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The blastoff of the Vulcan Adventurer from Pevoria was delayed beyond all Zeth Tristotha's estimates, and his plans for a return voyage had to be rescheduled. But he was in no mood to complain.
He had used the Adventurer to help in the evacuation of the pleasure coast, as was done with all the spaceships crowding the adjacent port. With the bridge down and the lift non-functional, fans and athletes were trapped between the sea and the rift. Evacuation was speeded by the spaceships, which first went into orbit and later landed at other ports as space was found for them.
Tris was forced to jettison some of his bulkier and less profitable cargo to make room for as many athletes as possible. And when the Vulcan Adventurer finally found a berth in the other hemisphere of the planet, there was the problem of sorting the teams out and picking up his discus thrower.
Shaun sat out the tidal wave at the observatory atop the mountain. Before the wave struck, communications and power had been restored and he was able to hear of the safe evacuation of his friends. However, it was several days before arrangements could be made to fly him around the planet to the other spaceport.
When at last he was able to rejoin his team, he found everybody busy preparing for the return voyage. Merl and Jan-o were refiguring the orbit and others were helping Tris to load cargo to replace what he had lost in the flood. Vesh and the other girls were exercising Worf. But all activity stopped when Shaun came onto the field. He was punched and pounded and congratulated. He was kissed by the girls and even Worf slobbered all over him.
And then Tris shouted for silence.
"We all know he's a hero," he said. "All of Pevoria knows it, too. And like all heroes, he deserves a prize. I've got something for you, son."
The coach rummaged through his pockets and brought out a handful of gold that glinted in the sun. "Here it is, my friend, and don't let anyone take it away from you again." And he dropped the starburst and chain around Shaun's neck.
For a moment the athlete was without words. "How-----where----You mean?"
Everyone burst out laughing and clapping.
"It's yours," said Tris. "The Committee reversed those fool judges. And Roberd refused to accept it, anyway. Said that a man who could throw across the rift could outthrow him without any handicap."
Shaun held the coveted prize in his hand, but somehow it seemed of less importance now.
"I wasn't thinking of that when I threw it. I was thinking about all the people. Only afterward----I began wondering how far."
"It's a record that will stand for a very long time," his coach said. "Now quit gabbing and let's get loaded. We blastoff in the morning. And there's a banquet in the city tonight where you're supposed to be the star attraction."285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaJ400XlE2y
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THE END
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