[Venkman smiles, laughing a little at the look on Egon's face. Tarantula mews again, her sharp little fangs glinting as she stares up at Egon with her big ol' eyes full of love. She wriggles a little in Venkman's grasp, and bats at Egon's finger.]

Scientific merit, huh?

Well, she's no magical familiar, so I dunno if she can even figure chess out. ... And- by the way- I'd rather not get her started on complex logic puzzles and quantum physics anytime soon, since she's only at the ripe old age of one hour old. So don't get any ideas.

[Venkman sobers up again when Egon stands and sets up the device. He holds Tarantula close to his chest and pets her idly as Ray gets hooked up.]

Ready as I can be.