Starcrossed

Chapter 8b: Omni (part 2)

Chapter 8 (part 2)

omni: a small, multifunctional device developed on Mars

"So, are there any classes besides history you guys need help with?" I asked as soon as their mother was gone, though I really wanted to ask about Mars stuff. Maybe there'd be time later.

"Not really," Sean said. "The rest is rather, uh—"

"Simplistic?" I said when he hesitated. "I guess coming from Mars, our math and science seems pretty primitive, huh?"

He shrugged, looking sheepish. "Kind of, yeah."

"Sean!" Molly protested. "That's not—"

"It's okay," I reassured her. "I'm not insulted or anything. It just makes sense."

She watched my face for a moment, then seemed satisfied I wasn't upset and nodded.

"So, history?" I pulled out my own book and started going over what we'd covered so far this year, pointing out the stuff Mrs. George had spent the most time on, which was most likely to be on the next test. Sean seemed especially interested in the U.S. Constitution and branches of government.

"It's weird how similar our Nuathan government is in some things and how different in others," he remarked. "Like, we both have two-house legislatures and a separate judicial system, but we have hereditary Sovereigns instead of elected presidents."

"Until Faxon," I said, and they both grimaced. "Maybe not so strange, though, when you think about it," I suggested. "I mean, Martians have been on Earth for what, five hundred years now? And communicating with folks back on Mars that whole time. So it makes sense they'd copy anything that seemed to work well here, just like we copied some things from England. Honestly, I'm surprised the monarchy lasted as long in Nuath as it did."

"What?" they both exclaimed, looking positively shocked.

"Oh, no," Molly protested. "The monarchy has been wonderful for our people. I mean, I don't really remember it, since I was born around the time Faxon took over, but everybody says how much better it was under the Sovereigns."

"Everybody?" I couldn't help being skeptical, since I knew for a fact at least some Martians hated the monarchy enough to want me dead.

"Everybody except Faxon's people." Sean spoke with conviction. "And I expect most of them are deserting him now, or will soon. Not even the ultra-progressives ever wanted to do away with the monarchy, you know. At least not until Faxon started spreading his lies and buying people off. They just wanted to move more power to the legislature and make the houses more equal."

"So, make the Sovereign more of a figurehead, like in England?" I was a lot more interested in Nuathan government and history than the stuff in our textbook.

"Not at all." He seemed startled again. "I didn't realize you never even— Anyway, the Sovereigns have always been wise, compassionate, intuitive, fair—in other words, great leaders and the final word in resolving all kinds of disputes. Nobody wanted to change that. Some just thought more of the day-to-day governing should devolve to the legislature."

"So . . . how did the Sovereigns get to be so wise and intuitive and all?"

"Genetics, mostly. And, uh, training, I guess. Like Molly said—"

"This was all before your time. I know." I didn't think any amount of training would make me the kind of leader they were talking about, not even if I lived to be two hundred years old. Which I might. It was just as well I was on Earth and not Mars, completely apart from the threat Faxon posed. Nobody would expect as much from me here. Would they?

I was suddenly ready to change the subject. "So, that village where you lived in Ireland—" I began, when Mrs. O'Gara stuck her head around the corner again.

"Sorry to interrupt, but M's aunt just called. It's nine-thirty and she wants her home, as it's a school night."

"Wow, already?" Molly and I said at the same time. Then we looked at each other and giggled. I felt like we were already friends—maybe better friends than I could be with Bri or Deb nowadays.

"Can you come over again soon?" Molly asked as I zipped up my backpack.

"I hope so," I said automatically before remembering Rigel's theory—and that I wanted to hang out with him as many evenings as I could. If he could. "I'll ask my aunt."

"Did you bring an umbrella, dear?" Mrs. O'Gara asked then. "It's pouring outside."

Oops. "No, but I'll be okay. It's not far, and I can run."

"Don't be silly. Sean can walk you."

I frowned. "I hate to be so much trouble. I could just borrow an umbrella and give it back tomorrow."

"Oh, Sean doesn't mind, trust me," Molly said, her eyes twinkling.

"What do you—?"

"No, it's fine," he assured me with a quelling glance at Molly. "My pleasure. Really."

"Um, then thanks. Bye, Molly. See you at school tomorrow."

"Bye, M. And thanks!" She sounded genuinely appreciative, even though I'd learned a lot more from them than they'd learned from me.

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