(Captain EO’s POV)
As expected, I did not sleep well the night I returned home thanks to Commander Bog. Topaz noticed my tiredness, but I told her I would be fine and I needed to be outside. As much as I hated lying to her, I had to, just so she wouldn’t worry herself.
I strolled through the quiet streets of Aluminos, finally feeling relaxed and in place. Nothing could ruin the ecstasy I was feeling as I embraced my home again.
“Captain!” a familiar voice called as short grunts and quick footsteps followed. Seconds later, a panting Hooter was walking beside me.
“Hello, Hooter,” I chuckled. Though he was a major misfit in our “band of misfits,” as Bog would describe us, he was a great friend and copilot… who couldn’t navigate a ship for the sake of the Supreme Leader.
“So, Bog knows,” he sighed. I rolled my eyes to him with a sarcastic stare.
“You don’t say,” I retorted. “And he nags at me about it. So I’m pressured by him to find the real Supreme Leader before she attacks Aluminos.”
“Well, you got me and the team,” he assured. I managed to keep a weak smile.
“Thanks, Hooter.”
“Not a problem, Captain,” he grinned, saluting me. I returned the gesture as my smile became stronger.
“You know what this means, right?” I asked after a moment. Hooter nodded. “Are you sure you’re willing to go through another journey?”
“Anything to keep Aluminos safe!”
“Alright. You’re first assignment is to assemble the rest of the gang. And tell them it’s under the order of me and Bog.”
“You got it, Captain!” Hooter chirped, then scurried off to complete his assigned task.