Page 139 of The Pacifist
“You’re a genius. Do something useful with it.” He gave a charming grin.
Shelly didn’t seem to pick up on his joke and answered in all earnestness, “Well, I’m busy on so many other projects at the moment, but the thought of time traveling is fascinating. I’ve been reading all I can find on quantum mechanics and discussed with my colleagues how, at least on a theoretical level, we should be able to reverse the direction of time.”
“Wow, that sounds impressive.” Anne’s eyes grew larger.
“Ah, don’t be impressed yet. So far, it’s just a thought, but I really think it would be possible to create a state that evolves in the opposite direction of the thermodynamic arrow of time.”
Nero was still smiling. “If anyone can do it, you can!”
With the way Anne kept smiling at Nero, I would have expected her to introduce herself to him, but it was like she had turned shy all of a sudden.
“It’s very nice to meet you, Nero,” I reached out my hand to shake his. “I’m Jonah.”
He laughed. “Everyone knows your name. It’s an honor.”
“This is my sister, Anne.”
It was interesting to see how Nero straightened up, and cleared his throat before speaking in a deep tone. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
Anne stumbled over her words as if he made her nervous. “What kind of trape, I mean trade do you do?”
I was puzzled why she had such a different reaction to Nero compared to the hundreds of Nmen she had met over the last few days.
While Shelly returned to meet and greet the people again, Nero answered Anne,
“A wide variety. Since your brother’s speech at the council, I’ve been buying up rights for previously published romance books. I had a feeling that it was just a matter of time before they would make them legal in the Motherlands, and I was right.”
“You saw the vote today?” Anne’s voice was soft and pleasant.
“How could I not? I’ve been waiting for this to happen.”
Anne smiled widely. “So much is happening on both sides of the border. The legalization of romance books is only the beginning. Actually, we have a celebratory dinner planned tonight. You should come.”
Nero looked at me and I read the question in his eyes.
“I’m not her protector. Anne is a Motlander; she would never allow me to decide who she can hang out with.”
Anne’s laugh was melodic. “That’s right.”
Nero’s Adam’s apple bobbed in his throat. “But you wantmeto celebrate with you?”
“Why not? It sounds like you have plenty to celebrate yourself. Do you like to read romance books?”
Nero shifted his balance. “Sure, but to be honest, sometimes I skip to the sex scenes.”
“Ahh, impatient, are you?” Anne’s giggle made me exchange a look with Mila to see if she too noticed Anne’s peculiar behavior. Fifteen minutes ago, Anne had been tired and complaining about her hunger but now she was laughing and teasing Nero like there was no other place she would rather be.
“Anne, maybe you can ask Nero to show you around the festival. I’m sure you’re tired of hanging out with me and Jonah so much, and you’ve been complaining that you haven’t seen much of the tournament.”
“Ooh, I’d love that.” Anne gave him a sweet smile. “If you have the time, of course.”
The way Nero’s face lit up was answer enough. “I would be more than honored,” he exclaimed with eagerness.
Mila placed her arm around Anne’s waist. “Nero and I grew up together, I can vouch for him. He would never hurt you.”
“Hurt her? I would protect her with my life.”
Anne giggled some more. “Hopefully that won’t be necessary, but it’s still sweet of you to say so.”
