Snippet #963791

Unable to help it, Cale rolled his eyes. Cristov sure knew how to flatter a kid. However, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of uncertainty. Though he had no doubts as to his ability as a Scientist, he also knew that his behavior and ability to work well with others was just as important in leading him to success in the Pioneer Program. And Cale Townsend didn't like people. Even Cristov rubbed him the wrong way...just not as much as other people. At least he could talk to the Recorder without the risk of insult or ridicule.

"Well...last night America had sort of a temper tantrum," he started reluctantly. "And after she left, a guy and a girl started to make fun of her. I ended up going to stick up for her. I mean, I didn't really know her, but I hate gossip. And besides, we of all people should be past that kind of stuff."

He paused, looking down at his tray. In relating this story to Cristov, he was was perched precariously close to the boundaries of gossip, and he meant it when he said he hated it.

"Anyway, that was all that happened. It was nothing really; I don't even know who they were."

A bold-faced lie. Cale had looked them both up in the handbook as soon as he went back to his room - Chris Hubbard and Nina Estoc. He doubted he would see much of Nina around the ship, but Chris was a Scientist. Unfortunately, the two of them were going to be spending a lot of time together. Cale glanced at the clock again; hopefully eight minutes was enough time for him to get over this grudge. Hopefully, he could just avoid Chris altogether. Suddenly, he didn't feel so hungry.

"I think I'm going to go wait by the lab," he stated, standing up and picking up his tray. Before he left, he paused, waiting for Cristov's response. In the day he had known him, he realized the Cristov Luminairre always seemed to have something to say.