‘What do you mean you told me?’
‘When we were in my room. When we were all about to leave. I told you that you needed to come, too.’
‘And what, you thought that I somehow magically understood you?
‘Well, I don’t know – yeah, I guess. Why’d you get into my backpack, then, if you didn’t?’
‘Because I saw you were going somewhere with that general and wanted in on the action.’
Arthur gazed at him and then shrugged.
‘Fair enough, I suppose,’ he said, getting up. ‘Well, now you’re in on it, just stay quiet and hidden, ok?’
‘So, first impressions of the T8 facility?’ said his father, as Arthur joined him in the living area. He had just finished warming up the rice and fish that had been left for them, in the microwave. ‘Mmm, yum… tastes pretty good actually. Here, this one’s yours.’
Taking the plate he was offered, Arthur sat down at the little square table, which his father had already laid.
‘I don’t know. Pretty cool, I guess. It’s much bigger than I thought it would be.’
‘You can say that again. Did you get a look at those towers on our way in? I reckon they must be where they assemble rockets and such like. You know, ever since I was your age, I’ve always wanted to see a real space rocket.’
‘Do you reckon they’ll let us see one?’
‘Maybe. Who knows. I don’t see why not. Anyway, no harm in asking, is there? It’s the least they can do, all things considered.’