“What in the name of frozen molasses is going on here, Brunswick?! Why are they plodding around like newborn elephants? Where are their catlike reflexes? Where is their cheetah-like speed?!”
“I forgot for a moment that I’m trying to communicate with a fence post. Let’s try this again. WHY. SO. SLOW?”
“Hard to move. Feel heavy.”
“Feel heavy?! What, did you swallow a bag of anvils on the way over here? No, I think the problem is that you’re just a bunch of lazy-wait a minute! It’s the gravity! The artificial gravity on this floating space school is much stronger than you’re used to back on your planet. I can’t believe I didn’t think of that!”
“It wasn’t a joke.”
“You know what else isn’t a joke? Part two of my diabolical plan! Brunswick, bring them to me. No, wait! Something isn’t right. What do you have in that pack?”
“Just some stuff you plan on using to try and defeat me, no doubt! Brunswick, see what’s in that pack!”
“Where do you think you’re going?! Get back here!”
Dad and I look at each other, stunned.
“What the heck is that thing, Kelvin?”
“I don’t know. I found it on the field-trip planet. I thought it was just a cool rock.”
“Well, those goofy, pin-shaped fellas are scared to death of it. Almost like they’re natural enemies.”
The boball begins to make a strange sound and starts rocking back and forth. It looks like it’s about to…
