Fate & The Phantom Blaster

    Two photon torpedoes came shrieking out of nowhere and found their target.  The mighty starship, Phantom Blaster rocked with the impact.  Smoke billowed into the bridge and the emergency sirens wailed.

    "Captain Striker, we've been hit!" cried first mate, Blitz.  "We took a good one.  This may be the end."

    "Nonsense!"  The captain stood stoically at the helm fighting its violent thrashing.

    "Captain.  I'm showing just 30% capacity after that thumping.  I think we should make for the escape pods!"

    The captain threw a fearless glance toward his subordinate.  "You can run if you like," he offered, "but a captain goes down with his ship."

    "Sir!"

    "I'm steering for that planet there.  I'm going to put her down properly."

    "Captain.  The shape we're in makes a landing like that very dangerous."

    "That's a chance we'll have to take."  Captain Striker patted the console before him while ably keeping a hand on the wheel.  "I owe it to her, Blitz.  I owe it to the Phantom Blaster."

    Blitz was just a man secondly.  He was First Mate first.  Resigned and loyal to the end, he answered, "I'll gather the crew."

    The planet grew ever larger as Captain Striker and his crew looked on.  Not a word was said.  No conversation, no complaint.

    "Entry in ten seconds."  Blitz spoke matter-of-factly.

    "Nine...Eight..."

    The great hulk of the Blaster rattled and shook on it's approach.

    "...Six...Five..."

    Only seconds remained.  Nobly, Captain Striker extended his hand to the nearest crew member, and he, to the next, and so on.  They had cast their lots together.

    "Adam!  Billy!  Lunch!"

    The cardboard box that was the Phantom Blaster burst open and the kids spilled out, their crew of teddy bears in hand.

    "Alright!"  Cried Adam, aka, Captain Striker, "is it egg salad?"