"A.J. is short for my real name. Adric Jamie, for their two favorite male companions. I suppose I should be grateful that I wasn't born a girl, or I would have been Romanadvoratralundar Leela."
"Jesus. You're kidding."
"I'm not. I loved my folks, but I swear, there were times I thought that killing them would have been justifiable homicide."
"Do you have a…"
"Sister? Yes, actually. And yes, she does have that name. Well, Leela Romana-mom had gotten to choose first when I was born, so dad chose the first name when Lee was born."
"Your parents were definitely in actionable territory there."
A.J. laughed, the first relaxed sound she'd heard from him. "It could've been worse, I guess. I'm named after a supergenius who adapts to any situation and an honest, courageous, and really tough Highlander warrior. And other than their little obsession they were really great folks." He looked sad, but no longer on the edge of tears. "Thanks, Doc."
"You're welcome. At least now I know why you go by your initials. And to be honest, I was hoping for a distraction."
"Let me guess. Test time."
"Right in one."
"Well, much as I know you won't thank me, I'd better send you back to the test papers. And then go bite the bullet and see if Jackie will accept a groveling apology."
"If you can get past the first few moments and she finds out why you went off on her, I suspect it won't be a problem. But you'd still better do some groveling. It will do you good, anyway."
"Okay, on that note, good night, Doc."
"Good night, A.J. And, hey-keep in touch."
"I will. Bye." His image vanished.
Helen shook her head. What a mess. Glancing at the screen, she sighed again and began the long task of grading.
Eric Flint Ryk E. Spoor
Boundary