30 Worlds: Megaforce, Episode XI: "A Marriage Made in Meatballs"
CHAPTER ONE
In the cockpit of Gavan's Glory, William grasped the flight stick and guided it to a landing on the outskirts of the recovering town of Swallow Falls. Around him, the rest of the away team were readying their gear.
Tris was polishing a knife before putting it in the sheath at her waist. Zenon, Phineas and Ferb were ensuring that their scanners and other equipment were fully charged and ready for the mission. Bayonetta was stretching, while Sofia was preparing her Mobilates.
"All right, everyone. Here's the plan," William said. "The residents of Swallow Falls are starting to reclaim the land on this side of the island, while the other side of the island has been left exclusively for the foodimals. We must not disturb them unless circumstances demand otherwise. Are we clear?"
"Crystal," Bayonetta said. The rest of the away team simply nodded. "Your scanners have been updated with a map of the island, including the boundaries between the human-inhabited and foodimal-inhabited sides of the island. Like I said, we will stick to the human sector unless we need to cross over," William said before opening the embarkation hatch. "Let's go."
As the away team walked into Swallow Falls, William noticed a few officers in S.F.P.D. uniform blue working security on a construction project bridging the human-inhabited and foodimal-inhabited sectors. "How ya doin'?" one of the officers said.
"Fine. And you?" William responded. "Great," the officer said. William noticed the name "Deveraux" on the officer's uniform. "You're Earl Deveraux, aren't you?" William asked. Earl Deveraux smiled. "You've heard of me?" he said.
"You're famous!" Sofia said. "You and everyone that Flint Lockwood had with him during the foodimal crisis and back to the weather systems caused by the FLDSMDFR have become famous worldwide."
The rest of the away team nodded their admiration. "We're doing research for an upcoming movie based on Flint Lockwood," William said. "I'm William Pine, and I'm going to produce it."
William gestured to Sofia, Phineas, Ferb, Zenon, Tris and Bayonetta in turn. "With me are Sophia Winter, who will play Sam Sparks; Edward Styles, our production designer; Aaron Kaufman, our special effects supervisor; Kirsten Blake, who will play young Sam; Elizabeth Wooden, our head of security; and Sunny O'Keefe, our writer," William said.
"Welcome to you all," Earl said. "Let me escort you into town. As we go, you'll be able to get a feel for things." "We appreciate that, Officer Deveraux," Zenon said.
Shortly thereafter, Earl was leading the Enterprise away team past the docks as Flint Lockwood, Sam Sparks and Flint's father Tim were stepping off Tim's boat.
"Earl!" Sam said when she saw Earl. "Sam, how are you doing?" Earl said. "Just escorting some important visitors through town."
Each member of the away team introduced themselves in their cover identities. "So, Columbia's makin' a movie about us? Amazing!" Flint said. "Will the movie discuss our wedding?" Sam asked.
"That's why we're here, Miss Sparks," Bayonetta said. "A camera crew will shoot the wedding for inclusion in the finished film. My team and I will guard against any possible interference from outside forces," Tris said.
"Are you expecting trouble?" Tim asked. "In light of the recent hacking incident related to The Interview, Sony Pictures is taking no chances," Tris said. "This film is one of the ways Sony is looking to get back on its feet, and we want to protect it any way we possibly can."
"Well, thank you for your efforts, Mr. Pine," Flint said. "No problem, Flint," William said. "Now, we need you to get the team together. We need to know all we can about you so as to make the film as authentic as possible."
"Give us a couple of hours," Earl said. "In the meantime, let me escort you to our best hotel. The Mayor's waiting for us there."
William nodded, then smiled at Flint, Tim and Sam. "We'll see you later," William said. Earl led the away team away from the construction site.
Back aboard the Enterprise, Skips stood at the Galaxy Map in the C.I.C. as Troy Bolton exited the central access turbolift. "Good morning, Master Skips," Troy said. "Just Skips is fine, Troy," Skips said. "How's Gabriella?"
"Well, thank you," Troy said. "We're still getting back into a semblance of a routine after our honeymoon was interrupted to have us join the team to rescue Tris."
"And we're still sorry for doing that," Skips said. "But when Tris needed help, we needed all hands on deck."
"Gabriella and I understand," Troy said. "But like we said to William and Sofia, it's time we started pulling our weight around here. To that end, Gabriella is assisting Isabella in Sickbay, allowing the Gold Squadron pilots who were working there to return to their proper duties."
"Very well," Skips said. "I gotta head back to my room and rest. Could you take over until CeCe comes on duty in a few hours?"
"Sure," Troy said. "Have a nice rest, Skips." Skips smiled before stepping into the c.a.t. Troy turned back to face the Galaxy Map and tapped a control.
Ship's Log, DDV Enterprise, Mission Day 1,139, Troy Bolton recording.
We are currently in geosynchronous orbit over the island of Swallow Falls in the Unaligned World of Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, awaiting a progress report from our away team on the surface. Ship's status is green on all systems, and crew are at full readiness.
Mayor Craig Vincent sat at the bar inside the Swallow Falls Regent hotel and smiled as Earl led the Enterprise away team into the bar. "Thanks, Earl. Mr. Pine, on behalf of the people of Swallow Falls, I'd like to officially welcome you," he said. "It's not much right now, but it is home."
"On behalf of Sony Pictures Entertainment, I would like to thank you for allowing us to film in your city, despite the difficulties of the recovery efforts in front of you," William said. "During our visit, we will provide whatever aid and assistance we can."
"We appreciate it, Mr. Pine," Vincent said. "I've asked the Regent to set aside an entire floor for the use of the production for the duration of your visit. Just check in with the front desk and they'll provide the rest of the details."
"Thanks again," Sofia said. The away team stood up and walked up to the front desk. A receptionist was at a computer terminal. "Can I help you, sir?" he asked.
"Hi, I'm William Pine with the Sony Pictures Project: Meatball team. I have a list of the primary staff of the production assigned to the filming here in Swallow Falls. If any of them arrive to check in, send them up to our floor," William said, handing the receptionist a piece of paper.
"Yes, sir," the receptionist said. "Will you require assistance getting your gear up to your rooms?" "No thank you," William said.
The away team turned and got into a nearby elevator.
::TBC::