EPISODE LXVIII - HEY, DO THE HUMPTY HUMP, DUE THE HUMPTY HUMP
Krash touched down on the docking bay amongst numerous recently returned fighters. Several of Ghostrider's Snogs remained in space, patrolling the area under the direction of Lt.
Mercier. Broski was the first out of the hatch, the uncomfortable incident with Stauch gnawing at his mind. He strode moodily through the docking bay, neither acknowledging greetings, or saluting his
superiors, and passed into the main bulk of the ship.
"What's his deal?", Triple J asked, watching the dramatic departure of the Corporal.
Stauch shuffled his feet uncomfortably, not meeting the pilot's eyes. "He's just, uh...a little combat weary, that's all."
Triple J nodded as he assisted Krashaki in removing the still comatose Mr. Siddons from the vessel. A young medic rushed over once the demolitions officer had been placed on the deck.
"Man!", he exclaimed, "It looks like this guy's been put through the ringer. How long has he been like this?"
"Ever since I've known him.", Krash replied blandly.
Elsewhere in the hangar, Schrader was just climbing out of the cockpit of his ship.
"Nice flying, man.", came a voice from below.
"Thanks.", Schrader said smiling down at the pilot on the deck, "You the guy in the Snog?"
"Yep.", he replied, extending a hand. "Name's Jennings, but everybody calls me Ghostrider."
"Y'all saved my bacon out there.", Schrader admitted gratefully, shaking Jennings' hand. "Thanks a lot, brother."
Ghostrider tipped his ball cap. "No problem.", he replied, looking around the hangar. "I'd love to stay and chat, but I better go find my brother. Catch ya' later."
Schrader watched the other pilot depart before he turned to check the status of the rest of his squad. Triple J saw his brother approaching and sighed with relief beneath his helmet. He moved toward
his sibling, arms spread to receive a comradely hug, but received, instead, a jarring, open handed slap to the side of his helmet.
"Idiot!", Ghostrider exclaimed, "You could have been killed!"
"Gee whiz, man.", Triple J replied weakly, adjusting his helmet which had been knocked sideways, "ya' don't gotta hit me."
"You deviated from the plan, man.", Ghostrider persisted.
"I know.", Triple J muttered, looking at his feet, "I'm sorry. It won't happen again."
Ghostrider took a deep breath and exhaled, letting the wind out of his sails. "That's what you said last time. In fact, that's what you say every time."
"But this time I really mean it.", Triple J promised. Just like he had last time.
