One hopelessly boring day on the Condor, Stork, at his usual place at the helm, allowed his mind to wander. He began to daydream about joining the others in combat, not really sure he knew how or why he should be with them. The others thought he stayed on the Condor because he was overprotective of it, but in reality, it was because he felt too weak to help them in battle. So, as his imagination ran wild, the ship drifted closer and closer to a collision with a passing air truck. The honking of the air truck's horn brought him back to reality. The drops of sweat on his face as he steered clear of the truck dripped softly onto the deck. He sighed in relief and returned to his daydream. As he did, another sound brought him back again; this time, it was the bridge doors opening.

"Stork, what happened? We hit some turbulence?" Aerrow asked as he stepped closer, eyeing the pilot's empty gaze.

"No... nearly hit an air truck... nothing to worry about..." He said nervously, not wanting to admit he'd been distracted.

"Ya know, Stork, we've been having a few too many close calls lately... any ideas about how we can change that?" The redhead stepped a bit closer, and Stork backed up just as much.

"I-I hadn't really noticed... maybe it's your imagination..." He said defensively. Aerrow's eyebrow shot up.

"You mean, you're not convinced it's some ridiculous plot against us by someone trying to ensure that our demise is long and painful?" The Sky Knight's smirk made the Merb cringe a little; he knew he'd been had. He groaned softly, not really wanting to talk about it. Knowing Aerrow, however, he knew he wouldn't just let it go.

"Oh, it's nothing, really... I just wish I could do more in battle, that's all..." The pilot sighed softly, wishing he could fight the way Aerrow or Piper could. The redhead walked up and squeezed his shoulder.

"Stork, if you felt that way, why didn't you say something? I'm sure Piper and I can whip you into fighting form in no time..." As the others joined them, and saw the leader and pilot engaged in what seemed to be a private conversation, Piper's eyebrow shot up.

"Everything okay, guys?" Her voice was full of concern. Aerrow nodded softly.

"Stork's convinced he's no good in a fight... how about giving us a demonstration of your technique?" They all nodded. Stork's eye twitched nervously.

"I-I don't know... I've never actually fought anyone with my hands..." The Merb was clearly feeling self-conscious, so Piper spoke up before he started to lose it.

"It's okay, Stork... don't be nervous... here, why don't we start off with just Aerrow and I watching? Would that help?" Aerrow nodded softly in agreement.

"Hey, how come the rest of us can't watch? I bet he'll kick both your butts..." Finn whined. Junko merely shrugged.

"Well, I wouldn't want to make anybody mad... c'mon, Finn... let's get something started for lunch... I skipped breakfast..." They both walked off the bridge, leaving only Radarr to vacate. The loyal little creature jumped up on Aerrow's shoulder and whimpered sadly.

"It's okay, Radarr... I don't think Stork will be too upset if you stay and watch..."

"Actually, Aerrow, when I said just you and I, that's what I meant..." Piper said matter-of-factly.

"Oh... sorry, Radarr... maybe you can help Junko get that lunch ready... you do know what I like to eat..." The fuzzball nodded vigorously, chirped his agreement, and leapt off onto the floor, the door closing softly behind him.

"I-I still don't think I can do this, Piper..." Stork started to head back to the helm. Aerrow came up behind him.

"Stork, neither of us are gonna laugh at you... we just wanna help..."

"Yeah... we all had to start somewhere..." Piper said helpfully. The Merb simply shook his head.

"But I don't know any combat moves!" He started to hyperventilate. Both Aerrow and Piper ran over and calmed him down.

"It's okay, Stork... really... we'll be more than happy to teach you..." Piper softly rubbed his back, and Aerrow nodded his agreement.

"Don't worry, buddy... we'll start off slow for you, and let you get used to it before we teach you anything hardcore..." Aerrow couldn't have imagined how hard teaching a Merb to fight could be...