I knew it was true, but his words still stung. That didn’t mean I had any intention to tell my homeroom teacher what happened, though—especially while he was sitting there all torqued off at me.

“Look, Mr. J,” I said quietly. “I’m sorry. I wasn’t trying to make trouble. I just wanted to get a better look at it.”

Mr. Johnson shook his head. “Fine. But that doesn’t mean I’m going to let you off the hook. All three of you are getting a one-week in-school suspension…”

“Me?” Tamara squeaked. It was the first noise she’d made since the drone alarm went off. “But Mr. Johnson, I wasn’t—”

“You’re on the drone’s security footage same as them,” replied Mr. Johnson. “I know you’re a good kid, Tamara, but you need to take responsibility for your actions. Maybe it’s time to think about who you choose for your friends.”

Tamara looked like she was going to cry. My stomach knotted with guilt.

“Andy?” a voice broke in from the bus’s doorway. I turned in annoyance to see Erick standing there. “Sorry to interrupt. Clara’s finishing the tour for the rest of the students. Might I make a suggestion?”

Mr. Johnson seemed as taken aback by the professor’s interruption as the rest of us. “Regarding?”

“I looked over the crater, and there’s no damage done to the site. And it seems to me if the students are really that interested in my team’s findings, there’s a more productive way for them to pay their penance than an in-school suspension.”

Johnson folded his arms and nodded. “Such as?”

“We always could use a few more workers at the site. There’s still quite a bit of digging to do. The three of them could volunteer here on weekends and put in a few hours of community service. They’d be helping out the GSAF science division, and they might learn a few things in the process.”

It took all my effort not to leap to my feet in protest. I honestly would have preferred an in-school suspension over having to spend my free time with Erick.

Tamara looked down at the floor, her shoulders slumped. “I have voice lessons at Herschel on the weekends, though.”

Mr. Johnson’s grin was devilish. “I’m sure your schedule can be worked out. I know your parents will be willing to cooperate once they know the alternative.”

Tamara nodded glumly, and my temper flared on her behalf. Was it really necessary for him to be so happy about this? I was starting to think Henry was right about Mr. Johnson—maybe he really did have it in for us.

“Of course, we can work around your other classes,” Erick intervened. He smiled encouragingly at Tamara. “I know there was no harm meant here today. I think this can be a learning experience for everybody.”