Thursday, April 03, 2025
6. The Wabbit and the Mirror Stage
Back in Quantum the Time Travelling Train, the Wabbit's team sped to the chrome planet. Quantum was grumbling. Covered in frost, he felt colder than space. The planet - or rather planets - came in sight. It was like looking in a crazy mirror. "That must be Tonk's place," murmured the Wabbit. "You have a knack for stating the painfully obvious," grumbled Quantum. "We're reflections," gasped Lapinette. "It must be the mirror stage of space," meaowed Skratch. "We're much dependent on external objects," grinned the Wabbit. Wabsworth the android chipped in, "We're being chased by them." A spacecraft and its reflection converged on the planet. "Uberclerk Zzorp!" growled the Wabbit. "Maybe you shouldn't have taken his money," said Lapinette. "And you never gave him any maps," grinned Wabsworth." "Maybe he's mad at you," hissed Skratch. "At us!" shrugged the Wabbit. The team braced for trouble. They heard a noise from the engine room. Skratch's ears stood on end. "A stowaway. In my engine room." "In MY engine room," snapped Quantum. The cabin door opened and through it came a Reclamoid bearing a coffee pot. "Coffee anyone?" it squeaked, "I made it strong." Wabsworth looked with disdain. "Where are the cups?" The Reclamoid hung his head. "I forgot them." The Wabbit shook his head. "Don't worry, I always have coffee cups." He plucked six cups from his fur. Quantum began to vibrate as he disengaged lattice drive. "I'll pass. I'm already shaking enough." The Wabbit saw his face reflected in the shiny surface of the planet. "Find somewhere for us to park." Quantum growled. "I'm a train not a parking attendant." They heard Tonk's giggle from the surface. "Chrome plated pillock!" groaned Wabsworth.