Tales Of The Rocket Patrol 3

Chapter 3

     The old man and his rookie were getting close to the end of their day when Commander Anders strolled over to their ship as they were cleaning it up, as per travel protocol. Rogers was actually helping the rookie with clean up because he was eager to get out of the building and join Starr for drinks and get the real story from her about all the chaos that was going on that day. From the look Anders had on his face, that day was about to get a lot longer.

     "Sir," Rogers said as he stopped cleaning, "You need something?"

     "We had a situation on New India," Anders replied.

     "There's always a situation on New India." O'Brien retorted, "What is so special about this one?"

     "We need to transfer three prisoners here to avoid unrest in the capital." Anders continued, "I need you two to get out there and retrieve them."

     Rogers took a few steps closer to the Commander, "You know we just got back from doing a transport, we've been out there for days."

     "You'll be cleared for overtime," Anders countered, "You'll both make double time for your efforts. I can't spare anyone else here today."

     Rogers usually loved to yank Anders' chain but after all the hoopla that Starr was experiencing today, he believed the commander. He wouldn't ask for something like this nor offer overtime unless he had no choice. If there really was going to be unrest in the capital of New India, the last thing Rogers wanted was riots and people hurt over someone political being in the slammer.

     "You good for some overtime, rookie?" he asked O'Brien.

     "Always," the young woman replied, as she stopped cleaning as well. No point continuing if you were just going to head back out and mess it up again.

     "Thank you," Anders said, actually looking relieved.

     "I suppose you want them back asap?" Rogers inquired, "No stops on the return trip?"

     "No stops either way unless it's an emergency," Anders confirmed, "Good luck out there."

     "Aye, Sir." Rogers said, giving a more respectful salute. As he walked back to the ship, O'Brien was already prepping it for launch. She was quick to catch onto things, which gave the old man hope she could be just as good as Amanda when she was ready, maybe even better. As if Amanda knew he was thinking of her, she sent him a message to him.

     STAR: Meet me at the pub, first round is on me.

     Rogers didn't like to cancel plans, but double time was double time. He knew that if anyone would understand, it would be Amanda. She loved doing overtime whenever they were offered it so he didn't expect any blow back when he sent her a response. 

     ROGERS: No can do, sport. We've been given a last minute assignment. Rain check?

     He paused for a moment, and seconds later Starr send her response:

     STAR: Not a problem. We'll catch up another time. Watch your six.

     Rogers turned off his communicator and the boarded the ship and watched while O'Brien got the ship ready to fly in what seemed like record time for her. He sat there and watched with an impressed look on his face but was unsure why she was in such a hurry.

     "I just got a message from Starr," Rogers said to her, "She'll take a rain check on those drinks and meet us when we get back."

     "That's nice," O'Brien said, not stopping while she chatted, "I just want to get away from this place and away from that pretentious prick."