"Jeremy did a good job with Bernie," Harriet assured him. She was going to say more, but Moira and Martin Caldavir came to say goodbye. "Are you off?"
"Yes, Worthy organised a van for all the gear."
Caldavir snorted. "He had to ring five different companies before he could book one. Bit of a shortage, apparently."
Harriet shook their hands. "I can't thank you enough for your help. Really. You both saved the day."
"No, thank you," said Moira. "That was the best time we've had for years."
They left, and Harriet turned to see Captain Timms studying her with those shrewd grey eyes. "You've done well, Harriet. Your superiors will be proud."
"Thanks, Captain." Harriet had never met her superiors, apart from Bernie, and she wasn't sure they even knew she existed.
Timms gave her a salute. "I hope you don't mind," she said, gesturing at the mess in the office, "but I really should get home. A neighbour is looking after my cat, but they're not particularly reliable."
"No, that's fine. We're just going to clear up the worst of it before we leave."
Banville and McCluskey made their goodbyes next, and Harriet watched them leaving together, a smile on her lips. The two of them had become inseparable, and she overheard them discussing dinner plans as they flagged down a cab. After three days living under the threat of sudden death, it was nice to hear people planning dinner dates and worrying about their cats.
That only left Alice, with Birch and Flint having taken Scrap to the roof. The office was suddenly quiet, although if she closed her eyes Harriet could still hear the gunfire, and the shouting, and the exploding grenades.
"I didn't push her out," said Alice suddenly.
"You already told me."
There was a pause.
"She'd have come back, you know. A week from now, maybe a month, she'd have brought ten times more people."
"Wouldn't have done her any good," said Harriet. "Apparently, there's a shortage of vans in the city."
They both laughed at that, earning them a puzzled look from Birch when he came down the stairs. "What's so funny?"
"We were just counting the cost of Darting's little invasion," said Harriet.
Thud!
They all turned at the sound, and Harriet smiled as she saw Bernie stepping out of a cab. The car was tilted over to one side, and as the big robot climbed out it levelled off with a rush, then drove off quickly before Bernie could change her mind and get in again. Bernie eyed the damage as she entered the office, disapproval on her face. "This won't do," she said. "This won't do at all."
"We've been tidying up," said Harriet. "It's just going to take a while."
"Then you'd better get to it," said Bernie. "This station is a terrible example to the people of Chirless."
"Sure, just give me…" Harriet's voice tailed off as a Peace Force cruiser drew up outside the station. She blinked, thinking it was an optical illusion, but the car was still there. "Steve?"
Bernie turned her head. "Oh, yes. Yesterday, I suggested he might come and collect me."
"You made him drive all the way from Dismolle?"
"No, I made him drive the rest of the way from Dismolle. Apparently, he was still parked in that layby, enjoying the view." Bernie turned and strode towards the entrance. "Keep tidying, Trainees. I expect a report on my desk in eighteen hours, give or take thirty seconds."
Harriet could only stare as Bernie climbed into the cruiser, and she was still staring as it departed with a roar from the after-burners.
"Sucks to be us," said Alice, glancing around the station. "Well, I can't hang around. I have a robot to deliver."
"What about tidying up?"
"You and Dave can handle it, right? I mean, you've got coffee and everything. See you!"
Alice ran up the steps before they could argue, leaving Harriet and Birch alone.
"I suppose we'd better get to it," said Birch.
Harriet shook her head. "I've got another errand to run first. Come on, let's get a cab."
Chapter 29
Alice and Flint carried Scrap across the car park to Jeremy's workshop, which was an old brick building with a slate roof. The windows were barred, and the door was a solid-looking affair made from riveted steel. Alice was surprised at that, because from what she'd heard Jeremy was a bit of a junk collector, and she wasn't sure what he could possibly have that would be worth stealing.
Jeremy must have heard the jet, because he opened the door as they approached. He was about thirty years old, with an unkempt beard and dark hair tied back into a ponytail. He had bare feet, despite the chill, and wore baggy trousers and a faded blue T-shirt. "Hi guys," he said brightly. "Come on in."
They followed him inside, where they saw a small office with a wooden counter. There was an impressive computer setup against the wall, with a dozen screens filled with scrolling text and status displays. Immediately, Alice realised why the front door and windows were secured. The computer must have cost at least twenty grand. "Is that a—" she began.
"Yeah, it's the latest model," said Jeremy. He gestured at the screens. "Hosting and tech support are what I do for a living. The handyman stuff is just a hobby."
"A hobby?" said Flint sharply. "Do you know what you're doing, son? This robot is important, you hear? I'm not letting some amateur—"
"Relax, grandad. These old models are simple. You should see the new ones, all glued together and jammed with resin so you can't fix 'em."
"I don't want a new one, and don't you grandad me."
"I'm sorry. Look, why don't you have a nice cup of tea while I get to work?"
"No chance. I'm not leaving Scrap's side."
Jeremy smiled. "All right, then. Come out the back, both of you."
They carried Scrap through a side door, and stopped. The rear of the workshop was huge, the entire area filled with metal racks, and
