The Hareema rebel had fired. Then he hit the control to close the hatch.
“Did you have to kill him?” Jamie asked, having mixed feelings about the exchange.
“Yes. He had knowledge of our escape, and who we are. He could not be allowed to share that knowledge with others.”
“I’m glad he’s dead,” Drake snarled.
Jamie opened her mouth to respond, but her words disappeared when she saw Lakewood holding Herman in his arms. The little robot was dented, half of his lights not functioning, the others blinking fitfully.
“Herman, no!” she yelled, putting her hands on the damaged ball. “I’m so sorry.”
“No apology needed,” he said, his voice skipping.
Jamie felt the tears start to fall. “Oh, no.”
Drake pulled her into his arms. “Shh…dear heart.”
“I’m sorry for interrupting,” the Hareema said, “but we should depart immediately.”
Jamie nodded, pulling away from Drake. “He’s right. Get us out of here.”
Drake strapped himself into the control seat and Jamie took her seat, motioning for the others to find their places. In moments they were shooting upwards towards the hole in the hangar ceiling. Then they were through, joining the other ships as they blasted into space.
Jamie turned her head in Dr. Lakewood’s direction. “Can you fix the little guy?”
“I think so. If I can get access to the right equipment.”
Jamie nodded. “You have to. We wouldn’t have made it without him.” Her voice caught in her throat, and she wiped the tears from her cheeks. “He’s a hero.”
