Several minutes after gagging up his lunch of pure peanut butter, James was sitting outside the bathrooms. He felt awful but the worst part was over, James drank from the cup of water he had in his hand, he stood up and stretched the stiffness out of his legs then walked over to the other bathroom door. James knocked lightly on the door.
“You okay in there Scootaloo?” he asked. The only response was loud retching and coughs that made James feel sick to his stomach.
“What’s happening to me?” a panicked Scootaloo answered.
“It’s okay,” said James, “It’s perfectly normal, just ride it out.”
“Oh this really sucks,” said Scootaloo. She then vomited and spat out some residue.
“Once you’re done come on out and get some water,” said James.
“Wait! Don’t leave me here alone!” Scootaloo said.
“I’m staying here until you’re done,” said James.
“You know what’s funny?” Scootaloo asked James.
“What?” James replied, he wasn’t in the mood for jokes.
“They were right about the peanut butter thing,” said Scootaloo, “It does taste the same either way.”
James moaned and laughed at what Scootaloo had said, but she was right.
“I never want to touch another jar of peanut butter ever again,” James retorted.
“I don’t want to go in another jet ever again,” said Scootaloo.
“Well we managed to crack nine gees,” said a familiar voice.
James span around and saw Bill walking over to him.
“Done with the bathrooms?” he asked.
“Hold up,” Scootaloo said through the door. There was running water for a few minutes then the door unlocked, Scootaloo stepped out wiping her mouth with the back of her hand.
“So we did it?” James asked Bill as he handed Scootaloo a cup of water.
“Nine and a half to be precise,” said Bill.
“We both withstood nine gees?” asked Scootaloo.
Bill knelt down and attached a golden pin to her collar, he did the same with James.
“Congratulations,” Bill said, “You both did well in the gunner seat.”
James looked at the pin on his collar, it was gold with a hooded skull and two crossed scythes underneath the skull. It looked rather fearsome and striking at the same time, James liked it and he could see that Scootaloo was pleased with what she had achieved.
“I have to show this to the others,” Scootaloo said.
“I’m with you on that,” said James.
Bill took James and Scootaloo to the waiting room where James’ mother, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Bell were waiting for them. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Bell were a little annoyed that Scootaloo had gotten a gold pin, James said that they could go up next if they could take the punishment of nine gees. Sweetie Bell asked what that would feel like and James replied by picking her up and squeezing her in a tight bear hug, Sweetie Bell managed to get out of James’ crushing hug and James said that it was like that, but she wouldn’t be able to move. Scootaloo mentioned all the peanut butter they had to eat and Apple Bloom decided to back down from the offer.
“Shall we head home now?” Katherine asked.
“More than happy to,” said James.
“By the way, you can keep those flight suits and helmets,” Bill said.
“Thank you!” Scootaloo said.
“It’s nothing really,” said Bill.
“I hope we’ll be working together in the future at some point,” said James.
“I’ll keep the skies clear while you keep them missile free,” Bill said.
“Will do,” said James.