Who’s out there? Raygun called from inside his hovel. He held his gun ready to fire if need be. The alien presence in the vicinity of S-120 had been growing and becoming more of a nuisance. Wherever the Nebula X went, she brought anxiety. Beautiful as she was, she was also powerful and uncooperative.

Hearing no reply to his question, Raygun darted outside and crouched among the boulders that surrounded his home. As he watched, a figure appeared, meandering casually through the maze of rock and space debris Raygun had collected.

MEANWHILE…

Who are you? Flash asked the face, not yet sure whether she was real or whether she could hear him. My name is HollyGram she answered.

But… Flash faltered …who ARE you?.

I am the one who has watched over you. You are my charge. When you were in danger, I guided you. When you were alone, I accompanied you. When you were weary, I brought rest. When you were happy, I celebrated.

Flash wasn’t sure what to think of all this. Were you here in the TNI before? Flash asked.

I have always been here she replied.

You put my ship on course. You brought me safely around Pluto… What about when I first went off course?

You needed the journey she said simply.

And have I been where I needed to go? he asked.

I can’t tell you that. But I will be with you wherever you go.

That is a comfort

MEANWHILE…

Dock Galaxy quickly gathered the information he needed from the Martian samples. Alpha Control instructed him to return to Earth expeditiously with Wormhole and the data.

Though Wormhole was still unconscious and hadn’t eaten anything for several days, his vital signs were normal. In fact, he seemed to be strengthening.

I’ll take all of this stuff… Dock motioned to his supplies, computer and Major Wormhole back to Earth with me, leaving tomorrow morning.

Krate and Ash were anxious to return home as well, and were happy to hear that their work on Mars was done. We’d better hit the hay early they all agreed.

MEANWHILE…

Raygun pointed his gun at the figure and demanded Who are you?

Yo, Raygun! came the response. It was Sgt. Snowpants, a former soldier who now made a living any way he could… repairing equipment, hauling freight – also known as smuggling, or as a bounty hunter.

Hey Snowpants! he called out. What do you know about deprogramming X units?

X units?! I’ve never even seen one. Latest thing I’ve got is a 300-M! The two men laughed at the thought of their archaic equipment. Beggars can’t be choosers, eh Snowpants? P.J. asked rhetorically. You got that right. So what’s this about an X?

Raygun thought for a moment before letting Sgt. Snowpants in on his newly acquired Nebula X. What have I got to lose? C’mon in and take a look at my latest little project.