EPISODE XCII - THE ROOTINIST, SHOOTINIST, HIGHFALOOTINIST, HOMBRE THIS SIDE OF THE PECOS
Mr. Jeffy's legs pumped furiously, and the necessity to keep his arms immobile began to cause him a great deal of discomfort. Though he generally found his Riverdance Aerobic workout
soothing, his mind was now filled with concern for the USS Escort's current dilemma. He forced himself to continue, but soon became distracted again and quit, throwing himself into a nearby chair to catch
his breath.
"What's the matter, Huggy-Kitten", Nurse Yahbo asked, looking up from her book.
"I'm just worried about the guys down on Earth, Honey-Pumpkin."
She set her book down and walked over, perching on the arm of his chair. "They'll be fine, Sweeti-Kins", she assured him.
"I know", Jeffy admitted, "but I just wish I was down there with them. I think they might need me to find the Mercurion deposit."
"But you're needed here, Sugar-Bumpkins", she said soothingly. "If you were hurt down there, who would be able to prepare the fuel source?"
Mr. Jeffy nodded resignedly. "You're right, Honey-Pumpkin, but..."
"You've already used that one, Lovey-Smoochy", she interrupted.
"Which one?"
"Honey-Pumkin", she replied.
"See", Jeffy muttered glumly, "I'm so worried I can't even concentrate on our pet names....uh...Happy-Sleepy", he added distractedly.
"Oh, so now I'm a dwarf", Nurse Yahbo inquired venomously.
"Oh no, I didn't mean...", Jeffy slouched down morosely. "Oh, never mind."
Soothed by the engineering officer's frustration, Nurse Yahbo laid her head on his shoulder and smiled invitingly. "I think I know what you need", she suggested, uh...suggestively.
Though lost in his own thoughts, Jeffy could not miss her tone. A child-like smile crept across his face. "I'll bet you do", he remarked, returning her gaze.
Jeffy's com-link bleeped loudly. "Bridge to Engineering."
"Chriminitly", Jeffy shouted with frustration. He keyed his communicator. "Go for engineering."
"Mr. Jeffy", Schultz said blandly, "You are needed on the bridge. It seems there's been some trouble on the planet's surface."
"Roger, Bridge", Jeffy replied, "I'm on my way."
He broke off communications, and sat for a moment staring at his beloved. "I'm sorry Smoochy-Sweetie-Bear", he said miserably, noting the open Yahtzee box on Nurse Yahbo's lap. "Maybe
we can play when I get back."
"That's alright, Sugar-Love-Pookie. I understand", she said, though her eyes couldn't hide the disappointment.
