Firebrand Tours To The Galaxy Now Boarding. Kevin Colbran

a while, the Rambling Gambler hummed to activity and vectored off to the jump point, rapidly disappearing into the distance.

      “Well thanks very much, if that is the way they treat good Samaritans I am not surprised that the Oxzen have a problem with them,” Steve observed.

      “Karma will bite them on the bum, what comes around goes around, remember that his first thought was to hijack us,” Tom commented, “I am surprised that you didn’t just lock him up and throw away the key.”

      “Crossed my mind; however we are on a fun trip?” Steve replied, “So let’s get this rock show on the road.”

      With that in mind, the shuttle was set in motion to explore the system, at cruising speed as there was no intention to land on a planet. As Red approached inwards, the sensors detected a couple of mass readings consistent with small planets, and these noted. Having mapped as much as a single orbit could achieve, it was decided to return to Earth when the orbit approached the jump point back.

      “So Gizmo where do you think that one came from ?” Steve asked, and the answer ‘Epsilon Major’ appeared on the screen, 'race Fornoon humanoid AAAGA' together with slightly green tinged photos of male and female.

      “Okay will file that away for future reference. So Home we go, I will consult with Humphs as to approach techniques,” Steve decided, "Roos fitted the shape of the female.”

      The shuttle returned to Earth with no further dramas, and Bill and Kev were dropped off at Fairburn to contemplate the reports they would have to generate. Then the shuttle returned to Charlton for Tom and Steve to stretch their legs and recover.