Destiny: Union Station by E. M. Foner

Author:E. M. Foner [Foner, E. M.]
Language: eng
Format: epub, azw
Publisher: Foner Books
Published: 2021-10-01T23:00:00+00:00

Twelve

Paul attempted a martial arts high kick in the monitoring field of the game controller and ended up on his back, giggling. His opponent in the holographic projection clasped the hands of his upper arms above his head in victory while extending a lower arm to the boy as if to help him up.

“Not going to fall for that,” Paul said, and waved the hologram out of existence. “I can’t believe we get to stay here. This game system is so cool.”

“Don’t go too crazy with it until I find out whether it comes with the room or if they’re charging by the minute,” Joe warned him. “I haven’t ever stayed in a place this nice before myself.”

“Do you think it’s a mistake and when they find out we’re human they’ll put us in a cheaper room?”

“According to the desk clerk, this is the cheapest room in the hotel, and I’m sure they know that we’re human. I’m willing to bet you that the Empire Convention Center and Hotel is run by the Dollnicks and our client sent us here because he’s spending the money with his own kind.”

“Why not put us in a cheap place on the Dollnick deck?” the boy asked.

“Because they’re not set up to deal with other species,” Joe explained. “Have you been in the bathroom yet? There are more options on that toilet than a new car.”

“What’s a car?”

“That’s what people drive around in back on Earth, and the manufacturers make their money by selling lots of expensive options to the basic model. Or at least that’s how it was when I was a kid, but those factories are probably all shut down now. Cars are getting replaced with imported floaters.”

“So are you going to start shopping right away, or do we get a day off to look around the station.”

“First thing is we find you a school,” Joe said, and the boy’s face fell. “It’s going to be great.”

“How about that thing Woojin said about checking in with the Earth people?” Paul asked to buy time. “Shouldn’t that be first?”

“The consulate, and I’m hoping they’ll be able to tell us something about the schools on Union Station,” Joe said. “Are you coming, Beowulf?” The giant dog gave the bed a few thwacks with his tail to show that he was listening, but otherwise made no move. “Then it’s just you and me, kid.”

“I’m coming,” Paul grumbled, easily slipping his feet back into the sneakers which Joe had bought a half-size too large in anticipation of a growth spurt. “Are there going to be any other mercenary kids?”

“Don’t start defining people by what their parents do, especially yourself. And I don’t know what civilians do for work in a place like this. I’d guess it’s similar to city-dwellers back on Earth.”

The boy followed Joe into the corridor and they headed for the hotel’s lobby. “I’ve never been to Earth, at least, not that I remember,” Paul said. “What do people in cities do?”

“I think they mainly work in buildings,” Joe said.

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