"Well, I would certainly hope you can explain!", Broski exclaimed, sounding a little wounded. VanTedly, his mind screamed, is there no order to the universe?!?
Proteau cleared his throat casually, stepping up beside the corporal. "Ensign", he began mildly, "I'm sure you know how this looks to us. We simply wish to hear your explanation."
"Well...uh, good then", VanTedly stammered, "because I have a really good one."
"And what is that?", the security officer prompted.
"I had something in my eye...and she was just helping me get it out."
"By ramming her tongue down your throat?!?", Broski asked incredulously.
Proteau turned to regard the the commando. "You seem to be taking this rather badly, Corporal", he observed.
"Well, it's a security breach, sir", Broski managed, trying to get control of his emotions. "Imagine what would have happened if VanTedly had gotten her onto the bridge."
"Ease hay ought gay a oint pay", Eve-Stay interjected. "Airs they owe nay elling tay ut way ite may ave hay appened hay."
"Precisely", Broski agreed, not quite understanding the statement, but almost certain it was in his defense. He was still agitated and couldn't understand why. The only other time he'd felt this
type of heart wrenching grief was when he'd sacrificed his canteen cup in an earlier episode.
"Perhaps we should let the Commander decide this matter", Proteau suggested passively.
"What!", Broski almost screamed. "You're not even going to lock them up?!?"
"No Corporal, I'm not", the security officer informed him, "but unless you get your emotions under control, I'll be forced to restrict you to your quarters."
"Oh, that's just perfect", Broski said, continuing his tirade. "You sure you don't want to court martial me?!?"
Proteau frowned. "That's it, Corporal", he advised sternly, "report to your quarters until further notice."
"Whatever", Broski replied, clearly exasperated by the entire ordeal. "Anyway, I quit!" He strode angrily past the couple en route to enlisted men's quarters, purposely bumping shoulders
with the bewildered VanTedly. "I shoulda joined the Coast Guard", he muttered, slamming his fist against the steel wall as he disappeared around the corner.
