‘Hey, I hope we’re not going to have any favourites around here,’ said Skye.
‘But you don’t need any help Skye, you haven’t got an ambition,’ said Dad dismissively.
‘Oh right,’ said Skye, raising her hands in disbelief.
They left the cabin for the reception hall, to take the pod. They arrived to find a queue stretching almost entirely around the hamster wheel. Mum and Dad had to join it at the back, but Zak was offered a seat on the bench. All the passengers knew that Zak had saved the day, and were aware of his injuries. Skye sat with him.
A man in a crisp blue blazer approached.
‘Hello Zak,’ he said.
‘Hello Mr. Herbet,’ said Zak.
‘We have a lot to thank you for,’ said Herbet sincerely.
‘Yeah. Maybe we could have stopped it happening in the first place,’ said Zak.
‘Perhaps,’ said Herbet. ‘But we’re not allowed to spy on people. Geremi would have been in big trouble for granting you that access.’
Zak looked at him in disgust.
‘I’m very sorry Zak. I wish it had been me,’ said Herbet. ‘I didn’t do my job properly.’
Zak’s gaze dropped. It was Herbet’s first expression of regret over Geremi.
‘We’ve found a new home for Rocky,’ said Herbet hesitantly.
‘Oh,’ said Zak, perking up. ‘Where?’
‘The Ambassador has volunteered to adopt him. Or should I say – the Ambassador was adopted by him.’
‘That’s a great idea!’ shouted Zak in delight.
‘In fact, it looks like the man himself wants to talk to you. I had better go. I hope we’ll meet again one day.’
‘Thanks Monsieur Herbet,’ said Zak.
Herbet laughed, and saluted him.
‘Skye! Zak!’ It was Caviana, accompanied by her father, who strode up enthusiastically.
‘Zak,’ he said, shaking Zak’s hand. ‘I have not had the chance to thank you. Your bravery saved us all.’
