“Where are we going?” asked Jaska, being tugged along the corridor.

“To your hovercar. I’ll explain there,” said Jake. “But we must be quick.”

They barged their way past the bumbling Kait, who had still not found the keys to Jake’s quarters, and ran to her car.

“So?” asked Jaska, eyes bulging even further out of her skull than usual.

“We’re leaving. Me and you. We’re eloping together.”

“Don’t be silly!” she laughed. “How? Where would we go? And why?”

“I thought ‘why’ would be obvious,” said Jake. “I’m not from here and there’s only you who understands me. I’ve got us a ship. We need to meet my friend first, but then we can go anywhere!”

“Is this real?” asked Jaska.

“It is,” said Jake, matching her stare.

Jaska burst into tears. “I love you,” she said.

Jake blushed, said nothing, and wasn’t sick anywhere.