"...Is fricking ridiculous!" Carl said.
Stanley looked at him with a bemused expression. "We are not only training you for two weeks, providing you with room and board for that time and a pair of highly skilled guides for your journey, but we're sending you to another world 82 light years away. Those expenses add up quickly."
Carl withered a little bit as Stanley's logic sank in.
"Is that the total cost, or the cost for each of us?" I asked, gesturing toward the calculations on the display screen
"Total," Stanley replied, and I, at least, relaxed a bit. Carl was right: it was a lot of money. But split three ways, it would be quite a bit easier to come up with.
"Don't worry, Carl, Vinnie and I can help you out," I offered, preparing myself for the inevitable pushback. Carl was a p
