(no subject)

51.

The battle was short and as sweet as things like that can be.

A hovering ship came and, after checking on the health of all, took Jeremy back to the base for treatment.

Then Rugglestump flew into the chamber of the tower. There was a regal welcome waiting for them. With banners and cheering people.

If he were not so bone weary and shattered by what had happened Mickey would have been impressed with himself for being the center of all this.

As the dragon let them off on a ramp Mickey reached out to thank the giant, and as he petted him heard the most amazing thing. It was a bubbling sound that might have been equivalent to purring. The thing also gave him a heart melting smile.

After the dragon had moved into his chambers below the hanger floor closed and the crowd came to greet the heroes of them moment. There was much hand shaking and laughing.

Then the crowd opened like the Red Sea, and Colonel Stonedragon entered. He looked around and held up his hands.

“All of our company would like to commend our comrades on their heroism and supreme achievement. But, I think I know what they would like most.”

Mickey was thinking of a B.P.B.J & F. but decided not to say anything.

“We will let them go, but I would like to personally thank Mastadon for the completion of his mission. Along with
Emo and . . .”

Someone leaned in to him and whispered into his ear, and. With just a bit of embarrassment, he said, “The Spitter.”

Mickey lead the applause.

“And for you,” The Colonel said to the boy, “You will receive a temporary designation.”

His superhero name?

“For the present, and until you think of something ‘cooler’ we will call you 'Cadet N,' for Enabler.”

A man with green hair handed Mickey a box. When he opened it he found a Jersey emblazoned with the words “Cadet N” in bright red letters on a blue background.

He rapidly ripped off his shirt and put on his jersey.

The crowd went wild.

“But, what you really want most,” The Colonel said, and extended his hand to his side.

Mickey’s parents came running out and gathered the boy up. He was excited and happy and couldn’t decide which was more. He showed them his jersey and told his mother he was fine and tried to explain to his father about “Desperado,” and they all nearly collapsed in wonderful relief.

Then the Colonel pointed overhead and showed a monitor that had appeared out of nowhere. On the screen were two hospital beds. In one of the beds was David and in the other was Jeremy. Both seemed fine and laughed and waved at the camera.

“Let’s let them have some time alone,” The Colonel announced as he gathered the crowd within his presence.

“We have an apartment for all of you,” He told the McCauley’s, “And after you are all settled in it will be time.”

“Time?” Mickey said.

“You still have to go through orientation,” The Colonel said.

 

 

 

THE END

(c) 2005 by C. Wayne Owens