[ now you're just freaking him out, but his raised hands clutch the brim before slowly lowering itdown to his chest so max can see him. ] Is that better, pal? I know it's a face only a mother could love - and I never even had a mother. [ it seems to do the trick, and just like that it's like a switch has been flipped. max sits up pretty and starts panting cheerfully. like the scary guy with the hat left and miller the string beanpole has entered the equation just now. ]

I don't know what a dog would be doin' on Ceres, but I bet they lost a bet to get there. [ to max: ] Did you lost a bet, too?