Somewhere out there, the ship is waiting to take them home . . . Here's what Masklin has to do: Find Grandson Richard Arnold (a human!). Get from England to Florida (possibly steal jet plane for this purpose, as that can't be harder than stealing the truck). Find a way to the "launch" of a "communications satellite" (whatever those are). Then get the Thing into the sky so that it can call the Ship to take the nomes back to where they came from. It's an impossible plan. But he doesn't know that, so he tries to do it anyway. Because everyone back at the quarry is depending on him -- and because the future of nomekind may be at stake . . .
Terry Pratchett
Sir Terry Pratchett was a British author known for his satirical fantasy novels. He is best known for his Discworld series, which consists of over 40 books set in a flat world balanced on the backs of four elephants standing on the back of a giant turtle. Pratchett's works combine humor, wit, and social commentary, making them beloved by readers of all ages. His most famous work, "Mort," follows a young man who becomes Death's apprentice. Pratchett's writing style is marked by clever wordplay, quirky characters, and insightful observations about the human condition. He was a prolific writer who won numerous awards for his contributions to literature, and his impact on the fantasy genre is undeniable. Terry Pratchett passed away in 2015, leaving behind a legacy of beloved books that continue to enchant readers around the world.