Of Hearts And Stars (Classic Editon) (The Cadet Starship Chronicles) Read Online Free PDF

you talking about, nerd? Anyway, I told you to call me Butch, and Dolly knows what I want.”
    Butch walked around to Ollie's side of the table and asked “Don't you? Now say it.”
    When Ollie didn't respond Butch sighed impatiently and said in a soft voice that was not at all gentle like the Snuggles bear “Say it now Dolly, or I'll get mad.”
    Ollie locked his eyes on Swift and said “No.”

    - 13 -
    Butch's eyes flickered from Ollie to Swift and back again. He took a deep breath and screamed at Ollie as he smacked a model ship from the table and into the wall. Swift hopped up and went to gather the pieces of the now shattered ship. He cursed under his breath as he picked up each piece “This was my AP carry...” he muttered and asked “What. The. Heck? What is wrong with you?”
    With Swift's back turned Butch signaled for Frankie to grab him. Ollie tried to warn him, but Butch put his hand over his mouth.
    Oblivious, Swift carried on “Do you know how long it takes to build one of these? No. I bet you don't have any hobbies. Do you even lift?” he asked.
    Frankie crept closer and closer. Just as he was about to pounce, Swift's fist shot out and struck him in the junk. Frankie squeaked and fell to the floor in a crumpled heap. Swift stood up and turned to see that Butch had pinned Ollie face down to the table and was holding a pocket knife against the back of his hand. Swift let the pieces fall back to the floor and balled his fists.
    Frankie, who was still squirming on the floor, whimpered “Butch...help me...”
    “ Shut up Frankie, you suck!” Butch shouted at him.
    Swift made a move towards Butch, but Butch wasn't having it.
    “ One more step and I'll mangle him!”
    “ You'll mangle- You can't be serious.” Swift said with a dour look on his face, the lightheartedness from just a few moments ago having vanished.
    “ Does this look like a big joke funny guy?” retorted Butch.
    “ No, but you sure sound funny, clown-shoes. Are we really mangling people with knives in 20XX? Is that what's cool now?”
    “ Real smart. Insult the guy with the knife.” Butch said.
    Swift shrugged and said “This isn't a hostage situation because the threat of mangling Ollie offers you no protection. It only means the difference between me kicking your ass and me breaking you fingers one by one.”
    “ Come at me bro!” Butch shouted.
    “ There's nothing but space and opportunity between us. Drop the knife and we can see what's up. That is if you truly wish to walk the path of destruction.” Swift said and tightened his fists, every knuckle cracking “I can take you there with the quickness.”
    “ Hmph!” Butch grunted triumphantly when Marcus and George grabbed hold of Swift. He lifted Ollie from the table and threw him down to the floor. This was exactly what Swift was waiting for. Once Ollie was clear of Butch, Swift wrenched his left arm free and shouted “It's clobbering time!”
    Marcus, who had been holding his left arm, quickly became the target with a series of quick jabs alternating from his face to his chest. As he backed up, Swift moved forward, dragging George on his other arm with him. He turned to George and began to punch him in the head. After a few heavy hits and George let go and fell on the floor holding his head.
    Swift rubbed one hand with the other and said “Jeez. You two follow this moron like sheep and look where it has gotten you. All beaten up on the floor feeling like crap.” He then pointed to the mess of snot and tears that was Frankie “Look at Frankie! Just look at his face!” he cried.
    “ Help me...” Frankie whimpered again.
    “ Ah... Frankie, you've got to breathe man. Try taking deep breaths with your stomach and relaxing completely. Tensing up only makes it hurt more.” Swift said.
    Frankie took Swift's advice and began to feel better “Thanks.” he whispered.
    Butch was furious. This zombie jerk had made him look like a fool! He crept forward, knife in hand,