Will smiles  Jerking   a thumb over his shoulder at Lippen , Hawkes and Ellan, we  were  allowed to leave, since  we  volunteered  for the extra  duty  , when Captain Morris heard  the prisoners were coming in.

 ..as far as going to the Dance... since i also Volunteer to be part of the  Boarding Parties and  Delta Night  teams.. well... I get to go to stuff like this.

 he grins and takes another bite of cake.


………..

 Si came over  to  the edge of the  crowd  where  Shadow  replaced, she waved off his attempt to stand, ..you took a big  chance out there...

  Shadow  Nodded  as he took a drink of soda,Aye.Ma'am./. But..I didn't know  The Admiral was going?.. i couldn't very well say..." hey..Admiral? what about  you staying here  like a good boy, since this is a trap for ace?"

There is a bit of a chuckle  as  Hack interjects,..good thing you didn't, yuou you would be washing   fighters with a  Bucket and sponge he looked around  and asked,..what made you think he  would blow his cover?

  There is a grin,..I would have?... heck.. if he waxes  one, or both of us...catches up to his  Buddies  and shoots down, or chases off the rest.. he'd be a damn Admiral over there...of course he didn't Know the Adobe was that close...

 ..did you?  her arms crossed.


 ..not a clue.. I know she was chasign the corvetes. but they kept goign dark... the Ghoul was helpign spot  for them.. but?  I knew they were close..just..you know?...didn';t know  how close...

 Hack  Nodded  and  put his arm around Si's shoulders ..Next time.. trust  me a bit?.....

 the pair  walked off.

Roy just gave Justin's response a cryptic smile and ate his cake.  He looked around the group, assessing who was likely to end up involved in Anzio's 'after-party', as opposed to making a scene to cover the events.

"You wouldn't!" Teela hissed at Harry before looking her in the eyes. "You would. You are...evil and I have no idea what to say. How do I ask such a thing?" The Angel who had gone head to head against Demons and their allies for over a century, was an ace pilot, a deadly sniper, and vicious in hand to hand combat started at Harry with wide eyes.

"Do I just go over and ask directly? What if I stutter or sound foolish? What if he says no?"

Justin didn't notice the SM's facial response, the announcement combined with the cluster of well wishes, ended further conversation. As far as he could tell every formal event involving Delta fleet was a cover for covert operations, so Justin surmised this was going to be another. Glancing at the Marine Justin noticed Spencer was assessing the participants of this party for his own little covert war.  Content to be ushered away from the Security chief, Justin enjoyed the brief respite from duty to chat and exchange pleasantries with others.

 gia  just blinked  Teela,..how did your kind, ever  reproduce?... do you have a flirt kit? he patted her  Pouch on the side of her belt.

................

  Beth Sat Down on the other side of the table from Shadow, and she got  out her  Vid Board  and  started to work.

 Shadow took a  look  and pushed her plate over to her,Unless trying  trying to figure out what color  dress will go with your hair?.. take a break... The Fleet will survive  one  hour or so of  Beth Morrow , not being plugged in..

 She   pouted,..easy for you, just toss  on a uniform..swagger  a bit  and   folks go ooohhh and ahhhh..

  They do say that, don't they..

 Flores  rolls her  eyes....

 ..but you guys   don't know why?

 they look at each other  and shrug.


 Because they see  all the hot chicks  I'm with.. he winked  with a grin.

 thy both tilted  thier heads and smiled   as they said...'awwwwwwww..."

The shocked look on Teela's face she'd expected, but the look of panicked terror was something she hadn't pictured on the normally cool and collected Angel that was able to crack a joke even when the world around her was erupting into flame "ok well first you need to calm down because if you faint then I'll have no choice but to talk to him...now everyone knows that there is going to be a Delta Night so go and ask him if you can volunteer for that, once you get him talking just ask him if he's taking anyone to the dance and then take it from there" Harry calmly explained as she placed a reassuring hand upon her shoulder "...also you're hot and more importantly, so much more than a pretty face...he is not going to say no...even if you do stutter" somehow Harry suspected the fact that Teela was not only intelligent but also good at her job would be the deciding factor for Roy.

Once she'd finally left Teela to face Roy by herself, Harry would set about finding her own date for the dance "So is that a yes then?" she asked Will with her lips slowly curving up into a sultry smile "Best I pay a visit to the Commanders quarters and find something nice for me to wear...unless of course you'd like me in dress uniform?"

  Will  chuckled a bit,..it  depends?... I like  to see you  dressed up, but who know s what  Good looking lookign Anzio guys, and other ships  might be there?.. I'm just a   regular guy?

 On the other  side  of  then, they could here   Ellan,..I really wanna go?  You know? Captain Morris  said   I have to wait for the SM to  pick out the  last few  folks  who will be going to the Ball..the rest have to watch the ship..

 Lippen   just says in a Mild  tone,..why don't you ask  The LC if he is taking anyone... if  he invites you..SM  has to let you go...

 Hawkes   was shaking his  head 'no' at Lippen.

 Ellen didn't see  as she looked on the other side of the crowd,..I dunno?  I don't think he likes me too much...

………………………………………….

Captain Morris   came On dec   and  Offered his Congrates  to  Justin, then moved   over to catch  The Admiral and Commander Si for a chat

For most of the previous formal gatherings Justin wasn't required to accompany anyone to them, seeing he was going to be promoted it would be necessary for him to set an example. Considering this for a short time he had a thought which may provide acceptable however he needed to confirm this. Captain Morris and LC Shadow were otherwise occupied so he thought perhaps Garrat may be able to do so, looking about he noticed the Hulking Viking wasn't about, in fact the fellow appeared to be keeping a low profile of late.

"Right, this I can do. No, we don't have a 'flirt kit' whatever that is but I'm not experienced in...such things. I'm more experienced in war and flying than in matters of the heart. Just...stay close in case I crash and burn, right, Harry?"

She stood and made sure her uniform was straight and presentable and started thinking of this like flying CAP but discarded that as a bad idea since she wasn't flying CAP and Roy wasn't the enemy. She took a deep breath and remembered Justin's advice to be direct with him.

She walked over to Roy. "Excuse me, SM but I was wondering if I could volunteer to go to the Ball and if you would be my date for Dela Night."

  Gia   watched   Teela   approach the SM, and shook her   head,..should have had a flirt kit.... and took a drink of  he fancy  drink  that had a stick with a little  fight  above it.

   Other  folks were  filing onto the  Rec Dec... E1  and E2  , two massive 'walls' on either side of the Fleet..though there   was   some 100 Million mile s between the   two twin planets, they seems so close...

 1/2 day at cruising  speed, sat  Anzio..a brigher  star in the night.

Roy held up a finger as he finished chewing his last bite of the cake.  "Capable volunteers are always welcome on Delta Night...most aboard lack the skill-set to carry out operations, but you've already proven your resourcefulness, so I foresee no problems with you coming along."

He paused for a moment, then continued, "As for being your date...you should be aware that, due to my position, both within the Fleet and the ESN command structure, I'm often not at liberty to do as I will at official functions.  If you're okay with having to spend a good part of the evening meeting and greeting ESN brass and local dignitaries, while also effectively acting as the Admiral's personal security detail, I would be more than honored to be your escort for the evening.  I just can't promise how much dancing you'll get to do with me...if any, even."  He was not quite apologetic in his tone...he knew, from past experience, that his 'duty first' mentality wasn't always popular...but he hadn't joined the Corps to be popular.

The SM's business-like tone helped clear away any lingering nervousness Teela had about asking him and she nodded. "I understand. I'd be more than honoured to act as the Admiral's security detail as well as do the meet and greet. I would also be honoured to do so with you as my escort for the evening. As for dancing, we shall see if the evening permits us to do so."

She stopped and a twinkle of mischief entered her eyes, evidenced by her iris's growing slightly lighter in colour. "We shall also see if I can get a real smile or two from that stern Marine face as the evening permits."

Teela almost, but not quite, winked before turning around to head back to where Harry and Gia were sitting. It was also possible that there might have been a slight spring in her step as she walked.

Giggling softly Harry would lean in to rest head against Wills shoulder as her arm looped about his waist "oh I think you're anything but regular...besides I seem to recall someone telling me I looked good in dress uniform" she softly spoke. Catching sight of Teela returning from her chat with Roy she would straighten up and offer the Angel a smile, quietly noting that she wasn't crying "so...how did it go?" she asked, though she suspected that she already knew the answer to that particular question.

  will tiled his ehad on her head  as he  said,..well..you look good in your   Uniform and Out of it....

 Gia  Looked at  Will and  gave him a grin.

 His  eyes  got wide... I mean.. Yeah.. But.. oh... man.... He took a deep  drink of his   soda.

 ...............


 Shadow stood Up...this won't be like the last coupl;e, but the APF is  going to want to show off  thier  toys.. so we  gotta look the part.

 Lyri frowned,..do i have to do the Gown ..thing?

 Shadow  held out his hands,..depends.. if you're   part of   my  party..yeah?... If you are strictly  SEC.. I guess you have a choice...but ya Know?.. a Gown won't kill you...

 ..you know  I'm wearing one!..  have some of  those Vids  show  up on earth with me in  a gown, and Shadow on one arm...

 Shade  Bleeps.....Yeah.. I think you have to wear your  uniform..show  off your Purple hearts and stuff

  Shade  Crouched   and   put his hands up and  bleeped  some more...no, buddy.. it  won't hurt you sneakign around...'cause you won't be sneaking around... YOu'll be with the Admiral and other  board  folks..being..you know...bored....

Listening to the byplay, sipping his whiskey, Henry felt the horror of the last few days and the dire decision he'd had to make drain away. Safe amongst friends, family, safe. And with Mila at his side.

 Larry Plopped his  massive  Head On Henry's Lap as he ha d finished  his steaks , and , perhaps, thought he should Mingle.... His tail thumped

  Shadow  Talked to Captain Morris for a Moment.. Captain Morris  was heard to say ..are you out of your Bleeding Mind!

 Hack  cradled his forehead    with his Right arm.

 Commander Si  hand her arms  around her  waist  and leaned back on one foot, glaring at Shadow, like a Mom who caught a kid sneaking  an extra  candybar.

  Shadow  held his arms out   once more   as  he gave a Sale  Pitch.   , Morris  turned away   drinking from a   Cup of  tea, while the other hand held  His cake.

  Commander Si's   Eyes shifted to Hack.

Hack Kept his hea d down  as the   hand  that ocne held it, Moved  in  a helpless gesture...

 Shadow grinned, until he   Looked at Commander SI.. then he diluted  and Moved  away...as He walked towards the elevator , he pointed  to Teela.

 Hey!..Wings and Things... Come along....

 Shade  sat there holding a milkshake  watching the Goings on

 Flores looked at Beth ,.what do you think that was about?

 ...Don't know... but i bet we  don't like ti?.. look at Captain Morris  and Commander SI reaming out the Admiral... Morris never  is that.....forward.

Teela was just starting to sit down, beginning to respond to Harry, and about to tuck into her cake and drink again when raised voices caught her attention, one in particular.

"Hey! Wings and Things, come along!"

She looked at Harry. "Did he just call me 'Wings and Things'?"

She looked at Shadow and saw that he had indeed just called her 'Wings and Things' given he was looking at her and she was the only one with wings. "He did just call me 'Wings and Things'."

She stood up and walked over to Shadow and the Lift. "Ensign 'Wings and Things' reporting as ordered!"

  Shadow  had  a thin lined  smile, but his eyes looked a bit stern...You can tell you buddies, You'll be back.. this  shouldn't  take Long.... we're  gonna have a Talk with  your  red  Bird  Buddy

 He  held the elevator, to see if she wanted to  tell the folks at the Table, that she would be back.

 A Civie and   his GF  were complaining about him holding the elevator,  Until he  turned his head  and   leveled a 'LC Stare'.. and  the two decided  to . maybe...have another drink...and scurried  away.

 Once  Teela  was  ready, they  went  down to the  Hanger Dec.. to SEC  and   the  steps  down Below the Holding Cells to the Brig >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

[From the Brig]

The Angel stepped off the lift and walked over to Cpt. Morris and the other brass he was sitting with. She came to attention and saluted. "Sirs, Ma'am. Cpt. Morris - LC Shadow sends his regards and would like me to inform you that he is at your shack and may attend him at your convenience."

Message given she remained at attention.

"Ouf! Hello Larry."

Henry started to scritch the larg's head, trying to avoid his breath that was eloquent testimony to the meat he'd just eaten. His other hand continued to fondle Mila's ears.

  Capt Morris  Nods  to  Teela,..Thank You Ensign, I will go there presently

 The Commander  and Admiral  made  thier   good Byes  and Moved off to thier  quarters.

……………

 Larry,  Looked around   after  some scratches... and  seeing no one else  who might  wish to scratch him,  ..he pads up to Shade  and Nudges him... Shade Bleeps  and waves and they move to the elevator.

Teela saluted and made her way back to her seat and got another piece of cake and a drink. She set her vidboard on the table and continued watching the Earth movie she had started, ‘Star Wars’. She was particularly interested in the Force and her scientific mind was wondering at the possibility of lightsabers as real weapons. Plus the movies were fun.

 Will noticed   Teela watching  Vids   and said,..those  are ok?... but you should be  watching Captain Lighting.... now that's a real Sci-fi  vid..... they  even have   animated , that looks almost real for Kids... I...sorta like to watch them all!

 Gia sighs,..I believe.. I will go  to my quarters, it seems there is No one interested  is us.. 'plain Human types".... she gives Teela  a  grin and Moves off to the elevator were  Shade is   Trying to   teach  Larry how to press the right Buttons.


 Ellan sit s  Down  by  Beth and   Flores,..hi!.. I was going to   ask if the LC  would take me to the BAll... you think he will?

 the other  two women look at each other, then back to Ellen,..The... But?.. it will come down to who  is stationed  where? Days  of  Shadow  taking...ONE.. woman to anything, are gone... you might be part of the posse, if they choose top go that route.


 ..you don't  think  he'll be interested?

 Beth  gives a  soft frown,..he's not an SSN   pilot.. and he's even different that most of Ours... you'er good looking  enough.. but?.. you have some baggage to lose first..

“I thought you, Harry, and Will were leaving, Gia. Please, if you’re staying.” She turned the movie off and moved over to her. “Captain Lightning? That sounds exciting, perhaps I’ll watch them tonight. Thank you for the suggestion.”

 Gia smiled,... I did not mean you?.. I  meant  the men who seem taken up with other Ladies. Perhaps.. my fortune  will turn when we get to anzio.

 The others  were   winding  down as they knew  there would be the rish for when the ship hit the docks  and the  Time came for the obligitory ball.

 some, looked forward to Delta  Night more.