Biggles' Squadron and the Annual Medical

[kylie_koyote]

One brisk autumn day at 666 Squadron’s home base in Rawlham, Doc Lorton entered the mess followed by a no-nonsense nurse who carried a clip-board.

“Right-o chaps,” the doctor announced with rather forced cheer. “It’s that time of year again. Everyone’s due for his physical, isn’t that right, Nurse Hawkins?”

The nurse nodded wordlessly, her eyes on her clip-board, while all the officers groaned in unison.

“Now then,” continued the doctor, rubbing his hands together with what could only be called sadistic glee. “Who’s first?”

[Fairblue]

"Come now, don't be shy," the Doctor encouraged as no one came forwards. "We don't bite."

[Kismet]

'Squadron Leaders should show an example,' chorused the rest of the squadron.

[Fairblue]

"Your illustrious leader isn't here at the moment," the Doctor pointed out.

[Kismet]

Someone pushed Ginger forward, but he ducked under an outstretched arm and hid behind Angus.

[Fairblue]

"I do," the Doctor began, looking each officer in the eye in turn, "have the authority to ground anyone who does not have his medical."

[kylie_koyote]

There was a collective gulp.

[Fairblue]

"Now, who's...." He broke off as Toddy burst into the room. "Scramble!" He yelled

[Kismet]

The squadron pilots sprinted.
'Excellent plan,' congratulated Taffy. 'How long before we return and say it was a false alarm?'

[Fairblue]

Toddy blinked. "It's not a false alarm."

[kylie_koyote]

Taffy muttered something unprintable.

[Fairblue]

But shot off. Doc Lorton looked at the nurse and then at Toddy. "I'll still be here when they get back."

[Kismet]

Doc Lorton had three cups of tea and read most of his book, but was still waiting to carry out the medicals when the pilots returned.

[Fairblue]

Unfortunately, some of the pilots had sustained injuries which required his attention. By the time he had finished, it was too late in the day to start, and Biggles had returned.

[Kismet]

The Doctor was up bright and early for attempt two at carrying out the examinations.

[Fairblue]

Before breakfast. The first person he saw was Biggles.

[HostileCacti]

Doc Lorton was very pleased that cigarettes would not become dangerous for many years yet. Thus he could go straight to the more interesting issues.

[Kismet]

'Bend over and touch your toes,' instructed the doctor.

[kylie_koyote]

Biggles complied, slightly bemused.

[Fairblue]

“That’s never been in the medical, Doc,”Biggles said, straightening up again.

“I know,” Doc Lorton told him, “but I wanted to see if you could do it.”

[Kismet]

'I'm a yoga master,' Biggles told him. 'I was born in India, remember.'

[Fairblue]

“In that case, you can give some classes. Quite a few of the Squadron have difficulties climbing into their Spits. They need to limber up.”

[Kismet]

'Don't think I can,' Biggles responded. 'There aren't any yoga mats on the base. Wartime shortages, you know.'

[Fairblue]

“That’s not like you to give in easily, “ the Doc remarked, taking out his stethoscope.

[kylie_koyote]

Biggles shivered as the stethoscope was pressed against his chest.

[Kismet]

He knew what would happen next.

[Fairblue]

"You might have warmed your hands," he complained afterwards.

[kylie_koyote]

"Builds character!" the doctor said cheerfully.

[Kismet]

'And they cough better for some reason. It's easier to feel what's there.'

[Fairblue]

"Is that the lot?" Biggles asked as the doctor started to write up his notes. "I've Squadron to run and there is a war on you know."