They notice that their hangers are located on the main level. Woody stops the E.B at a small door that says G2300 and parks. Woodman pulls in beside him and parks. As the boys stand in front of the door, Woody turns to Woodman, “Here we are bud … Our future lies just beyond this door.” “Just open the door man!...”, Woodman interrupts. “I want to check out our hanger and Mechs.” As the door opens, both boys’ jaws drop open. “HOLY SWEET JESUS!!! … this is AWESOME dude! Roadrunner my girl … How are you!?”, Woodman exclaims. He runs to his Mech and hugs it. Woody says, “A Hoplite?!? … They got me a Hoplite?” The disappointment was even apparent to Woodman. “Hey bud … sweet ride!’, Woodman says. “Woodman! … it’s OLD.” Woody replies. “Hey, Roadrunner was old when I got her. It just needs a little bit of ‘The Woody’s Touch’. Old is better … doesn’t need to be broken in, and it’s so much easier to modify.” Woodman moves over to Woody and places an arm over his shoulder. “Don’t worry bud, we’ll have her looking like new soon enough.
I’m happy with Roadrunner – all she needs is some basic maintenance. So, let’s both focus on getting your Mech up to standards.” Woodman says. “Seriously? … You’ll help me?” Woody says. “You bet bud, we’r e a team,” Woodman responds. “Thanks man.” Woody says. Woodman starts to look around. “Man, we have enough room in here for four Mechs … SWEET!” Woody yells, “HA! I found the wall computer.” Woody swipes his card, and the screen light up and displays his balance. His face drops. “I have enough to enter maybe one tournament, but not enough to fix up my Mech.” Woodman takes his turn and swipes his card. His face lights up and he begins to dance. “What are you DOING?”, Woody laughs. “My money dance!”, Woodman shouts. “I have enough to buy a new Mech and then some. We have no worries bud.” “Wow Woodman! Are you serious?” Woody says. “Of course bud … Let’s get to work on your Mech.”, Woodman replies. Woodman stands at the screen and starts tapping and flicking through it. He turns to Woody, “Done.” “What did you do?” Woody asks. “Ordered the parts we’re going to need,” Woodman answers. “By the time the parts arrive, we’ll have her stripped down. Let’s get to work.” The boys both begin to strip the Mech down. Woody is amazed how quickly Woodman works. He seems like a whole different person when he’s working on a Mech… So serious and no fooling around. He’s very professional. Woody is impressed. Woody looks at his watch – It’s noon already.
He approaches the computer panel and orders some food. Half an hour later, they’re mowing down on some burgers and fries. “Thanks man, that really hit the spot!”, Woodman says. “No problem bud,” Woody responds. “Boy, this old girl has seen a lot of action,” Woodman comments. “But when we’re done with her, she’ll be as good as new – even better.” By evening, they have all the main joints taken apart and all the old weapon mounts cleaned and disassembled. Woody yells to Woodman, “Just stepping out for a bit … I’ll bring some food back, k?” “No problem bud … see you in a bit.” Woodman replies. An hour later, Woody returns with two trolleys full of boxes and some takeout.
“Hey smells good!”, Woodman observes. “Wow … that’s a lot of food dude.” as he chuckles. “No … got some stuff to fix up one of the offices into a sleeping area. We can share one office. Hope you don’t mind.” Woody says. “Great idea! We’ll probably be spending a lot of time here,” Woodman laughs. After polishing off their food, they get to work on the second floor balcony offices. “They’re all done,” Woody says as he looks at the two rooms. In the office, there are two desks facing each other on either side of the room. At the end of the room opposite to the door, there are two large eraser boards. In the middle of the room are two couches. Through a door in the back there is a small bathroom. In the other room, there are two beds and a night stand on either side of the room with each a portable closet. At the back of the room, there is a door to the bathroom. “Boy! … This is the best day EVER!”, Woodman exclaims. Woody nods his head, “Yep. Well it’s getting late … we’d better call it quits for today – don’t want to be late on our first day on the job.” Woodman replies, “Let’s crash here tonight buddy.” Woody responds sleepily, “Agreed.” The boys are exhausted and have no issues falling asleep.
Submitted by Woodman 1201# 832644