I can’t believe how delicious it is.
He whined in Kaden’s head when the sandwich had been consumed. Kaden chuckled. “I get it. I’ll buy more.”
Good.
Kaden picked up his phone, checked his messages and then looked at the news headlines. A lot happened in this world. Joe assumed that was because there were so many different countries. Did any of them get along?
“Oh God,” Kaden muttered. “See what I’m reading? They think a meteor fell in the vicinity of Lixian.”
Is that why the army were there?
“The army doesn’t search for meteorites in this country. The UK Fireball Alliance does.”
Sure?
“Yes. So if the army went there, they must have worried it was something more.”
Maybe because of the way our craft descended. We did slow down.
Kaden sighed. “Maybe. Well, they’ll find the crash site but nothing else.”
What more will they do?
“My guess is they’ll assume someone took what landed. If it was a meteorite, they’re valuable. If they suspect it wasn’t a meteorite, maybe they’ll investigate the area more thoroughly.”
Would they interview you?
“Because I was at Lixian—twice? Maybe. But I doubt it.”
The sooner I’m out of you, the better.
“We should choose a country, learn the language. I’ll learn it too.”
Last night I decided on Afghanistan. They speak Pashto. My story is that I used to live in Kabul. My parents are dead, killed in a blast that obliterated our home when I was ten. I was looked after by my aunt and uncle, brother of my father, after my parents died. I have all their names in my head.
“How old are you? What schooling did you have? What did you do for a living?”
Twenty-five. I studied computer science. My job was to sell and repair computers.
“Why did you choose that?”
Because I already understand a lot about information technology. Repairing and selling computers is a small job. Not one that would stand out.
“That’s a good point. So what happened?”
My family wanted me to marry. They’d chosen a bride. They found out I was gay and tried to kill me. So I ran.
“How did you run? Where did you go?”
Joe carried on talking. Occasionally, Kaden interrupted, made a suggestion and Joe amended his story. Kaden tested him on Afghani customs, history, culture, details about Kabul.
“Why didn’t you let me remember?”
Why would you know all that? I need to know it. You don’t.
But Joe worried when he didn’t know everything.I’ll read more. I’ll get it right.
“No, you’re fine. Too perfect is worse than getting a few things wrong. I’m in awe. You convinced me! Now we learn Pashto.”
