“The time has come,” the Walrus said, “To talk of many things.”

In our case, it’s the upcoming mission. We were supposed to leave early this afternoon, but after getting our hands on some alternate transportation, we're going to leave around sunrise (it's about a quarter to 5 in the morning now), and I plan to get some sleep on the way there. But before we go, I just felt I had to say a few things beforehand. I’ve been working on this speech for almost a week, and I’ve had it checked, so... here goes.

“Ladies, gentlemen and giant robots... this is the big one. In less than 24 hours, we will be taking on Lord Voldemort, Naraku, and Emperor Palpatine at Babylon Palace in Montreal. Three of our worst enemies in one place... and for all we know, the meeting place could really be the belly of a giant Transformer. The odds are stacked against us, even with everyone we know fighting. But it doesn’t matter. Because we’re not going to give up.

“When we first reformed the Gung-Ho Guns at the time of our first war against Palpatine, there were two missions. First, we had to stop him from taking over Earth. Second was the creation of New Eden, a place of peace where the citizens of Earth and the galaxy around us could gather for an existence that’s free of violence, hatred, prejudice, tyranny, oppression and persecution. The same as the original Garden of Eden, where mankind was born and lived in peace until they were tempted and came to know of evil. But our New Eden is home to those who have seen the evils that have corrupted so many and have chosen to reject it, to live in peace. Yet there are still those who willingly carry out their evil deeds still, being who are so firmly entrenched in the darkness within their hearts that they cannot imagine what life would be like without it.

“So we keep on fighting. We fight for the day when all are one, when all have rejected that which seeks to corrupt them and turned to the light. When all can live with love and peace.”

I shoot a grin to Vash at this moment.

“That is why we are here. That is why we continue to fight, and hopefully make a difference in this world by inspiring others to spread the word. Ladies, gentlemen and others, not all of you are officially members of the 21 Gung-Ho Guns. Not even me. But in my book, you’re all part of the team as honorary Gung-Ho Guns. For we are the heroes who fight for peace. ‘Til all are one!”

There’s a rousing chorus of voices: “‘Til all are one!”

“Time to kick the tires and light the fires, everyone. We’re heading out now!”

Vash gives me a thumbs-up. Knives just smirks. And everyone else cheers. Watching them all, I just stand and smile. I might not be able to do much in terms of physical combat, but I’ll still be there. Look out evil, ‘cause here we come!

Until next time...

Anon e Mouse Jr.

P.S.: You know that extra guy I mentioned we were going to recruit a week ago? He’s standing by and ready for action. And he’s not the only one: Knives went out and found another creature that could help us. Kenya and Lord Vader have been informed as to their identities. Something tells me Palpatine is going to seriously regret this day for the rest of his existence, however short it may be.

P.P.S.: Zonk time. See you all this afternoon!