@@@@@Ian always sat near, though not really with
@@@@@Ian
always sat near, though not really with usI could not fully accept the idea of his self-appointed
role as my bodyguardIt seemed too good to be true and thus, by human philosophy, clearly
false
A few days after I'd refused Jeb's request to teach the humans “for their own good,” Doc came
to sit by me during the evening meal
Sharon remained where she was, in the corner farthest from my usual placeShe was alone
today, without her motherShe didn't turn to watch Doc walking toward meHer vivid hair was
wound into a high bun, so I could see that her neck was stiff, and her shoulders were hunched,
tense and unhappyIt made me want to leave at once, before Doc could say whatever he meant
to say to me, so that I could not be considered in collusion with him
But Jamie was with me, and he took my hand when he saw the familiar panicked look come
into my eyesHe was developing an uncanny ability to sense when I was turning skittishI
sighed and stayed where I wasIt should probably have bothered me more that I was such a
slave to this child's wishes
“How are things?” Doc asked in a casual voice, sliding onto the counter next to me
Ian, a few feet down from us, turned his body so it looked like he was part of the group
“We boiled soup today,” Jamie announced“My eyes are still stinging
Doc held up a pair of bright red hands
Doc gave a mocking bow from the waist, then turned to me“Wanda, I had a question for
you” He let the words trail off
I raised my eyebrows
“Well, I was wondering Of all the different planets you're familiar with, which species is
physically the closest to humankind?”
I blinked“Why?”
“Just good old-fashioned biological curio