An Avean Scientist muddles with a black screen with an error adorning it.

  Avean Scientist
Oh, no. Oh no.

  Avean Scientist
I, uhhh, I can't reconnect!

  Doctor Kree'zik
Huh? Uh, try the reboot sequence.

  Avean Scientist
It's not...
This is a total hardware failure...!
Our scout... is gone!

Ribrax takes an earthshaking step forward, Kree'zik leans over in xeir floating hovermobile to get a better look at the screen. They're in a wide open atrium with a view of the open sky.

  General Ribrax
You lost him already?

  Doctor Kree'zik
Hnnn...
This outcome is to be expected when you place one of our research subjects in an untested scouting harness.

  General Ribrax
What?

  Doctor Kree'zik
I--
--That's right. I said it!


  General Ribrax
...

  Doctor Kree'zik
Uh, uh, I mean...

  General Ribrax
Dispense with the attitude, Kree'zik.
You will bear the responsibility for any failure here.

  Doctor Kree'zik
That-- is no concern.
We've already gathered the data that we need.

Kree'zik looks over at xeir great work: a giant circular archway, dotted with induction devices.

  Doctor Kree'zik
We are almost ready to deploy.



Ribrax, her entourage of military Aveans, and the science team all look upon Kree'zik's invention.

  Avean Captain
Squarck will be very pleased with the report of our progress!

  General Ribrax
She could have been pleased now if she'd bothered to be here herself.
Instead she's preening for her parades. As if the announcement is the most important part of a military operation.

  Doctor Kree'zik
Not like you'd be happier if she was here.

  General Ribrax
If you have something to say, Kree'zik--




The Harpy Angel swoops in from behind and abducts one of Ribrax's grunts.

Good morrow!

  Avean Grunt
Ahhh! Help!!! HELP!!!

  General Ribrax
Oh, for--
Another one!?