Free Chasing the Stars by Malorie Blackman Page B

library of films on board and I’ve watched all of them at least twice. Most of them more often than that.’
    ‘Why would you want to watch films from over a century ago?’ asked Erica.
    I admit, I was wondering the same thing too.
    ‘For the same reason I read books or listen to music written throughout the centuries,’ Vee replied. ‘Good is good, regardless of when or where it originated.’
    ‘You use a lot of fancy words, don’t you?’ said Erica, almost as an accusation.
    Vee blinked at Erica in surprise. I winced slightly. Erica made it sound like having book learning was a crime. I frowned at her, not appreciating how she was implying that we were all as ignorant as a box of rocks and happy to be so.
    ‘I don’t have film and book learning like you do,’ said Erica. ‘The Authority didn’t allow it. They didn’t want us getting any ideas.’
    ‘Erica . . .’ Mike’s voice held a warning.
    Vee was puzzled. ‘Why would the Authority care what you read or watch?’
    Erica’s lips clamped together. Quick accusatory glances passed between Mike and Erica which Vee caught. She looked to me for an explanation. I said nothing. Vee sighed.
    ‘Well, the ship’s computer has a huge library of books, music and films which can be accessed from your quarters at any time, so help yourself,’ she said.
    ‘What would you recommend?’ I asked quickly.
    Too quickly. Like, in a hurry to change the subject quickly.
    ‘Another bowl of chilli for you that even a toddler could eat?’ Vee replied.
    Damn it! I was blushing. ‘That sounds perfect,’ I agreed. ‘But I was talking about films.’
    ‘I know,’ Vee smiled. ‘I was teasing.’
    ‘Maybe you and I could watch some of your favourites together some time?’ I suggested.
    Vee’s eyes widened as she beamed at me, obviously liking the idea. ‘Yeah, OK. If you’d like.’
    Wow! Her smile lit up the whole room. It’d be too easy to get lost in a smile like that, a smile that might even reach some of the darker places inside me.
    Be careful, Nathan.
    But I couldn’t tell a lie. The idea of watching films or sharing music with Vee, well, it appealed.
    ‘I’d like very much,’ I said sincerely.
    Ignoring the speculative looks of the others, I walked over to the dispenser and ordered a hamburger and another glass of cold milk. No more chilli.
    ‘Did Aidan explain to all of you that there are utility dispensers in your sleeping quarters and you can use any dispenser on board to get whatever you want – food, clothes, whatever you need,’ I said.
    ‘Tell me more about your brother,’ said Erica, a gleam in her eyes.
    ‘He doesn’t come out of a utility dispenser,’ Vee replied.
    That caused laughter.
    ‘I wish he did,’ Erica winked.
    ‘We’d never get you out of your room!’ said Anjuli.
    ‘So go on, Vee. Aidan. Tell me more,’ Erica urged.
    ‘More like what?’ Vee asked cautiously.
    ‘What’s he into? What does he do in his spare time? What kind of girls does he like? I’m hoping he’s into girls rather than guys? Am I his type? What’s his idea of an ideal date? Is he into films too? Music? Would he date a girl like me?’
    ‘A girl like you?’ Vee blinked at the verbal waterfall.
    I wasn’t surprised. When Erica started it was hard to get her to stop.
    ‘Erica means a girl who can’t shut up,’ said Anjuli quickly before anyone else could reply.
    ‘You’d need to ask him that for yourself,’ Vee replied.
    I resumed my original seat which wisely no one had tried to take in my brief absence. We all ate our food in a companionable silence now that the tense atmosphere had cleared. I stole a glance at Vee only to find she was watching me. She immediately smiled, from a place that came from within rather than some polite effort she’d merely painted on her lips.
    ‘Aidan said you modified this ship?’ said Anjuli after a couple of sips of her soup. ‘How?’
    Vee shrugged. ‘Made it faster. I improved the efficiency of