“Not necessarily.  There are several species of insects on Earth that absorb thermal energy from the sun to jump start their organic chemical processes.  Honey bees, dragon flies, you know, things like that.”  Buttercup just stared at him, incredulous.

“How they hell would you know that?”

“You think Spacer families only teach their children about space?  Most of my early childhood was actually spent in the Minnesota educational system.”  When she didn’t reply he noticed her confused expression.  “That’s in North America, inside the United States.”

“I know where Minnesota is.  I’m just surprised that you lived on Earth.”  Now Sebastian looked confused at her.  “I mean, I just thought Spacer families hated planet side and raised their children on ships.  Like gypsies.”  Typical prejudice and misconceptions thought Sebastian.  He was used to far worse opinions and had learnt not to get too excited about them though.  Most people who spent the majority of their lives planet side had never met an actual Spacer before.

Next Chapter: A Snippet from Chapter 8