Chapter Text
So, the time has finally come.
Chuck has to depart from Planet 51, as his kind calls it. 15 minutes are left on the clock, and if he doesn't get back up into space right now, he'll be stuck for even longer.
But, even with that reality slapping him in the face, it feels like he's being pulled back to the planet. Like one giant magnet. He can feel all of the eyes on him as he takes a few steps onto the shuttle. He can hear the murmuring of some and the crying of his friends- well, Skiff’s crying, anyway. It hurts the same.
The human silently cursed himself as he turned his head over his shoulder. He didn't mean to, but he did anyway. There's everyone in the little town. Every single alien and his best friends, Lem, Eckle, Skiff… Then there's Rover, too. Lem waves goodbye when Chuck’s gaze falls on him, and he’s got his new girlfriend at his side. Chuck smiles at that, waving back at the two.
However, there's something so wrong about just getting up and leaving like this. At the same time, he's homesick. Very much so, in fact. Three plus weeks away from Earth, floating through space… That'd be enough to make anyone upset.
Buuuuut… This little world managed to charm him, even if it was trying to kill or capture him for most of his stay. A species so similar to humans, but still entirely different, somehow. They're still in the ‘50s, and it's like stepping back through time. He kind of wants to learn more… To learn about everything and how they go about their lives.
Regardless, he doesn't know if he'll even get to return here. Or if he'll even be accepted as a welcome visitor or citizen at that much.
Chuck sighs, his shoulders slumping.
But there's one more thing, of course.
And that thing is the general.
He was stunned when they first met. The general was awful to him, but he was just doing his job… Albeit with insults as the cherry on top of the prejudiced cake. But, who can blame him? Chuck’s an alien to them and they all seem to be in their own cultural alien craze. He just arrived at the right time. Chuck bites the inside of his cheek, because despite that, he felt drawn to that general the most.
Well, that's not anything too insane. The general does look conventionally attractive and well-kept. Even now, he's standing tall and assertive, watching alongside everyone else.
And when Chuck sees a potential friend, he's got to give that a try.
Oh, damn it all.
Chuck turns around.
“Hey, you know what? Who wants to come with me and see my homeplanet?”
…Actually, now that he gives it another thought, that was a stupid and dangerous thing to ask.
And naturally, everyone’s unsure of that. They all glance at each other and mutter things, unwilling to offer themselves up. They have lives too, and this is a huge gamble. The alien they're wary of is requesting someone to accompany him, so a pretty understandable reaction.
Even his best friends aren’t certain.
“Well, uh, I'd come along but I… I've got a girlfriend now and uh- a life to get back to.” Lem explains. “Sorry, Chuck. I hope you have a safe trip.”
A few nod in agreement with Lem. Skiff also pipes up.
“Yeah, yeah. You're cool and everything man, but I've gotta stay and watch over Rover now!”
Chuck smiles again, at them. “That's fine, you guys. I hope you all have good lives- and, Lem! Don't leave her side, kid! She's a keeper!”
Neera and Lem look at each other with the sweetest, lovey-dovey grins. Ahh, first love.
Then Chuck gives the general a glance, and he's talking to a few soldiers about something. He can't really hear, but there seems to be some tension… Doesn't look like the general will be offering either.
He just checks his wrist for the timer again. 11 minutes. He purses his lips. He's got to get going now.
Well, it was worth a shot. He's partly glad no one accepted that stupid invitation because he knows his world would be just as bad about aliens.
He turns back around, taking another step forward on the ramp, but then…
“Hold on, astronaut.”
Shit-
Chuck snaps back around. The general’s standing at the foot of the ramp, arms crossed and a dubious expression on his face.
“Oh? General?” Chuck felt his heart stand still.
“I would like to see your homeplanet. My intention is to gain equal intel since you've learned about ours. I cannot trust you entirely with that information, you see. You and your kind may still be a danger to our world. I want it to be fair game.”
…Understandable, but also insanely stupid. Chuck’s shocked though, given that the general even offered in the first place. He didn't really expect that much, nor did the others if their looks are anything to go by.
There's no going back now though. Damn.
“Oookay. Answer these questions quickly, please. How much food do you guys eat regularly? How long can you go without food?”
General Grawl’s brows lift in surprise.
“Please, just answer them. It's important.”
“I personally go for two meals a day. Our species can survive two weeks without food.”
That’s… Exactly the same as him. This’ll do.
“Alright. Come aboard, general!” Chuck quickly rushes onboard the space shuttle, making room for his new acquaintance. Grawl slowly comes up the ramp and stands beside Chuck, looking down at everyone.
“General Grawl, sir! Are you sure you want to do this? Sir!” A soldier comes up to the ramp, which is already retracting back into the shuttle. Chuck hit the button in a rush, after all.
“I’ll be fine, soldier!” Grawl snaps at the poor guy. “I’ve got enough to protect myself. You better spread my message to all of those concerned!”
Chuck furrows his eyebrows and glances down. The general does have his gun, and probably something else inside of that coat. Yikes. He’s got to stay on his good side, then. That’ll be a challenge, given how grumpy he seems to be…
The soldier backs off reluctantly, still worried. Chuck looks back at the side panel and hits a few more buttons. The ramp hides itself within the shuttle with a click, and the main door hisses as it starts to close.
He gazes back at the crowd, taking a breath.
“You’re a great planet and your ‘50s are fine, but give me a call when you get to the ‘60s, ‘cause that’s gonna be fun!”
The door finally closes and pressurizes.
Grawl looks at him with wide eyes.
“We’ll be gone for that long?”
Chuck shakes his head, laughing some. “Oh, no. You won’t be, I promise. I’ll get you back home after you’re done collecting your ‘intel’.”
Grawl nods, although the concern remains. Chuck pats him on the shoulder, earning himself a funny shocked look, before wandering further into the shuttle.
“Let’s hit the road!”