The USS Escort hurtled through space returning to its point of origin, Techno-Star 4, in the Robitussin Galaxy. Reed, seated in his command chair issued orders fluidly to his crew.
Lt. Scott, recently returned from an extended stay in sick bay, carried out his duties flawlessly, training the newly appointed, assistant communications officer, Ensign Anda, as he went. Dr. Egan stood nearby,
recording the duo's activities and interactions for his report. Schultz monitored the ship's progress, scanning the space ahead for any potential dangers as VanTedly played Pokemon on an ancient hand held
video system. Mr. Proteau was present, standing near the rear of the compartment, as were Lt.
Schrader, Sgt. Stauch, and Corporal Broski. Though they provided no actual function in the operation of
the starship, their presence was mandatory as so stated in *Article 431.5 of Space Fleet Code*.
All was good...or so they thought.
Dr. Egan, engrossed as he was in the progress of the "experiment", unfortunately mistook the currently vacant
Origami-Drive control panel as a chair, thus depressing the activation button of the untested, experimental
propulsion engine with his right buttock.
"Origami-Drive initiated.", the computer said, startling everyone on the bridge, "Countdown sequence begun..." Alarms sounded throughout the ship as the eerily calm, mechanical voice began its
countdown.
"Ten...nine..."
Reed looked to his ever efficient, huckster systems officer.
"Did you do that?"
"Negative, sir.", Schultz replied with characteristic blandness, "I am unable to initiate that sequence from my console."
"Eight...seven..."
All eyes turned to where Egan sat, perched comfortably atop the flashing yellow light.
"What?", the doctor queried casually, noting the new attention he was receiving with some confusion.
"Six..."
"Egan", Reed bellowed, leaving his chair and springing toward the doctor, "get off that button!!"
"What button?!?", Egan demanded.
"Five..."
"The one you're sitting on!!"
Egan looked down with growing horror to see a bright, amber luminescence blinking steadily beneath his posterior.
"Four..."
The doctor squealed and hopped quickly off of the light, as though his backside were on fire.
"Three..."
Reed reached the Origami-Drive just as Mr. Schultz raised engineering on the radio. "Jeffy here."
"Two..."
"Shut down the Origami-Drive!!", Schultz shouted into his com-link. Reed searched frantically for the abort switch to no avail.
"One..."
"What do you mean?", Jeffy queried as all hell broke loose.
