March 24, 2025 • 21 mins
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In this silly story two boys go on a family adventure to a space! Well, maybe it's just a museum about space, but infographics and 'do not touch' signs are just as good the real thing, right?
Warning: this goofy story for kids may result in smiles, snorts, and possibly some LOLs. Listen at your own discretion.
*Shout-out and character name lists remain closed
Visit lolstorytime.com for merch and other... stuff.
In this silly story two boys go on a family adventure to a space! Well, maybe it's just a museum about space, but infographics and 'do not touch' signs are just as good the real thing, right?
Warning: this goofy story for kids may result in smiles, snorts, and possibly some LOLs. Listen at your own discretion.
*Shout-out and character name lists remain closed
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:01):
Helloll story Time really not a glory time. Rabbis standing.
You'll be fine.
Speaker 2 (00:05):
Follow the whole storyline.
Speaker 1 (00:07):
Hellol story Time? Might you live atleast one time? Well
story Time? Welcome back to the show. This is Lloell
story Time, and today's story is called Mars Mode. To
avoid having a forty minute long episode, I decided to
split the story into two parts, something that has only
happened one other time in the history of the show.
(00:29):
Part one of the story features characters named after our listeners,
Charlie and Ripley. Some other shoutouts this week go out
to Atlas, Ella and Zachary, Sidney, Riker and Barrett Wells
from Lexington, Kentucky, Everley from Wyoming, Hudson North from miss Tissany, Quebec,
Clara and Edward from Vancouver, Canada, Serenity La sago Otis
(00:54):
and Laithe from Sugarloaf, Pennsylvania, Brea from Canada, Otis and
Millie from Auckland, New Zealand, Alliman from Auckland, New Zealand,
Landon and Ellie, Milo, Jack and Zeta from Minnesota and
Lily from Minnesota. Happy belated seventh birthday to Patricia from
Dublin and happy upcoming birthdays to Alex and Rocky. More
(01:18):
shot ups to come next time, but for now, let's
get into the story. This is the story of a
Saturday morning space adventure. A space adventure Charlie and his
brother Ripley had no idea was about to happen. Ripley,
(01:39):
wake up. It's the weekend. No school, No school, cheered Charlie.
Video games, video games. Ripley chanted back. Since it wasn't
a school day, Charlie told his brother he had no
intention of even getting dressed that day. Pants are such
a school day thing. No way you'll catch me in
(01:59):
pans today. The boys could hear their father calling from
down in the kitchen. Time to get dress buys and
that includes pants. We're heading out on a family adventure.
Both Charlie and Ripley dramatically collapsed to the floor. No,
a family adventure on a Saturday, What could be worse.
(02:23):
The last time their parents had taken them on a
family adventure was to the Festival of Trees. Their parents
acted like it was Disney World. Well, kids, have you
ever seen so many trees before? Yes, Mom and Dad,
we've seen trees. They're literally everywhere. They had nothing against trees,
(02:43):
but trees you weren't allowed to climb that they had
something against. But at least the tree adventure had been
better than the scuba diving adventure. Sorry, kids, we didn't
realize you weren't old enough to dive. While your father
and I are diving and looking at all of the
beautiful sea life, you two will have to stay on
the boat and look at all of the beautiful clouds.
(03:06):
The boys didn't know what this next family adventure was
going to be, but whatever it was, they already wanted out. Mom, Dad,
why don't we try a family adventure to the couch
in the living room? Family couch adventures are as wholesome
as it gets, and I hear the ticket lines aren't
that bad either. Their dad looked like he was holding
back some pretty big news buys. It sounds like you're
(03:30):
worried we might be taking you somewhere boring, like the
extreme trampoline park. The trampoline park was actually one of
the few places worthy of pants. Don't worry today, we're
going to outer space. Wooo. How do you like that?
The boys didn't just like this idea, they loved it. Finally,
(03:52):
a reason for pants on a Saturday. All right, it's settled.
Finish up your cereal and we'll be on our way
to the Space Museum. Oh boy, Oh and there it
was the key detail that had been missing. Oh man,
cue the record scratch, wind, Ripley adding that one extra
(04:13):
word just crushed my vibe. A museum. Seriously, I actually
thought we were going into space. Their parents tried to
claim that this would be every bit as fun as
actually going to space, kind of like how they had
once been told that hearing about someone else's scuba diving
adventure was just as good as actually being there. Dad.
(04:33):
Will the museum have a spacecraft we can explore? Probably not.
Will there be an astronaut's helmet we can try on?
Probably not. Well, they have VR headsets so we can
feel like we're looking through space. Probably not. What about
a zero gravity machine so we can float around like
the astronauts do? Yeah, probably not, But I bet they've
(04:56):
got plenty of pretty cool posters with lots and lots
of work words. After a thirty five minute drive and
forty minute wait in line, the first thing Charlie and
Ripley saw when they walked through the museum doors was
a giant poster of the moon with you guessed it,
lots and lots of words. Kid, look at the size
of that moon poster. Feels like we've actually entered into space,
(05:20):
doesn't it? To Charlie and Ripley, it felt more like
they had just entered school with all of the lights dimmed,
perfect conditions for sleeping while standing. Kids, this is my
absolute favorite type of poster, an infographic pictures, words and
numbers all on one needosplendido poster. To the boy's disappointment,
(05:42):
this was only the first of dozens of different infographics.
Though you didn't have to read all of the text yourself.
Most stations had a pair of headphones you could put
on to have the words read to you. Bet you.
Technology loving kids weren't expecting a museum to have headphones.
Oh so cutting in so futuristic. The boys were at
(06:03):
least happy to see that the museum did have a
few cool things, like astronaut suits and some space rocks,
but there were also a gazillion signs everywhere that said
do not touch. At a certain point, they just couldn't
take it anymore. I'm bored, said Charlie. I'm bored, said Ripley,
(06:26):
and then right there in the middle of the museum,
an argument broke out between the brothers over who was
the most bored.
Speaker 2 (06:32):
I'm more bored than you. No, I'm more bored than you. No,
I'm more bored than you. No, I'm more bored than you. No,
I'm more bored than you. No, I'm more bored than you.
Mid argument, their mother turned to their father.
Speaker 1 (06:47):
Wow, Carl, what a lovely time we're having together. I'm
totally not wishing I was having brunch with my friends instead.
And in case Charlie and Ripley's mother wasn't embarrassed enough,
the director of the museum showed up. Can I help
you people? Is there a problem? No problem here, answered
(07:08):
their mother. We were just about to leave. Isn't that right, Carl, Carl, Carl,
put those headphones down and get over here. The director
of the museum turned to the boys. Are you two
not enjoying the museum? It's all about space, you know.
Have you had a chance to look at any of
our many colorful infographics. Some of them come with headphones
(07:29):
so you can listen along. Now, realizing that half the
museum was staring at them, The boys quickly tried to
turn it around. Oh yeah, yes, sir, we did see
those infographics, thank you, and we saw many other things
that we weren't allowed to touch and made sure we
didn't touch them. Thank you for creating such a wonderful
place that feels so much like being at school on
(07:53):
a Saturday. The director looked like he was trying to
unravel some grand mystery. You know, boys, many years ago,
kids loved coming here. People were a lot more interested
in space back then. Now kids are too caught up
in their video games and their emojis, always trying to
take the perfect selfie so they can upload the downloads
(08:13):
and reload the sideloads. Didn't I say that right?
Speaker 2 (08:17):
Though?
Speaker 1 (08:17):
The boys have been complaining about this place a moment ago,
they suddenly felt like they wanted to help. Sir, If
I may, I think my brother and I might know
how you can make this place more exciting for kids.
For starters, instead of an astronaut suit that you're not
allowed to touch, how about one that you can try on,
and while you have the kids all suited up, why
(08:38):
not just I don't know, blast them into space. The
boy's mother was now dragging them out the door while
apologizing to the director, so sorry for my children. They meanwhile,
they really do the infographics were lovely, Dear, The director
motioned for their family to stay. Wait, don't go, it's fine.
I think your son might actually be onto something here.
(09:01):
The director nelt down to the boy's eye level. How
would you two like to be the first kids to
go into space? Charlie and Ripley's mother tried to clarify
the director's offer to avoid having another disappointment fueled meltdown. Boys,
I believe what the directors trying to ask is how
would you like to sit in a pretend spacecraft and
(09:21):
look at a computer screen with stars on it? She
then turned to the director, which I really don't think
they'll want to do. Honestly, sir, kids today are next
to impossible to entertain. Thanks for trying, though, The director
stopped them from leaving again and insisted that he was
being serious. He actually wanted to send the boys into space.
(09:42):
Not only could this save the museum, it might actually
be what we've been looking for to get people interested
in space again years ago. When we sent astronauts into space,
it would be on the front page of every newspaper.
People would watch it on TV. It was exciting stuff
now for Lucky Lands. On page thirty eight, next to
a news report about a cat riding on a skateboard,
(10:05):
You kids have the power to make this go viral
by interneting and an emoji app share stream. Did I
get that right? Their mother still thought this was an
absolutely outrageous idea that she would never agree to in
a million years, well until she found out the boys
would have to spend two weeks at a space mission
training camp. You mean for two whole weeks. I'll have
(10:29):
a quiet, peaceful home. No whining, no arguing, no complaining.
What hand over the papers. Let's get this space mission happening.
The car ride home was much more lively than the
ride there. See what I tell you, boys, I knew
(10:50):
you'd enjoy that museum. I cannot wait to tell all
of my friends, cried Ripley. They are never gonna believe this,
announced that he too couldn't wait to tell his friends,
and of course Ripley argued that he couldn't wait to
tell his friends even more. Well, Charlie wasn't having any
of that. No, I can't wait to tell my friends more. No,
(11:12):
I can't wait to tell my friends more. No, I
can't wait to tell my friends more. No, I can't
wait to tell my friends more. That's enough, boys called
their mother from the passenger seat. Knock it off, or
I'll be standing. You strike to space this instant. But
for a mother who at first seemed really excited about
the idea of having two weeks of peace and quiet,
she certainly had a lot of reservations. The night before
(11:34):
space camp was scheduled to begin. I don't know, Carl,
she began during their last meal together. Are we doing
the right thing? Boys? Is this even something you want?
I mean, there's no video games in space, and your
father and I won't be there to help you. Both
boys assured their parents that they were still very interested
(11:55):
in being the first kids to go into space. We'll
be fine, mom, worry, and let's not just assume that
astronauts don't have video games on their space ships. Their
mother turned back to their father. I'm just not sure
about this anymore, Carl. Isn't space travel kind of dangerous?
I don't want anything to happen to my sweet little babies.
(12:18):
The boys will be fine, insisted Carl. On one of
those infographics I read it explained that modern space travel
has become considerably safer than it used to be. Yeah, Mom,
agreed Charlie. And there aren't any trees for us to
climb in space, so it's not like you have to
worry about us falling out of a tree to know.
(12:39):
I'm surprised this was a scenario that had never crossed
their mother's mind. Oh, just be safe up there, my boys,
my little dimple doodle ding dongs. When the boys showed
up for their first day of space training, safety was
the first and only thing that ever got discussed. They
lost count of how many times they heard the word safety. Remember, boys,
(13:02):
this button over here, do not touch it, not save
for kids. In this dial here, don't turn it, not
safe for kids. And this lever here, don't pull it,
not safe for kids. You'll also notice there are two
hundred and forty seven switches on this large panel here,
but do not, under any circumstances touch even one of them.
(13:22):
Not save for kids. So what do we get to touch,
asked the boys. Excellent question, said their trainer. To make
things as safe as possible, we've decided you should not
touch anything, but if you have an itch on your cheek.
You can scratch it, but that's it. Safety first, The
(13:44):
trainer had to ask why the boys were giggling itchy
butt cheeks in space hee, not the kind of cheeks
I was talking about. By the end of their final
day of training, the boys felt more like safety experts
than astronauts. It didn't help that they'd been told at
least a thousand times that a two week training camp
(14:04):
was not enough to make them actual astronauts. Real astronauts
spend years in school, acquiring essential knowledge and cultivating critical skills.
You kids don't have to worry about any of the
hard stuff. Okay, just keep thinking about which emojis you
kids would like to use to tell the people about
your mission after you get back. Mkay. Now, make sure
(14:25):
you get a good night's sleep. We'll be waking you
up to prepare for lunch at oh, five hundred hours.
Ripley spit out his drink. We have to sleep for
five hundred hours. The trainer looked confused and annoyed at
the same time. What wait, No, that just means five
o'clock in the morning. Have we not taught you anything
these past two weeks? The boys knew better, but almost
(14:49):
cracked a joke about how waking up kids at five
in the morning could be dangerous for the waker upper.
Where was all that safety talk now? But as promised,
the boys were up on time to assure everything went smoothly,
that a whole team of people helping them through the
final preparations before lunch. It was nice having some special treatment, Ripley.
(15:10):
Someone just brushed my teeth for me, said Charlie. I know,
answered Ripley. Someone held my cup of orange juice for
like twenty whole minutes while I slowly sipped from a straw.
How do we get these people to follow us to
school when we get back. The boys certainly enjoyed all
of the special attention, but once they were standing inside
the spacecraft with their suits on, well, things started to
(15:33):
get real, and not in a good way. I feel
like I have butterflies in my stomach, said Ripley nervously.
I feel like that, too, shared Charlie. Except my butterflies
are like ninja butterflies, throwing sharp ninja stars everywhere, And
I really do not want to find out what it's
like to be sick in space. Their trainer, who had
(15:54):
been so serious the entire time droning on and on
about safety was now as cool as a cucumber. Nah,
you guys have nothing to worry about. I know. I
told you there's a million things to worry about. But
just relax. You'll be strapped in for the entire ride
and don't have to do a single thing. Just sit
back and enjoy the experience. Easy for this guy to
(16:17):
say he was allowed to stay back and watch from
the control room. One final question, sir, before you close
the door and send two kids flying into outer space,
can you tell us what that button is for? Charlie
was pointing at a red button that was off to
the side of the main control unit. The label beneath
the button read Mars Mode. Oh this button right here,
(16:41):
the red one, the one that looks like it's only
intended for evil, bad guys to push. Yeah, so about that.
Don't push it, not say for kids. I'm surprised I
didn't tell you that twenty times already. Well, now the
boys were curious, but like, what does it do? The
trainer hesitated for a moment, wondering if he should even explain. Well,
(17:05):
Mars mode isn't ready yet, hasn't been tested. Basically, it's
something new we've been working on. The button is supposed
to engage turbo hyper speed, which theoretically could get this
spacecraft to the planet Mars in a relatively short amount
of time. But again, do not touch, not say for kids.
The boys kept trying to think of more questions to
(17:25):
keep their trainer talking and possibly delay the countdown to launch.
One time, Charlie's class had asked their teacher so many
questions right before a test that they ran at a
time and didn't have to take the test. It was brilliant,
but the trainer wasn't falling for that old trick and
was determined to adhere to the very strict schedule. Soon
they were alone in the spacecraft, strapped to their seats,
(17:47):
quietly waiting for the countdown.
Speaker 3 (17:51):
Five four three, Remember not to touch anything, two one
blessed time, and.
Speaker 1 (18:02):
The boys were off. There was no turning back now,
no option for takebacks in space. Charlie and Ripley were
just minutes away from leaving the Earth's atmosphere when they
finally allowed themselves to unclench their hands and opened their eyes.
Their worries began to fade away. They actually had a
good laugh seeing each other's jiggly faces caused by all
the strong vibrations from the spacecraft, bro you look clarous.
(18:32):
By the time they even thought to look out of
a window, they had already entered into space. There behind
them was the very planet where hours earlier they had
sat at a table enjoying a breakfast burrito. Seeing the
world surrounded by darkness, it was a sight they would
not soon forget. They were speechless, enraptured by the beauty
and mystery of infinite space. Suddenly a voice began speaking,
(18:56):
a computer voice, Charlie and Ripley. Welcome to space. Who
said that? Asked Ripley, I am the voice of the
spacecraft's computer system. Should you have any questions, I will
be available to assist you. Please remain in your seats.
We will be returning to Earth in three minutes and
(19:17):
forty two seconds. Be sure to take plenty of selfie
pictures to share upon your return to Earth. What we
only get to stay here for five minutes, five measly
minutes in space, that's it? But we just go here,
complained Charlie. Yeah, agreed, Ripley. Can't you let us stay
(19:38):
a little longer. Computer lady, it's not up to me.
Everything has been pre programmed from the control center on Earth.
Why are you taking off your safety harness? I thought
I told you to remain in your seat. Ripley looked
beside him and saw his brother unbuckling his straps. Bro,
(19:59):
what are you doing? You heard the computer lady, stay
in your seat. Charlie was already working on his last buckle.
I didn't spend two weeks at space camp and come
all this way just to stay in my seat. But
one thing Charlie had forgotten was that in space there
is no gravity. You can't just stand up and walk
(20:19):
to a window. Once out of his seat, Charlie began
floating through the spacecraft, which at first was kind of
fun until you realized he was floating straight toward a
wall with a big red button, a button that was
not supposed to be touched, A button that, in big
bold words written beneath it said, Mars mode. To be continued.
(20:44):
That's the story. Stay tuned for part two next week.
Let me know in the comments which museums are exhibits
you've been to that were actually worthy of wearing pants
on a Saturday. That's all for now, We'll catch you
on the next one.
Speaker 2 (21:05):
In Fi
Helloll story Time really not a glory time. Rabbis standing.
You'll be fine.
Speaker 2 (00:05):
Follow the whole storyline.
Speaker 1 (00:07):
Hellol story Time? Might you live atleast one time? Well
story Time? Welcome back to the show. This is Lloell
story Time, and today's story is called Mars Mode. To
avoid having a forty minute long episode, I decided to
split the story into two parts, something that has only
happened one other time in the history of the show.
(00:29):
Part one of the story features characters named after our listeners,
Charlie and Ripley. Some other shoutouts this week go out
to Atlas, Ella and Zachary, Sidney, Riker and Barrett Wells
from Lexington, Kentucky, Everley from Wyoming, Hudson North from miss Tissany, Quebec,
Clara and Edward from Vancouver, Canada, Serenity La sago Otis
(00:54):
and Laithe from Sugarloaf, Pennsylvania, Brea from Canada, Otis and
Millie from Auckland, New Zealand, Alliman from Auckland, New Zealand,
Landon and Ellie, Milo, Jack and Zeta from Minnesota and
Lily from Minnesota. Happy belated seventh birthday to Patricia from
Dublin and happy upcoming birthdays to Alex and Rocky. More
(01:18):
shot ups to come next time, but for now, let's
get into the story. This is the story of a
Saturday morning space adventure. A space adventure Charlie and his
brother Ripley had no idea was about to happen. Ripley,
(01:39):
wake up. It's the weekend. No school, No school, cheered Charlie.
Video games, video games. Ripley chanted back. Since it wasn't
a school day, Charlie told his brother he had no
intention of even getting dressed that day. Pants are such
a school day thing. No way you'll catch me in
(01:59):
pans today. The boys could hear their father calling from
down in the kitchen. Time to get dress buys and
that includes pants. We're heading out on a family adventure.
Both Charlie and Ripley dramatically collapsed to the floor. No,
a family adventure on a Saturday, What could be worse.
(02:23):
The last time their parents had taken them on a
family adventure was to the Festival of Trees. Their parents
acted like it was Disney World. Well, kids, have you
ever seen so many trees before? Yes, Mom and Dad,
we've seen trees. They're literally everywhere. They had nothing against trees,
(02:43):
but trees you weren't allowed to climb that they had
something against. But at least the tree adventure had been
better than the scuba diving adventure. Sorry, kids, we didn't
realize you weren't old enough to dive. While your father
and I are diving and looking at all of the
beautiful sea life, you two will have to stay on
the boat and look at all of the beautiful clouds.
(03:06):
The boys didn't know what this next family adventure was
going to be, but whatever it was, they already wanted out. Mom, Dad,
why don't we try a family adventure to the couch
in the living room? Family couch adventures are as wholesome
as it gets, and I hear the ticket lines aren't
that bad either. Their dad looked like he was holding
back some pretty big news buys. It sounds like you're
(03:30):
worried we might be taking you somewhere boring, like the
extreme trampoline park. The trampoline park was actually one of
the few places worthy of pants. Don't worry today, we're
going to outer space. Wooo. How do you like that?
The boys didn't just like this idea, they loved it. Finally,
(03:52):
a reason for pants on a Saturday. All right, it's settled.
Finish up your cereal and we'll be on our way
to the Space Museum. Oh boy, Oh and there it
was the key detail that had been missing. Oh man,
cue the record scratch, wind, Ripley adding that one extra
(04:13):
word just crushed my vibe. A museum. Seriously, I actually
thought we were going into space. Their parents tried to
claim that this would be every bit as fun as
actually going to space, kind of like how they had
once been told that hearing about someone else's scuba diving
adventure was just as good as actually being there. Dad.
(04:33):
Will the museum have a spacecraft we can explore? Probably not.
Will there be an astronaut's helmet we can try on?
Probably not. Well, they have VR headsets so we can
feel like we're looking through space. Probably not. What about
a zero gravity machine so we can float around like
the astronauts do? Yeah, probably not, But I bet they've
(04:56):
got plenty of pretty cool posters with lots and lots
of work words. After a thirty five minute drive and
forty minute wait in line, the first thing Charlie and
Ripley saw when they walked through the museum doors was
a giant poster of the moon with you guessed it,
lots and lots of words. Kid, look at the size
of that moon poster. Feels like we've actually entered into space,
(05:20):
doesn't it? To Charlie and Ripley, it felt more like
they had just entered school with all of the lights dimmed,
perfect conditions for sleeping while standing. Kids, this is my
absolute favorite type of poster, an infographic pictures, words and
numbers all on one needosplendido poster. To the boy's disappointment,
(05:42):
this was only the first of dozens of different infographics.
Though you didn't have to read all of the text yourself.
Most stations had a pair of headphones you could put
on to have the words read to you. Bet you.
Technology loving kids weren't expecting a museum to have headphones.
Oh so cutting in so futuristic. The boys were at
(06:03):
least happy to see that the museum did have a
few cool things, like astronaut suits and some space rocks,
but there were also a gazillion signs everywhere that said
do not touch. At a certain point, they just couldn't
take it anymore. I'm bored, said Charlie. I'm bored, said Ripley,
(06:26):
and then right there in the middle of the museum,
an argument broke out between the brothers over who was
the most bored.
Speaker 2 (06:32):
I'm more bored than you. No, I'm more bored than you. No,
I'm more bored than you. No, I'm more bored than you. No,
I'm more bored than you. No, I'm more bored than you.
Mid argument, their mother turned to their father.
Speaker 1 (06:47):
Wow, Carl, what a lovely time we're having together. I'm
totally not wishing I was having brunch with my friends instead.
And in case Charlie and Ripley's mother wasn't embarrassed enough,
the director of the museum showed up. Can I help
you people? Is there a problem? No problem here, answered
(07:08):
their mother. We were just about to leave. Isn't that right, Carl, Carl, Carl,
put those headphones down and get over here. The director
of the museum turned to the boys. Are you two
not enjoying the museum? It's all about space, you know.
Have you had a chance to look at any of
our many colorful infographics. Some of them come with headphones
(07:29):
so you can listen along. Now, realizing that half the
museum was staring at them, The boys quickly tried to
turn it around. Oh yeah, yes, sir, we did see
those infographics, thank you, and we saw many other things
that we weren't allowed to touch and made sure we
didn't touch them. Thank you for creating such a wonderful
place that feels so much like being at school on
(07:53):
a Saturday. The director looked like he was trying to
unravel some grand mystery. You know, boys, many years ago,
kids loved coming here. People were a lot more interested
in space back then. Now kids are too caught up
in their video games and their emojis, always trying to
take the perfect selfie so they can upload the downloads
(08:13):
and reload the sideloads. Didn't I say that right?
Speaker 2 (08:17):
Though?
Speaker 1 (08:17):
The boys have been complaining about this place a moment ago,
they suddenly felt like they wanted to help. Sir, If
I may, I think my brother and I might know
how you can make this place more exciting for kids.
For starters, instead of an astronaut suit that you're not
allowed to touch, how about one that you can try on,
and while you have the kids all suited up, why
(08:38):
not just I don't know, blast them into space. The
boy's mother was now dragging them out the door while
apologizing to the director, so sorry for my children. They meanwhile,
they really do the infographics were lovely, Dear, The director
motioned for their family to stay. Wait, don't go, it's fine.
I think your son might actually be onto something here.
(09:01):
The director nelt down to the boy's eye level. How
would you two like to be the first kids to
go into space? Charlie and Ripley's mother tried to clarify
the director's offer to avoid having another disappointment fueled meltdown. Boys,
I believe what the directors trying to ask is how
would you like to sit in a pretend spacecraft and
(09:21):
look at a computer screen with stars on it? She
then turned to the director, which I really don't think
they'll want to do. Honestly, sir, kids today are next
to impossible to entertain. Thanks for trying, though, The director
stopped them from leaving again and insisted that he was
being serious. He actually wanted to send the boys into space.
(09:42):
Not only could this save the museum, it might actually
be what we've been looking for to get people interested
in space again years ago. When we sent astronauts into space,
it would be on the front page of every newspaper.
People would watch it on TV. It was exciting stuff
now for Lucky Lands. On page thirty eight, next to
a news report about a cat riding on a skateboard,
(10:05):
You kids have the power to make this go viral
by interneting and an emoji app share stream. Did I
get that right? Their mother still thought this was an
absolutely outrageous idea that she would never agree to in
a million years, well until she found out the boys
would have to spend two weeks at a space mission
training camp. You mean for two whole weeks. I'll have
(10:29):
a quiet, peaceful home. No whining, no arguing, no complaining.
What hand over the papers. Let's get this space mission happening.
The car ride home was much more lively than the
ride there. See what I tell you, boys, I knew
(10:50):
you'd enjoy that museum. I cannot wait to tell all
of my friends, cried Ripley. They are never gonna believe this,
announced that he too couldn't wait to tell his friends,
and of course Ripley argued that he couldn't wait to
tell his friends even more. Well, Charlie wasn't having any
of that. No, I can't wait to tell my friends more. No,
(11:12):
I can't wait to tell my friends more. No, I
can't wait to tell my friends more. No, I can't
wait to tell my friends more. That's enough, boys called
their mother from the passenger seat. Knock it off, or
I'll be standing. You strike to space this instant. But
for a mother who at first seemed really excited about
the idea of having two weeks of peace and quiet,
she certainly had a lot of reservations. The night before
(11:34):
space camp was scheduled to begin. I don't know, Carl,
she began during their last meal together. Are we doing
the right thing? Boys? Is this even something you want?
I mean, there's no video games in space, and your
father and I won't be there to help you. Both
boys assured their parents that they were still very interested
(11:55):
in being the first kids to go into space. We'll
be fine, mom, worry, and let's not just assume that
astronauts don't have video games on their space ships. Their
mother turned back to their father. I'm just not sure
about this anymore, Carl. Isn't space travel kind of dangerous?
I don't want anything to happen to my sweet little babies.
(12:18):
The boys will be fine, insisted Carl. On one of
those infographics I read it explained that modern space travel
has become considerably safer than it used to be. Yeah, Mom,
agreed Charlie. And there aren't any trees for us to
climb in space, so it's not like you have to
worry about us falling out of a tree to know.
(12:39):
I'm surprised this was a scenario that had never crossed
their mother's mind. Oh, just be safe up there, my boys,
my little dimple doodle ding dongs. When the boys showed
up for their first day of space training, safety was
the first and only thing that ever got discussed. They
lost count of how many times they heard the word safety. Remember, boys,
(13:02):
this button over here, do not touch it, not save
for kids. In this dial here, don't turn it, not
safe for kids. And this lever here, don't pull it,
not safe for kids. You'll also notice there are two
hundred and forty seven switches on this large panel here,
but do not, under any circumstances touch even one of them.
(13:22):
Not save for kids. So what do we get to touch,
asked the boys. Excellent question, said their trainer. To make
things as safe as possible, we've decided you should not
touch anything, but if you have an itch on your cheek.
You can scratch it, but that's it. Safety first, The
(13:44):
trainer had to ask why the boys were giggling itchy
butt cheeks in space hee, not the kind of cheeks
I was talking about. By the end of their final
day of training, the boys felt more like safety experts
than astronauts. It didn't help that they'd been told at
least a thousand times that a two week training camp
(14:04):
was not enough to make them actual astronauts. Real astronauts
spend years in school, acquiring essential knowledge and cultivating critical skills.
You kids don't have to worry about any of the
hard stuff. Okay, just keep thinking about which emojis you
kids would like to use to tell the people about
your mission after you get back. Mkay. Now, make sure
(14:25):
you get a good night's sleep. We'll be waking you
up to prepare for lunch at oh, five hundred hours.
Ripley spit out his drink. We have to sleep for
five hundred hours. The trainer looked confused and annoyed at
the same time. What wait, No, that just means five
o'clock in the morning. Have we not taught you anything
these past two weeks? The boys knew better, but almost
(14:49):
cracked a joke about how waking up kids at five
in the morning could be dangerous for the waker upper.
Where was all that safety talk now? But as promised,
the boys were up on time to assure everything went smoothly,
that a whole team of people helping them through the
final preparations before lunch. It was nice having some special treatment, Ripley.
(15:10):
Someone just brushed my teeth for me, said Charlie. I know,
answered Ripley. Someone held my cup of orange juice for
like twenty whole minutes while I slowly sipped from a straw.
How do we get these people to follow us to
school when we get back. The boys certainly enjoyed all
of the special attention, but once they were standing inside
the spacecraft with their suits on, well, things started to
(15:33):
get real, and not in a good way. I feel
like I have butterflies in my stomach, said Ripley nervously.
I feel like that, too, shared Charlie. Except my butterflies
are like ninja butterflies, throwing sharp ninja stars everywhere, And
I really do not want to find out what it's
like to be sick in space. Their trainer, who had
(15:54):
been so serious the entire time droning on and on
about safety was now as cool as a cucumber. Nah,
you guys have nothing to worry about. I know. I
told you there's a million things to worry about. But
just relax. You'll be strapped in for the entire ride
and don't have to do a single thing. Just sit
back and enjoy the experience. Easy for this guy to
(16:17):
say he was allowed to stay back and watch from
the control room. One final question, sir, before you close
the door and send two kids flying into outer space,
can you tell us what that button is for? Charlie
was pointing at a red button that was off to
the side of the main control unit. The label beneath
the button read Mars Mode. Oh this button right here,
(16:41):
the red one, the one that looks like it's only
intended for evil, bad guys to push. Yeah, so about that.
Don't push it, not say for kids. I'm surprised I
didn't tell you that twenty times already. Well, now the
boys were curious, but like, what does it do? The
trainer hesitated for a moment, wondering if he should even explain. Well,
(17:05):
Mars mode isn't ready yet, hasn't been tested. Basically, it's
something new we've been working on. The button is supposed
to engage turbo hyper speed, which theoretically could get this
spacecraft to the planet Mars in a relatively short amount
of time. But again, do not touch, not say for kids.
The boys kept trying to think of more questions to
(17:25):
keep their trainer talking and possibly delay the countdown to launch.
One time, Charlie's class had asked their teacher so many
questions right before a test that they ran at a
time and didn't have to take the test. It was brilliant,
but the trainer wasn't falling for that old trick and
was determined to adhere to the very strict schedule. Soon
they were alone in the spacecraft, strapped to their seats,
(17:47):
quietly waiting for the countdown.
Speaker 3 (17:51):
Five four three, Remember not to touch anything, two one
blessed time, and.
Speaker 1 (18:02):
The boys were off. There was no turning back now,
no option for takebacks in space. Charlie and Ripley were
just minutes away from leaving the Earth's atmosphere when they
finally allowed themselves to unclench their hands and opened their eyes.
Their worries began to fade away. They actually had a
good laugh seeing each other's jiggly faces caused by all
the strong vibrations from the spacecraft, bro you look clarous.
(18:32):
By the time they even thought to look out of
a window, they had already entered into space. There behind
them was the very planet where hours earlier they had
sat at a table enjoying a breakfast burrito. Seeing the
world surrounded by darkness, it was a sight they would
not soon forget. They were speechless, enraptured by the beauty
and mystery of infinite space. Suddenly a voice began speaking,
(18:56):
a computer voice, Charlie and Ripley. Welcome to space. Who
said that? Asked Ripley, I am the voice of the
spacecraft's computer system. Should you have any questions, I will
be available to assist you. Please remain in your seats.
We will be returning to Earth in three minutes and
(19:17):
forty two seconds. Be sure to take plenty of selfie
pictures to share upon your return to Earth. What we
only get to stay here for five minutes, five measly
minutes in space, that's it? But we just go here,
complained Charlie. Yeah, agreed, Ripley. Can't you let us stay
(19:38):
a little longer. Computer lady, it's not up to me.
Everything has been pre programmed from the control center on Earth.
Why are you taking off your safety harness? I thought
I told you to remain in your seat. Ripley looked
beside him and saw his brother unbuckling his straps. Bro,
(19:59):
what are you doing? You heard the computer lady, stay
in your seat. Charlie was already working on his last buckle.
I didn't spend two weeks at space camp and come
all this way just to stay in my seat. But
one thing Charlie had forgotten was that in space there
is no gravity. You can't just stand up and walk
(20:19):
to a window. Once out of his seat, Charlie began
floating through the spacecraft, which at first was kind of
fun until you realized he was floating straight toward a
wall with a big red button, a button that was
not supposed to be touched, A button that, in big
bold words written beneath it said, Mars mode. To be continued.
(20:44):
That's the story. Stay tuned for part two next week.
Let me know in the comments which museums are exhibits
you've been to that were actually worthy of wearing pants
on a Saturday. That's all for now, We'll catch you
on the next one.
Speaker 2 (21:05):
In Fi
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