STORY NOTES
===========

Premise
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Ace finds a huge red DO NOT PRESS button on an unexplained machine in the
garage. Jack has wondered about it for twelve years. They press it together,
launching a gigantic beam from Lake Koshkonong into space.

Continuity
----------
This returns the series to a straightforward garage adventure after the
publishing-workflow issues. Ace remains driven by curiosity. Jack remains dry
and practical, but is just as susceptible when a mysterious button has gone
unpressed for twelve years.

The May 2012 calendar visually supports Jack's twelve-year claim. It is a
comic prop rather than a declaration of the story's exact present year.

Important visual details
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The machine is old, heavy, and physically integrated into the garage. Its
cables disappear into the walls. The button activates a red-gold beam, but
the artwork does not reveal a target or show damage.

Easter eggs
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The final panorama includes Lake Koshkonong, Wisconsin farm buildings, a silo,
and a radio tower. The beam's reflection creates a second bright line across
the lake.

Possible future hooks
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The machine's maker, purpose, power source, destination, and twelve-year stay
in the garage remain unexplained. The beam may have transmitted, signaled,
powered, opened, or merely announced something.