‘What do you think’s happened?’ Diesel whispered. ‘I don’t know,’ Peri whispered back. ‘I only know there’s some kind of danger. Maybe an intruder.’ They approached the Bridge. Peri touched the wall. It slid open. He and Diesel leapt in, holding their phasers out in front of them. Jaxx was alone on the Bridge, standing by the control panel. He smiled. ‘Hello. I trust the mission was a success?’ Peri and Diesel looked at each other in bewilderment. Jaxx seemed calm and relaxed. There was no evidence of any danger or any intruders. ‘What happened?’ Peri asked. ‘Why didn’t anyone answer when I tried to get through?’ ‘Sorry – we’ve been a little bit busy here,’ Jaxx said. ‘Busy doing what?’ Diesel demanded. ‘Oh, this and that,’ Jaxx said casually. ‘Did you get the Heart of Mars?’ ‘Yes,’ Peri said. ‘Eventually.’ ‘May I see it?’ Jaxx held out his hand. Diesel clutched the lead cylinder to his chest. ‘No one touches this except me!’ Jaxx squared his shoulders.
