The response was silence and glares from the others, but Houston looked to the sky and held up one hand, screwing up his face.

“Vulcans,” he said, scanning the knot.

Romy gave him a tentative smile.

“No?” he asked. “I quite liked that one.” He ticked a finger off. “Hmm, what about The Force? I’m a big Star Wars fan.”

Thrym began to simmer beside her.

“What about ‘Stars’?” Elara offered quietly.

Houston stopped in his tracks and gave Romy’s friend a small smile. “Stars, huh? I’m not sure about the others, but I think it suits you just fine.”

It happened again. Elara went bright red: cheeks, ears, and all.

“And what about a name for you?” Phobos spoke up. The tone of his remark immediately alerted Romy he was about to erupt.

Thrym said, “How about Earthling?”

Romy squeezed her eyes shut.

“Ah, Thrym, originality points equal zero.” Phobos shook his head. “I’m thinking ‘Doesn’t-Know-When-to-Shut-Up’.” He circled Houston, leaning in to invade the doctor’s personal space. “Or maybe ‘Punched-in-the-Face’.”

That certainly got the doctor’s attention. Romy’s mouth dropped open. Did Phobos just threaten to hurt someone? Over a harmless joke?

“Phobos. . . ,” Elara interjected. She reached a hand out to him, which he brushed away.

“Leave me alone, star.”

Houston’s face lost its nervous edge, lighting up as his gaze flickered between Phobos and Elara. “Oh, I see.” His grin was evil. “Ha! Well, that’s gonna make for an awkward Christmas.”

“Do you think he has frontal lobe damage?” Thrym whispered.

Romy didn’t know, but if Houston didn’t stop, Phobos was going to attack him. He wasn’t himself. Something was off. And the vibes she was catching from him were stressing her out.

“Houston. Shut up,” Atlas said, striding up to them. He was dressed in his black, pocketed pants and a white T-shirt.

Houston’s laughter quickly faded to a soft snuffling sound.

“I expected you twenty minutes ago,” Atlas shot at his friend.

“Well—”

Atlas cut him off. “And do us all a favour and keep the nicknames to yourself.”

Romy couldn’t help a giggle at Houston’s surprised expression. He honestly hadn’t noticed how angry Thrym and Phobos were getting?

“Come,” Atlas said to the group.

They entered the tallest of the official-looking buildings in the semi-circle clearing. Houston led them to the same large room full of tables and chairs from the day before. Atlas didn’t speak another word, just gestured to the doctor before taking the seat directly behind Romy. The hairs on the back of her neck rose.

“Atlas has some things to say to you, and as amusing as it would be to keep watching your knot, I really should explain why you’re all going loco.”

Romy straightened, listening with avid attention.

Houston closed his eyes briefly, utter bliss flittering over his face before he opened them once more. “Who here has heard of puberty?”