“We might be here for a while,” Josh said. “I know you’re upset about yesterday. Maybe we should talk about it.”
The Teneran did not look up. “I do not believe I have the words.”
“It’s just us, Paris. What’s bothering you, besides the fact that we’re stranded on an empty planet in a sandstorm?”
For the first time that morning, Paris met his eyes. “I have been thinking,” he said slowly.
After a long silence, Josh prompted him. “About?”
“It is disturbing that I allowed myself to become incapacitated yesterday. My lapse endangered us both.”
“Accidents happen.” Josh waited. Between the Teneran’s natural reserve and the translation issues, conversations often lasted a long time. Since hurrying a Teneran never worked, he had learned patience. After a decent interval had elapsed, Josh said,
