'Good meeting?' said Jayce as they climbed into the cruiser.

'Not really,' said Malachi.

'He couldn't help?'

'He said we didn't have anything he could use,' said Ellie.

'But I thought you found some proof of the ships or something?'

'Whatever we have wasn't good enough for him,' Tila snapped. 'Just drive.'

'Sure. Where to?'

'Anywhere!'

'You got it.' Jayce pulled out into the road which was growing busier by the minute. Once they were through the worst of the city traffic he tapped a button on the dash and turned around, leaving the vehicle to find its own way home. 'What now?'

'Who's next on the list?' Tila asked Malachi.

'You can't see anyone else today,' said Jayce. 'Everyone's going home. They're done. Why do you think there's so much traffic?'

'We have to wait until tomorrow?'

'Looks like. What are you doing tonight? Are you going back to your ship?'

'I guess so,' said Malachi, looking at the others. They hadn't planned this far ahead.

'Yes,' said Tila.

'I have a better idea,' said Jayce.

'Surprise, surprise,' muttered Tila. Ellie nudged her in the ribs.

'What's your idea?' said Ellie.

'Come back to my house. Stay there tonight, and tomorrow you can start again.'

'And what do we do at your house?' said Tila.

'Whatever you want! Eat, sleep, wash. It's all good. I'll invite some friends, you know, some of the guys you met earlier. They'd love to meet you properly. How about it? Deal?'

Ellie nudged Tila again, more gently this time, and with it the definite opinion that yes would be the best thing to say next.

'Tila? You have to admit it would be better than walking back to the ship.'

'Walking? You don't need to walk any more. I'm here to rescue you.' Jayce said. Behind him the autopilot smoothly guided the cruiser onto a highway heading out of the city.

Tila looked at Malachi for his opinion, and Jayce took the opportunity to wink at Ellie.

'I saw that,' said Tila, without looking.

Malachi looked out at the traffic which surrounded them. 'Why not? A real bed would be better than staying on the Rhino. It can't hurt. As long as Jayce has room for all three of us.'

Jayce twisted in his seat and took manual control of them cruiser again.

'I think we'll fit you in somewhere,' he said.