The Peacemakers - pg8

          Taggart didn’t know exactly what his parents’ work entailed except that it involved hush hush top secret energy technology that kept Mom working long hours at the Palo Verde Energy Institute and Dad off planet for sometimes months at a stretch. They said their research would make Earth really important someday and that was good enough for him. Besides, his parents being away so much meant he was free to put his inventive mind to work building and racing skiffs.
          But now impatience ate at Taggart. “So? So?? What’s the big news?”
          John Taggart looked to his wife as if to ask should he go ahead and let it out.
          She smiled and nodded.
          “I’m hoping to make it all up to you, son. We’re being transferred to a deep-space research facility and….”
          Taggart’s heart jumped; “WHAT?” he shouted. “Hohhhhh yes! Yes!”
          Benson slapped him hard on the back. “Congratulations, Chris!”
          Taggart didn’t feel it as he danced with excitement, salivating all over again at the thought of finally going into space.
          “Hold on a minute there, sport,” John Taggart continued. “You’re not going with us.”