The shuttle came to rest in the middle of the compound sending billowing clouds of dust swirling around the assembled crewmen, stinging their eyes and coating their mouths with the dry
desert soil. The main hatch folded down into a ramp and Lt. Krashaki scurried out, ancient pistol held inexpertly in his hand. He stopped abruptly when he saw his fellow crew mates and began to wave
his weapon wielding appendage animatedly.
"Hey, guys", he called out over the low hum of the shuttle's twin turbine engines, "the cavalry's here."
"Aren't we fortunate.", Broski muttered to his sergeant.
Stauch called the pilot over and explained the circumstances and the necessity to make haste in returning Mr. Jeffy to the Escort. Mr. Proteau and Corporal Orwig carried the again unconscious engineering
officer aboard the small vessel.
"Stay with him, Orwig", Proteau instructed the young security troop, "and try to keep him alive until you get him back on board."
"Aye-aye, sir.", the corporal responded, a determined set to his jaw.
Proteau turned to exit, nearly colliding with Krash as he vaulted up the ramp of the ship. The pilot rendered a hasty, unrefined salute as he passed by the security officer.
"Take good care of your cargo, Lieutenant.", Proteau said as they passed.
Krash stopped mid stride. "What cargo?"
Proteau turned, cocking a curious eyebrow. "Mr. Jeffy", he said pointedly, "your passenger."
"Oh, yeah", Krash replied, stopping to lean on the hatchway casually, "I thought you meant..."
"GET MOVING, LIEUTENANT!!"
Krash caught the security officer's subtle hint and stepped into the vessel, slapping the panel just inside to secure the hatch. He hopped into the pilot's seat with practiced ease and revved the engines.
The ship rocketed forward as he activated the grav-boosters, skimming the vast brushy landscape, trailing a thick wake of arid soil. Krash made a cursory check of his instrumentation as he eased his hand
back on the throttle. "Hang on boys.", he called back to where Orwig sat plastered to his seat, "This could get a little weird."
