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As if my life could get any worse.

So here I was, stuck in a garbage masher.

What was I doing here? How did I get here?

That, my dear reader, is a fine question.

Here, let me tell you my story.

This is probably a good time for it too, because the walls are closing in and I think now would be a perfect time for my life to flash before my eyes.

. . .

"The Control Brain will see you now," The guard motioned into the dark corridor.

I gulped, fixed my perfect metal uniform, and walked inside. My seven officers and loyal robot friend were right behind me. I could hear my footsteps as we walked down the hall. I could hear my breathing, which was ragged and uneven.

I hated meeting up with the Control Brain. It always scared me to death.

I looked back at my officers. Kaz smiled reassuringly, and Nez gave me a big thumbs up. Mukflay winked at me, a small smile on her face.

Right.

Be brave.

And try not to act like an idiot.

That last one was going to be hard for me.

I strolled casually into the Control Brain's room.

"Hello, Captain Rav," It spoke.

"Greetings, Control Brain, sir," I bowed down. "I am at your service."

"Enough talking," The Control Brain rumbled. "There's a new mission for you. It is time that you chase off the Resisty from the planet Yagal. They have been a nuisance. It is time that you drive them away."

"Yes sir," I saluted.

"But," The Control Brain went on.

I frowned. "But?"

"Captain Gak has been on this case for a couple of months now. You will be working with him," The Control Brain growled. "Try not to fight."

My heart sank so hard, I thought it would hit my squeedily-spooch.

"Yes sir," I mumbled and saluted once more.

"This meeting is over," The Control Brain rumbled. "Go start the mission."

. . .

"So, we have to work with Gak," I grunted. "This is just great."

"So, when do we take off?" Mave asked.

"Probably really soon," I muttered. "I want everyone to have time to say goodbye to their families. And I wanna say goodbye to Rak, of course. I only get to see him…what? A few times every year? I mean, come on! That's pathetic."

"We should tell the crew," Mukflay reminded me.

"Ah, yes," I nodded. "I'll do that right now."

I pushed a button on the screen on my arm. 'All microphones on', my screen reported.

"Attention, crew of the Blackheart. We have been ordered by the Control Brain to take off for planet Yagal to drive the Resisty away. Unfortunately, Captain Gak and his own crew have been on this case for a couple of months now. Guess who we're working with?" I said.

I could hear the groans echoing across the room. And I could even hear some complaining coming from down the hall.

Yeah.

That's how much we hated Captain Gak.

How do I explain Gak?

Okay…three feet tall of attitude, with a strong hatred for me. I don't know what I did to get on his bad side, but to this day, he hates my guts. I guess I shouldn't let that bother me. And it doesn't. It's just that he really tries to boss me around. That's what makes me mad.

"But, before we set off, there is going to be time to say goodbye to your families. I don't know how long this mission will be. So I'll give everyone a day to say goodbye. Tomorrow, come here at 8:00 A.M, sharp. Yeah, I know. Kinda early. But we need to get this mission over as quick as possible. I'd love to stay and see my son for a while, so let's get this over with. Captain Rav, out."

I clicked off the microphone and sighed.

"We get back from a mission just a week ago! Can't we stop for just a little so I can see my son?!" I growled.

"Well, you've got time now to go see Rak, so if I were you, I'd go visit him right now," Mukflay pointed out.

I nodded. "You're right. Before I go, though, Nez, I have a request."

The scientist nodded. "Yeah, Rav?"

"Make me a machine that'll calm me down whenever I get angry at Gak. I have a feeling that we're gonna get into some massive fights," I rubbed my temples.

"Whatever you say," Nez grinned. He looked at our robot friend, Rabid. "Yo, I could use your help."

"While you do that, I'm gonna go visit Rak," I rose up from my chair.

A few months of Gak.

That was probably my future.

Yippee.