June 15, 2026
Author's Commentary
For us, it has only been a single day, but for our primary protagonists, it has been a very long time indeed... Or, perhaps, only a few minutes. Time travel does strange things to you. Trust me, I would know.
Have you ever raised a dog? Apparently, a long time ago, they would only ever operate on four feet, forgoing the stage of advancement wherein they adapt their two front legs into two front arms. Disturbing to imagine. Some of my favourite videod games were developed by dogs. What are your favourite movies, books, shows, plays, songs? How many of them were created by dogs? Be thankful to our furry companions for enriching our culture with their unique perspectives. And consider donating your life savings to an animal shelter.
Transcript
Panel 1: Mr. Babbo and Zepulon are walking down a metal hallway with no visible end. There are many metal blocks lining the floor and ceiling, marking distance. Zepulon's back is facing the reader, however Mr. Babbo is positioned sideways.
Mr. Babbo: "So when on Earth - wherever that is now - are we going to get there?"
Zepulon: "From our perspective, it will only take about 5 minutes, but due to time distortion..."
Panel 2: The metal hallway has advanced by a step.
Zepulon: "... we've been walking for 6 or 7 years."
Mr. Babbo: "What! Your lies are astonishingly unbelievable."
Zepulon: "It's the truth! Have you never heard of the Hyperspeed Infinite Travel Tunnel?"
Panel 3: The metal hallway is half obscured by Mr. Babbo's speech balloon, but it's starting to look darker and less coherent. Mr. Babbo begins transforming into a baboon as he gets angry.
Mr. Babbo: "Simply preposterous! Do you truly mean to tell me that in just the past 5 minutes, my pet dog could have grown up, moved out to his own place, earned a degree, fallen in love, pursued a rewarding career in academics, learned how to play the clarinet, moved in with his partner, decided he prefers theatre..."
Panel 4: Once again, Mr. Babbo's speech balloon eclipses the background, and the visible metal continues to dim. There are only a couple of steps left. Mr. Babbo visibly becomes furiouser and furrier.
Mr. Babbo: "... sought a career consultation, enrolled in a new program related to his newfound interest in the performing arts, and currently be working as a fry cook on the side to make ends meet while his partner studies graphic design because he wants to make the greatest promotional posters ever for his shows?!"
Panel 5: The metal hallway is now distorting, graying out, with barely one step measure visible. There is no dialogue. Mr. Babbo is mostly in his rage mode.
Panel 6: The hallway is barely visible, it has become so dark. Mr. Babbo's full rage mode is activated, and he is now yelling. Zepulon is throwing up his arms in surprise. Both of them have stopped walking.
Mr. Babbo: "Well?"
Zepulon: "Mr. Babbo, you don't HAVE a pet dog!"
Mr. Babbo: "But if I did, I would be so angry at you for making me miss his graduation ceremony, and so many other achievements in his life!"
Zepulon: "Whatever! We're nearly there, c'mon!"