@@@@@“It's what's good for themLike
@@@@@“It's what's good for themLike chocolate
versus broccoliOught to know more about the universe–not to mention the new tenants of our
planet
“How does it help them, Jeb? Do you think I know something that could destroy the souls?
Turn the tide? Jeb, it's over
“It's not over while we're still here,” he told me, grinning so I knew he was teasing me again“I
don't expect you to turn traitor and give us some super-weaponI just think we should know
more about the world we live in
I flinched at the wordtraitor“I couldn't give you a weapon if I wanted to, JebWe don't have
some great weakness, an Achilles' heelNo archenemies out there in space who could come to
your aid, no viruses that will wipe us out and leave you standing He made a fist and tapped it playfully against my arm“You might be
surprised, thoughI told you it gets boring in herePeople might want your stories more than
you think
I knew Jeb would not leave it aloneWas Jeb capable of conceding defeat? I doubted it
At mealtimes I usually sat with Jeb and Jamie, if he was not in school or busy elsewhereIan
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 me