I12DT: Space Battles

[Steve Jones]

"Yeah. It really does. I was good too."

[Marcie Tiboldt]

"What position did you play? Defender? Midfield?"

[Steve Jones]

He blinked.

"Oh. No. American Football. Running back."

[Marcie Tiboldt]

"Oh," Mars says, looking embarrassed, "I...don't know anything about that one. Sorry."

[Steve Jones]

"Basically I was the quick guy, because I'm too short to be the tough guy."

[Marcie Tiboldt]

"Cool," Mars says, "I think it sucks they won't let you play still."

[Steve Jones]

"The other team would just accuse me of cheating or something."

[Marcie Tiboldt]

"They're just sore losers," Mars says, "Besides, did you get to complain that kids were born bigger or stronger than you? The whole idea is ridiculous."

[Steve Jones]

"Of course it is, but that's exactly why telepathy sucks."

[Marcie Tiboldt]

"'Cause you know what everyone is thinking?" Mars says sympathetically.

[Steve Jones]

"That and people don't trust you to not screw with their heads."

[Marcie Tiboldt]

"Well, you seem pretty honest to me," Mars says, "For what it's worth."

[Steve Jones]

"Thanks," he smiled.

"So, umm... what's your power?"

[Marcie Tiboldt]

"Mine? I have 'photographic reflexes'," Mars says, "Basically, if I watch someone do something, I pick up how to do it instantly."

"I can run like a track star, fight like Bruce Lee, and jump around like an Olympic gymnast," Mars says, "So, they probably wouldn't let me play football either."

[Steve Jones]

"Wanna trade?" he joked.

[Marcie Tiboldt]

"No way, my powers are awesome," Mars says, looking a little bit cocky.

[Steve Jones]

"They really are," he agreed.

[Marcie Tiboldt]

"So, tell me about your family," Mars says, "Do you have any siblings?"

[Steve Jones]

"Only child. Dad's an astrophysicist. Mom's a housewife. You?"

[Marcie Tiboldt]

"I'd rather not talk about my family," Mars says, "They're...kind of jerks."

[Steve Jones]

"Oh... I'm sorry to hear that."

[Marcie Tiboldt]

Mars shrugs, "It's not a big deal."

"I mean, I love my family," Mars says, "They've always been there for me and they're really important."

"I just...can't be around them. You know?"

[Steve Jones]

"Yeah, I guess. Dad's great but me makes me feel dumb sometimes. I know he isn't trying to, but he does."

[Marcie Tiboldt]

"That sounds frustrating."

[Steve Jones]

"Perils of living with a literal genius."

[Marcie Tiboldt]

"A genius?" Mars asks, "Really?"

[Steve Jones]

"Really. Big ol' brain on him."