I was seated across from A-Spen in one of the interrogation rooms at Z-Patrol. "You came…a long way, didn't you?" I said. "Must have been hard."

"It was." A-Spen said. "To get here, we developed interstellar flight, defeated space squids, traversed a carnivorous black hole, twice."

"Wow." I chuckled. "And I thought Full Moons were tough. Look, A-Spen, I know you're well-intentioned, but…well, your arrival was a bit ill-timed. One of my friends, who is watching us as we speak, would probably have gotten a little mad because…well…" I sighed. "Us Monsters here in Seabrook, we can't get into Mountian College because of what we are. A recruiter from the school was at the rally tonight, and you sorta scared them off." A-Spen brought out a pair of clear glasses from their pocket.

"Mountian College, downloading." They said, putting the glasses on and tapping the side of them. The glasses lit up blue as words flashed over the lenses. "Too bad he is not exceptional. The only way for him to get in is to prove that you are exceptional. Mountain College has a separate application for an exceptional-student scholarship and it does not specifically prohibit Zombies or Werewolves."

"Exceptional?" I repeated. "Well, I know Zed can prove himself. Oh!" I gasped, jumping up in my seat. "Maybe I can apply! More than one application to help Monsters is bound to be a better thing!"

"Why are you so agitated?" A-Spen asked.

"Oh, I-I'm not agitated." I assured, reaching over and setting my hand on the table in between A-Spen and myself. "Trust me. I'm happy. Really happy. You managed to find a loophole in the application process, a way for a Monster to get into college."

"Oh. Emotions are messy for telepaths, so we suppress them." A-Spen told me. "But they do seem interesting." There was a thudding at the door, and I turned to see Dale at the door.

"You can all come on out." He said. I stood.

"Come on." I said. The two of us left the interrogation room, and joined up with Willa, Wyatt and Wynter. As soon as we were close, Willa took my hand, and the others scanned me for injuries.

"If you're here to invade Seabrook, our pack won't go down without a fight." Willa threatened.

"Babe." I said softly.

"We do not want your one-star planet." The bob-haired girl said, and then turned to her companions. "They are so emotional."

"Yes, but when in Seabrook, I'm going to disengage our emotional suppressors." A-Spen said. "Personally, I'm excited to see what emotions feel like." A-Spen lifted their arm, and adjusted something on their screen. There was a flash, and the Aliens seemed to shake themselves out. "Excited!" A-Spen cried. "That's an emotion. It feels so exciting."

"We've decided to let you stay until after the cheer competition, but not a day later." Mayor Wells said.

"Thank you, Mayor. We are honored to join your Cheer Competition." A-Spen said.

"What is cheer?" The female Alien asked.

"Oh, don't worry. I'll show you later." Addison said.

"Also, what is competition?" The male Alien continued.

"When you challenge others to prove you're the best."

"No, we are a harmonious people. We do not compete amongst ourselves." He turned to Zed. "Although, that is an intriguing concept, is it not?"

"Hi, I'm Zed." The football player introduced, stepping forward. "Zombie, football star. Generally well-liked."

"Well, I am A-Lan. Extraterrestrial."

"Hey, the haters say I'm a little extra too." Zed offered his hand, and A-Lan lit up.

"Oh, competition." He said excitedly.

"No, it's just a handshake-" Zed was cut off when A-Lan clasped his hand. Electricity thrummed over the Zombie, zapping the star.

"Did I win?" A-Lan asked.

"No, you did not win."

"Apologies." A-Spen said. "Our people have a special Stardust Spark."

"That some lesser species may find painful." Their friend said, crossing her arms. Willa shot a growl at the Aliens.

"Welcome to Seabrook." I said with a smile. "I hope you find something here to enjoy." The Aliens smiled back.