Chapter 9

As Leah, Bob and the human kids were leaving the park, Leah took out her phone. She tapped the switch to turn on Mind Talking. It would allow her to communicate with Bob without saying anything. She only needed to think the words and he would hear them in his head.

"Captain Bob, are you hearing me?" she thought. She concentrated so hard on the mind conversation she forgot they were still walking quickly, hoping to leave the bullies far behind.

"I'm starving and my third foot is killing me!" she heard Bob think.

Bob must not have heard her first thought. That usually happens when a person starts sending Mind Talk messages. If you don't expect another voice speaking in your mind, you can easily miss it. Leah tried again.

"Captain Bob, it's me, Leah. Sorry to bother you this way, but I wanted to discuss our plans."

"Oh, oops," Bob thought back. "I didn't hear you at first. Was I just thinking about my empty stomach and sore feet?"

"Yes," Leah replied in her mind.

"Well, then you know I'm tired of this planet. I want to get home as soon as we can," he told her with his thoughts. "I had forgotten how much this place bugs me. Not to mention dealing with bad Earth people like those bullies."

"This mission has certainly been a challenge," Leah agreed.

"I'm very confused by it all, Leah," Bob thought. "We were supposed to meet kids named Evangeline and Justin. We were supposed to use our pets to figure out...well you know, the mission."

"Yes," Leah thought back. "But Instead we haven't used the pets. The chihuahua escaped and we met two kids named Justice and Evan instead."

Bob continued her thoughts. "And even though it has nothing to do with the mission, we still end up helping them. It's like we were sent for that reason, but we know it's not the reason we were sent. I think maybe we are supposed to stay with these kids, but--"

"Bob and Leah!" Evan interrupted their silent conversation. He called out to them. "We're safe now. Are you leaving?"

Leah stopped and turned. She realized they had been walking so fast that Justice and Evan were now a good distance behind them. They had to talk loud on the empty street to hear each other.

"Are you still afraid of those bullies?" Justice asked. She was a little out of breath trying to keep up with the aliens. "It's ok. They aren't following us."

Bob hated anyone thinking he was scared, so he stood up straight as he started walking back to the kids. Leah followed. "No, I'm definitely not afraid of those bullies," he hollered with confidence. "I'm just starving and I'd love to get someplace where we can eat." Leah knew he meant every word of that.

"You can eat in town. A lot of the food places are closed, but there's Taco Bell," said Evan. Bob couldn't hide his smile when he heard tacos were nearby, but Evan lowered his head. The boy looked disappointed as he continued. "You'll see it on your right, about three blocks ahead on this street."

"Aren't you coming with us?" Leah asked.

"No," Evan said, still staring down. "Justice and I don't have any money for lunch. We wait until they serve meals at the shelter."

Now Bob and Leah might be stranded millions of miles from their home, but they always have all the money they could need for their mission. Bob's disguise includes special pants with pockets that hold hundreds of dollar bills. All he needs to do is think of an amount and the bills will be waiting when he reaches in to get them.

"You both can eat with us. We have money," Bob told the kids. Justice couldn't hide her excitement as she turned to see if Evan would agree.

Evan was obviously having trouble deciding. "Our mom and dad don't like us getting money or food from anyone," he finally said. When she heard that, Justice looked like she could cry.

"Evan, please?" she begged. "They're the nicest two kids we've ever met. Please let's stay with them."

Leah's heart melted at the sound of Justice's hopeful voice. She was so proud of Captain Bob. She had never seen him be so kind to people on mission before.

"Oh, I guess it's fine this time." Evan finally agreed. "Let's go. I'm ready for a meal too." The four of them started walking again. Justice skipped a bit ahead with a big smile across her face.

Leah sent another silent thought to Bob. "You sure made their day. You're turning into a real hero, Captain Bob!"

"Yeah, yeah," Bob thought in reply. "Just call me Super Bob. Can I get my tacos now?"

Leah just laughed out loud. Evan and Justice turned to see what was so funny. They looked a little confused, but they both giggled too.

"You'll see what this is about, Super Bob," Leah said with her mind. "I'm sure you'll figure it out before lunch is over."

Continue on to Chapter 10!