>>5127079Sensing that the conversation could use a change of topic, you opt to ask Stripes about his new pals–how are the soldiers and the pirates getting along?
“Feels like school all over again, sis,” He replies as an amused look forms on his face. “Y’know, with all the different crowds and stuff? It’s a <span class="mu-i">riot!</span>” Pushing off of the truck, the skeleton rapidly shifts between soldier and pirate impressions–marching one second, drunkenly stumbling the next! “Some of da’ soldier boys are <span class="mu-i">real</span> uptight, dig? We’re talkin’ poles so far up their asses they might as well be lollipops! But then you’ve got the ones who party more than <span class="mu-i">WE</span> do!”
Huh, you respond, grinning at the picture forming in your head, must be an old guy thing, huh?
“Dat’s the best part!” Stripes laughs, “They <span class="mu-i">ALL</span> got it–Minutemen, Civil War, G.I’s from Korea an’ some war startin’ wit’ a ‘<span class="mu-i">V</span>’... Some of ‘em are even crazier than the pirates–get dis’: we’ve got a guy from the <span class="mu-i">OLD</span> days, dig? An’ I mean <span class="mu-s">OLD!</span> Guy was a rifleman in da’ <span class="mu-i">Constitutional Army</span> or somethin’--one second he’s flappin’ his gums about Redcoats or some crap, but the next he’s teachin’ us all how ta’ brew hooch outta’ crap we found in da’ woods! Kooky guy, sis.”
Sounds like they’re getting along, then, you remark, earning a nod from the skeleton.
“You bet we are–learnin’ all kinds of stuff too: I was workin’ in da’ shop the other day an’ some pilot was teachin’ me an’ a few buccaneers how ta’ put a <span class="mu-i">helicopter</span> together! Can you believe it?! <span class="mu-g">STRIPES THE AVIATOR!</span>”
Catching yourself drooling at the thought of owning a helicopter, you manage to wipe your spit onto your sleeve before it gets <span class="mu-i">grody</span>! Does that mean you’ll be getting <span class="mu-b">AERIAL SUPPORT</span> in the <span class="mu-b">FINAL BATTLE?</span>
“Da’ sky’s da’ limit!” Stripes chuckles, pointing his finger skyward! “Until I crash it into a tree, that is. But before that, sure!”
Gazing into the sky for a few more moments, the greaser turns to face you again with a shocked look on his face! “Dang, I nearly forgot–those two Frenchies you saved say ‘<span class="mu-i">bonjour</span>’ or whatever! When they ain’t tryin’ ta <span class="mu-i">kill</span> each other, that is…”
Andre and The Marquis, you mutter under your breath, you can almost hear the shouting…
“Dat’ ain’t even the worst of it!” Stripes groans! “They’re just… they’re <span class="mu-i">always</span> swordfightin’... <span class="mu-s">ALWAYS.</span> It was kinda hip at first, but now?” The greaser shivers. “The clangin’ metal… it HAUNTS me…”
>CONTD. 