As Shadow made his comm call, Roy stepped into his office, his mind occupied with how to phrase the request in such a way that, should the message be intercepted, it wouldn't compromise Gresh as working as an ESN asset.  He was surprised to see a message waiting for him, and opened it up, seeing it was from Lt. Case.  Curious as to why a pilot was contacting him, he read the message, gave a quiet 'hmph' at the contents, and decided a response could wait until after his request to Gresh had been sent,

He closed that message, and started composing a new one for the black marketeer...

Hello, Gresh!  Thanks again for your last shipment...I enjoyed the contents immensely and have shared those delicacies with some of my associates.  They've been a very popular option.

A friend of mine has a new associate who's recently taken over operations in a major organization...his predecessor was double-dealing the organization, and left behind an incredible mess.  He could use a data specialist to help him sort it all out...right now, he can barely keep track of where one noodle ends and the next begins, as it were, and he'd like to be serving linguini instead of sorting out the spaghetti from the macaroni.  Knowing that you're a Sanri who knows how to find things, I thought maybe I could do the poor guy a solid and ask you if you had anyone on staff that you'd spare to help him get things back under control, at least...figure it might be a good chance to get a jump on expanding your business opportunities, as I'm sure he'd make use of your services if he was more aware of their scope.  Haven't mentioned anything to him yet, but it would be great to give him some good news before I get caught up in my next business trip.  Waiting to hear from you...

--Spence

PS--I still owe you dinner...

He re-read it, nodded to himself in satisfaction, and saved it...when Beth got back, he'd have her send it through a secure, remote location, just to throw anyone else further off the truth.

 Shadow  nodded,..I have some time before i need to get dressed for the Send off?   General Bale?... It might be out of my league?.. But, I'll listen...

  the door  hissed Open and  Larry Pranced  in  Nuzzling   Roy  and   Shadow..and Dumping  Shade off his  chair  with a  over  happy Nuzzle...( followed  by Muffled Bleeps as he hit the ground)

 ..sorry Siurs.. he seemed very insistant on seeing you... then the door his closed

In reply to Admiral Hack (msg # 957):

Justin took a seat, greeted Ambassador Shade with a friendly smile and Master Ambassador, giving Larry's ear a hearty scratch, he waited for the Shadows to converse. When they had finished Justin briefed the LC about his proposal.

  Shadow listened   , he  was , clearly  either  not  interested , ior did not  fully understand.

 ..well?  Justin.. I dunno?... we have SEC..right?..Provosts  are just here to   clean up  some messes  and stuff?..and.. I don't get along  with alot of the porvosts i have seen...

 He looked at Roy,..that was a Porvost that fell  down the  steps  on Olympus..wasn't... the one that tried to bother  Supe about being  'drunk"..

 ..if you're looking to fly for them?.. You won't get much action, unless enemy fighters  break into  the Middle..cause? there isn't much fighter   cover    from support ships?..  You'd be better off    asking   Missy if you could lead  up their  fighters?....she's always sending  folks out to try to get the biggest ..best salvage they can get?

 ..but that's  just ne talking.. I  never met a law that i didn't like to  bend..

 Lyri  said......break....

 Shadow winks  at her  as  Larry   takes the exta  scratches from Justin...what brought this  idea on?

Using both hands Justin scratches both Larries ears.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:36, Wed 13 Feb 2019.

Roy was just stepping out of his office when Shadow asked him about a provost on Olympus.  "Damned if I remember...there's only a handful of things I remember about Olympusand half of them involve someone getting shot..." He rubbed lightly on the right side of his abdomen...nobody that didn't know his history would even identify the scars his uniform his there, but he remembered the gut-load of buckshot he took from some street-ganger's popper.  Being treated for it was really his introduction to Gresh, something g he'd had abundant reason to be thankful for many times since then.

He listened as Shadow finished, then stepped over.  "I'm curious about that, myself...as well as wondering how creating a redundant element within the Fleet is supposed to be more efficient.  Care to walk us through your thought-process, Lieutenant?"

In reply to Roy Spencer (msg # 962):

Justin glanced up at the Marine SM pausing mid scratch. If you assume the addition of an additional level of security is redundant I suggest you review those details, which are couvered in the Draft Report I have sent you. Specifically the ones dealing wiyh the failures to identify and counter identified shortcommings Justin stated cqsually as he continued to give the Larg's ears an efficient scratch.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:38, Wed 13 Feb 2019.

  Shadow Got  Up,  Gave   Justin a pat on the shoudler, then   a bop to the nog of   Larry, who thumped his tail.

 ..I'm getting my dress uniform..Damn shame the    Guy came back, just to get killed because of a scum ball...

 Shade gave a Thumbs Up for everyone...

 beth     Stuck her head in the door,..Just got back.. gonna go chancge.. see ya in a bit..

Roy raised an eyebrow.  "Funny, I don't recall seeing anything detailing an improvement on the current system.  And having a second security force running around each ship that does not answer to the Captain of that ship, but answers to the Provost Marshal of the Fleet, creates all kinds of jurisdictional headaches, not to mention yet another method for our ships to be infiltrated, since the provosts have their own vetting system.  They're a step above mercenaries, basically EVOLs who chose to buy their way into a different service.  You'll forgive me if I put my trust in ESN security personnel...I'm at least familiar with the level of vetting they go through in order to gain operational clearance."

He shrugged.  "And as for improving security by increasing the level of identification challenges, we could do that with personnel that are already in place, if we so desired.  Some captains do, in fact...they're in charge of their own ship, and as long as they aren't ordering actions that violate standing ESN orders, they're at their discretion to dictate how their security details operate.  It's not a perfect system...but it's efficient, and everybody knows exactly who they answer to when the fat hits the fire.  I appreciate the intent...but frankly, Lieutenant, you're a pilot.  You see maybe twenty percent of what security does.  Sorry if you don't feel like it's tight enough for your comfort...but it's the balance between security and freedom that the Commander and the Admiral are comfortable with.  So, I can't see a good reason to endorse your suggestion...it's a ninety percent increase in headaches for a one percent increase in operational security.  I've been on this ship for over five years, now...I can count on the fingers of both hands the number of times we've had some kind of security incident in that time...if you remove cases of diplomatic immunity, it's the fingers of one hand.  That doesn't warrant handing another set of keys over to a group that could wind up being a pipeline for EDT personnel to get access to the most vulnerable sections of every vessel in the fleet."

In reply to Roy Spencer (msg # 965):

Interesting if you didn't get what I sent to you it sounds like you've got a Security problem. Do you really consider General Bale and the Group he leads EVOL. It's my understanding they are Delta Fleet. As far as your concerned I'm just a Pilot but I've also been on this Ship for Four years and I've seen what happens when there's a failing in the system. Your assumptions are not quite correct, I suggest you take the opportunity to read my proposal I can forward you another copy if you wish. In essence the proposal is an amalgamation, standardisation and enhancement of Ship Security with the Provost. If you think it's a pipeline for EDT to funnel their operatives into the Fleet its obvious your current Security Protocols need to be upgraded.
This message was last edited by the player at 10:16, Wed 13 Feb 2019.

Roy gave a tight smile.  "And it's obvious you don't grasp the finer points of Security, at least beyond a personal level.  The General is the Provost Marshal for the ESN...he's an officer that was put in charge of the provosts, not a provost who earned the stars.  He's also in charge of shore patrols, where they exist...they don't much, anymore, because that role he as been transitioned over to ship or station security.  And it could simply be that your description of what you have in mind isn't as clear as you believe it to be.  You've obviously got some specific scenarios in mind, lieutenant...why don't you lay them out for me."

He pulled a chair over, taking a seat.  "Your proposal is in abstract terms.  Give me some practical examples of how this is going to be an improvement...show me how this will handle these issues better than existing security.  I'm the skeptic...if you can persuade me, you can sell anyone in the Fleet on it.  If this proposal is that effective and efficient, you shouldn't have much trouble making a solid argument for it."

In reply to Roy Spencer (msg # 967):

You should know better SM, do you think I'm a green recruit, dismissing what I've studied and  know, for example I'm also familiar with General Bales Military history. If you choose not to read the report then I'd be as useful as spitting in the wind, you can find as many shortfalls as you want with anything I can suggest.

Roy sat back, non-plussed.  "Well, as a scholar of the General's career, you'll of course know that, as Provost Marshal, he's had a hand in shaping or approving the existing security protocols.  If you think I'm a hard sell on the idea, good luck with him."

He stood up.  "Hope you'll excuse me, Lieutenant...I've got new arrivals on the ship I have to go check on.  You know...to make sure they aren't going to compromise our operational security..."

He looked over to Lyri.  "You're in charge here, Master Chief."  With a nod to both Lyri and Justin, he turned and left.

--->to Field

Justin gave a shrug. General Bale didn't express any inherent difficulties, with his initial concept, and the SM didn't even consider it worth reviewing the proposal. Well that's that then.  Another attempt to facilitate the inherent operational procedures and improve the association of elements within it, gained nothing save a series of condensing commentaries and proposal dismissal. Oh well Justin thought guess he shouldn't try these apparently hair brained things. At least this time he wasn't arrested and transferred.

Exiting the Brig he left the Non Com's to their duties and headed to his cabin.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:38, Wed 13 Feb 2019.

from Hangar Deck--->

Roy escorted Jax in, gesturing to a chair.  "Chief, this is Jax.  He was kind of the ringleader for the pack of orphans Stefi brought aboard...they decided he was old enough to train as a Marine, rather than hoping for someone to adopt someone who's basically already an adult.  So he's our problem now."  He grinned at Jax and gave the kid a wink.

"Jax, this is Master Chief Lyri Mullins.  Get used to calling her 'Master Chief'...common practice to address people by rank during boot camp.  She'll be overseeing a fair bit of your training." He grinned at Lyri.  "Jax is getting a tour of the ship, but I need to get out of my dress blues.  Can you give him a quick look around Security here while I get into a duty uniform?  I'll only be a minute or two..."

  Lyri  Nods  to  Jax   , gives him a bit of a smile, ..well  Ring Leader Huh?   well... lets see...

 She stands and walks  around  the desks  and Points out the Coffee Machine and the  fridge....Drinks and Doughnuts.....these three desks ,  Beth.. Lt  Morrows... uses.. she  the  Chief COM  offcier  and Cyber SEC...and?.. don';t make her mad, she can get testy ...

 ..if you make  it to SEC?.. You get a locker in here, so you can store  a few  extra  weapons and armor here... if you just make MArine, you'll have to draw almost all your Load outs  from the QM

 she waves him to   a small elevator,..That leads to the Brig... yo don't want to go to the Brig.... these rooms here are  the Holding  chambers  and ..um..questioning Rooms..

 Jax nods,..the Big Bosses..they had those ...in case stuff went  Missing they would briong people  in and ask them stuff..they were..pretty Mean about stuff...

 there was a noise as  Larry snatched some  chinese food  off the shelf.....Dammit  Larry!...

 He looked up with   noodles and sauce   dripping from his jaws.

Roy came back in, basic BDUs of his duty uniform still looking sharp, but far more casual than the ribbon-covered dress uniform.  "What did...oh..." he started to ask, before his eyes fell on the larg.  "Blame Shadow...he was slipping Larry food every time he cooked anything.  I tried to explain,  but..."  He shrugged, then looked at Larry.

"Steal all the food you like from Shadow, but don't do it to anyone else.  Theft prevention is part of our mandate, and don't think I won't let you cool your heels in a cell if it becomes a problem." He spoke as if he was addressing any other crewman, not in the tone one normally might associate with talking to animals.

  LArry turned   sad   eyes  to Roy  as he slurped the  rest of the  noodles and  sauce  covered  chicken bit into  his  mouth, his tail  gave one weak, thump.

  Lyri sighed.....its  fine.... that's from this moring, I waas gonna heat it up..but.. I get a pizza  sent  down or something..

 Jax  Looked at the larg  , then at the two  SEC folks,..you know he could eat you..right?....

The Door hissed open, a Smiling   Maria  came in, Buenos Dias!....it is a  Fine  night   don't you think?

 noticing  Jax  she said, greetings  Chico?..  You getting the tour?

 There is a nod and a smile,..Yes Ma'am ..Sgt MAj is showing me arounbd, I'm Joi8nign up... I saw you at the  Hotel...

 ..Yes.. you ahve the sharpe eye..Si?

Roy nodded at Jax.  "Yes, we do.  He's saved lives on multiple occasions by taking a big bite out of someone.  He doesn't eat us, and we don't shoot him...it's a relationship built on mutual respect." He looked over at Larry again.

"Which is why stealing someone else's food is such a problem...it shows a lack of respect.  I expect it won't be an ongoing problem, though.  It's been addressed, and I've never had to tell Larry anything twice."

He gave Maria a nod.  "We should get moving...there's a lot of ship to see.  Next stop is the Quartermaster...gotta get you measured for a uniform and get your weapons issued to you...regulations demand all crew members carry a sidearm and knife at all times, although what type of sidearm and knife are up to personal choice."  He paused, looking at Jax again.

"I'm sure you've learned to handle a knife...do you have any firearms experience?

  Larry   sat  down, looked at Lyri, who just helf up her  hand  in a 'don't look at me like that'... then to Roy...

  Jax  answered....Knife.. poppers.. shotgun.. i can use  one of those  Uzi's  pretty good, i can keep it  from  riding up..but i don't normally.. fire long   bursts, cause   we had to shoot and move… most kids got dead, by staying in one place too long... I shot a rifle few times.. did  pretty good..but the big bosses  didn't  like kids   to have big weapons.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:44, Sun 17 Feb 2019.

  Beth  entered SEC,well?.. That was a good ending to the   Shoreleve thing..now, we have to sort things out..

 She   poured a cup of coffee, added sugar and  milk and Grabbed a doughnut.

 ..LC come this  way?

 ..he's on the HANger Dec, He's taking  that Vampic's   ride  for a spin she Pointed to Jax,..oh?.. This is Jax? going into  the MArines,...

 Beth   looked up from her   coffee as she   dumped    MAil on her desk,..You were  in the Condo..and at the beach...

 Jax  grinned,so were you!

 Beth Raised  at Eyebrow  and  went to sort  the Mail....This...might not be good...

 ..what?

 ..Small packete from Hunter's Group?... It went through the  exchanges..but the  false  address  is the one  that comes form Hunter's HQ...

 ..so?... Hunter  sent him something?

 ..Could be.. but most  stuff from him come through the  COMs  .... I'll Ping Him to come get it when he gets a chance.

Roy raised an eyebrow as he met Larry's gaze, his expression clearly conveying an emotion akin to, 'Really?  You just asked Mom, right in front of me?'  It was colored with amusement, however.  When Beth walked in, Roy started to say something...then fell silent at the exchange, managing to muffle a laugh at Jax's enthusiastic observation that Beth had also been at the condo.  Roy had little trouble conceiving which mental image of Beth had stuck most strongly with the young man.

"When you're done checking up on your messages, Ellen dropped off her old Etna SEC comm unit...it started going off with an automated message warning that a Delta Night was coming and offering a bounty on Delta personnel.  She thinks the sig is still intact...we need to trace it.  And I've got a message waiting to go to Gresh, if you can mask the transmission so people who might be looking at his messages don't realize I sent it..."

He looked at Jax.  "Let's get moving...this tour isn't getting done with your butt in that chair..." He grinned broadly, and gestured to the door.

  Jaw  Nodded   as he  went out the Door, casting   a long  Back at Beth  with a goofy smile , , Followed  By Larry, who Looked back at Lyri..who Just waved him away..

 Outside the Door Jax   said,..where to  now?

"Quartermaster.  If you're going to become a Marine, you need a uniform, and regulation weapons."  He led the way, adding as he walked, "Also need to fit you for boarding armor, although you won't be using it for a few weeks.  And depending on how you react to regular meals and exercise, we may need to do another fitting by then.  Some people bulk up...others just get more and more wiry.  Time will tell with you."

----->to Quartermaster