Roaming Stxrm

S3E7: Way Down We Go ...for Descension

ACT I [EXT. / MOON / THREE MONTHS AGO]

Our scenery takes the shape of a lunar body's sullied surface, back when that open X-shaped wound was its only concern. And back when the HMS Alice made its first ever arrival here -- with rabbot teams Red, Blue, and Yellow Pill all exiting the ship. Having been given their respective objectives, each group wastes no time in venturing off. Red plus Blue together, and Yellow divided into each's own. Thus leaves the Alice completely by her lonesome. That is, if not for one last passenger exiting the vessel.

Unbeknownst to any of the rabbots, a Watcherfly has been keeping itself stowed away this whole while. However, this one-eyed wonder in particular has a much different look this time around. Not a semi-aquatic look mind you, but one suited to a more "off-world" environment such as this. No wings necessary -- just two wheel-like joints at the end of each leg (so 12 in total). A minor design tweak, but an effective adaptation all the same.

With that anatomy lesson out of the way, the "Roverfly" treads off of the front entry ramp -- and onto the rocky, rugged expanse. It does so with relatively remarkable speed, utilizing the rows of claws on each wheel for steady traction. In the span of roughly a minute, the literal moon buggy soon stops in its tracks -- several meters away from the spaceship. A good of a spot as any for what comes next.

Putting those clawed wheels to work once more, the insectoid begins burrowing down into the moon's crust. And once deep enough, the "sound" of digging is done. Giving way to the sight of purple light, briefly piercing out through the hole. Not that anyone's around to see it.

Following that thinly lit display, the insect emerges out from the hole it just made. And after covering up the entrance, it proceeds to drive off over to who knows where. Regarding here though, inside the buried burrow, it's revealed to have left something behind. That something being a tiny black spore, which is seen already nursing away at its first taste of remnant energy.

>> >> >> NOW LOADING... >> >> >>

ACT II [EXT. / IMMOBI'S ORBIT / THREE MONTHS LATER (albeit a few weeks prior)]

Breaching beyond the heavens and well past the planet's exosphere is a state-of-the-art spacecraft. Except this one isn't the Alice, or any other piece of Friska's handiwork. No, this here ship was constructed by none other than what its logo entails...

Moonrock

Inspection via

Core-powered

Kinetics &

Insertive

Excavation

(or MICKIE, as it reads).

???: (voice-over) Your last trip was fortunate enough to be in December. Back when you-know-where was still in one piece.

As the voice goes on, we get a good look inside the ship -- more specifically, the cockpit. Said pit appears to be operated by two individuals working under MICKIE; one parrot and one donkey. The pair are currently watching what looks to be a live hologram projection, aka, the source of whoever's speaking. The speaker in question appears partially offscreen -- askew from view -- but can be seen seated on a large, executive-style desk.

???: (cont'd) Of course now, a lot has happened since then. And as for what next -- well, we're not certain. Personally, I think the wisest move would've been to hold things off until further notice. But your company's co-funder on the other hand thought otherwise. (to himself as he fishes something out of his pocket) Stubborn echidna.

As the avian and equine briefly look to each other, the sound of a clicked lighter can be heard. Followed by an inhale... then an exhale...

???: (still semi-off-screen, now holding a cigar) I needn't bore you boys on the details; One squabble led to another, until all three parties came to an agreement. [idly aligns an item or two on his desk] Your quarterly quota will be met as scheduled -- but -- it'll be under our supervision. Any questions?