Therapy

On their way back to Earth, Fred and Ben encountered some unexpected individuals. It all started when they stopped at a nearby space terminal to buy some food, driven by curiosity. As they made their way back to their ship, they noticed a Plumber ship along with a kid and mother they recognized.

"Kevin!" Ben exclaimed, spotting Kevin still handcuffed.

Fred, who didn't trust Kevin, had convinced Max to ensure that a trusted Plumber would oversee Kevin's rehabilitation, hoping he could become a Plumber one day. This Plumber had accepted the task and immediately informed Kevin's mother of the plan. Despite her initial hesitations, she agreed, and they left Earth to head to the recommended facility.

"Tennyson!" Kevin muttered, ready to throw down.

"Easy now, kid. Save your energy," the Plumber said, calming him down. He then looked at Ben. "Aren't you supposed to be with your grandfather?"

"We got lost in space but are heading back there now," Fred replied.

The Plumber looked at them with suspicion, pulling out his badge to contact Max. "So, how's space?" Fred tried to make small talk with Kevin, but it only annoyed him further.

"What do you think it's like being cuffed up and dragged around like a maniac?" Kevin yelled.

"Right, right. Anyway, I wish you the best and all," Fred said, noticing the Plumber coming back.

"I've checked with Max, and he says you were kidnapped from Earth," the Plumber stated.

"Yeah, but we solved that issue and are on our way back," Fred explained. To be safe, the Plumber escorted Fred and Ben back to Earth.

"Thanks again for bringing them safely," Max said once they arrived.

"It's fine. I'm happy to help. I've received quite a lot of help from you back then. It's nice to be the one helping for a change," the Plumber said, departing.

"Just how famous are you, Grandpa?" Ben asked, amazed at how this Plumber and Phil admired Max, not to mention Vilgax mentioning Max like they were nemeses.

"Haha, that's all behind me," Max replied with a nostalgic smile.

On a dwarf planet in a nearby solar system, Kevin and his mother sat in a building full of aliens, waiting for their turn at the consultation.

"Let me tell you something..." an Appoplexian made a ruckus on one side, while on the other, a young Pyronite made the room hotter as he went on a rant.

"Next!" a person called out. Kevin's mother stood up, and Kevin was pulled along by some workers.

"Hello. I'm Poperipotorima," a small fairy-like creature said, sitting on a hovering chair. "Now then, I see you've booked a twelve Earth-month consultation service..."

"What! There's no way...." Kevin complained, hearing he'd have to come regularly for twelve months.

"...I see you're using the Plumber benefits we offer here, so I take it the child is the one with the issues," the fairy said, looking at Kevin.

"Uhhh, yes," his mother replied.

"Then I see where I need to start. Please lay here on the couch," the fairy instructed Kevin.

Back on Earth, the rust bucket resumed its journey. After Ben and Fred shared their story, Gwen turned on the TV, sitting at the back with Ben. She checked the news channels, and Ben stopped her, his attention caught by a report.

"Lately, there has been an increase in strange occurrences resulting in multiple damages to both public and private properties. What are your thoughts on this?" a news reporter asked.

"I'm telling you, man, it's not strange occurrences but aliens! I've seen them. I have vague memories of being taken up by flaming monsters that did something to my body. When I tell people, they say I'm crazy, but I know it's real. It's not a hallucination. Look, they did something to my—but if I just..." a random person said before the camera cut away as he started pulling down his pants.

"Okay, you've heard it here, folks. The reason behind the strange occurrences is aliens. Now, here I also have Bob with me. He's a farmer. Bob, what's your take on this?" the news reporter asked.

"Thank you. Well, first, I want to say if you're interested in finding a husband, contact me on this number," Bob said, holding up a sign with his contact info. "Now, on the alien stuff. Personally, I don't believe in them, but lately, on my farm, I've been hearing strange metal sounds at night. At first, I thought it was lazy Joe fixing the tractor in his sleep, but then I heard it again. I was like, I need earplugs. If you're looking for a good mechanic, call me on this number," he said, holding up another sign. "As I was saying, I bought earplugs, and now I sleep peacefully. But it was a strange experience."

The reporter gave him a look of disbelief. "Thank you for sharing your interesting..."

Ben changed the channel. "What was that about? I thought they were talking about me," he muttered, feeling confused.

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