1.6

Something about Pierre’s easy, relaxed style made the P.M. like him. Even dressed simply as a sadhu – Pierre looked suave, at ease, and in control.

“Tell me Pierre, how did you meet Shard?”
“It’s a long story.”

And there was something else rather curious about Pierre – now that the P.M. came to think about it – he had never heard him talk about himself.

“I’m interested.”

Pierre sat back in his seat.

“My story is not important – please, let’s not waste precious time on me – let’s just concentrate on Max.”
“But…”
“Please, the full story… would take weeks to tell.”
“Well – we’ve got at least an hour or two now?”
“And the short one is not worth telling.”

1.7

When the initial thrill subsided, and the past began to lose itself behind him in the man-made miracle of flight, Max saw an increasingly clear picture emerge from the vapour trail.
It had all begun with the injury – that final, glorious grab – the unfortunate landing on the photographic equipment – the shattered knee-cap – and the insidious growth of chondromalatia patellae.
It ended with the dreaded words no athlete ever wants to hear–

“You will never play again.”

It was an ugly, dismal, dream-shattering scene but he saw it all quite dispassionately now. Mate – look at it as a blessing in disguise! If you hadn’t been injured you wouldn’t be here now…
Now… now he had a new and completely different opportunity.
Now he was going to defy all his mates who had said that he would never do it, could never do it, and was a bit of a fool for even contemplating doing it… and do it.
His mates…
He loved his mates and he was sure they loved him but… the tenor of mateship was questionable.
How could he ever forget the going away party – the big joke –

“Hey Max – why not start with something a bit… lighter?”
“Yes Maxyboy… like… a cook-book?”
“Yeah Maxy… how about – “How to Heat up a Cold Pie!”
“Yeah… try making a novel out of that!”

It got a big laugh but… it still wasn’t funny.
No – he’d show them all and actually do it.
Do it!
And you never know – you might even make a hero of yourself.