Ventus by Karl Schroeder

Karl Schroeder / Ventus / Page 191
just that.
"You're not playing the whole game, Cal, you never do.
We're not just here to eliminate Armiger, we're here to act like
decent human beings. What's wrong with getting to know
people and helping them live their lives? And letting them
help us live ours? I like Jordan. He did the right thing last
night; he'll be a man of solid character once he’s able to
support himself."
"Well," she said coldly, "you've decided the right and
wrong of it all, I see. So my opinion now isn't going to
matter."
Axel clutched his black hair. "Your opinion matters! So
does Jordan's. So does August's! We're not just assassins,
that's all! Why don't you get to know these people? Maybe
you'll like them. Maybe," he laughed, "you and August will hit
it off! What's so bad about that?"
She stalked away. "We'll leave tonight--with Jordan,"
was all she said as she yanked up the lead-sheathed trapdoor.
Axel watched the door slam, then cursed. She hadn’t
understood a word he was saying.
Armiger stood and wiped the sweat from his brow. He
had been trying all afternoon to repair the damage he’d caused
to Megan’s garden last night. Short of using some of his own
nano, there was nothing more he could do.
"Very good," she said. He turned. Megan leaned on the
tall stump that marked the end of the garden. She smiled. "But
seldom have I seen a man so grimy."
"I told you I would fix it."
She laughed. "One does not ‘fix’ growing things,
Armiger. But... with practise, you could become a good
gardener. I may leave the task to you for a while."