Only Human (Themis Files #3)(19)

—Vincent, did Ena …

—His name is Enatast.

—Did Enatast tell you why we’re here?

—He said we’d be more comfortable.

—Did he say when we’re leaving?

—He says he doesn’t know.

—Do you believe him? We were supposed to leave right away, and it’s been days.

—Do I believe that he doesn’t know when? Yes. I’m sure he knows what the holdup is about but that he won’t say.

—I have a feeling we’ll be here awhile.

—Why do you say that?

—They’ve given us a place to live, Vincent. It seems like a lot of trouble to go through for a few extra nights. We could have stayed where they were holding us before.

—I don’t know. He says we’re leaving soon. There’s obviously a lot he’s not telling me, in part because I can’t understand half of what he says, but I don’t think he has any reason to lie to us. He’s getting good, though. He can pronounce d’s now, sorta, and r’s. He growls them. He still adds vowels before everything, but you can barely hear it anymore.

—He’s right about one thing. This place is way more comfortable.

—You like it here, don’t you?

—I just said it’s a lot more comfortable.

—I didn’t mean the house. You like being here, on this planet.

—It’s a bit eerie, but yes, I do. It’s a new world, aren’t you the least bit excited?

—Looks a lot like Havana, without any windows.

—I’ve never been to Cuba.

—Sorry, I forgot you weren’t allowed back then. I went on vacation a few times. You could get an all-inclusive for five hundred bucks, booze included. Anyway, that’s what it looks like. Spanish architecture, intricate details, bright colors. Only Havana’s falling apart. It looks great from the street, but go on a rooftop, and it looks like Beirut. Gaping holes everywhere. This place is in great shape.

—And empty.

—We can’t complain about the neighbors.

—It’s not just our block, Vincent. Eugene and I went outside. We didn’t see anyone, anywhere.

—There’s a market about a twenty-minute walk that way, supposedly. Enatast said there are people living on the other side of that.

—OK, but you don’t think it’s weird that there are empty houses for miles on end? Also, there are no … cars, no vehicles.

—There weren’t any where they kept us before either. I noticed that when we left. Maybe they … beam themselves anywhere they can’t walk. And yeah, of course it’s weird, Rose. Everything is. Have you tried the bathroom?

—I have.

—Do your legs touch the ground?

—No, they just hang. But I understand the concept. Their legs have to bend underneath, and they have these extra joints so they can keep their feet on the floor.

—Does your …

—Vincent, we don’t need to talk about the toilet …

—Yeah, but my …

—I know. I know. Can you ask him about all the empty houses next time you see him?

—Sure. But seriously, Rose, what do you care if we’re going home?

—I’m curious.

—And? Come on, I know when you have something on your mind.

—I …

—What? You can say it.

—I don’t think we’re going home.

—Oh, we’re going, Rose. I don’t care if you want to stay. We’re going home.

—I didn’t say I don’t want to go home. I just don’t think they’re sending us back.

—But if they are, you’d like to stay awhile before we go, is that it?

—Is that so bad? We’re on another planet, Vincent. Another planet!

—Well, I’m sorry, but I really hope you don’t get your wish.

—I understand. But imagine for a minute that we’re staying here, for a while. Don’t you wanna make the best of it?

—Rose, I don’t want you to take this the wrong way, but I want to be absolutely clear. I don’t care what happens to me, to Eugene … to you. I don’t care if we live or die. I’m sorry for the way that sounds … I’m getting my daughter home.

—I know you want to keep her safe.

—I’m not just keeping her safe, I’m getting her back to Earth.

—She could be happy here, you know.

—You mean you.

—I’m surprised, Vincent. I thought the scientist in you would be more excited. We’re the first humans to set foot on another world. This is a … Once in a lifetime doesn’t even begin to describe this. This is a truly unique opportunity. We can learn so much from these people, use the time we have to understand how their society works.

—What’s the point if we can’t tell anyone?

—Do you really mean that, Vincent? That doesn’t sound like you at all.

—Maybe I’m getting old.

—Vincent, we’re the same age.

—We are, aren’t we? I keep thinking you’re older than me because … well, because you were older than me before. You’re right, though. I should be all over this. But I’m not.