Skurd the slimebiote smacked Ben Tennyson across the face. "Rise and shine partner." Waking up, Ben countered with "In your dreams, snotbucket." Skurd turned into the head of a Nemuina(Pesky Dust) and said, "That can be arranged."

"You won't," Ben declared. "Ah my friend, but I shall!" Skurd stated while weaving around the sparkling dust that defined the species.

Ben awoke once more, this time peacefully, to his bedroom. When had that happened? Or did it at all? Ben looked down at the omnitrix, no Skurd. Ben flashed over the last couple of days. He had the incident with "The Most Delicious Game", shortly followed the next day by his attack on Maltruant, or was it the next week? "Ugh. I hate time travel!" Ben exclaimed, grasping his head with both his hands. Ben eventually gave up his plight, deciding he must have dreamed it.

Ben went about his day as usual, then it hit him as he saw his packed bag, he had decided to go to space today! The planning had taken the better part of 2 days, and today was finally the day!

As Ben arrived in his timecycle, he saw Gwen, Grandpa Max, Rook, his parents, Magister Patelliday, Molly Gunther, and... ESTER? Ben's confusion was paramount. Where was Kevin? And why was Ester here, not with her new boyfriend? Still puzzling his way through these mysteries, Ben walked up, luggage in hand. As he walked up, he noticed three suitcases next to Ester. Staring at the suitcases, Ester broke in, "Didn't think you were leaving the planet without your girlfriend did you?"

"What about..." Ben trailed off. "The Kraaho will be fine without me Ben, especially with a plumber in their midst, plus he's my cousin from my other uncle, and the plumbers will be checking in every day." Ester then picked up her bags to put aboard the ship. "You can thank me later." Gwen whispered, having snuck up behind him. Ben then promptly walked over to Rook. "Rook, correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't Ester break up with me for Antonio?"

"I certainly do not recall the reactions I would expect to accompany from you. Including the informing of myself to these changes. I would expect countless complaints about women followed by attempts to seduce women in attempts to console yourself. Additionally, who is this Antonio character you speak of? Should I know him? Does he hold any relation to the city, San Antonio?"

"You really get off track sometimes Rook. Remember when I was forcibly starred in 'The Most Delicious Game'?" Rook's face contorted. "I am not familiar with this earth game." Ben's jaw dropped. He had only ended up in that incident because he had decided to watch the extranet that day, and Rook had loved every minute of the show. Ben immediately began to list the possibilities.

Going on this trip means I fought Maltruant, so, alternate reality, memory loss, reality alteration, or maybe it's just a dream. DREAM! Was "The Delicious Game" just a dream? Skurd. Skurd had done this, that was what he had remembered this morning. He must have made it up complete with Ben going back to bed. Skurd had managed one last joke at Ben's expense.

Sighing, Ben climbed into the ship, his timecycle following him. The ship was a plumber ship intended for long term missions. It had 5 living quarters inside it. "So why are we taking this thing?" Said Ben, referring to the ship. "Cause Kevin's not here," Gwen tartly replied. Ben, finding that answer obvious, started to rephrase his question, then stopped. No need to make her more angry, especially when he'd be spending the whole summer in a vacuum sealed vehicle with her.

After storing their stuff in their rooms, the four of them came out to say their goodbyes. Little did they know that at this moment there was a shadowy figure sneaking onboard.

As the four of them said their final goodbyes, Ester surprised Ben by hugging Grandpa Max. "Thank you so much!" "Well I couldn't really have said no to a possible future grand-daughter-in-law." "Plus, she is the ruler of an entire species that lives on Earth," Max muttered outside her earshot to Ben. "I shouldn't have to say you better bring her back in one piece."

"Of course, grandpa." Ben sighed.

Reboarding the ship, they readied themselves for takeoff. Ben tried to take the wheel, but Rook protested, "Ben, I think it is unwise to take such a hasty action that will imperil us all."

"I trust Ben." Ben was surprised to hear Ester as the speaker of these words.

"I do not think that your trust alone is enough to warrant his control of the ship, Miss Ester. Additionally, I do not believe he has the proper plumber training to do so."

"Rook is right, Ben, you're a reckless driver. Remember the time you ran into nothingness?"
"And everything worked out fine." Ben retorted while standing up.

"Thank you Ben." Rook stated as he claimed the pilot's chair. "Hey!" Ben scowled as he looked at Rook. "Forget it, I didn't want to fly it anyway. Won't be my fault when you screw up." Ben said walking away from the consoles, Ester giggling all the while.

And off they took, lurching Ben straight into Ester. So it was going to be one of THOSE adventures.

Off they sped into the stars.