The bus encountered some traffic, so they took a pit stop so everyone could eat, drink, and relax. After lunch, the vehicle got noisy in quick succession. The counselor tried to calm everyone down as the driver calmly took everyone to safety.

Tommy and Antonio looked out their windows and explored the sights, and looked for a welcome sign to Aylont. No one knew how long the trip would take to get there, but it felt like a long one, regardless.

Before anyone knew it, though, the bus came to a stop next to a station and hotel. Everyone soon got asked to leave the bus, as they had finally arrived at their destination. After getting rooms at the place called Jade Pyramid Hotel and Spa, the counselor turned to everyone and cleared his throat to get their attention.

“Ok, everyone, please be sure to stay together in groups, and don’t go anywhere reckless,” He advised cautiously. “And be sure to meet back at the Jade Pyramid before dusk, all right?”

“All right!” Everyone replied.

As they dispersed, some groups went over to the map stand to retrieve some maps. Antonio finally got some space to grab a map and met up with Tommy to discuss their plans.

“So, any place you’d like to head to first?” Antonio asked, pulling the map out and inspecting the areas.

“Ooh, how about the Planetarium?” Tommy suggested, pointing at a big dome on the top center of the map.

“Hey, it also has an aquarium, too! And a library right next to—” Antonio paused as he glanced at Tommy, then cleared his throat. “Sorry about that. Got carried away. We can go to your place first.”

“Uh-huh.”

The two followed the coordinates to get to the Planetarium. They read the notice on the door and found that the show wouldn’t start until later, much to Tommy’s disappointment. Antonio suggested they head to the library while they pass the time and wait until it’s close to starting. Tommy reluctantly agreed.

They both spent some time at the Rainbow Bibliotheca and found some places to sit. Antonio looked over some science textbooks on his table while Tommy browsed the shelves for anything neat.

“Have you found anything good yet?” Antonio inquired, looking up from his reading.

“No, not yet,” Tommy replied, slumping against the bookshelf. “There are so many books that center on space but I can't find one that has many pictures.”

“Oh, so you’re into those kinds of books?” Antonio remarked, observing his friend from a distance.

“Well, I think they’re more interesting and fun to read.” Tommy looked away and murmured.

“Sure, I wouldn’t put it past you, Tommy, but reading lots of words can help with your brain and knowledge. The same thing can go for science.”

“Well, I guess it could be similar if you think about it long enough.”

“I know, right?”

Tommy sighed as he went over to pick up a book closest to what he was looking for and walked to his friend's table.

The two boys stayed silent as they read the books they had picked out. Soon, Antonio looked over and broke the silence.

“Hey, there’s a place I want to go to after we go to the planetarium. Can we go to the Science Research Center?” Antonio suggested.

“Um, sure, why do you ask?” Tommy inquired, looking up.

“Well, I heard that my uncle Samuel is here and is working on something. I’d love to visit him and see what the guy’s up to...”

“I see. Hopefully, we can make it before dusk...”

“Yeah.”

“So, what now?”

“Um, how about more reading?” Antonio joked.

“No, thank you.”