test pilots needed to fly an experimental ship

adventures fly a plane-shifting ship to another universe. they also attempt to make contact with a few other races in this universe. Notably they run into a sentient bacterial hive mind, and accidentally cause it to ascend (by giving it quantum corn). this race offers to take Ol'Mcdonald with them and after some deliberation, and a search for a replacement for himself, he ascends. Leaving a digital Ol'Mcdonald copy behind.