Williams sat on a bench going through a checklist of tasks that needed to be done. Across the room from him, Waffle, Rick, and Steve were recounting their adventure to the other members of the squad.

The doors burst open. A familiar gladiator hobbled in on crutches, sporting a leg brace. He muttered something under his breath about a scooter being left behind. 

“Colonel! You’re back!” Williams exclaimed.

He was so happy to see the commander that he nearly forgot to stand at attention and salute before addressing him. “Shouldn’t you be resting?”

“At ease Captain. I’ve been cleared to return,” answered the Colonel.

He reached to rub his temples, momentarily forgetting that he still had his helmet on. The Colonel sighed and sat down on the bench to rest his leg. “Besides, who knows what kind of trouble those bumbleheads will get into when I’m not around.”

“If I may sir,” said Williams. “Those bumbleheads went above and beyond to get us all out of that canyon.”

Colonel watched as Waffled climbed up on top of the table for dramatic effect. He pantomimed driving a scooter, side-eyeing Rick and Steve who gave a mixture of apologetic gestures.

“You mean after they nearly got me blown up,” he said.

“Er yes, but they really did show that great potential they have in them,” said Williams.

The Colonel crossed his arms thoughtfully, listening to the soldiers tell their tale.

“I hope that you did as well, Captain.”

There was a sudden loud crack. The table broke and collapsed under Waffle’s weight. Steve tried catching him, accidentally knocking over Rick. Rick grabbed a soldier next to him as he fell, setting off a domino effect that ended with the entire squad toppling over into a massive heap on the floor.

The Colonel sighed once again, shaking his head.

“Looks like we have our work cut out for us,” he said.

“That we do sir. That we do,” agreed Williams.