Operation: NECSUS, Part 6: Tachyon's Intention

Chapter 6: Tachyon's Intention

Galaxia; aboard the Shooting Star

"I hope they haven't already captured Mom by now." Nebula said as they kept on the route to Star Haven.

"Wait, do you mean YOUR mom, or the person Mom?" Vweeb joked.

"Ugh, you know which one I mean! Tachyon's after something that'll help him harness the powers of Space. And since he's after my mom, the thing he's looking for is obviously Jirachi, the God of Stars."

"But didn't your mom send Jirachi off again? He could be anywhere in the universe."

"Yeah. She's one of the parents who chose to set their Firstborn free. But Tachyon probably has plans to find him. Let's just hope he hasn't already…"

Amazonia

Sector V's prison ship took land within a vast jungle as the Drophyd troopers led them out. "Hold on… this isn't Zordoom. Why did Tachyon order us to come here?" the Drophyd leader asked.

"Did they set up a new base?"

The Drophyds decided to lead the prisoners across the jungle as Aurora whispered to Vanellope, "Where did you have the ship fly to?"

"Someplace called Amazonia." she whispered. "It sounded kinda cool."

"There has to be a mistake." the Drophyd said. "Amazonia's a strict matriarchal society. Didn't you hear the tales about the men who ventured to this planet?"

"What happened to them?" Mason asked, suddenly feeling worried.

"They died of crushed pelvises."

The Sector V boys gulped.

"Relax, you boys are too young… I think." the Drophyd assured. "But I still don't understand."

"Tachyon has an according with MomCorp." another said. "She's a female of high power. Maybe she organized this."

"She better have. Or before you know it, those Amazon women will be over us like-" And at that instant, a swarm of giant arrows rained down and CRUSHED all the Drophyds.

The Sector V boys trembled in fear when the ground quaked, and through the trees came a squad of giant women in heavily-revealing outfits. "Who is leader of your group?" a blue-haired one asked.

"SHE IS." They pointed at Aurora, who looked disbelieved.

"Hmmm… dese males listen to you?"

"Uhhhh… kind of. Though Chris never picks up his trash." She spared a dirty look to her brother, who grinned nervously.

"Hmmmm… we confused. Take dem to Empress Hancock. SHE know what do…"

Star Haven

When the Shooting Star landed on the star-shaped island, Nebula immediately hopped out and ran to her house. "Mom!" she yelled, bursting through the front door. She stopped and gasped in horror, seeing the house in ruins. However, someone awaited her by the remains of their couch. "Jerome?..."

"Nebula. Thank goodness you're safe. …And now I see where Vweeb has been."

"He snuck in my pocket."

"'Tis why under your nose, is the best place to go!" Vweeb cheered.

"Jerome, what happened here? Where's Mom?"

"The house was like this when I came back." Jerome looked down with a regretful look. "I…I think she was captured."

"We're too late…" Nebula said with regret.

"I found this under our couch." Jerome held up the tape. "I think it should cover everything." The label read For my children, in case something happens.

Nebula quickly took it and stuffed it in the VCR. "We're in a sci-fi universe, and you guys still own a VCR?" Vweeb asked.

"SHHHH." they hushed. The group watched as Dimentia's image appeared, a serious look on her face.

"Nebula and Jerome… if you're watching this, Tachyon has just risen to power and has ordered my capture. …Unless of course you kids were snooping and happened to find this, if so, I taught you better than that. But, more importantly… I had this video prepared the moment Tachyon made himself known across the public. You see… Tachyon is a Cragmite."

"So?" Nebula asked.

"Nearly 2 million years ago, my race of Zathurians was at war with the Cragmites. But my brother and I were abandoned by our parents at the circus, so I don't know much of the details. My brother was more knowledgeable on the topic, for some reason. Across the universe, our race was renowned for our studies in the fundamentals of space, and developing ways in which to harness the powers of space. Our kind created the greatest weapon to do so, next to the Star Rod: the Dimensionator."

"Dimensionator?" Vweeb repeated.

"According to what my brother explained… the Dimensionator allows one to easily jump dimensions at will, and can easily open and close gateways between any universe. It can give one complete control of Space itself. That was the Cragmites' goal from the beginning, and I believe Tachyon has returned to finish what they started. And since the Star Rod's magic has been disabled and Jirachi has vanished, it's Tachyon's only way of obtaining complete control. But my brother said it could only be activated through a Zathurian's DNA, so I figured they would be after me. And his reasons for shutting down the Kids Next Door are so they wouldn't get in his way. After all… with a Zathurian leading them, he knew he couldn't trust them."

Nebula's eyes furrowed.

"I don't have any idea where the Dimensionator is now, or even if it still exists. For a long time, I didn't really care. But I'm a changed person now… and the children of this universe may be in danger if we don't do something. I have an idea where you could look first. The pirates that hang over Aquaria's skies love to hunt for ancient artifacts or weapons, and sell them for big money. Their base is as good a place as any to start searching for clues. We have to find the Dimensionator and stop it from falling into Tachyon's hands. Or the GKND might never see the light of day again…" The video ended.

"Your mom needs to take some acting classes." Vweeb joked. Nebula flicked him off her shoulder in disbelief. "Whoooa!"

"They've likely taken our mom to Zordoom Prison." Jerome figured. "It would be reckless to try and rescue her."

"I know." Nebula sighed with an uncheerful aura. "I just wish she coulda had more info. How do we know we can rely on the pirates to have anything?"

"I wouldn't doubt our mother's judgment." Jerome said. "After all, she's had a buhmillion years of experience."

"Sigh, can't you just say a million?" Nebula asked. "The whole 'buhmillion' thing lost its appeal a long time ago."

"Well, what's the plan, then?"

"Sigh, I guess I don't have a choice. I'm going to the pirate fleet to look for clues on this Dimensionator. Jerome, I want you to fly around the different planets and check on the status of the Kids Next Doors. And whatever you do, DON'T get caught by the Drophyds; they might take your spacebending away, too. Call me if something comes up."

"But Nebula; why can't I come with you?" he asked with concern. "Without your bending, you'll at least need me…"

"Jerome, the safety of the Kids Next Doors means the most to me, and with your bending, I know I can trust you the most. Meanwhile, I need to find this Dimensionator and stop Tachyon."

"Okay!" Vweeb perked with confidence. "Let's get this Dimensionator and kick Tachyon's buggy butt!"

"Um, actually, Vweeb… since we're flying by Aquaria anyway, I think we should drop you home first."

"What? Why?"

"Well, Vweeb, with all the other GKND disbanded, my powers disabled, and any stragglers being hunted, which means us… well, it's a lot more dangerous for you. You've only been able to survive on missions with your sister or, someone stronger's help, and if I'm not up to speed, you could be killed. I mean, you're just too… small."

...Vweeb used to feel the same way about himself. But back then, he was staring up at someone much bigger…

Vweeb and his mother, Ava stood face-to-face on Sunny Island's beach. Well, it was hardly face-to-face, seeing as Ava towered miles over her tiny son. The tiny Kateenian looked fierce, ready to fight, as Ava raised her gigantic foot above him. She brought her foot down in a flash, but Vweeb swiftly dodged to his right. The towering woman stomped her feet all around, determined to squish the little guy, but Vweeb didn't slip for a second. At his size, the small dunes in the sand were as big as regular hills, which made it difficult to jump up.

Ava almost caught Vweeb, but he jumped between her toes and onto the back of her foot, trying to bite the flesh with all his force. "Hm hm, you know that doesn't work on me." Ava laughed as she flicked Vweeb off with the other foot. She whipped out her swords and started to stab them at Vweeb, who immediately became more alert. He was finally able to jump on the left sword, and when Ava raised it, Vweeb jumped to her left eye and tugged on her eyelash.

She shook her head and flung the tiny boy off, plopping on the sand. Before he could recover, he felt a shadow loom over him, looking up as his mom's massive foot crushed him underneath. Ava stepped off after a few seconds, watching as Vweeb emerged from beneath the sand of her footprint. "Still need a bit more practice, Vweeb. But against someone like me, you do pretty well."

Vweeb got to his feet and shook the sand off, looking up at her with a confident smirk. "Yeah, well just watch! One day I'll get strong enough to fight you head on, and I won't NEED to dodge!"

"Hm hm hm!" Ava found the tiny boy's attitude adorable. "Maybe you won't need to dodge against simple field troops… but I was only going easy on you. Using my full strength, you'd barely last a millisecond. You see Vweeb, I'm a Glomourian. I have the blood of generations of proud, strong warriors who shed the blood of thousands of enemies." She made stances with her swords as she spoke. "And even after one thousand battles, we bear a firm stance, our swords gripped in our hands like glue. And that's why all our enemies end up squashed like bugs under our might."

And Ava performed a mighty spin, slashing a nearby boulder with a perfect cut, its top sliding off, and sending an airwave that blew down several trees. "We needed more firewood."

Vweeb's tiny eyes sparkled with admiration of his enormous mother. She looked like a goddess from his view… she was so powerful. The strongest person he ever knew. Vweeb felt so weak, staring up at her greatness. He looked around and studied the humongous footprint she stomped him in. It was big enough to fit a Kateenian-sized house, and a playground in the front. It made him feel smaller than he already was. A teeny-tiny ant… whom she can step on and leave hardly any trace.

"Wow, Mom… you really are strong." Ava's big ears could hear the sadness in his miniscule voice. She looked down, seeing the tiny white dot that was her son sat depressedly in her footprint. Even from her view, it made him look so feeble when she noted the size difference. "You know… maybe I'm shooting too high. Even if I could fight… I'd never be able to match you. Or Makava. You two were BORN warriors. Even if me and Dad have our pride… people like you could turn us into mincemeat. …That would still make you hungry if you ate us."

Ava smiled and sat down with her legs crossed. "Vweeb, I thought you were determined a minute ago. Where's that powerful spirit?"

"That was before I saw how strong YOU were! YOU'RE a powerful warrior… and I'm just a puny mama's boy. If I wasn't your son, you probably wouldn't bother with me."

"Vweeb, don't say that. You mean more to me than anything."

"That still doesn't change anything. I'm still a Kateenian… and you're a powerful Glomourian."

"But that's just it, Vweeb: I'm a Glomourian… and you're my son. You're only half-Kateenian. You're half-Glomourian, too. That means the blood of proud, strong warriors is inside you, too."

"But I'm still too small. Aren't I?"

"Maybe… but both Kateenians and Glomourians have their own sense of pride and strength. So you have both, Vweeb. And somewhere inside that tiny body is a powerful strength just waiting to come out."

"So… I really COULD fight you head on?" Vweeb asked with a more lively smile.

"Hm hm hm! I never said that! It'll be a hundred years before you're strong enough to take me. And that doesn't go between our difference in size, but strength!"

"In that case, Mom… I WILL fight you someday! I'll keep getting stronger until I can beat you! Somehow! You'll never stomp me in your footprint again—AAAH!" Right away, Ava placed her foot back in the print.

"Hm hm hm! Whatever you say, my teeny-weeny man!"

She pulled her foot out as Vweeb stood back up. "That was a cheap shot!" With that, both exchanged happy laughter.

"…I'm coming with you." Vweeb stated with sureness.

"Vweeb, if something happens to you, it'll be my fault." Nebula said. "This whole thing is my responsibility… so I don't want any of my operatives getting hurt because of it."

"Well, I wouldn't feel right abandoning a friend. Especially if she's going alone. Besides… I promised my mom I would get stronger. I wasn't really sure how… but going on a dangerous journey sounds like a good start."

"Siiiigh… well, you were a big help in dealing with the Drophyds back on Bespin… I guess I'll let you come."

"You sure you don't want me coming?" Jerome asked.

"Don't worry, Jerome. I think Vweeb is all I'll need. You just check on all the operatives."

"If that's what you want… Sir." Jerome walked past them toward the exit, but stopped and looked down at Vweeb. "I'll be trusting you for her safety."

"Heheh!" Vweeb grinned and thumbs-upped.

"Just go!" Nebula demanded, nudging her brother forward. "So overprotective!"

Vweeb hopped onto Nebula's shoulder and declared, "So let's get going!"

"Mmm." She nodded. "We're not sure how close Tachyon is to finding it, so let's go."

Sargasso Station

"Terrific job capturing the Zathurian." Neftin said as he paced before the Star Wolf Team. "Now the next item in our agenda: somewhere in this universe lies the ancient weapon that will help Tachyon conquer the universe, but more importantly, help me and my sister return home: the Dimensionator. However, the Imperial Forces have the search covered, for now. Your objective is to prevent anyone else from finding it first. Namely the Kids Next Door. We've received reports that the GKND's leader, Nebula Winkiebottom, is roaming the galaxy and defeating our troops. We don't know if she is aware of the Dimensionator yet, but regardless, she must be captured immediately, dead or alive. Dismissed." The gorilla Nether walked off.

"Hmph. For a gorilla, he sure does bark a lot." The blue-skinned female bounty hunter remarked, sitting on a metal crate. "Why did we take this job, anyway?"

A Duro/half-Glomourian bounty hunter

AURORRA BANE

"We take any job that pays us, remember." The blue-furred fox said. "'Course, I'm a bit surprised Neftin wanted our help, considering we tried to hunt them."

Second-in-command of Star Wolf, a Faunus fox

JOHN FETT

A beautiful, peaceful tune started to play. They looked to their human member, whose back was turned as he stared thoughtfully at an open music box. The picture inside depicted a young, beautiful girl with clear blue eyes and light blonde hair.

"You still starin' at that thing?" Aurorra smirked. "For a guy who never misses a shot through the chest, you sure have a weak heart."

"Hmmm… you guys should remember… I have no interest in money… so don't expect much help from me."

Sniper of Star Wolf

DADDY THE PARENT

"Why so dramatic?" Aurorra asked. "Back when we were junior hunters, you used to make yourself rich through catching criminals."

"No, he made himself rich catching criminals all the time." John corrected. "Before that divorce."

"You mean with that fat lady? The one who took an interest in him because he was so rich? If I recall, he was the one who wanted it."

"I was a different man back when I married her." Daddy stated. "And in that marriage… only one good thing came of it." He opened the music box again, and the peaceful music played. "Oh, the fool I was…"

"Just quit moping, you fool." John ordered. "I'm gonna go see what the boss wants us to do about this Dimensionator thing. Be right back." The blue fox headed upstairs, leaving the two alone. Daddy the Parent continued to stare at the picture in his box. His daughter looked so happy…

Unknown blocky planet

A fancily designed S.C.A.M.P.E.R. was coming in for landing on an unknown planet, whose surface was made out of what seemed like Legos, and everything had a strange blocky shape. Once the Pamper S.C.A.M.P.E.R. landed, the four members of Sector DR stepped out. Doflamingo Jr., wearing his cool grin as always, exclaimed, "Hey, I don't think we were given a proper introduction! Show us a little LOVE, storytellers!"

Leader of Sector DR

"Numbuh 340 Buhmillion" DON QUIXOTE DOFLAMINGO, JR.

"That's more like it!"

As Numbuh Sweetie-1 sucked on a lollipop, she studied the planet. "What makes you think we'll find Caesar here, Boss?"

Weapons Specialist of Sector DR

"Numbuh Sweetie-1" AERAL SARAH

"Before we track down Caesar, we have to see that no one else gets to him first." Doflamingo said. "I can trust this is the right planet, Bison?"

The third member, Bison, a chubby kid with buckteeth, yellow jumpsuit, and helicopter hair observed the blocky ground through a huge monocle. "No doubt, this is the place-daizokun. The surface made of Legos is unmistakable."

Pilot of Sector DR

"Numbuh Spade" BISON OXFORD

"Heh heh heh. Perfect! This planet is home to one of my dad's business rivals. Coincidentally… his name is Business. And like my dad, he is one of the Corporate Presidents. Responsible for the production and distribution of Legos and related products. But in actuality… he never intended his products to be children's toys. He only wanted them to be used by children entering the business industry, who would use his Legos as blueprints. To my knowledge, he has no business with Caesar… which is why we will take some of his supplies to help us. Not that we need it. But just in case… best not to say anything 'bout what we're doing."

But in mere seconds, a squad of Drophyd ships came down, and the sector was surrounded by the fish-men in robot bodies. "It seems you kids haven't gotten the message." The leader stated. "All Kids Next Door ops are ordered to return to their home planets, AND their homes. Failure to comply may result in possible, though very probable, imprisonment."

"Hey-hey, take a chill pill, fish guys! What makes ya think this AIN'T our home planet?" Doflamingo asked.

"Are you kidding? You look nothing like the people here! Now come with us quietly or face the consequences."

"Fufufufu." Doffy smirked. "You think we're the ones facing consequences? It's time we show you that Sector DR is the deadliest sector in Earth's Kids Next Door."

"We'll soon see. Troops… FI-… huh?!" The squad of Drophyds suddenly had no control of their robotic limbs.

"Fufufufu!" Doflamingo laughed, having used his strings to take control of them. "Against me, your strengths become your downfall. But not today. Sweetie-1?"

"Mmm." The weapon girl looked fierce as her arms transformed into cannons, blasting and destroying the Drophyd ships in one hit each.

"Errr… you think you'll get away? ?" the leader asked. "If we don't report back to headquarters… they'll send backup… and after that, an entire army will fly in after you rebels."

"Well then… we'll just have to make it so no one expects any reports." Doffy grinned wickedly. "Now to show you why Sector DR is the ultimate force! All thanks to our newest member… Sugar?"

The fourth and newest member of Sector DR stepped out. A girl with aquamarine hair, a white dress with pink polka-dots, and open-toed sandals.

"Special" Member of Sector DR

"Numbuh Trebol" DON QUIXOTE SUGAR

"You see, here's how our sector works:" Doffy began. "I catch the enemies with my string powers… Sweetie-1 blows away your ships and other supplies… and then Sugar here erases you without a trace. If you would?"

Sugar wore an emotionless frown as she raised her hands, aiming them at the Drophyds. In a flash, she zipped around and touched all the Drophyds, and they poofed in a puff of smoke. Doflamingo kept his devious smirk. "And this is why… my sister is the deadliest power in all of Dressrosa." When the smoke cleared, the Drophyds were gone. All that remained were little toy robots.

"…Hmmm." Doflamingo frowned. "Were we just fighting someone? I don't remember."

"Me either." Aeral said. "Aren't we heading for this Business guy?"

"Oh yes! Bison, if you would?"

With that, the chubby helicopter boy morphed into a yellow helicopter, his head increasing in size as his three teammates climbed in the mouth. Bison's hair spiraled like a chopper and began flying to a distant city.

"Yuck… you really need to brush sometime, Bison." Doflamingo commented.

"Ish not my fauu'. I got s-melly fee' in my moooou'." Bison tried to say.

"Um, Boss?" Aeral spoke with concern. "Are you sure bringing Sugar along was okay? If something happens to her, your dad will…"

"Fufufu. No sector is safer than Sector DR, Sweetie. Because no sector is as unstoppable. But you make a good point… no matter what happens, Sugar's safety is our number one priority."

Aquaria Skies

Nebula and Vweeb entered Aquaria's atmosphere and spotted the fleet of sky-high pirate ships. "Well, there's the pirate fleet. Let's just hope it isn't a wild goose chase." Nebula said.

"How're we gonna get in there, anyway?" Vweeb asked. "Just go running in guns ablaze?"

"Uhhhh no. We already have the Drophyds hunting us, I don't want the pirates going all crazy. I was thinking you could shrink me down so we can sneak into their flagship."

"Actually, my shrink ray's still busted from when we crashed on Flora during the Viridi War. That's why I needed you to resize my friends."

"You still haven't fixed it??"

"Hey, it takes a while to perfect a shrinking function! It took my dad AGES!"

"Siiiigh. Okay, new plan: I'll turn on this ship's cloaker, land in their hangar, and we'll just be stealthy from there. Sound like a good plan?"

"Yep."

"Good. Alright, here we go." With that, she switched on the Shooting Star's cloaker as they flew into the pirate fleet unseen. They found an open hangar and flew inside, landing in an open spot and hopping out. They approached the room's exit and peeked outside into a hall. (Play the "Pirate Base 1" Theme from Ratchet: Tools of Destruction.)

Stage 5: Pirate Skies

Mission: Find a clue to the Dimensionator's location without being seen by the pirates.

This hall seemed vacant, so they snuck out and headed right, then peeked down a corner left. There was a pirate pacing back-and-forth next to some stairs, and another pirate on the walkway above the stairs. The pirates were skinny robots with metal skulls for heads, and small lights in their eyes which served as pupils. The lower pirate was walking to them, so they stayed hidden. When it turned around, they quietly snuck up the stairs, crouching so the pirate above wouldn't see them. They had to turn right, so when that pirate went left, they were able to get by and make it to an exit.

They got onto a fairly long pathway where more pirates were patrolling along. When the closest pirate turned back around, Nebula quietly followed from behind. He walked by a big metal crate which Nebula hid behind, but the pirate was about to turn back around. Nebula quickly dropped and gripped the ledge by the crate, letting the pirate go past without him noticing. However, she spotted a pirate on the crate's other side, so she couldn't sneak past it anyway. However, she noticed a set of Space Lights down below, where she was able to conjure Space Blocks. She dropped down to the one below her and hopped across the blocks, safely under the path, but far above the ocean below.

She made it below a round platform, which had a path connecting to the longer path. There were some metal crates on the platform, and a rope dangling above them, allowing Vweeb to grab it and climb up. There was an unmanned turret aimed at the flagship ahead, so Vweeb climbed onto the button and jumped to press it. The cannon fired and blew a hole open in the ship. This immediately drew the attention of the nearby pirates, so Vweeb quickly jumped back down to Nebula. "Hey, who fired this thing?? Was it you?"

"Oh yeah, sure, I suddenly have magic telekinetic abilities."

"You were the closest one here!"

"Ay didn't touch the bloody thing!"

"Well, it couldn't activate by itself."

"You think the ship's haunted?"

"No, you bumbling bolthead. Obviously, it…"

While the pirates bickered, Nebula and Vweeb quickly jumped their way back over the blocks and back onto the path. Since all the pirates were gathered at the cannon, they ran to the flagship as quick as they could. (Well, Nebula did all this and carried Vweeb, 'cause he's too small.) She was about to head into the front door, but stopped in place, looking frantic as she saw its handle turn.

"Oi, what's all the ruckus out here??" a pirate yelled as three of them marched out. Nebula had quickly grabbed onto the tiny ledge on the door's right, quickly climbing around before they turned. "Don't you blokes know 'ow to aim right?"

The convenient ledge led around to the right of the ship, to an open window that led into a bar. They climbed in and landed behind the counter, gone unnoticed by the pirates. On the wall behind them was another graffiti mark that Vweeb recognized, a picture of a strange robot's head. "Hey Neb, check it out." He whispered. "We saw one of those pictures back on Coruscant."

"Really?" she noticed it. "I wonder who that is."

They flinched when they heard a door open, looking right to see a pirate lugging in a barrel. "Ay, you can never find good help these days." He was coming around the counter, so Nebula quickly crawled around the left, slipping under a table. There were two pirates guarding the stairway on the other side, and the room was filled with several more pirates.

Vweeb took notice of the chandelier in the middle of the room and climbed onto the table they were under, hiding behind a jug of grog. He saw a pirate chugging down some grog and took careful aim at the chandelier crystal above him. Hoping no one was watching, Vweeb fired his Tri-gun's laser and burned the crystal off its perch, causing it to fall and break the pirate's glass. The pirate next to him laughed, causing the former to punch him, and this quickly erupted into an all-out battle. Not wanting to miss out, the guards at the stairway jumped in the chaos.

Vweeb climbed back to Nebula as she quickly got up and went up the stairway, unseen by the swabbies. She turned left and found a door with the crew's Jolly Roger painted on. They quietly stepped inside, entering the captain's cabin. (End song.)

There were lots of treasure and maps inside, as well as the gaping hole blown open earlier. Vweeb hopped off Nebula's shoulder and started scampering around the room. "Okay! Let's start looking!" He ran onto a pile of treasure and searched in the chest. "The captain wouldn't just have it lying around." He peeked his head in a small hole. "The clue's gotta be hidden somewhere secret."

Nebula casually stepped up to the table and found a small pyramid device with a black half and white half. "Hey, look at this!"

"Oh, on the table, that works." Vweeb remarked.

Nebula picked up the device and studied it. But- "Me hearties sing chanties, of girls in loose panties, who liiiinger byyyy the shooore!" She looked frantic and quickly hid in a small wardrobe, placing the device back.

"For SIX PENCE I'll love her, then DITCH that land-lubber, a PIRAAATE eeeever mooooore!" In stepped the chubby pirate captain and his skinny first mate.

"Oh, woe is me, Rusty Pete. I 'aven't heard from me Terminan pen pal in over 5 months now. You don't think 'e's mad, do ya?"

"That's nonsense, Captain! He's prob'ly just thinkin' of a decent way to reply to your last message (hiccup)!"

"Well, i's not like I sent him a lousy 'LOL' or anything. He needs to have the decency to send me SOME form of indication that he's still alive! Otherwise A-" However, something strange caught Slag's attention: something he was certain was off. He stomped over to the huge, gaping hole in his wall. "Oh, blast it all! HAVEN'T I told you blokes not to practice cannons with our ships so bunched together??" He perked and turned around, realizing something ELSE off. Nebula looked worried as he stomped over to the device on his table. "And last I recall, this device wasn't here: it was HERE." He moved it a few inches left. "How can it go from here… to HERE," few inches right, "when it should be THERE." Back left. "Because doohickeys don't just move from here… to there when… Oh wait, it was here. Never mind." He returned it a few inches right.

Nebula breathed a faint sigh of relief.

"But by Jove, Rusty Pete. Oi can't figure this out for the life of me. An ancient Zathurian artifact shouldn't be THAT hard to tamper with."

Nebula gasped quietly.

"Maybe it's a puzzle, Cap'n! You just… eeeahh!" The first mate struggled to twist it. "Well, some hacksaws never hurt anyone!"

"STOP that, you rusty wretch!" Slag bashed him, and the device fell on the floor. "Now that Tachyon's on the move, we 'ave to find the Dimensionator first! And if we can't crack this thingamahoozit, we'll never have any leads! Arrrr… Oi need a few more drinks." The aching pirate held his head as he walked out.

"Shall I call someone from Osiris, perhaps? It is a pyramid."

"No." They shut the door upon leaving.

Nebula and Vweeb stepped out of hiding as Vweeb asked, "You know, what kinda name is Dimensionator, anyway?"

"I don't know." Nebula picked the device off the floor and studied it again. "At least we know the pirates are hunting it… there's gotta be some way to activate this. Huh?" She found a tiny glass spot on the pyramid's bottom. It revealed a scanner and scanned Nebula's left, yellow eye.

"Identity confirmed. Zathurian DNA scanned. This pyramid's secrets are yours." With that, the device projected rows of holographic alien text.

"Uhhh… we hoped you'd make the secret a little more CLEAR??" Vweeb yelled.

"It's written in Zathurian." Nebula said. "I can read it. 'You, who is descended from the clan of space and wishes to harness our ancient power, seek the 6 pieces that will make our invention whole. Find the ancient pieces that were entrusted to the Six Clans whose unique culture transcended the eons. The first Dimensional Fragment can be found within the matriarchal planet of Amazonia. But know the prize will only go to one who matches their size and strength. Good luck, and beware the darkness that Space holds.' …Well, that's somethin'."

"So we're going to Amazonia?" Vweeb asked.

"'Guess so. But let's leave this here so the pirates don't get suspicious. If we forget what it says, we'll just reread the chapter." With that, she set it down.

"Orright, we'll try the hacksaw if it'll shut you up." Slag's voice was heard.

"Uh-oh. Run." She grabbed Vweeb and ran for the open hole. She pressed a wristwatch communicator before jumping out.

"But I'm telling ye, it ain't-" Slag stopped when he stepped in, noticing the artifact on the table. (His right hand was a hacksaw.) "'ey… warn't this on the floor when we left?" he asked, picking the pyramid up. "How did it…" The two looked to the open hole and approached it curiously. They searched around the outside, seeing nothing suspicious. They turned around and walked away, not noticing the Shooting Star flying away from their fleet.

Great Clock

MaKayla returned to the present and was headed back to her room, still in her pajamas. George was in the kitchen, grabbing a glass of milk from the fridge. He wore purple pajamas and was barefoot, baring a tired expression. As he turned back around, he noticed MaKayla walk by the kitchen's door. "MaKayla?" He hurried after her, too tired to focus. "W-What're you doing with Dad's staff?"

"Just uh… yaaaaawn, sleepwalking." And she continued to their room, not looking back. George merely shrugged and tiredly followed after her.