Siddons and Broski had been working on the door for ten minutes and were "just about there", as Siddons had put it several times. Broski had his shoulder to the door to hold it closed in the event that Siddons
activated the release mechanism which would open the door and, perhaps blow them all to space dust. Therefore, he was the only one to hear the shot fired inside the engineering compartment.
"What the hell", he asked of no one in particular.
Reed stepped forward, noting the corporal's alarmed expression.
"What is it, Broski?"
"I heard a shot."
Reed looked urgently at Siddons. "We have to get in there."
"...just about there..." the demolitions officer muttered.
Broski looked at the commander, who looked at Siddons, who muttered some more.
"Ah, hell with it", he said, pushing Siddons aside.
He grabbed his splazer from its holster and aimed at the controls. "Clear", he yelled, sending security troops running for cover. Glancing over his shoulder, he noted that only three others remained. Reed,
Stauch, and Siddons, though the latter was huddled up in a ball on the floor.
Broski smiled. "Here goes nothin'."
He pulled the trigger, unleashing a plasma charge into the door's electrical system. Cringing from the expected backlash, Broski realized belatedly that the door had slid open, and that he hadn't been "blown
up".
He took two steps into the room, hit the deck, and rolled to the right, coming up to the ready position. He noted with some satisfaction that Stauch was in an identical position across from him.
He turned his attention to the engineering compartment where Mr. Proteau was having a heated discussion with what seemed to be the ceiling. Another Proteau lay in a puddle of blood, his head mostly removed from
his torso. It was all very confusing. Proteau seemed to notice their arrival, and halted his strange conversation. He walked toward them, obviously agitated, casting furtive glances toward the ceiling. He came
to a halt directly in front of the commander.
"Sir" he began, regaining some of his usual composure, "I would suggest that you have Mr. Jeffy check the RF Drive coordinates. Our saboteur was planning on taking us deep into Wyzenhymer territory in
an effort to..."
"Reed to Mr. Jeffy", the commander said into his com-link, cutting off Proteau's narrative.
After a few seconds delay, Jeffy responded. "Jeffy here, pal."
Reed swallowed a piqued retort. "Report to engineering immediately."
"Gee whiz", Jeffy complained, "do I have to?"
"Affirmative, Mr. Jeffy", Reed replied sharply, "and I do mean immediately."
"Alright", Jeffy replied indignantly.
"Sorry, Sugar-Pumpkin", Jeffy said turning to Nurse Yahbo, "I have to go to stupid engineering."
Nurse Yahbo turned to her dejected man. "That's alright, Love-Chops."
Jeffy stomped his foot. "But it ruins our special dinner."
"We can always reheat the Spaghetti O's", Nurse Yahbo offered, "and I'll keep the Fresca on ice."
"Gosh, you're swell", Jeffy exclaimed, breaking out of his dark mood and heading for the door. "Don't you go anywhere, Sweetie-Dumplin'."
