As soon as the three Earthling visitors left the auditorium, and Riff Raff and Magenta completed their rather bizarre speeches and likewise departed, something remarkable happened.

One by one, formerly motionless bodies stirred.  A young, redheaded woman struggled to her feet.  In the swimming pool, a blond, blue-eyed Adonis of a young man raised his head, took a breath, and swam to the pool's edge.  Another handsome young man, with a mane of dark curls and hazel eyes, closely followed.

Frank and Rocky heaved themselves out of the pool, settling down at its edge with their legs dangling into the warm water.  They were joined by Columbia, who kicked off her high heels and sighed in relief.  "One more down."

Frank rolled his eyes and shook his head.  "I've had quite enough of this scenario.  I think we need a rewrite."

Rocky laughed and gently punched Frank in the shoulder.  "You have no cause for complaint.  You're the star, and you actually have lines.  All I have are grunts."

Columbia, sitting between the two men, smacked both of them in the head.  "If anyone should be complaining, it's me.  I'm just a pathetic 'Earthling' groupie.  And when I finally deliver my big speech, it's to an audience of statues."

Frank smiled.  "You know the Doctor determined the humans can hear what goes on around them when they're in a transduced state, just as you and Rocky can.  I'm sure they were properly appreciative of your histrionic abilities."

Before Columbia could reply…and a tart reply it would have been…they heard a roar, and felt a jolt as the castle left solid ground behind.  Within seconds, they were joined by their "conquerors," Riff Raff and Magenta.

Riff Raff had a broad smile on his gaunt face.  "Another wonderful job, everyone.  We seem to have this down to a science…no pun intended."

Frank looked up at him.  "Do you have enough data yet?"

Although Riff Raff was peeved at the question, he was determined to hold on to his smile.  "No.  We need to make at least two or three more stops before the data on record will be statistically significant.  I must be absolutely sure before completing my report for Her Majesty."

Frank looked as if he wanted to argue.  However, he was stopped by a loud bang, followed by an ominous rattle.  Riff Raff's smile turned upside down, and he frowned at Magenta.  "Go to the control room and see what the trouble is."

She returned within three minutes.  "The engineer has determined there are problems with both the main and backup engines that he is not able to diagnose while the castle is in flight.  We need to return to our prior location to give him the opportunity to make the necessary diagnosis and repairs."

Riff Raff stared at her.  "That's completely out of the question.  Surely we can land somewhere else."

She shook her head.  "Apparently not.  The castle can only travel by autopilot at this point, and the only spot it can currently be programmed for is that specific location in Denton."

Riff Raff closed his eyes in pain.  "Oh, that's just splendid.  There are three Earthlings in Denton who know far too much about us.  I'd best have a chat with that engineer.  Our return there must be brief."

After Riff Raff and Magenta left, Frank looked at his two companions.  "I told you we need a rewrite."