María (thinking): It would be nice if you could stay in one place for longer at a time. But at least you leave the notes with me when you travel. And the language you built Saxon with isn’t too completely foreign for me to get my head around. Even with its strange script.

Saxon: That means “a covenant was made”!

María (thinking): You picked it up easy, of course. Part of why people like you is that not only do you talk sense, but you can usually do it in their native tongue. Of course you could learn this, even if . . .

María: Do you think it really could be . . . ?

Josh: It would make sense, right? If these were the Words that were there at the beginning — that the Lord used to speak the world into being?

Josh (aside): No, I’m talking about literal words, I . . . You know what, sure. “The Word” is an incredibly deep metaphor.

Josh: Excuse me . . . I’m looking for a volunteer for an amateur medical experiment. Any chance you can help?

Guy: Oh my lord, are you Joshua Ben Joseph? THE Joshua Ben Joseph?!Yes! Experiment on me as much as you want!

Josh: [hff]

Josh: [mysterious script]