‘Yeah right,’ interrupted Sean sarcastically. ‘Because Katie is such an unforgiving person.’

Nicola continued reading:

In case you are even more stupid than I have realised, let me be quite clear on the nature of your mistakes.

Your first was to spread scandalous lies about me in the newspaper. I will not tolerate any form of bad publicity. The people of Shobble love their Commander-in-Chief. They are simple, not especially bright people and they do not need to read this sort of drivel about their great leader. It only confuses and upsets them.

‘Drivel!’ exploded Shimlara. ‘But it’s all true!’

Your second mistake was revealing to one of my undercover Thugs that you have no intention of fulfilling your mission. Your exact words, I believe, were, ‘Don’t worry, we would never hurt Topaz.’

‘Who was the undercover Thug?’ asked Sean. ‘Was it Horatio? I knew we shouldn’t have shared so much food with that guy! He didn’t look that hungry.’

‘It wasn’t Horatio. That’s what you said to the man who sold us the Shock-Sticks,’ said Greta.

‘But he had the little “t” on his forehead,’ protested Nicola. ‘I thought he was a Topaz supporter.’

‘Enrico must know about the secret “t” sign,’ said Shimlara.

Nicola felt sick. It wasn’t like making a mistake on a maths test. It was a mistake that could cost her friend’s life.

She continued reading:

Let me be clear, Nicola. I require the Space Brigade to eliminate Topaz Silverbell. If I do not receive evidence that this task has been completed within the next forty-eight hours, I shall cut off your friend’s food supply, followed by her water supply, followed by her air supply. I am extremely softhearted and it will pain me to do this, but I am prepared to make these sorts of sacrifices for my planet.

I look forward to seeing this matter reach a satisfactory conclusion ASAP. I’m sure you don’t want word getting out around the galaxy that the Space Brigade is incapable of completing the simplest mission.

My wife and children send their fondest regards.

Yours,

Enrico,

COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF,

PLANET OF SHOBBLE

Nicola threw back the covers and climbed out of bed. Her legs felt wobbly and strange.

‘We have to get out of here right now,’ she said. ‘We have to get to Topaz fast and get her help.’ Nicola imagined Katie starving, thirsty and gasping for air.

‘Barbie said you should be resting,’ said Shimlara. ‘Maybe you should stay here while the rest of us go on and find Topaz.’

Nicola just looked at her until Shimlara held up her palms and said, ‘Just a suggestion. It’s up to you.’

‘Where are the ShobGobbles?’ snapped Nicola.

‘They’re in the stables,’ answered Tyler.

‘Right,’ said Nicola. ‘We’ll meet at the stables in five minutes.’