Chapter Thirty-Eight
Janet speaks – much is explained – Charlie is less than helpful
Janet was horrified. All these eyes around the long dining table, all on her. Alien eyes, demanding an accounting of herself. Her moment of dread did not long endure. She was the centre of attention. People were listening to her. Not babbling about sandwiches or teaspoons—actually listening! Some even put aside their food to better listen. She suppressed a smile and spoke in a serious tone.
“Imagine an island in the Pacific Ocean,” Janet said. “On this island, the people know each other, they work with each other. They fight amongst themselves, they love amongst themselves, they trade amongst themselves. They think themselves the entire world, while beyond their familiar seas peoples come and go, empire
