planet in increasing numbers for the last five. --For example, you will note that Marlene, the operator of register 13, is one of my species."
I was considerably disturbed to realize that this was true, not least because I had taken Marlene for my lawfully wedded wife some three years previously; not until now had I realized that she was not human, or for that matter employed at Office Emplacement.
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