NASA: "Ground Control to Major Dave"

DP: "Go ahead Ground Control"

NASA: "Good News, it appears the winter weather has cooperated and we should have lift off soon. Please ask the others with you to tighten their seatbelts...but try not to startle them when you wake them"

DP: "If you dont mind, I think I will let them sleep. I have a lot riding on this and dont want anyone else to mess this up"

NASA: "Understood. Proceed with launch sequence after completing your initial checklist"

DP: "Winter Drill Program, check. Continuation of HGZ, check. NR, check. Ready to proceed with booster rocket ignition"

NASA: "Roger that. Commence booster rockets and standby for countdown"

DP: "Booster Rockets ignited. Glass of Tang finished. All systems go"

NASA: "Countdown to liftoff in 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4...um, Wait!...we have something sitting atop the rocket Dave. Standby while we have a closer look"

DP: "OK, making me nervous guys, what the heck is going on...thought all was clear?"

NASA: "Dave, it appears we have a guest that has shown up and may want to blast off with you. It's...hang on while we zoom in...yep, its a Eagle! An Agnico Eagle has landed on your rocket and is refusing to leave."

DP: "Wow. Just wait until he hears what it will cost him for a ride!"

NASA: "Let's put off the launch until we get a better sense of what he is willing to pay"

DP: "Agreed...I'll let him know he is welcome to join us, but so are several others and there is only one open seat. Let's give it to the highest bidder"

NASA: "Your call Major Dave. Godspeed"

DP: "Same to all of you who have always stood by my side"