Chapter 19 - Anchors and Engines
In addition to building the academy, Michael insisted on completely upgrading Rafael's fishing boat. When Rafael initially tried to refuse the gift, Michael simply laughed.
"I'm not buying you a luxury boat, Rafael," Michael said. "I'm upgrading a rescue ship."
The Sea Star was refitted with powerful new twin engines, advanced sonar systems, reinforced hull plating, and modern navigation equipment. Rafael was also awarded a permanent contract to lead scientific research trips for Horizon Academy students, ensuring his family's financial stability for life.
As for the blue ice cream cart, Rafael and Mateo decided to keep operating it on sunny Saturday afternoons.
"Why do you still sell ice cream when you're famous?" a reporter asked Mateo one weekend.
Mateo handed a scoop of dark chocolate ice cream to Michael Vance, who had just walked up to the cart. "Because," Mateo answered with a smile, "it's where future astronauts meet their flight directors."
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Michael handed over a twenty-dollar bill and waved his hand. "Keep the change, kid."
They both laughed, looking out over the sparkling bay where their improbable journey had begun.
