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“Thank God for that,” Huxley says wryly.
Mack runs a hand through his hair, looking more boyish than ever as I lead him onto the stage toward the fourth chair. He sits, then grabs me and pulls me down onto his knee, making everyone cheer. I put my arms around his neck, happy to stay there if it means he stays, too.
“We’re glad you could make it,” Huxley says. “Sorry about the ruse. It’s Elizabeth’s fault.” He gestures to her to come forward and take the mic. She walks up, then has to spend a few seconds lowering it. Huxley snickers, and she glares at him as everyone laughs.
“Hey everyone,” she says, “thanks for coming tonight. You all know why we’re here. The Royal Society Awards Dinner took place earlier today. I put forward the team at Koru Tech for their research into prostate cancer as a nomination for the MacDiarmid Medal. Well…” She glances over her shoulder at the team sitting on the stage. “I’m sorry to say that they didn’t win.”
I blink. Fuck. What? She’d told me they were a shoe-in. All around us, everyone’s exchanging glances, clearly puzzled. Huxley looks alarmed.
“But…” Elizabeth smiles. “The reason for this is because, at the last minute, the organizers of the awards changed my nomination.”
To the surprise of all of us, she steps back out of the way of the white screen behind us. Victoria presses the button on a remote control, and a video begins playing of a woman standing in front of the Royal Society logo.
She introduces herself as Aroha Johnson, the president of the Royal Society Te Aparangi.
“The Rutherford Medal is the most prestigious award instituted by Royal Society Te Aparangi with the support of the Government,” she says.
Mack inhales, and his jaw drops. He’s obviously heard of the medal.
“It recognizes preeminent research, scholarship or innovation,” Johnson continues. “In addition, exceptional contributions may be taken into account to the promotion, encouragement and improvement of public awareness, knowledge and understanding of research; education; and the management of societies and institutions. Not only has the team at Koru Tech been involved in the groundbreaking research into the treatment of prostate cancer, but they have also contributed on many occasions to the education of others about the creation of supercomputer Marise and her use in the research.”
Tears prick my eyes. I know the others have occasionally done talks at schools and universities. But she really means Mack.
“We have voted unanimously to award the team at Koru Tech the Rutherford Medal,” she says. “It comes with prize money of a hundred thousand dollars.”
We all gasp. Obviously it’s a drop in the ocean to the billionaires in the room, but it’s still a significant amount of money, and it’s a wonderful acknowledgement of the value of their research. I know Mack will plow the money back into the business, so it can only help with their future work.
“Ms. Tremblay explained your reluctance to attend the dinner and receive an award,” Johnson says, “and while we are disappointed not to be able to give you this in person, we are more than happy for her to award it on our behalf. Congratulations to you all, and, from all of us in New Zealand, thank you for your contribution.”
The video stops. Everyone breaks out in a huge cheer, and Elizabeth turns and smiles at the team. They all get to their feet, and one by one they go forward to accept their certificate and medal.
Mack is last. He walks up, gripping my hand tightly, refusing to let me go.
I take the certificate for him, and Elizabeth hands him the medal.
“Congratulations,” she whispers, and tugs at his shirt until he bends so she can kiss him on the cheek.
“Speech,” Huxley calls, and several others echo the word.
Mack turns to his team. “Would any of you like to say something?”
They all shake their heads. “You speak for us,” Kai says.
He sighs and turns back to the mic. “For once,” he says, his voice ringing out through the room, “I’m speechless.”
“It’s a fucking miracle,” Huxley says, and everyone, including Mack, laughs.
“I honestly don’t know what to say,” he continues. He clears his throat. “I suppose I should thank a few people. First, of course, my amazing team, Eoin, Cherry, and Kai, and all the members of their teams who have worked tirelessly to get the research completed.”
Everyone cheers, and they all give little bows and laugh.
“Wow,” Mack says, flustered, “I can’t think. Thank you to the Royal Society too, of course—it’s such an honor, and I’m incredibly touched that Koru Tech won. To Huxley, Titus, and Victoria for all your support over the years—I wouldn’t be here without you.”
They all wave, and Victoria presses her fingers to her mouth, obviously emotional.
“To Jamie and Emma,” he says, “my brother and his wife-to-be, who’ve made sure I eat and shower,” he grins as everyone laughs, “and who have given me the time and space to devote to the work. And, of course, to Elizabeth.” He holds out an arm, and she comes up and gives him a hug. “You know how important you are to me,” he says quietly, and she wipes her face as tears trickle down.
“And finally,” he says, and to my surprise, he turns to me, “to Sidnie. She’s the one who convinced me to come back here. I haven’t known her for long, but she’s taught me more about love and acceptance of other people—and of yourself—in the past few weeks, than I’ve learned in a lifetime.” He kisses me briefly, then puts his arm around me as he turns back to the mic. “She understands how important it is for any successful person to have a team around them. In that sense, there’s no such thing as an individual achievement. We all owe our success to our friends and family who are there to give their support. So thank you to everyone who has helped me in any small way to get where I have. I appreciate and honor you all.”
