Rocketship Patrol Read Online Free PDF

putting his paws up and letting out a coy laugh.
    “Are you okay, ma’am?” Loy asked.
    “Ma’am?” Cortez twisted around to glanced behind her. “Oh, you mean me.”
    “Yes, Ma’am.” Loy took a medical wand from her bag and pointed the whirring, glowing end at Cortez. Cortez’s vital statistics scrolled on the wand’s CRT display. “You seem to be in good shape medically, but just a few standard questions. Have you sustained a head injury? Are you feeling dizzy or in any way nauseated? Do you have reason to believe you are bleeding internally? Would you describe your hydration levels as saturated, adequate, or wanting? Are you aware that you are in possession of a prohibited weapon–”
    Dabbing at his sweat-drenched forehead with a handkerchief, Hackenthrush nudged Loy aside and smiled at Cortez. “What the rookie is trying to say is welcome to our humble little ship.” He extended a hand. “Lieutenant Detective Archibald Q. Hackenthrush, at your service.”
    “Hi!” Rikki waved over Hackenthrush’s shoulder. “I’m Rikki.”
    “I’m sure you are,” Cortez said.
    Hackenthrush elbowed Rikki back. “Never mind him, he’s an alien, Miss...?”
    “Gladys,” Cortez said, taking Hackenthrush’s offered hand. “Gladys Swartzbaum.”
    “Absolutely charming.” Hackenthrush gave her hand a squeeze. “Well, Miss Swartzbaum, my cabin’s this way.”
    “Shenanigans!” Rikki proclaimed.
    “Lieutenant!” Loy balked.
    “What? It’s the only cabin with a working shower,” Hackenthrush said. “Miss Swartzbaum is probably wanting to freshen up after her ordeal. It is Miss , yes?”
    Cortez pulled her hand away from Hackenthrush’s sweaty, tight grip. “As far as we need concern ourselves. About that shower... any chance it comes with a ham and cheese sandwich?”
    “I think we can do better than that. Right this way.” Hackenthrush gestured up the corridor and they began walking, side-by-side. “So, to what tragic circumstance do we owe the pleasure of your company, Miss Swartzbaum?”
    “Was it pirates?” Loy asked, walking after them.
    “Sexy pirates?” Rikki asked, pushing Loy out of the way so he could walk shoulder to shoulder with Cortez opposite Hackenthrush.
    Cortez grinned and shook her head. “No… not pirates.”
    “It never is, is it?” Rikki said, kicking the corridor floor with disappointment.
    “No, just a boring old reactor malfunction” Cortez said as they reached the main access ladder. Hackenthrush gestured for her to go first and she began the climb up two deck levels. “There I was, heading back to finishing school for the spring semester, paying too much attention to my books, as usual, and I go and be all clumsy.” Cortez glanced down to catch Hackenthrush, climbing after her, staring up transfixed at her behind, his tongue practically lolling out of his mouth. She sped up. “I hit the wrong button. You know how it is: New ship and I was in a rush. Still am, actually, so, if you can drop me off at the nearest spaceport so I can be on my way, I’d be eternally grateful, Archie.” She smiled down at Hackenthrush as she swung off the ladder. “I can call you Archie, can’t I?”
    “I wouldn’t have it any other way. And of course, we’ll drop you off. It’d be my pleasure.” Hackenthrush swung off the ladder and snapped his fingers at the ceiling. “8724, chart us a course for the Drantini Outer Waystation–”
    “Excuse me, sir,” Loy interrupted, coming up behind him, “but shouldn’t we check out the accident site first?”
    “Seen one accident site, seen ’em all, rookie. Really, they’re not all that interesting to look at.” Hackenthrush pointed down the corridor. “My cabin’s just down this way, Miss Swartzbaum. After you.”
    “I meant, there will be debris” Loy said, following them. “It’s a navigation hazard. We have to set up warning beacons.”
    “We do?” Hackenthrush asked as they reached the oval hatch to his cabin and