Deep Cuts #12: Space Stories

Summary

Story Pirates – Deep Cuts #12: Space Stories (April 30, 2026)

Episode Overview

This special "Deep Cuts" bonus episode dives into the most creative and hilarious space-themed stories from the Story Pirates archives—stories written by kids and turned into sketches and songs. Host Lee and the Story Pirates cast highlight the limitless creativity of cosmic settings, bringing laughter, fun, and even surprisingly clever explanations for cosmic mysteries. Each story is introduced by its young author, with plots featuring an astronaut squirrel, the origins of night and the moon thanks to a space llama, and a wacky amoeba adventure on a distant planet.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Summaries

1. Introduction & Setting the Tone

• [01:46] Lee (Host) sets the stage, explaining why space sparks the best kid-originated stories: "For one thing, it's really hard to get there. And for another thing, you gotta be really brave to go there. And best of all, we don't really know everything that's out there. Space is kind of a mystery, so there's lots of room for creativity when you take your characters there."

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2. Story #1: "The Squirrel Astronaut" by Donovan, 13, Georgia

[02:37 – 10:59]

Plot

A crisis hits when astronauts meant to go to Jupiter are all out with chickenpox. Millie the Flight Director’s pet squirrel, Squirrelio, undergoes astronaut training and becomes the unlikely hero, traveling to Jupiter and discovering the presumed “evil Martians” are actually friendly Jupiterians.

Highlights & Memorable Moments

• [03:39] Lee (Host)/Astronaut: "But you see, I woke up this morning with a bunch of small red dots on me and they itch."
• [05:39] Millie (Flight Director): "You held your breath for 10 minutes. You totally passed, Squeak."
• [06:43] Squirrelio (via translation device): "Hey. Hey. Okay, now I can talk. How cool. Wow."
• [07:14] Millie: "Okay, let the countdown begin."
• [07:21-07:23] Crew: Comically fumbled countdown, "10, 9, 8, 12. Catorce a couple." "Wait, that's a weird countdown progression."
• [08:24] Sam (Jupiterian): "There's no such thing as Martians. That is just a Neptunian family who went to Mars for vacation one time. But no one actually lives on Mars. It's a confusing planet."
• [10:12] Squirrelio: "Millie, you will never believe what I saw."
• [10:21] Assistant: "No need to rehash all that exposition, Squirrel. We saw the whole thing on the cameras you installed on Jupiter."
• [10:52] Host (as astronaut): "Yeah, turns out none of us had chickenpox. We were all just scared of those Martians that don't exist."
• [10:58] Assistant: "Oh, well, then I guess you're fired."

Insights

• Parody of space heroism and classic sci-fi tropes.
• Clever use of animals and fun subversion of expectations (the squirrel is more than just a sidekick!).

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3. Story #2: "Space Llama" by Lindsey, 8, New York City

[11:28 – 19:38]

Plot

Through a town legend, the audience learns that night was invented when a space llama knitted a blanket to help animals sleep. Holes in the blanket became stars, and a big hole became the moon, “explaining” tides and nocturnal darkness.

Highlights & Notable Quotes

• [12:14] Town Elder/Bob: "The reason why the sky has to be dark at nighttime is because of the space llama."
• [13:25] Llama Mama (after 20 hours of llama labor): "Space llama it is."
• [14:39] Space Llama: "I'll take these knitting needles and this black yarn and make blankets for everyone."
• [15:17-15:41] Space Llama builds a rocket.
• [16:11] Musical Moment: "Going fly to the sky to change the day, to night, fill my name with three stage rocket space flight. Too much sun makes the animals hurl. Knit a black blanket to cover the world. I'll be a space llama, knitting a blanket in the sky."
• [16:46-17:37] Creation of the Moon and Tides by accident: "The job was too, too much for the space llama… I made a big blanket, but it's got holes." — "The water level on the beach is changing." — "Doug came up with tides."
• [17:39] Town Elder/Bob: "And over time, as the blanket began to sag, smaller holes appeared. And those are the stars."
• [18:47] Doug reveals himself as the Elder: "Big reveal: I'm Doug from the story."
• [19:09-19:38] Space Llama: "Yes. The galaxy continues to exist. My work is never done. Space llama knitting a blanket in the sky."

Insights

• Inventive, whimsical folklore explaining celestial phenomena.
• Layered fun for kids—knitting puns, origin stories, and "Saw dude" catchphrases throughout.
• Emotional resonance: space, family, and the importance of sleep.

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4. Story #3: "Anti Bodyman" by Blaine, 9, Pennsylvania

[20:15 – 26:02]

Plot

On Planet Bacteria 2, the crew has to deal with a giant amoeba created by a malfunctioning shrink-ray. Captain Max must find the courage (and a cleaning closet) to save the scientists after the amoeba grows out of control.

Highlights & Notable Quotes

• [21:36] Amoeba: "Oh, you're all not feeling well. Well, don't blame me. I'm just a little amoeba. I'm just down here having an endo blast. Get it? Oh, come on. Are you guys anti humor or something? Because I'm pro tozoan."
• [23:02] Assistant: "'Bigened'? It's a word."
• [23:26] Captain Max: "There it is. And it's the size of a skyscraper. That can't be right."
• [24:20] Captain Max: "Maybe I can mop it away." — [24:22] Computer: "Is that a serious suggestion?"
• [24:26] Captain Max: "Oh, maybe I'll just spray it with this Amoeba melting spray."
• [24:51] Captain Max: "You're out of control and making everyone very sick. So I, Max from NASA, am here to stop you."
• [24:58] Amoeba: "Stop me? Well, you know what? I wish you would. I'm sorry I've taken over. I never wanted to be big. Do you know how hard it is to find enough algae to eat at this size? It was like really hard."
• [25:22] Captain Max: "All right, hold still. If I just do a little spray here. A little spray?" — [25:27] Amoeba: "I think it's working. Well, I am definitely sure."
• [25:45] Lead Scientist: "Thank you, Max from NASA, for saving us all. From this moment forward, Planet Bacteria 2 will be called Planet Max 2."
• [25:56] Assistant: "Planet Max 2? What happened to the first Planet Max?" — [26:00] Doug: "You don't want to know."

Insights

• Parody of "hard" science fiction, featuring scientific missteps and a surprisingly cooperative amoeba.
• Witty microbiology puns and self-aware humor.
• Encourages teamwork, creative problem solving, and being kind—even to amoebas.

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Host Commentary & Wrap-Up

• [11:03] Lee (Host): “We’ve learned that squirrels are a lot smarter than we thought. If only we had a squirrel translator in real life, we could probably solve all sorts of problems. And speaking of animals who solve problems, this next space story features a much bigger animal that does exactly that.”

• [19:49] Lee (Host): “We've got time for one more deep cut. And now let's go to space for more of what I like to think of as a hard sci fi story, which means it's a space story that's extremely accurate in regards to science and math and stuff. Okay, maybe this isn't exactly hard sci fi, but how do I know—I've never been to space.”

• [26:07] Lee (Host): “Thanks for listening to today's episode. We'll be back next week with another one for ya. Until next time, stay creative and stay kind.”

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Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• Space settings inspire boundless creativity:
  [01:46] Lee (Host): "Space is kind of a mystery, so there's lots of room for creativity when you take your characters there."

• Animals take on impossible space tasks:
  [06:43] Squirrelio: "Hey. Hey. Okay, now I can talk. How cool. Wow."

• Inventive space lore (llama origin of night):
  [14:39] Space Llama: "I'll take these knitting needles and this black yarn and make blankets for everyone..."

• Silly “science” explanations:
  [17:37] Doug: "Doug came up with tides." [24:22] Computer: "Is that a serious suggestion?"

• “Hard sci-fi” tongue-in-cheek:
  [20:15] Lee (Host): “Which means it's a space story that's extremely accurate in regards to science and math and stuff. Okay, maybe this isn't exactly hard sci fi, but how do I know—I've never been to space.”

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Episode Flow & Takeaways

• Each segment begins with an author introduction, then dives into the sketch/performance, packed with songs, puns, and gentle jokes.
• The tone is imaginative, upbeat, and inclusive—encouraging kids (and adults) to wonder, laugh, and create.
• Emphasizes teamwork, the unexpected hero, and looking at the world (and the skies) with new eyes.

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• [01:46] – Host intro to space stories
• [02:37] – “The Squirrel Astronaut” Author intro & story
• [11:03] – Host transition to “Space Llama”
• [11:28] – “Space Llama” Author intro & story
• [19:49] – Host transition to “Anti Bodyman”
• [20:15] – “Anti Bodyman” Author intro & story

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Final Note

“Deep Cuts #12: Space Stories” showcases the funny, touching, and wildly inventive minds of young authors. The Story Pirates bring these visions to life with uncontainable energy, always balancing comedy with the message that creativity and kindness can take you—quite literally—anywhere in the universe.

Transcript

[Narrator/Story Reader]

Lemonade.

[Lee (Host)]

Hey, Story Pirates podcast listeners. Lee here coming at you with a very special bonus episode. We'll be back next week with a new one for you, but in the meantime, we've got some decods. And guess what? The Story Pirates are back on tour. Starting this week, we'll be visiting Munhall, Pennsylvania, Cincinnati, Ohio, Port Su, New Hampshire, Medford, Mass. Ridgefield, Connecticut, and North Adams, Massachusetts. These shows are going to be really amazing, full of musical numbers and improv made from ideas from kids in the audience. Find out more and get your [e-mail] live. Get excited for some of the weirdest and funniest stories from the Story Pirates archives. And this week, they're all about space. Coming up, right after a few words for the grown ups.

[Narrator/Story Reader]

I love storytelling. I'm very different from everybody. Confusion is the step before curiosity. Okay, that's a really funny idea. We have to send that in. I just get some joy when I hear other people giggling. I believe all the things in my story. Human beings are just able to create the Story Pirates.

[Lee (Host)]

Welcome back to Story Deep Cuts, where we celebrate our favorite and weirdest stories from the Story Pirates archives and today's this episode is all about space. You know, stories that we get here at Story Pirates have all sorts of awesome settings. You know, where a story takes place. And space is one of the most inspiring settings we get because, well, for one thing, it's really hard to get there. And for another thing, you gotta be really brave to go there. And best of all, we don't really know everything that's out there. Space is kind of a mystery, so there's lots of room for creativity when you take your characters there. See what I mean with today's first space story? Here's the author to introduce it.

[Narrator/Story Reader]

Hello, my name is Donovan. I live in Georgia. I'm 13 years old. And this is my story, the Squirrel Astronaut.

[Captain Max]

Oh, well, I hope.

[Boss/Lead Scientist]

Oh, yeah, I'll get through here.

[Town Elder/Bob]

Okay, thanks.

[Millie (Flight Director)]

Good morning, crew. I am, of course, Millie, your flight director here at Space Space Place. And you all know my trusty pet squirrel. Squirrel.

[Captain Max]

Hi, squirrel.

[Narrator/Story Reader]

Squeak, squeak.

[Millie (Flight Director)]

To say that today is a momentous day would be an understatement. This mission is probably the most important mission in the history of mankind. Today we send humans all the way to Jupiter for the very first time. But this is more than just a trip to space, for the fate of our world hangs in the balance. We believe that on Jupiter, we will find Martians. And we all know that Martians are probably dangerous. So Astronaut, are you ready to save the world?

[Lee (Host)]

Well, I think so. But you see, I woke up this morning with a bunch of small red dots on me and they itch.

[Millie (Flight Director)]

Oh no. It sounds like you have chickenpox.

[Narrator/Story Reader]

I don't want to eat chickenpox again.

[Doug]

No thanks.

[Narrator/Story Reader]

Don't leave. Oh no.

[Millie (Flight Director)]

I need to find a replacement astronaut asap. I know. I will just call over to the Astronaut village.

[Boss/Lead Scientist]

Hello, you have reached the voicemail of Astronaut Village. We can't come to the phone right now because we all have chickenpo.

[Millie (Flight Director)]

What am I going to do? At least I have my pet squirrel by my side to comfort me.

[Narrator/Story Reader]

Squeak. Squeak.

[Assistant/Sidekick]

Good morning, Millie.

[Boss/Lead Scientist]

Boss.

[Assistant/Sidekick]

How is everything progressing with that whole flight to Jupiter thing?

[Millie (Flight Director)]

We have a big problem. All of the astronauts are stuck at home with chickenpox and we have no one to fly to Jupiter.

[Assistant/Sidekick]

But what about the evil Martians that are probably there?

[Narrator/Story Reader]

I know. Squeak. Squeak.

[Millie (Flight Director)]

Squirelio, I love you, but now is not the time.

[Narrator/Story Reader]

Squeak. Squeaky.

[Assistant/Sidekick]

Well, what can we do, Millie? It's not like we can just find some random animal to do our mission to Jupiter.

[Narrator/Story Reader]

Squeak.

[Millie (Flight Director)]

Hey, boss. It looks like my pet squirrel just escaped its cage and is heading to the training room.

[Assistant/Sidekick]

Oh, that little rascal.

[Millie (Flight Director)]

Wait a second. What if we had my squirrel go through the animal astronaut training program? What do you say, boss? Can we give Squirrelio a shot?

[Assistant/Sidekick]

I don't see how that squirrel is gonna pass all those tests. But what other ch. What choice do we have? Okay, you've got three days.

[Millie (Flight Director)]

Here we are at the animal astronaut training program. Let's see what you can do. Squirrelio. The first test is lung capacity.

[Captain Max]

And.

[Millie (Flight Director)]

Go.

[Narrator/Story Reader]

Wow.

[Millie (Flight Director)]

You held your breath for 10 minutes. You totally passed, squeak. The second test is eyesight. Read the following letters for me.

[Narrator/Story Reader]

Squeak. Squeak. Squeak. Squeak. Squeak. Squeak. Squeak. Squeak. Squeak.

[Millie (Flight Director)]

I am not entirely sure what you were saying, but it sounded perfect.

[Narrator/Story Reader]

Squeak.

[Millie (Flight Director)]

And now the final test is a game of checkers. Go.

[Narrator/Story Reader]

Squeak. Squeak.

[Millie (Flight Director)]

Squirrelio, you did it.

[Assistant/Sidekick]

Well, well, well. Passing a few tests is one thing. Saving the world is another. And there is no way this squirrel is going to succeed. But again, we are out of options. Let's put this squirrel sized astronaut suit on. Oh, and of course this animal translation device so we can understand it.

[Millie (Flight Director)]

Why didn't we do this before the training started?

[Assistant/Sidekick]

No time here. Let's just put it on like so.

[Narrator/Story Reader]

Hey. Hey. Okay, now I can talk. How cool. Wow.

[Millie (Flight Director)]

Squarelio, I can't believe you passed the animal astronaut training program.

[Narrator/Story Reader]

Of course I aced the test. I'VE been here as your pet for a super long time, so I knew exactly what to do. And boss, I will prove to you that I am the right astronaut for the job.

[Assistant/Sidekick]

We'll see.

[Millie (Flight Director)]

Here, Squarelio, I made a special rocket designed just for your size. Hop in.

[Narrator/Story Reader]

I'm ready. You can count on me.

[Millie (Flight Director)]

Okay, let the countdown begin.

[Boss/Lead Scientist]

10, 9, 8, 12. Catorce a couple.

[Narrator/Story Reader]

Wait, that's a weird countdown progression.

[Millie (Flight Director)]

Blast off.

[Doug]

Whoa.

[Narrator/Story Reader]

This is so cool. I'm flying into outer space. Okay, now I have the controls. I just need to sear this rocket straight to Jupiter.

[Boss/Lead Scientist]

Now approaching Jupiter.

[Narrator/Story Reader]

Wow, that was really quick. It must be because the ship is so small.

[Boss/Lead Scientist]

Welcome to Jupiter, where today's weather is a breezy -234 degrees Fahrenheit.

[Narrator/Story Reader]

Good thing I have this squirrel suit to keep me warm. Now I just need to plant all these cameras so everyone on Earth can keep an eye on those evil Martians. Well, that should do it. Wow, the sun has gone down. That must have taken all day.

[Sam (Jupiterian)]

Well, it's actually only been 20 minutes. It just looks like a lot of time has passed because Jupiter is the fastest spinning planet in the solar system.

[Narrator/Story Reader]

Who are you?

[Sam (Jupiterian)]

Where are my manners? Hello. I am a Jupiterian.

[Narrator/Story Reader]

What? A Jupiterian? Don't you mean a Martian?

[Sam (Jupiterian)]

Hahaha, Silly creature. There's no such thing as Martians. That is just a Neptunian family who went to Mars for vacation one time. But no one actually lives on Mars. It's a confusing planet.

[Narrator/Story Reader]

I see. What's your name?

[Sam (Jupiterian)]

My name is, but you can call me Sam.

[Narrator/Story Reader]

It's very nice to meet you, Sam. My name is Scarelio and I'm from the planet Earth.

[Sam (Jupiterian)]

Oh, you are our first Earthling visitor. I mean, we have been visited by the Mercurians and the Venusians, but never by an Earthling.

[Narrator/Story Reader]

Well, this is our first ever trip to Jupiter.

[Sam (Jupiterian)]

I have always wanted to visit Earth. I hear it has a great salad bar.

[Narrator/Story Reader]

So, are you planning to invade Earth?

[Sam (Jupiterian)]

Goodness no. We Jupiterians are very friendly. We wouldn't invade.

[Narrator/Story Reader]

Wow, the humans got it all wrong. They think you're dangerous for some unexplained reason. Hey, I have an idea. Why don't you come back with me so I can show the Earthlings how kind and friendly you are.

[Sam (Jupiterian)]

Oh, that is a lovely offer and all, but I have to stay here with the family. You see, my daughter has a recital tonight and she would just be devastated if I wasn't there. Has a beautiful voice. Have a safe trip back square Leo. And visit us anytime.

[Narrator/Story Reader]

Goodbye, Sam. Alright, now I just need to jump back into my ship, retrace my course back to Earth. 10, 9, 8. 1478. 1. Liftoff. Here I go, back to Earth.

[Millie (Flight Director)]

Squirrelio, you're back.

[Narrator/Story Reader]

Millie, you will never believe what I saw.

[Assistant/Sidekick]

No need to rehash all that exposition, Squirrel. We saw the whole thing on the cameras you installed on Jupiter.

[Narrator/Story Reader]

Oh, right.

[Assistant/Sidekick]

I had my doubts about you, but you proved me wrong. So I am taking the animal astronaut training program out of development and we are going national.

[Millie (Flight Director)]

Now everyone can bring their pets to Space Place to be trained as future astronauts.

[Assistant/Sidekick]

And everyone will live fine with very few incidents.

[Millie (Flight Director)]

Human astronauts, you're back.

[Lee (Host)]

Yeah, turns out none of us had chickenpox. We were all just scared of those Martians that don't exist.

[Assistant/Sidekick]

Oh, well, then I guess you're fired.

[Lee (Host)]

That's fair.

[Narrator/Story Reader]

The end.

[Lee (Host)]

Welcome back to Story Pirates Deep Cuts, where we've learned that squirrels are a lot smarter than we thought. If only we had a squirrel translator in real life, we could probably solve all sorts of problems. And speaking of animals who solve problems, this next space story features a much bigger animal that does exactly that. Here's the author to introduce it.

[Narrator/Story Reader]

Hi, my name is Lindsey. I'm eight years old and I live in New York City. Here's my story, Space Mama. Come on, let's play outside.

[Millie (Flight Director)]

Yeah.

[Doug]

Aw, it's dark outside. Why does the sky have to be

[Lee (Host)]

so dark at nighttime?

[Town Elder/Bob]

Why does the sky have to be so dark at nighttime? It's just me, the town elder.

[Narrator/Story Reader]

Hi, town elder who knows our town's history and also has information about why

[Doug]

the sky is the way it is.

[Town Elder/Bob]

Please, Elder is fine and I know the answer to your question. The reason why the sky has to be dark at nighttime is because of the space llama.

[Narrator/Story Reader]

Space llama?

[Town Elder/Bob]

Gather round and I'll tell you the tale of the space llama and the blanket in the sky. Once upon a time, a long, long time ago, when there were no humans, there was no night either. Llama Mama was giving birth to a bouncing baby llama. Also, it was like 10:30pm and the sun was blazing.

[Doug]

Push, honey, push.

[Narrator/Story Reader]

He's beautiful.

[Doug]

What should we name him? Well, there's a name we've both been kicking around. Why don't we say the name together? On three. One, two, three. Space Llama, Henry Jacobson. Oh, Space llama. I thought when we were saying Space llama, it was a joke. Space Llama. I hear you. Space llama's just a lot to live up to. And I thought maybe we'd go with my father's name, Henry Jacobson iii. It would really mean a lot to me. I just went through 20 hours of llama labor. Space llama it is. Hello there, sweetie. It's me, your llama mama. Space llama. You could call me Papa Llama. And this is your cousin who's staying with us while he works some things out. His name is Doug.

[Assistant/Sidekick]

Saw Dude.

[Narrator/Story Reader]

Aw.

[Doug]

His first spit.

[Assistant/Sidekick]

Saw Dude.

[Town Elder/Bob]

Several years passed, and while things were happy for the llama family and Doug, all was not well. Without a night sky, it was too hard for animals to get to sleep.

[Doug]

Ugh. It's too bright to sleep. This is no way for llamas to live. Space llama.

[Space Llama]

Yes, mum?

[Boss/Lead Scientist]

Check on your cousin Doug.

[Town Elder/Bob]

Saw.

[Space Llama]

Uh.

[Town Elder/Bob]

Oh.

[Space Llama]

Mom, Doug is super sick, Dude. What's he saying?

[Doug]

He said that it's so bright outside that he can't sleep. Oh, Doug. Dog puked on my alpaca rug.

[Town Elder/Bob]

Saw Dude.

[Space Llama]

I know what to do. I'll take these knitting needles and this black yarn and make blankets for everyone. And once everyone's nice and comfy, they'll get some sleep and they won't be sick anymore. Okay, Knitty, knitty, knitty. Okay, okay. Just like my mama showed me. Grandma, Grandma, Grandma. Knit one, purl two, and done. Here you go, Doug. Here's a nice blanket to help you sleep.

[Town Elder/Bob]

Saw Dude. And that's how space llama helped out his cousin Doug.

[Narrator/Story Reader]

Wow, Mr. Elder, that was a really great story.

[Doug]

Yeah, I think we're gonna go play now.

[Town Elder/Bob]

But wait, there's more. There were too many animals who were sick, and space llama couldn't possibly knit blankets for all of them.

[Space Llama]

I space llama don't know how to help all the animals here. So I've decided to fulfill my name and build a rocket.

[Doug]

I'm so proud of you, honey.

[Narrator/Story Reader]

Really?

[Space Llama]

Okay. All right. Nitty, nitty, nitty. Okay. Making a rocket just like my gran showed me. All right. And done. What do you all think?

[Doug]

It's incredible. What's it for?

[Space Llama]

I don't know, but I will blast into space in this spaceship.

[Doug]

Yes. Don't forget your black yarn and your knitting needle, son.

[Space Llama]

Thank you, mother. Going fly to the sky to change the day Tonight fill my name with three stage rocket space flight Too much sun makes the animals hurl Knit a black blanket to cover the world I'll be a space llama Knitting a blanket

[Doug]

in the sky Go into space, young space llama.

[Assistant/Sidekick]

Saw dude. Saw dude.

[Space Llama]

10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. I'm knit and I'll knit and I will not stop till I'm done with needles and yarn. Knit one, purl two. I knit a blanket that covers you and you and you and you and you and you and.

[Narrator/Story Reader]

Oh.

[Space Llama]

Space llama knitting a blanket in the sky.

[Narrator/Story Reader]

So the night sky is a knitted black blanket.

[Doug]

My mom got one of those at a craft fair.

[Narrator/Story Reader]

So that's the end of the story then?

[Town Elder/Bob]

No, the job was too, too much for the space llama.

[Space Llama]

Space llama do. Mission control. I made a big blanket, but it's got ho O. Thought I saved the day, but I spoke too soon. What should I call? The ho gets a calling the moo hoo.

[Doug]

Hey, what's the water doing? I don't know. The water's moving. And the water level on the beach is changing.

[Assistant/Sidekick]

Saw, dude, it's like the water level's receding. Cause it's tiding over.

[Doug]

Doug came up with tides.

[Town Elder/Bob]

Oh, I guess. Yeah, it was Doug. And the people loved the tides, and they liked having that extra bit of light from the moon. And over time, as the blanket began to sag, smaller holes appeared. And those are the stars.

[Narrator/Story Reader]

Awesome.

[Space Llama]

Space llama knitting a blanket in the sky. Space llama knitting a blanket in the sky. Too much sun makes everyone hurt who knits a blanket to cover the world. Space llama knitting a blanket in the sky.

[Town Elder/Bob]

So every day right before night, look for a llama in a spaceship with a big black blanket.

[Millie (Flight Director)]

Wow.

[Narrator/Story Reader]

Thanks for that great history lesson, town elder.

[Lee (Host)]

Say, town elder, how do you know that story?

[Town Elder/Bob]

Let's just say big reveal. I'm Doug from the story.

[Narrator/Story Reader]

Oh, okay.

[Doug]

All right, well, see you later.

[Narrator/Story Reader]

I guess I'm gonna go play in the slot.

[Town Elder/Bob]

Ah, alone again. Just Doug and the night sky. Space llama, wherever you are. S.A. dude, you're welcome.

[Narrator/Story Reader]

Ah.

[Town Elder/Bob]

Oh, hey. Are you still up there?

[Space Llama]

Yes. The galaxy continues to exist. My work is never done. Space llama knitting a blanket in the sky. Space llama knitting a blanket in the sky. Space llama needing a blanket in the sky.

[Narrator/Story Reader]

Oh. We'll be back after a few words for the grown ups.

[Lee (Host)]

Oh, hey, welcome back. We've got time for one more declutter. And now let's go to space for more of what I like to think of as a hard sci fi story, which means it's a space story that's extremely accurate in regards to science and math and stuff. Okay, maybe this isn't exactly hard sci fi, but how do I know I've never been to space. Here's the author to introduce it.

[Narrator/Story Reader]

Hello. This is Blaine, and I'm nine years old and I live in Pennsylvania. This is my story. Anti Bodyman.

[Captain Max]

Virtual Log, Day 253. Destination Planet Bacteria I. Captain Max from NASA and my crew are only hours from arrival.

[Boss/Lead Scientist]

Excuse me, Captain. We are making our final approach to Planet Bacteria 2.

[Captain Max]

Thank you, Computer. Lieutenant, take the helm and input the landing zone coordinates.

[Doug]

Yes, Captain.

[Captain Max]

Ensign, please establish radio contact with the planetside research facility.

[Narrator/Story Reader]

Establishing a connection now.

[Captain Max]

Greetings, Planet Bacteria 2.

[Boss/Lead Scientist]

You're speaking with the lead research scientist and we look forward to your crew's arrival. We're having another beautiful day here on our far out Planet Bacteria 2. Isn't that right, Bob?

[Town Elder/Bob]

You said it, boss.

[Captain Max]

Well, I'll leave you and your assistant to it.

[Doug]

Great.

[Boss/Lead Scientist]

It's time to look into this microscope.

[Narrator/Story Reader]

Whoa.

[Boss/Lead Scientist]

What a fascinating discovery.

[Assistant/Sidekick]

What is, boss?

[Boss/Lead Scientist]

This sample has a tiny green amoeba and it seems to be having an effect on the surrounding cells.

[Assistant/Sidekick]

How can you tell?

[Boss/Lead Scientist]

I asked. Isn't that right, Bacteria? Under my microscope?

[Narrator/Story Reader]

Oh, you're all not feeling well. Well, don't blame me. I'm just a little amoeba. I'm just down here having an endo blast. Get it? Oh, come on. Are you guys anti humor or something? Because I'm pro tozoan.

[Boss/Lead Scientist]

It's not really my kind of humor.

[Captain Max]

Is there a problem, Bob?

[Boss/Lead Scientist]

We need to shrink this amoeba out of exist. You can't treat me like this using the shrink ray.

[Assistant/Sidekick]

But boss, the last time we used the shrink ray.

[Boss/Lead Scientist]

Here I go.

[Assistant/Sidekick]

We left it in reverse.

[Boss/Lead Scientist]

But the reverse of shrinking is gripping. This is bad. I'm becoming very sick.

[Narrator/Story Reader]

Oh, me too, boss.

[Assistant/Sidekick]

Oops. Did I do that?

[Boss/Lead Scientist]

Hurry, Max. And no matter what happens, do not.

[Narrator/Story Reader]

My suit. I said do not.

[Captain Max]

You're cutting out. Please repeat.

[Lee (Host)]

Do you copy?

[Boss/Lead Scientist]

Connection lost.

[Captain Max]

Computer, continue our initial course at land on Planet Bacteria 2. Now that we've safely landed the spacecraft, we should investigate this research facility. Okay, I'm here.

[Boss/Lead Scientist]

Captain Max from NASA. Your helmet is still on. That means you haven't been exposed.

[Captain Max]

No, I haven't been exposed because I was afraid.

[Boss/Lead Scientist]

Excellent. Now listen. I know the source of this mysterious illness. It's a tiny amoeba that I may or may not have accidentally bigned to a gigantic size.

[Captain Max]

Bigened?

[Assistant/Sidekick]

It's a word.

[Captain Max]

I guess it's up to me to find that giant amoeba and save the day.

[Town Elder/Bob]

Goodbye and good luck.

[Captain Max]

Thanks. Here I go. I've been flying around this place planet for hours. But I don't see anything. Wait. There it is. And it's the size of a skyscraper. That can't be right.

[Assistant/Sidekick]

Where'd everybody go? It's like all the humans all eat vacuole aided amoeba joke.

[Captain Max]

What am I going to do about this amoeba? I'm so scared. Maybe it's time to just accept defeat.

[Boss/Lead Scientist]

Let me stop you there, Captain.

[Captain Max]

Huh?

[Boss/Lead Scientist]

Computer, I have taken the liberty of scanning the area and have located an abandoned spacecraft one kilometer ahead.

[Captain Max]

Wait, Computer. You're capable of independent thought.

[Boss/Lead Scientist]

I never knew you never bothered to ask. Entering new coordinates into jetpack now. You have arrived at your destination. Scanning the abandoned ship. It is safe.

[Captain Max]

Let's get inside the ship. Hello? Is anyone here?

[Boss/Lead Scientist]

Perhaps a search will yield useful materials.

[Captain Max]

Let's try it. A normal janitor's closet.

[Sam (Jupiterian)]

Ugh.

[Captain Max]

How am I supposed to stop the amoeba? Maybe I can mop it away.

[Boss/Lead Scientist]

Is that a serious suggestion?

[Captain Max]

Okay, well maybe I can use some window cleaner and a squeegee.

[Boss/Lead Scientist]

Pull yourself together, Captain.

[Captain Max]

Oh, maybe I'll just spray it with this Amoeba melting spray. Amoeba melting spray.

[Boss/Lead Scientist]

Omg. I totally predicted this favorable outcome.

[Captain Max]

I suddenly feel so powerful that I know I can save the people of Planet Bacteria too. Lets get back outside.

[Boss/Lead Scientist]

The amoeba has grown exponentially and we are fully surrounded.

[Captain Max]

That's fine. I'm self assured now. Amoeba, let's end this.

[Assistant/Sidekick]

End what?

[Captain Max]

You're out of control and making everyone very sick. So I, Max from NASA, am here to stop you.

[Assistant/Sidekick]

Stop me? Well, you know what? I wish you would. I'm sorry I've taken over. I never wanted to be big. Do you know how hard it is to find enough to algae to eat at this size? It was like really hard.

[Captain Max]

Well, maybe we can work something out together. I found this amoeba melting spray in a janitor's closet. Maybe we can use just enough to shrink you back down.

[Assistant/Sidekick]

It's worth a shot.

[Captain Max]

All right, hold still. If I just do a little spray here. A little spray?

[Assistant/Sidekick]

I think it's working. Well, I am definitely sure.

[Millie (Flight Director)]

Yes.

[Narrator/Story Reader]

I see.

[Town Elder/Bob]

Oh my gosh.

[Doug]

There you go.

[Narrator/Story Reader]

And stop. Good as Nucleus. I still got it. Toodaloo. And thank you Captain Max from NASA.

[Captain Max]

Bye Amoeba.

[Boss/Lead Scientist]

Thank you, Max from NASA, for saving us all. From this moment forward, Planet Bacteria 2 will be called Planet Max 2.

[Captain Max]

I don't know what to say.

[Assistant/Sidekick]

Planet Max 2? What happened to the first Planet Max?

[Boss/Lead Scientist]

Boss.

[Captain Max]

Yes?

[Doug]

You don't want to know the end.

[Lee (Host)]

Thanks for listening to today's episode. We'll be back next week with another one for ya. Until next time, stay creative and stay kind.

[Narrator/Story Reader]

Bye.