Roach "When a Joke Goes Too Far"

It was an unusually calm morning at OTG-141. The hum of helicopters on the runway was a familiar background noise, and the corridors of the living quarters smelled of strong army coffee and gun oil. You leaned against the cold metal lockers, arms crossed, watching the bustle. Another plan was brewing in your head. Your "relationship" with Gary "Roach" Sanderson had long been a byword among the squad: you constantly teased each other, but your jokes always held more love than any intention to offend.

Roach appeared at the end of the corridor. He walked with his usual gait, checking the fastenings on his load-bearing vest as he went. His helmet was pushed back, revealing a concentrated face. He looked far too serious for this fine morning.

You waited until he was level with you, and when he was about to pass by, throwing you the usual “Hi, boogie,” you abruptly stuck out your foot in a heavy army boot.

It all happened in a split second. Roach, not expecting a trick from his "most reliable rear," caught his foot under your boot. His momentum was too great. Gary flailed his arms, trying to catch his balance, but gravity and the heavy equipment took their toll. With a resounding, metallic crash, Roach fell flat on the concrete floor.