. The Air Department had placed it, slumped over as it was on one wing, out of the way on the starboard shelf. Still wearing his float-coat, Weed dropped his cranial on his chair and began to rummage through a drawer.
“Hey, man.”
“Hey,” Wilson replied. “What’s the verdict?”
“Class Alpha mishap, no question. Right motor is toast, right wingtip launcher all but torn off, leading and trailing edge flaps worn down, right wingfold mechanism AFU. Of course, the right main is shot and the nose gear probably stressed, and foam covers the aircraft, including everything inside the cockpit. Nothing a year in the depot can’t fix. And Station 8 is ground down with big divots in the deck. You seen Sponge?”
“Yeah, about 30 minutes ago in sick bay. A different Sponge—pissed like I’ve never seen him. They took him down there and made him remain on his back while they cut away his gear and flight suit. They then pronounced him fit to pee in the bottle and said they are going to keep him overnight.”
“Does he get a shot of medicinal brandy?” Weed said, as he continued digging through the drawer.
“Not sure if Doc goes for that.”
“You mean he’s a gin guy?” Weed found the package of AA batteries. “Well, the boys in the Ranch will hook him up before long.”
“Yeah,” Wilson mumbled, his stare steady on the locker as his thoughts returned to his role as Operations Officer. “All of Sponge’s gear is gone. Do the PRs have enough to outfit him?”
Weed placed the fresh batteries inside his utility flashlight. “I’m sure, between us and brand X, we can throw something together.”
“I want to fly him within 48 hours. Thinking tomorrow we can get the MIR and human factors investigations well underway.”
“Who’s gonna do the human factors board for the XO?”
Wilson shot a glance at Weed, then looked back to the locker.
“You okay, OPSO?”
“Yeah, just need to sulk for another 20 minutes.”
Weed looked at his exhausted and humiliated roommate. He knew what had happened in CATCC and knew Wilson knew that he knew. There were few secrets in the air wing, and a scene like what happened in CATCC tonight flew through the ship. He asked the question anyway to get Wilson to unload. “What happened?”
Wilson pursed his lips and said nothing.
“Just tell me, for crying out loud.”
Wilson opened his mouth but couldn’t vocalize anything. How does an experienced aviator like him, a prideful man like him talk about the disgrace, the shame of being relieved of CATCC watch? Finally, he was able to get it out.
