It was a terribly hard job to keep every knob and button tuned to
perfection. As Mike approached him, Cooper motioned for him to be seated.
"You're doing very well, son, but you need to step up your speed a little. I wanted to tell you about another problem you will have with these babies...the automatic defense mechanism." He pulled out a diagram of the device that had been rolled up in the left pocket of his lab coat.
"I believe it's about here," he said, flattening out the scroll in his lap. He pointed to a small area near the top of the MLC...."I'm not exactly sure how it works, but I know it could be deadly! So keep low, please!" He put the picture away. "Right now we have one large problem!" Cooper added. "We're not exactly sure where the MLCs are located, and we need you to go up and scout for them. Think you can manage it tomorrow? You've got more practice runs today."
"MORE, Doc? Well, yeah, sure. I'll give it my best shot!"
"Wonderful! If you're doing o.k., let's get back at it!"
Mike was totally exhausted when they got back to their new hotel room that evening. Unfortunately for them the factory was located in a small town, where as usual, all newcomers were the star attraction. They ate in the motel's restaurant, and everyone around them at the time wanted to hear all the gossip about the big city and the project.
The ladies adored Mike and Larry, but couldn't understand Mike's huge appetite! When they asked how he could eat so much, Mike just told them, "I've got a tape worm," and that shut them up, for a while, anyway! It was a good thing only the regulars that knew about his secret were present! The guys told the people all they could, about the project and town events. Then, Mike retired for the night, falling into a restless sleep in his very comfortable bed, even with Larry, his roommate, snoring softly in the other bed.

The next morning Mike saw Cooper at the factory then was flying back to The Institute for his shield. He was anxious to be soaring away into the darkness of space on that great 'MLC Hunt'. From the layout which Dr. Cooper had described with his vague idea of what the government had done with placing them, Mike was sure he would be able to locate the first one almost immediately. Secretly checking the lab, Mike found everything to be safe and sound there, then hoisted the shield and was up and away. He loved the wonderful feeling of leaving the atmosphere. So far out there he hadn't needed to be concerned about lack of oxygen. Somehow, he was able to store enough with his special powers automatically to last as long as he needed it. But he didn't know how long it would hold out. This was sort of scary for Mike