Deleted Scene: Traveling through the Stars.
As the ship hurtled through the vast expanse of space, Crypto found himself growing increasingly restless. With nothing but the hum of the ship's engines and the endless, shifting tapestry of stars outside to distract him, he decided it was the perfect time to annoy Praxis. Praxis sat at the control panel; his focus unwavering as he monitored their trajectory. His long fingers danced across the controls with practiced ease, making minute adjustments to ensure their journey remained on course. The bright yellow glow of his eyes reflected off the myriad displays and holographic readouts surrounding him. Crypto lounged in a chair nearby, his colossal frame making the seat look almost comically small. He let out a loud sigh, stretching his arms above his head and cracking his knuckles in a deliberate attempt to disrupt the silence.
"You know, Praxis," Crypto began, his voice dripping with faux innocence, "I never did understand how you can just sit there for hours without going completely stir-crazy. Doesn't it get, oh I don't know, boring?" Praxis didn't look up from his work. "Some of us have the ability to focus, Crypto. Perhaps you should try it sometime." Crypto chuckled, the sound echoing through the control room. "Focus, huh? Like focusing on the fact that we're stuck in this tin can for hours? Or that the stars all start to look the same after a while?"
Praxis clenched his jaw, trying to maintain his composure. "We are on an important mission. I suggest you find a way to occupy your time constructively." With a mischievous grin, Crypto leaned closer, his massive form casting a shadow over Praxis. "How about I occupy my time by asking you a hundred questions? Like, why did you choose this route? Or, why do you think Earth is the best place to find resources? Or my personal favorite: What makes you think you can keep me entertained for the next few hours?"
Praxis took a deep breath, the frustration bubbling beneath the surface. "Perhaps I should remind you, Crypto, that our mission's success relies on our ability to work together. Agitating me won't help us achieve our goals any faster." Crypto laughed heartily, clapping a hand on Praxis's shoulder, nearly causing him to lose his balance. "Relax, Praxis. I'm just trying to make the trip a bit more interesting. After all, what's a long journey without a little bit of fun?" Praxis shot him a withering look, but before he could respond, the ship's comm system crackled to life, drawing their attention. "Incoming transmission," the automated voice announced.
Praxis straightened and swiftly adjusted the controls to receive the transmission. The holographic projector in the center of the room flickered to life, displaying the stern visage of a Yautja elder, his deep-set eyes and ornate armor denoting his high rank within the Yautja hierarchy. "Elder Tharak," Praxis greeted with a respectful nod, his tone serious. "Praxis," Elder Tharak responded, his voice resonating with authority. "We have been monitoring your progress. It is imperative that you retrieve the lost ship and its cargo. The resources on Earth are crucial for our survival."
"I understand, Elder Tharak," Praxis replied, his voice steady. "We are en route to Earth and will ensure the success of the mission. Crypto and I will recover the lost ship and gather the necessary resources." Elder Tharak's eyes narrowed, his gaze shifting to Crypto. "Crypto, your reputation precedes you. Your brother's disappearance is concerning. Ensure you do not let personal feelings cloud your judgment. This mission is of the utmost importance." Crypto straightened, his usual brash demeanor momentarily subdued. "Understood, Elder Tharak. I will do whatever it takes to complete the mission and rescue my brother." Elder Tharak's gaze returned to Praxis, his expression stern. "Praxis, it is crucial that you maintain control and ensure the mission's success. Do not let Crypto's impulsiveness jeopardize our efforts."
As Elder Tharak spoke, Crypto began to pick at his armor, intentionally making loud clanking noises. He glanced over at Praxis with a mischievous grin, as if daring him to react. He then started to tap his claws rhythmically on the metal console, creating a constant, irritating noise that echoed through the control room. Praxis nodded, trying to mask his irritation. "Of course, Elder Tharak. I will keep a close eye on him." Crypto, sensing an opportunity, leaned forward with a smirk. "Don't worry, Elder Tharak. I'll make sure Praxis doesn't mess things up. After all, someone has to keep him in check." As if to emphasize his point, Crypto nonchalantly kicked over a tool kit, sending its contents clattering across the floor. Praxis's eyes flickered with rage, but he forced himself to remain calm. He turned his focus back to the Elder, trying to maintain his composure.
Elder Tharak raised an eyebrow, his eyes flicking between the two Yautja. "See that you do. Remember, failure is not an option. Yautja Prime is counting on you both." Just as Elder Tharak was about to end the transmission, Crypto picked up one of the fallen tools—a large wrench—and began twirling it around his finger with exaggerated carelessness. The heavy metal tool spun dangerously close to Praxis's head, causing him to flinch involuntarily. "Crypto!" Praxis hissed, his voice barely containing his frustration. With a final flourish, Crypto let the wrench slip from his grasp, sending it clattering to the floor once more. He shrugged nonchalantly, a grin spreading across his face. "Oops, slippery fingers." Elder Tharak's gaze hardened, clearly unimpressed by the antics. "Praxis, you are responsible for the success of this mission. Ensure that your subordinate understands the gravity of our situation."
With that, the holographic image flickered and disappeared, leaving Praxis and Crypto in the dimly lit control room. Praxis turned to Crypto, his face a mask of barely contained fury. "Do you have any idea how much trouble you just caused?" Crypto shrugged nonchalantly, a grin spreading across his face. "Lighten up, Praxis. I just wanted to make sure Elder Tharak knows who's really in charge here." Praxis clenched his fists, his eyes blazing with anger. "You insufferable... This is not a game, Crypto!"
"Relax, Praxis," Crypto said, his voice calm and mocking. "We'll get the job done. And maybe, just maybe, you'll learn to loosen up a bit." Praxis took a deep breath, forcing himself to remain calm. "For the sake of the mission, I'll ignore your antics. But remember, Crypto, this mission is too important to let your childish behavior jeopardize it." Crypto merely chuckled, leaning back in his chair. "Whatever you say, Praxis. Whatever you say." As they continued their journey, Crypto's restlessness only grew. He began to wander around the control room, picking up various pieces of equipment and inspecting them with feigned interest. Each time he put something down, he made sure it was in a different place, disrupting Praxis's meticulously organized workspace.
Praxis tried to ignore the constant interruptions, but it was becoming increasingly difficult to concentrate. He could feel Crypto's eyes on him, watching for any sign of irritation. Every time he moved to correct something Crypto had disturbed, he could hear the faint sound of Crypto's stifled laughter. Determined not to give Crypto the satisfaction of seeing him lose his temper, Praxis kept his focus on the task at hand. He made minor adjustments to their course, ensuring they would arrive at Earth as planned. The glow of the control panels reflected off his determined expression, highlighting the tension etched into his features. Crypto, not content with merely rearranging the control room, decided to take his antics to the next level. He sauntered over to the communication console and began to fiddle with the settings, causing the ship's internal comms to emit a high-pitched whine. Praxis's head snapped up, his eyes narrowing at the sight of Crypto's meddling. "What are you doing now?"
"Just making sure everything's in working order," Crypto replied innocently, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Can't have any technical difficulties during our mission, can we?" Praxis crossed the room in a few quick strides, his patience finally wearing thin. "Leave the comms alone, Crypto. We need them in perfect condition for our mission." Crypto raised his hands in mock surrender, stepping away from the console. "Alright, alright. Just trying to help." The high-pitched whine continued to echo through the control room, causing Praxis's temples to throb. He quickly adjusted the settings, silencing the noise and restoring the comms to their proper function. He shot Crypto a warning glare, his frustration clear. "Enough of your games, Crypto. If you jeopardize this mission, there will be consequences," Praxis said, his voice low and menacing.
Crypto's grin widened, clearly enjoying the reaction he had provoked. "Relax, Praxis. I'm just keeping things interesting. You wouldn't want to get bored, would you?" Praxis took a deep breath, forcing himself to remain calm. "For the sake of our mission, I will tolerate your antics. But remember, Crypto, this mission is too important to let your childish behavior jeopardize it." Crypto merely chuckled, leaning back in his chair. "Whatever you say, Praxis. Whatever you say."