3012: The Artifact
Page 30
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Meanwhile, back in Harmony, Paul was having the time of his life. He had no idea that the government people lived so good. He and Janet had spent nearly every waking moment together. He had to admit that she really was a fun person to be around. They had been dancing every night and ate at fancy restaurants every evening. Still, Paul found himself secretly wishing for one of Jack’s steaks. Who would have thought he would like eating cow? He still hadn’t worked up the courage to tell Janet about that, yet.
Janet had been equally appalled at the living conditions Paul and the rest of the civilians endured. When they got back to Harmony, Paul had agreed to have dinner with Janet, but insisted on stopping at his apartment first to change. He naturally invited Janet in and while she waited in the kitchen, he took a shower, cold again, and dressed in the bedroom, which was the only other room in the house.
When he came out, Janet was sitting on one of his two chairs, looking very sad. He asked “Janet, what’s wrong? A few minutes ago you were excited to go out this evening. Now, you look like it’s the farthest thing from your mind.”
“Paul, can I ask you a question?”
“Sure, what is it?”
“Is this typical of how all civilians live?”
“Yes, as far as I know, this is a standard housing unit. Everyone I know has one just like it. We pay one third of our salary for it. Why?”
“Paul, I had no idea. I am so sorry. I would bet that no one on the government side of things actually knows how the civilians live. We treat them, you, I suppose, like dirt and blame all of our problems on you as well. But, at the same time, we enjoy a much different lifestyle. You have to believe me, I really had no idea.”
“What are you talking about, Janet?”
“It will be easier to just show you” she said. “Come with me.” She led him back to the hoverlimo she had checked out for the evening and had the driver return them to the government side of the city.
They went to her apartment and as he walked through the ornate front door, Paul was shocked. Still, he couldn’t help himself from saying “Janet, can I ask you a question?”
With a very demure look on her face and a slump to her shoulders, she replied “Sure, Paul, you can ask me anything.”
“Do all government employees live like this?” he asked with a smile. He had already figured out that there were vast differences. The time he spent with Jack had opened his eyes to what was really going on. He had no idea there was this much difference, but was not as shocked as he would have been a few weeks ago.
“Yes, Paul. I am sorry. I didn’t bring you here to make fun of you or rub your face in our differences. I just wanted to have some fun. I like you.”
“It’s okay, Janet. I’m sure it’s not your fault. This division between our lives has been building for hundreds of years. I’m an archaeologist, remember? It’s my job to study things like this.”
Janet had no idea what this man did to her, but she suddenly felt strange. No one else made her insides feel like this. It was not an unpleasant experience. She found that she wanted to spend a lot of time with Paul.
Paul was having similar feelings. He found himself thinking of Bob and Rachael in their underground home. He wondered what it would be like to actually raise children instead of letting the government do it for you. Never in his life had he entertained such thoughts. What was this woman doing to him?