Chapter 13

Tom had tried to pack as much into his normal rucksack as possible to avoid any suspicion arising from his mother. He was wearing a thick jumper and hiking boots which his mother had questioned given the warm weather in Cardiff that day, but he just shrugged off the questions and gave his usual lines of being nearly a teenager and able to make his own decisions. He was grateful that his Mum chose not to fight that battle that morning. He pulled her into a tighter hug than normal before quickly getting out of the car so that she wouldn’t notice the prickle of tears that were threatening to fall. As she drove away shouting “see you at 4!” through the open window, he really hoped that would be true. He looked over to see Mali tightly hugging an older lady who seemed to be a bit surprised by the show of affection. He caught Mali’s eye and they shared a look of mutual understanding as they walked in through the doors together. 

Inside was a hive of activity. Bert was already sitting with Sal double checking mathematical calculations and double checking coordinates. Bert looked up and said a quick “Hi” before diving back into his concentration. Delyth and Cai were at the back of the room, comparing supplies they had brought with them, including some walkie talkies and an LED torch Cai said he had been given for his last birthday. Mo arrived shortly after Tom and Mali, and quickly drew Mali aside to show her some objects in his bag. Tom wandered over to the kitchen area where Sam was opening steaming oven doors to remove a range of pastries, before putting in a pie and starting to mix up what appeared to be some cookie dough. 

“How are you Sam?” Tom asked. “You look like you’ve been busy!”

“I’m an emotional baker” replied Sam as he mixed chocolate chips into his dough and started spooning it onto a baking sheet. “I’m feeling nervous too” said Tom. “But I’m sure we’ll be back home again soon before we know it,” he added, before looking at the pained expression on Sal’s face and realising his mistake. “Oh, I’m sorry”, said Tom. “I hadn’t thought. You said we only had enough power for two jumps. How are you and Sal going to get home?”.

Sam continued to look down at the cookie mix. “Sal and I have talked about it. The most important thing is completing the mission. We wouldn’t be honouring our colleagues if we don’t stop the time-disruption device from detonating. And you lot didn’t ask for this” Sam added, looking around the room. “It’s important that we get you back home to your families”. 

“Do you have family back home on Karoopa Sam” asked Tom softly. 

Sam took in a slightly shaky breath. “We don’t have parents in the same way humans do. Our biology is a bit different.  We sprout offspring when we reach a stage of maturity, and when the environment and our emotional state is optimised. Much simpler than human reproduction.” 

Tom nodded, agreeing entirely that it sounded like a better option than what they had been learning about in biology recently. Sam continued.  “Our young tend to be raised by the community as a whole, rather than in small family groups. It’s a nice way to live” Sam added, looking Tom in the eye and giving a sad smile. 

Sam took a deep breath and then smiled again. “ But I do love the food here. So there is that. And there’s no point in getting stressed about things we can’t control”. Tom nodded in agreement, and gave Sam an understanding pat on the shoulder. “I really hope we can work out how to get you and Sal home.” he said, and he really meant it. 

Tom grabbed one of the fresh baked croissants and got his notebook of lists out from his bag. The group gathered together and checked everything was ready. It soon became apparent that there wasn’t any more preparation left to do. 

“So, we’re really doing this?” said Mo, looking up at the group. After all the excitement and activity the mood in the room had suddenly become solemn.  Sal spoke up. “If anyone has changed their minds, there’s no judgement. Sam and I are so grateful for all the help you have given us already.”

“No way am I backing out now” said Mali. “Absolutely not,” agreed Delyth. “This is my dream. It’s completely worth this risk”. 

“I couldn’t not do my part to make sure my family and friends stay safe” added Cai, with everyone nodding their heads in agreement, even Mo. Mo looked up at Sal and Sam. “Looks like we’re all in” he stated. Sal smiled and exhaled, clearly relieved. “Let’s get to the control deck then Bert. Time for your first driving lesson. Sal, can you secure the area for the jump please”. 

Bert grinned at the group before following Sal through the doorway into the control area. Sal pulled down some shiny metal shutters over the windows and door, and tidied away items left out on the kitchen surfaces. 

Tom looked around and tried to work out the best place to sit. “Er, Sal, do we need to fasten seat belts or anything” he asked, looking around at the chairs and tables and sofas and realising nothing really looked like what he would expect for a time travelling space ship. “No seat belts,” Sam replied. “But I’d recommend sitting down. Sometimes the jump can leave you feeling a bit, um, disorientated”. Sam then casually handed everyone a thick paper bag. “Just in case” Sam stated with a thin smile.

Sal shouted through from the other room. “All ready?”. 

Sam look around the assembled children with a questioning look. They all nodded back. “All ready here!” Sam confirmed. 

“Prepare to Jump” came the reply. 

And everything became silent.