Chapter 4 – Rocket Boy
A tall thin boy with bright red hair literally bounded into the courtyard. He was dressed in red leggings and tunic with green stripes running down the legs and arms. His eyes were bright and eager with excitement. Val leaned forward and eyed the exuberant youngster.
"And who might you be?" he asked calmly.
The boy bowed at the waist to each of the panel in turn. "I'm Rocket Boy," he announced proudly.
Val waited for more and then realized nothing more was forthcoming. He rose to his feet and approached the young man. "Does Rocket Boy have a real name?" he asked sarcastically.
The red head never flinched. "Of course he does," he continued in the same proud manner. "Ataturk Siple, defender of Oran." He finished with another bow.
All four Legionaires were shaking their heads and hiding grins. Val spoke up again. "So what can you do Ataturk?" he asked through his grin.
The thin red-head puffed out his chest as much as he was able. "I can destroy our enemies or blast through walls, or disable vehicles, or…"
Val held up one hand to stop the rambling young man, who had run out of breath anyway and stood panting expectantly.
"Could we possibly get a demonstration?"Val asked quietly.
Ataturk grinned and nodded emphatically. "Prepare to be amazed," he boasted. He stood very still and a look of concentration crossed his face.
Andrew leaned over to Hart and nodded toward the applicant. "If he can do what he said, he might be a real addition."
Projectra, hearing his comment, leaned in as well. "Yes, IF he can do what he says," she cautioned.
The three seated Legionaires hear a small, but distict "pop" and returned their attention fully to the tryout and all six eyes widened.
Standing where Rocket Boy had been was a long thin rocket resembling a huge firework from the 20th century, complete with red fins, green stripes, and even a short fuse.
The four young Legionaires waited expectantly, and waited, and waited. Val turned to face his teammates and was met by three shrugs.
Another small 'pop' sounded and Val turned around to find a sheepish Ataturk standing again in the courtyard.
Val raised one eyebrow. "We're waiting," he told the youngster.
"Oh,….ummm…" Ataturk blushed a deep red and mumbled just loud enough for Val to hear, "You gotta light the fuse."
Val's mouth dropped open and the other three Legionaires leaned across the table to try and hear.
"What did he say?" Projectra asked no one and everyone.
Val half-turned toward the table and asked loudly, "Did you say I need to light the fuse?"
Ataturk's face lit up. "Yes that's right." His grin returned. "Once I become the rocket, just light the fuse and stand back." With a soft 'pop', the rocket reappeared.
Val turned to Hart and shrugged. "He wants me to light his fuse." He pointed to the base of the rocket.
"Then what happens?" Hart asked.
Val shrugged again and stepped closer to the rocket. He reached out and knocked against the side of the fuselage with his knuckles. 'Bong' "Bong' 'Bong'
The rocket rang metallically and Ataturk reappeared with another 'pop'.
"Problem?" he asked.
"Just for the record," Val stated matter-of-factly, "what happens after I light the fuse?"
Ataturk laughed nervously, "I guess I should have explained that, huh?"
"Ya think?" Val answered sarcastically earning one more glare from Projectra.
"Okay," Ataturk continued unabashedly, "I take off like a …..well like a rocket." He chuckled nervously. And I fly to the target and explode it." He pointed up in the sky. "I'll be using that cloud as a target today." He stopped and looked from Legionaire to Legionaire finding nothing but doubtful looks. "It's really cool, I promise."
"Alright," Projectra spoke up before he could transform again, "and then what happens to you?"
"Oh, don't worry," Ataturk spoke quickly, "I'll be alright, really. It take me a while to reform but as soon as I do I'm ready to go again."
Projectra looked thoughtful. "So," she asked, "you can only use your power once during a battle, correct?"
Suddenly the young boy didn't look so confident. "Well, maybe twice…if it's a long battle," he stated hopefully.
"Not very practical is it? Projectra asked sadly. "Wait, can you control your flight? I mean, can you change targets once fired?"
Ataturk lost his grin altogether and shook his head. "No," he admitted almost too softly to be heard.
Projectra looked disappointed. "Well, let's see it anyway."
Ataturk transformed back into the rocket.
Val rapped the fuselage once more and Ataturk's face appeared just below the rocket's cap. Val knelt down and used his Omnicom to light the fuse. Just as it started sputtering, he looked up and announced, "Rejected."
Ataturk's rocket form blasted into the sky and exploded, obliterating the lonely cloud.
Val returned to the table ignoring another glare from Projectra. "Next," he called to the crowd.