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“Yes. I’ve existed for nearly fifty-six solar cycles.”
Paige stifled a gasp, then remembered that a year on Halos was half that of Earth’s. “Which means you’re about twenty
-seven years old? I mean on Earth.”
“I suppose.”
He was much younger than she thought. He acted so much older. “Is that typical for a senator?”
“No. I’m quite young.” He smiled. “Age is not as important as experience. My mother’s family are steeped in political influence. I chose not to join the military, even though I’m of the warrior clan, in order to follow in her father’s footsteps.”
Paige found that reassuring. It meant family connections did exist, even if relatives didn’t meet very often.
There was nothing in the office that seemed relevant to her role. She scratched her head and shot him a quizzical look. Jamen rose and joined her.
“This way.” He showed her a door in the corner and another room running parallel to his. The lighting was softer, the floor was cushioned by a carpet and there was a desk—a simple one, but it wasn’t what caught her attention. The other end of the room with its choice of furniture was very different.
There was a collection of couches and chairs, each shaped with curved backs, some high, others low to the ground. They wouldn’t serve much purpose other than to relax upon and possibly sleep. If this was her small domain next to Jamen’s larger one, then the role of hanjin was hardly strenuous. Paige touched the covers—the soft tufts of fabric slipped between her fingers. She sat on one couch and it bounced slightly as she sank into it.
“Nice,” she said, patting the seat. “Somewhere to chill out.” There wasn’t anything like this in his apartment. It made coming to work a little more favorable.
Jamen remained by the desk and tapped the console. It came to life and the blue glow reflected in his face. She joined him and leaned over to see for herself.
“Oh,” she said miserably. Countless symbols and letters—none of them made any sense to her. “How can I do anything when I can’t understand a thing?” She wasn’t going to be a good intern if she couldn’t apply herself.
Jamen’s fingers danced over the surface and the words changed, forming letters of a familiar alphabet. “I know you can’t do much at the moment, which is why it’s important to help you learn Vendian.”
“What is this?” The English was basic and next to each sentence was a Vendian one.
“Unfortunately, the system that taught me your language assumes I speak Vendian, not English. However, I think you can use these documents to learn.” He traced his forefinger along the first sentence.
“This is what it says in Vendian?” She pointed to the strange letters. The pattern of symbols jumped out at her. She couldn’t even pronounce them. “I can’t read it. Not yet. Will my implant help?”
“It speeds things up, but you’ll need guidance and tutoring.” He straightened up. “We need to progress your education. Therefore, I’ve arranged a tutor for you to meet every day for the next two weeks. Once you’ve a reasonable understanding of my language, you can start to work for me properly.”
“Back to school!” She groaned. She’d just finished and Jamen planned to keep her studying. “When?”
“Now. There’s a room back down the corridor that is used for small meetings and you’ll meet the tutor there every morning for an extended session.” Jamen draped his arm over her slumped shoulders and squeezed them. She appreciated the boost. “You’re a quick learner. It’s amazing how these implants can help.”
“I’m a human. What if it doesn’t work?” she fretted. She wasn’t convinced. Languages weren’t her best subject at school.
He tutted. “Don’t put yourself down. I’m sure it will work. Be positive. Now, off you go.” He patted her bottom. “Later, we’ll sort out some new clothes for you.”
She turned to look up at him. “Now that’s more like it.” She beamed. “Shopping.”
He slowly shook his head, his lips twitching with amusement. “No shops. Samples can be projected on you and we’ll pick the best ones. They’ll be delivered.”
She opened her mouth to moan, then thought better of it. Life on Halos was beyond anything she could have imagined and she had quite a good imagination. She had to remember things weren’t the same as Earth and stop comparing.
Jamen lowered his face until his nose slid past hers and his lips grazed her mouth. “Be good, little hanjin. Go,” he whispered into her ear.
With his words lodged in in her mind and a flurry of tiny shivers electrifying her skin, she left him to his rotating pedestal desk and ventured along the corridor. A woman occupied the room. Why she’d expected a man, she didn’t know. She’d been left with the impression that any position of authority or responsibility was solely in the hands of men. But, again, she’d made a false assumption. Women weren’t just lovers and nurturers of children; they were given jobs in industry and businesses.
“Hello, Paige,” the woman said. She stood and bowed slightly.
Remembering the Vendu didn’t shake hands, Paige copied.
“You’re my tutor?” she asked.
