Summary

Jean-Rene and Valerian return to the shore in their boat where Albert is waiting. Albert has overheard enough to know for certain that “bigwigs from WAAM” are in the area (37). Though he considers that another clue, he does not yet have a guess about what it all means. Valerian flags a truck driver down, and explains that they need a ride to the mental hospital because his “uncle” is “going a bit barmy” (37). Later, they are on a train headed back to Paris. Valerian apologizes for telling the truck driver that Albert was “senile” (38).

Back in the city, Albert reads a news story in which Jean-Rene says the monster story is a hoax and was never real. Albert says Valerian should keep Jean-Rene in mind if the Agency ever needs another agent. They go to Albert's house, which is...