Transcript For Strip 1091

Panel 1
Panel filled entirely with text, except for cameo of Nicole, who is narrating. Next panel carries the illustration.
Caption: 'When I did call my mother, I think I nearly gave her a stroke. She was barely able to speak coherently. So, Li and I got on the fastest ship to Venus and visited her in Pellucidar Station. To say she was happy to see us is an understatement. I think she cried for hours. Made me feel guilty all over again for letting her think I had died.

I wanted to use our Murphy Drive-equipped four-seater to get there sooner, but Li pointed out that we really needed to limit exposing the technology until we were ready to go public with it. I couldn't persuade him otherwise, mainly because I knew he was right.

But after zipping around the System and to nearby stars, it was kind of frustrating that I had to spend eight days getting to Venus. At least I had Li with me to keep the time, well, interesting.'
Panel 2
Establishing shot, inside Vanessa Oresme's apartment. Nicole and Vanessa stride quickly forward to embrace one another, as Li and a handsome gentleman (presumably Vanessa's boyfriend?) shake hands.
No dialog.
Panel 3
Text panel
Caption: 'She wasn't happy that I could only spend three days visiting. Mothers are funny like that. It didn't help that I couldn't explain to her what it was I was working on and why it was so important that I get going on it as soon as possible. She understands the need for trade secrecy but I guess she was naturally curious. I did promise her that within a year I could tell her everything.

Because with the embargo on our report and meeting with the Boneheads expiring after that time-span, we were on a deadline: Invent a defense against a Murphy Drive-based assault, or … I don't know what. Take all our gear, formulas and data and go hide in another solar system, I guess.

Li was able to help a little, but he also called in Moe, and she was able to help a lot more. That girl is a whizz at hardware design.'
Panel 4
Nicole, Li and Moe hard at work in a design laboratory full of equipment.
No dialog.

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