Eating With The Aliens

I saw two aliens today. Not people-from-another-country aliens (although I saw some of them, too). Creatures-from-another-planet aliens.

I was running late this morning and didn't have time to pack my lunch, so I dropped by Burger King during my lunch hour. I placed my order and while I was waiting for them to prepare my food, I noticed the two gentlemen behind me in line.

One was in his forties and one was in his sixties (but I'm a terrible judge of age, so they could've both been anywhere from thirty to eighty). In my mind, one was the father, the other his son. They spoke perfect English, without any hint of an accent.

The older guy ordered first.

Older Guy: Hello.
Cashier: Hi.
Older Guy: I saw in the newspaper yesterday that you can buy a Whopper and get another Whopper for free.
Cashier: Yes. That's our coupon.
Older Guy: I'd like that, please.
Cashier: Sir, that's a coupon. You have to have it with you when you order.
Older Guy: Oh.

The other guy ordered his food without any complications. I watched the cashier hand them their cups. They looked at him kind of funny and then noticed the self-serve fountain. They poured their drinks and then sat down.

At this point, I was eating my burger and watching a lady behind the counter shout, "Ticket #180! Your order is ready!" I knew it belonged to one of the aliens, but they just sat there, oblivious to her yelling, waiting for someone to bring them their food. Finally, after I had garnered all the entertainment I could muster from the situation, I yelled over to them, "Guys? You need to go up to the counter to get your food."

At first, I thought they were from a different country and hadn't been exposed to fast food or coupons before. But what country would that be? Underarockistan? But their English was too good; hell, it was better than mine.

So I made the only logical assumption: they were aliens from another planet, trying to blend in with society and learning our norms, while awaiting word from the Mothership to overthrow us in a bloody, fiery invasion.

Unless they all die from starvation at a Taco Bell one afternoon.

Or maybe these two were former millionaires who have been reduced to normal schmoes due to the economy and this was their first trip ever to a fast food joint?

Or maybe I just need to find time to pack my own lunch every day.