Kepler approached the four waiting children. They looked dirty and tired, but otherwise
unharmed.
“Hello there,” he greeted them. “I am Ensign Kepler. Are any of you injured?” he asked. They all shook their heads wearily.
“Well, that is good. Now which one of you is Mr. Blake?” Kepler asked.
Devon perked up. “That’s me, sir.”
“Ah, very good. If you would come with me, we have a small cabin reserved for you for
the trip back up to the ship.” He turned to the others. “We have seats for the rest of you as
well,” he said with a smile.
Jacinda began to say something, but Devon put his hand on her arm. He stood up and
approached Kepler, looking irritated.
“Excuse me, Mr. Kepler. I’m sure you are only following orders, but there is no way that
you are going to separate me from my friends. I don’t need any special treatment.” Devon’s
voice was strong and confident, but showed no trace of anger.
“Uh…I’m sorry sir, but the arrangements have already been made,” Kepler stuttered.
“Well, Mr. Kepler, this is your chance to collect a favor from someone who’s family
owns a lot of stock in the company who runs your ship,” Devon said with a grin.
Kepler relaxed when Devon smiled. “Of, course, sir, I am sure we can accommodate
you. Perhaps we could let Mr. Jacobs recuperate in the private cabin for the trip up. He was
injured” Kepler said.
“That sounds like a great plan,” Devon said as he patted Ensign Kepler on the arm.
Kepler turned on his heel and walked back up the ramp into the ship. Devon whistled
and Sammy rose on his spindly legs. He motioned for the others to join them and followed
Kepler up the ramp. Devon and the others turned once they had boarded and watched the ramp slowly close,
sealing out the bright sunlight and early smell of Forrestal. They were filled with great joy that
everything had turned out well, but felt a bit of loss at the same time.
Their adventure had not begun or ended as they expected, but none of them would ever
regret it. They had discovered more than just bandit miners and mysterious aliens. They had
discovered friendship, and they knew deep down that this was something that would last.
Devon Blake and the Starship Crash Page 14
