Chapter 8 #3
Joe still stayed silent and didn’t interfere with what Kaden was doing. Not until Kaden had dressed and made a bacon sandwich for breakfast, did Joe finally feel he could talk. He had to talk. This is so good. He moaned and Kaden laughed.
“I don’t eat bacon very often, but yes, it’s tasty, isn’t it?”
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.”
By the end of the morning, Joe was aware that Kaden was exhausted. They’d covered a lot of ground. Joe’s desire for knowledge was endless. The more he knew, the better, but even he had to accept he couldn’t learn absolutely everything.
“Da zuma da jwand tar tolo ajib wakht wo,” Kaden said and widened his eyes. “I can speak Pashto!”
This has been the strangest time of my life too.
Joe had found himself a new name. Jalis is my name. It meant companion, but he didn’t tell Kaden that. I wish I could keep the name Joe.
“You can change your name once you’re set up in this country. Joe could be your gaming name.”
You need to show me how to play.
Kaden set up his PS4. Within minutes, Joe was hooked on God of War.
This is what you do for fun? It’s amazing.
“I’ve had the PS4 for ages. I don’t play often. Harris…didn’t like me playing.”
Eventually, Kaden chuckled and switched off the machine. “I’m a lot better player with your reflexes. You can play again tonight while I’m asleep if you like.”
Kaden took a deep breath. “So are you ready? Is there anything else we can do to prepare? Oh, I’ve just thought of something. I should wipe the history on my phone and laptop. I don’t think anyone would check, but just to be safe.”
That’s a good idea.
Joe watched as Kaden worked. He hoped it wasn’t necessary but it would give away that they’d planned this.
There was something else that he needed to tell him.
When I come out of you, I’m not sure if I’ll be able to walk or even talk. Not straightaway.
“Oh.”
And I’ll be naked.
He felt Kaden’s cheeks heat. “I’ll take clothes for you.”
I might not be able to dress myself.
“I can help.”
What if I hurt you when I emerge and you’re unconscious?
“Then pull the cord and help will come.”
You’re lying there hurt while I lie next to you naked?
Kaden winced. “That won’t look good. Right. So you’ll need to get into the next cubicle so they don’t see you.”
What if you don’t remember? Joe was desperate to hear what Kaden thought.
“Is that a possibility?” Kaden sounded shocked.
Do you want to remember?
“Yes. Yes! I don’t want to forget you.”
It would be better for you if you did.
“I want to remember. I want to help you.”
Kaden was crying and it was Joe’s fault. He didn’t deserve the trust that Kaden was putting in him.
The day after tomorrow?
“The day after tomorrow,” Kaden echoed.