EPISODE LXXII - TWO TURTLE DOVES, AND A CANTEEN CUP IN A TREE
After an extended cleansing shower, Broski went directly to the gym and began a relentless workout. Canteen cup propped atop a nearby stool, the commando corporal was just finishing
a set of chest presses on the modified hypo-grav, massomatic. He sat up, bathed in sweat and mulled over the days events. He slammed himself back down on the bench and hoisted the weights again and
again, pushing himself recklessly close to the point of exhaustion. Again he sat up and regarded his somewhat grotesque beverage container dubiously.
"What the hell are you looking at?", he screamed at the cup. He vaulted off of the bench, grabbed it, and flung it up against the opposite wall.
The other two occupants of the room made a hasty retreat to the locker room, in hopes of escaping the enraged commando's destruction. Broski calmed himself, then went to where his canteen cup lay motionless
in the corner. He cradled it gently in his hands, pushing a dent out of the side.
"I'm sorry.", he said, "I lost my temper." He caressed the cup lovingly.
Someone entered the room and Broski cradled the cup protectively against his chest. He turned to regard the person that had trespassed on his tender moment.
"What's going on, brother?", Schrader said comradely.
Broski uttered a low growl, that didn't seem to register to the Lieutenant.
"I'm glad I found you.", Schrader said walking over, "I wanted to thank you."
"For what", Broski asked coldly.
"Well, for saving our bacon back on Smedley-9", the pilot said matter of factly.
"Just doing my job", Broski informed him casually.
Schrader shook his head. "Nah man, you went over and above.", He laughed softly. "When I went down, I thought I was a goner."
Broski shrugged, uncomfortable with the pilot's praise. "It's no big deal, Lieutenant."
"The hell it ain't", Schrader said with authority. "I reckon the Commander'll put you in for a medal. And if he don't, I will."
"That's not necessary, sir", Broski retorted, trying to sound casual.
"But that ain't the only reason I was lookin' for ya' ", Schrader continued, "I also wanted to give you this." He reached into his gym bag an pulled out a package, offering it to the corporal.
Broski accepted it reluctantly.
"Merry Christmas, Corporal", the pilot said grinning.
Broski carefully removed the bow, set it aside, then attacked the package like a rabid dog. Once all the wrapping was removed, he opened the box and reached inside. He pulled out the item within and
held it up to the light. It was a stainless steel canteen cup.
Schrader placed the bag back on his shoulder. "When I heard about your sacrifice, I thought ya'll might need a new one."
Broski was without words.
"I know it don't replace the old one", Schrader stated meaningfully, "but maybe it'll help fill the gap."
The Lieutenant gave Broski a thumbs up, then left the room. Broski studied the new cup with a great deal of scrutiny. "I guess it'll do", he admitted, something changing deep within him.
He sat for a long time staring at the container, lost in old memories. Perhaps his wounds hadn't been healed by the Lieutenant's kind gesture, but at least they had been bound.
