Free Adam and the Arkonauts by Dominic Barker

enough. We’re not going to take it any more!’
    â€˜Si,’ shouted the crowd.
    â€˜We do not need to be distracted by worrying about changing the laws of this fine city.’
    For the first time there was a rumbling of disagreement in the crowd. Felipe Felipez heard the rumblings and quickly changed tack.
    â€˜What I mean is that we need to focus our attention on the most urgent problem. Other things can wait until the alarm is silenced. Unlike the Mayor, we aren’t all lucky enough to have a soundproofed office and a pair of luxury ear mufflers.’
    â€˜Why would you need ear mufflers if your office was soundproofed?’ wondered Adam.
    â€˜I promise you,’ said Felipe Felipez, ‘that on the first day of my office, the Dreadful Alarm will be found and silenced and you, the people of Buenos Sueños, will sleep soundly once more.’
    â€˜How will you do it?’ a voice in the crowd demanded.
    â€˜Yes,’ cried another voice. And then another, and another. Doubt was beginning to sweep through the crowd.
    Felipe Felipez raised his hands for silence.
    â€˜Citizens! I can tell you that I have found the only man on the planet capable of switching off the alarm. He is already in Buenos Sueños. He is ready to save us.’
    â€˜Why doesn’t he do it now?’ a voice demanded.
    â€˜Yes,’ shouted the crowd.
    â€˜A good question,’ said Felipe Felipez, ‘and one deserving an answer. It is because he believes so passionately in the rule of law and order that he refuses to act to save a city that may vote to throw away its Crime and Punishment Code.’
    The crowd began to hiss at the mention of the Code. For a moment it looked as though Felipez was in trouble.
    â€˜I am not saying the Code must stay in its current form for ever,’ he said to mollify them, ‘but what I am saying is that we must have priorities. And instead of this crazy personal vendetta the Mayor has against the Code, we must first think of you, the citizens of Buenos Sueños. And unlike the Mayor, who promises you nothing but noise and sleep disturbance, I promise you pyjamas, I promise you pillows, I promise you snoring! So vote for Felipez! Vote for sweet dreams!’
    All around the Doctor and Adam the crowd roared their approval. It appeared that Sniffage had also been convinced by Felipez’s powerful words, because he began to bark enthusiastically.
    â€˜Sniffage,’ said Adam, ‘we’re supposed to be supporting the other guy.’

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    CHAPTER 11
    The Hotel Dormir, when they eventually arrived, was an impressive white building with two ornate golden lampposts on either side of the staircase which led up to its grand entrance. A man in a ridiculously elaborate uniform stood by the door. When the Doctor, Adam and Sniffage reached the top of the steps he saluted.
    â€˜Can I help you with your luggage, señor?’
    â€˜I don’t have any luggage,’ explained the Doctor.
    â€˜Would you like me to lend you some? Then I could help you with it.’
    â€˜There’s no need,’ the Doctor assured him.
    The concierge looked momentarily disappointed. Then he noticed Adam and seemed to brighten again.
    â€˜Perhaps I can carry him?’
    â€˜I don’t need carrying,’ said Adam.
    â€˜You look tired,’ the concierge insisted. ‘And you have very weedy legs.’
    â€˜Leave my legs alone,’ said Adam.
    â€˜They could give out on these steep steps. It happens all the time.’
    â€˜No, thank you,’ said the Doctor.
    â€˜Are you sure there isn’t anything I can carry?’
    The Doctor shook his head. ‘I’m afraid not.’
    The concierge held out his hand expectantly.
    â€˜I said there’s nothing for you to carry,’ said the Doctor, raising his voice.
    The concierge continued to hold out his hand.
    â€˜What do you want?’ said the Doctor, both puzzled and