“Nice to meet you!” Woodman replies. He reaches out and Jen places her hand in his – He pulls her a bit closer. “Likewise!” she says tightening her grip enough for him to notice. Kalli chimes in, “Ok guys, we have a lot of work to do. Jen? … you and Woodman can work on the Anzu, and Woody and I will tackle the Shocklite. Ok, we have until 5pm to finish up so let’s get moving!” They head over to their assigned Mechs and quickly get to work – the boys are serious and there isn’t much talking going on. Time is flying by. Before they know it, a loud horn sounds and Kalli yells out, “Lunch break!” As they all meet on the floor and start walking to the cafeteria, Kalli asks, “Soooo Jen… How’s it going?” “We’re almost done! …Woodman really knows his way around a Mech and he’s good with his hands.” Kalli chuckles, “Seems we got lucky.” Meanwhile, the boys are having a discussion of their own. “Dude … We have SO lucked out!” Woodman exclaims. “We have the best jobs in the world and we’re getting paid to do what we love, not to mention the perks!” “What perks?” Woody asks.
“Dude!!! ... Just the hottest chicks our own age that we just so happen to be paired up with. Helloooo???” Woodman blurts. “Guess I’m just not used to this – I’ve spent most of my time by myself.” Woody explains. “Well not anymore bud!” Woodman concludes with a sly smile. “Thanks man … guess we really DO have it good eh? … and they ARE hot aren’t they? I just never thought I’d be looking at khaki green coveralls that way but DAMN, they fill them nicely!” Woody says. “You got THAT right!”, Woodman agrees as they pick up the pace to catch up to the girls. After a non-eventful lunch, the teams return to work and by 4pm, both pairs are done. “K guys, let’s get them cleaned up.” Kalli says as she grabs a phone and calls Blade. “Yep, they’re both ready … Can we get them cleared to move them to the wash bays? Ok. Thank you sir.” She hangs up. “Ok Jen … you pilot the Anzu, and I’ll get the Shocklite. Boys, head down the hall to the cleanup bay and we’ll meet you there.”, Kalli yells over her shoulder. They see their Mechs come to life and slowly move out of the hanger. The boys go to the cleanup bay and watch as the Mechs enter a large car wash like room. There isn’t anything for them to do, so they start discussing Woody’s Mech and what modifications they’re going to make.
Woody asks , “Should we invite the girls over tonight?” “Wow … You move FAST!”, Woodman chortles. “NO NO!... that’s not what I meant!” Woody stutters. “I know bud, just teasing! You have to let loose a little man … you’re all wound up! Let me think … I know. We could take them out to dinner and then go back to work on my Mech. Sound like a plan?” Woodman asks. “Sure thing … sounds good and the parts should be in. Ok cool … that’s the plan.” From the cleaning bays the girls move the Mechs over to the holding bays. By the time the girls head back to the cleaning bay and the boys, their shift has ended. “C’mon boys … shift’s over, gotta punch out.” Kalli says. As they walk back Woody pipes up unexpectedly, “Hey… How would you ladies like to join us for dinner?” The girls look at each other. “Sure, but there’s just one problem … we live at the far end of the base. Do you boys mind if we stop at our hanger to get ready? Then we could stop at your hanger and wait for you. We could all head out do dinner together.” Woodman cuts in … “No problem, sounds good.” As they pass Blade’s office to punch out, he steps out, “Good job team! So, Kalli … How did the boys do?” “GREAT sir!” she exclaims.
“So I take it you approve of your new crew?”, he continues. “Yes sir! … they’re a great fit sir, and just what we needed.” Kalli says with a bright smile. “Good to hear,” Blade says. “Have a good night Kalli.” “You too sir.” They all pile into Kalli’s E.B and the boys quickly fasten their seat belts. Jen laughs, “Looks like you’ve driven with Speedy already. That’s Kalli’s call sign, and mine’s Hornet.” “Speedy and Hornet… cool.” Woody replies. “So what call signs do you boys have?” Jen asks. “We don’t have any.” he says. “No no no … that ‘s no good. We don’t use real names here. Woodman … you can be ‘Road Runner’ and Woody … you can be ‘Coyote’.”, she says. “I like it!” Woodman exclaims. “Ok then.” Woody murmurs and in no time at all, they arrive at the girls’ hanger.
Submitted by Woodman 1201 # 832644