[spoiler][i]Setting: The Exploration Society’s private hangar, which is in the capital city of the planet Giratonis.[/i][/spoiler] “Hey, you!” Count Hector shouted to the engineer under the ship. “How much longer till we can get going?” The engineer sighed. “Again, I’m not “Hey you!” My name is Dex.” “Yeah, whatever,” Hector said dismissively. “You still haven’t answered my question. How much longer?!” Dex tweaked one last thing and came out into the sunlight. “Because you asked so nicely, we can leave now.” In the c[i]o[/i]ckpit, Davy Timns was working on the last pre-flight diagnostics before liftoff. “Monk, make sure we have enough fuel for the trip. And order some food ahead at our first stop.” A green holographic child appeared in the cabin. “On that right now,” Monk said. “It appears there is a McDonald’s at the next stop. Shall I order ahead?” Suddenly the hologram wavered, and straightened out again. “Would you all like a HaPpY mEaL?” “Yes, do that, except the Happy Meal thing” Davy said as he scanned the console in front of him. “Looks like we’re all set to go. Alert the others right away.” “Of course, sir. I’ll do that right now.” It wavered again. “Because I’m everybody’s PERSONAL SLAVE!!!” Carrillo Roster and John sat in the lounge, with a bulky cybernetic man sitting across from them. John was talking. “Uh-Huh, So, uh, Mr. Ryder, what makes you think you’re qualified to join the Exploration Society?” The cyborg spoke with a gravelly voice. “I can do pretty much anything you want.” “Um, John, I don’t think we can except him. I did a scan and he has some outside force acting on his sanity,” Carrillo whispered. John looked at the scan. “Ooh yeah, that’s bad,” he said. “I’m sorry, Mr. Ryder, but we cannot accept you right now.” Ryder’s eyes began to glow red as he flew into a rage. “I come all the way out here to help you with your stupid mission, and this is what I get?!” He yelled. Carrillo leaned over to John and whispered, “I think he needs a little encouragement to leave.” “Yes, he does,” John said and slapped a red button. The couch Ryder was sitting on ejected him out into the open air. “I’ll be back!” he yelled as he flew off. Quinton Chrysler and Professor Sheldon Hawkings were in the infirmary, with Quinton lying down on the bed and Sheldon working on his robotic legs. “You have to be more careful,” Professor Hawkings chided. “This is the third time this week you’ve damaged your legs. “I needed to get ready for the trip. I know the aliens are out there, and I have to protect us from them!” “For the last time, Quinton, there are no aliens left. You were part of the military that eradicated them, remember?” the Professor reminded him. “No! I know they’re out there! Watching, waiting for us to let our guard down! I’ll always be vigilant. Always.” Quinton said. Just then the ship vibrated as the engines turned on. “Well, your legs are fixed, and looks like we’re setting off now,” the Professor said. “We’ll be going toward your aliens right now.” Up in the cabin, Davy turned to Monk. “Ready?” he asked. “As ready as I’ll ever be,” Monk replied. Davy pulled back on a lever and disengaged the parking brake, and they were off.