when we reach there....

 Admiral Lana Richards Looked out of the   Widows at the Top of the  Upper's Hanger. They  managed to squeeze  in half of the lower's   fighters..before the   Lower Hanger De was over run..even now..pockets of  ESN  and SEC troopers   were fighting hit and run battles ..

 sometimes, even blowing up a fighter or powercells, to prevent  the HUmaniod Creshians  from  manning them... even at thay.. some  30  fighters  from the lower  were captured and  flown off the  station.

  Enemies in  captured ESN fighters.... The Creshians were smarter then they looked.

  from the  window  she could see weapons  fire on the Hull.. a parasite  shuttle  Blew up, taking a few yards of  plating with it.. as the ESN troopers  moved to the  Next  parasite.

   Admiral Richards second in command approached, saluted    and waited.

   ..What is it Fred?

 Captain Fred Moone  looked at his Vid Board.... Ma'am,.. the lowers is a mess... they  have already started  Breeding   chambers ins some of the warehouses  and   factories...

  ..The Uppers  is  in a balence.. but the Damn UEs  are all over the place.. for every 100 we  kill we lose someone..The Bugs  can afford it.. we can't...

 ...and the Stem? she  asked her hands  clasped behind her.

 .. They are holding thier own.. a few of the Docks are being used  to  get Civies off station to the   ESN  Snow  Bird  and Cowbird...  The. folks down there  are tearing up the Bugs.. they  have Traps that   stop  UE  swarms... but?.. we have to  keep feedign them  Power cells and ammo  to keep it up... There is very little   traffic now... only those  few  who make it to an air car or something and try to ehad to the Uppers or Lowers.... smart folks are landing  in the Stem.. some  are goign to the step to join the fight..

 .. You know.... The ESN and the APF can't allow   a Station to fall into enemy hands...

 ..you think they will blow us up? he half stated...half  asked.

 Imagine..  all the breeders they can have... and the ....food..they can have...  and how fast they will  be putting troops..even if only UEs...into battle...They can't let place stand... if the Bugs take  Complete  control

 ..any news.. is the Delta  Fleet coming?

 ... I have know  Oliver for a very long  Time. Between  me and Sevente, we should have hand  these quads locked down...we both failed.. for differant  reasons..but that doesn't  matter to some  woman who's pumping out  creshian eggs.. or  some kid that's being tore  apart as Some   creshian offcier's snack...

   Moone  flinched  at the  words.

  ...  The Delta Fleet is Coming,  Fred. And as the saying goes... the 9 hells  are coming him.... let's hope   he decides it better to try to take  Matterhorn back... then it is to blow it up..

   The Corvette cruised  on almost no power....its  two fighters sat on the back..powered down, but  ready to take off if needs  be.

  The Hanger Dec was dark.. only Blueish head lamps showed the movement by the Crew.

  Every   30 Minutes  a buoy  was   swung out    into the Black... just a  tiny blinking light to show it was there.

   around the Bottom was a chalk drawing of  'Killroy was here" from WWII .  the   saying was replaced with. " Hack was here"

  Sarah sat in the command Chair.. she   waited.. the wiring intense....

  ...5 more minutes.. the last one is out, Skipper....

  ..Thank you...COMs  as soon as the last one is out... send the  message to  LT Morrow...

   with the orders  received..Matterhorn's , Fighters   turned inward.. to start scraping off  parasites.. and   trying to shoot down  new ones.

   now and then, a fighter would get  lucky, as a  fresh Parasite  ling
ked up with one that was in positions so it  could  funnel more UEs into the station.. the resulting explosion  would send Bugs  and   metals  spinning through the air..with the shells of the UEs bursting after a moment or two....

 The creshains and largrans began to shift foucs to these attacking on the Hull of the station..

 the few Cap ships that were  freed up tried to counter them.

 That's  when Moone said,..Admiral?  we have the Alpha Fleet on the screens, they are just about to make contact with the fringe  ships...but?  we do not see the  Delta Fleet?

 Richards   Moved to the screens  and Looked,..Delta Fleet is out there.. Fred.... but why we don't know where?.. is beyond me?

 ..Hack  could be suing the Alpha's to distract the  Bugs and Lizards while he goes to Anzio space?

Richards pushed her  hair back with one hand, then stood up to look out the   windows,..that would be a damn good  Idea, Fred... keep the Bugs and Lizards busy here?..either way?.. we have orders.... and we'll carry them out... if  nothing else, we'll stem the flow of bugs into our house...

  Hearing  Hack's voice  over the COMs. Richards looks at Moone,...he's out there , Fred.... and they'er  coming.... lets make sure they have something left to save

 Moone was watching thier  screens..the Alpha fleet has been engaged...

  She watched   sevente take a pounding.. two of his newest ships were  goen.., just more floating debris , in what has becaome to be know as  The Field.

 The  Wolfheart  limped , Just    even with the midsection of the Uppers... she was still firing Guns, and  her  figthers  tried to protect her..

 Moone  came over  with a  vid report,..all of the creshians   reserve ships have left the Quad... we assume they are heading to  Anzio from the back?

 Riachrds  nodded as she leaned on the window seal,.. Hack?.. that bastard?... He's  fooled everyone.. all of us.... we didn't think he was coming.. his orders  made it  look as though we were hunkering down... and that Sevente's fleet was... his  fleet... But where the  9 hells is the Delta  Fleet!

 a  COM Tech pointed  out the  window of the Control room........THERE!....  Riachards  and Moone  ran across the  wide  space to  the  7:00 window as  saw the   wave of Cap ships, destroyers.. and ominous  shapes of Transport Basses... off in the distance where the lights of   the  supply ships , medtechs and so on..

 Not one of the   delta vessels had lights on... save for the lights  from thier Hanger  Decs... the starboard sides  of the CAp ships  faced the MAtterhorn..... sooner or later the   dying   Empire ships would be missed... but until then.. everyone that died.. was one less to attack.

 Richards smiled, and Pounded the   console ,send out orders  for all Gamma ships  to   pull back from The Field.. protect themselves  and  the station while we clean off the parasites..... that may help draw  more attention away from  the Delta fleet.. without going against orders...

  The Captain COMed the MAtterhorn.

  Captain Milkstone, of the Yellow Star Transport Company to  Matterhorn.... we are coming from Nivar and the Greenmoon Colonies? We have... some  Bug removal Supplies  we need to deliver....They..um.. how shall i say this?... work very well with the   Ape  folk from the Delta Colonies?... But  I will send a coded  picture of  what they lok like, so Gamma  folks don't  think  they are the  wrong sort... also?.. One tranpsot Of  Nivairans here to...help unload... the supplies  and , follow then  to thier destinations... if you understand?

 It was  Quiet for a Bit, Richards  came on the COM,...we do not see you.....

 Ahhh, Madame ? You will if you but open your eyes.... we are part of the Delta Fleet supply chain?... so.....we ..um... travel much as they do....We request docking on the back side of The Matterhorn, so we can get the Supplies unloaded, without  nosey neighbors  watching...hmmmm?

 again, there was  quiet,..Alright/.... My spotters  confirm your   Approach... Lighting up  4 docking  arms  rather then one, so you may unlaod faster.... See  Captain  Polk of th eMatterhorn MArines.. he'll tell you  the best place to send the...'supplies'.. Take Note.. transport/bases are landing on the Uppers, and the Ape-folk are  using Parasite holes to  pour into the ship... it would be a good thing.. to  tell them  you are here...

 Milkstone  said  to Joe Mac,..Right then?.. go gather  you multilegged heroes..... off you go...

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

 Richards shook her  head as she walked   from the  backside  windows, to the windows  facing  The Field.

 ..Something  Wrong?

 ..Something wrong?.... whatever could be  wrong, Moone?... I have a debri field  some  100,000 miles long  and wide.. in front of my Station... i got  hundreds of thousands  of Buts..IN..my station...

 Her arm Point  to the  1:00  area of the windows,..I have a crippled   fleet of my own.... I have a cripped fleet..over there.. from a Station who did not send me aid when i asked.... I have the Biggest, gods-be-damned Fleet in history pouring of the  Debris field.... now?>. I have  some transports  comign with a whole new set of bugs.. to come kill the bugs  already have...

 she points at a TransportBAse that has the MArkings of The delta colonies... Apefolks of all three types were pouring out  and  Hopping into the  jagged edges of the   destroyed  parasite. all around the  scene was the same..

 ...SO ! of course nothing is wrong!

  Moone  tried  not to smile... too much,... we do not know how this  will  End, Admiral?.. but we have  more then a chance now... then we did  5 hours ago..

 there was  a sickening  yelp from one of the COM  techs...

 now what!

 The Ape Folk , Admiral Richards?... some of them are  eating  bits of UEs as they move pass them...

 She  snorted,..yeah?... wait until you see what's in the transports......

Unless he has been granted a ride, Joseph has had one heck of a time keeping up with the Naragran.  Mass assault is not a strong point for Joseph though he has marksman skills with his pistols and can make his sabre and dirk dance nicely.  It seems having two hands on the same weapon is difficult for him and affects his accuracy horribly.

   His strength [beyond music] was in bringing communications together and seeing patterns in his environment.  As the Naragrans approached the local marines he sent out a blanket com, "Hello gentlemen, we hope you don't mind a little help from the Navar moon.  Since you couldn't drop by and visit our beautiful jungles, we thought we would kindly bring the jungles to you."  He grins a little evilly and signals over the data boards "Let's show these bugs what a real exoskelleton can do."

   With Beth's permission he cranks som music over the coms, especially loud on enemy channels. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-9IU6XVgmM

 As the Music  plays  through  the MAtterhorn COMs.. the ape folks  are  beginning to take a  Toll on the Bugs.   the  almost complete like of ferar, and the  training  given to them by the ESN.. the Ape folks are even more cruel  and ruthless to thier  enemies , then the  Demons

   Shells   cracked  with stops of  Boots.. Humanoids who closed  in for HAnd to HAnd, have Limbs ripped off and are left to  die screaming, as the  angry..vengeful ape  folk move through the passage way.

......

   Joe MAc  manages to hand on to the   Naragran that has the battered helmet webbed to it s  BAck..

  The Naragrans  scuttle fast.. almost amazingly fast on the solid e  Decs..  Spindle  claws grabbing of  stabbing    creatures..

 More then One 'yaste  test  some of the  UEs  and   Humaniods..UEs  have a problem swarming the NAragrans  as thier    spider-crab like legs    pierce some of  UEs,  while they  shake off others....  There are sprays of  webbing  that Mire  HUmanoids  and leave the  to be finished off  By HUman troopers....


  Meanwhile  Matterhorn  MArines  and SEC  floow the  NAragrans  and  Ape folks firing grenades into masses  of UEs   and  use   automatic weapons to  chew up  flanking  elements

 Polk had Given Joe Mac a 'ill fitting" hemet so he could here the MAtterhorn COM chatter.

 ..THis is still gonna take a while... but, its  moving   alot damn better then before... and  as the  parasites are destroyed, the Bugs  are having trouble bringing in fresh...

 Richards Voice  was stern,we'll have out hands  full...   once we manage the  Uppers , we'll have to Link up with those on the  Stem.. then push through to the Lowers...This won't be  done over night...

   In response to the comes Joe boots up another song....https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hp_Xc1l3Rnw

   The Apefolk spread out  with  some other Delta Fleet  troops from other  transports.. they had  3/4's of the  Uppers  to cover, going down ward...

 The Naragrans  and Nivarians would cover the  other 1/4.. for now.

 as they moved, the COM s  voiced....now?..  as your groups  moved through the shell... you get to the access tubbels at the rim of the Uppers..... you'll find passage ways that lead into the Uppers... there?.. hunting will be easier... because it will be like being on a planet...

    [I'm going to metagame just a little bit.  Will correct if you don't like it] Alright.  Joseph says "Want to try that wreaking ball technic I was talking about?"  The Naragrans don't even answer, some simply wep a corner of a tall building and jump across to another anchoring the web.  Another comming up from behind smashes the corner loose so it swings like a wrecking ball straight into enemy forces moving up the street.  "Ya know, this could be a lot of help in the stem where we have a high ceiling."

 going through the passages of the Upper's  dome, The Naragrans  and  Nivarians encountered, streams of UEs.

  many UEs  were 'tastetested', as were any  unlucky humanoids that were grabbed  by the NAragrans.

  The  Naragrans learned how to use grenades...through trial and error. but  webbing the  things to  there front Legs.. and using the spindle arm to  treat it away and Toss the thing.

  a few Naragrans lost body parts when they didn'tleanr fast enough.. but not they could do even more dadamge..thought a few hapless  'SGTs" were there.. like Joe MAc to try and lead the things onwards.

 A pair of parasites wereblown  by  'Green Monn Unit".. a little Bit more , they might be ready to drop into  the Uppers   itself.

  The  battles  were gruesome... Humans   allowed the  Apefolks to Go ahead of them as they  worked their way down to the  Uppers.

 The Naragrans  seemed to be, more then happy to Kill Creshians and Largans... though the lizrads were only seen here  and there..maybe 'advisors?'

 one of the impact areas had a parasite   shuttle that broke through the Metal part of the'roof'... Joe mac  could see they were about 200 feet above the  slopw, near the top of the mountain.

In reply to naragrans (msg # 15):

Joseph points at the shuttle, and signals to make sure it is clean of enemies.

  One of the smaller Naragrans   slipped into the  shuttle... it  came out  holding its  spindle arms in the  air . about them , they could hear other troopers moving through the shell.

Joseph give him the thumbs up and keeps the music comming.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPgiyYUxhRQ
This message was last edited by the player at 17:40, Thu 30 Nov 2017.

    the Next hour or  so is  tense... nothing for a few long  minutes, the UEs  burst out of a side  tunnel.. The  Naragran seem well suited  for Bug hunts. and they seem to like feasting on the prey as well, though the shells  are normally spit out.

  some of the more, deformed, UEs  have  skin-like shells with limbs  that are almost like  human.. they get devoured all together.

Clambering aboard the 25 Justin launches heading for the Matterhorn to exchange this partially damaged kite for a replacement Dart. Despite the minor incapacity it has he is able to steer using a combination of the existing controls and changes in thruster output from the twin engines. Reaching the cue of fighters lined up awaiting landing instructions Justin comms Matterhorn's Traffic Control and waits for instructions.

  As Justin Landed.  The Dec  Boss on the MAtter  horn Pointed him over  to the  starboard side where  some  other Damaged  were stockpiled.

 The Dec  Boss on the Carrier station was a CAptain...well , son? Most of your other  aircraft went to the  Forge  ships?.. but.. take a walk over there, to the Grey fighters.. pick one out  and go...

In reply to justin (msg # 21):

The limited time he had avaliable didn't allow time to converss with the Captain save a few yrs sirs. Justin thanker the Deck Officer and did what he was told. Quickly selecting a near pristine Dart and clambering aboard. Powering up and running through a preflight check. After getting permission to launch Justin manoeuvred the replacement Dart from the Matterhorn into space then headed to the form up point.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:29, Mon 04 Dec 2017.

In reply to Bug Hunt (msg # 19):

Joseph cordinates the comunications between the Naragans and the other forces.  He advises keeping them and the ape men apart.  He passes onto the next song on his play list..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjDjAdkiNPE

  Capt Muska of the Ape Folk  came on the COMs.... We have  squashed the bugs in the  shell.... we should begin the crushing of those left  to die... we  should drop down....


 Richards  shakes her  head as she looks  out over  the  skin of the Uppers... No  ,undamaged parasites were left.. that she  could see .

 ..Agreed...  drop into the  Uppers..... seek out  the outposts, they will direct you to hot spots.... when  yoou are ready to hit the Stem.. let me know...

 ..BAH!... mindless  bugs.. and  skiiny  two leggers.. we  will feat well, and you wiill have to clean otu the droppings yourself!

 Richard's  mouth twisted  up in chagrin,..yes... i suppose  we  will..and at this point?.. it is better to clean then... then have been them..

 Troopers  were Lining up at service  elevators  to be taken down to the  Uppers...

    When the word  was given...  Naragrans  with  Joe Mac, drop down on the top of the Mountain.. it is cold. much colder then Naragrans  are used to, but it is also easier  to that the   cold  goes away, the further  down the slope you go.

 On the Mountain , are a few  'loose   UEs '... they are Munching on bodies  of  goats  and other animals, uncaring of the  'troops' that are  dropping  down.

 In the   'city' part  below.. nivarians, and Ape folks  are  taking out the few  HUmaniods thatey see... Matterhorn troopers    have been sweeping the  streets..'hearding    Creshians' towards the opening to the  Stem

  The Naragrans  with thier  Nivarian allies   spread out from the  top of the Moutnain, like  yellow-white  syrup, dripping down from the top.

  A few of the  younger Naragrans   learned to use Nivarian  hand  guns in  a spindle arm.. the older one   just  use  webbing   , or flat out pounced and ate Humanoids and UEs  alike.. thought they repeatedly  spit out the shells of the  UEs.

 Flashes of Gun faire  from Both directions  signaled  confrontation between squad  size bugs..  More them One Naragran  would  keel over to one  side as  greyish ichor   bled from thier wounds.

 Nivarian  were  sometimes  swarmed  But they  quick use of their  Jungle blades  and  sidearms saved  most of them.. others.. were merely overwhelmed.

 from  bellow  Bellows of angry, rage and Glee echoed  through the Uppers   as  Ape folk tore through the streets.. gunning down  Creshains, tearing them  apart, as the bugs tried to swarm them.. in 2 hours, or , just a bit more.. the  2 Allied  waves  Me ape folks  munching on  creshians  as  did thier  Naragran allies

 One to the Matter horn  SEC Captain approached    Joe Mac  and the Ape Folk Officer.

 .. we are goign to get resupplied  with powercells  and hard  ammo.. we  are in contact  with those in the Stem now... we  will fight  our  way down.. Link up and push the creshians to the lowers.... That's  were the biggest mess is...

 already   Vans  were coming down from the Uppers Dome , bring the supplies Some humans  had  held their own in the  Uppers.. fighting the creatures off  as they approached their homes...most.. were not that good at fighting... bones  and half eaten bodies  , attested to that.

    It was a marathon run for Joe to be the radio man on this but the angelfood from the hermes had made him stronger.  He just nodded and continued.

   There maw of the stem   lay open....

  There  were a dozen fighters   parked  on teh beach.. perhaps  another  dozne  flying  into the opening .

 Matterhorn SEC  were suporised  as they tossed  the  bodies  of  Creshians  into a fire  to help get rid of them, that Ape  Folks  where tear of  a smoking arm or legs  , smile in thanks and continue on towards the   Stem opening.

The Naragrans.  did not like them cooked...

  Joseph mentions to someone in charge, "If'n ya don't went to pollute the station ya just have ta load them into a cargo container and drop them off in the Naragran home world."

we're  Venting  the smoke  for now...  we can't  do much about shipping things out until we  clear the station..but?  when we're  done, they can have as much as they want..

   once they reached  the   opening a Major with  battered armor was there drinking  coffee that  came from  mess tents  set up

   Ok I'm Major  MArts.....thank you folks   for  coming to our Aid.... what we are about to do.. is nothing more then a search and destroy.. you see a bug.. you kill it.. that simple... Once  we enter?..  your gonna get messed up in the  head  as Grav Tech takes  over...

Motioning with his  Cup to a Holo display of the Stem,..it doesn't last  long.. folks who are too messed up will need to stay here.. we don't have time  for you to acclimate.  So?.. there  will be a 'top and a Bottom'... normally there is a heavy traffic  stream at the top... right now there are about a Dozen fighters  flying around up there...if we  find a nut that's too hard to crack.. we'll call them down.. right now, they just pick off UEs  and such that worked their way up..

 .. YOu folks who have been on Carrierstations , Know there are several cat walks on each 'side'... here's what were gonna do...

 opening his COM ,he pages  through  Notes.....Mr.. Joe Mac?.... he looks up for a hand,while he keeps talking,.. you and the  Nivarians  will go  down the   'left' side... spilt your people up, use the Cat walks... but have a  strong group on the ground ....

  Captain Mirgrash?... a  Rather Big, and scarred Ape raises its  hand,..your people are going  down the middle  three  streets.. as it were...

 ...My people are  going down the  'right ' side.. Just like  Mr. Mac's.. when you come to a warehouse that seems  dead, make sure UE's  haven't taken it over.... if you come to a compound that has defenders.. lend  aid, and call it in.. we'll send some supplies as well...

 ..now?.. the people in the stem?.. aren't always the nicest . But today, they are  warriors..maybe after this is over, it will change the way  the Stem runs, but I doubt  it...

  ..My... he looks a little distain full at a   younger woman who  has Black hair  with splotches  of  white dyed  hair....'COM  Tech'  Lt   Jenni-lou... has taken it upon herself  to  feed vids into the Stem and  Lowers, showing  our allies.. um.. eating , Creshains ... she thinks that will help instill fear in the Humanoids ..we are on a march folks... no prisoners... If you  find  Matterhorn people.. Humans...Sanri..Angels and Occui who are  wounded.. call it in.. Medtechs will pick them  up after  we  secured that area.

 ..one last Note? There  was a transport of some 50 Burians here.. they were fighting in the lowers and  wee pushed back to the Stem.. make sure you don't kill them... they were sent  as instructors  for  the use of bows and arrows, and stealth, for the GAmma  Fleet.. they hide..very well..it's  said they  have a building  near  The Lowers' opening..  they have folks  making  arrows there, and have a sort of Command post... I hope.. to link with them  and , however many are left can joinis in the sweep of the lowers...

 He  Looks at the tiny dots on the Holo display,.. there are also tranpsot troops breaking into the Lowers    Hull, like we  did in the Uppers.. we should be able to smash the bags  between the two forces... That's it?.. get  some drinks.. I'll blow the whistle in 10 ...

   Joseph transfers the information and orders.  He cautions aproaching known human held facilities before making sure they understand that the bugs with the alligator heads are are not creshains...He also suggests than any Naragrans who are comfortable with it, can carry Burians or Burian trained archers as a means of softening up the enemy at range before melee or covering against ambushes from the side.

   He also asks that of the ground units, one or two be kept aside to help the human units if needed.

    As he sips his Coffee with the timer  on his COM , on. MAjor MArts turns to Joe Mac,  we'll see  what attrition  these sweep takes on us?...  there is a good bet the Burians  and what ever Matterhorn troopers  are with them are not only , Holding  off  Creshians  from  the Lowers, but also keeping the   bugs in the stem, from linking up with those in the lowers... we haven't had  COMs  from them, but that's not a concern..Burians  rarely use COMs  when in battle..

  Once  we see how many of our people are left.. we'll  think about mix and matching our people...

  LT  Jenni-lou is  chewing  gum as she   feeds  or changes  feeds into the Stem and the lowers,..ya...them little green guys  are nasty.. but there are alot of  damn bugs...

"True, but these Naragrans seem to really enjoy their work and they have tactics where rush through slicing the enemies to ribbons and keep going so the next wave of bugs don't have time to prepare.  They can climb like nothing I've seen before so if a unit or two backs up the other forces it will help avoid hangups."

   With a Nod, The Major says, well.. I do know the spider things, other then what we saw of Vids.. so?.. if  you see  any one that needs  some.. send them over... just keep in mind... none of my epopel every worled with them before... its bad  enough we have to work with Nivarians.

  "Yes sir.  "  Josephs goes over the battle feeds and ear marks a series of key images for latter retrieval.

   The battle in the stem is intense, not nacessarily bacause of resistance but because the Naragrans move through so quickly cutting down enemies before they have a chance to mobilize.

  about  two hours or So.. they have passed some dark   compounds. Bodies  littered the area, from both sides... quick clean up, and checking the loading docks would reveal parasite vessels that can been shattered...

  After  Killing..or eating..the rear guard, they could call in fresh troops to  take over the compound, and guard the  docks.

  when the reached  the Mid point, there were two... well-lit  compounds, one on each side of the stem.. In the Middle was a horrifying  sight.. the Middle of the Stem was being build up with scrap and Debris . In the Middle  saw the Bulbous, throbbing body of a egg laying  queen..

   there were Humaniods  and  UEs around here.. taking  eggs, and breaking som open to get fresh, but  young, UEs into battle... eggs that deemed to be carrying Humaniods.. were  sent  down a  'trail' of sorts, to the Lowers.

   Joseph gets some footage of the event and if possible the humans being fed to it.

  the  Creature is large..but must have only been 'made' with in the month as it wasn't producing more then  twenty or so eggs  every couple minutes.

  food  being fed to it  was either fresh kills, or  would have  arms and legs  removed  while still alive.. adding  more and more screams  of Despair, pain and fear,

  Captain MUska   growls,..let us  Kill that Egg back.. people die to make it fat!

 Major MArts agrees. .. Mr  Mac?... bring  half of your  people in from your side.. the othe half shore up the  defnders on your side... I will do the   Same on mine.... CAptain Muska.. when youa re  ready to go...

 ATTACK!!!!.... the Ape folks forces moved   forwards at a frightening rate.. weapons    firing as they  found  scouts and guards.

  Marts  snaps,<DarkBlue>..I'll have to rephrase  by tactics  next time..  couynt off!.. evern numbers with me.. odd numbers to the Compound...</DarkBlue.. so a blue  wave  of trooper  poured inform the starboard  side, as explosion from thier grenades Heralded  their approach

Joseph signalled his troops as he was told and the Naragrans joined the fray.

   The battale was brutal.  The bugs faught for survival against the hammer of the AP,  dispite his abilities Joseph, could do nothing but hang on and aid with comunications between his unit and the others

  When the Dust had  settled.. the Stem had been reclaimed.

  Major MArks walked  over to the Middle, of the Entrance to the Lowers.... Capt. Muska  bearing  all matter of shaved  fur, where Derma Plast had been put on, to cover   the wounds that were Derma Foamed.

  Joe MAc  was there.. with the 'leader" of the Naragran forces...A Tall Golden skin, lankey Nivarian stood there as well..also nursing some wounds...The NAragran.. was  Called  Hsst. The  Nivarian was Called  (LT) Fegget.

   Marts took a Glass of the 'Mellon Wine" made by the Ape folk, from the Mellon  fruits on the Delta Planets.. it was strobg and sweet.. even the NAragran seemed to like it.

 well.. this  has been one ride through the 9 hells.... The Marconi is  dropping off..ALL  of its  troops.. they are entering   through the  airlocks of the  captured Compounds as soon as we get have of them.. we are movign into the lowers.. the  2nd half  will be back ups....some of the Civies  are wearing  Red Lights....all over the station.. if you see a Civie  with Red Lights.. it means they are Bountu hunters.. they get 1  cred per pair of  jaws from an UE..and 5 creds a head of largrans or  Humanoid  Creshains .. we have  6 sniper teams in the lowers  now.. shot to kill and thing that's a bug or a lizard...that's softening them up a bit... Bounty Hunter   come in every hour or so to dump heads and such.. we have a  place set up in the Middle of the stem for that...

 The Nivarian  sips from the   wine,... I have seen the foolishness of my own people.. I though it was   Just mine...To allow the infestation of the Creshians?... My people , regardless of the Triad's laws.. would not openly  trade with the Creshians...

    Joseph was reviewing the space battle, "Every species has it's idiots and it's wise men.  The trick is in not lettin the Idiots cain power or breed.  Humans haven't always been successful with that." Joseph puts the pirate signal from the otherside in a file and brings together some footage as he talks. "So what's the next move?" He throws together some images and hits enter sending a Ameture music video onto the air waves.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9RzDDnU-CU

  Marts  takes a  deep drink... Muska  refills his  tin mug. After he nods thanks to the  Ape Leader, he points  with the Mug to the vista of the lowers...

  smoke  drifted   hig from fires.. some buildings  were shattered.. others looked like they haven't been touched.

  Flashes  for  weapons fire    , and   eruptions of  Granades  showed were action was taking  place... far off orders shouted.. pain screamed.. and Giddy Bounty Hunters laughs.. filled the air..

 wails of  children and women.. Cries  for help from men... and the   occasional  roar of a Hammer Va , as the  aircraft started  coming down through the stem to  help with the   troops setting up on the beach.

 ..Last Push, Mr Mac.... we kill every damn bug and lizard we find... smash eggs.. burn  remains.... thus far we know where there are two more Brood  queens.... some dumbassed  bounty hunters  tried to kill it themselves..ended up helping feed the one.. its  in the ESN  Headquarters... we think there is one below the  Lowers... which would be about right... all those tunnels....but when we get the Marconi's troops.. were moving out..right down the damn Middle.. You, the NAragrans, the  Nivarians..The Ape folks  and My people.. with  the   drop troops  right behind.... we got   Barton toops on the beach... they are  going to sweep in...with Luck.. we retake the HQ..kill the Brood bitch,,and  then sweep out from there.... the Tunnel running?.. that will be alot more of a Mess..

  "Well since any civilians down there are already dead, we could gass the tunnels first.  The air will flow a certain way down there.  Any surviven urchin will know where ta drop the gass grenades where they are most effective." Joseph scratches his chin.  "Heck if we do it in small sections we can use flamable gass and burn the bugs out before they see us without making to much damage.  Any flamable main we rupture with weapons fire will do the same thing with us on top of it so we might as well hit it that way."

 Downing the Rest of his  drink, then waves off a refill from Muska. Muska  offers drinks to the others.

 ..firt thing is first..kill the brood bitch in the HQ and  retake it..we shut off that flow of bodies... we can clear the Lowers  then take that into consideration... should be a good way to go... gotta remember though.. we have the Lower's  hangers   below the tunnels...

    Joseph laughs, "Then it would be easy to just close the tunnels and decompress them.  I doubt they have space suits for UEs"

    "Well, into the breach.  I want to get this over with so I can send a post to that rainbow haired techy on the Hermes.  I want to do something but  she'll be pissed if I don't consult her first.  Besides, I'm clumsy as hell and she should be able to help me.."

  Marts Coms  Back around,..Right.... lets get ready.. the balloon's  goin' up in a minute.. The Admiral and XO  are off station... went to Visit The Hermes, thinking this  won't be good, but  we need  to worry about the station... so?... Get your  ..um..people together and  get  ready..

 The Ape folks  were   ready..  thier   wicked looking , heavy blades that reminded on of  a Cutlass, except  for the BArbed   end  that could  do more damage  being Pulled out, then it  did going in, hung from thier  belts or across thier backs.

  their Pulse  rifles were ready, more then half  of them carried heavy Pulse  like one  would carry a hunting rifle.

  Marts    reached his   people on the Far right.. mostly Humans  with some Sanri and Occui sprinkled in...

 Joe Mac looked at his NAragrans  and  Nivarians, they seemed  ready to go...

 Then a Flare shot Up from the beach to the  port side... the roars of  far Off voices  were  hear as a dark line of ESN Blue  surged  forward..

  MArts  whistle Blue three times   and they   moved forward.. the Ape  folk's  creams  echoing over the   Lowers..

   Then Naragrans weren't so noisy.  The enemies would be lucky to hear their movement before the creatures swept through tearing up any creatures in their way.  Through the streets and across the building tops the bugs were overrun with brutal efficiency.

  The fights were  savage as the others... UEs  driving  by   hunger  and  orders from thier  leaders... moved to attack...Kill..and sometimes..the lesser Focussed  ,began to eat.

    A Few Naragrans were being hit hard  by Heaby weapons, the  Humnoid  Creshians have learned the dangers of the Bigger  Creatures..

  The Naragrans   learned as well.. webs shot out at a distance..in 'globs' to tie up or  foul the  weapons and Give   them, or  others   time  to reach them

  The Nivarians , who started out a bit, less-then-hungry , for the fight. Showed what they can  do... after being blooded in the Uppers and the Stem, they sued thier height to shoot  down into   barraicades.. and thier Long legs to close the distance between the    heavy gunners the NAragrans had  webbed... ruthless  Cuts from the Nivarian  blades would sever arms or legs  and leave the  wounded to bleed out and they attacked  healthy troops..  only about a Donzen of the Nivarian, 6 legged  Lorts and Largs were left.. but  their  speedy , jerky movements  with thier  6 legs, tore into the Humanionds quickly... their  downfall were the UEs, that would  swarm them  .. Killing and devouring the   trained  beasts in seconds.

 An Hour Passed  as the Tower of the  ESN HQ  was Visble.. the    people who were Holding the Tower   were firiong  down into the streets.. flashes of  Gun fire   in the windows, showed   , floor to floor fighting.

   Joseph pressed on keeping the units working well with eachother.  He too was getting used to this combat and was able to use his accuracy to take down the occasional stragler or snipper that attempted to flank the unit.

  Marts  came on the COMs,.. were Closing in on ESN HQ  Plaza..... when we  reach the Plaza.. I want a permeter  put up....  Mr Mac?  see if you can get the  Naragrans  to climb the outside to the tope......

  ..Muska.. your  epopel enter  from the  west..  start claring  floors.. , My people  from the east.. will do the same... watch out for   Blue ESN Uniforms....


  The people sweeping in from the beach will help stable the perimeter ...  Mr  Make and the Nivarians   can do the same thing to the south... Once  we take this Building back.... it all but over for the Bugs...

   "Your on."  He says.

   Joseph sets the Nivarians in a double perimeter with the help of the Naragrans, one to the inside, one to the outside to handle ascapes from the building as well as reinforcements from the outside.  This way the troops won't get in a cross fire and can ship focus where needed.

   Joseph relays the instructions for the Naragrans "Your going up on your own my freinds, I have orders to hold the line.  Stay safe so you can bring meat home to your families.  If you can set up web slings and transfer troops to the top so they can storm the inside from above that would be helpful."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:52, Tue 09 Jan 2018.

  Hsst listened to Joe, and  Nodded the  large Head.. it tapped  something out on the  Vidbaord in  the picture=words.. that  showed agreement.

  He  then  Clicker is   spindle  Claw  and  'talked' to his people. Webs shot up wards adnthey began to  Climb the  30 story Building.

 The Nivariran   LT came to Joe Mac,..there are  pockets of HUmaniods  out  between  trees and houses..should we attack..or hold here..

   Joseph squints inot the distance. "The tunnels are filled with them.  If we weaken our position we could be over run from another direction but we can'y have them shelling or distracting us."  Joseph signals 5 Naragrans to hang back and act as a sweep team.

    Five of the  Younger ones  stayed     back, and  began to  Creep over the Hedges   and fences, through the yards ..lookign  for    the enemy.. now  and they wepaons  fire   or odd sounding screams were  heard..

 The  Nivarians     watched  and waited..  years of Hunting in  the jungles helped  keep their  nerves a bit more... stable.

  Joseph looks at the Nivarians. "Ever think you'd be part os an AP assault force with Naragrans at your side?"

 The Lt  shook his head,...did not thing we would be alive  this long... and after that attempt to Kill the  Fleet's   higher ups?... we thought we would end up  like Hyria or   H2?... I think the  Cavat had something to   do with this.. showing the Vids....The High Council made us  believe  we had nothing to fear....

-->> Hangar Deck

Once transfer of presence from Hermes Space Traffic to Matterhorn Space Traffic was completed Justin followed the Traffic Controllers directions bringing the Fighter into the Massive Hangar Deck. The number of Fighters lined up in neat rows stretched the full length of the Deck, hundreds of them all waiting for a pilot to power them up and sweep forth to meet with any enemy threat. The image of a Wasps nest sprang to mind prompting a half grin from Justin.
Bringing the fighter to a smooth landing Justin was directed to a booth to park DR-NO's previous fighter, powering down he popped the canopy and clambered out and greeted the Deck Crew, before reporting to the Hangar Control Officer.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:01, Wed 10 Jan 2018.

  The Uppers  was  in a state of  chaos .     there were a hand ful of  Matterhorn  Pilots   standing around a table with  some  coffee and Tea while they  waited for thier turn to Go out.

    Battered fighters with all manner of  Ship insignias , were being  towed back  towards the   foundry and repair  shops.

 Some  30  new..or newly fixed  Fighter stood ready as   Justin  had seen.

 A Chief  greeted him as he landed, shouting over the shouts of Men.  whines of cranes, and   howls of    engines.

  ..Hello  sir.... he shouted,.. are you here to pick up  a replacement.. or are you going to wait on this one?

In reply to justin (msg # 59):
Hi Chief, I was instructed to get a replacement. This one has a banged up Port wing which will need quite a bit of work to right, may even have to be replaced.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:34, Wed 10 Jan 2018.

  The  Chief   waved his  Vid  Board to the  Fighters as he  gave Justin a gentl push to Folow him,...pick out which one you want?.. Hermes gets  first pick ..Darts  are  here.. Hammer Vas  in the next row,,,

 he  still hollered over the testing of   thrusters  and  Landing Horns.

In reply to Justin (msg # 61):

Justin fell in alongside the Chief, stepping out in co-ordination as they made their way to the lines of Fighters. Thanks Chief I could be cheeky and get a Hammer but DR-NO may not appreciate the humour in it so best stick with Darts. Justin shouted in reply, appreciating the benefits being part of Delta Fleet afforded them Are the Hammers Boats which have been rotated out and repaired, or are Production Lines still churning that model out?

  The Chief looks at the  line of  fighters, He Points to the  tail  fins, as he shouts,..the  numbers that  end in  an asterisk.. are fighter that have been repaired...Other wise they are New...Order  come down , that we make one Hammer Va for  every 3 Darts.. I'm  thinking in another month.. we'll be making   all Darts.

In reply to Justin (msg # 63):

Justin nods appreciatively glancing at the lines of Darts and Hammers waiting collection The next Dart in the line for pickup, will do nicely Thanks Chief he replies loudly pointing at the line of Darts.

 The Chief used a COM, even  though the Crewman was only  about 20 Yards away...The  fellow  ran over , taking off ear Phones,

 ..The Ensign is taking  that Dart for the Hermes... get the  Nambers, and get him going...

 The Seaman nodded as he talked Loudly,..Hop in  Sie  , we'll check her out  while the guys get your Numbers.... Stay to the Left on the  way out....

In reply to Joe Mac (msg # 57):

  "Propaganda can be twisted to say anything.  Stay with the AP and you'll learn that being open with all things is our greatest asset in this war."

In reply to Justin (msg # 65):

Justin gave the Chief a friendly handshake Thanking him for the assistance. Turning to the Sailor giving him a thumbs up as Justin headed across to the Dart. Quickly climbing aboard he slipped on the Helmet he'd been carrying and ran through a start up check. Once the process was completed Justin saluted the Flag then Flight Crew tapped on the thrusters an was propelled along the left of the runway out of the 1004 heading back to the Hermes. Following standard coms to both Space Controls sequentially.

Hangar Deck 7-->>
This message was last edited by the player at 16:01, Wed 10 Jan 2018.

  Justin was  Taking off.. he noticed  a fighter limping in.. the  Number on the TAil  fin was #6 from the Athena , Captain Fenwick.. (now) 59 Kills.

 The  aircraft was   flyig in slowly..crabwaise, as  an sstablizer  was   missing as well as half of the  portside  wing

  the  Battles  were sparse  on.. hot  flashes of fire..then  quiet..  is wasn't  unusual  for   the sky to light up above them, and  Meta Glass   rain down , along with Creshian Bodies.

   On the COMs  MArts  called,...we're  close to meting on the 14th floor..  if  we do that, the HQ is ours, and we can begin the last part of the cleanup..

   Lights  Come on, all around the HQ,..of  course there are  some  place where  windows are Blown out ..and   alot of   places no lights  come on.

  There is a Loudspeaker announcement  that  echoes  from the Building...ALL HEAR THIS!...WE HAVE TAKEN THE HQ. HUNT  DOWN AND  DISPTACH ANY ENEMIES  THAT  YOU COME ACROSS.  I REGRET, BECAUSE OF THIER  ATTACK UPON OUR  STATION, WE CANNOT AFFORD  PRISONERS....THE PRICE THEY  PAY... UNITS  WHO WISH TO HUNT  THE TUNNELS  AND  EXTERMINATE THE BREEDER.. FORM UP  AT THE BEACH..

  cheers    rise  from   all the   troops.. The Nivarians  seem over come.. they are part of a hard fought victory, that they have taken part in.

 Naragrans    are Zipping  back down from the roof on thier  webs...Naragarans  on the ground  where  clicking their  spindle  claws.

  The fighting was  as savage  as the rest..  Creshians were given no  quarter, whether they asked of it...or not.

  The Tunnels  were being   rooted through by the Apefolk, smaller Naragrans  and  Humans.

 The Nivarians   were a bit  to  tall for the  6 foot ceilings.

  A Nivairan  LT came to Joe Mac...The delta Fleet is begining to form up. They will be casting off in two  hours.. Do we  sail with them to Etna, and return home?  or stay here?

 Admiral Van Ros  had Landed at the HQ, her  Pulse riddle   powered up  as she met with Major  Marts  as  she  looked out over the  battered Lowers.

 As soon as it is feasible.. I want the Lowers   hanger  dec on line again... and I want Civies  recruited  to help clean up  , both the uppers and Lowers..That means...ALL Civies.... if they are too good to work, they are too good for this  station... Give them a choice.... work..Astra..or the Delta Colonies..

 Major Marts looks a bit stunned,..Ma'am?.. The   older Business folk they won't be able to move debris  and the like.

 ..Understood  Major.. so they will cook for those who work, wash clothes, sweep..carry  food  and  drink to those who are working... gods be damned..they'll babysit of they won't be on my station.. we will seize their Assets  and turn  them over to people who will help rebuild.... they lived off other people  in this station for decades..its time to pay the piper...one way..or the other..

 Ma'am?  If I may.. this may make your rather unpopular...

 ..Maybe...maybe  with  the rich?.. i'm thinking the working class won't mind... either way?.. I'm not here to be popular.. in the  end.. a carrier station is  2  things...a Military outpost, and a colony..and I'll be damned if its  going to fail at either.

Joseph looks across the devastation. I'm thinking we look into doin all three.  Wounded go home, carry the knowledge of the battle and let the moon know they are part of something bigger."  He turns to the Naragrans "As I recall They have a green spece here that torn to shreds and back.  Much of it is cold, but would some of your people wish to stay and work with some Nivarian rangers and get things back in order?"

   Joseph adresses Admiral Van rose if he is present for the conversation  "Aye, in the end they will feel the strength and responsibility of having rebuilt the station with their own two hands and will have greater respect and cooperation with the lower class.  This will make a stronger station." Joseph glances uver his shoulder "I have asked if some of the Naragrans and Nivareans wish to stay and help rebuild and maintain your green spaces.  I tell ya, if the Creshains know the Naragrans are still here they will think twice before attacking this station with less than half a dozen nest ships. But ofcourse the final word is yours."

  He looks again at the lands, "I'm going to spread videos and footage of the retaking and cleanup far and wide so freind and foe will know those who inhabit this station and they will tremble at the power of your unity."

  Admiral Van Ros  keeps   the Pulkse  ri8fle in her  left had, brushing a lock of Blonde hair  from her   eye with the right,... If  Any  of them wish to stay and Help, by thier own choice, we will welcome them....The Fate of those who chose  to attack  this  Station..should , ind3eed be  brought to light. And, as  with the  Good Admiral's standing rules... all film gets shown..good , bad..indifferent. We are not here to fool anyone.. we  are here to show The Black that  Humans    have jouned the APF...and the Federation is to be as feared as we are, respected.

 The LT, meanwhile , gave orders for Wounded  Nivarians  and  Naragrans to  be  sent to one ship, for the trip back.. while the others  would sort them se3lves out.

   "Excellent."  Joseph says "Hey guys, don't forget to pack any Creshain meat you want to take home.  It will make cleanup a little easier for the people here.  As it is they are probably going to have to grind most of this up for fertilizer."

  The  Nivarians , except for the LT who stays  with  Joe Mac begin to  spread the  word...

 As  he looks around he  can see  Naragrans wrappign   UEs amd even Humaniods  into Bundled  with thier  webbing.

    Joseph nods in satisfaction.  He turns to the LT. "I don't mean to lecture and you can do what you want with my advise, but I've seen how Hack works.  If your people are represented in the assault forces, they have a better standing in the AP.  I suggest you always make sure you have people in Delta fleet and that they fight well.  That doesn't mean you can't send people home on rotation so long as you maintain a steady number.  I would advise you look into organizing troops and training them here on Etna.  As it rebuilds your people will be a fixture here, understood and respected.  Elsewhere they may still see you as allies of the Demon Empire.  This days work will not go unrewarded.  Strike while the iron is hot, for your people and for the AP."

    Joseph smiles. "Now let's get a bite to eat, I'm so hungry I can eat a Burean vole"

  The LT  gives a   look of  understanding. The   waves his  way over to a  Van that has  Hot  foods and cold drinks for the troops..... we  can rotate those  wounded , back to Nivar and the green Moon... The Cavet, of course, will have the last word.

 ..The Naragrans  will have to make thier own choices. We are still trying to understand them, as a people...

In reply to Joe Mac (msg # 77):

I’m gaining a certain amount of respect for them.  They seem family oriented yet are willing to take other species under their protection despite being physically superior in many ways.  That suggests a level of civilization that is more socially advanced than almost all of the species I’ve encountered so far, including my own.  I wish I could find the key to their language.  To immerse yourself in the language of a people is to understand them.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:34, Wed 24 Jan 2018.

   Lt  Bers  loked at the strange food  , called a hot  dog with the red  and   yellow  sauce  oozing over it..... has  any one tried to Chip the NAragrans? I mean?..if they are goign to be army and Milita..they should bve  getting  creds?   and even if they are not getting  creds.. it would be worth the chance to see if we could talk?

In reply to Joe Mac (msg # 79):

   "I don't know.  I'll ask.  They didn't seem interested when I talked to them about being part of tha economic community.  If the chip worked for them we'd understand them already.  Our own chips would be doing the translation...but maybe if we made the chips more sensitive to how the Naragrans spoke the chips would be able to work up a translation."

  ..You never Know, My  earther  friend. But it seems to be.. there  should  be a collection  pout at each end, before  one  could also speak out of it?

 he  tries  a  tries a bot of  the  sauces and shakes his head,..the red stuf is  better... though the yellow  stuff..might be good on the Flying Snakes  we have?

 lookign around as he  chews on a cheek full of hot dog,..in the  end?.. they will need chips.. if nothing esle ..for  to purchase..maybe even sell?... They may be alllies..but if they want to eat  something that is  sould?  they will have to buy it...like everyone else?

   "Sounds like a good wager,"  Joseph said getting up "I'll have a word with them on that right now.  I get the feelin it would be wise ta talk to them about it for some time before we try to rig electronics to their nerve system."  He pauses, "If'n ya get the chance, you should ask for some barbeque sauce.  It kinda takes the best or red and yellow and gives it a smoky, sometimes spicy tang."


    Joseph seeks out the Naragran with the helm and speaks to him at length about the chips, what they do, and how they are used.  Then he suggests that it might help to install them on members of the Naragran species.

  Joseph boards the transports with the Naragran charges.  He awaits the outcome of the chip implants.  If they work, he is no longer chained to the Naragrans, if they don't, the fleet would be best served if he remained as an enterpreter.  They moved on tp the next carrier station.  Perhaps he could get some shore leave for his spidery freinds.  He made sure their needs were met and they understood everything that went on.  As alein as they were, they were his freinds, and he wouldn't abandon them before they could fend on their own in Galactic society.

   Six Naragrans  Volunteered  for the Chip, all of them  were , Younger ones, but if you go by size, were not   hatchlings.

   One of the  Was the  Helmet   webbed  Naragran...Thr procedure itself, was not   complitacted, but the Naragrans  did not seem to thrilled  with having the   tiny holes drilled in thier shells... The chips  were planted and Activated , then the real work began.. assigning names ..and setting  up accoutns.. the APF was already transfering  funds for the 'Naragrain Union".

  The Naragrans  were stepping out into the  Black, as a People...



 AG6.. was the  name of the Helemt webbed  Naragran..so far, they were  trying  handle the  langauge ..  The  6 who were implanted were to ehad  back to the Green Moon. There.. those Naragrans  would be  chipped  first..and   grow  as a people, and  with understandng of their 'speech'.

  The Naragran's would ehad  Home... half of the   Nivarians and   thier  human comrades would go to  Etna to see the  station as it  came under 'new management'.

(( when the Fleet reaches , after  battle of  funnel ))

  Troopers  and Militia  that stayed  were se up , the best they were able.  heavy concentrations  in the  two massive Hanger areas in the uppers  and Lowers,, Fighters   were   stationed in the Stem, incase  parasite break through, with   SEC  at  each  end  with assault  shuttles.

   A COM Buzzed,  Van Ross nodded. Hack was  putting on his breast Plate  as he  smiled a bit at Von Ross, When the  3 other sections of the Delta Fleet are in Place, they will Move  forward.. all the support ships   will be between  Matterhorn and the way  to Etna......if this fails, you  fill your shuttles   and  catch a  rife on what ever ship your people can land on...

    he pressed the button that caused the  machine to tighten his  straps.....I will Give  Captain Bruce a   one  word  order.... 'go'......He  will  send it out to 'the fleet' and to you..we will be dark  the whole time, until we hit the First Hive ship....after that?..all bets are off...

 Van Ross  asked,If its bad..... should i self destruct?

  Hack shook his head  as he drank from a  cup of  coffee, No....Never..if  we lose the station, we'll come back and retake it...

  Get some rest... a little short of  two hours  from now...

 Good Luck...and Good hunting...

The Admiral winked  and smiled , and  cut the feed.

  Her Chief COMs officer looked at  Van Ross.....your thoughts, Ma'am?

 Van  Ross nodded as she picked up her own coffee.....Yes Captain... I was thinking   what my parents  wanted for me?.. they wanted  me to be a colony farmer.....Farms  are nice..growing things, working the land....

 ,,you do have something in common with  Farmers, Ma;am?

  What's that  Genna?

 ..still gotta fight off bugs....

 they laughed , as  did a few who heard...they didn't have to  close the Blast doors  on the Upper's  yet... everyone knew where they were...

  ((  Matterhorn. Lowers hanger Dec ))

   Aircraft  were   lined at central points  around   dec. ready to take off if  needed but  , out od the way and corded off to  stop people from entering  the areas.

  4 groups  of tables  were set up  with food   and drink..In the center  was  a rotating  bandstand  with a band, and Vid machine  set up   it was a few hours before  any one would show up, but quartermasters  a Galley staff  hustled  around...

 <<<<<<<<< from Hanger dec as  limos left Hermes

 Other Limos were landing and taking off from the  entrance to the Hanger Dec.. ESN Blue Mantis linded up facing out  ward, in case of a scramble..  other  Fighters   painted in APF colors   lined up as well 1/3 of the Hanger dec   was opened in the Middle, providing   3/4 of a mile  with of     Dance floor  with the Band in the Middle.

 Drink tables  and food tables    were staged   at  areas around   circular  party area.

 Two places had  an 'icecream cone' set up because  a certain LC requested  shakes to be available.

 The  Admiral's  Limo  touched  down, and those  Inside  stepped out, Lead  By The Admiral who  extended his   hand to  Captain side  as she  exited.. they walked the 'red carpet the 100 or  so  yards  before getting  past the fighter  ring, and into the party proper... Music was already playing as people begane to meet and greet,

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

 in The Second  Limo. Shadow said,By the Numbers.. Roll, Haley and  the largs exit  first.... they all you ladies with an escort, the rest of us exit  in a bunch  from all the doors, after we give the others a head start.

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

 In  the  3rd  Limo the driver said  to the passengers,we  land  after the  second Limo takes off..get ready...

Zob stepped out of the Limo with Orria and Shade and gave a friendly wave to those present as he followed the group into the event at the same time keeping a eye out for trouble as was one of his duties as a father, Shade could handle himself but it never hurt to have a extra pair of eyes.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:14, Wed 29 Dec 2021.

JD was last to exit the Limousine, adjusting his uniform before, matching step with the others as they made their way to the assigned tables.

As the limo empties, Tulliun steps out ahead of Meari. He turns and extends a hand for her, out of courtesy. 'Helping' her out of the limo.

 more media
 Roles laughed,<Coral Commander Miller exited  along  with Rivets, Captain Morris, General Bale and Admiral Hennings  had  Emmie  with him.

 Admiral Roles was standing with Admiral  Van Ros... Van Ros had a Knee High  white and Blue  Angel silk dress,, with her Pips  on one shoulder, just to clarify her rank.

 Van Ros greeted them  all Giving Captain si a Hug. noting that Si had her   'formal' blue max, bit a small megaphone with an 'N' on hit.

 Nil?  What is that  pin? It looks like .....

 Si giggled,A Megaphone... yes... there was something going around the  ship , from malcontents  about  any of the Ladies who supporter the LC, where Cheerleaders?... So Lt Frans  started to hand them out.. they have   the  woman's initial  on it..

  Shade Bleeped  and   Bowed  slightly to Van Ros.. Orria  said,Shade  says, thank you for  inviting us, and your dress looks  good...

Van Ros  Chuckled as she answered,Thank you Ambassador... to Si, she says, I need to get  one of those pins!

 when  JD reached the   end of the carpet, Admiral  Hack said...This is Commander JD...for  John Doe, we do not know his name..he is  a gift from gresh, more or less...

 we have tables  set up with food  and  drink,  with Numbers...gresh is  at Table # 9.  It is  set up  like a clockface. with 12:00 being   all the way across the  area  from here..

 The Second limo pulled up...Is that.......

  Yes....it is ... Roles Laughed.

 The media that centered on the Admiral's arrival, were joined by even More.

 The  Main Door  opened , Haley and Roll exited  with  Gregor   just a tad a head, his  head  inclined as he walked... The couples  in  the Limo got out  next..With  Larry  thumping his tail waiting  to get out ( and find food! )

 Raven and  Red Water  waved  at people, , as Shadow waioted  for all the couples to leave.

 As their limo landed Meari took Tulliun's hand and got out of the Limo wearing her megaphone pin, and walked with Tulliun to there spot, as they walked she said to Tulliun," Now the fun begans watch what happens next." Meari then watched for the exodus of the LC and his ladies.

In reply to arrinving (msg # 92):

Diplomatically greeting the 1003 Dignatories. lndeed; post marked Spacial Delivery. JD stated I'm fortunate that this wasn't carried with Postage Due. If an opportunity presented itself JD asked if Admiral Van Ros had space on her card to permit him a dance.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:48, Wed 29 Dec 2021.

In reply to Meari (msg # 93):

Tulliun realized the crowd was all focusing the attention to the limo after he'd got out. His face flushed a bit, but he maintained his composure.

Do they make such a sport of every time Shadow goes somewhere? he asked as he leaned up to Meari in, what should have been a whisper. But, the noise made that hard, so he was basically just talking to be heard.

Henry helped Val out of the limo.

"You look glorious tonight, my love."

He offered her an arm as they tagged along in rear of the official party, Mila trotting proudly beside them.

Roy walked, arm in arm with Dusk, up to and through Admiral Von Ros' greeting line, looking around at the space.  With it being a military facility, he was at least somewhat relieved about security considerations, but there were a lot of vulnerable spots...

"The acoustics for the music are going to be terrible in here," he muttered to Dusk, partly as a cover for his roving gaze.  Even if they bolstered the band's sound with a sound system, it was such a large space, and so many hard surfaces...the periphery would be a great place to talk, but terrible for dancing, as the echoing music would be so muddled near the outer edges of the space that normal conversational tones would be indistinguishable from just a few feet away as anything more than some additional ambient noise...especially once the chattering of the inevitably huge crowd was layered over it.

He gave Van Ros a salute as they came to her in the line.  "Admiral," he began, with a pleasant neutral expression on his face.  "Been hearing good news about the clean-up effort on the station.  You've done some great work here."  It was not the sort of conversation starter a Security Chief would have...but a Sergeant Major of the Corps, now...that was a different matter altogether.

 Van Ros   Greeted  Henry and Val.. she carefully knelt  to  give   Mila  some fuzzes, then stood...Doctor  Christie...and ..Val..right?.... I hope you enjoy the evening.

 To Roy she  turns  with a   smile   she waves off the Salute with  a slight head bow to acknowledge it was given.Thank You SM..... it has been alot of hard work, The Ape Folks, Naragrans and Gava  did alot of the heavy lifting, while troopers   went through access  tunnels  and  pipelines  to remove the UEs......They are, without a doubt, the most useless  creatures in the Black,,,they cannot even reproduce, they are just rejects from a captured  Brood Mother... we have  found one thing, Rather disheartening... Humans and Sanri are preferred  for  Brood Mothers?.... Sanri offspring  are stronger, harder  to kill, they, of course,,have shells that have more blue in their  Pigmentation... Human Mothers  are sought, because, they triple the amount of eggs once their Egg sacks  grow and take root....

 A Male Captain who seemed to be  the nearest to  Van Ros at all time, Cal Jennings...Admiral Van Ros  seems all too willing to get into the  tunnels with our troopers...

 Cal seems to think  Admirals should hide in the offices...But I learned from the best.... Officers  can lead better, when  they know what their people are doing.

 Hack smiled,you're not winning that one  Cal....

 No Sir Admiral, I am not...  he chuckled...

 Van Ros  said to Roy, Both  Carrier  sections of Matterhorn  are having the  Hanger dec , feed the Music into their PA systems, That means...any type of...how shall we say...hijinks?  Will have to be sent through  SEC COM links...It may slow   any response to
 such  nuisance calls, at least Until 2:00 AM

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

  As the Couples   stepped out and walked a bit awa, Larry Came Out  First. His head  swayed from one side to the other...some of the media noted, there was no leash!...stepping the rest of the way  out, Larrry Howled ..followed  By a return Howl  somewhere  inside the party area  from gregor.

 some people cheered. many of the media  types  backed off..

 As   they were ready to  leave.. Beth   pushed  Shadow back in the  chair, took a pair of aviator   sunglasses off the driver  and  set them on Shadows  face...Now!...Its Showtime!  she   opens her   Vidboard , punches  some numbers  in....

 where did you keep that?

 Beth smiled  and  had her eyebrows  go up and down...

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJQp7Id2ywE

 The   Girls   flowed out of the  Doors , more or less fanning out, there was no  movement , until finally the   LC Stepped Out  His arms spread wide  and a Big grin   as the  Media  went crazy  and  'fans'  Hollered

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

 behind   everyone, the Vid Machine started to  play as the  PA was set to max..and   People   screamed  and  clapped ( some did not, of course!)

  Van Ros Giggled  as she   Clapped...OH GODs!... Oliver... I bet you never have a dull Moment!

 Hack chuckled,...You have...NOOOO..idea!

Shade   gave a Thumbs up..

 As the Music  played the Unescorted   Ladies   flounced on each side , giving  hunger Smiles to those  who looked on... As Shadow  Grinned waving and  allowing Pics  and selfies..

 When he reached  Van Ros, he removed the shades, and Saluted...Van Ros giggled,That's  quite  an entrance for a mere LC?

 Aye  , Ma'am..LC  couldn't make it today... Only the leading acer of the war... he grinned....

 The Ladies  smiled , some laughed.

 Well, Leading Ace of the  War.... get your promised dances taken care of, and I'll give you a  tour of the hanger dec  Afterwards...

 Aye Ma'am..Already Done...

 The third Limo was stopping in now as the couples  and singles exited   to more Picture taking, but at least half, had  followed    The LC and His   posse.

  Admiral Van Ross  Greeted  those  from the Third  Limo, then went off  with the brass, as, someone figured out  how to control the PAs, and the   Soft Dance Music  was played,with Admiral Hack and  Van Ros  taking the First dance, Will Si and  Cal Jennings  danced..

   Hennings was  about to go out  with Emmie,... Lilly will give you a run down  on the night's activities...its going to  be wet work for certain, shouldn't be too much to hanndle..

 He Gave   Roy a nod to the Floor  Since Dusk seemed to  be  eager...

 Beth and  Flores  were  doing  . rock paper scissors to see who danced  with Shadow first, But Frans  drug him out  this  time...

 Dammit!..we have to  figure this out ahead of time for now on!

 Flores  sighed, she Looked  around, grabbed Howe  and  went out, as the Ladies hunted down guys to dance with.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:55, Wed 29 Dec 2021.

After two hours of waiting No opportunity presented itself, prompting JD to meander away from the Matterhorn Command. Glancing towards the second shuttle he watched the ladies, accompanying LC Shadow, deploy into the waiting assembly.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:33, Thu 30 Dec 2021.

 Meari watched as the LC came out with his ladies, Meari chuckled and giggled at the big to do and said too Tulliun, " Yes this helps keep his playboy image intact I will try to get a dance but I dont think he will be around for long though just a gut feeling."

  Meari would then lead Tulliun to see Admiral Van Ross, Meari bowed and smiled at the Admiral," Admiral Van Ross, Sgt. Meari Udenese Commado member of Hermes SEC, pleasure too officially meet you Ma'am." She turns and looks down too Tulliun and adds," This is Tulliun the shuttle pilot that Gresh had deliver the Hive Busters, he also delivered one into a Hive ship as well."

Zob left the important talk to the higher ups he instead went to the tables to get himself some food and drink he didn't really have a date to the event with Melia being gone but he still needed to keep a eye out on Orria which was fairly easy as she hung around Shade exclusively.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:19, Wed 29 Dec 2021.

In reply to Meari (msg # 100):

Tulliun said, as they walked the distance to Admiral Van Ros His playboy 'image'? If it's all a front, why bother? Is it politics?

They made it to the Admiral before Meari could answer. He bowed to her with Meari. Pleased to meet you, Admiral.

Reaching the buffet JD browsed the selection and chose a beverage he could sip while deciding on the foods.

In reply to Jeremy Caseman (msg # 103):

Zob glanced over and noticed the new guy get a drink next to him, "I remember you... Mr Doe how you adjusting?" he asked taking a sip of his drink looking to spark some casual conversation.

In reply to Zobaich (msg # 104):

JD's head swung in the direction of the comment, a look of bewilderment on his face; before realising the Sergeant was referring to him. Getting along well enough Sergeant. Thank you for asking. he smiled. Mind if I ask a question about your arrival on 351?

Zob relaxed a bit as he took another sip of his drink and popped a small piece of what passed for chicken into his mouth and swallowed, "Sure ask away" he said in a rather nonchalant manner.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:22, Thu 30 Dec 2021.

In reply to Zobaich (msg # 106):

Noticing the Sergeant was eating chicken JD glanced back at the buffet and spotted the several platters covered with segments. Fixing Zob with an assessing eye. Did you get any cold shoulder, if so how long did it last.

>>>>> From: HANGER DEC # !2

Before she realized it, the limo was winding down as it brought them to the pearly gates of Matterhorn. Roo, two deep into the bottles of booze, could feel the little bit of comfortable numbness already tweaking at her nose. She smiled at the girls in the limo, waiting for them to exit and lead the way. This was her first Hermes ball and she wanted to be in the back end of things so she could study what everyone else did, using that to make decent decisions on how to act.

"Sam?" Roo said into a lull in the conversation. "Are there any rules to the ball that I need to know of?" She asked. "And..." She scrunched up her face in thought. "Is there going to be any naked Twister going on anywhere?" She let an evil smirk slide across her lips, waiting to see how Sam reacted to that one. Roo liked to throw curveballs out there out of nowhere, it kept people on their toes.

 Van Ros    took Meari's hand, looking up at her, then to Lilit..The warlord  gave a faint  smile.

 It is nice to see you have chosen a  classic style.. . It looks wonderful on you.

 turning to Tulliun,Those Hive  buster  were part of a very Bold....and  should i say..Risky Plan of  Admiral Hack's.

The  whole boards   agreed to the risky part.

 Hack gave a shrug,we need   to  kill the mother ships..we  would  have tried  without the  Hive Busters. But those  weapons saved alot  of   APF lives. Mr Tulliun should be  rather proud.

................
  Shadow  and frans  danced  he looked a little better   the most times,..Shade  and Orria  went out  and  Danced.

 the rest of the  crowd  move  in some  headed for  food  and drink, some to the dance floor.

Zob chuckled a bit, "When i first arrived i spent the first few months in the brig with an explosive device attached to my neck and a armed escort when i was free that was ordered to shoot me if i caused trouble... but after my first major battle i fought hard and dispelled the doubts people had about me and i was able to get my foot in the door so to speak but you..."

He then took another sip, "You are untested no offense these people don't know you and what you are capable of and is a big part of why you are getting this cold shoulder but continue to prove yourself get to know the movers and shakers and things will fall into place Mr Doe"

 Sam smiled at Roo and replied to her," Well dont get too drunk, always be ready for an attack, have fun, dance, be generally nice too others, are about the only rules there are at Balls."

 Then Roo made her comment about naked twister and Sam giggled and replied," Well I know Lizzy would love to play naked twister, and we could play later if you want." Sam smiled and gave Roo a sultry smile.

In reply to Zobaich (msg # 110):

JD grimaced Sheesh... Months in the brig with an explosive device for a cell mate.. giving his chin a rub. After that you chose to remain...

Zob grinned, "I mean i am a Demon, i can't blame them for being overly cautious the fact i wasn't shot and killed on site is a miracle in of itself" he laughed at that last part as he drank the last of his drink and set it down on a empty tray.

 Dusk  waited for Roy to take her on the Flor, Eckles   snuck in  after frans left.. causing some  unhappy   'heys!' from the other  women, waiting on Shadow.

  Jax  and  Sneak were on the floor, neither  were good dancers, But Dana had been working with Sneak

   Some suits  were gathering  at the  7:00 table  waiting  for The Admirals  to come over... it was not  to be Missed , there were Some Browncoats  there.

In reply to Zobaich (msg # 113):

There is that. JD agreed. In that time did you have some sessions with any of the MI Branch?

Zob thought it over it was quite a long while ago, "Did spend a extensive amount of my time with Dr Henry Christie to learn more about my biology" Zob then points him out on the far side of where they were standing, "Should speak to him sometime under different circumstances of course as for anything else not really"

In reply to Zobaich (msg # 116):

JD looks across at the person Zob is pointing at. Really... I was sat at the same table with him in the Rec Dec, earlier. Not even a squark from either him or the other Civilian. They sat there for from two to five minutes then just got up.and walked off.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:07, Thu 30 Dec 2021.

Zob shrugged, "I dunno the circumstances, its just possible you caught him at a bad time and ill leave it at that" he then decided to change the subject at making sure he could spot Orria, "So did you manage to learn more about... who you are?" he couldn't think of a better way to phrase the question so he said it how it was.

In reply to Zobaich (msg # 118):

Fair enough. JD agreed.

Responding to Zobs question about his identity he absently rubbed his chin. Not even a shadow of a glimpse.

Roy wasted no time in heading to the dance floor with Dusk, a grin on his face as he watched the reactions to some of the female pilots getting 'aced' out of dancing with Shadow.  "Ah, if people only knew the real man behind the flying ace..." he mused aloud, chuckling softly.

As they danced, Roy continued searching the area...he couldn't NOT do it, at this point, even as he was also enjoying the dance (or, more specifically, the dance partner).  Assessment of security protocols, protective measures, the way the hangar layout had been adapted to serve as a party venue while still maintaining some degree of ready alert status (and a moment of sympathy for the pilots who had to stand by on alert with the ball in full session meters away from their planes)...he trusted Van Ros and her personnel, but experience had taught him that it was important to be familiar with the layout of a space in the event of things going sideways...even if it didn't involve some kind of threat to himself or any of the Fleet brass, his reactions would be more constructive if he didn't have to take time figuring out where to go.

"Drunk? Me?" Roo scoffed, easy-natured like. "I grew up on MeMa hooch back on our island. One sip of that stuff and your hair curled all on its own." While waiting to get out of the limo Roo twisted around in her seat and then was suddenly sitting on Sam's lap, smiling brightly at the comment her friend directed Lizzy's way and how she followed that up.

"I only let myself find that numbness in a bottle, no further." Roo started to grind at Sam while on her lap. "At that stage I have a family recipe, again my MeMa's, that can chase away most any alcohol from one's system in short order." She could feel her heart rate climbing as she moved. "She loved to drink but hated the hangovers. Ancient Samoan secret and all that, ya know?" She giggled then and stoped grinding on Sam, giving her target of affection some relief.

Until she spun around on that Angle-skin clad lap so she could face Sam, her eyes going to Sam's exposed cleavage. "Oh girl, I just want to motorboat you so much right now!"

 Meari smiled at Tulliun and replied," Yes it is political and to throw off the enemy as seeing the LC as a playboy they dont think he can fight or something like that it is a human thing ."

 Meari smiled at Van Ross, " Thank you Admiral, I do like the classic styles, plus it leaves things too the imagination unlike other dresses, plus I can hide my weapons easier Ma'am." Meari also smiled at Lilit.

 Once that was done Meari said too Tulliun," Do you wish too dance or get some food and drink?"

 Sam giggled, Roo was a handful and very sexual thats for sure. Sam replied," They have a few Burian wines that are very strong and there is another that umm gets you in the mood as well."

 Then Roo shifted and ended up on her lap, Sam enjoyed it, Roo's skin touching hers with their very short dresses on. Sam tried to listen but Roo grinding on her got her excited. Sam was about too say something when Roo turned around and she wanted too motorboat her, Sam giggled and replied," Well we can do that later but how about a kiss instead."

 Sam didnt hesitate she gave Roo a deep kiss and then the limo landed and the doors opened.

 Lizzy smiled at Roo and Sam and thought they made the cutest couple ever. She held Izzy's hand until the landed and then said," Ok ladies lets go have fun, and shake our booties." Lizzy smiled at Sam and gave her and Roo a wink as they kissed just as they landed.

 Lizzy took Izzy's hand and got out of the limo waving and smiling showing off her sexy dress.

Well, lucky for him I don't make my money by always playing it safe. he grinned, Captain O'Reilly would probably say that the very act of flying my shuttle before he got ahold of it was dangerous.

He nodded to Admiral Hack, Thank you. I certainly am, and glad that I could help protect your people.

He turned to Meari, How about a dance first, dear? Then maybe you can introduce me to more space cocktails. he looked up at her, smiling playfully.

Henry smiled politely at Van Vross.

"This is my wife Mrs. Christie, Admiral. If you have UE problems we have developed a quite effective gas if your people would like details of how to fabricate it."

He watched approvingly as the Admiral made a fuss of Mila, then led his party away.

"OK, we've done the being polite bit, Val: would you care to dance? Or do you want something to drink or eat first?"

  Val smiled,Dance first, I should think. We will drink and eat after a few? , they walk out  further   on the  massive floor, the Music on the Massive PA  system of the Hanger Dec Flowed  and somewhat echoed  at certain places.

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

 Shadow, was next approached  by Beth, who danced  first, As Flores   waited near by to make sure no one moved in, for her  turn.

  Some of the Matterhorn  men were a bit annoyed  as  their  'targets"  seemed more interested in when they would get their   chance  with the LC.

 Howe was dancing  with NO-Ca, while  Steele  hooked up with a Matterhorn  Pilot.
................

 Dusk danced with Roy  she  had a pleased smile on her  face, without  showing her teeth like a grin.... so? I imagine when Father goes off on his 'tour of the hanger Dec'  . That is when he  will find out  who  you have to kill?

...........

 Larry  sat  by the  7:00 table, almost all the Matterhorn  folks  avoided him, they have seen the Nivar Largs hunting  in thier access  tunnels, taking  down everything from Gangers and stem rats, to the  UEs

 Disna  was near him as Pu7skie  danced with a Nivarian woman who wore a Matterhorn patch on her uniform.....I need  some  cuttings and left overs of   food,  in two Tins  or  basins?, for the two Largs.... he saw the annoyed look on the  server's face ,..if you have  any doubts? I wil call the Admirals over?  Or..Maybe i will just let the largs  go hungry and we  can see how that will turn out?

 The Sever looked worried, whether it was because of the Admirals  or the Largs, no one  could tell..he sent  COM messages out  to  The Tab;es at 9...11...1..3..and 5 to  bring  such foods  to his  area.

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

 A few People  stopped to talk to  Shade, who would bleep and whirls   as he does, and  Orria  would  explain to the   person, what  Shade was saying.

 after a bit of that, Shade pointed to the one of the tables ( 11 and 1 ) that had the Ice cream  poster above it, and the two went there.

........

 Hemsly, Brooks  and Karson were hanging out  by the food table  at  5:00  they talked with some  ground troops  from Matterhorn, a few of them had scottish  patches  on, but  from diffrerant Units.. the  5th seemed like it was going to be a 'dead' company  soon.

Billie smiled softly and looked to Arnie, excitement in her eyes. "Care to dance?" She asked with an almost shy look. When they walked out to the dance floor, Billie leaned in and kissed him. "I don't think I'll ever get tired of dancing with you..."

  Arnie  chuckled  softly as they moved across the floor,That's good, because in our line of work, there are  either Balls  or battles, with  mixed things in the middle!

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

 Cahtty Smith   stepped into dance with Howe  and  Brived  danced  with  Fitz... Foster  and his wife  danced,   as they seemed to   make thier way over to the LC's clsuter.

.............. Borwn Cpats , The men  work  clean and  well  worked  coats,  and the smell of  good leather, though it was hard to tell what animal it was made from. Thier decives  were afixed to Collars or on shoulders  as with everyone else..

 Most of the  Browncoat women  wore dresses , though, not near the style of Angel Silk.

 some of those ladies   were gravitating towards the LC's cluster, wwith hermites giving them a hard look.

Roy noted the presence of the browncoats, and gave a soft grunt in response to Dusk's question, before turning her gently so she was facing the group and his back was to them.  "I'd wager that a fair few of our targets are in the group over my right shoulder," he muttered, for all external view appearing to be exchanging pleasantries during the dance.

"Those guys have been trouble every time we've crossed paths with them and I have a hard time believing that things will be any different here."  They danced in that orientation for a few more moments, before turning again, allowing Roy to sweep the hangar area to make sure there weren't too many additional clusters of the brown coats around the periphery...

As Her Human had gone off to cavort around, Mila wandered over to Larry and sat down beside him.

In reply to Tulliun (msg # 125):

 Meari smiled and took Tulliun's hand and she said,Yes let's go dance shall we Tulliun Meari smiled again and took Tulliun onto the dance floor for a slow dance.

In reply to Jeremy Caseman (msg # 119):

Zob simply shrugged, "Worse case scenario if it never works out you could start anew" he then took another glance around the room and noticed the brown coats but as long as they weren't causing problems with the Brass or Orria he would leave it be.

In reply to Meari (msg # 132):

Tulliun looked up at his companion, watching the fluctuation of colors as they danced. He wondered if there was a specific colors and shades with each emotion or mood she was in. He studied her for a moment, not really wanting to interrupt the movement.

After a spell, he said How long will the Hermes be here? I know there was talk of shore leave, but nothing of how long you'd stay.

 Meari's skin changes didnt seem to go with her moods, but her eye color did. Right now her eyes where bright green, meaning she was very happy. The color you dont want to see if dark grey thats when she is very mad. Meari danced and when Tulliun asked his question Meari replied," As far as I know we are technically on shore leave now for the Ball, I believe we are staying tomorrow but not sure if we are leaving tomorrow or not."

Roo returned the kiss, letting her hands slide up to cup the sides of Sam's breasts gently, demurely. She didn't want to startle the little hottie, just let her know that yea, it was all good on launchpad five. Roo broke the kiss, chuckled as she gave those magnificent boobies a jiggle, then at the urging of Lizzy she climbed off of Sam's lap.

"Yes, yes indeed. We four need to conquer that dance floor, don't you agree?" She slid out of the limo and waited for the others, again, planning to let them take the lead. At least for a little while.

A Regenises Corporation limo pulls up depositing Missy and the Retrofit's main Foreman Zack Fry.  Missy’s eyes scanned the crowd for marks, and friends alike
This message was last edited by the player at 09:30, Fri 31 Dec 2021.

Sergeant Zobaich Do you know much about Stefi? asked JD I'm surprised she hasn't applied for advancement; as I suspect she's obviously Capable and has the Training. added JD casually glancing about to see if he could spot her.

Zob shook his head, "I don't know much about her sorry, my wife could tell you more about her but sadly her duties take her quite far from here... as for advancement there is quite a few people like that myself included"

In reply to Zobaich (msg # 139):

JD grinned Interesting, are you interest in being Commissioned and What branch would you nominate, are you in the Security Detachment?

 Sam jumped a little but then moaned as they kissed. Sam giggled more when Roo jiggled her average sized boobs. When Roo got off of Sam's lap, Sam had too wipe the sweat from her brow, Roo had got her going and she loved it.

 Sam got out right after Roo and headed for Admiral Van Ross and the welcoming group. Sam smiled at the Admiral and said," Admiral I am Lt. Samantha Robertson, Burin N-2 on loan to the Hermes and Burian representative for the APF. Nice too see you again Admiral Van Ross, this is PO1 Roo Taliapapa new Combat Med Tech aboard the Hermes Ma'am." Sam was all smiles but kept her composure in front of the Admiral, she was use too being around Brass a lot lately.

In reply to Jeremy Caseman (msg # 140):

Zob shook his head, "Not really interested in becoming a commissioned officer assuming the APF wins and we survive to the end my future maybe more political but the future is always subject to change"

He grabbed another drink from the table and sipped it, "Yes I am part of the Hermes security i also double as a bodyguard to Ambassador Shade when situations call for it"

  Stefi could  be seen at  Table  #7 talking with  General Bale, captain Morris  and a few  Suits  and a couple Browcoats.

 They seemed to  be having  serious  conversations, as  opposed to light hearted party chat.

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

  The Fast Music  came on,  Shadow  did his  best..better then normal, but still not  good, only the  dance   that he an Shade  would  do was anything  close to be  good...But? None of the Ladies  seemed to mind  as they  tries to help him out...and? perhaps..taking that moment  to show of  curves and moves themselves.

 A  woman in a dark, slinky  dress moved through the  crowd of  pilot and troopers, to stand, with her arms crossed  as she watched  Shadow dance with the  6 or  7  that were currently around him.

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

   Admiral  Hack , captain  Si, Van Ros  and the rest were headed towards  Table  7  as well.  letting the  faster Dances for   those who enjoy them more.

 Gresh had  arrived   a bit before, vectoring himself towards    The Admiral.

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

 After   the set of fast dances finished, Foster  and His  wife  Approached  Shadow  as  the  dark dressed  woman did  as well...The Band leader  announced a slow dance  coining up before a short break.... Foster   Waved to Shadow  and he approached    the LC as the  woman in Black did.

 Excuse me?...LC Shadow?  would you mind dancing with me next... the woman smiled a bit greedily?

 Foster  frowned , Shadow gave the   women a smile before turning to Foster...Whacha need Fos?

 His  wife colored a bit, Foster laughed,My wife  would Like a dance>..I mean..she knows   there is alot going on..and she's too shy to have come over...

 Sure Lili,  I can sorta do the slow  songs... he rginned a bit.

 Mrs Foster  took his hand  and  the woman in Black said...Not  so fast Sailor boy!..I asked  first...

 Shadow  turned  around, his   smile for  Foster wife, replaced  with his   half-smile...so you did?... Congrates!.. But this Lady  just came off the Hermes  Durning a jump off...her husband is one of my pilots?..Guess...who....wins....

 Foster  wife looked at the woman  with some hurt in her eyes.

 The Woman continued,I waited   the last 30 minutes to get a dance with you..and you'er going to take  a Pilot's wife  ahead...of me!

 OH!..wow...30 whole minutes....  I...I..um..only have one thing to  say..

The woman looked at him with a smug  smile, letting some of her cleavage  do the talking...and what is that...LC...

The grin Came  back as he winked,you'er already in practice  , Hermes  ladies  where Giggling  and outright laughing.  and  Lili followed  Shadow to the floor.

 Kat was sipping a beer as she said,I am not knowing  who you are, Comrade. But  Comrade  Shadow, is loyal to his  friends  and Shipmates, Da?  So, if it   wanting to dance for you?.. You do not insult his  people....I wish you, much luck , on the rest of the  night...  Kat moved off...

 The  woman in black Pointed at Kat as she slinked away.  Before she  could even say anything, Gia  spoke up as her and a  dancer partner  wiggled by...I have an Idea what you want to say....but  don't say it.... Kat will turn you  inside out..Si?....Keep you  pouty lips  closed..best for everyone ...

 She  Looked at Foster  , he shrugged  with a smile. . The  woman turned  and  moved off to Table 7...
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:43, Fri 31 Dec 2021.

In reply to Zobaich (msg # 142):

JD nodded Advancement from the  Military into Politics. I envisage that's quite a murky environment what with No defined fronts or transitory ones. With the exception of the ones ylset by the individual. he mused.

In reply to Meari (msg # 135):

Tulliun's face turned down a little, Such is the life of the flagship I suppose. Doesn't leave much time for the beach though.

The music began to change tempo, Do you want to stay out for the fast songs?

When the faster music came on, Roy stepped back and offered his arm to Dusk.  "This seems like a good time to go for a trip around the room and exchange pleasantries..."  He smiled, but his eyes flicked momentarily in the direction of the cluster of brown coats.

"Shall we?" he asked.  Once they were walking, he could explain the need to scout out potential hostile forces and get a closer assessment of their personnel and capabilities, and how the best way to do it was to appear to be doing something altogether different.

In reply to Jeremy Caseman (msg # 144):

Zob chuckled, "That is indeed a big maybe more then likely i may just retire to Bura with my family and live in a big mansion on the outskirts of the city, im only 220 demonic years old i have a very very long time to think about it"

In reply to Zobaich (msg # 147):

JD stares at the Demon Do your mother and father know you're hooning around like you are; acting all 222 years old. he joked
This message was last edited by the player at 00:56, Fri 31 Dec 2021.

Zob grunted, "Father is long dead and never knew my mother so i highly doubt they care, if you wanna go by human years its a bit over 4 millennia" he then noticed Roo and Sam enter in and their outfits left little to the imagination.

Billie chuckled softly, enjoying the slow dance but grinning when a faster song came on, not one to ever shy away. "Well let's see how well that leg has healed up..." She laughed.

In reply to Zobaich (msg # 149):

Zobaich's statement was puzzling however possibly meant the Sergeant was a TT brood. Four millennium with little shown progress in human terms is virtually barbaric or primitive. considering humanity is less than 10-12k old and they've come so far. he thought   Nothing Zobaich marked stare. Anything out of the norm catch your attention?
This message was last edited by the player at 02:57, Fri 31 Dec 2021.

    Roy and Dusk   went to Table 7.    Captain Morris  was in a debate with a  Suit  and Browncoat  about the need   for more support to the Mantis  wings, so more aicraft   could come home  after Battling in Atmo.

 The Suit   waved it  off, The ESN didn't spend too much  time with  fighters and such in Atmo, if a fighter tossed a  wing in The Black, it wasn't going to fall!

 One of the Younger  BrownCoats, who was an LT  by BrownCoat ranking Saw  Dusk.Well Hello? You are a different one.... Undenese?  perhaps...verian...maybe  helfbred of  both?

  Dusk  Looked at him....I am a Captain..You should  watch   what rolls  out of your   mouth...

 I am a brown coat... we are mercs of  sorts,  and  Do not  have  to worry  much about Ranks, other  then identify  those who are  better bred.

Zob glanced off in the distance and spoke simply, "Brown coats... they are trouble watch yourself among them, one of them is bound to lose some teeth tonight, aside from that checking out the ladies in the angel silk"
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 04:59, Fri 31 Dec 2021.

Roy gave a grin to the browncoat that was feral, at the very least.  "One would think any merc worth hiring would be smart enough to avoid insulting high-ranking officers of any military, seeing as officers potentially have a lot of say in whether or not mercenary troops get hired."

He gave the browncoat another once-over, and added, "Of course, if you're just a glorified errand-boy, you're not likely to get considered for that sort of high-profile work..."

In reply to Zobaich (msg # 153):

Have we had run-ins with these brown coats before? enquired JD glancing about trying to Locate one. Spotting a gaggle of five he peers intently at them.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:38, Fri 31 Dec 2021.

Zob nodded, "Yes they are mercs they maybe civil now but don't think they wont shoot you in the back if they think the reward is worth it, so stay vigilant amongst them" He watched the others out on the dance floor and it really made him miss Melia more.

   Missy was wearing a strapless black silk evening gown that accented her rounded features as any Angel silk but seemed to have more substance with a strong velvet  bodice textured with curved embroidery.  Across her shoulders was a dark mesh cloak that trailed behind her and softened the almost gothic cut of her dress.  By contrast her fiery hair fell in ringlets across her pale shoulders.  Around her neck was a neckless of intricately woven metals supporting a gun steel wheel with six spokes.  The symbol of a mechanist, a religion where the connection between being and machine is glorified.  Her face was covered a masquerade mask fassioned after a bird in a similar mix of metallic wires, almost hiding her porcine snout.

   Zack likewise wore a black silk tuxedo with a black embroidered velvet cumberbun and lapels.

   They split up Missy going to the stage and giving Shadow a break from fast dancing while her escort started moving through the room picking up on conversations.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJdc7O1SNDQ
This message was last edited by the player at 09:28, Fri 31 Dec 2021.

JD nodded indicating his understanding of the threat these browns presented. Two Black clad guests arrived and immediately separated one heading directly to the stage the other skirting the room in a manned JB considered suspicious. Do you know who those two are? JD asked Channing in their direction. The guy looks like he's eavesdropping.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:40, Fri 31 Dec 2021.

   Zack sighed and butted in hoping to forestall sufficient trouble.  Missy's involvement with the Hermes and those related to it had won them contracts so a certian amount of loyalty was required.  "If your concerned about breeding this one's grandmother is Lilith, the head of the Udenese, possibly the purist nobility you will find in this room baring Lilith herself and her Father is the Legendary Cray Shadow, a man whose battle prowes I assure you is actually under exaggerated.  If you wish to doubt me feel free to insult his Daughter.  If there is anything left of you after she is through I'm sure he will by happy to educate you.  I hear he is quit fond of putting Empire sympathizers masquerading as mercs in their place."
This message was last edited by the player at 09:27, Fri 31 Dec 2021.

In reply to Jeremy Caseman (msg # 158):

Zob glanced over to see which two JD was talking about, "That's Missy Jagger she and i assume one of her crew members, its alright they are friendlies they serve aboard the forge ship the LG-01T"

Admiral? ADMIRAL?

Roo found that the palm of her hands instantly started to perspire as Sam took her before one of the highest of the high brass wearers that she would probably ever run across. She fidgeted from one leg to the other as she looked at the Admiral, giving over a weak smile that probably looked a little green around the edges.

"Admiral. Mam." Roo stumbled through her words, fully intimidated. What was she supposed to say now? 'Nice space weather we're having eh, Mam?' 'How about that Wildcat Gravball team?' 'Do you knit?' "Yes, PO1 Roo Taliapapa, Mam"

Holy sheep! She was going to need another drink after this...

 Meari danced with Tulliun, she liked him, he was not a typical human so far. " Yes I do not mind the fast songs gets your blood going."

 Lizzy and Izzy followed Sam and Roo, she just smiled at nodded at the welcoming group and headed for the dance floor with Izzy. Lizzy showed off her dress but seemed like she didnt care how others saw her she liked how she looked. Once on the dance floor Lizzy and Izzy danced close.

In reply to Zobaich (msg # 160):

JD gave a quiet chuckle Thank's thats good to learn. Taking a plate he slipped a selection of foods on it as he subtilly scanned the area. There's a quite a number of these Brown Coats. What's the SOP if things get rowdy? he asked before taking a bite of his food selection.

Tulliun tried his best to follow Meari's lead while dancing. He had realized the noise was too loud to talk in a real conversation, so he just went along with the music.

After dancing for a while, Henry led Val to the food tables.

"What do you fancy my dear?"

He looked round for Mila. She seemed happy but he'd lost track of where she... Ah, over there by Larry.

  The  Browncoat LT Looked at Roy's  stripes...then his gaze went to the  Medals.  I am Sorry....SGT....

  ...SGT MAJ.....

 He  bows slightly to Dusk....SGT  MAJ , then.... It is true  we  run errands...all types of errands... the  Company expanded  a year or so ago, we deal with Both sides of the war.... we had a presence on this station last time you were here... we have grown quite a bit. Admiral Van Ros , found us useful in  bringing in Gava, that have  settled in on E1 and E2. They are getting paid  good  credits  to  get into places others  couldn't, to kill the damn UEs..

 After he  said that he turned to the  man in black,I see no markings?  are you a 'start up'..or a hanger on? then, a Look back at Dusk...You have that odd pin on your shoulder....

 Dusk looked at it, her eyes..( or he assumed the lit  grey etes  looked at him, by the motion of her head)..I am a cheerleader!.. I looked it  up in the Vids.. I think i would have been  quite good at it.. her  head  turns to Roy as she said that...the grey fading  into a lt  blue.
.....................

 Val  gave a shake of her head...I do not   know the  path these meats have taken to get here? They smell and look  good, but I am afraid   I might be  eating Stem rat!

a Littel voice   come from behind them...Stem rat is better  cooked then it is  raw... we always tried to cook it over a fire  if we could  hide the  light...  Roll looked  over the table  and Pointed to what looked  like  chicken  for he and Haley, the server  smiled, he was  quick enough to know, that a kid in a unifrom with a hermes patch was not to be dismissed.

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

Admiral Van Ros's left eyebrow  went up as Roo stammered a bit... her eyes shifted to captain Si  who gave a small smile and Shrug,well...Roo Taliapapa, Enjoy yourself...Rank doesn't matter much tonight, unless you overly distain it... there are tables  set around with   food and  drink, and..I must believe this  is the biggest dance area   for a ball , ever.

..........

 Maria  Passed  Tullian and  Meari...I cannot  find The Iron Gaurd  anywhere... one of them owes me  a dance.... she   looked around  then said  to meari...You look very Nice  dressed this  way , mi Amiga , you should try   softer  clothes , more often....

   Shadow  an Lili Foster  danced, she  smiled  and talked   quietly  , Shadow laughed a  few  times and  made her laugh a few times, He  Did  give a Nod of approval to  Missy's  song, as it  helped the slow dance  .

 he Returned to  Foster, Here she is Fos... i think she  has all her Toes?

 Lili Giggled,Thank you  LC...maybe  you should  hunt down the Lady in Black?

 Naw... don't think so.. there are alot  of   Shipmates who i still owe dances   to...  He  winked...startign with.....

 He   Asked  Jax  and  Sneak  if he could have a dance with  her..Jax  smiled, Sneak was surprised  as  he lead her out on the floor...more then a  few Matterhorn and  other  , ships' Ladies  were  a bit  put off.

 Nifty shook his head as he sipped from  a beer,Man... I can't  get anyone to dance with me....

 Jax  chuckled,..you try to hard....and? he's the LC...everyone knows him, whether they like him or not..they know him.

Henry grinned at Roll.

"What do you recommend? That white meat there?"

He turned to his wife.

"Want I try some, then if I don't shrivel up it should be OK."

 Meari smiled at Tulliun, he wasnt a bad dancer, and Meari wasnt a great dancer. The height difference they had too work through but it was fine and Meari was having a great time. After a few dances Meari would then say after a slow song, " I think it is time we got some food and drink dont you think Tullin?"

 Meari also responded too Maria," I have not seen any of the Iron Guard if I do I will let you know Maria." Meari blushed a little and replied," Well thank you very much, I will try too wear softer colors."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:23, Fri 31 Dec 2021.

Roy's grin lost the feral edge, but took on a harder, strained feel.  "Been my experience that neutrality in wartime never lasts...one side or the other asks just enough to push the fence-sitters over the edge, either to sign on or to be declared enemy combatants.  Be careful, balancing on that fencepost... "

 Sam giggled a little at Roo's reaction too Admiral Van Ross, Sam has been around Admirals and big wigs for awhile now she has gotten use to it, and like Van Ross said, these Balls rank didnt mean a lot. Sam smiled at the Admiral and when Roo was ready, Sam took her hand and said," Shall we get drinks first or hit the large dance floor first?"

Tulliun nodded at Meari's suggestion, Refreshments sounds great. he looked around for the right tables. Any suggestions or preferences?

He smiled when Maria complimented Meari.I told you you looked beautiful.

She was SO embarrassed! As Sam pulled her away from the Admiral, Roo put a hand over her eyes in shame. "Oh, my, god, Sam. I acted like a tongue-tied teenager, right there."

When Sam mentioned drinks or the dance floor, Roo steered them straight to the music. She needed to work that nervous energy off now more than ever. She looked over to Sam, a bit of a shy smile now on her lips. "That was awkward...." And she started to dance to the music, spinning around Sam as if she was a star and Roo was a moon.

  Maria  moved off  looking  for the Iron Guard, or anyone else from  SEC..she was intercepted  by a  dark skinned fellow with a Matterhorn, uniform on, and he somehow managed to get her to dance.

 ..................

 The LT, seemed  quite  sure of himself,Most of us...well.. we didn't start this  war, and Earth or the APF  didn't help us much as  we  grew up?... The Empire?.. I mean? they'ed sooner eat us , I guess>,,but thier creds spent like anyone else's... Right ...'Captain" ?

 The eyes   grey a silver grey,wrong.....LT..... no  good person works for the Empire....

 The Lt Looked   away first as   Roy, then his  eyes  marked Shadow,and I suppose, people who  murder folks under the  flag of war...well..that's just fine?

 she knew who he  meant. her  voice took on a deeper metallic  sound,we kill people who are enemies of the APF and ESN.... and you will never see The  APF   enslave people..

 and those  Giant spiders?  The  little Gava  folk, the ape Folk?  they are all just Volunteers..right? signed up to  fight the good  Fight.

  Captain Muska  was  having a chat  with Lirg, Nugest and  The Hermes resident  Sanri as the LT nodded his head  and thier direction.

 Don't  you use  largs?.. I bet they didn't  sign up for that!

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

  Shadow  walked through the Crowd  as   people  flowed onto the Floor and Danced. He was headed towards Table  7, he  slipped by Meari and  Tullian, giving them a nod  and a smile,..shortly after  he  paused a bit to allow   Roo and Sam  past him, towards the stage. Another smile to them.

 he stopped  and  searched a bit, seeing a Browncoat talking to  Dusk and Shadow, and a suit was with them.. he also noted   groups of 3 or more browncoats, hovering around  Suits  and   Officers  who had  stars  on  thier  shoulders, oe..in most Ladies' cases ..pins on thier  dresses.  Flores     put a gentle hand on his shoulder,

 Problem?

 Maybe?... you know how it is...

 ..there's  a guy over there... he..um..wants  me to see the control room?... we have anything going on...

 yeah?  Not  sure what, or how hard, Van Ros   was kind of  harsh on bad guys when she took over.... The browncoats seem to be   the exception.... don't worry about it, we should have  enough to dim the lights...

 Oh No..Sailor boy... I got a whole day on the beach tomorrow, and  This  guy?.. I don't think he has the stamina....anyway...Gang before Bangs... you need me, you damn well call...

 alright, I'll get beth to COM you, if it comes down to that.

 The Music  played...

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2HMwPcK0uIM

Roy's grin broadened again.  "Well, we can always call Larry over and ask him if he feels he's being treated as a slave.  I mean, he might complain about having to wear the harness to show off all of his combat decorations..."  The grin faded slightly, as he added, "Or he might just eat you for making such a dumb-assed assumption about the nature of the personnel who've joined on with us.  I can't speak for any of the Gava you've transported...but nobody on the Hermes was coerced to board.  The Naragrans who came to Matterhorn with the APF were all volunteers, yes...and if you know of any who aren't, I'd appreciate you pointing me to the people who brought them here, so we can have a serious discussion about life choices..."  The facial expression was pleasant...the voice was icy steel.

The pleasant expression faded, to something that matched Roy's tone of voice, as he finished, "And, yes, I've killed.  Killed a lot of people.  Going to kill a lot more.  Never taken a blue credit from anyone that would eat me.  That kind of behavior...eating other sentient beings...is pretty definitively hostile, no matter how many credits they dangle in front of my nose to get me thinking that I somehow am too good to wind up on their dinner plate.  But some people just lack the common sense to stay away from the butcher, I guess, no matter how many of their own kind they see get hauled off like livestock to a slaughter yard."

   Zacks eyes flashed but his demeaner was calm and unchanged "Technically I'm ESN, but as the military contact for a civilian contractor I am here to represent the interests of Regenesis Corporation.  And as battle after battle I look out the static field and see non of your ships fighting with the fleet, I think we both know who the hanger-on is in this conversation." he nods to Missy as she is completing her song. "I wouldn't mention your mistake with Dusk to this one.  Her brother died in a rescue of Dusks father."

   Missy walks up from her very brief set and looks oddly at Zack. "Did I miss something?"

   Zack clears his throat "Actually,"  He nods to the suit, "This Gentleman seems to think the wings on the Mantis doesn't need any more support."

   Miss appraises him, "Thats no problem.  We are losing one pilot for every two planes shot down.  The problem is pilots take years to train and building the fighter much less.  The weak wings take lives.  ESN will be happy to go to someone who will do what they want and leave you with your surplus of unsold ships.  Then when you need to get rid of them Regenesis will buy them at below cost from you, upgrade them and make all the money you could have made if you just did it right the first time."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:44, Fri 31 Dec 2021.

  we fight when we need to , Sir, he said to Zack.

  After Roy's  words,The LT's  voice only strained a bit, his face showed , just a tad of  reining in what he wanted to  say.

 well.. I'm sure  your larg would  be very eloquint . When it comes down to creds...those of us who where'nt Born with power and creds...

 he looked at Dusk , whose  eyes  got darker.

 ..but out here..Creds  are Creds..and  we help  who we are able, and  gather creds  along the way..

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

  Admiral Van Ros found Shadow  and  Motioned to the stage,  she 'dragged' the reluctant LC up on stage...LT  Frans informed me that you make the LC  sing at least one song on the Hermes?..so... I can't go with out having him feel out of place...

 People  laughed  some folks rolled thier   eyes..

 The LC turned  and asked the Band  what they knew and  he found  something..he    Held  Up the Mic  as he  gavce  Van Ros  'the Look' as she  put her hands on her cheeks  in Mock  shock...

 Right?..lets get thgis over  with , so you can all have some  fun. You Know the
 words?  help  Me Out...

 He  Nodded to  the Band  as   Van Ros  smiled  and   chuckled. near him..The Music started.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXjt_Fb3z5g

 Some folks  Knew the  song and  joined in  others    jumped up and down  and caught up the   refrian..

 The LT started to laugh  as  Van  Ros   Nodded her head  and  Shadow  'sang'....The Man's a dick, he...

 He never  finished  as  Dusk's  round House   caught him on the Side of the head, His Glass flying  away, and the body crashing crash Into  Supe. Supe  Picked him up  and tossed him over  the food tables to bounce across the hanger Dec towards the taped off  area.. Some browncoats   started to make a   Move..  when Shoey Helf  up his hands...can't we all , just get along?

The  would  have  laughed, saved for the  Looming  form of Larry  standing  behind Shoey in his back legs...

There was   darkness in  the  Officer's eyes  as they   stepped back from  where Dusk and Roy stood.

 Dusk's  eyes  were green...that felt rather...good!

Zob cursed under his breath, "Sorry duty calls..." he then casually made his way over to where the downed brown coat was and grabbed him by the scuff of his jacket and dragged him back to the nearest table and *Gently* plopped him down in one of the chairs, "And what did you learn today?" he asked sarcastically.

Missy looked at Zack “ Now that’s what I call a satisfying crunch.”

Roy grinned at Dusk.  "I was about to point out to him the fact that the 'I was born in poverty' argument means jack-shit to a guy who grew up on an Indian reservation...but I think you made the point much more plainly..."

He glanced over where Zob had dragged the unfortunate lieutenant, dropping him in a chair, and snorted softly.  "It's almost worth sticking around to hear what he has to say to Zob when he gets some semblance of his wits back together...shouldn't take long, he didn't have many to get scrambled in the first place.  But there are a few hundred other people who should get a chance to say hello to you, instead of hovering over a jackass who thought he was smart enough to identify your species but not smart enough to remember you could crack pretty much any bone in his body with your bare hands, if you really wanted to."  He gestured in the direction of another table, giving a nod to Rivets...

Roo had seen the whole thing happen, from beginning to end, and had managed to pull Sam forward away from where the guy landed after taking the head blow. They hadn't been in any danger from the actual act, but she had seen people jump right back up in a rage, and collateral damage had ensued. She reached out and gave Sam's hand a squeeze. "Someone should go take a look at him, might as well be me. Are you coming? It's okay if you don't, of course."

Roo turned and made her way over to where Zob had deposited the crestfallen guy, looking up to the big demon with a smirk. "Nice luggage you have there." She mentioned as that's all the guy had seemed to be in Zob's big hands. Carry on luggage even. The big demon hadn't struggled at all to carry him over there. She then turned her attention to the brain-addled guy.

"Hi. I'm Roo, and I'm a medic with the Hermes. That was kind of a nasty shot to take, can I look you over quick just to make sure you're going to be okay?" She hadn't seen what had all prompted the attack, but she didn't think long or hard on the subject, if he had deserved it then so be it. But he did need to be looked at... if he let her.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:44, Sat 01 Jan 2022.

 Meari looked at Tulliun and responded," I am still learning human food so I like to try everything. Lets try out table 7 my cousin Dusk is over there talking with a brown coat. "

 Meari blushed and then replied," Thank you again Tulliun and I guess you are correct."

 Then the commotion happened and the brown coat went flying, Meari said," May we please head to my Cousin too see what happened?" Meari will wait for his response.

 Dusk smiles   and Hold out her hand, dainty -like,...lead on...

 Rivets  looked at them, his mustache  rising   on the left side,..yer  father teach that. or ye just as  eager to mix it up as he is?

 She Put her free hand on her chest and batter her lashes, which lost some effect with all green eyes,Why?  Captain? what ever a thing to say  to such a 'dainty' young woman as myself...

 Lilit  snorted,...Evertt wanted to cull those genes out of you, but the couldn't... I am thinking  it is a good upturn  for our race...

...........

 The LT had  a large Purple welt  from his Jaw line to  his hair line , on the left side of his head....I....was  hit...but some thing.. a bat..or club....

 his eyes  seemed to move about on thier  own as he tried to look up and focus.

  when Roo appeared , he  wobbled in the chair, I...I'm...fine...just..just.... dizzy... club hit me...

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

  Supe   frowned at the drink he spilled , and waved to a server for a Mop... Damn Idiots..always  idiots... why does therealways have to be idiots.

  Hennings  was walkign past to  take Emmie out for a dance.....don't  worry... by tomorrow morning there will be a few less idiots...

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

 Shadow left the  stage,  Vanb Ros  had a arm entwined with  his as she laughed   saying to the brass...I  Told  you i could make him do it...

 Shadow  gave a non=plussed look.

 Of Course...Shadow is a fine offcier, he tries to please...

 Captain Si  said,Unless  its an Offcier trying to stop him from through a largran  Hanger Bay....

 Van Ross  Nodded,I remember the Vids.. you almost didn't make it that time....

Captain Jennings   asked,Taht Time?

 Captain Morris  pointed at Shadow with  the hand that held his drink,The Lad  flew through one, early on...somewhere  when we started to mix it up with fleet actions...

 Jennings looked around.. Dusk  just shrugged..

 Sam looked at Roo and said," Oh Roo dont worry Admirals are people too, I work with the Board all the time, they are just like us, so just be yourself Roo." They danced and where having a great time when Dusk kicked a Browncoat and then Supe threw him.

 Roo saw it then said could come along as she went to go check out the Brown coat. Sam followed Roo too the Browncoat and stood back as Roo worked and Sam also smiled at Zob.

Tulliun nodded, Table 7, here we come. he smiled.

He grinned smugly at her concession. I hope I don't embarrass you, doting on you in this way.

He saw the sudden commotion by table 7 and Dusk. Yes, let's go. This should be good. he would do his best not to slow her down on the way.

Zob didn't really care about the guys injuries far as he was concerned the brown coat could live with it, "I will say you both look quite lovely this evening could i bother you for a quick dance after this?" he asked with a small smile extending the request to both Sam and Roo.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:25, Sat 01 Jan 2022.

Billie had paused in their dance to watch the altercation, shaking her head. "Already starting shit..." she muttered and looked to Arnie. "Let's get something to eat and drink?"

 Meari looked at Tulliun and said," Well it feels good too be told nice things not involved with combat, thank you Tulliun."

 Meari moved with Tulliun to table 7, Meari smiled at her cousin Dusk and replied," That was an excellent kick cousin, so what did the brown coat say that got you that upset cousin?"

  Dusk  Humphed a bit,I didn't kick him...I hit  him.... father calls it a 'sucker punch?'..... and he was making  sport of Father..well started to, he didn't get very far into his sentence.

  Rivets  looked at Roy and said, we need  more  Human-Udenses, verian  hybrids..we could win the  war with just one ship load...

 Lilit said in semi humor It depends on the Human DNA ..would it not...Remember what your Dr Frankinstein did, with the wrong brain...

Shadow arrived   and Van Ros   reached for drinks as everyone  stared at Shadow after Lilit's words...

 Shadow looked  around....What?

Roy grinned slyly.  "I'd be alarmed if the only thing he'd done to deserve the punch was to mock Shadow...I'd still expect the defense of the family honor and all that, of course.  But the man was suffering from a severe rectal/cranial inversion.  I doubt this was enough to correct the condition...but he earned it."  He gave Dusk's hand a gentle squeeze of approval.

When Shadow walked over and asked his question, Roy gave a quiet chuckle.  "Oh, the usual.  I'm surprised you even bother to ask, anymore..."

JD looked on as Zob picked up a the sprawled brownjacket as easily as he could a piece of lint.  Watching the fellow deposited neatly on a chair. Taking a couple of bites of food he enjoyed the banter.

Tulliun smiled, continually being surprised by the jesting that came from the serious looking people all around him.

He headed off to the table, Meari, what would you like? I'm going for one of those brightly colored drinks there.

Mila followed Larry over to join him in glaring at errant 'brown coats'.

Missy continued with the suit, “on the  other hand, if you build a prototype with the Captains specifications met.  We will test give it a look over.  If it meets the specifications at a decent price Hermes might endorse your company and the rest of the fleet will follow.  You will be rolling in profit.  Even the forge ships will need to get parts from you.”
This message was last edited by the player at 19:02, Sat 01 Jan 2022.

    a Fuji shuttle  dropped   down at the entrance.. Gurds had it   Pull off to the  side.. The crew  was told  to  join the party and the   The  passengers,  ^ pilots, were escorted  to  Table 7  where  people were talking and  sampling  food  and Drinks.
 Captain Morris  Looked at the Incoming people.

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

   One of the 'older'  brown coats  said aloud as he saw Mila's reaction to them as she  stood  next to the  Looming  Larg, who  had  just dropped  down to all sixes.

  Admiral Van Ros?... you let Dogs into your   Party?

  Roll peered around Henry   as he pointed out  the meats    Henry and Val should try.she isn't  Just a dog...she is Mila! the  kid's eyes  narrowed at the three browncoats .

  He's right.... Shadow said  as he Knelt  down by the two beasties. Gregor's head Popped out from under the table  with a bone  crunching in his  teeth...Mila  belongs to the Unit..she's a  Furry Larg.

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

 The   suit talking with Zack said,we keep up with the  Pilots , of course...  there are pilots still coming through academies..but at the rate of 3 years, instead of  4.... and those  being  trained on Carrierstation academies and Boot camps are coming through  with  8 months  for pilots , and 6  weeks for  troopers...They have to mass  produce them, because of all the battle the   Delta  fleet seems to pick? and that's not including the   fire  fights  and  defensive Jump off  colonies and  caravan escorts  need to deal with.

...........

 Dusk Giggled  at the face Shadow made at the others, after  Roy commented, the the LC went  by the  beasties .

 Van Ros, cleared her throat,..LC Shadow?  I think, maybe you can take care of a dance or two, before  we go for that tour of the Hanger dec...

  Admiral Hack's eyes shifted to   Shadow...Captain Si hid  a smile in her glass... Rivets shook his head as he whispered  to Roy..perhaps..not  quit low enough,The Lad..never  seems to stop surprising me...

 The Music played on as  more folks  went  out onto the floor.

 Meari looked at her cousin and replied," Oh that was a punch, from my view he moved so much I thought you kicked him but you have been training more cousin very good." Meari seemed very proud of how her Cousin handle the brown coat.

 Meari smiled as she responded too Tulliun," Yes I think I will have one of those as well, and I would like some good meat as well." Meari went to the food table and made a large plate of food, she was trying many different foods.

 Then Meari saw the Fuji shuttle land and unload she watched as the passengers, Pilots coming toards the table Meari and Tulliun where at, Meari would watch them carefully.

In reply to ball (msg # 196):

After saluting the Deck Justin lead the replacements to table 7; executing a parade ground Salute. Lieutenant Kase and Replacements reporting for duty Captain. holding out a sachet containing a disc with his and the replacements transfer details. Justin introduced Lieutenant Jessica Andrews, his Fiance, along with the other replacements.

When dismissed he advised the others to avoid getting overwhelmed, and have an enjoyable time.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:48, Sun 02 Jan 2022.

 Captain Morris  put his  drink  down  and returned the Salute, he took the   packet, slipping it inside his  Tunic. So? You posting at Fuji got rather Boring?

 He Looked at the    Replacements...You heard the LT, go off have  fun, we wil be in thick off it rather soon, i should think.

 Shadow , from his kneelign by   the beasties, Looked up  saying,..Justin?  That Last batch  of   replacements  we recived from  Fiji..we have to have a talk about some of them, sometime, but that can wait..

  Lt Andrews looked around, seeing all the 'action figures' in the flesh.

  Arnie looked about and Pointed to  table  7...that's where   some of the gig guns  are?, Shade is  by the 'icecream available" table at 11?  your choice, they are  all more or less the same.
...........

  Mitch   went in with  Nikki,  they danced a bit, until he pointed to  the table as well, he wanted a  drink for certain!

 Hermes Lady Pilots  were getting a strong following, it was a bit unfair  with the Angel Silk and  all...

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

 Dusk Turned to greet gresh  who  moved over taking her hand and  Bowing slightly. he said , more to Roy, then her,Admiral Van Ros  will be  taking  the LC away  in a Moment, it is then we shall learn the  extend of the  lighting  on this station.

Justin thanked Captain Morris, Aye, Aye Sir. I await you convenience. Justin promptly replied If I may LC Shadow; I'd like you to meet my Fiance. he added giving Jessica's hand a squeeze.If you'd like I'll get a boxed set and try getting their signatures. whispered Justin.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:01, Sat 01 Jan 2022.

Roo looked up to Zob and nodded at him, a smile on her face. "Of course we will." She told him, looking over to Sam for confirmation. "In fact, right now might be a good time for you two to do just that as I tend to our gentleman here. Wouldn't want him to think we don't take care of those we cross paths with."

Fast as she could, Roo walked to where drinks were being served. Here she gathered up a mid-sized cloth and had the tender place some ice in it. She folded it together as she walked back to the table. "Here, sir." She gently placed the rapidly chilling cloth against the side of his face. "This will help with both the pain and swelling, you'll be sporting a black eye from that one, for sure."

  Shadow  gave   Justin a  look as he stoof, and offered his hand to  jessica,Good to meet you... after shore leave you and the other transfers  will meet me on the Football field, ....Its not all fun and Games here as a pilot...enjoy the shore leave... and  Congrates   of the  engagement.

 Jessie  held out her  hand, and nodded  to  the LC, as he turned back to  retrieve his drink...

 Is that  a threat, or a warnign he just made? she said  quietly

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

 the  LT Browncoat  was still trying to focus as Roo  brought the Ice over...I want to know who hit me....

"Hit you? Sorry, from my vantage point it looked like you slipped and hit the floor face first." Roo told him, eyeing his face critically. "Near as I could tell, anyway."

She stuck a finger up and began slowly weaving it back and forth in front of her. "Follow my finger, please? With just your eyes. I'm worried you may have a concussion now from that nasty fall."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:23, Sat 01 Jan 2022.

Tulliun grabbed one of the brightly colored drinks, and a couple of pieces of random food.

Mmm. Yeah, she did real well. he was talking through a bite of food. Whoever made these did good too. he looked at the item he bit into, I have no idea what this is...but it's good.

 Sam smiled at Zob and after Roo said they should dance now, Sam replied too Roo and Zob," Yes I would love to have our dance now as Roo helps the idiot here." Sam giggled and when the Lt. asked who hit him, Sam laughed and replied," Captain Dusk hit you, you should make sure you know what a Udenese/ Verian/ human hybrid can do before you piss them off Lt."

 Sam then said," Shall we dance Zob, and Roo have fun come cut in when you are done with the idiot here." Sam will offer Zob a hand and head too the danc efloor with the monstrous Demon who made Sam look very tiny.

In reply to ball (msg # 203):

Zob looked at the guy and chuckled, "Wasn't me... if it was you would most certainly be dead and before you think about doing something stupid further take the night off to think about it cause it may just save your life" he then turned and extended his hand to Sam at this point he was kinda used to dancing with smaller individuals so despite the massive size difference he danced fairly well to the next slow song.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:59, Sat 01 Jan 2022.

Mila looked up at Roy, wagged her tail then licked his nose.

When Roll spoke up in defence of Mila, Henry looked round to see what was happening.

"Excuse me a moment."

He walked over. All he was picking up was satisfaction and a small amount of irritation from the dog. He watched her responding to Roy, and stepped over to give Larry a head-rub.

In reply to ball (msg # 203):

Not sure I expect it'll be a greet followed by a physical endurance test. Becomming a Hermes Pilot preparing for anything that may come will become second nature. replied Justin Best take advantage of this R&R opportunity. Would you like to dance, then meet and mingle or vica versa?
This message was last edited by the player at 00:12, Sun 02 Jan 2022.

   Zack raised an eyebrow and looked at Missy.  She rolls her eyes and sits down looking across at Captain Morris who had originally brought up the subject with the suit.  "Let's see if we can salvage this for the benifit of the fleet..."    [hope he's still there, will edit to be in his presence] Missy totally agreed with Captain Morris about the wings.  The mechanics on LG01 had been trying to figure out a solution but they had nowhere near the resources of the carrier station factories and testing centers.   Missy watched Justin check in with Morris and Grits her teeth a little.  He was not nice to her brother but he did his job to the best of his interpretation of it, and his position in the training of cadets might be a very useful point of view in the conversation.  Rather than go through this argument with all thee other companies perhaps she could kill several birds with one stone, and create an air of competition.  "Zack, could you please see if you can find representatives from other factories and tell them there is a big conversation about the future of the mantis going on at this table?  If they are hunting for a contract they would like to join in.  If this gentleman is unwilling to get the fleet what it needs others won't be... and we can separate the rams from the ewes with less of the usual bull."  . She takes a breath and hopes for the best. "And when Shadow is done with Justin invite Justin over.  His views of what his pilots need to survive the first few conflicts and move on to being aces may be very important."

   Zack may not be happy doing Missy's biddings but this should make their night more productive.


    "Alright, as I'm the senior mechanic in charge of all repairs on a forge ship and the captain here is the officer in charge of pilots on the flag ship of the entire fleet.  We are not impressed by you reciting facts we already know.  You ignored the main problem.  We have limited pilots.  The less time we have to train them, the less they are likely to survive.  So to keep them alive we need to upgrade the fighters so they live longer.  Captain Morris, I appreciate your point of view.  What other improvements would you see made on the Mantis?"

    She accesses her wrist computer and boots up the shortcomings she and her staff had noticed in the designs.

 Shadows gave a nod, to Justin and took a quick look at the  replacements that scattered into the crowd. , leaving Justin  with  The female Pilot.    Van Ros snagged  Shadow  before he  could escape into the crowd.

 I am Giving the LC his Tour, we shall be back in a bit... and they headed towards. the north  end of the hanger.

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

 Captain Morris Looked towards Missy, his eyes shifted towards Rivets  who gave a shrug.

 jessica, turned to see the  odd woman in the Black dress begin to talk about the  fighters.

........

 Dusk Looked at Roy to see if Roy wanted to talk with gresh  or head to the dance floor

  The   Browncoat's  eyes  barely focvused, and not  for long... another Browncaot , who was also an LT, asked,

  how bad is he?

Slipping a hand around her waist Justin escorted Jessica onto the ballroom floor. Moving in time with the tune they danced around the perimeter, Justin pointed out crew members for her.

Roy snorted softly when the question was asked about letting dogs into the event.  "She let you in," Roy responded in a testy voice.  "The dog and the largs are war heroes and have earned every one of those decorations you see them sporting.  Best choose your follow-up to that question well, because that larg, there," and he gestured at Larry, "has saved my life on multiple occasions, and I'm likely to take it personally if someone casts aspersions on his worthiness to be here.  The little one there is maybe a little over a year old, if that, and probably has more kills in combat than you do.  I can only begin to guess at the dog's combat record, but she's earned her spot here several times over since she came into our ranks.  So, you'd best think carefully about where you want to go with that line of questioning."

He gave Gresh a nod of acknowledgment at the comment about Shadow getting a tour from the Admiral...he would have loved to be involved in the discussion that was sure to be part of that tour, because his experience had been that Shadow often had a tendency to neglect potential tactical intel on targets...but he hadn't been asked to come along and he wasn't going to draw attention to them by making a fuss about going with them.  "If you'll excuse me," he said to Gresh, with a grin, softening from the frosty look he'd given the browncoat.  "Captain Shadow appears to be interested in some more dancing, and I'd be neglecting my position as her escort if I didn't indulge her.  Maybe you can talk some sense to the...gentleman here.  I understand that browncoats make their decisions based on credits, which would make you much more fluent in explaining things to them than I am."  The subtle emphasis on the title made it clear that 'gentleman' was NOT chosen as a term of respect...but, otherwise, he seemed quite pleased to see Gresh while at the same time somewhat resigned, albeit pleasantly, to escorting Dusk back to the dance floor.

Haley walked in beside Roll and Gregor.  She smiled a lot until her cheeks hurt.  They were led to a table with Doc Christie and his wife.  She thought she saw Can there as well, but looking all over she might have missed him.  She petted Mila when she came over as she moved to where Larry was.  she skritched Gregors ear areas as he got comfortable.  A plate with what she thought was chicken and potatoes and such was brought to their table along with water, soda, and a green juice.  She listened to the others talk.

Nikki danced and listened to Missy sing and a few others until she began to tell Mitch was beginning to get too warm and seem to stare at the bar.  She gave a large grin as they walked off the dance floor Want to go hang with some of the boys at the bar?  I see your partner there." she gestured "Looks like he is hitting on the female brown coat over there...you might want to go be his wingman." she released min from his current partner duties "I feel like singing a bit.  I think I'll talk to Missy.  Maybe talk her into a duet" She gave him a kiss "Go play" she encouraged him.

After a few moments she moved to track down Missy.  Finally she found her and gently touched her as "Wonderful song Missy"

<flex over and caught up with everyone at the ball>
This message was last edited by the player at 05:20, Sun 02 Jan 2022.

Roo looked up at the new Browncoat that had joined them, giving him a grim look. "He really shouldn't stay at the ball. He certainly has a concussion and the lights from the dance floor are not going to help him recover at all. It's not my place to tell you guys what to do, but he really should go see medical, let them give him a once over. After that, bed rest is best."

She stood and moved to the side to give the new LT access to his man. There wasn't much else she could do but she had made him her worry and now was bound by her own moral code to make certain he was... at least taken care of by his own people.

Chuckling, Billie led Arnie to table 7 even though there seemed to be a lot of attention around it. "Hmmm...so how long should one wait before requesting a song?" she asked with an innocent look though there was a slight hint of mischief in her purple tinted eyes. While she enjoyed the slow songs and dancing so close to Arnie, she wanted something more...lively.

Jessica and Justin were mid third dance when Zac related Missy Jaggers invitation to discuss Mantis Project. Apologising to Jessica how duty calls he escorted her accross to Captain Si's introducing her.

ooc none of the other PC ladies, beside Missy, have other interractions.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:32, Sun 02 Jan 2022.

In reply to Missy Jagger (msg # 211):

After leaving Jessica with Captain Si Justin accompanied Zac. Missy Jagger was chatting with Captain Morris. Good evening Missy Jager. he greeted giving Captain a nod Our previous meetings were somewhat confrontational, and I'd like to take the opportunity to put any clashes behind us; we may have competing corporate interests however the progress of this War deserves our principal focus. having expressed his offer of cooperation he gave Missy a smile You asked to see me?

 Sam went out onto the Dance floor with Zob, she smiled and enjoyed dancing with Zob. She then asked," What to you think about Roo she is very out going for sure. How are you doing Zob?" Sam smiles as they dance.

In reply to Tulliun (msg # 205):

 Meari smiled at Tulliun," Yes my Cousin did do well, and yes this is pretty good I am not sure what it is but it is good."  Meari stood watching the new pilots, and the Lt. who was a former member of the Hermes she watched and then ate more of her food and finished her drink and got another one.

 Meari then said," We may dance again after this or you may ask others too dance, i think I missed my dance with the LC looks like he already left."

In reply to Samantha Robertson (msg # 221):

As Zob moved along the dance floor he let out a small smile, "Her?" He had to think about it a bit, "Honestly at first I was a bit suprised but that's just because no human I've seen has willingly showed affection like that towards a demon"

He gave Sam a small twirl as he moved in rhythm to the song, "Honestly Sam I've been better" was all he said not wanting to go into detail and spoil the mood.

Everything seemed to be in order, so Henry decided to return to his family.

"Mila, have you eaten yet? Do you want to join us or stay with Larry?"

On the way back he spotted someone he hadn't seen in a long time, and veered over to the table where Missy Jagger was seated.

"Hello Missy. Good to see you - how have you been keeping? Are you in this area long?"

 Sam giggled and replied," Well her libido takes here where it wants too thats for sure." Sam spun and dance with Zob and then replied," I understand, if you ever just need too talk, or have a friend around, or just hang out please contact me ok Zob. I consider you a friend and I hope you consider me one." Sam will smile and dance with Zob.

In reply to Meari (msg # 222):

Tulliun only grabbed a couple of food items, but kept a drink in his hand while they loitered.

I don't know who I would even dance with if I were to ask anyone. Besides, would that be acceptable? I know everyone wants to dance with Shadow, so that's no biggie. But, I don't know about me. Are you trying to get rid of me Sergeant? the last bit was a half jest. But he watched for her reaction nonetheless.

 Larry Thumps his tail as  Henry asked if Mila  has eaten. his head truning to the food  Tins behind the table.

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

 Shadow and Van Ross  went to the  Control room tower  at the North end of the  Hanger Dec which is also  surrounded  by elevator  tubes to the Lowers traffic hub that would take them to the surface.. The Pair  entered the tower  with two Guards stepping  up to stand  before the   door  after int closer..shortly after,a light went  on the  the top offcie  room,

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

  Orria was asked  to dance by an Occui ambassador, he tries to ply her with questions  about Shade

 Shade  was asked to Dance  by  Maria
................

 Roy and Dusk danced   as  they did , Dusk watched  Shadow  and Van Ros  go into the tower. Three Browncoats  came from three directions  and were  stopped  by the stoic looking Matterhorn SEC..The SGT of those  two  guards  gave a smirk at the  Brown coats  and  jerked his head, back to the floor.

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

 Captains Morris and Rivets stood   near Missy and a few gathered Suits, a pair of men and a Pair of women who looked  , bit  put out  about this   gathering

"Alright." Roo said, clapping her hands together. "If you don't need me for any further attention on this matter, I'd like to get back to my crewmates. If any of you would care to dance, look me up, I don't bite."

Roo turned to go, then looked over her shoulder at them. "Too hard anyway."

In reply to Samantha Robertson (msg # 225):

Zob chuckled, "As long as it isn't getting good people killed its none of my business really" he then threw in another twirl and even a small dip, "I appreciate that although im kinda curious what happened to the other guy you used to hang out with, you two part ways?"
This message was last edited by the player at 20:57, Sun 02 Jan 2022.

In reply to Tulliun (msg # 226):

 Neari smiled at first and replied," Oh yes I just wanted too let you know you may dance with others. No I am not trying to get rid of you, why would I do that?" Meari looked at him strangely why would she want too get rid of him.

Tulliun drained his drink, which was easier than the Burian Whiskey from yesterday, and held an arm out to the dance floor. I may not have the rank or suave of LC Shadow, but at least you won't have to fight off other women just to get a dance. he smiled at his attempt.

He realized he'd made a mistake with his last statement, I see in you studies of human humor, you've not yet reached the module on sarcasm. he grinned broadly at his own remark, trying to lighten the mood. In the words of an ancient earth song, "I'll hang around as long as you will let me." his bright green eyes searching hers.

    Zack contacts Justin after his dance.  "Sir, We have some discussions about the next Mantis happening over by Rivets, we were wondering If we could have your opinion in the mix.  You knowledge of what new cadets are capable of handling could be very useful in the design process."

    Zack spreads news of the discussion to the rest of the suits and returns.

    Missy was scrolling up the list of upgrades Rivets and Morris sent to her when Justin showed up.  "Oh that would work wouldn't it." She looks up at Justin.  "Thank you for joining us Justin, I hear you have been busy training new pilots.  I thought I'd give things a push when it came to building fighters we could use.  Your input at increasing the survival rate for the first half dozen missions might give us a starting point on how to improve designs."  She looks to the suit, "Precisely which company do you represent?"

    A rhetorical question because the purchase manager was sitting on his ass back at the LG01 sending information about the corporate salesmen.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:33, Mon 03 Jan 2022.

Roo waved goodbye to the two Browncoat LTs and moved out onto the dance floor, heading towards Sam and Zob. She tapped Sam on the shoulder, a grin on her face.

"Mam, may I cut in?" She asked before stepping into Zob's arms, waving as Sam went and took a seat at a table. "Don't be getting too comfortable though, we'll be making our legs hurt tonight." She then looked up to Zob.

"Fancy meeting a feller like you in these parts." She said, her head craned back to see. "Is that a blaster in your pocket, or are you that happy to see me already?"

<<<<<<<  Shadow  From Matterhorn Ops

 Admiral Van Ros  and Shadow exited the  elevator, she was  chuckling  her  arm   around his waist.

  they moved to Table  7, where  she  said,I Think  You should attend  to your shipmates, LC...

 Hack looked at Shadow with a Raised   eyebrow, , Shadow shrugged... Beth came Over  with a napkin dipped in Champaign  and wiped off  the  lipstick..jeez!...can't you think of  rep for one  minute...

 Shadow  saw her  wink, and he gave another  Shrug, as he reached  for a drink and looked   For Roy

Justin extended a hand I appreciate the opportunity to start with a fresh slate. hoping Missy will reciprocate.Taking a seat eyeing the people in black speculatively, wondered who they represented. Glimpsing some corporate information on Missy's wrist screen he glanced at the four others. The four looked like corporate, prompting Justin to wonder if Missy included 'Universal Enterprise' in her short-list.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:53, Mon 03 Jan 2022.

Seeing that Missy was deep in conversation, Henry moved on to seek out some food for Mila and Larry, having caught the larg's glance.

When he'd obtained some, he summoned Mila adding the suggestion that she bring Larry and Gregor as well.

Mila picked up the mental call from Her Human and turned to Larry, indicating that there was food for him and Gregor should they care to come along, She then bounded across the floor towards Her Human, weaving her way around the fringes of the dancing.

She trotted up, tail wagging, to see what Her Human had found for her.

  Henry sees the    Plastic  Tubs that the  servers  gathered for  Larry and   gregor,  two of them are scarping  bones and fat into   tubs, but there are some slices of  meat as well.

  The older server   gives  Henry a small smile and shrug,we're  Trying  to  get them to eat Back here... the Little Lizard keeps taking bones under the table.... other tables  will be  brining  cuttings  and such over  , through the night.
............

 At the  'gathering'..Morris and Rivets  are a bit quiet, save  for Morris  Having  his vidnorad out and  taking noted.

  3 Suits are there..there were  4, But the Lady in  the Black dress left as soon as she  saw Shadow, Move through the  crowd, after beth wiped off the lipstick.

 The Older of the Suits says, I was of the understanding, that factories  would make chaznges  on thier own?..but we had to afix markings  and numbers  , so they could be tracked.

a  Fellow close to The LCs  age, gave a nod,..yes?  we have made some modifcatios  to  skids  and cockpit seals...however, not many of  our fighters make it out this far, they get scooped up bt Astra, and The Deltas.

 the third person  just watched and Listened   as he sipped a drink.

Henry smiled.

"I'll see if I can entice Larry and Gregor over, then... they're largs, by the way, not lizards, despite the scaly bits."

He went to find Larry and Gregor so that they could come and eat if they wanted to (and when didn't a larg want to eat, he reflected).

——> Hangar Dec

Despite the media having mostly been drawn away by Shadow and his friends in the second limo, Izzy would keep her head down as she exited the limo. Feeling grateful that all eyes would be drawn to Lizzy and her dress rather than her, though there would no doubt be some whispered comments about Lizzy’s choice of companion.

She would sit with Lizzy, Roo and Sam for a little while; with it growing increasingly obvious that the other two women were on their way to being more than just friends. Izzy quietly hoped that Roo really was as nice as she seemed and that things between her and Sam would go well as Sam deserved to find someone nice that would treat her well after the childhood she’d had.

At the urging of Roo and Lizzy, Izzy would get up and hit the dance floor, paying little attention to what was going on around her as she lost herself within Lizzy’s arms and beautiful green eyes as they slow danced together.

In reply to Roo Taliapapa (msg # 233):

As he was waiting for Sam's response the conversation was cut off by Roo stepping in to take her turn on the dance, as she returned to the table he turned his attention to Roo and grinned followed by a chuckle as he began the dance, "Blasters are for people who don't know how to aim, and i assure you i always hit my mark"
This message was last edited by the player at 16:10, Mon 03 Jan 2022.

Roo gave Zob a little "O" face, then laughed along with his chuckle. "So Zob, can I get you to tell me a little bit about yourself? I've really only had in-depth conversations with Sam so far in my day and a half on the Hermes. She's fascinating, by the way. But there are so many more people to learn about. I'd appreciate hearing your story, if you don't mind?"

Especially with him being the resident demon on the ship. Getting to know backstories and histories would help her make friends and have a leg up on medical issues... hopefully. It couldn't ever hurt, anyway.

 The server Looked at  Henry,But Sir?  Aren't Largs..um..Lizards?

 Gergor's head Popped up and truned to  look at the  fellow, some  green sauce of  some kind on his   snout.

 Larry   at by 'sawing off bits , even bone , since no bones present  would  hinder him any.

 Mila had  , mostly meats in her tub.

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

 The woman in the Black dres  ..JUST....about  reached Shadow  when Eckles  accidently  Bumped into her...Oh!  Sorry Ma'am..I was  cavorting..is that the word..Cavorting?

  The Woman Looked at Eckles with  daggers in her  eye as  Mara intercepted   Shadow  and moved off for a slow dance.

  Hack  watched Shadow   and his eyes darted towards  Roy...., then to the  Hanger Dec   VClock.

In reply to Roo Taliapapa (msg # 242):

As Zob danced he took a moment to think of how to explain everything, "I'm a first generation half demon around 220 Demon years old, more demon then human but i do have some ancestry... before i became the most wanted demon in empire history i was a royal guard to the high throne of the Empire on Hel... had a falling out with my sister and it caused me to be brandished as a criminal and i spent a very long time on the frozen prison planet of Cinia until i escaped aboard a cargo transport and lucky for me that same ship was boarded by the Hermes and they took me prisoner"

he then stepped from side to side as he moved in flow with the music, "Skip ahead a bit i busted my ass and proved my trust worthiness and now I'm a asset to the fleet other then that i play defensive end for the Hermes football team and if you need marksman training I'm one of the best shots on the Hermes"

He then gave Roo a twirl before gently pulling her close, "That is the summed up version if you have anything specific to ask by all means"
This message was last edited by the player at 23:36, Mon 03 Jan 2022.

  "Well the black laced huntress is busy chasing shadow but she'll be free soon enough, and not likely in a good mood.  So if the ships aren't making it to us, why are you here talking to our brass.  Why haven't you started up factories on the stations themselves?  If you are manufacturing up grade parts, why don't you have upgrade kits sent out to the fleets to alter existing mantis'.  Obviously you can't keep up with the demand for the whole ships, yet you pass up a chance to make money on upgrades our flyers sorely need?  Who are you working for?  Esn aa a whole or just everyone but the fleet who goes through the most supplies?"  She looks directly at him with a knowing smile, "Or do you think you can make more money off the demons if they win?"
This message was last edited by the player at 01:41, Tue 04 Jan 2022.

  The Older man  shakes his head,Costs  is the big thing? we are not in this business for charity

  selling Kits?  That's not profitable at all... you know how many kits we would need  to cover the cost we lost on one aircaft, instead ?

  we are here to try and  get contracts and make creds.... and..if  th Empire  gives us more?..who are you to say we shouldn't take it?... You take  Angel steel weapons, from the Moons?..The  Skith? aren't much better the the  Qarl, and  Your Admiral  let them loose on Paradise  System.. I don't think you have much to argue.

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

 The  woman in the Black dress managed to get away from Eckles . moving through the crowd  as she  followed  Mara  and SHadow.

Roy noticed Shadow's return from his 'tour', chuckling a little at the show Beth made of wiping off lipstick that had found its way to his face.  There didn't appear to be much urgency to the LC's manner, so he stayed with the dancing...but kept an eye on Shadow.  He caught Hack's glance and nodded minutely.

So he noticed the woman following Shadow, and how Eckles headed her off, as Mara scooped up Shadow and brought him out on the dance floor.  "Very smooth, ladies...I'm impressed," he muttered softly, then looked down at Dusk.

"Should we, perhaps, make our way over there, near where your father is dancing?" he suggested.  "I suspect he saw a thing or two on his tour with Admiral Van Ros that he'd like to discuss..."

Justin quietly listened on as Missy Jagger effectively carved new ones in these suits. Any upgrade that improves the chance of survival for Pilots in this shooting War was a boon. In Justin's current roll he considered there was a minor conflict of interest. He was all for improving Comerad's in arms effectiveness. I'm thinking these representatives are reluctant to provide these necessary enhancements; because there's a clause in the Contract which factors in modification costs to be absorbed by the Producers.
Leaning towards Missy Jagger and averting his head slightly he whispered In the R&D section.
 
This message was last edited by the player at 06:18, Tue 04 Jan 2022.

  Roy and Dusk   moved closer  to Shadow and Mara, Mara  for her part seemed to really be  enjoying the dance.

 Shadow  had a bit of  a Smile and  seemed more intent on not hurting her.

The  Black dressed  woman looked  at Shadow  and at the band , as if judging when the song would end.

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

After grabbing a quick bite to eat, Billie lead Arnie back to the dance floor, having put in a request for some electro swing music. When the request finally came on, Billie grinned. "Sorry...in the mood for some neo swing. You can shuffle so...should be easy to pick up...just follow along." With that, she hiked up a bit of her dress, to show more leg and began to dance, letting Arnie see the steps but also just enjoying herself.

  As the  new  Music   came On, Armie  laughed  and  tried  to   use his moves  to get close to Billie's.


  Howe, Fitz  and Foster  were tryign to  do the Dance  while  Foster  wife  clpped  and Laughed,  Brivet and   Gia  trying the steps  as we;;

   Missy's eyes narrowed.  There was definitely going to be a cleanup going on tonight.  She'd have to make some of her maxed bikes available, at cost of course.

   She listens to Justin, then whispers back: "I can address R&D if they bring it up.  I don't think we are going to get far today.  These arguments aren't adding up.  They are looking to get something for nothing, the best I can do is openly expose them for what they are, unless someone cracks and starts playing ball."  She shakes her head, "I'm sorry Justin, I was hoping to get somewhere tonight, but these guys sound like a bad hand.  And I have to play it.  You know how I loved my brother, and how I feel about being there for the pilots I now serve.  We'll find a way in time."



   "As for the Demons, how much money do you think you can make with people who usually end up eating their business partners?  You will lose your usefulness to them
and become fodder the instant they gain the upper hand.  It's history Boys.  What's more they threaten the wellbeing of those you love if you aren't giving them everything they want.  They catch you with your greed in the beginning then you can kiss anything over 10% profit goodbye.  Your wives, family, children are all collateral.  Shadows remaining family was killed by demon agents on earth.  People are assassinated left and right on the stations.  Anytime a loved one's name appears on a passenger list Demon corvettes are ready to hunt them like wolf packs in the void.  Mark my words:  Nothing good happens to those who deal with Demons.  Even the profits in the beginning are just another part of the fall."

   Her eyes narrow, "Besides, How can you offer contracts when it is obvious, by your own admission, you can't get ships to us?  Are you looking for bribes?  Will they magically start making their way to Delta Fleet if we wire money to a secret account?  the instant we follow through with that you own us just like the Demons would own you.  What the skith are doing to Angels who side with Demons is nothing compared to the Genocide that happened when the Angels abandoned them. As a species they never bothered earth or anyone else that didn't screw them first.  That's not something the Qarl can say." She laughs at the ridiculousness if the original comment  "I mean what kind of twisted propaganda is that?  You guys know better."

   "In the end there will be no free rides in this war.  You can make a lot of money but you will have to do it by producing a lot at quality and selling at decent prices.  It can and has been done, and the person to do it will get both the money and the loyalty of delta fleet, and it's forge ships."

   "Now, Regenesis is not in business for charity either, but we cannot buy a product we aren't getting, and therefore we cannot gain money by having that product ready for Rivets here.  If you cannot make and ship them yourselves could we at least rent the specks to us at 3% of our profit?  We'll produce the product or sub contract the stations.  You wouldn't make money off it anyway, and since we aren't getting ships anyway that's three percent you wouldn't otherwise have."

   Hopefully she had blown through enough of the bull to bring the worthy players to the surface.

  "Cross your fingers Justin." she said quietly  "These guys aren't used to be dealt with straight."

Nikki took a few moments to check on Haley and Roll, that they were having a good time as well.  In a few moments checked on Larry, Gregor, and Mila.  she whisper to them quietly"Okay my friends... keep an eye on Roll and Haley, and Can.  Some people here are not nice"  She knew the largs and Mila understood her.  all of them got loving skritches.

Giving Missy an acknowledging nod and friendly smile; Justin rested an elbow on the desk cupping  his head with his hand. Seated this way he was able to  conceal any grimacing or grin from the Suits. The loss of each Fighter is effectively the loss of a Pilot. Thereby your essentially cutting your own throat by pushing less than optimum quality products. Fewer consumers means less sales. States Justin half into his hand.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:24, Tue 04 Jan 2022.

As he twirled Dusk into a position alongside Shadow and Mara, Roy chuckled softly and said, "Seems like you've got a shark circling your position.  I didn't even see you spreading chum in the water--that's impressive..."  He nodded in the direction of the black-clad woman that was glowering at the band.

Henry smiled.

"Technically, no... but if you aren't into xenobiology it's a passable shorthand for them. What they are is very intelligent and ferociously loyal, and very good at carving up even large bones, amazing dentition that facilitates that."

Henry just manages to stop himself from delivering a lecture on larg teeth!

In reply to Tulliun (msg # 231):

 Meari smiled at Tulliun then giggled and replied," Very true but if I show up to dance with the LC most ladies would move out of my way." Meari was trying to get the concept of sarcasm and human jokes she hoped she was doing ok, she was still new to this.

 Meari smiled took Tulliun's hand and replied," Yes you may stay as long as you like Tulliun." She followed him onto the dance floor and they danced. She did see the LC return and get more dances she also saw the lady in the black dress following and watching like a predator waiting too pounce. Meari would steer their dances towards the LC and Mara and Roy and Dusk.

 Lizzy smiled at everyone at the table then they all got up to dance, Lizzy danced with Izzy smiling and being very happy. Lizzy and Izzy danced looking into each other's eyes, Lizzy also was lost in her dance with Izzy and didnt really notice anything going on.

 When the current slow song was done Lizzy smiled at Izzy and said," This is nice dancing at a ball when you dont have too work. What are your plans now Izzy are you heading back out or staying on the Hermes?"

 Sam was dancing with Zob and she answered his question," Yes Steve is awesome and will always be a great friend, but we are too much alike. There is something about Roo I just need to explore, I still care about Steve but I need to see what I truly want and need, I hope that makes sense Zob."

 Then Roo came and cut in, Sam smiled and replied," Enjoy he is a good dancer, and yes that sounds great Roo." Sam then left the dance floor and headed back to their table. Everyone was on the dance floor so she sat alone, she watched the dance floor she could see and watched other things as they happened. Sam would go to the drink table and get another drink Burian wine.

In reply to Meari (msg # 257):

Tulliun laughed lightly, I am sure that they would. If not out of fear, respect. Everyone here seems like they hold you in high regard.

He watched as they danced, trying to get a read. Then, he saw her eyes moving back in the same direction a few times. As they spun around the floor, he saw who she was eyeballing. The woman definitely had aggression in her posture. He thought he saw a tiny bit of lightening in the green in her eyes. Perhaps...now would be a good time to get that dance in. Kill two birds with one stone?

 Meari giggled and then added," I hope it is respect, fear only works so much, but thank you for saying people hold me in high regard that makes me feel great."

 Meari's eyes did lighten to a blue green but moving towards more blue as she watched the woman in black. Meari smiled at Tulliun and said," Yes after this dance how about I dance with the LC, maybe you should either ask the woman in black too dance or block her from getting to the LC." Meari smiled at waited for the slow song to end and then she would move towards the LC as Tulliun was sent on his own for this dance.

 If the woman in black tries to jump in before her Meari will use her size too intimidate and move in front of her to the LC.

Tulliun was not sure how he was going to handle himself at Meari's suggestion. But, he pucked up the courage and devised a plan. As Meari headed for the LC, he made a quick, arching path to get to the woman from behind her.

He got near her, then reached out and touched her shoulder, Excuse me. I saw you and I just was so stricken by how you look, I was wondering, if...maybe.. you'd dance with me? Tulliun was nervous. But, he figured, he could play it off as nerves of talking, not nerves from scheming. He held one arm just behind her back and gestured with the other to the dance floor and smiled.

 Meari smiled as she watched Tulliun do their plan. Meari made her move and went to the LC and asked," Excuse LC may I have a dance, and that woman in black is hunting you Sir, shall I take her for a walk?" Meari waited smiling glancing at the woman in black hoping she makes a scene and tries to butt in as she is asking the LC.

With the slow song coming to an end, Izzy would pause for a breather with Lizzy taking the opportunity to ask her what her plans were ”well with the Angel fleet in disarray my mission is over now so I guess I’ll be staying with you on the Hermes” she said with a smile as she gently booped Lizzy’s nose, with her then going on to say ”doubt we’ll see Harry back for awhile, she was on about volunteering for more recon work last time I spoke to her…said she liked the quiet” shrugging her shoulders in a to each their own kind of way. Then again unlike Izzy, Harry didn’t have anyone waiting for her so was in no rush to return to the Hermes ”But anyway, enough of that…let’s go and get a drink and keep Sam company for a while” she said nodding towards Sam who was currently sitting by herself at their table.

 Lizzy was all smiles when Izzy told her she was staying, when she talked about Harry her smile went away and she replied," That is awesome Izzy that you are staying. Well maybe the alone time is what Harry needs to straighten herself out. I hope Harry does I still care for her as a friend."

 Then Izzy changed the subject and they walked back towards their table. " Yes lets go spend time with Sam and what is up with her and Roo, I thought Sam was into Howe?"

"Anything specific?" Roo asked, her eyes going wide at the thoughts that hammered home inside her head. 'Oh big guy, if you only knew.' "No, not really, I guess." She spun about Zob as they danced, her feet feeling as if she were dancing on clouds in this Angel silk dress. "I'm just wanting to know about the people that are going to be in my care here and out there like we were yesterday. It's my duty to take care of you all. I take that duty pretty seriously. So, knowing more about you makes that part of my job that much easier, is all."

Sam was right, the big demon was darn light on his feet. They hadn't done a slow dance the other night, but now, curled up tight against him, they both floated in that cloud. She looked over to Sam and gave her a thumbs up. Roo was sure enjoying this part of being in the military.

In reply to Roo Taliapapa (msg # 266):

Zob raised a eye, "You guess?" he chuckled a bit to himself as he continued to move across the floor with her, "In short i was born to be a killing machine but im still discovering more and more about human nature and in doing so I'm learning more about myself" he said honestly to her as he held her close midway through the dance.

"I take it you and Sam will be staying at the LC's condo? its where most of the crew stay when we are on shore leave" he asked half wondering in the back of his mind if he was gonna end up with a room next to them both if so he doubted he would get restful sleep that night.

Roo tilted her head back a bit and giggled when Zob kind of called her on the 'I guess' part. "Hey, I was trying to be polite and skirt around a question I have for you." She pursed up her lips, quirked up an eyebrow and looked up to Zob. 'Fine. She'd just ask outright.' "So, with such big shoes and big hands...." Okay, maybe not completely an out and out question, but she hoped he could work around the meaning behind it.

"And yea, wherever Sam puts her boots up for the night at, that's where mine will be parked as well." She looked over to Sam as she spoke her name. "From what I've discovered so far that girl never needs to wear Angel silk, she's already pretty heavenly." She smiled Sam's way and gave her a wave.

It took a few moments for Zob to process her statement but he did in fact pick up on it, "Oh... you know you're the first person ever to ask that to me... but yeah its... pretty good size at least i think so then again i have no basis for comparison"

The song was about a 3rd of the way through as he shook of the awkwardness a bit, "She is a nice woman that's for sure so i like to think you picked well"

  The Older  fellow   looked at Justin, Pilots   die, troopers  die, they bring   in a new batch and  reload... Just like bullets...with legs...we don't los  any creds , because
 people  die, and  everytime an aircraft gets shot up..we  make more money.


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

   The LC snorted,a wee bit  determined to be sure, not sure what her game is..I thought she was a suit trying to hawk aircraft or  ammo or something..

 Lookign at Roy,Mara  Grins,I just think its  his oozing   charm that snagged her...

 Meari  appeared  and Asked   SHadow  to dance...Mara chuckled  and went  away towards  Fitz and the other pilots who were getting drinks.

 I....Suppose..Meari..... gods they have to start making Undenese   shorter!  the   moved into the flow of the next song.. The woman in Black   rolled her  eyes  and  stood there with her hands on her hims.

 Machins  cruised up to her,Hey there... I know   I'm not Shadow But....

 She Gave him a look, then turned away,..No...you are  not...go find some one else to bother...

 Machhins looked crushed, he turned away, Smelling his   Uniform collar..

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

 The one server  Just  gave  Henry a shrug,..less  stuff we have to  load into the chutes for the farm....

 The  Other  Guy  smiles...well doc.. I'll just pretend they are lizards...

Roo nodded, then chuckled at Zob. "Sorry if I've made our dance awkward, Zob. Us Island folk were raised to understand our sexuality, not suppress it." She shrugged. "It's been both a blessing and a curse. Some people get so uptight about people loving other people, that or they just love judging and don't get laid enough." She laughed.

"Yes. She is. We're just getting to know each other right now, but I guess if things happen, they happen. But from the looks of some of the goings-on around us, we might not get that chance tonight. Those Browncoats are kind of dickish, and some lady has been doing some stalking on the outskirts of the dance floor." She nodded in that general direction.

"Now, if you'll excuse me, sir. I should get back to Sam and our table. You are always welcome to join us, whenever you want." She remembered the big guy during the battle, blocking off rounds meant for her. Inviting him over was the least she could do for him.

 Meari tried to hunch down some so Shadow wouldnt feel uncomfortable. " I am sorry Sir, I will talk to Grandmod Lilit about that and see what she can do." Meari chuckled as she was trying to get human humor and try and deliver a joke.

 Meari then added," Thank you Sir I just wanted to warn you about the woman in black hunting you Sir. Should I talk to her as SEC and see what she wats, or just talk with her Sir?"

 Shadow used his arms   to  force her  to 'unhunch'...Rule one, if you'er a tall chick dancing with a shorter Guy.. don't make it look worse  by trying to 'get shorter'.. make the guy look bad..

 as hr Moved,    Shadow's   eye's   darted ever  so briefly to the  Woman by the stage who  just shot  down Machins,   he was trying hard to put out the flames..

 She's been trailing, I have no idea why...., Can't  just ne to sell something, she would have settled for Machins...

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

  ..That woman..seems to be   fixed on getting to dance with  Father?.. maybe he shouldd ance with her...perhaps she   us  one of those Human crunches on him?  Dusk said to Roy as they damnced.

 Meari stands up tall again and replies," Yes Sir it wont happen again."

 Meari replied," Yes it seems she is very determined to dance with you, it must be something more then just selling something this seems personal. " Meari danced only one song with Shadow thats all she needed, plus she could tell he was uncomfortable.

Tulliun watched the woman turn down a man he did not recognize. He would not be deterred even though she moved away from him. He followed and tried again.

He reached forward and touched her shoulderExcuse me. I couldn't help but notice you from across the dance floor. May I have this dance? his voice was more confident now, he had affixed a degree of certainty to his posture and held himself higher, being subtle not to let his Medals go unnoticed. He again held out an arm to the dance floor, away from Meari and Shadow.

   The woman  in the Black dress was  about  5'8"..good build and her Balck dress fit  almost as good as  any of the Angel silk out there. She turned   with annoyance, they her  eyes  got a  tiny bit  softer.what?.. No.....Thank You... I mean?  You're not  even a Browncoat, let alone  ESN..what do you do?.... her eyes did taken in his medals.

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


 The   time was moving rather Nicely, Thus far  only a handful of people  got punched out, with the  Browncoat LT that Dusk  hit, having to go to Med tech.

  Will and Cora  were finished Dancing..  and she waved   and Pointed  to Will..Will shook his head violently, But Ellen and  Coar got him on the stage.

 Alright!..one song Break  while the  GMH guy sings a song....

 Will was   looking around Sheepishly.. Shadow smiled, because it wasn't him!/

 ok?...  let's get it over  with.... and, this is more  about  us all..not just me....


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8WoMmsvAE0

  people  Joined in  on the    whoooo whhoo... Shadow one of the Loudest... as they jumped ip and  down with  a raised fist.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:43, Wed 05 Jan 2022.

Tulliun smiled at her last question. I am kind of a pilot. I can tell you more, if you'd humor me with a dance. he put on his best charming smile. I promise, I won't step on your toes.

   her  eyes  narrowed  as   Will started  to sing, she was  trying to  Find  Shadow in all the Jumping  and  hollering.

   ..You'd only step on the once...she said Coldly.  she  kept  searching, trying to find  the LC in a  forest of  up raised , jumping arms.

  there is no such thing  as 'sort of a pilot'  you are, or you aren't, unless you are a taxi driver  and  you want to count  your Hover car  as an aircaft...

She laughed as they danced, showing Arnie how to do any step that was causing any issues along with the others, glad to introduce what seemed like a new dance to them. When the fun songs ended, she moved up to Arnie and wrapped her arms around his neck, grinning. "That was fun..." she said breathlessly as Will took to the stage and began to sing.

Tulliun smiled at the barn the strange woman threw at him. I have an actual shuttle, she actually flies in the actual black. I've navigated entire systems alone, evaded pirates and brigands, fought off boarders, and walked right into places where most civilized people wouldn't go willingly. he chuckled once, I'm a real pilot. Just not one of these pilots. he thrust his eyes over the crowd.

  She smiled  at him, but the smile was smile and didn't last long....well...that sounds very exciting and  glamours....maybe  you shelf  talk to one of those   young woman by the Tables, I'm sure they would  be more then happy to  here your tales..

In reply to ball (msg # 270):

Justin takes a sip from his glass.True everyone dies, and contracts end; the thing is where, when and how that matters. Consider this when your Company submits Future Naval Tenders.

      Missy shrugs. “When we run out of bullets we are dead.  If you are unwilling to help us conserve them you are not our allies.”  She gets up from the table, and looks at Morris, “Apparently they are just here for the free food and liquor.  Can they be expelled from the event?”

  The  others looked to the Older Man, when Missy spoke up.You have Noble ideas, Miss.  But this is a war, and those of us who supply  items of use to the warring parties? Well we do our best to  get the goods  they ordered.. Perhaps?  if you would take  with the Admiral, you could get him to slow down  his battles  and killing, and the supplu could catch up to the Demand...

 One of the other fellows  Looks at  Justin's  Name tag...I am sure, we will have  no problem with contracts...

 Captain Morris  sipped   a fresh  hot  tea  with Honey in....Miss Jagger? It is not for us to question  the  type of  folk invited to Admiral Van Ros's  party..it is  for her to decide?    Now,As  mr   Kase  has  put it, You must remember, the last  few years we have taken over places  with almost  any raw material we need.. and we have aircraft factories on every station we are building on on Roussa and the Dark Moon of  Nivar System.... we also have the two factories  of the red and Blue Moons..//The ESN, once  we   bring up the next gen fighters...will have little use  of your  items  now, save  for colony home defense....and?  we are filling that with captured fighters and vessels..

 we have seen the ESN Factories, Washington..we are not worried... the three get up, heading  down the tables  to table  #11  where  a stately looking  Brown coat stood.

 Rivets  says,..bloody  buggers.. be nice  to make them  eat thier words...

 be at ease, Shamus.  We ordered thier  fod,  the chefs  just take thier time getting it  right...

She waited to see what Zob would do, then Roo turned and headed to the table where Sam sat at all alone. Roo immediately felt guilty, the petite woman should have been surrounded by friends but instead, she was currently flying solo. That would have to be made up for. With a quick detour to the refreshment table closest to her own, Roo picked up a tray of drinks, bringing enough beverages to their table to handle near a dozen people.

"Hey you." She said to Sam as she glided by, setting the loaded tray down next to her friend. "You wouldn't happen to be a damsel in distress and need saving by chance, would you?" Roo took a glass of bubbly from the tray and slid it over in front of Sam, taking a second one for herself.

"I happen to know a brunette that's great with rescues." She winked then took a sip of her drink, her eyes dancing mischievously over the lip of her glass.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:05, Wed 05 Jan 2022.

In reply to ball (msg # 281):

Tulliun kept trying, now as a point of stubbornness, with a dismissive wave at the table, But those girls aren't so commanding as you. I was trying to explain that I AM a real pilot, not a taxi driver.

   “My apologies Captain, I was under the impression that the party had a different sponsor, and that the private interests here WERE going to be from the stations. I’m afraid I’m still young and make such mistakes.  Still, these fools have revealed their weakness and I think a lot of my friends are going to be making money at their expense.”

Justin watched the abusive wannabes beat a hasty retreat their tails between their legs. Well now I wonder who their Browncoat associate is.

Missy steps back, “I’m sorry for wasting your time Justin, if you wish to help in other ways we have an education system that includes piloting skills on the LG01, Teela was helping out with that when physically capable, the kids could use a visit from a veteran pilot but tonight you have your lady and I’m supposed to be doing a duet with Nikki if I can find her.”

In reply to Missy Jagger (msg # 289):

Sure thing I'd be honoured to help out. I'll need to check with HQ for availability first. How many people will be involved?

Roy swept the woman with a veiled gaze as they turned on the dance floor.  "She doesn't seem like the 'crush' type of woman.  She wants something, and it's not just a little time on the dance floor."  He glanced down at Dusk.

"There are still active bounties on several of us, and Shadow's the grand prize...more bounty money on him than probably anyone with the possible exception of Admiral Hack.  And there are ways to kill a man that wouldn't draw much attention...a light scratch with a poisoned needle, a stolen kiss...easy ways to poison someone without them realizing until it was too late.  Not so sure letting her just dance with him is a smart idea..."

He raised his comm unit, keying in Henry's contact ID.  "Hey, Doc...how is Mila with sniffing out poisons?" he asked, the soft urgency in his voice making it clear this wasn't just an idle inquiry.  "There's a lady in black, edge of the dance floor, at your two o'clock, who is just a little too eager to dance with Shadow.  If Mila could take a swing past her...if poisons are in her repertoire...and give us a sniff to make sure a dance wouldn't be a fatal mistake, I'd truly appreciate it."  Dogs had been trained to sniff out a variety of substances, since centuries past...and that was before any sort of genetic or cybernetic enhancements had been introduced.  Still, Mila's personnel file was incomplete and he had no idea what, if any, kind of sniffing she'd been trained to do.  But a dog wandering past, while it would be noticed, wouldn't necessarily alarm anyone plotting any mischief.  It was the most subtle method of checking he could think of...

Henry responded "She's quite sensitive in the nose department, and a good judge of persons overall. Now to get her away from her food!"

He sent a mental summons...

Mila was enjoying her scraps, even if they weren't anywhere near as good as those served on the Hermes, then she 'heard' a mental summons from Her Human. She left her container and trotted over to him at once.

Her Human indicated a woman in a black dress and explained - in a mix of words and thoughts that made sense to her but probably wouldn't to anyone else even if they could sense the half of it - what was needed.

She wagged her tail and licked his hand, then trotted off, weaving her way across the crowded floor to where the target stood. She walked up to her with a curious wag, sniffing, projecting her 'Hey, I'm a normal dog being friendly' persona.

Once Roo ended the dance with him and returned to Sam, Zob turned his attention towards the stage area near Shadow and made his way in that direction.

 Meari had finished her dance with Shadow and moved off, she watched Tulliun with the woman in the black dress. She had moved closer to listen, she watched and then got closer and replied," Yes he is a real pilot and sent a Hive Buster into one of the Hives saving many APF lives. Sgt Meari Udenese warrior nice too meet you Ma'am, you have a specific person you wish too dance with?" Meari knew that answer but wanted too see what the woman wanted or at least what would she say she wanted. Meari smiled at Tulliun as she waited for the woman in black's answer.

”Also it allows her to stay away from certain individuals” Izzy quietly confided, knowing that she wouldn’t have to say who in particular Harry was giving a wide berth, and why.

It was as they were returning to their table where Sam was currently on her own that Lizzy would ask about the exact nature of Sam and Roo’s relationship and how Howe figured into it ”ah well I guess you’ll just have to ask her yourself…but from what I’ve seen she’s certainly interested in Roo” She quietly responded with a smile before joining the women in question, with Roo having just returned from the dance floor ”hello ladies, having fun are we?”

 Lizzy nodded and she knew Izzy meant the LC, he had taken Harry's wings and sent her to SEC, but Harry was fucking up, it was a whole mess. Maybe this time away can straighten Harry out. Lizzy replied," Yes I can see that but she also needs too see her mistakes and move on from them."

 Lizzy smiled and replied," Yes I can see Roo is definitely into Sam, Roo is a ball of fire, a lot like me when I first arrived then someone tamed me. Sam is a big girl she can make her own choices, I didnt know she liked girls or maybe it is just Roo."

 They got to the table as Roo got there and Lizzy added," Yes Ladies are we having fun yet?"

 Sam was sitting just watching the Ball and relaxing. She also thought about Steve and Roo, Sam had strong feelings for Steve but she wasnt sure how strong or in what context. She would always be close too Steve he did so much for her, they where very close friends. Steve always told her dont wait for him you find someone go for it. Sam just never felt anything like she was feeling for Roo, plus Roo was fun, energetic, amazing and so damn sexy. Roo was by far the tallest of their 4 lady group, with Izzy and Sam being only 5 feet tall and Lizzy only 5'3", Roo at 5'6" was a giant.

 Then Roo showed up with a tray of drinks and Sam smiled. Sam giggled and responded," Yes I am a damsel in distress." Roo then slid a glass in front of Sam, she took it and then replied with a smile and a giggle to Roo," Oh you do, is she 5'6", amazing, sweet, kind, fun and sexy as hell?"

 Sam smiled and was about to kiss Roo when Izzy and Lizzy came over to join them. Sam held up her glass and said," Oh hell yes grab a drink from the tray and join us in a toast ladies." Sam got the drink Roo gave her, and she waited for the others too get drinks and then she said," Too good friends may we help each other through this war, have fun while we do it and maybe find love and live too tell many stories when we are all old." Sam then took a big swig of her bubbly.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:23, Wed 05 Jan 2022.

 Dusk frowned a bit...should kill her now? Just in case? she gave a  shrugged  as she glanced at the irritated woman.

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

   The woman was getting tense, as she looked at Tulliun,..Commanding, is it? I see a few of those girls managed a Dance with that LC, and  I cannot  even  run him down.... she was about to say something else  when Mila came over.

 ..Stay away!..you'll get fur  on my dress!...Look at this, The dog as decorations?..Go away doggie... go... fetch something... she  gives a few dainty waves  for  Mila to be off.

 when Meari arrived, The Woman looked at her,an eyebrow raised,...did he now?  that is   so....fascinating.... the  curl of her lip and the rove of hger eyes showed she wasn't fascinated,..if you must know, I have been trying to dance  with that LC Shadow, fellow, but it seems as though  everytime i get close, ....someone gets in the way..

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

 Shadow had  worked his way around , to put himself between  Roy, Dusk , Eckles and  Mara as he watched the interchange  between Tulliun, The Woman , Meari  and now Mila.

  Scarlett stepped up  along side him,maybe she just wants a cheerleader pin? she started to giggle.

 Shadow looked at her  with a raised eyebrow, she  stopped  and   looked away..Oh!...Look!...Bunt Cake! and off she went.

Tulliun reached down defensively to pet Mila. He hadn't met her yet, but he'd seen her around the ship and knew she belonged.

So, what is your interest in the LC? He is a bit hard to get to, but moreso when you're circling like some sort of predator.

He stood up and looked around to try and find if Mila's master was around, or any of the brass.

These people respect him, and will defend him if they think you have malicious intent. he looked over at the group loitering near Shadow. Maybe if you tell Sgt Meari what it is you want, she can pass that on? he turned to Meari, for confirmation.

 Meari smiled at the woman and replied," Yes tell me why you wish too talk to the LC and I will decide what will be done after that, and if you lie to me, one I will find out and two it will be painful for you." Meari did not say this in a mean tone she said it like it was fact.