for when  we  leave   and go into the  Trench and Anzio station.

  Stoly called  back...Admiral  said  for me  to take my  time?... We'll be  Landing  On a platform that has a  Static field... make sure you remember the number... Platform 191.. another  10 minutes.


  Shadow checked  his Blaster.. The LArg  was lying on the  Dec

   The Spade slid through the  static  Field  , spun around  to face back out and settled onto the  Pas, the , Jaw-like Ramp opened.

   Alright?...  My  Team and I will remain here to  protect the  Spade  and be ready to take off... SOP will be, if someone  his hurt  real bad, you bring  them BAck  and  another Duce  will come back here.... if... there is   something wrong, that you need Evac before   the other Duce  arrives.. Call  Beth and she'll work something out...be damn careful  in this  baitcan..

  Before they leave the  shuttle  , Shadow looks  around..  The LArg  is thumping its  tail up and down.

  there are  3  things, very different from any other  sweep we have done....

  ..the first, is   we have no idea   what to 'fix' yet... so?.. we look for Empire, or  anyone, for that matter, who is dealing in weapons, drugs  or   people...

  ..The second?  Is  we have no idea  who is   'on our side"... Don't take A-Sec  as a  rubber stamp, on out side?..we have  seen SEC on ..civilized..stations go bad....

  ..the third  thing..might be the biggest?.... They know we are coming... they know what happens on  a 'Delta   Night"... so be ruthless... because they sure will be... Get info..protect yourselves   and Be  ready to move to help  the others  should You hear the Call...  right now.... COM check to Beth... then  All COMs   to make  sure  we can  hear each other....

 After the  Test

 Beth Comes on the COMs.....here's what we got.....so far... The sphere has all the  things that run the station... offices, factories and HQs  of the , races   on board...

 the  Equator  Tubes  are   ESN/APF   for the Most part... they have 'rivers' on the inside  hull  with   water life,..Needless to say the Aqras  aren't found of seeing  fish caught and eaten...

 ...the Axis Tubes  belong to the Empire  and 'neutral ' races.... They have    'lakes at 4  spots  .. this serves  as  water source and food  sources.... For Doc Henry, these are spot s he may want to check..he can see , first hand the 'tiny humans' that most races  use  for  food..i hear they make  monkey's  look like rocket scientists..

 ..Ok?..And Shadow..Nissis  and  Blitt  said they would meet you  at the   North pole area of the Axis tudes?... the Lake at the top and Bottom has  more... forsts and  such.. they think you will enjoy it...

 Shadow  chuckles  his  half-smile grows,..send him   my COM... tell him were on out way... and  I'm brining a couple friends...

 ..I'll be tracking everyone's  SIGs...

  track the Lizard's  too.. be nice to see what all that is up there...Every one  Pick   a area.. and  get going....

Henry stroked Mila's head.

"Thank you, Beth. We'll go to the Axis Tubes and explore a lake or two..."

He headed off resolutely, the dog dancing around beside him.

  Nagy and Hawkes  followed Doc Henry ,what do you wanna  do   Doc.. Taxi...  rent a Van?... or  walk.... might take  us  a good long   while to walk?Hawkes  asked.

 Nagy was  watching the  A-SEC troopers, who were  watching them

"Rent a vehicle, I think. Taxis might not want to carry a dog," said Henry.

He looked round trying to get his bearings.

  Nagy  called  of  a Van. Shadow stepped to the edge of the    pad wall  letting the others  get sorted  out.

 Shadow  says.....we're  starting out on the   North Lake.... He called  for a Van.. no driver  needed....

 Flores looked   happy  she  had  a Flight   jacket as well and a Ball cap with her Pony tail handing out the back.

..

Hawkes looked to  Doc Henry, ..wanna  start at the South Lake.. since its  the  Closest?.. we  can move to the either Middle one from there...

........

for those on the  Station...

  if you were to  look at the Axis   tubes    like a Clock...

North Lake is  at 12:00

South Lake  is at 6:00

 East Lake is  at  3:00

west Lake is at 9:00

Pas  191 is   around 7:00.. the pads  are  next to each other.. very little space.. there  are 1000 pads on each Tube...  there are Docking arms    for  ships to send  folks    into the station  as well.

  You'll find , smaller  , offshoot  Tubes that lead to  other places, like a Highway system

  State were  you are going  IC and I will edit that into the LOad out List, where the teams are listed.

"South Lake sounds good to me, thank you," said Henry.

Mila was capering and wagging her tail, looking like any dog who's been stuck in space for a while with the prospect of having a run around near a lake.

     Nagy signs for the VAn, and send  the  Driver  away. He  takes the wheel, while   Hawkes  checks the machine on the inside and out  for trackers.

  The A-Sec troopers  are laughing, Shadow   saw  as the Larg flattens  his  head  and Back at them...Laugh fellas?.. but if  things    don't  work out you'll be staring down the wrong end of  a Cap ship broadside?.. so?..it would be a REAL GOOD..thing, to make sure  nothing happens  to Delta Fleet people... you...might  want to pass that along...

 They stopped laughing, the  2  striper  was on the  COMs   'passing the word  along'

......

  It  only took  15 minutes  or  so to reach the  South Lake... The size of the  MAin Tubes  were  a bit bigger then the Stems of the  Carrierstations. Traffic  was   Busy, and it was  well lit and well cared for.

  then, the     dove out of the  Tubes , to the   Large area  below... at least a  Mile in diameter and hanging  below the  Tube..Meta  Glass   all around the  Top.. Sold   under.. trees  grew  and the Lake sat in the Middle.. boats  were on the Lake.. on the edges   were  'picnic  areas  , but the rest, contained the  Hunting grounds.

 Hawkes looks  downwards,  we'll have to park on the edges  it looks  like... damn thick forest...odd shaped  trees...almost like  Earth trees... fatter leaves...

"They'll be worth a look at for a start," said Henry, the xenobiologist side taking over for a moment.

Roy nodded to Shadow, and folliwed along.  He watched everything, analyzing the people and situations tactically, making mental note of who was watching the., as well as who took pains to appear to not notice.

When Larry went 'on point' at the Anzio security, Roy made sure the leash was loose in his hand.  From what Shadow had said, he'd hardly have time to notice if the larg went after someone...and he didn't feel like finding out if he could stop it.  Not yet, at least.  He reached down and patted the larg's head.

"You might want be careful who you laugh at.  He literally eats security personnel for breakfast...or dinner...whichever mealtime is most convenient."

    Nagy   found a  Palce  to the    side  closest to the Delta  fleet( not that it would matter!)

  ..well Doc?..  from what i understand were  here to learn, and... eliminate, if we feel the need.. we just gotta  see if we 'need'..

 There were no other   Vehicles  were they parked,  Nagy Looks  around, Garbage chute doesn't  get used  much.

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

  The Guards  looked at  Larry  . we seen what  LArgs  can do.... there's  thos e damn Catv things on the station too.. damn  exotic pet craze!
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:53, Sun 22 Apr 2018.

Teela looked at her team. "I'm the new girl here so you pick a direction and that's where I'll go. Shall we see if we can stir up some trouble and pick a fight or two as we find who the important people are?"

  Flores  too  the  driver's  seat. the Larg went in the BAck... Shadow offered   Roy the choice of shotgun, ot being in the Back with the   LArg.

 As the Van took off  though the  equator tubes , Flore s followed the   NAV screen to get to the  North Lake.

  ..Hey?... when we  get to the LAke?.. how  will we find you?  shadow said into the COM

   The  Largran's  voice  was a hissing chuckle,.. you will find us....  Just.. come on up...

For the duration of the ride over to the Station Harry would quietly sit and try and take on board all of the information she was being provided. Though she did have to roll her eyes at the code phrase being used by the other Lights Out operatives within the station.

Upon their arrival Harry would saunter down the boarding ramp with a definite swagger to her step, and a dangerous smile on her black painted lips. With Doc Henry heading south and Shadow heading north Harry would shrug her shoulders before stating "we'll go east" with her picking the location at random. Besides with orders as vague as Cause Trouble which direction they took didn't really seem to matter "Will, be a dear and see if you can acquire us a vehicle...I'll drive" she said whilst flashing him a quick smile to show that she was simply teasing him "Ok boys, lets go and cause some trouble!"

Henry jumped out of the van, Mila capering after him.

"Let's just stroll around a bit. I'd like to get a look at the trees anyway."

  Henry....

   They took  to the    trees, there  were no paths  as  such, as least not  anymore then there would be  at a lake that had a fishing or  Hunting  spot.

  way on the other side of the  lake was were  more  people has parked, there was a  dock  there..

  The trees ha d Fat leaves, almost  like  Green fruit, there were  some   bee-like creatures  around  them and the   flicker  of lights off  a sticky, sap like   fluid  that oozed out of the darkest green leaves.. those were  also the  fattest of the leaves.

  Mila   was  looking around , her head jerking  around , as there  was  movements in the undergrowth , not  far  from  them.

  Hawkes  had  his   SMG  handing on his  shoulder  by the sling, his eyes   watched the Tree,  Nagy  called out,..did you see that!

"No, what?" said Henry, who was taking samples of the leaves at the time.

    Nagy pointed   as Hawkes took a few steps away from him  and was trying to look through the  thick...fern like..undergrowth.

   ..looked like a  hairy little  kid?.. 'bout  2  foot  tall... Just  saw the   flash of  some light colored skin....

 Mila   was   sneezing  as she  picked up  the scent.

  Will  came    back  from the    Call Pad,..Van's  on the  way...I told them   we  wouldn't need a driver.

 Hemsly nods,..that's  good, don't  bloody  trust  any of the people here.. an inch..

.........

    Vans  were pulling in  and drivers  were    being told to step  aside.. Shadow's  VAn  Had left.

.........

 Shoey's  group left  , with  Az-el and Jo-Wa  sharing   a ride. in the same  VAn...

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

 Supe  Duke  and Tucker got thier Own Van, Tucker  drove.

.......

 McNeil  'allowed' Karson the drive, as   Lirg got into the Van in the back..they  were soon on thier  way.

Henry turned to have a look.

"Mila, can you pick up anything?"

   Mila   takes  a  few  dainty steps  forward, looking  back at Henry... confusion.. maybe  a bit of fear..  touches  Herny's   mind.

 Hawkes bellied  out a bit as he asked,..so?  it was ..like a Monkey?

 ..No, Man, it was... like a kid, with Hair  in a lot of places,  and just  skins.. only got a glance.. Might be more then one?

  Flores   got into the   'lane'  with  vehicles that weren't  trying to  turn off to some of the  smaller  tubes.

 ... You know?... I can see  why the Lizard  wants  us  in the Lake -place?... Buy why the Verian..  Verians  don't strike me as  'outdoor ' folks...

 Flores   laughs,..I wonder if the Tinman was a verian?

 ..well?.. just in case... Don't  Oil the verian if he's standing their  with an axe...

"Mila seems a bit confused... Good girl, Mila!"

Henry walked over and patted the dog.

"Come on out, whoever you are..." he called.

  There are  hisses   and    growls.... but  not  quite animal like....

  ..gods  be  damned!!!  Look!... Hawkes brought his weapon Up.. one darkskinned and  two Light skinned   humanoids,  with fur around thier   Hips  , back and Head.. they were  dirty.. they had  long nails.. and their   eyes  were full of fear...

 Mila  stated to Bark.. the three  turned to Flee.. when  One of them Suddenly  flew  sideways.. a  strange  Arrow  in tis  chest.. the other  two vanished  into the   Brush... A  Dark Blue  Aqra in   Green Camo  was smiling,..thank you!.. i have been hunting them for  an hour... I thought i was goign to have to  eat greens!..
 He went  to the  two foot tall  creature., he  shoved the  arrow in a  bit, and  clicked a  slide on the shaft, there was a  muffeled  Click from inside the   body.
 when the 'hunter  brought the  arrow  out, he   apped the  arrow head on  tree branch and  the   Head opned like a treble  hook, he   shook the  blood and meat of the    hook  and   retruned it to it s  Quiver...

 He smiled at the three humans,..My family  is  Just  over there by the Docks?..  we were lookign to    roast a few Gavas?.. if you want to try it?.. You are more then welcome... My  Mate can make the  best soup with the organs...

Harry would nod in agreement to Hemsley's comment that shouldn't trust anyone on this station "With that in mind I'd like you guys to sweep the van for any bugs when it arrives...just in case someone is trying to keep tabs on us" Harry said, knowing that's what she would do if a group of unknown operatives suddenly arrived on her turf.

With the arrival of the vans Harry would saunter over to the vehicle that they had rented for the evening and offer the driver a friendly smile "Hi, I don't know if you were told or not, but tonight's you're lucky night and you get to go home" Harry said, signalling for Will and Hemsley to give the van a quick once over whilst she continued to speak with the driver in friendly voice "Now what can you tell me about the eastern side of the station? Anything or anyone I should know about? I mean you wouldn't want a poor girl like me to get herself into trouble now would you?"

  The Diver  a  Mid aged  man ( as far  as you can tell , now  a  days )...said,well Miss.....  If you'er  Going to Axis  East.. You'll find   a Lake  with   a forest around in.. some folks  go there hunting  and fishing... but...It is  Empire folks Mostly.... you'd  better watch your step....

 there  will be some food  shops  and such... there  are   shops  along  the Tudes  as well.. but the BIg Busineeses , are in The Sphere...

  Shoey ...

  Shoey brought   thier Van down in a  parking lot, he   gave the   cash creds, rather then wrist scan.

   there were   levels  some   4  city blocks  wide, Buildings , offices , Apartments.   Int eh center was a 'smaller'  Sphere at various places  around it  with   neon 'flags' of what Home world  was represented there.

 Az-el and Jo-Wa  move to the    east.....we  will  move in thios  direction.. there  seems to be  some places of drink, there...

 Shoey  nods,..if you need  the  Van, take it, just let us know..

 ..this place is crazy.. a  sphere inside a Sphere... Lippen said

 Cora  just snorted,.. doesn't matter,  if they  gone off  the reservation,    we'll be picking throughthe scrap for years..

 Shoey Grinned as he  chewed his gum,..There's a  Place  to  eat down the way..lets  check it out , see what we hear?

 Duke...

  Coming in on Equator North,  Tucker  sent  the van off to the side.  The 'river' was  running on the inside  Hall  way... there  were   people  fishing along  it s lenght .

  Like the Axis, there  was  a  area that 'bubbled out'.. there was a  Bar there, and  a couple  food  places. There  were some shops  for clothing  and  a pawn shop.

    Flores  found the   Way to   Axis North... the Lake was  deep Blue, tree  thick and Tall , on the  far side, they Could  barely see a  clearing, there was some faint light  glowing there.

 She  set  down the VAn  Just inside  the   entrance.....this is supposed to be one of the main gathering spots?  why...isn't  anyone gathering?

 Shadow  stepped   out, shaking his head,...damned  trees..  doesn't anyone  fight in cities  anymore?

 A Verian voice  came on the COMs,...well..LC  Shadow.... I really doubted you would Come....but my Uncle..Adem?  he  will be , most happy you did...


 ... you are  a fool, Shadow... we made sure there is no one here to bother us this  Night?...I look forward to tasting  your flesh....after  we confirm the Kill for Adem...

 There was  silence... Flores looked a bit  shook, Shadow started a slow chuckle, then a  flat out laugh,..you  guy?... are you really this   stupid?.. i wager to say.. in the next hour,  I'll be  cutting some Hid e from Nissis  to make a new  briefcase, and  I''ll Use Blitt's head  as a Hood ornament  for  my Fighter..

  there  was a flash and  a Hiss..  and a hole  appeared in the   Van's hood.

 ..should have  made that count Ace?.. Cause?..   He we come...

 He looked at Flores   who gave a determined Nod, then turned to Roy and  the LArg..

Roy climbed in the back with the larg, figuring that it would be good to get the larg used to his proximity and also figuring it would look better if the delegates they were going to meet saw Shadow up front.

"If the Tin Man was Verian, he was one of the rare ones that had a heart, even if he didn't recognize it."  He shook his head and added, "And this Verian's gonna need a lot more than an oil can..."

  The Larg  went   flat  again... his   scales  seemed to get a darker Green.. a  very soft Blurble  came from thought.. Flores drew her  weapon and  a  Blade.

 Shadow   had out his blaster,  his  Left hand , had his  trenchknife...

 ..there is  a good bed they can see us , until we enter  the Trees.... This  should be  easy... anything , not human?.. we kill...

 There was a whine  from bhind him,..or?..you know... a Larg...

  After  some  talk as they Drove,   could see the Sphere from the   top quarter of the Inside  Hull of the   Tube.    the Meta  Glass  was on    each side of the     outside tubes, to both,  bring in light, and provide a view of the station on one side.. and the  Planets  of E-1  and E-2  on the other.

  Will   turned  into a side  Tube that  lead to the   Sphere..

  a good  15 minutes later... he settles  in a parking area. and PAid  for the  spot  with  cash creds.

  Like Shoey's  team   that were down near the south of the   Outer sphere, they could see  the  apartments, Businesses , and offcies     that  were in the  'outer sphere'.  Ane the  Inner    Phere that held the    ESN and other    factions HQs.

In reply to An'teela (msg # 14):

   "Both of you ladies are snipers, and while I'm no sniper my guns built for range even if it can fire on full auto.  Let's hang back a little and see if anyone needs suport."

   Garrat is a little pensive behind his mask. "Last delta night was lucky, we didn't have any fatalities on the ESN side.  We've had a newbe die or get maimed every other mission night for some time. Now both of you are fresh and we aren't exactly .  I don't want to lose iether of you." 

  He shrugs, settling his gear a bit "Keep it light, don't get involved in anything we cannot finish quickly.  Stop and check for enemy back up before we engage.  Keep our ears on the com for freinds in trouble."

Roy shrugged, in the back.  "If they were smart, they'd just shoot us down while we were on approach.  I'm guessing, however, that they're very impressed with their own cleverness, and arrogant enough to think they're somehow way better than anyone in the trail of bodies in our wake...they'll let us land, thinking they can toy with us a bit...try to 'teach us a lesson' before they kill us."  He snorted softly.

"I think the lesson to be learned is going to be, "Shoot first."  And they're going to regret not thinking of it."  He grinned, and added, "I hope you know, Flores, that you're currently transporting a few million credits in bounties from the Empire.  Don't take it personally if they don't shoot at you first."

  well?..Lets   go  kill some stuff?  we know   two things.... one?.. they won't be alone.... two?..  they won't have the guts to be in the   trees  with us......   we'll just cut a  swath through the   forst and  see what we  can   kill...

 The Larg  was   flat as a table top.. hit was Pulling on the  least...  a very..very soft grrrrrrr issued...

  , Flores    weapon went off  two  Times... an Aqra is  Camo  laid there..its    oval fish eye s staring upwards...

 ..hey?.. I'm taking this Bow and Arrows......i can shoot a little....


 ..help yourself..take  creds if it has  any as well...count it  as a Bonus pay...

 she    did pocket creds,  and took the thing's  sidearm as well...

Roy's eyes, long-trained for sniping and for anti-sniper engagements, picked out a form in the greenery.  "I've gotta come up with a break-down version of a rifle that I can bring on these ops," he grumbled, barely loud enough for Flores and Shadow to maybe catch what he said, as he drew a machine pistol and sent a single round at his target.

He thought he saw a second, when Larry gave a tug on the leash and almost pulled him off balance.  "Larry!" he hissex in the same low voice.  "At ease!  You're throwing off my aim..."

As he spoke, he spied another form, and fluidly raised and fired his weapon, again with a single shot.  "Sound suppression would be nice..." he grumbled, although he knew it wouldn't hide him.  Suppressors reduced, but didn't eliminate sound, and in the relative stillness of the forested area they were in, each shot, suppressed or not, would have been clearly audible.

As he continued looking, other parts of his mind were engaged...considering whether to release Larry and let him scour the forest for them...and how to guarantee that the larg didn't run beyond the forest and get into the station in general...he also realized that he'd never really considered the acoustic challenges of locating a shooter in a station like this.  A louder weapon could, potentially, be an advantage in some circumstances, if the sound echoed off walls...he'd only ever really worried about it in planetary conditions.  Maybe Beth...or Doc Christie...can run some computer simulations on it when we get done here...

Henry watched the scene unfold with amazement (he hid the vague unease).

"Well, hello," he said to the Aqra. "Do you live here on Anzio or are you visiting?"

After talking with the driver for a short while the trio would depart for the eastern part of the sphere with Harry looking out at the planets on view through the metaglass as Will flew the van.

Once they had parked up Harry would head east towards the outer sphere to where apartment blocks and businesses could be seen as opposed to the various embassies within the inner. Harry was here to cause trouble not a diplomatic incident and besides which she lacked both the man power and firepower to take on an embassy and it's contingent of marines.

With no real plan of action to follow, Harry decided to do a little window shopping and generally scope out the neighbourhood to see what was what. Once she had a better idea of the situation she would be able to act accordingly.

  The Aqra  smiled a bit,..My Mate  and  I live on the station.. we  are brokers   for  Gavas  and The Grepp  fish?..  they are  Big exports  to the Station and  Beyond... Giant  cred flow  into the Aqra coffers.....So, when we  entertain?..  we have  to Have the  so Gava. Its is like letting   people sample goods?

 Nagy and Hawkes  don't look  like  they are pleased  with the new   fellow, but  stay a bit  quiet, though they are actively  watching.

 The  Aqra Points  at  Mila,..that would   sell  for alot of  creds to  th Largran..they Like   food that  grows  fur...

Henry shook his head.

"Oh, no. Mila's not for sale. What manner of creature are these Gavas?"

He stroked Mila's head as he talked. He was not getting a good impression of this Aqra. So far he'd not said anything about overtly illegal dealings but he was on thin ice.

  Will follows   along.. Hemlsy stays a bit away from them,  but  keeps  an eye out.

  There are  places to  Buy groceries ( though the   windows have what  kind of  food is in stock)

  This was shows,  Human, Aqra and Occui....

  Next to it   is a  Clothing shop, In the window  are   bland  dummies  that  have the Form or Aqra, Largran and Humans.. even a  4 armed one  for Sanri

  Pointing at a Sky Blue  shoulderless ,short dress,  Will  gives   Harry a Nudge,..now  that?.. would look good on You.... he nods his   head  in approval  as he seems to   picture it in his head.

  The Aqra  shrugs, the people   who used to range out and  get information on other systems?  said they were primates?... All i know..is they taste  very good... Largrans and  Demons like them Uncooked..Avains  Like them alive.. creshains?.. well... they eat  anything..in any condition..

  Hawkes   speaks up as his eyes  study the   trees,..yeah?.. we have humans  who do the same thing  with  fish?....

  The   first Movement made a  soft wet sound... the   third   movement,  Called out in a short ...cut off..scream...

 Shadow  moved purposefully away from    the others     before calling out,...don't know  how many bodies  Mr Wind up  and  his pet  Geko brought.... but... you'er gonna  run out of people... then.. you'll have run out of  time...

 The Verian COMed  back, rather the shout,.... we assumed  there would be some deaths....but as long as you die.. the  trade off is ....fair...

 Flores    hissed over tp Roy,..you downed another  fish here....

 As  Roy Moved up.. he saw a Human  , his  hand loosely on his throat... but he was dead..  Roy  Could  hear the  sound of Movement to his  right..the  way Shadow had  Moved, then an 'explosion' from the Undergrowth  as  Shadow  Leaped out   and   The Flashing Blade  made    contact...they...4 more times..

  Larry  Blurbled  as he  pulled on the leash.. several  shot s   zipped through  semi darkness from the direction of the far clearing...

Garrat Grabs a Van for west lake .  When he steps out, he asks the Laddies to walk ahead of him.  He will probably look like the one stalking them.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:31, Mon 23 Apr 2018.

   Thier Van  arrives  at the Axis West Lake.

 Line the other   Lakes on the Axis  tubes, it  is  about  a mile  wide, 1/2  mile high... The  Lke is  surrounded  by thick forest with 'wild life"..there is a parking lot  where they  enter.. a path that hugs the  Hull, goes  around to the 'picnic ' area

Casually walking down the street Harry would glance into the window of the grocery store noting the variety of food available; some of which she recognised others she didn't depending on where in the galaxy it had originated from. It was as they were nearing a clothing store that Harry would find herself caught off guard by Will's comment concerning the blue shoulder-less dress in the window, unsure as to whether he was taking the mick or genuinely thought it suited her "come off it...this is me we're talking about, not Eckles!" she replied with a laugh as she stopped to look at the dress in question. It was a rather nice dress, and blue was apparently her colour, or so the Commander had told her, but still... "do you really think that dress would suit me?" she asks uncertainly, biting her lower lip as she tried to picture herself wearing it, fully realising that she could probably count the number of dresses she'd worn on one hand.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:41, Tue 24 Apr 2018.

     Will smiled ,..yeah... yeah  I do?... I saw that Blue   one you  were last op?..  what's that the girls say..brings out your  eyes?

 then  he shrugs,..Eckles?.. I dunno.. You or..maybe  Flores..... Don't   think Eckles  has the  shoudlers to pull that off...

 Hemsly cleats his throat and Points to a   Woman standing near them, she  is  smiling.....You folks are  witht eh Fleet!... there are  alot of goodies  on this station... Have you tried the  Burian Pie?

Teela got out of the van and started walking, her augmented eyes alert for the slightest sign of motion, the glint of light off of metal, a sniper. She carried her pulse rifle casually but ready to be snapped up and on point in an instant. She looked over towards the other Angel and nodded.

  Ma-Ti  had  her rifle   on her shoulder... she looked around... there were some people at the   far picnic  area...

 there didn't seem to  be many folks interested in the   trees and lake ..... is suppose , we  must look around  Here?

   Then Na-ti  looked at Teela,...why...did you do that  to yourself? it was a question, not a  insult, the look in the  red head's eyes  showed, she meant  to harm in the asking.

Roy shrugged.  "He expected some deaths...did he expect a rampaging larg?" he asked.  He gave Larry's leash a tug, trying to get the larg's attention.  "Larry, relax for a minute, so I can undo your leash.  Then you can go tear up the bad guys."  It was another test...if the larg would listen to him, and dial down its attack impulse, they might really be on to something for the assault teams.  Plus, Roy realized, it would mean largs were either far more intelligent than anyone...even the Nivarians...had let on, or else it meant that Larry had been enhanced.  And it would be tough to know which was the case.  It wasn't like they had native largs for comparison.

But either option both fascinated and frightened him, a little bit, with the implications.

Henry nodded.

"Yes. As my friend says, many of our people relish fish that way, although few eat primates."

He turned away and looked to his companions.

"Shall we move on?"

   Outside Garrat was huge form with his hood up, shoulders bowed, living hand ribbing his non living armas if getting used to a bad prosthetic.  Armored over a environmental suit he has no fear of any inoculation wearing of at this time.  The rifle on his back may be of human make but it was far from standard issue ESN and the only human blade or fire arm on him.  The hilt of the demon sword and some of the other gear he was able to scrounge added to the freinkenstein feel of the outfit.

   Those who are looking for him would see straight through but those who were not see a mercenary on the way to trouble.  Not an unusual event here on the station.

   He followed behind the ladies in an unveiled attempt to shadow them.  Hopefully they would get the hint and act oblivious to him.  The conversation Ma-Ti started would aid this.

  Shadow   called over.....Doc  Herny fixed us up with a quick release......

 Flores     moved , lower then the others, she was no where   near, 'used to' this..her   forest/jungle training was  for podding out..not  hunting. Still she    kept her  eyes   and  Head Moving.

  a  small Humanoid  ran past them,  half covered in fur.....what the 9 hells  was that!
 Larry    waited...  lookign back over  his shoulder at Roy.. tail thumped a few times, Its head  snapped around  when the  creature  ran  by, but then looked back at Roy..

 ..Hey?.. ...Nissis?... you do know you'er trapped..right?.. you can't get by us?... and all we have to do, is  rund  for the opening?

 .. You will not live long enough to run anywhere...and where on this  station could you go to be safe?

 ..You don't get it  do you?.... we're not here to be safe.... we're hear to Hunt.. and were are the woprst kind of hunters... we are hunting to kill..not to feed...

  Flores  weapon went off.. teh was a wet sound  and some    cracks of branches   off  to the left...

 ..I..Think?.. i may have winded  something in  Camo... not sure...I switching to this Bow....

  The   Aqra's  smile dropped  just a bit but he   pointed to the clearing where there  were some  8  Aqras and a few  LArgran,..If you change your  mind, come over.. ..we always  have good meals...

 Nagy frowned at this,  and the   aqra  grabbed the  dead Gava   but the Neck , carring it in his left  hand  as he  made his way through the underbrush.

 ..great.. we have  just been threatened  by Charilie  the Tuna... Hawkes  said  as they continued to move.....you want to peak at the Lake?..

"Yes... we'll leave our fishy friend to his feast," said Henry.

"Maybe we can catch a fish or two..."

   Ma-ti walked the   level with   Teela, she stopped and Pointed to some small Birds  hanging in the  window of a  food shop.....Those  are  Much like the Birds  on  the Blue  Moon that we  breed for eggs and  hunt for food.

  People did  watch   Garrat.. Most  notable, two Broad shouldered  Largran.. they seemed to be  tracking him, as they stoof   at the far side of the level as if  talking    and over lookign the   Inner sphere.

 The  Moved through the   trees and Undergrowth.. Nagy watching behind them.. Hawkes on the   'inside' between    the   picnic area  and Henry.

 Henry here  a small whimper.. he looked , there were two of the  Gava.. One had  two wee one in its  arms as they fed...  the other, a bit more hairy  had a rather  solid lookign stick in its hand   and  eyes them  while bearing  , ape-like , teeth.

 Mila  whimpered    the     stick holder's eyes  went back and  forth between   Henry and  Mila.

 Supe   led them to the Bar and asked  for a drink  Tucker did so as well, waiting  for Duke to order.

 The People   were gathrered, but it was far from a crowd. soem folks came out of  a Pawn shop with  cash creds.. some  entered  with some  salvage.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:20, Tue 24 Apr 2018.

Roy grinned as Larry looked back at him, and nodded.  He was pretty sure this larg, at least, was above average animal intelligence.  "Okay, Larry...if it smells like fish, or has scales, take it apart..."  He triggered the quick-release, letting the larg free, and started angling for a cross-fire position on the area the shots had been coming from.

Henry moved forwards slightly and took a knee.

"I don't want to hurt you, little ones," he said gently.

"Just to look..."

He made a quick sketch of the family group, then showed it to them. It was a kind of improptu intelligence test. Sub-sentient animals generally were indifferent to representations of themselevs, sentient ones took an interest.

    Larry Looked  back  as he  felt  the    harness release  and then was gone into the  Brush   Like a    scale-furred ghost..  within a Minute  that was a Bubbly scream of pain  and surprised.. and  the blood chilling Howl of a Victory...

   Shadow chuckled,..That's pretty neat.... and he ranged  further to the  right.. Flores    was   using the  Bow  now.. she  had  to  practice  with the draw  a bit, but shrugged... eve if she missed, they wouldn't know where it  came from.

    Blitt's  Voice  came on the COMs   he was behind  an Over turned   picnic table. searching the      forest with his scope,... yhou hear that howl, Shadow?....  These forests  have animals from all over.. for hunting... and for holding  down the vermin ... Its called a LArg.....they eat people like you...

 ..Thanks Tin Man.... but..that LArg is ours.. it followed me home and Mom and Dad said i could keep it if i kept my room clean...

 it was  quiet...   soon, there  was  another Scream.. a Human scream  , this time..and  another  Howl, way far to the left...

 Roy  moved forwards, through the  dim light   and tress, he could see where the Largan and   Verian  sat.. both had     sniper rifles.. both were swinging thier    scopes  around  as the  2ned howl was  some 300 yards  from the  first..

  The Female    turned her  back  to help 'protect' the wee ones ( about  as big as a Squirrel )   as  the Male   held the   smooth  stick   at 'ready...

   when   Henry  showed them the picture.. the  female  looked   her eyes  moving over the  picture..  the Male's ehad    moved  closer  a bit..its  eye brows  furrowed  and  in furrowed  as it tried to grasp what this was.

Roy stayed low, continuing to circle the position of the two would-be snipers...Amateurs... he thought, derisively.  Like many, they seemed to think having a sniper rifle somehow magically made them invisible and untouchable...if they really knew their business, they'd have been camoflaged, too...and not moving their rifles so much...motion was always the big giveaway...

He watched them, moving when they had their scopes pointed well away from his position, using his eyes to search the area around them to make sure they hadn't left spotters to stumble across as he moved.  "Hey, Shadow?" he commed, in a barely-audible voice.  "Would you be particularly upset if I killed the Verian and Largran?  I mean, if you want them, I can just maim them severely..."  He kept patiently, cautiously circling, so he could approach their position from behind.  He gave a tight-lipped grin as he heard another howl.  Hearing that there were other largs in the area, he holstered the machine pistol and took out the Verian pistol...he trusted it to take down a larg quickly, if he had to.

With Will's insistence that he genuinely thought the dress would suit her, Harry was surprised to learn that not only had Will noticed the dress she'd worn to the ball, after all she'd been wearing the same flak vest and jeans combo she was sporting now for the op, but that he'd also noticed the colour of her eyes. With this revelation having completely caught her off guard Harry's brain would seemingly turn to mush with the only thing she was capably of saying being "oh" with her being almost certain that her cheeks were beginning to colour in an embarrassingly girly manner.

Casting Hemsley an embarrassed look in response to him clearing his throat, and a frown at Will for having reduced her to such a state, she would turn to look at the young woman that had approached them "Um...no we haven't...can you take us to a place that serves it?" Harry said, delivering the coded response to her question concerning Burian pie. Time to see how accurate our information is...

  They were closing in, slowly , on the picnic  area..  the   would be masterminds would only have  one  way to escape... ate would be  taking the  thinner  , outer   way around the LAke.. less  trees..less  grass... and they could be cut off, unless they  dove into the water.

 ..Naw... main  point here is   taking out the trash.. If you can get  them take them.. but  save the Verian's  COM.. I want to  let  Adem know the good  news   from his COM...

  there  was the  sound of   brush moving  at  small twigs  snapping..  Larry  Zipped   a   good  2 feet past  Roy and   the burr was almost too hard to see..  But , Jumpign put pof the  undergrowth  like  a  shark out of the water,  it  hit  , wat  looked to  be  a rather  fat Bole of a tree.. but instead, was a Largran in Brown...bark like..Camo.. The Lizard was suprised..  was  the weapon  he was using to  sight in on Shadow, Flew into the air    there was  the  Sound of   the Lizards,  harsh  breath as  its throat was  ripped out.. there was  short whine  from  Larry..and then another Howl..

 Flores  said,   we may as well go home..  let that thing  eat all the bad guys...

 ..HEY!... BLITT!.... bvetter  call your  family...  your  time is almost up... be a good time  for you to say goodbye... you won't get that chance in  a few minutes... and if you are still alive  when i get there... i won't let you do it...

 Both  rifles  swung around  and opened up where Shadow's Voice  came  from tree limbs, Branches were all pruned   aby a series of    6 shots each... all was   quiet... Shadow   said,..wow?.. you guys  suck?....

  there was a another  Scream.. a  watery..bubbly one... follwed by another Howl   way wwat to the the left of  Flores...

Garrat doesn't look directly at them, his visor allowing a certain freedomin that area.  But he does check to see if they are armed and armored.

 The Girl smiled,..You bet!  Follow  Me...

 Will was  tapping on his  COM for something , then put it  away. The Girl  was  chatting like  a chipmonk on speed.

 ..this is  a nice  station..if yuou can  get pass the  whole ' empire' thing.... i stay  mostly to the Equator  tubes..., but  spend  most of my time here..  shopping..  got a couple  jobs...  have some Boyfriends.. they are  workers too..there are alot of workers.. ots  of APF people here too..some are trying to do god stuff..some  are just  hanging on until they fins a transport going somewhere...but they don't know where... this a palce to hang out.. sure.. you might have to kill someone   every now and then..but its  more fun then being killed?  ya know.. i  mean?  who wants  to be killed  ya know?.. I mean.. take   largrans.. they  just wanna eat us..and.. that's not good.. so?.. yuou have toi shoot them when they try.... or those  fishheads...my Late father  said he would   use them for   bait of   Bura!... I like Bura.. Bura is nice.. i wanna  go to Bura.. but i'm stuck here ,..so?.. i do what i can ..so there is a Bura  for me to go to...


 Will looked at   Harry while the  young woman chattered  away.. Hemsly was  rubbing his forehead.

  They entered a shop, it was small.. there was a Sanri woman who wasn't modest  about her cleavage , what yu got here  , Amie?

 ..my new  friends.. they like  Pie..so.. they wanna try the Burian Pie...

 well..that's  Nice to hear?.. please  Follow Amie  back to the private  Dinning area.. we  save that for those  who can afford the ...better things  we have to offer.

   One thing  Garrat has Noticed.. anyone at all that has  any sort of uniform.. has  at least a chest plate.. EVERY one who can carry  has a weapon of some sort.

   they  are  at ease, in the  fact, that  this is  'thier' station  and    , though they try to hide the  interest they have with  Garrat , they  don't seem to care who else is watching.

   Shoey  and his team  were approached  By a young woman who talked to  Shoey.. he said something in return  and  he waved  Cora and Zoey to follow..


    about  8oo yards  away, Az-el and Jo-wa  had  found a small   'street counter'  and sat to get a  small bit to eat and drink

  they were  approached  by a youn woman as well... soon they were on thier  way   follwoign the   woman.

  Garrat continues following the ladies.  He descreetly keeps an eye on the Largrans but doesn't let on he is aware of them.  He does whisper mike their presence to the angels but warns them not to let the Largrans know his or their suspicions.

   The  Keep moving.. there   are a few  Humans in    mix-matched  unifroms  that had  red scarves  wrapped  around their  heads.. there   is a  white  image of a shark on the  front of the  material.. they  seem to be inetrested in the Angels...

Garrat has his gun and Helmet cam on recording all interactions in case they may be of interest latter.  He focuss' on the scarfs and sharks before returning to normal programing
This message was last edited by the player at 20:23, Tue 24 Apr 2018.

As the girl continued to chatter at the speed of light about seemingly anything and everything that entered her mind, Harry would try her best to suppress the urge to tell her to shut the nine hells up! as she walked beside Will, quietly curious as to what he'd been doing with his comm but figuring she had other things to worry about at this point in time.

It was as they were being lead into a small shop that Harry would slip her hands into the pockets of her jeans only to remove them again a few seconds later so that Will could see them encased in a set of brass knuckles with the side long look she gave him suggesting that he took similar precautions before returning them to her pockets so their new friend wouldn't see them.

As they entered the shop the three of them would be introduced to a Sanri woman wearing a decidedly low cut top, though Harry supposed she'd probably be doing the same if she had the Sanri's buxom figure. After all if you had it, why not flaunt it?

Following Aimee into the private dining area as per the Sanri woman's request, Harry would brace herself should it prove that they had not found the Lights Out agents they'd been promised they would find using the code phrase and were in fact walking into a trap.

Teela looked at Ma-Ti for a moment as they kept walking. The way she had asked made a world of difference to the way she would respond with, in this case, was a more detailed explanation.

"I've always wanted to fly; since I was a small child but not just strapped into a fighter and in the Black but on my own. Under my own power. I never lost that dream, even as I grew older but a few years ago, an idea came to me. Our enemies evolved from creatures that walked on the ground and had few, or no, airborne predators so they never developed the instinct to look up, to conceive of fighting in three dimensions."

She looked around them, looking in the various shops. "So I took the idea to the upper echelons. By then I was in the Elite and proposed what you see on me now. It took a fair bit of time, a great many demonstrations, and debates before the approval was given but it was. Not only was a childhood dream realised but I had the ability to prove my concept worked which I did. I could get to places other warriors couldn't, recon areas that were unsafe, get to sniping positions others had no chance of reaching quietly. Eventually the Demons began to call me "Marfedelom de Svern," or "Death from Above." She sighed and looked at the small birds. "I could use a taste of home right about now."

She took note of the tail they seem to have acquired and whispered back to Garrat, "Copy. We see them."

"People in command took notice of me and some did not like what I had done, thinking augmentation of this nature to be abomination. I hear there were shouting matches in the top echelons and it was decided to transfer me until things quieted down and allow me to prove the value of what I had done to allied races so, here I am for now."

    After she  finished her backround,  Ma-Ti   said  ... It was hard on  the Moons?  Our own people  left us to fight for ourselves...... The  Verian from Edan  came to our  aid, along with the Skyth  who  countered their  life long enemies  the Qarl....

 She looks around  and  Nods  to some of the  ESN  Uniforms,..Then the Delta  Fleet. led the  APF to out aid.. they freed Paradsise  system.....But..Paradise   will still not allow Humand to enter... so?  the Moons have  become APF....

 her  voice  grew colder,..so?..anything that makes  the Angel Elite  unhappy...is  welcomed , by me..

 a small   Girl  came up to the two Angel women.. she smiled at them...

 Will walked in first... Hemlsy the TAil... in the room contained   a dozen or so round tables.

   behind  one of the table s  sat and older lookign man.. shokcing..because   there weren't  alot of 'older looking'  anything, since   Angelfood.

  ..So... you are from the Hermes..... and you are  here to  help..'set things  right'  he sipped form  a cup of  coffee  and    motioned to the   Coffee machines  and Hot  Tea...

  ... now?... how far are you ready to go...to help set things aright?

 Hemly went for the hot Ta, right away.. once  he fixed his  he looked around.....so? there is no Burian pie?

When the pair started firing off shots, Roy moved rapidly...the noise of the weapons would cover any sound he made.  Having notedno sign of anyone standing watch over the twosome, he broke cover and rushed them...he wasn't quite fully behind them, yet, but to their right rear quarter, so still out of line of sight unless one of them happened to look over his shoulder...

As he ran, he raised the pistol and fired two shots, aiming at the Largran first.  He braced himself for the possibility of hand-to-hand, if the shots didn't take the pair out...

   Things  happened all  over...  once again, to the  right of  the   Picnic  area,  Larry Surged  Up  Grabbing an Aqra  By the Leg,   quick thrashes of his  head  tore the  Leg Off , Leave the Aqra  to scream in  pain and  fright......But  Larry was  Gone..  a Human near that scene  Stood  Up to Fire  at Shadow, when an Arrow  seem to  sprout  From His Belly.. he let loose a  Hight  Pitched  Scream  as the   Treble  Hooks  Deployed... he Made the  Mistake  of trying to   pulls the Arrow   Out,   Most of the Man's  stomach came  with it  and He  Cried pout More.

   Shadow  stood   with an Aqra, the    Fishfolk hand a  Grisly looking Blade  , Shadows left   hand  was  clamped on the    man's  Knife  His  Own  trench  Knife   was   being   held  in the    Fish folk's other  HAnd... the Difference was.. the Fish folk  had a look of terror,, while  Shadow grinned  as if he was  if was  about to eat his favorite meal..


  The Largan aimed   at Shadow..  the Verian snapped,,,shoot  through  him!..he's  dead  anyway!  Then the   round   slammed into the  LArgran..  he  fell over the    table.. but  was still thrashing around.  Verian  turned  with the longbarreled  Rifle,  surprised to see Roy..........

In the  Backround  was  another Gleeful  howl...

Roy stepped inside the radius of the rifle, so close to the Verian there was no way to get the barrel pointed at him.  He brought the pistol up, resting against the Verian's chin, and paused just long enough to utter an accusatory, "Oops..." before he pulled the trigger.

Garrat is wary of the little girl “Careful, the demons have been doing strange things with human children, some of which don’t involve eating.”

  Blitt  tried to say something, but the  Back of  his head   erupted  sending   soft metal skin.. Greyish  fragments, and   vein like  wires   outwards..

 The LArgan  was   grunting  as it  tried to get up

 Shadow's  Blade moved   slowly, but relentlessly  towards the  Aqra's chest.  The Fishfolk's  wrist grew  numb as the Blade   fell from its  hand...

   Then in a  burst of  corded  Muscle , Shadow's  Blade slammed  into    its  chest, He twisted  it  and Brought it out, and slammed it in again.

 he looked at the Aqra and   smiled,  , Taking the  droped   Blade  and the weapons  belt the  thing  wore... he..um...fished out... the things COM.  and  began to  walk   across the    forest patch. He stopped   By another Aqra  and relived it of  its bow and arrows... and  some creds  from   the leg-less  enemy .

  Larry  was running     back  and forth through the trees..making the  Undergrowth look like a cartoon Mole was  digging its  way through the  green.

 Flore  approached  as well,  two Bows   and   two quivers of the deadly arrows.....these  are some  nasty things  , look  at this...  she  pushed the  head  of  an  arrow  against  the  pic nic  table  and the  razor-like treble hooks snapped out.. she then pushed  the slide on the  shaft and they retracted.....flying fish hooks...

   Larry    Came over to  the    Pic  nic  tables   flattened out  as  it  came closer  and closer to Nissis..

 Shadow   Smiled  as he held Up  the   Aqra's COM... he    Tapped out something and  a Voice answered .....who is this?

 ..hey Beth... I know    that  Admiral White  and his  folks are  real...real..concerned  about out  welfare... I want you to send this  song to  Fluss... through this  COM SIG?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqF12EkBrPM

 Beth Giggled, ..already done...

   Larry's  face  was  covered  with  Red and Blueish Blood, there  were Bits of  Flesh   hanging fron the  teeth as  it  stood over the Dying Laragran.. its  eyes  looked Up to  Roy  and Shadow...

 Nissis   was   trying to  push away from  the Larg.

 Shadow    used the Aqra  Knife  to  Hack away  at  Blitt's  neck  until the head  was removed.. the  blackish grey  blood   pooled   on the  dec plates...

 ..Shadow?    do you  really have to....

   He held  Up a bloody  finger  to his lips  as he   thumbed through   Blitt's  COM  and  Sent a  Vid Call...  in a few Moments. Adem's stern Face  Appeared,....  about time... I hope  You have News  to report!

 Shadow     turned the COM to face himself, then   waved   Roy and    Flores in the 'selfie..   The  Larg  wiggled   its  head  between  Roy and  Shadow..... Hey!..Adem?... Look.. I'm turning over a New  leaf  and all?.. I'm trying to be...more considerate?..... So.. I have been letting  folks  now, I'm alright..you know.. so they  don't lose sleep and stuff?..

 ..where is  My Nephew.....

 ..ahhh.. I was  Hopign you'd  ask!... yeah.. Blitt?.. not a very Bright    person.... he set up a party to welcome me and My fiends here on  Anzio?.. but he got so carriered  away.. well.. he lost his head....  Shadow     held up the wide eyed  head... , then tossed it over  his shoulder.. the LArg Vanished to go chase it.

 ...that was  My....

 I Know what it used to be... how's it  feel?... see a Family member killed by someone,  you  wanted to  Kill..oh..wait?.. you don't want to kill us?... you want us dead?.. but you don't have the  Guts to come out here...

 The He Looks at  Roy,.. Lilit.... Shade....Dusk.... General  Cern... then he  turns to  Adem and adds,..Lady.. now they have guts.....Keep sending people , Adem... I'm making alot of creds  off what we   gather from them....Bye now!..

 Flores held her    'miss America'  smile  until the Vid was cut...

 ..Geez  Shadow.. beard the Lion?

 ..no.. we're the Lion....  i'm just letting the hunters know.. they don't get to do stuff like this  for free...

 The  Larg brought Back  Blitt's head  and dropped  it  between  Roy and  Shadow.

  Nissis  was  still struggling...
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:33, Wed 25 Apr 2018.

  The Girl Looked at Teela and  Ma-Ti.
..Hiya!.. you are  to   very Beautiful  ladies!.... I bet you like  goodies?... Have You ever Tried, Burian Pie?

Roy looked at Shadow and shrugged, then looked at Larry.  "Larry?" he asked.  One more test certainly wouldn't hurt.  He pointed at the downed Largran.

"Kill..."

Without waiting to see the results, he turned to Shadow.  "I'm sold.  Larry's definitely a good addition to the assault teams.  Might be limited in situations where we can use him...zero-atmosphere boarding operations would be tough, unless largs are somehow resistant to decompression and can operate without oxygen.  But planet-side?  Or going into a ship with atmo intact?  Hell, yeah..."

He picked some stray bits of what had been Blitt's lower jaw off his sleeve, and held up the Verian pistol that Shadow had given him, back on Fuji.  "And I have to admit, I've become REALLY fond of this.  And there aren't many Verian things I'm fond of.  If their longarms are as effective as this pistol has been, I could see possibly adopting them as my weapon of choice."  He looked around, still ignoring whatever was happening with the Largran.

"Which reminds me..."  He picked up Blitt's rifle, to examine it.

       The LArgan     tried to  Put Up   its  arms to fend off the Larg, the First  arm was   Snapped off   after  a few jerks of   the   beastie's Head..  Nissis  screamed    and    then its  throat was   Gone..

   The  Tail  thumped   a few times, and  Larry turned , zipping off to the   lake to   gets some water..

   The  Varian  Rifle was  a Pulse   weapon.. very clean, it used  capsulized  rounds.

    The LArgran Rifle   was Bigger.. larger  Bore...  Shadow   held it  up  and  took a  belt off the   cooling body.. look at these rounds?... hard ammo?..  9 hells! if  he had  hit me, he'd cut me in half....

 The Handed  it  to Roy,..mat as well collect  some goodies.. all work  and no play....

 Flores  took the  other    Quiver and Bow as she  laughed,..who are you kidding?..  This is play for you...

  Larry was  Splashing in the water and shaking its head  about..

 ..great?. what doe  wet Larg smell like....

Roy shrugged.  "Not above collecting a few battlefield trophies.  Weapons are certainly a lot more savory than, say, teeth or claws or other bodyparts."  He glanced down and the lake and chuckled drily.

"Although Larry certainly seemed to enjoy playing fetch with Blitt's head..."  He shrugged, dismissing the idea...easily done, as he'd never seriously entertained it.  "As for what wet larg smells like...probably better than bloody larg, so count your blessings..." He laughed again, shouldering both rifles.

"So...where do we go from here?  I'm really liking taking Larry out for a trial run...he's very efficient.  And...I don't know, it's way too sciency for a Marine like me, but...he understands damn near everything I've said to him.  I don't know if he just actually has a really high comprehension, or if largs have some kind of telepathy.  It would certainly explain how he homed in on targets so fast in all the underbrush...sensed hostile thoughts and eliminated them."  He thought for a moment, then looked at Shadow.

"Would also explain why he didn't try to take your arms off when you were going to treat his wounds on Etna...and why he so aggressively went after anyone who intended you harm.  I mean, yeah...animals are really good at reading body language and vocal tones, but...I feel like he goes above and beyond that."

Before anyone got a chance to answer, he called out, "Larry!  Come on!  Time to take this show on the road!"  He looked at the other two, and gave yet another small shrug.  "He seems to understand everything I'm saying, so why not test it out a little bit with some slang?"

 The Larg looked up from the  Water..  it  climbed out  and shook   like a  dog or  cat, then Zipped the   underbrush...

 ..Damn fast..that's all I know.. and ?  so far , he's eating all the right people...

 the Larg  Ran circles  around them  as the  walked to the Van.

 ..so?..   Aqra's  use    fishhook arrows to hunt people with... I sure  hop the  9 hells there  are  Rat folk out there... they'll have  some big-assed   People traps...

   Shadow Opens his COM..Beth?..  Ask the Admiral where Fluss whats  to try and Kill us next?

   There is  a  Bit of a  wait  as they  Climb into the    Van,    Flores     places the  quivers  and bows together,

     Shadow     adjusted the Aqra   Belt   so the    Blade   was over his  left shoulder.

 ..Look?..Shadow?... How many Blades   do you need? she shut her  door.

 ..I like blades?... Comon?  it looks  neat..right?... he looks   back at Roy.....Right?....   Larry Thumped his  tail...see?..Larry Likes it...

 Flore  started the  engine,..he  just likes that you   let him eat his   fill of  Aliens?...

 more tail thumping.

 Beth  Came On the COMs.....she says ..Axis West?..... Shadow.... there may be Bugs there...

  Shadow  shrugs,...alright Driver.. If you please?  Lead Us take   Master  Spencer  and His Companion  to  have a peak at this ..Axis    west... shadow sued  a ..very bad ..english accent.

 Flores  answers  Back,..Right   ya  are Gov'ner..  'ave ya  there  Quicker then weevils  on a biskit, I will!..

 Shadow turns and  Looks at Roy,see?  doesn't that sound  cool..I can't do that...

Roy snorted.  "Not even gonna try.  But, contrary to popular belief, I KNOW that you can't do everything.  British accents, shooting a firearm, walk away from a new fighter plane..."  He grinned at Flores, and added, "Hey, we're here to stir up trouble, right?  Walking around with trophies taken off fallen enemies is a good way to piss off their friends and get them out of the woodwork in a hurry.  Carry all the blades you want, Shadow..."

Roy reached down and scratched Larry's head, fondly.  "Can't wait for his action figure to come out, you know?  Should be interesting to see how they get the rapid running worked into it...or, maybe he'll come with an assortment of enemy troopers with detachable limbs that fit in his mouth..."

Aha!

"This is a picture of you," Henry explained. He did a quick sketch of Mila, then pointed to the picture and then to the dog, to show them what he meant.

He got up again, eyes hard.

"These creatures show signs of sentience. They certainly ought not to be on the dinner table. Shall we go and have some words with that Aqra? I'm instituting a ban on eating Gavas, effective immediately."

He got on the comm to Beth to give the order, based on apparent sentience of this species, then led his little party over towards the Aqra.

  The  Male   Looked from the  picture   of Mila   to Mila herself.. he pointed  at that  picture.. and then to Mila.... then  to thier  Picture  and  his  mate...The female  Put  her hand on his.

  Hawkes  smiled,..you bet Doc.... I'm starting not to like these fish folk too much.

  all the gods   be damned... how long  this   stuff is been going on....

   Beth COMed  back....the Admiral  is issuing    the Order to A-Sec.. we might   have to transport  any of those things to a Planet... Maybe   E1-E2.. we'll work it out as the station is  ....cleansed...

  The Van  took off.. as the COMs   came through...Gava's  were  'people' ban on hunting and  eating Gavas   begin..now....

  wow?  those little  furry guys  are  people?..   looks  like  we're gonna  be   saving  them....with each  Empire  bastard we kill...

  The Larg     Growled  a  wet   gurgling growl

  ..the  Whole Black is   screwed up.... You telling  me , they had  to wait  for Henry to come here to tell them this?....

  They ha d  abut  20 Minutes to reach   Axis  West.

Roy shrugged in the back seat.  "It took Admiral Hack coming here to tell them that cooperating with Demon allies was a bad idea, so the whole thing about the Gavas isn't that much of a surprise to me..."  He sat at ease next to Larry, idly scratching the larg's head as they flew along.

"Wonder what kind of trouble we're flying into this time.  Got to admit, the nice thing about going places with you, Shadow, is everyone is so busy watching you that I feel pretty freed up to do whatever I need to do..."  He laughed with a casual air that was not often displayed.

Garrat sighs in relief “better give her the answer “

    Flores    giggles,..be thankful Roles isn't here.. between the two of them, I am surprised   San Diego  didn't burn to the ground...

  Shadow  Looked out the  window    as they went 'down' towards   Axis  west.well..there was that  one bar ....

 Flores    grinned   , she looked over her shoulder  for a moment,..yeah... a Bar near the Docks..Shadow , Roles  and  6 or  7 of thier  buddies went bar hopping, when they  ran into ESN people who were waiting   for  shuttle rides  to a transport, to be sent to Olympus?... They see these  Kids   come in with thier  Cadet stuff on...Most to the   Troopers and such were Bootcamp folks, so?  didn't like  the  'privilege ' Cadets too much....

   The LC shook his  head,so, shorten the story?.,..  one of the  Booties shouts, 'Drinks are on me"...   and his Buddies    began to laugh.... we were only in our early 20's?  what the 9 hells did  we know?.. so.. we  all  gather around with the  'for real' ESN folks?

 The Guy  gets the   seltzer spray  and  shoots it  all over our  Uniforms.....  as he was laughing.. i ..might have.. punched him a few times in the mouth... they took acception to that  and    everyone started hitting everyone else...  a couple of them went  down pretty hard and fast,  one of the Idiots   did the 'break the Bottle on the bar thing?'.... he last the one   Chick that was with us,  i got a candle  from the  one of the tables that wasn't  knocked over  and  yelled, 'catch'..  the candle  set him on fire, ebcause the Dumbass used  a  half  full bottle of ...something?... and he's   screeaming like  a nut job and the  fire is   catching onto his uniform...  one of his Buddies      tackled him while the other   jerked the  tunic off.. and tossed it... right  one to the bar.. were more  drinks  were  splashed... the  bar went  Up... we ran out....

 ... Shore Patrol came.....

  we were picked up a few Miles  down the road... They looked  at us, the LT..she gets out of the  aircar... walks over to us.. i mean?.. we're all  drunk.. but we  could walk?.. anyway.. she asks  us  if  we  were  in any of the bars, by the docks?.... I say 'yes  Ma;am'.. she says"  did you set any of those bars on fire".. I say..'no ma'am'.. then she looks  at the  girl with the Cut arm,.."where you  in any  fights"... I say ' yes ma'am"....She looks at me  her  nose touching mine like we were damn eskimos "...The Booties said you started the Fire".... " No Ma'am.. the  Bootie that was on fire.. set fire to the bar..."... and.. she says,".. and.. Flyboy Cadet?    how  did the the  Bootie  catch on fire..."... Ma'am?  he was  covered  in liquor... from the bottle  he  used to  cut  my  flight mate with.. so?. I tossed him a candle.."

 ..she presses her  nose  so hard  agains mine, our front teeth are rubbing together,".. But you said  You didn't start the fire?... But you set the  Bootie on fire?".... No Ma'am..  I said,  I tossed him the   candle, he set himself on fire.. then then bar...

 she  takes  her face out of mine  and looks at the Cut  Girl, Then looks at my  name tag.. and   jabs a finger into my chest,..alright...  Flyboy Shadow... you are  responsible for this group... you have.... 1 hour... to get to  the academy ...if  we   find you ... 1 foot, outside the gates.. we're filing a  report on all of you for  drunk and disorderly... is that Under stood?...

 ..so, they leave to go back to the bar?... there's no way in the   9 hells were making  it the academy by morning, let alone  1 Hour... so?..  i lead  everyone back towards  the Bar...  the folks complained, but they had to listen to me.... while  they were reading the Booties the  riot  act...  ..we..might have...knocked out   two  SPs who drove  the  paddy wagon... and ...might have.. stole  the    thing  to get back to  the academy... The LT   found her   paddywagon... 1 foot..outside the gates...

 the Van Dropped out of the traffic  stream  and   settled outside the  Axis  wet  part... Two A-SEC troopers  were   sending people away..

   They Approached   as the  Trhee , and   Larry got out..  Flores  took her  bow and a quiver of  arrows,..sorry folks, You can't go in... there has been a Ban on Gava  Hunting and we're supposed to  keep folks out until  the Gavas  are rounded up....

 Shadow smiled,..not to worry... we're here  Hunting Creshains  and  anyone who is  helping them?

 Larry  Growled  as the   offside    A-Sec  reached for his sidearm.

 ..Look? Ace?... we have a lot of people to kill tonight? If you two don't  want to be among that number.. go have a doughnut.... but if you are on   Her side?... then you better   stop us now, cause  we  aren't  coming out of there Until its  clean...

 Flores   didn't look at them as she   strapped   the quicer to her  waist and  left thigh,..make your choice  , boys?... Where Delta Fleet?... you have a choice...  Fleet.... or Creds... Life of  death...

 Shadow winked at Roy  and began to walk to the entrance of the  park.. Both men truned to wtch him   the  sidearm  man Brought his weapon up fast.

 Ma-Ti looks  a little  Nonplussed  as she clears her  throat and    announces.....no?.. we have not?.. do you know  a place where  we can get some?"

 The  Girl   winced  for a second as the way Ma-Ti 'announced ' the answer.. but her  smile stayed... pretty much , in place.

 ..sure!..follow me... I am sure you will like ti... she turns   with out  further  preamble  walking     down the station  past some shops as  such.

  Supe    and Tucker   sit  down  By  Duke  each  with a drink, Supe is  eating a Burger.

  ..there  is already shooting going on.. The SM  and  LC's Group...

 ..yeah.. well?  they were invited to a party?.. everyone knew that was  coming...

 seemingly, out of  no where... a  young woman  appears  smiling,.....You people are Delta Fleet... I bet you like goodies! .... Have you tried the Burian Pie?

  When they had stopped Garrat kept walking somewhat slowly as if he had nothing to do with the interaction. He was aware of anyone who showed interest in the exchange.

  Over his mike he says "Don't let your guard down.  We don't know if any of the safe houses have been comprimised."

    The Girl   lead them to an 'older'  Coffee-type  shop.  As they walked in,  they saw a few peopel sitting   around with doughnut  type  pastries, and Coffee or tea..or what alien  beverages  pass  for Coffee  and Tea.

    An older waitress smiles at the   Girl,..hello Amie?...  are you eating  today?

  ..I told these   people  about the Burian Pie.... they are   wanting to try some...

 The older     woman smiles   as her eyes take the Measure of the two,  women,..Go on Back then.. you know the way...

"Thanks, Beth," and Henry led his little party over to the picnic tables where the Aqra was lunching with his friends.

"Right. As you know, Anzio is now coming under APF jurisdiction. We have stringent laws about eating sentient beings... so from this day forward, the consumption of Gavas is forbidden. Enjoy the one you are eating now, because it will be your last, at least on Anzio."

Henry stood foursquare, glaring at the Aqra.

In reply to Gar-Tee (msg # 99):

   Garrat walking along pauses outside looking out across the way as of looking around to decide something. "I'm hanging back in case there is a problem."  He says over the whisper mic "If there isn't, call me in.   If it is"  He grins mirthlessly beneath his helm "Hang on while I rip this place open."

  The Aqra Looked at  Henry, his Mate   and two children were already    spitting the Gava   for the   fire they had  going.  another pair of Aqra ( a mated pair?)  and a Pair Of Largran. both had    chest plates on.. all the aliens  had  weapons.

 The  Aqra  witht he Bow looked at Herny,..I think.. you should    go about your Business..   there are a few more  i know  for sure out there.. and we need  at  least 2  more  for  our friends here...

 Hawkes    took a few steps   two his left.  Nagy  Glowered  as he took a few  steps to the Right  of Henry. the lizards eyeing him  even as he glared at them.

 the other  female said,..this is Anzio... and you would  do well to remember.. Humans taste ..very good....

 Mila    growled  and  Looked at the     'host' who ahd   nocked   one of the deadly arrows.

 Amie   led them  back to the door,  she motio9ned towards it, Ma-Ti  shouldered her rifle,  drawing her side arm  and opened the Door.

 a Human  amle  and  4   Occuis  sat  at the tables  eating  and drinking.. the Man motioned to the  buffet for them to help themselevs....

  welocme.... seems like the fleet like  Burian pie?

 Amie stood outside the door,..there is  another.. he is more..... cautious 

 ..watch over him, Please, Amie...

Garrat leans against the wall next to the shop.  Is he still being watched?

Henry smiled, the slow lazy sort that isn't friendly.

"Be glad you are being permitted to eat what you have rather than being hauled off for murder right away. It's only fair, seeing as I only just declared Gavas off-limits after determining their sentience. From now on, however, any attack on a Gava will be treated the same as an attack on any other sentient being - assault and murder will be the charges with the appropriate punishment to follow on conviction. Do I make myself clear?"

Politely declining the offer of tea Harry would take a seat at the table with the older looking man as he asked them out far they were willing to go to clean up the station "well...I don't know about my friends here, but I've done more than my fair share of morally dubious things" she replied with the smug look on her face suggesting that she was rather proud of some of those particular things "...I'll tell you what, why don't you start talking and we'll stop you when you upset our...delicate...sensibilities"

  The   man  looked  at Harry,...right?   So  here  is what we need... In the Main sphere  in the bottom , is the Hanger Dec.. it is only  1/3 the  size  it is  supposed to be... now one  must ask  why do we have  not the amount  of  fighters  we should have?.. the answer is simple..there is no room, and  an 'understanding'  with the Empire  to provide protection  as well...

 he   bites some  bit of pastry ,and says,... but  what they forget?..is  some of the folks who helped  biuld this station.  Now?  we  have  some people  on the inside... but they can't get close  enough... there are two  stories  going on... One?  is that  they have a Gava  breeding chamber down there, to  sell off the  things  to make  Creds  for those who invested in it.... the second thing, is that  it is a Major HQ  for the Empire, with the outter     Offiees , just for show?

 Hemsly sips  his  tea  while munching on a Tart, from his  place near the Buffet,..that's  fine an' dandy?... but  what do ya  want from the Fleet...and  why?

 His eyes  Go  to Will, then Hemsly,  then settles on Harry,..Because.... that   hidden  base?...  if weakens  the  station, so's  we have to  put up with the Empire..... and? No matter what happens  with the  fleet ..right now? its gonna be there?.. Let's say they are selling off them little  Gavas?  the people making the creds.. will continue to make the Creds... as well  as  pepper  some Humans in the   exports  as well... so?.. we won't be much different  then  any other   place that gives in to the Empire..... now?  if it  is a Base.... well.. we need the Damn thing  lit up.... so we can  become   a full blooded   ESN  place  again?

 ..but?  we   don't have    the people..  don't get me wrong... Vans  or trucks  are ambushed.. then Gavas  set free.. but for every one  we stop..  there  are dozens  we don't.... So they are doing  something  with them.....But to get into an ESN Hanger Dec.. takes ESN people.. and  we don't have none of them.... Two tried , about a week ago.. they Got  caught, and took the long walk...

   The Aqra  they Met went off  into the  Trees.. the LArgrans  and the other  two Aqra seemed    to be..unworried.. about  the Gava  claim.

  Tell me...Human?  how are you going to stop us?.... Kill us?.. You'll kill walking , talking   people, for the sake  of  feeder speices?...and.. you won't be on this station Long.. what do you think will happen when You cast off?

 Mila was  Grrrring  at the LArgran as it talked..  the  older of the  two Aqra  kids  tossed  a  small stick at Mila...we should eat that too!
  Hawkes  racked  His rifle,   the   mother looked at him, Hawkes smile was no where to be seen..

  Nagy  Looked at the LArgrans,

  the Largrans  were stopped  across the way...Amie  stood  just inside the door,.... are you going to come in?... They won't   come in here... at least..not with only 2 of them...

In reply to Gar-Tee (msg # 109):

He half turns to her and smiles unseen through the visor.  "Ever fight a Largran hand to hand?  If they don't control their instincts, you can use them against them.  That is the species weakness.  That is why they joined the demons rather then coquering them."

Roy went smoothly into action as soon as he saw the pistol rise.  He simply dropped Larry's leash and said, "Gun, Larry."  He did a side-kick at the other trooper, aiming to knock him down before he had a chance to get involved.  The man with the weapon had been warned...and Roy was certain that either Shadow or Flores would do something about him if the larg didn't take him apart...

  Then  Larry  fired off, from  four coiled legs... if someone  didn't see it, they would thing it 'teleported." The  A-SEC Guard   Wanted to scream..   but  all he could  do is look at , where his   right arm used to  be, and the   Blood Pouring  out of the   severed stump....

   Larry happily  Munched on what was left of the Arm, the    Pistol was   Dented  and   crushed   as   the   creature  spit it out.. and thumped  his  tail.

 The Other Guard     went  down,  part because of the larg's surprise... part  because  of   Roy's  attack.. mostly because   of   Roys..

  The  One armed  fellow   then started to scream..  the shock,  made his scream , rather  weak.

 well.. You'er  right?..  folks  do focus on me?.. Is  it My good looks, or   my winning personailty?

 Flores  rolls her  eyes.....now  what.. we  got a  guy who will be dead in a few minites  and  a live one?
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:05, Wed 25 Apr 2018.

 Amie   kept  her  sweet  smile,..do you think you  need to fight themm...Just yet?

 the   the BAck room , Ma-ti and  Teela   were settling  doqwn, as the fellow  waited to see if Garrat would join them.

In reply to Gar-Tee (msg # 113):

   “I was thinking of introducing myself and maybe I wouldn’t have to fight them at all.  If I miss my opportunity I may never know if they could be persuaded to keep the peace.  Our biggest argument is their choice of food.  Not a big change on their part.”  He looks at the little girl for a moment.  “But it would be rude of me to keep my hosts waiting.”

   He follows her inside

 Amie  leads   him back to the back room, she stops  at the Door  Motioning for him  to  enter.

 some of the folks in the  piblic  area  just watched    Garrat, but went  back to thier  food.

.........

 In the  back room,  Garrat  see the Occui  and the   Human, Ma-Ti and  Teela  sitting  at the Table.

  ahhh.. there you are!... I suppose   your    wacthers   are close by?.. Hmmm..  ah well.. not much that can be  done..  its  realy hard to tell, who is a watcher ,  and how is  a reisdent!

  "These were definitely watchers.  Largran seem to have almost as much difficulty blending in as I do."  Garrat removes his helm. "Really need to have some gear dedicated to making me look like a Demon tank or something."

  "Forgive my suspicions, allies have not always been allies on other stations."

  He sits down gingerly in one of the chairs.  "So, can you give us some targets?  There are two snipers on this team and I can take some pot-shots myself.  Our instructions say anything with weapon and armor is open game, but I would rather give the impression that if you behave you will be tolerated."  He gives a half smile, "I was going to speak with my watchers to that affectbut thought it would be rude to keep you waiting after I became comfortable that this wasn't a trap."

  A Smile  grew on the fellow's face, it was ..rather  sad...the  people of  Anzio, have  no allies...at least... not until the Fleet arrived. We have been forgotten.  Transports   'delayed ' by Etna...,  Everest . never  sending patrols  out this  way...  and why?... Because  we should be  able to  Take  care of ourselves...  'the ESN' will protect you....

 he  hands his   Cup to an Occui who gives him a fresh  cup of coffee., he fixes it with  some milk and sugar.....we heard Tales..... The   Bugs  had taken Matter horn.. Etna  was next.... everyone  wondered.. where the   'great delta Fleet '  was... then.. cross talk...   The  Bug fleet?..  destroyed?.. scattered ?..  a Hive fleet?... Half way  between here  and Aqra, Sat a Battle fleet of   lizards.. and they were  sent  to clean up what was left of    The Gamma  Fleet..or  the  Alpha Fleet...and then?  the    intercepted  transmissions.. The delta  Fleet formign Up.. looking  as Bad  as   anyone thought the other Fleets  looked like, Thoughts of the loss of  3  ESN Fleets   crossed everyone's mind... Until  we  watched the intercepts...

 he smiled  as he    spun  his  cup around by the handle......"admiral'  Hack..that is  to say.. FLEET..Admiral Hack... beat the  9 hells out of the lizrads .. a fw of them made it back here... they Filled thier larders  and left.. heading   deep... we assume  for Home...

 ..But  now  these Damn Aqra's   they have  people eating out  of thier hands... we.. found a cure.. a real one... we  spread it around, slowly..making sure  we get the right people...

  there is a chuckle,..but here  we  are.. The delta   Fleet ,  encasing the station.... to either protect it..or destroy it... and the only thing we can do.. is try to trun the tide, before  Hack pulls the trigger...

    Garrat nods as he processes these words.  “He doesn’t want to do that .  That is why we are here.   I for one will not return to the ship until I can fight no more .  These two are true and tried soldiers but they are not used to this environment.  Give us our targets and help us in our tasks and we will prove to hack that the station has a soul worth fighting for.”
This message was last edited by the player at 22:20, Wed 25 Apr 2018.

Teela, who had been sitting silently and watching, trying to gauge the mood of the people turned to Garrat and the man he was speaking with. "As I have heard said: 'Night has fallen on Anzio.' Show me where to shoot and I will. I would like to hear the tales of human children being taken and used but not for food. What can you tell me about this? Who is doing it and where they might be taken."

  The Fellow looks at them as  he  takes a  bite of pastry ,..all stations  have  child   vanish... whether it is  families, or   they are stolen  for sale off   station?... but there  are the even darker...taken for Food, or   toys.... We received  word over the Station COMs   , moments  ago, that the  Delta  Fleet  has   issued  a law that  will prevent Gavas from being hunted  and  eaten... this   will not   sit  well with the Aqra, and those  on this station who works   witht hem...

  he  folds  his hands  in front of him,  his   cup  sitting between his  elbows...The Inner Sphere... Has very little  room for  fighters?.. that should not be the Case.... not only does this  weaken us, abut the Administration   deals with the Aqra and  Empire to ..'help keep us  safe"... from the Information, Most of the Hnager  dec  is    taken up by a Massive structure.... rumors  say they  breed Gavas   in there..  getting a flow of creds into the Coffers  of  Those who are working with teh Aqra......others say.. it  is  a Larder.. where   humanoids  are hosued   until   the shuttles   or transports come  for loading... our people  have tried  to  find out more?... but they get caught..... at elast 6  have taken  the long  walk for being spies......which?..brings us   here..and Now.... right  now..all over the station.. we are seekign Fleet people to  aid us....... find  out what is in that Hanger Dec.. and stop  its  use.......barring that?...  a massive thinning out of Empire     folks, so , when you elave.. we have a fighting chance...

Her face darkened as she heard of this 'massive structure' that may contain human children and the little sentient creatures whose hunting and eating had just been outlawed.

She looked at Garrat. "With Delta Units ranging over the station they may try and move anyone they have in that structure. We should call it in, meet with some teams and keep that from happening."

Roy looked at Shadow and Flores.  "Well, now...he doesn't necessarily have to die.  I mean, there's a chance he was merely stupid, and not actively opposing us.  "    He stepped over to Larry, patting the larg on the head.  "He's such a good boy..." he said fondly, then turned around to the uninjured guard.

"So, which one was it?" he asked.  Without pausing, he continued, "The larg reads minds, sort of...enough to tell if you're lying.  If you are, well..."  He trailed off ominously, nudging the mangled remains of the pistol that Larry had spit out, and looked warningly at the A-Sec trooper.

  The   wounded   trooper  was lying on the ground.  Larry's  long tongue slipped out a few  times. but other wise  sat on  his double haunches.

 ..I duno?... I mean I wearing  my  damn flight  jacket and an envirosuit?... if he doesn't  know what Delta Fleet, or  Hermes is... I'm thinking its better he check out now, before he makes  dumbassed  babies.

  Flores shrugs  as she looks at Roy,..from the Rec dec  stories i have heard?   You'er  the   Call on this, SM.... what's your  rule , Shadow?

 old famiuly saying.. 'leave no live  enemies behind you.."..  But  I do  defer to Roy on this?... cause.. i take it personal -like, when some one draws a weapon on me..

  ..the...the  But said.... not to let you  go past....

 ..how many  in there?

 ..too much... too much for you Hero.. Bugs  and a few birds.... Couple Humans...

 ..why does  everyone   say 'hero'..like its  a bad Thing?..  Shadow looks  from  Flores  to the LArg, then to Roy,..is it a bad thing?

 ..none of us thing so?... your head's a bit big sometimes.. but we sorta like it... The  Larg  just thumnped his tail..

Roy scowled, and focused on the uninjured trooper.  "Let me make sure I've got this straight...you're taking orders from a Creshian, to stop ESN personnel from visiting part of a 'free station'?  Am I hearing that right?"  His voice had taken on what Shadow...and even Flores, perhaps...would recognize as a dangerous edge, although an unfamiliar person might dismiss it as mere incredulity.

   Looking  around the  non wounded  Trooper  shakes his head,..you don't under stand...ESN means nothing out here.. they  don't  care about us... so we made the best deal we could make... so.. the Empire.. Pirates  and Aqra work with us...The Aqra  helped us  out alot...

 ..you do know  fish folk eat other people right?... and..well.. youa re  'other people'

 The  guys shakes his head,..all I know, is they know your  coming... and you won't be comign out again

Roy shrugged.  "That's all I needed to hear."  With a nonchalance that would have shocked him earlier in his career, he pulled his pistol and shot the guard, a wound that wouldn't instantly kill him, but would be beyond treatment by the time any medical professionals might have been able to get there.

"Treason, desertion, dereliction of duty...I don't care what you call it.  You sold us out.  You blame Etna...but you did the same thing, here.  Now it's time for us to clean up the mess."  He looked over at the wounded trooper, and added, "If you'd just been stupid enough to pull a weapon on us, I'd help you with a tourniquet...maybe even some dermafoam.  But you were acting under orders, from someone who'd just as soon have you on their dinner plate...and I just can't see wasting good medical supplies on that."

He turned around and walked toward Shadow and Flores.  "Let's go squash some bugs," he said, grimly.  He didn't bother calling Larry...he was quite sure the larg would come on his own.

"You don't seem to get it," Henry said.

"Anzio is under new management. The change is permanent, and those who live here have three choices: adapt, leave... or die. Your choice. Change can be hard. You may find it easier to go elsewhere, but eventually you will run out of 'elsewheres' to go to. Then you'll have to adapt or die. You'd better make a start on instructing your younglings on proper behaviour."

He paused, turned, then turned back almost as an afterthought.

"Oh, we don't kill sentients out of hand unless it's absolutely necessary. We prefer to make them stand trial for their offences. That's the civilised way. And we don't eat them whatever the circumstances."

Henry called Mila and went off after the Aqra who'd gone off into the trees. He didn't trust the fellow an inch.

    Henry walked a few   feet, t The Male  Aqra from the other pair  said,..by the time   her  fry are as  old as we are, this war  wil be over.. and  we will have massive open markets were  Those  who prey,  can have their  pick of what they wish to eat.

 Hawkes  chuckles  and shook His head, Moving off.....this  war?.. that has been going on  for 1000s of years?... Ok....

 Nagy  cast them  a  Dark  Look,  and  followed on the other  side of  Henry , they could just get a Glimpse of  the    hooded head of the camo wearing  Aqra  as he staled  Gava.

  Hawkes  heard a scrape and a Click,  He stepped  sideway , brining up his rifle.. Two  see the  largran  closest to the end  of the picnic  area,  almost ready to  Aim his    weapon.. Hawkes  fired  twice.. the  first  caught the thing's  shoulder    the  second got the Thing's chest.

 Nagy  Turned   as   bringing up his  weapon as well the  Second Largran and   the   two  adult   Aqra  charged...

  the   'host'  female   turned   to grab a weapon.. the smaller    fry  ran behind the tables, the older fry brought up a small  bow and  loosed at  Nagy..  Nagy let out a scream of surprise   as he   Fell a smaller  arrow in his  thigh .

  Mila     grrrred  an  barked  behind them, lookign at Herny.. he  could  feel her thoughts of 'what to do"

    The  Wounded man was gasping... it  wouldn't be much longer as he  struggled,..but...we're... humans...

 Flores     gave a flick-wave,..No..you'er not....  she   nocked  and  Arrow and said,..there  are  some  hole in the nocks?... I bet  thats   for a  wire.. or   string... They Hit a  target from the water... or  close to the shore.. you    pull the  prey in?.. if the target is too big , yu rip out a large  enough chunk of  flesh and such, that the   thing will   belled  and fall, and they can track it?

 ..and you know this ,  how?

 ..I don't know?  but  my Dad used  to take  us   fishing  int eh Congo on Vaction.. or the Amazon..he had businesses  all over  and like  the   'deep Jungle' stuff.. anyway.. we would  fish from boats  with Bows.... This would  be the Fish  using Bows.. against us?

    Shadow's COM lit up.. and the  crackling   snips of a Creshian Voice  could  be heard,... I have heard.... you and  your  friends have made an Impact on the station.... two  seats  at the board  table will be  empty... you did no one ..any favors....those seats wil be   filled  by  Aqra, or   Demons...or?  Maybe Largran..since the  Empire  may want them to  make up for thier  embarrassment    at the  2nd Battle of the Field...

  Shadow looked  at the COM  and laughed,..2nd  Battle?.. I figured it was Just one  big one, with Halftime?.. I'll be damned... see?  its things  like this, that shows  we can learn  alot  from  you Empire times...and..you, from us

 ..you are nothign  but oversized  Gavas..what  could you teach us?

 ... how to die... we're  real good at that... never have to have  one of  you folks  ever take a second class... now?..   yuou just  get ready... its   time    for us   to get started...

 He clicked off.....Ok?.... we know there is a bunch.. but not  how many or where at?....  I can't see from here to well, but ti doesn't look like any one is at the far Picnic place..

Henry called Mila to him and followed the Aqra, making enough noise to spook the skittish Gavas.

  the  small Battle   started  to heat  up..  Nagy      tried to stand , but the  treble hooks  from the  arrow  Cut him  inside  , every Move he  made... He  Knew he   couldn't  pul it out.. and he  didn't have  the time  to  do it  , the way he saw the  Aqra do it.

 From hsi  Place on the   Ground, he opened Up   Full auto at waist level..   brush  was   cut to bits.. a small scream  was  heard, and the     Mate of the  apir of  runnign Aqra  screamed  as she  went  Down..

  The   Host   Aqra  screamed   '..MY FRY!.."   hawke s    knew he  couldn't  stand  in Hand to hand  witht eh Larrgan.. but he couldn't leave Henry's  Back   sto he stood  His Ground   he fired..Cool..calm..  shot..after shot...after shot... the first two slowed it  Down The  Third   Hit its  throat   and   it  fell to its  knees..  But the Male  Aqra  was On  Hawkes  with Its Savage lookign   knife.
 The Balde  went inti   Hawke's   , Back lft shopudle r as he truned, letting His   weapon  fal and hang from his sling,   as    his   own  Comabt Knife   Came up under   the    Fish Folk's  Ribs..., they  fell together.

 Mila  Barkked  like crazy    ...  she  jumped  about...  confused   as to which way to go, but not  even thinking, of leaving Henry's  side...

  The  Host female  was  screaming.. "  My  Fry..My Fry.."

 Hawke s was thrashing  about  with the   Aqra...

  and the  Hunter , who was   about 50 yards  from Henry ,  Hand his  Bow   up... the wicked    arrow head  aimed  at him.....what...have ..you..done...

"Helped to make this part of the galaxy a better place," replied Henry calmly.

"You had better return to your mate, she requires your assistance. Best you all go home and pack. You will be leaving Anzio shortly."

   ..I think.. I will  shoot you  first.. then...  we'll use your  animal for desert....  ..his  eyes  flickered   once or  twice  as she  tried to see through the   trees and  brush

 ..If You Harmed   my fry?.. I won't even kill you.. while  we  eat....warm Blood is  always  Bet....

 There  was  a hair raising  , High Pitched  scream.. like   a cross between a  diving Hawk  and  a  scared baby..

 Out of the     Trees near the  Aqra,  Two Male Gavas  fell upon the  Hunter  and    the  sticks they Had  rose  and  Fell  as he   screamed, His    'mighty bow' of  Now  use   while on the  Ground, and the savage little Gava   beating   him in full rage.

Henry smiled and turned away, returning to the picnic area with Mila at his heels.

 Hawkes  was    Just Getting Up.. the Blade  still in his back shoulder,..Damn good thing  i wore   the chest plates... That Fish.. pretty  Damn  strong...

  He  took the weapons  belt  from the  Dead  Fish... and  started to   walk over to the    closest LArgran, and searched the Body...

 Nagy    stood yp,  using his  rifle   as a  Crutch , he  left the arrow in yet.., He  Pulled  his  45 hard  ammo and started to  'walk' towards  the  picnic area...  The   toher  female Aqra   had been shot  several times    inthe Thigh and Belly.. the other Largran   lay  by  the picnic table.

  the youngest fry  stood  By her   Mother, with a steak  knife.. glowerign   at the three Humans  and thier dog

 The  'host' female   Held her   older  fry in her  arms.. crying... the    child  had    wounds  through its  chest,  it  still held the bow  that it used on   Nagy.

 ... do you come to  kill us now?

 Hawkes  managed to   pull the   Blade out.. he  winced  as he did,..its  a thought.... that's for damn sure...

 ..the  Kid  got what  he deserved..... there is a price you pay, for  actions taken...

 There  was a chorus of    Screams  and hoots  from where they   hunter went  down.. the brush seemed  alibe   with Movements  as Other  Gava, came out of hiding to   where the Hunter  went  down.

"Go now," Henry said to the Aqra female.

"Get your youngling to the medics, and hope that he has learned a little of civilised behaviour. You do not attack other people without reaping the consequences."

He looked sadly at the youngest fry.

"You do well to defend your family. You will do even better to walk away, get help for your sibling, and learn to live with the changes that are beginning to take place here."

He turned to Nagy and Hawkes.

"You two need medical assistance. Can you make it back to the van, or do I need to call someone to get you?"

  The    fry with the  bow was dead....... My Mate?.. the Gavas  are tearing him apart  right now...... My Fry..is  dead!

  Nagy shrugged,..the  Little bastard  shot   me with  that bow.... Tell me?..  what you and the lizards would be doing now... if  you had killed us?....

 Hawkes  Nodded, ..I'm good..   some  Plast  or  Foam maybe?   we gotta  get they  Thing out of  Nagy's leg?..


  rustling  in the  brush  revealed   about  10   Gavas... 2 were female the rest male.. they all had  Polished    sticks..  though one   hand a  3 inch Pipe.. and  one female hadthe Aqra's  Dagger.

 The Gava, that Herny had  spoke too..   offered him , His Polished   stick ( with was covered in Blue-red  blood... there was   sign of  Blood  on all the  Gava's  hands  and    mouth.. sounds  of 'eating' were comign from    the area were the Hunter went down.

Henry turned to the Gavas.

"You too need to learn. It would be better had the Aqra seen justice for his misdeeds. And you ought not to eat him any more than he should eat you. That will come in time..."

He took the proffered stick and then returned it.

"Bear it with honour henceforth. Go now."

In reply to An'teela (msg # 121):

  "Call it in yeah, but this needs to be an official boots on the ground operation.  Not a delta night task.  We are not equiped to storm a strong hold, none of the teams are and there is way too much to do other than that, especially with new policies stiring up the locals."

   He looks at the man.  "I want that space taken care of before we leave.  If it were the only thing on our check list I'd be all for destroying it.  But like you say, we need to leave you with a fighting chance."  He looks at the operative for a moment, then squints his eyes a little, "This is out of your immediat neighorhood.  For you to bring it up, it has to be the priority for your entire order.  Lemme guess, Every AP unit is being asked about this.  [I'm going to assume he confirms this but will rewrite if he doesn't]

   Garrat nods, "As I thought."  He coms sec and reports all of the requests made, "Rather than using Delta Night resources I strongly recomend a mandatory inspection of the facilities with heavy units available to deal with whatever is found there." He doesn't verbalize his suspicion of a breeding facility but that's just one of many horrors they need to be prepared for.

   Back to the people present "While we wait for a response tell me what you have to help us?   If we have freinds in trouble will you be able to take us to them?  Are there warriors among your who can join in on the festivities?  Is there a good place to decimate the empire forces?"

Sitting at the table Harry would listen as the older operative explained why Anzio only had minimal fighters within its Hangar Dec, with the simple fact being that most of the Dec was taken up with some kind of an Empire facility. As far as Harry saw it didn't matter whether it was a breeding pen for the now illegal Gava's or an Empire stronghold, the thing needed to go. Though judging by size alone her little three man team was not equipped to take it on alone, assuming of course that was what the operative said it was.

After making a decision as to how to proceed Harry would set her comms unit to broadcast to all of the Delta Night teams currently on the station "This is Ensign Lynch, be advised that we have a possible Empire facility within the Hangar Dec...My team are going to go down and check it out" Harry spoke down her comms before turning her attention back to the operative "the most I can do at the moment is go and scout it out, but I'm going to need to know everything you know about that facility"

Teela heard Harry’s report and shook her head. “We can’t let her team scout that facility until we get confirmation on our report and orders. I’m going to have her team hold.”

She commed Harry, “Harry stand down for now. We’ve been getting some stories on that place so we put an official report in through channels for orders and support. Copy?”

Roy heard Harry's broadcast and snorted softly.  "Well, now, there's a shocker..." he muttered in a tone that made it clear he was anything but shocked.  "If we've got enough rounds in those sniper rifles, I can cover you two going in and flushing them out.  Without knowing for sure what they've got in there, I'm unsure about just sending Larry in...he'd hold his own against most Creshians we've seen, but if they've got a couple of those big, armored ground troopers, it could get ugly."

In reply to An'teela (msg # 141):

   Garrat chimes in "Listen to her Harry, They are waiting on us.  This is probably a trap.  Let's see if we can arrange for an official inspection.  If not we'll back you up.  DON"T GO IN ALONE.  You are to much an asset, you die it will really piss me off and give Spencer a publicity headache that will make shadows stunts look like a picnic....if that's in the realm of possibility.."

   Of com, "She's likely going to do it anyway so mount up.  We need to get there fast."

  Shoemaker COM's  Back...hey?  some chick Named   Amie, led  us to a doughnut shop.... There  a , base or something in there...  They want Help Taking it out?

.........

 Az-el's  musical Voice   came on the COMs... we  too... followd  a younfg   Human female named Aime... she led us to  a confection shop?.... The person there, told us   the same...

...........

 Supe  came on the COMs,..Hey?  Me  , Tucker and  Duke  had the  same  Girl...  we're in a doughnut shop now  Talking  to some LAdy ..she said the same thing.

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

 Mc Neil   answered,Amiee  Visted us  as  well...They did  not  seem to  like the  Hound, but they let him in on Karson's  word..

“Agreed but I’m expecting an ambush the moment we step back onto the streets.” She turned to the man who had been talking with them, “Is there another way out that’s not as visible or would afford us the chance to ambush ambushers?”

  The old3er Fellow   smiles...you have   quite a  few... tourists .. on the station?.... That is Good.. for our  part?.. we  Need  you  to tell us.. what you wish to do....  we have a place  were you can get together..... we have   some of  out    cache  there as well.... But?  this is something you need to decide on..

     the cross talk from   Garrat , the others  and Hack  all come through.

   The Man echos     the other's  words...if you   wish to stage in an area.. we have a place...I am sure the others  are being told the same.

       Nagy  leans  On Hawkes  ( his good shoulder!)..don't know  about this   arrow.. I saw how the  Aqra  took it out.. and the  damn thin is    cutting   with  every  Move..... But.. I can make it.... won't be Much good for attacking though...

 Hawkes     nods, your  Bleeding good  enough... damn Lucky it  was  up and over... even  Foam  can't  stop  artery cuts   like that..at elast not   fast enough...Med  tech  could make  it work i bet.

 The  Gavas  watch the  woman, who carrries  her  dead Fry.. while the smaller  one walks   begin.. bot  are crying..

 The    Aqra puts  the  body in the back, the Younger one  gets in the  passenger  side.. Before  the  Aqra   gets in, Hawkes says,..Hey Lady?..  How you feel now?.. is how    others  feel when you kind   kidnap them... and then eat them?.... I don't feel sorrow  for you....Just be glad  the Ape Folk aren't here..

  The   Aqra   gives him a  hateful stare  and  takes off....

 In  the wake of  her   car  lifting off... a  small human woman appears......Hi?  You are  Delta Fleet?.....Do Have you tried the Burian Pie?

Henry racked his brains.

"Uh, can you take me to a place where it is served? Uh, no, can you take me to a place that serves it?"

He wasn't sure how word-perfect he needed to be. This cloak and dagger stuff was still pretty strange to him.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:10, Thu 26 Apr 2018.

In reply to Harry (msg # 147):

   Garrat nods, "Missions a go, and may the universe grant wisdon to those in our way that they may find anoth ocupation."

   He turns to the older fellow. "Let's get this done."

     Shadow  rubs his  chin the other hand on  the   handgrip of his Trenchknife. well  I can make   one  Pulse grenade  with these two losers  COM  powercells..maybe   another one  if i take their    rifle Cells?.. that  would Give  us two big bangs  that they won't  expect..but then?.. we  only have.. what we only have?

 Flores  looks  at her  Quiver.....I got   12  arrows  here.. I can Go back to the Van  and Get another one, should be   between 20-24.. then..i have hand  guns?

  Lary Thumped his tail.

 Then   Shadow stopped and Pointed.  by their Van  a  young woman  seem to walk out of the  darkness of the Tubes...Hello?... You are Delta  Fleet?    I am Amiee.... Have you tried the Burian Pie?

 ..this is   Empire   held  territory?.. how did you get here?

  Oh...  I know  my way around... I understand   that you may be busy?... when you are finished?... please    COM  your people,  and  i will lead you to Burian pie...

 she  stepped  backwards into the Tube, Shadow   and Larry moved..  But all that was in the tubes   was the traffic over head.. and the  few  small groups of  people walking to  and from , someplace...

  Shadow  Frowns.... Larry Pads  back to  Roy and sits...that's  damn unsettling...  he  stops  as the  dead troopers   and  ejects the  power cells  and  grabs thier  COMs..( and thier Creds)

 taking a throwing blade, from behind his neck,  he  begins to    cut a  strip of   cloth  from each  trooper   then  Pries open the BAck of the COMs...  tear out  what little   wiring there is,  the Pilot  begins to  fashion his  Bombs...

 Flores  returns  with a second  quiver on her shoulder,..I got   21...  there is another  quiver  of   9 in there... I'm saving thsoe to  Give to the QM, see if they can make them... Give  the other  two  Bows to the Green Burians?... They'll go nuts!

 ..you aren't  worried you might  not need those  other Arrows?

 ..Naw.. if  we  win.. there is a good bet i won't need  all these.. and?.. I can retrieve the ones that aren't too bange up.... if  we lose? well..won't matter how many i have..
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:24, Thu 17 May 2018.

  ..I do not  LIke  Air cars and  the like?...  YOu must go to   the  outer sphere..Level  6.... your   Van will have it  Programmed by now?.... The shop  as a Dancing Doughnut in the front..... Tell the  person at the counter.. You hard thier Burian Pie  is the best..

  Hawkes  Looked at Henry, ..maybe they can Fix...

  She smiled an d steped back into the tubes... and was gone...

  Nagy   says.....get me  in the shop.. if nothing esle.. we  can  get a pickup... I don't  want them to Know they got  any off us..

  The Fellow   looks at  Garrat, then to the  two Angels...If you are  certain... the     exit the  room, and Amiee  will lead  you further into the BAck.. Thee will be a Hatchway that leads to teh service   tubes...  , there  should be    one, if not  two  resistance    people there....

 Then he  adds,..Regardless of  the   new law  protecting the Gavas... if it is a breeding  famr.. it must be shut  down...   they pull in Creds but the transport load.. and it keeps   Empire type s happy and fed.. and greases the   war machine for the Aqra.... If it is anyhting esle.... it needs  desrtoyed. so we  can have   our Compliment  of  fighters.. and  start to push back against the Empire....and..Aqra.

The response to her message was almost immediate, with both An'Teela and Garrat advising caution as the other teams reported that they too had received similar intel about a facility "We already have out orders Teela, we're here to disrupt Empire activity and knocking out that facility fits the remit, besides if we wait until the Hermes is able to send a squad of marines there will be a company of Empire troops waiting for them so we need to deal with it" Harry responded, pausing to listen as Garrat advised her to wait for back up and not to go in alone "oh Gar, as much as I'd love to upstage Shadow I don't plan on taking out the entire facility by myself...I just want to scout it out" she responded with a roll of her eyes. It would be clear for Garrat and An'Teela to hear in her voice that she was eager to get moving and see this facility for herself with it being no guarantee that she would stick to simply scouting it out.

It was just as Harry was getting ready to saddle up and head down to the Hanger Dec that she would receive Hack's order for the teams to rendezvous and formalise a plan with the locals on how best to eliminate the facility, cutting short any plans of her own.

As much as she still wanted to go down there and have a quick look Harry knew better than to ignore an order from the Admiral and so would instead turn to speak with the operative "ok it looks like we're all meeting up to discuss it" she said in an irritated voice, clearly annoyed at not being allowed to go out and play "...so lets go to this place of yours and see if we can't work out a plan"

  The   fellow  smiled,.. a good leader, does not have cannon fodder... if you step outside..Amiee will lead you to the back..  the Service  tunnels   are there, and  you will be transported  to what  people might call our  Base?.. I call it...the  The  Last Hope..

 Will smiles,alright ..lets get moving....

 Hemsly looks  around,..so?  there's No beleedin' pie?

    "Alright, one last request before we go."

  The fellow    nodded,..if  we are able?  What do you wish to ask?

In reply to Gar-tee (msg # 157):

    "All this talk of Burien Pie is making me hungry.  Doe you think you can have some waiting for us after the mission?  I really have never had it."

    Regardless the answer Garrat follows them to their base.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:10, Thu 26 Apr 2018.

"No Hemsley, there is no pie, its just a code word" Harry spoke in a weary voice as she got up out of her chair so as to follow Aimee into the service tunnels, with the operative offering his words of wisdom as she does so "I wasn't planning on being cannon fodder, I just wanted to take a look...I'd hate for us all to go down there and find a pair of mech's standing there" she responded knowing full well that no one intended to be cannon fodder but deciding to skip over that particular point all the same.

After thanking the older man for his help, Harry would follow Aimee out the back to where the service tunnels leading to a base called Last Hope lay.

  Amiee  Led  them to the Back,  she Motioned to ward the Hatch,..there  will be a  set of  stairs  that will take  you down 2 landings... the  Second Landing  has a broken  Light bulb.. that is  were you enter.. At least one of  our  people will be there, though we most often have two..

  The fellow  smiles,.. we will see what we can do...

 Aimee  led them to the Back , gestured to teh HAtch.....You will go down  the stair way, 2  sets of landings.. the second landing has a broken Lightbulb, that is where you   enter... at least one of  our People will be  waiting there.

Teela nodded and moved forward, her pulse rifle up, stalking now and in her element. Every line of her body spoke to what she was: a predator and those who would think to hunt the hunters would find a very nasty surprise waiting for them.

In a way she was glad it was Delta Night personnel that were going to attack this structure in the hangar for if there were children and other beings in there, waiting for whatever horrid fate the Empire had in mind for them, she was going to make the decks of this place run in all colours of blood to be had here.

Her wings ached and itched to be free and she ached to let them so she could remind the Empire what they called her: Marfedelom De Svern.

Death From Above.

Roy grinned.  "Hey, we also have Larry, and I'm pretty sure they've got no way of anticipating that." He went back to the van, as well, retrieving the Largran's sniper rifle.  "Hope those damned lizards shoot straight," he muttered, as he walked back to where Larry sat.  The larg seemed impatient, almost.

He took a look around, trying to find a vantage point that would give him the best field of fire over the area.  "You want to take Larry in with you, Shadow?  Or have me hold him back here until you stir things up a little bit?"  That decision would also influence where he'd take up his vantage point.

"Or, we could just get into position to cover as much of the terrain as possible, let him go in, and shoot anything he flushes out...kinda like hunting pheasants or quail, back on the Res..."

"Copy that," said Henry and led the way back to the van. They were soon on the way to the designated location.

  Having Little choice   in how to get there..  Henry drives the VAn following the directions on the screen. after  a good    15.20 minutes   they arrive at  the 6th level, with  Henry Flying  above the   shop.  a green light flashes  and matched a Greenlight in the parking  area, on the Roof.

 when the VAn settled in Amiee  appeared  out of the darkness near the Roof door..Yo made    good time. Your  Wounded  friend  can be taken care of, at  The Last Hope. I am afraid he will have to endure some  more pain and Blood loss, until he reaches it? Do you think  He can make it...

 Nagy  Growls a bit,..look?..Girlie?.. I am  A Hermes  SEC  trooper... I can do anything..

 Hawkes  Made a Comic  frown as he helped  him out of the backaccept get out of  the back of a Van By yourself... Comon..


 She Motions to the Door...an Older Man will meet you  when you reach the Bottom of the stairs... he will  show you where to get your friends  taken care of.

  Shadow finishes  the second 'bomb'. He hands    one of them to Flores. ..now.. I have the    wires   set into the COM cells so when a Number is punched in the charge will set them off... It will be like a Pulse Grenade...it should cover an  area  of  10 yards or  so? But the   surprise  will be  more Important  than the   effect.. if  we glow a leg ot two of someone..its a Bonus..

 ..what number?

 he smiules.....its   19....

 she  rolls her eyes,of  course it is...

  Looking to Roy he  suggests,..Have Larry   with YOu...  Flores  and I will flank... we'll throw out   bombs at the same  time.. see what the effect is..The  talk By COMs.... the  Good thing?.... anything that moves in there we  shoot.. 'cept for them little things i guess... butwe can't worry too much about them..Bugs, Humans  and Birds.. they go down....If  we   Find Ziggen and  wax here.,. we  can leave...

  Larry  growled , but  still thumped his Tail

 ..and?..of cours e  we  must let Larry have some fun too?..  so you can ...release the Hound.. when you  feel   he can do the most  Damage

   He   nods the Flore s and they start  walking to wither side,.. once we toss those Bombs.. You'er the QB Roy.. cvaue  we won't be able to see anything but what is in front of us.

"Thank you," said Henry, quite glad to have his feet on the ground again. Mila trotting at his heels, he led the way down the stairs.

Roy nodded.  "This should be interesting," he said in a low voice, as he shouldered the rifle and started toward the vanatge point he'd picked out.  "I don't normally set up shop where I'm sure the enemy can see me.  Could make life really interesting.  C'mon, Larry, you're my spotter for this one..."  He went to a small rise that overlooked most of the forested areathey were heading into, and dropped into a low crouch on the backside.  He didn't know if they had snipers or not...but if they did, he didn't want to make it too easy for them.  With the hill hiding him, he scurried around to one side, easing lower and lower as he approached the crest, until just enough of his head was exposed for him to see.

"Alright...start the band and let's see who dances," he muttered into his comm, pulling the rifle into a position where he could bring it up smoothly.

   ..You  heard  the  Man... one three...

   what?.. On three  we  throw it... on  three  we trigger it?

   ..no...no..on thrree your Htrow.. trigger it  when you want...

   ..but if  we trigger at the same   time..won't that be better...Aqua>

   Ok.... I'll  count  three.. and  we  throw.. You count  three  and  well trigger..how's  that..

 <Aqua>..Ok..this  will be great!..

 The Larg  twisted its head  and Looked at Roy  while all this  was  Going on.

 ...1....2....3....there  were   small    rustles in the dark...

 ... 3...

 Shadow's  Explosions  went Off. Lighting Up the Right of the    Trees  ands  shaking the area...

 ..what the 9 hells....

  ..you said  3!

 ..fine....

 The    other side      Explodes   and shook the  Ground,     Two    Creshains  were  screeaming  as their   clothing was on fire  and  ran  toards the Niddle  of the     trees..   cathcing  some   thin limbs on fire...

  from scattered  poitns in front of them  Pusle  rifles  sent  rounds  or   beams  to wards  the Front.

Stayint low, Roy tracked the muzzle flashes from the pulse rifles, giving him an educated guess on where to start looking...then brought up the rifle and looked through the scope, trying to turn the educated guesswork into certainty.  Once he was fairly certain he had a solid target, he fired, waiting to see the results before ducking back behind the hill.  Seeing a solid hit, he ducked down, shifting pisition slightly, and peered back over the hill, taking two more shots.  He ducked again, moving before the riflemen in the trees could zero on his position, then popped up for two more...shoot and scoot, they had called the tactic in training.  One more pair of shots, and he laid the rifle aside, its magazine emptied.

"Don't know how many are left, but that should be seven down...your turn..." he said into the comm as he moved once more, to keep a vantage point over the other two.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:24, Sat 28 Apr 2018.

  ..well?..there    are two  Bugs  lying  in the grass  Buring.... that would make 9?

  ..I blew up  two trees  that won't every harm another Haman again, damn things, never know what they are thinking!

 ..ok..Gonna  try  something here..... he  Moved  a few  mor e yards  away from  Roy and Called out,..Ok?..Ziggen?  You  have to know you'er gonna  die..right?.. I eman.. we  killed the other two idiots... and then Fluss set you up here?.. Now?..what  would you say.. if  I said you could  Come out  now?.. and  we'll send you to some nice prison Colony  where you can push Dung Balls   around  to your heart's ...

 A Pulse rifle  went full  auto.....help!.. I'm Hit...  save  me before they get me!

  three     Bodies  ran For that area of the  park... The area  was Lit up  by the  wide Blast of a Sanri Blaster..  Two  Bodies   flew  Back.. the  third   turned to run and  stopped  dead as it looked at the  arrow in its  Belly... and fell backwards...

 ..wow?.. you folks are really..really dumb...

 Ziggen  stood Up  and Fired   Full Auto  again...
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:19, Mon 06 Dec 2021.

Roy grinned wickedly.  "Go get him, Larry," he said, unclipping the leash.  "Fire in the hole!" he yelled out, both to distract Ziggen and to warn Shadow and Flores that the larg was inbound.  He pulled his machine pistol and took off at a run behind Larry...but he might as well have been standing still, compared to the larg's speed.

  Ziggen never   heard or  Saw the LArgran    Until Larry's Intake of  Breath as his  Jaws  opened to  Closed   with a sickening Crunch..  Her left   eye  popped from the  Pressure, but she never knew it.. things    went  dark on the Forest shake of   Larry's    Head..

    there was another  Scream  as  a Human was shot in the Back ,. by a Deadly arrow as he tried to    make a run for the deep recesses of the Tube,

    Larry  crunched   some more. but   spit out  pieces  of  shell and , shell-like bone.

 Shadow   walked  through the   underbrush, his  trench knife  made  shore the   three   that fell when they  went to 'grab him'..stayed  dead.

   as they stood  there , Shadow  fished  through Ziggen's  tunic and pulled out her  COM...Hey?.. Fluss?..How's it goin' ?..  I..um... would   let  you Talk to Ziggen.. but she   at lunch..or.. more to the point..she is Lunch?... I know  how important it is  for you to know food never Goes  to waste.... here.. listen...

  Larry  Looked up at Shadow  as he   Crunched   the   rest of the   head. and   slurped up the  insides...The  LArg thumped its  tail a few times...

 ..so?.. we gotta  go.. whole damn station of vermin to clean out... see ya soon..
 He  tucked the COM in his tunic..Flores  grabbed  some Creds  from    the bodies  that were now  smoking...

  there  was Movement  By the  water.. some   12  Gava's  stood there   they head Polished   Sticks and  Jumped up  and Down ion Glee...

 Shadow grinned , two  Ziggens   boot knife  and    dagger  from her  Belt ..he walked  slowly over to them.. they watched    with  Wide  eyes..
 he Pointed to the  Two who seemed the most..'brave"....here  , guys...  he  he  waved his arm around the    park to  show where Bodies   lie.

 then gave the  two the  weapons.. he    held his..  and   stabbed the   Ground, and   cut a few  Branches....  the  two pulled the  weapons from their  sheaths and stabbed the  Ground  and   cut... then returned it to the sheaths... they     made more Happy noises  as the  other s  ran to  find  daggers...

 ..I guess  we should go find that place?

Roy stood up, as the shooting ended, walking down to join the others after retrieving thr Largran rifle.  "I'll say this for the Lsrgrans...they make some damn fine firearms.  Hell, Shadow, YOU might even be able to hit something with this rifle."  He watched as Shadow mimed his explanation to the Gavas, then gave a satisfied nod as the small humanoids took off to retrieve their'gifts' from the fallen bodies.

As Shadow declared their next destination, Roy nodded firmly.  "Seems like we've dealt with most of the delegations at this point...I suppose that's the most likely place for the Demon to be lurking.  Be a shame to not finish the set..."  He looked overat Larry, as the larg started digging into the carapace.  "Hell, Larry, do you EVER stop eating?" he asked, with a grim chuckle.  "Come on.  We've got more bad guys to kill..."  He gave the larg a 'come here' gesture as he spoke.

    walking  back to the Van..  the  Larg    trotted  along  his  tongue licking in and Out. Flores  reclaimed her  arrows

   ..one  thing for sure.. anyone  hunts Gavas  here?.. are gonna  get a surprise?

 Flore put the Bow  and   arrows   int eh Back.. Larry   hopped in..tail thumping......Find the Pie  Place..... and  that scary  girl...

 Flores shakes  her  head,.. You fight   Sanri... Carry  a wounded  Larg.. Kill have the damn people  in Etna lowers... an a young  girl is  scary to you?

 well?.. yeah... i mean.. she walking  around the   damn tubes, all by herself.. and is smiling and friendly?

 ....oh?   I understand.. .. you never  see   women  smiling... right? the Van  jerks  around  as they  head  for the    tube that will take them to the  sphere, level  6.

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

   They    see another  Rent a Van, and park next to it... Flores   leaves  one  quiver  and two bows in the Van... Aimee is on the   roof  by the door.. she motions to the  Door,..an older gentleman we meet you at the  bottom of the stairs.... Thank you for coming...

(( coming BAck from Aqra...))

  The tSation looked...'cleaner'. Lights shown a bit  Brighters.. and   ships were in orbit. They woukld be gaining    an SSN  ship.

   ships that were still  battered docked...   The Hermes  was locked  In one of the further   docking.

  The Ramps  came  down. SEC stations  set up... The  ships who took turns on being docked, or having  to   Lock onto  Boarding Tubes, rather then Docking arms.


 Check points were  Indeed  harder for  people  who weren't  from that ship to board. The Fleet learning a lesson from the attack on the Hermes.

< from Hnager  dec  for Anzio party))

 The Limos  pulled up and  spun around and settled down.. The drivers  were told  by SEC, to report to the    Center where the  grand ball would be held, to pick up thier limos when the fleet was done.


  Stoly  moved   down to Take the Admiral's  Limo..pointing to the 'party wagon' for  Nikki to   drive.

Nikki smiled and nodded and allowed the Larry to ride shotgun.  She held the doors open for the LC and posse to enter and take their seats safely before closing them.  For the ladies she made extra sure any gowns and other clothing were fully with in the vehicle before closing.  Last thing any one wanted was a dress that looked like it was pulled off an accident victim.  She even helped those needing help to enter if they needed it.  Of course a thought had entered her mind that they have seen her fly the shuttle..now they're gonna trust her with the limo....Oh the poor sods.  She then got behind the wheel and waited for Stoly to proceed first, she'd follow.  Taking a moment she looked at Larry "Well...I think you look smartly" she adjusted his harness just a tad.  This was actually the closest she had been to him since ..well, meeting.  She let him get her scent, just in case.  She knew he was intelligent, but not a dog or true insect like on Earth.  However most creatures used scents, she figured this was no different.  if anything he would be able to call her a friendly by the residual smells alone.  The Hermes air and water, A few skin cell from Spencer and Shadow,  even a stray nearly microscopic dandruff flake from Mila.

  The LArg  Looked around , He   couldn't  thump his tail up and down because of the seat.  but  the tip  moved a bit.

  Shadow  waited Outside the  door, some of the   folks  had escorts, but beign part of the  'posse' was some were paired, some were not.

 Frans  and Eckles  were freelanced, and  woudl spread thier   wings.


 other folks  going, but not in the  limo, waited  for  rides. , Like Foster  and His  wife. He-La  and DR-NO....  Dixie  stood  by herself  for the moment lookign around at the ramp.

 Beth  would Go with  Shadow  limo as well as Flores.. Kat had a Marine with her  waiting for  a ride  elsewhere.

 Lyri   stood  by Roy in a  lavender knee length.. she   looed a bit sour at  Roy,....I lost a Bet to the Commander..... do you know?... I think she  cheats  at Cards...

Roy snorted softly.  "Well, y'know...they do say that at least some Angels have some telepathic abilities.  So you could be right.  But if she wanted you in a dress badly enough to cheat, she could have just ordered you to do it...so I'm a little skeptical."

He gave a wry grin, and added, "Maybe you can get Captain Nilsson to dance with you again...seemed to have a good time.  That is, if you'll actually let anyone get close enough to you to dance..."  The teasing note in his voice was easy to catch.

  Lyri glance   around the ramp  quickly   and  gave a  shrug  without looking at Roy,..sure.. i guess, if he's  around...least ways, I don't have to worry about   breaking an arm or hand if he steps out of line...

  Beth Walked   over to  The pair,
she had a shimmering   thigh  high on, the colors    seemed to  flow   downwards from ther  shoulders to the Hem, it  went  great with her  simple  hairstyle  that Frans  had  fixed up, look like the colors of her  hair , bled into the   thin straps  of the  dress,..well.. I'm  ready for the party?....I saw  Shadow directing the loading of our...um..after party stuff.... I guess  we  don't  get a fancy hotel, this time around...There is supposed  a Certain  Sanri  and 'Prize worthy'..its  an  old ware house  fixed up for a  Party place, with  Rooms at the top....but... we are more  concerned with the  basement..


 She   went  towards Shadow's Limo, putting an extra  strut in her  walk.

 Lyri shook her head,..I don't know what's  scary... Shadow  alone... Shadow and  Beth... or Shadow, Flores and Beth...

 Shade    stood  by the   'board's' Limo he looked lost by himself. Shadow  was  crouching  talking to him..  Shade  just  Kept nodding and  giving a halfhearted  thumbs up from time to time.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:03, Sat 25 Aug 2018.

  Shade  stood  next to Shadow, Will and   HArry entered , SHadow  gave them a nod  and smile.

  The Little Guy gave them a   Thumbs up, Will grinned  and  returned it.  When  the  last of those  goign with Him  entered the   Limo, he   waved to Niki and   Stoly  and   got in the    Limo  himself.


   as the Limos  left, Cabs  and Vans  appeared to  take  pick up others..

   It took a good  15 minutes  to reach the  Building on the   'east' Quad  of  the  euator  ring.

 Shadow Looked   around inside the   party limo...... we  won't  know for sure.. where  we're are going to  make our  sweeps.. But you can guess  the old   Empire sections will see  action, and  there maybe some Human Holdovers  we have to... retire.


..when we get there.. I get out  LAst... walk behind  you all with Larry.. Nikki will follow me..once we get in..have  fun, listen for news, and wait for the high sign, for us to move out..

  The Building was  one of the  tallest and  most wide in the area..  A new Sign said  APF HQ.

  Lights  were on. APF  SEC   where standing  watch, Ropes   were set at  3  places. for  people to enter, but teh widest , was up the Middle for  the  VIPs.

  The Board's Limos stopped  first. The Board  Got Out.. Shade  first By himself..  cameras  flashed  some folks were laughing at the  Small Verian. then  Stefi and  Justin, Henry and Mila,  Rivets and Missy all the way up, to the Admiral leaving last. right behind Roy and Teela as well  as Lyri  and  Nilsson.


  Nikki  Pulled in  as   Stoly waved off his Limo , taking up a postion as 'rear guard' for the Admiral.


  Shadow's  Limo opened, and  the  folks  started to   step out.. Camera's flashing, People Hollering out  Names of  Pilots . Some of the waving  Vidboards   or   cards  or   boxes of  action figures to be signed.

Arriving at the destination Nikki exited the limo and opened the door for the others.  Once emptied she moved and opened the passenger door for Larry.  Walking around she waited for the others to move on, another driver taking the limo on to another area.  That she was uncomfortable with.  Still as instructed she held a nonidentifiable expression.  Larry next to her with his harness and awards shown.  Only when shadow began to walk did she urge Larry to walk with her behind Shadow.  Her eyes darted here and there among the throng lining the pathway into the gala.  She looked for any thing that might be out of place.

  Shadow  waved  and  Called  back to some folks, he grinned  and  stopped by the ropes to sign an action figures.. Pictures .. a few   ladies who wore    Shadow T-shirts   and football jerseys.

  Larry held his head  up     as his nostrils  flared .

  France  and Eckles got  some COM selfies  with some   guys  who were holding  up pictures.

Teela was on Roy's off-hand side with her arm linked with his to make it apparent he was her escort. What she was not making apparent as she looked around with a brilliant smile was how she was scanning the crowd for weapons, people who looked angry or too intent, out-of-place movement, as well as upper areas a sniper could hide in. Once she was satisfied she leaned in to Roy like she was saying something for his ears only. "Looks clear on this side."

Roy had already given the crowd to his left a cursory visual sweep, standing in front of the open limo door.  With Teela giving that side a more thorough look, he swept the crowd to his right, his expression reserved, but pleasant.  A careful and trained observer could easily see that he meant business...but at least appeared pleased to be there.

"Clear here, too," he muttered back stepping forward and away from the limo door, clearing a pathe for Board members to exit the car, subtly cueing Teela on which direction to go and where to stop with his left arm, where her hand rested.

"So far, so good," he quipped drily.

Relieved to be out of the limo with those high profile targets. Justin hoped Lt Simmons chose not to linger, so they could head into the building and away from the brass. Lookin around he moved to the right if the vehicle.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:42, Sun 26 Aug 2018.

---> Hangar Dec

Sitting in the back of the Limo with Will, Harry would watch as first Shade and the board members, including a radiant Teela, got out and then the rest of Shadow's "Posse" with Harry taking a steadying breath before getting out of the Limo. The atmosphere was like that of some big celebrity awards show with people calling names and holding out various pieces of merchandise to be signed, and although most of the peoples attention was on Shadow and veteran pilots such as Frans even Harry found herself stopping to have her photo taken with a teenage girl who had been frantically calling her name.

Upon returning to Will, she'd return her hand to the crook of his elbow and leaned in to whisper "since when did we become celebrities? I mean I'm only a pilot"

 Will smiled,..not much going out here?... Station or ship football teams..... and the war...maybe Vid  actors .. Fuji started Produtions inside thier   Uppers  Shell... the have the rights  to CAptain Lighting... and are supposed to branch off  into other such stuff.... but ... we are the Delta Fleet..there's Vids of us all over....That's why recruitment is up..That HArdware  around you neck  makes  you, more then your name...

……………….

  Reaching the Door, the APF SEC guards  opened the   doors. the Board  entered.. Parting   a bit to allow Admiral HAck  and Commander Si to step forward..
 Polis, The Leader of the  Board of   Anzio smiled    as one of  each of his right  arms, reached  for HAck and Si to Shake,..Welocme to  the ...NEW..Anzio... she is doing much better?...  and a think we'll be better   by Morning?

 HAck  shook the Sanri's  hand , as  The Commander Si...

 Next to Polis  was  Inken, a  small , purple skinned  Occui  female   bow  Bowed her  ehad and Greeted

  Behind her  was General Cullit, The  Mull 'money man'. He wore  his   Mull Uniform smartly, and his fur  was well groomed.

………….

   The second Group  moved  through the  lanes, with the  cheering screaming people  and the flash of   cameras , and the Lights of  Vids.


 Some  folks  starte d looking  around, to teh sides, More of the  Hermes people arrived.. and Behind Shadow  was Steele, Raven, Roles and  another  woman in a EMS  uniform.

 soem folks    started  waving at them, taking the ehat of the rest of the group as they passed.

  He-La  and  DR-NO  were  entering  from the left side  , followed   by a few others.

 Dixie and Mussette  came in from the  right..more Vans   and Taxis  were puling in, to allow others  to  enter.

Henry and Mila tagged along behind the Board, looking around and smiling slightly.

  The people  who filled the massive  HC were   a mix of  Civies... Fleet ..and  Privateers.


   The started off slow   talkign with  each other, gauging  the  Hermes  folks  with thier  eyes.... People from Other ships. The  Flag ships of  each Squadron.. were there  with  thier Flag Officers , and some   Pilots  who  they thought  were good enough to show off.

 A Tall Nivarian  approached  Herny,..Excuse me.. You are  , Dr. Henry Christie?... and this is  your  ..um....human-larg?

…………

    Shadow's  Folks  entered, spread  out  , save   for a few  who stayed  close....Larry Took this  Moment to howl ..and surveyed the   place  as he  did...

  ..Thank's  LArry, I think they know  we  are here?.... turning to Nikki,..Take  him over   to  Roy... take your  time  about it... let the folks see him...After  that?.. Have  fun....


  Nagy had  come in with Olivia  and  suggested  they check out the refreshment table.

  approaching the   Big Shots, Good evening   Sirs, Ma'ams ....

  Hack  smiled,..This is   the    WC of the Hermes  and the Fleet.... LC  Kray Shadow?.. he waved to the folks    around,..and his  friends  and such..

  The Sanri smiled  Offering  his lower  right  arm,Well , Met.. I have  heard  many stories  about you?.. I wonder  how many are true?

 Shadow smiled and  shook the   big hand  back with a firm grip,..Only the Bad   stuff, Sir.

   The  top left arm pounded   Shadow on the back......ahhh!... Ha Ha....  I think i Like you!... is  it  true   you flew a  fighter through the   Hanger  Dec of a LArgran CAp ship?

 The Commander Handed Shadow a glass of  wine, he held up  2  fingers and  nodded  as he sipped.

 ..two times.....? You are incredibly Lucky... or  incredibly  foolish!

 Th Commander   speaks up,...Foolish...i should think....

  Shadow  feigned being hurt, The Admiral spoke up,.. Kray is very confident in his skills... he was good when he came out of the academy.. the last 5 plus years  have made  him better..


 ..I never  slap  Lady Luck in the face.... she had alot  to do with it...


………….

  Fleet Media was   runnign about... one  fellow   popped up   by Teela,..hey, wing lady.... can we  get  a Pic  of you and the  MArine...what planet you from?.....I hear there  are  types  of Humaoids  out there with wings...besides  the Avains?

………

 Mussete  had Dixie  for  by the  sideboards  picking out some treats, she looked very relaxed.


 Gia  was glowering,....all that time i put in  grooming him to be  my escort?

 ..Cool your Jets ,PAsta Girl.. there's lots of   guys  here... Bet you might even be able to snag a Dance with  Shadow.. he's pretty cool about  that , at these things...

She nodded to Shadow.  there were entirely too many people here for her tastes, but she'd deal.  Unless pressed she merely nodded or saluted depending on rank and customs.  "I'll take a long way around sir.  If Spencer is occupied I'll let him stay with me" she began "As for 'fun'...I am on driver detail for now.  I'll still get a chance though." She did smile and began to walk a bit, almost to show Larry off doing so to go look for Roy.  Via her comm in a quiet area she called Stoly "Stoly since I am still on driver detail and the limos are gone..how are we...meaning me atleast to get back to the Hermes?" she was going to stick around for a bit, but knew at some point it was going to end.

Henry smiled.

"Yes, I'm Henry Christie. My companion is Mila. She is a dog. Larry the Larg is over there, the one who just emitted a howl. Pleased to meet you...?"

  The Nivairan Bowed,..I am Dr  Lestes of the Nivar  Bio-Tech team. We are  working  on trying to ....intergrate... our people  with the Largs  and Worts?  Thus  far any implants we have used, have  either  driven the trainer MAd..or made the  creature go Beserk . I hear..on Earth, the EDT is able to control ..packs of animals?... have you any insight to that?

………………….

 Stoly COMed  Nikki,..Just Mingle, when time  comes  for   Delta Night, we don't want Limos... VAns  , black or white aircars.... there should be some waiting ofr us  behind the HQ  here

……….

 Ellen  entered  with Brooks  , from the 5th. He had  his Kilt  and dress togs  on.. she was wearing  a dress uniform  someone had helped her put together

In reply to Henry Christie (msg # 195):
   Garrat stood with Ma-Ti, both were soldiers by nature, they may not be as relaxed as some of those who are used to balls, but the quiet dignity of their nature cut through the  frivolity.

Teela leaned in close to Roy and smiled so the media rep could get his pic. "I'm an Angel, born and raised on Paradise."

"Well, Dr Lestos, it happens I do know a bit about that. Our Larry is not implanted, but he is very intelligent and able to understand a lot of what's said to him. I found quite a bit of what the likes of the EDT have been doing, with varying degrees of success, maybe it will be possible to share it with you at some point."

Henry had a feeling he'd better check with Admiral Hack first... much as the academic within him just wanted to share information with all interested parties.

  Lestes  smiles  a bit,..i think it  would be  good for the war program. The  Colleagues  on Anzio have  been trying to  use  devices   to control the GAva. But   almost all the Gava left the  ship to populate Aqra, and the planets  E-1  and E-2...They  have been  sending   people who need credits... ti hunt  and capture Gava  that pop up  in the parks  or in the Tunnels.. they are supposed to  be unhurt, when  they are captured...but the numbers  are now, very small , indeed.

…………….

 ..are you now?... That's   some news!... I hear only stray Angels, and those  from  the Blue and Red  Moon, openly side  with  the Fleet... while others   stay home, or  drift towards  EArth.. the  main Media  guy says   as they  takes some quick shots


………

  Lyri watched  from the other side  of the board, she looked to   Karl,once the  real  dancing  and schmoozing  starts, we'll be able to relax  a bit


………..
 Shade....once  more   , Tried to  talk with some of the  uniformed  people... he got  mixed reactions, from  disgust.. to a pat on the head... to 'aw..whose little robot is this..I must get one'.

 Larry seemed to want to follow him.. as  he makes  a  gurgling whine...

......

 Shadow noticed   Shade  as well,..Forgive  Me  Director  Polis...but it seems  as the diplomates    here  aren't very  diplomatic...

 The Occui  female looked at Hack,what a very strange  man.....

 There  is a raise of his Glass towards  Shadow,  then he took a sip of his  wine. Hack    moved his  free arm  to encompasse those  around him, such as Roy and Teela  , Karl and  Lyri,..i have a fleet full of  such folks... they are  cut from the same  cloth, more or less, but hardly alike... but they are  why the Empire is being  pushed  back... and they will be  the  reason , Hel will be turned to a cinder.


  Polis  shakes his glass so the  iced  swirls in the  Burian Brandy,... do you think you can do this?... Destroy  Hel?

 ..we  practiced a few things in the Hillite system.. they all worked  to some degree.... If  we would   pour  all our  energies  into one of those concepts... Hel would  be next to unlivable.

 Downing his  drink  he waved  for another  , grabbing  a 'Fuji special, with ice' from the tray and placing his  empty.

  Hyria  suffered worse.. they had  the misfortune  to  stand  against us, and  it gave me a chance to  turn up   planet attacks  a Notch..., we  are now working with them, to try and  Undo, some of the damage.....Some of the captured  Water Filter Compounds on Aqra,  are already  on the way to be  installed to help clean up the water in Hyria's Northern Hemisphere... and  More Hyrians  sign up for the Delta Fleet by the Day....


 But the Demons?.. will get no quarter....If  we fail, the Empire  will be so weak, that the APF  can send  other fleets in to   kill off  Demons, piecemeal ...If  we  succeed..  Hel will no longer  exist , and the Only demons, will be those in coloies, or in warships, scattered about

 There is a dark, cold  Voice,what you speak of...is genocide..and  no one has the right to do that...

 Hennings looked  at the Tall, gaunt, looking  human, he wore a Black suit, and wore a weapons belt  with a silver Sabre   and  a silver gripped .45...and you are who?... Sir?

 I am  Brother  Forrest.  Captain of the IPF Void 113...

 Hack Looked at the  Man, then at Polis,..You have  a captain of   a ship that helps   capture  people  for slavers?.. if  not , flatout Capture   them for themselves?

 ..they work cheap enough.. and they help  get convoys through.... There  have been ships of  the Independent  Privateer  Force seen with Empire Vessels, but they have that right....

 ..I say, Its  Bullshit..in my opinion? They   Give Mercs a bad  name.... Roles  smiled,..sorry.. I saw this guy dressed like an undertaker and  figured   I'd  stop By...

 ..You are not   Mercs, You are second string  ESN... you already whored yourself out to them....

  Roles  sips from his  beer,..maybe? But  there is  3  things  you'll  never  see an EMS ship do.....1.... aid the Empire....2... take slaves.....3... never let an IPF ship get away  with out  turning it into a source  for salvage

  Brother Forrest  straightened  as he snapped back,when was the last time you're kind  even saw an IPF  vessel....

 ..about  a Month ago... The  ESN Coal and the EMS Headsman were on patrol.. there  was  SOS from a  Civie freighter .. they closed in on the area  and found the freighter  hooked with boarding chains.... The ship  ...was called...The Shroud.

 It was?

 .Indeed...was.... The Headsman  cut the  Chain,  while the  Coal  fired off her own chains... .  the engines were disabled   and   they found  the crew and passengers of the freighter  chained  with slaver's  chains..  the prize  crew on the   freighter  died  when  The Headsman's  boarding crew  attacked..., the  Captain of The Shroud, set off a scuttle   count  down...The Coal  managed  to get all the prisoners off, as well as jettison most of the cargo, that was picked up  and loaded onto the freighter.. the count  down  Hit, Blowing  The Shroud into thirds..., The Skeleton came  around for the salvage.. the freighter has  joined the Fleet as   part  as  Miss Emmie's  fleet...

 Hack looked at Brother Forrest,..so?.. Captain.. I will give you this  advice.....stay away from ESN..APF Vessels as long as you are Flagged as  IPF.. you will be considered   targets...and..before you ask?.... Should one of your ships  fly a false flag... and we find out thier  actions were against our rules and laws.... ALL.. IPF ships  will be targets... to be boarded  or   destroyed on sight..

   Forrsest  Bowed   halfway amd Moved off.... there were more then a Few  of the Black  coated , silver wearing  people around, chatting up  folks from the fleet  and others.
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:33, Sun 26 Aug 2018.

    Garrat nodded to Ma-Ti and they began to follow Shade.

   Garrat  and  Ma-Ti  moved towards  Shade. Ma-Ti's  Calf length Dress  was slit  to the hip. a side  arm  rode on the small of her  back, on a belt. The Forest green  dress had  Shimmers  and caught the light  as they moved.


  Shadow   was closing in, fending off  folks who wanted to talk, Then He was  pulled  up to the  Vid-J. Shade   stopped to watch what was goign on.


   Hemsly in his Kilt , tunic and Beret.. Right!... Let's  get this   thin'  started.... These  Band  blighters can play the Slow stuff... but  we're Gonna Have Oue LC  start some stuff up with a few of  Us   Backing 'im up.....this is a Bleedin' party!....  But this  'ere song... will make us remember..so's  you know  why  your party, when ya  kin!

 Hemsly  pops  the buttons  and  Shadow  Takes the Mic  with a  frown...  Hemlsy,  Steele, Raven  and   Flores   Backed   him up.. and?  He didn't  do to bad as he put  a lot of feeling into the  song..

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

 Shade's eyes   turned from black to  green  as  he     tried to bleep  along  and punching the air with his   right fist..

  A few  ,lines into the Song  Hermes  Folks screamed  out along   " ..I'm not  afraid to die.."

  ........

 Will Got into it  as  He  grinned  and shouted out the lines  as  well.. His left arm pumping the air   as his right  arm was around HArry's  waist.

After quietly considering what Will had said about there not being much going on in the black aside from a few football teams and a handful of vid stars Harry would give a casual shrug of of her shoulders as she quietly replied "I guess so it just feels a little strange is all...then again if stopping to have my picture taken makes that girl's day then wheres the harm?" she said glancing back at the girl who was chattering excitedly to whom Harry assumed was her boyfriend; the young lad having taken the picture of them together.

Upon entering the APF headquarters Harry would take a glass of wine from one of the passing trays before taking in her surroundings and the people within. Despite the band that had been playing as they'd entered it didn't take long for Hemsley to take control of the music and get the party started , with Harry's lips parting into a broad smile as she felt Will's arm going about her waist as they sang along with the song.

Teela smiled at the media rep. "Earth is our ally and not all of us agree with official policy as set by the leadership on Paradise. I'm proud to be a member of the APF and prouder still to wear the colours of the ESN as we are doing good work in the war against slavers and butchers who sell men, women, and children for food. It is my honour to serve under the like of Admiral Hack and Lt. Commander Shadow."

She turned to Roy and whispered softly into his ear. "That tall human in black talking with the Admiral. I don't care for the look of him or the others in those uniforms."

Escorting Lt Simmons into the building Justin was relieved to be out of the press of Paparazzi, he acknowledged that they had a job to do and often went to considerable effort to follow their trade. Thankfully this group was focused on the brass allowing him to guide Stefi into the building without being accosted. Taking in the occupants of the room he noticed several black clad figures. That lot look like a bunch of Puritans from the reformation.

 Rivets  and  Missy approach the   Big shots, Rivets  sees  Brother Forrest striding off,..Now  who's  that...looks like  some  bloody  with  hunter...

 Roles  Nods to  Rivets,..IPF.. they  sail for whom ever pays them....and do what ever they are asked of,, for the same reason...

 ..Bloody  9 hells... more  Bleedin' cockroaches ,,we need  ta be steppin' on more...

 Hack smiles,..I'm sure  we'll get our  chance....

………………………………………..

  Steele took the   Mic, and  Hemsly Punched the next song in.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXBCtVBd7Lg

  The  ESN  folks  and Most of the APF SEC   joined in the refrains..

  Shadow    stood   next to Shade  as they watched    Steele  get into it  while the band   drummers  and   strings   Kept up with the song.

  Shade  and   Shadow   shouting  along  with   The SEC troopers.

  Beth  made her  way over  and stood  near Shadow  and shade  adding her   Voice.

………………………..

 Polis  Smiles,..your people are....spirited?

 ..They are that, Director.. they are that...

…………………

 Stefi shook her head,..I have no idea  what those folks are.... But they look pretty damn grim.... that's all we need  is  some   weird holy warriors out this  far.

Justin grimaced Religious Fanatics... Now there's a thing they remind me of the cult of Friendlies from the Dorsai series by G.R. Dickson Asking a passing waiter if they had any Pinapple juice.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:48, Mon 27 Aug 2018.

  Hemlsy   calls out,.. so?  Let  have   the  Lasses out there    drag them Laddies on the  floor... this  will be a  wee warm up song before  we go inta a slow  song

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwLRQn61oUY

  Raven  took the  mic to sing.

  Beth  Tapped   Shade on the shoudler  and  Pulled  him out  On to the Floor.


  Gia  Pounced on Shadow


 The Commander took away  The Admiral's  galss  and  dragged him out  as well.


 Lyri shrugged,..Let's go , flyboy.....

 Dixie  took   Musette  out and the pair   moved like  water  on the floor.

  Shadow.. as always.. tried his best... But Shade was doing much better....  Sorry there?  You might  have   pikcked  the  wrong partner for this?

 ..we have DAnced  Before..Si?...  You are doing  fine... Better to dance with a  friend..then   with one you thought was one?

 ..Let's go  LT...  you'er gonna have to  carry some of the load tonight..., As  Stefi  pulled    Justin towards the  floor.

While Karl's expression was pleasant enough, there was a subtle tension in his body that indicated he knew there was a lot more to this evening than dancing and socializing.  "Just steer me where you need me, Master Chief.  I'm your escort...you're calling the shots," he replied as he followed her to the dance floor.  A cryptic grin on his face hinted at multiple layers of meaning to the comment.

He was a better-than-passable dancer, and while seeming to get absorbed in the song, his eyes were constantly on the move, looking over Lyri's shoulders at the assembled party-goers.  At the very least, he was watching her back...he might even have been performing his own threat assessments of the individuals in the crowd.

It's a burden we must bear as best we can. commented Justin as, without hesitation, he followed Stefi's lead. Every cadet at the Academy was required to complete the units in Formal Dance, Justin who graduated valedictorian in his intake; welcomed the opportunity to put the training he had been given into practice.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:56, Mon 27 Aug 2018.

Roy nodded minutely at Teela's observation.  "IPF...they call themselves privateers, but they're a scant step up from pirates.  There may be one or two worth anything, but in general, don't trust any of them unless you're paying them...and then trust them very little.  They're bad enough that even Tortuga has largely driven them out, aside from one or two proven captains," he replied in a low mutter, before turning his attention to the photographer.

"I'm curious...do you ask these same questions to dignitaries from Earth?" he asked.  He followed up immediately with, "I mean, Earth truly does have some divided loyalties...the EDT got its primary leadership from Earth, although they've recruited from several other species.  So do you cast aspersions on the loyalties of every human you choose to spotlight, as well?  Or do you reserve that kind of derogatory behavior for Angels?"  He spoke in the too-courteous tone of someone whose comment was intended as anything but courteous.

"You want to be next to Shade?" she looked at Larry "I've got no problem.  I don't see Spencer off the bat.  So lets go mingle with him for a bit" she let Larry lead her towards Shade and Shadow.  "Still making our way towards the Sergeant Major.  Larry would prefer spending company with Ambassador Shade at the moment" she said. then moved off to the side so both Shadow and Shade could enjoy the ball.

  The   Guy just looked at Roy,..hey, Man? We're  out here  like you....when was the last time you saw  new  Angels from Paradise?... Just sayin'?

 they  gave the pair  a nod  and  went off to bother  other  folks.

 …………….

  Larry   sat down  , thumping his  tail up and down...  party people took a wide   arc around the  creature.

  Beth Brought  Shade  Back   and He   gave   LArry a couple  friendly thumps on his noggin.

  Gia  smiled  at Shadow and went off to hunt   another partner.

 Shadow said to  Nikki over the  next  song,..... go  have  some drinks  or  some  snacks.. there  are APF SEC  here.....our people  are  just here   for back up

 ..Hey..you are   LC  Shadow...ain't ya....

 Shadow turned to see a  Fellow, about his own age, black  greased back hair, and a Black Tunic. He wore a  sliver  hilted  blade on his   hips, and a silver hilted combat Knife on  his belt.

 ..that's me..  and? You are..what?.. Missing your coffin?

 The Man's eyes  narrow,..I am the lead Pilot on the IPF Void.... I just wanted to ask you..why  you  serve those who stand against god?


 ..OK.. Listen Vlad... have you seen god...cause i havn't  and were pretty damn far out here......and?.. if you are speaking of the Angels?.... people  called them that  back in the day.. just as they CAlled the Demons...well.... demons?...so? what are you getting at?

 Don't you see?  we have to fight them both!..They are both  abominations  and..

 ..listen, Fangs r Us....don't be a dumbass.... and  ... don't let me see you or  your Minions  around  my people...


 ..THat Man right there..is our leader.. I'm Just a  faithful servant...

 ..great?.. so I drive a stake through his  heart. or  cut off his ehad..maybe a dash of holy water..and  all your  souls will be free..

 The  fellow  reached  for his  knife, Shadow   Just shook his  head,..not a smart choice . by blade  will have  your  head off your shoulders  before  yours clears  the sheath...and..that's a promise.

 The  Tall   Captain came over  and looked at the Two of them,..Is there a problem?

 ..oh?  Hey Count... yeah....Igor here was  tryin' to  tell me the ways of the Undead, and I wasn't buying it.... keep your people away from Mine.....Just for the record.. you almost lose this one... he needs to understand, I don't  need  to Stake his ehart to end his  pale skinend ass..

 ..Come.. leave these unbelivers to thier   folly... the Two walked away, and Shadow  waved and shouted  loud,..Thanks for the Chat... LOve your Chocolate Cereal!

 People Laughed, except  the 30 or  so Black tunics in the   area.

She was talking to Shadow after Larry sat "My apologies...I did not bring a partner, I was told I was driver detail." she was about to continue when the rather tall ashen looking man came over and interrupted.  She listened to the banter between "God gave man freewill.  Free will to choose our paths in life.  To live in light or darkness." It was surprising what she could remember from listening to her brother.  She saw the man begin to draw his blade, she moved to intercede, her eyes narrowed on him.  She knew damn well that the LC could take care of himself, still she was not a coward and he was a fellow officer.  The timely appearance of the other mans superior saved his ass from being nothing more than a greasy hair stain on the ballroom floor.  After a moment they left.  "My apologies LC.  It would not due for a high ranked Hermes officer to even have a wrinkle in his uniform over such an ...altercation"
This message was last edited by the player at 15:26, Mon 27 Aug 2018.

  Shadow smiled a bit at Nikki,..if that's what you  think..you'er  gonna love  Delta Night....

 Shade  bleeped  at  gave  a thumbs  up.

 Larry...thumped  a few times

 The   Shadow  added   as  the waitress came over with  2  iced  teas  and a Milkshake.. the shake was Given to  Shade, and   one of the etas was handed to  Nikki.

 he Pointa  at a woman in  black  chatting uop Birvet,..now?  see there? This  just shows  you the old time Movies   had no clue?... Not  one of these folks in Black, sparkle...

Accepting the drink she nodded "Dealt with ...men of the cloth most of my life.  Some good, some bad."  She took a sip then continued "If you remember I mentioned my brother Marshall is a man of the faith.  Not sure what faith they follow.  Guess they prefer the darkness of ignorance" she took another sip.

    When Missy heard about the grey mercs she frowned.  “My brother said  those pirates couldn’t be trusted to pull watch dog missions because they tended to sell out their customers.  From Bo there were few insults that Were worse.”

Henry frowned.

"The Gava are sentient. Attempting to implant them is inappropriate. Keep that for intelligent animals. There are other ways to engage with the Gava, to get them onside and teach them what they need to know to operate as our allies. That's what has been done with the ones on Aqra, and those who went there."

Watching as the other women dragged their partners out onto the dance floor as Hemsley made ready to play the first slow song of the evening, Harry would turn to Will with a hopeful smile on her face "Dance with me...please?" she asked, remembering how she'd had to practically beg her last partner for a dance at the Etna ball at which point Howe had taken pity on her and took her out onto the floor. Looking back on it now that had kind of been the first sign that not all was well between her and Grit along with the fact that she'd had to actually ask him to come and see her after she'd been stabbed. All in all she'd been a complete idiot to have been sucked in by a few kind words and what should have been a one night stand and she just prayed with all her heart that she wasn't making the same mistake again.

  Will's eyebrows  went up and down,..that's one of the reasons  a Volunteered  to be part of the Posse?....We get to  be Normal folks while the   people  who are  tagged as SEC, have to be ..well..SEC… Master Chief  said they could all have some fun, but they have to  also be on guard... we..have to be party people!

 He   Took her  out on  the  flor   and  pulled her  a bit  closer then one should..but it also looked like he didn't  care. Of course, only the Anzio folks  might have thought it  improper... but  no one  could say Much, as the Commander had her head on  The Admiral's  shoudler... and Admiral Hennings    held  Emmie  a bit close.


…………….

 Henry  could see a bit of Revulsion, in the Nivarian's  demeanor ... Well the Gava  we have  seen on this Station , are..how shall I say...less-then-civilized.


 It is that Point where  some gasps  were heard ,  Captain Trag and his   XO  arrived  along  with thier  Escorts. Trag had a  Female Apefolk... His  XO , who was  a Commander was  a HAlfbreed, and had  an Ape Folks Female..all four  were as broad shouldered  as  Supe, and maybe  6 inches  taller... with them  Came Wrk  and a  Female.. they had  Silky  'tabards' on  Of RSB  Blue  with  rank and  ribbons  awarded  for the Aqra Battle.. Two 'smaller  Naragrans  entered, the GAva  stayed  close to them

Henry Could hear General BAle  say to the Director,..The Admiral told them to pick  representatives .. They have   earned the right  to be here .

 The Felrites  came in , most were  Pilots, outside of  Ariv. Ariv had  Wagstaff  as her escort.

 Lirg Entered  with a Hermes SEC  jacket on. he stood   near the delegation of  GAva  and Naragrans.

"I said they were sentient, not civilised. They can learn to be civilised once they are treated with respect, not like animals."

He turned his head at the new arrivals, and promptly went over to greet the Gava.

"Come and meet them, you'll see," he said to the Nivarian scientist.

"Like the old naval shore leave on Earth...I have no doubt that at some point there will be some sort of dust up between a few." which was true, especially if the drinks were strong.

  The  fellow  walks  over ( slowly)  with Henry. He  seems   a bit put  off , but the ..'creatures'

  Wrk  Grinned  as he offered his hand,Doc  hen-Re... I am ..good to meet you!..You  think of Hon..this my Mate!..

 Lon  lowered her  head  and  smiled  the jagged  tooth smile.

 These   Naragran.. good people.. The MAle is  Isst.. the Female. Mii… they  fight  with us.. we   ride them.. they help Kill many  fish!

  Targ  and his people  Met Henry as well.....Good to see you again,  Doctor.... I hope the Company is better,  as we enter... his eyes  shift to the Nivarian,  as they   offered thier hands to   Henry.

 Wrk looked at Lestes,..I know you!.... you were in parks,  as we  went in  flying boxes to go to Aqra...

……………………………………….

  Shadow  drank from his tea,the ice  cubes   sounding like chimes,..I would wager to say..almost every Bar has a few  fights    starting, ending... and still underway.... the  Smaller  BAll might   have  a more...'geared  down' approach

Teela turned to Roy and gave him one of those brilliant smiles. “Thank you for getting rid of that media rep. He was becoming irksome. Shall we make our way to the Admiral and the Commander and join the dance, my dashing Sgt. Major?”

"Good to see you again, Wrk - and a pleasure to meet you, Lon. You both look very smart, I'm glad you are here."

He shook hands with the Gava.

"May I introduce Dr Lestes. I've just been telling him about Gava sentience."

 Wrk  leans towards   Lestes...his eyes   working   as  his furry eyebrows  go up and down,..we  see him..much..him come  around parks..lookign  for Gava..him there  when we get on flying Boxes to go to fish place.

"Well...hopefully I'll have time to shop a bit" she stated "Larry seems happy to be with Shade for now.  I think I'll see what if going on here and there.  Let you get back to dancing" she gave a smirk. she started to wander away.

Grinning from ear to ear Harry allowed herself to be lead out onto the dance floor before holding her close to him with her head moving to rest upon his shoulder as she moved in time with the music...or at least as well as her heels would permit anyway. She would remain like this for most of the first song before she gently shifted her head to nuzzle the side of his neck before whispering quietly into his ear "Will...I've been thinking...would it be overly forward if I asked you to move in with me?" part of her said that perhaps she was moving a little too fast and that they'd only known each other for around a fortnight, however another voice pointed out just as validly that her man was a marine and that she hurtled through space in what was essentially a steel coffin filled with explosives and that waiting may not be in their best interests.

With her question asked she would return her head to his shoulder and continue to dance within his arms, allowing him to answer the question in his own time. After all she was in no rush and was simply happy to enjoy the party whilst it lasted.

 Will  smiled as they Moved, sure?... um.... you have  enough room  for  my CAptain Lightning  Stuff?... else  wise  i have to see  about getting some space  somewhere on he ship.... But i can easily do that?.... I mean... it would be more room for us in YOur quarters then mine, and ..it  would save some creds...

 ……………..

  Nikki Moved Off, Shade  stood  by   LArry who eyed   anyone ...not  Hermes.. like  a fresh steak...

 you know?  No one's  gonna  talk to you for sure now?

 there is a  Bleep as  his head raised a bit to look at Shadow.

 ..Yeah?..sure..I know they haven't  very much..but sooner or later  some one's gonna try?

 Shade    waved his hand  and  whirled a bit... The Larg seemed  to nod its head,

 well?.. sure   I guess, that would make them brave  enough to talk to.... ahh.. 9 hells.. don't worry about it.... Just have  as much fun as you can..

 LArry Thumped his tail.

…………….

 At Various places  the Black Tunics  were moving from person to person, Group to Group

 The Director came up to AZ-el  and asked,..some of your people , seem to have  problems  with  the IPF..... What is  an Angel's  stance?

 ..They are not  Human.. not wholly  there is something   wrong with them...

 ..They come  from the Deep DArk... there  are  only small stars and small planets... they have  evolved  a bit  differant...

 ..if they are wise, they stay away from my people...

 ...Angels?

 ..Hermes....

………………..

  A woman in a Black  tunic  arrived  By Lyri  and  KArl, two silver dagger   with  slim hilts    but  rounded thin  Blades...a Silver   .45   was on the other  Hip..... do you have a moment to talk?

 Lyri  frowned at the  interruption of  their DAnce,..I swear.. if you say '  may i talk to you about  my Lord and savior  Dracula , I'll  throat punch you...

 The woman looked taken aback,..I am merely  lookign for those who are unhappy, and would like to  sign up with the IPF.. we could use ...seasoned  troops.....her  Brown eyes  had   redrims  as  she smiled  a beautiful smile on her ashen lips    and  made her pale skin look even, more , odd.

"...that and you wouldn't have to rush off every morning to change into uniform meaning that I'd get to spend a little more quality time with you" she added with a smile "...and I'm sure we'll find somewhere to keep your collection, besides which I think Hamlet would like it if we were both under the same roof" she said with a laugh. Hamlet had been left with the very important task of guarding her luggage seeing as their was a distinct lack of pockets within the Angel silk dress she was currently wearing "hmmm I wonder if where we're staying tonight has a bigger bed?" Harry quietly mused, though considering the size of her bunk it couldn't exactly get any smaller!

When the music started Justin asked Stefi if she would care to dance with him.

    Justin  and  Stefi hit the  floor , it  was  clear, Stefi knew her  way around the dance floor.

    ..So... LT Kase?... what is the reason you asked  Little old  me to the ball  when there is a Bevy of   female fighter  chicks in the hanger bay?


…………………..

  Steele  and  Raven  were  dancing petty well, and pretty close.

………...

 the  orchestra  Played  some   slow  songs  for those who wanted  some close   dances. Except for the IPF folks   mingling, it looked like it might be a  quiet  Night .


 Then One of the  IPF  females approached Shadow and  asked him to Dance... The LC  frowned  and Looked ta Shade.. Shade  waved him off.. LArry's head Flattened out a bit.

 ..Ok, Lets Go Mortica ....


 she   smiled, he white teeth, hardly noticeable  with her pale lips  and white skin...how did you know  my name?

 He looked  at her and his  right  eyebrow raised  as she pulled him onto the  floor...Your  skin is a tad.... cold....

  we  warm up..depending on who we are with....

  the  Lights   dimmed a bit  as it was  announce the next three  songs  would be softer and slower, before  letting   Hemsly loose  again.

  The IPF fellow   he had a chat with was  moving  down the   party  folks who weren't dancing to approach  Shade.

 .. So? do you folks use   coffins, or  do you..like..hang up side down from the  ceiling?

 She titled her head,..maybe... you will find out, if you are lucky tonight?

 There was a soft chuckle.

 ..something  amusing?

 ..I hope you're  better at this  other times?.... anyway.. I saw Igor   slipping down towards Shade.. and the  guy by Count Chocula  on His  COMs  while he  watching you...us...

 she  tried to remain calm, but her  eyes  widened.. she   too, had  DArk eyes  with Red   rimmed irises .

 ..so?.. what do you plan to do?

 ..LAugh..for the most part....but... The IPF best watch themselves....  I will  shoot you down, or  kill you  if i am ordered to....but you do  something  to get on my bad side?.. I'll do it  for  fun....

 her head Jerked to 'igor' as he closed in on Shade  who was   drinking his shake  and talking to LArry.. LArry's    mouth was a  quivering   line of   teeth  as  a growl  ripped  through him, one eye on the approaching IPF fellow.....

 The  woman's head turned  back to  Brother Forrest and gave a quick shake....
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:31, Tue 28 Aug 2018.

Karl stifled a laugh, still making noise.  "If you're looking for unhappy people to recruit, you'd best move on," he said, trying to maintain a pleasant tone.  "I wouldn't go so far as to say nobody is unhappy on the Hermes...but I don't think any of the unhappy ones would be the kind of people you're looking for.  As it stands right now, however..."  He slipped an arm around Lyri's waist, moving back towards a dance posture.

"The biggest unhappiness I'm dealing with is your question, cutting into our dance time.  Do you mind?"

  The  woman  nodded to Lyri  and KArl,..Thank you for you time....  and she  moved off towards a cluster  of  folks  watching the  dances.


  ..I don't  remember seeing them around last time... they break the 7th seal or something and released the undead?

…………………………………

  Hack  and Si  relaxed  no one seemed  to  want to bother them as they  danced to the  2nd   song  of three...

………………………………

 Gia  was talking to a Black Tunic, and she was laughing.


…………. Shadow  was  on the   flor   with the  pale chick, but she seemed on edge.

Perhaps it was the fact that she grew up with a bit of god in her background.  Something was off, and she could not explain it totally.  She found an area that was fairly quiet it seemed and she could see over the dance floor and watch them all dancing and mingling.  She sipped her tea.

"Lead the way...as far as the rest of the galaxy knows, I'm just your escort tonight..."  He grinned.  As they walked, he added, "I've had a very...strained...relationship with the media during my time on the Hermes.  They report on our stories, yes, and that increases enlistment and wins public favor and even gets us those ridiculous action figures...yours will be out soon, I'm sure, especially if any of the media ships got any footage of your rescue efforts on Aqra.  They love that stuff..."

He sighed, and his expression showed that there were downsides, as well.  "They also, from Day One, have given out details about where the Fleet was going to go, what they were going to do, and who they were going to meet well in advance of the Fleet even starting to move.  Hack tolerated it, at first, and has since cultivated it as a way to feed misinformation...like promoting Shadow's flying playboy image, and the staged after-parties as a mask for covert activities.  And a lot of the media has also been subverted by the EDT, which results in smear campaigns against Fleet actions.  And you can rarely ever tell which is which."

As they approached Hack and Si, on the dance floor, he continued, "The EDT media factions usually start off asking uncomfortable political questions...and I usually shoo them away immediately when that starts."

Olivia's first impression of Nagy left her with a touch of intimidation. This soldiers was a full head taller than her, which in itself forced her to tilt her head back to look directly at him. Olivia was used to looking at seated patrons, in the Rec deck or across the counter, in the Pulse; both situations had far less impact. During the limo ride from the Hermes Nagy was quiet, which didn't do much to aleviate her feeling. Trying to resist the impulse to stereotype him as a many of the Iclips she watched that portrayed the enlisted soldiers as brutes.
as a dull
This message was last edited by the player at 06:53, Tue 28 Aug 2018.

Henry looked round for a glass of wine, and sipped it whilst chatting with the Gava.

 Henry manages  to snag a wine, the gava  seemed to have  taking a liking to beer. Lestes took a light Green Wine from  a passing tray.

 Wrk says, after a gulp,....your  people danc  funny.. they hold each other... or they Jump about?

 A woman  with  very dark, burgundy  hair , stood   close to Henry. She had on a Black Tunic, with sleek Black pants and Black knee high boots. a  Thick silver hilted  DAgger  was on her   left hip, and a  Silver  hilted .45 on her  right. She stood   quietly, waiting to be acknowledged.

…………………………………………...

 After the Reached the  Dance,  Nagy  led Olivia into the building, where   he steered her to the  sideboards. Asking her if  she wanted  a drink or  a snack, before  Dancing.

…………………………………

 'Igor' was now  about  3 yards  from Shade, Most of the other  folks didn't  seem to  acknowledge his passing, some  seemed  relived  he  kept moving.  Larry noticed him   enough  and  turned his head towards Shadow, whose back was turned, then back to  the approaching   IPF fellow.  Shade, didn't seem to have a care in the  world, outside   drinking his shake and  talking to  Larry

………………….
 The Third  song  started,   The Admiral and Commander  continued to dance, Shadow took up  Morticia's   hands   and began to move ...rather  smoothly... Here  eyes  were wider now

 Brother  Forrest was  talkign to the fellow who was talkign on the COMs.

 Hennigns  came over to the Director, Inken  ha dleft to Dance with Karson , who  had   arrived  with some of the other non-coms...  Supe and   Hodden looked imposing , in thier  Dress  uniforms. Her

 Minnet wore the Kilt , tunic and  deret of the 5th while  Tucker  wore his whites.

"How do the Gava dance, or do they?" asked Henry, curiously.

He smiled at the hovering lady with burgundy hair, idly wondering if it grew that colour or whether she dyed it.

   There is a Grin from Wrk,..we line up  and  jump  and stop together.. try to  look like one person dancing..sometimes.. we hold each other like  these people..but  that is more  for ..less people time...when big  people time, like this?.. we do the  big dancing.

 The  woman  gives  Herny a bit of a smile, her  pale   skin, not offering her   white teeth much  contrast.

During the second song Nikki readjusted the position of her 'shiv' to be up her sleeve for quick use.  Then quickly, almost marching she made her way The nearest 'board member', the LC.  Tapping both she smiled.  By now the third song had started "May I cut in" she smiled at Morticia "Your Captain needs you at the moment I am afraid" She wasn't going to give herself away but her arm was down and ready for the driver to drop and shank if something was about to go down.  She grabbed Shadows forearm as an insistence, After a step or so she did purposefully make a misstep and tap LC in the leg, making him bump into another black tunic "Sorry...rusty dancing.  Guess we should all be careful with all those silver daggers they got"she looked him in the eyes then to key personnel.  obviously being targeted including Shade.  She could see Larry ready to have some shredded tunic meat.  She tried steering him close to Hack and Si.  "Wonder what sort of song they will be playing after this third song of three they announced.?" she then lowered her voice "Hope it's a fight song and not a dirge"

Garrat was suddenly in front of Igor "Did you have something to say to the Ambassabor?"

   Joseph takes vocals on a song dedicated to the empire,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1hVdbGcLVM

  Shadow  looks a  bit surprised  at the   arrival  of Nikki.  Morticia  backs up, she seems  confused as she looks   to Forrest and his   offcier.

  Easing  out of  his 'smoothness'  and  returns  to his awkward dance style,..is there something I missed, or  are there more pieces on the board then I accounted for?  his   trademark , halfsmile, was there.


  Igor Stops  and Looks at the Tall fellow. Shade Turns   slowly with  a thin smile on his face as he sips  his shake,  LArry's   head  peers  around him to stare. ..why?..Yes... The  Little  metal man looked....sad.... I wanted to speak with him, perhaps..offer him a better place to be...

  The  woman  near Henry  stayed  straight,as she waited  for  Henry to invite a conversation.

  Hack's head shifted, but only a little  towards the LC...though  Si's eyes shifted to Forrest.

 There was  some fuss at the Doors, as  Lilit and Dusk entered the Building,  2 pairs  of Verian offciers  with them

Henry turned to the lurking woman.

"Excuse me, can I help you? I'm Henry Christie..."

"Like a chess board..  But..I'm just a lowly pawn" she said.  "Wonder if they bought those daggers in bulk.  They are all over the dance floor"

    The   slow   song  ended  and Joe  Mac  started  with his  two..more  powerful...songs.

    Shadow's   green eyes  shifted   slight   but  seemed  more then a little  aware., yeah.. well..i fancy myself a knight..they  all have that Silver... weapons..buckled, buttons, awards... Must have alot of it were they come from..or...they need alot of it....still, they seem  more then a little odd..and a little dangerous....well...some of them....

…………………..

 The  woman  smiled a bit  wider and approached    Henry,...I am  Lt  Octavia. I am thier on the Bridge of  the IPF  Void #113.... I was wondering  if  we could chat?

 Festes clears his throat,.. there are Privateers.  they live in the  Deep DArk.. the whole race  seems  to be  privateers.....little is known about them... execpt they  like to return folks  to  help  colonize their  worlds , as it seems thier  race  has  taken a beating, but  some strange  force....

 Octavia   Bows he head slightly , her smooth cool voice and smile, seems relaxing,..it is not a  'strange force' Dr Festes. It is god.... and god sometimes  demands  things from  people who cannot  answer the call..and thus..pay the price, until he is satisfied.

"Anyone you think I should hang close to after this dance?" she said she was still very much concerned "After all if they are privateers....they could have been paid.  My guess would be very well too" as if someone had very deep pockets

In reply to Ball (msg # 245):

    "Shade is often missunderstood, and treated poorely by those from off ship, but he has many freinds, and even a couple of worthy enemies, though their numbers are dwindling.  Is mother is the Verian known as Lady, who hand crafted everystage of his every stage of existance before passing on, his Father is Shadow himself, unwitingly donating his genetics on the control stick even as he unknowingly projected the very essence of his will to fight through Lady's being and on to the war.  We hold Shade in high esteem, I was there when at his birth he could not be contained and escaped into the ductwork.  He is one of us."

    Garrat motions Shade to join them, and cocked his head sideways, "I am Sgt Wolfrim, the only Einherjar in Delta fleet.  You are a recruiter?  Does your species truly procreate as a viralant infection or is that a Midgard...er Earthling story designed to keep children in bed at night?"  Garrat glances meaningfully at Ma-Ti then sets his com to record as he seeks to learn about these beings.

"A pleasure to meet you, Octavia," said Henry politely.

"Is there something I can help you with?"

He was quite curious. She seemed almost human, apart from the strange colouration.

  Shadow 's smile  has a tiny upturn,..You are in for your first Delta  Night, Ensign..maybe  we  will have to deal with some of these folks..maybe  not... if they are  purebred Mercs... they will have thier  job to do, and try to do it.... if they work for the Empire... any one who sides  with us   could be in danger,


………………

 The Man  shifts his shoulders  a bit, I am Luca SGT MAj  to  My Lord   Brother  Forrest... we may mate  with  warmbloods.... sometimes   the seeding takes  root, and we have Have breeds, ..the warmer bloods tend to take over our DNA... but  it makes for  a  watering down of the  species.....

 ...if  we inject, we can turn the warmbloods  into a ...more pure...Vampic... and thus  , make the lines  stronger, ... we still need to have offspring, but the main thing is to bring in fresh blood....no pun intended...

  Shade   walks over...  Larry's back and head  were flattened like a table top. He bleeped a  few times  and  Luca  tilted his ehad in question.


  Lilit and Dusk were closing in on the   small group, as Ma-Ti stood   a little behind  and on the other  side, of Garrat.

………………….

  Octavia  smiled as she Nodded to Festes  who   excused himself... the GAva   looked at her..they were not smiling.

 ..Yes... Dr   Christie ..you are known to many in The Black... Your ...Bio-Tech  backround, makes one wonder how open you are, to the  growth of alien speices?

Teela's bell-like laugh carried as she looked around the floor before turning her attention back to Roy. "Those IPF recruiters had no idea what they were doing when they decided to show up at a ball full of Hermes personnel. I saw that one walking up on Shade and Garrat was moving through the crowd before the other man had any idea. He thought to take the Ambassador unawares but must not have noticed Larry looking at him like a steak."

Her smile faded as she saw the group forming and used the opportunity of the dance to spin and gauge the location of the others. "I don't like what I'm sensing here. Plays within plays are common where we, and the Empire, are concerned, but the IPF adds a new layer."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:05, Tue 28 Aug 2018.

Henry was surprised. He didn't think he was that well-known.

"I am fascinated by alien species, and always eager to see sentients develop and grow. Have you met the Gava yet? They have only just been recognised as sentient and it's a delight to see them beginning to take their place amidst the other species in our alliance. Is there something I can assist you with?"

  Octavia looked at  the GAva  , as  Henry Mentioned them. Wrk  still had a stern visage,  Lon crossed her arms  and gave a 'Hurmph".


  ..Indeed.. Gava   were taken  by the dozens to our  Space .. they provided  much needed   food  source..... Aqra  as well, were hunted in abundance , as they cannot be used to  further  our  species, other then  as a food source.

 with the Gava protected, and  Aqra devastation , we have lost a great deal  of our ....crop... for want of a better word?

 her lips curled for a Moment, as she saw Lirg  taking up a station, not  too far back of  Garrat, but elevated  on the stairs,..on the other Hand.. the Hyrians  were o9ne of  our greatest foes... we fought them  all across The Black...on many worlds, including Earth, But it appears  your Admiral has  weakened his stance with them, and  they are  trying to climb out of  the devastation  the Fleet rained on Hyria..

    Garrat considers this a bit then is quite frank. "Here at this ball things are a little relaxed so I hope you don't mind if I just call you Luca.  It helps me speak more honestly as I was busted down to captain in my own military from what the ESN would call a three star general for speaking my mind.  "Frankly, your people have the scent of a future enemy.  I noticed it on sight and Larry hre is never wrong.  I think Shade here is of the same belief.  We have found frainds amongst those who have given us this impression before but it usually ands up in a division of the species, those who are with us and those who are not.  Shade is th ambassadore of the Verians who are with us,"  Garrat turns and adresses Lilit and dusk. "This is Lilit, shades Grandmother and Dusk, his sister who has gone through the traditional genetic acceleration process of their people.  Lilit heads the Allied Verians where as Dusk has earned a place high in the military ranking.  It is important to understand with Delta fleet that regardless of rank, people are trusted and and rewarded with responsibility through their actions, not what uniforms they wear.  Outsiders often fail to understand this and underestimate us.  We have not seen your actions and will not trust you until we do.  If you fight brave sefless an honerable by our side, I will consider you my brother.  If not you do not we have no time for you.  If you fight against us we will destroy you with everything we have and will give no quarter, no negotiation, and no mercy."  Garrat takes a breath, "I don't mean to threaten, only warn. Your a SGT Major, you should understand better than your superiors how true my words are.  Hopefully you have enough sway make sure they make a decision that can benifit both of our organizations."

    Garrat turns to Lilith and Dusk, "My apologies my ladies."  and he nods to Luca "and Sgt Mjr, I thought I'd clear the air before psudo diplomacy and posturing ends up getting people killed again.  Hack does not have patience for either"  He turns back towards the Verians  "I'm sure Shade has words but I am a poor translator until I get my occipital reciever repaired.  If you will do the honers of giving my freind a voice I will be grateful."

    Garrat turns back to Luca, "And of course, in time, I would like to understand your people better."

Joseph does some power rock:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxHSPc87c2Q

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tVVk3wWRvM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1EDfJvO95w
This message was last edited by the player at 18:53, Tue 28 Aug 2018.

    When the time comes for a slow song Missy gets up to the mike and nods to Joseph to cover her. "This is for all those who suport from behind the scenes holding the fleet together dspite the madness around them."

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TCzcq0NAuE

  Lilit stand, looking  down at  Luca..... Vampic?... You come here? Is not the Light too bright  for you.... the disgust in  Lilit's  metallic voice, eechos  in her chest.

 Dusk Light blue  eyes seem to stare it  him, but without benefit of  eyeballs, its  hard to tell were they look.

 Shade  began a  rattle of sounds,  Larry gurgled  a snarl.

 ...My Brother  says you wanted to  take him away and make him happy? How  would you do that?.. draining him... or  turning him? Dusk voice  has the practiced sound of a CAptain drerssing down  a failing subordinate .

  Lucs did not back off..well..much.....Anzio has  hired us to help protect convoys from  The Empire...anything outside that, is our  concern..

 Ma-Ti just says,..they are, but parasites  that can talk....

……………………………………….

 Shadow  stood on the  floor  watching the  outcome for the meeting...The guy  better  be able to take a hit.... he said to Nikki


………….


  Hack and Si, along  with Hennings  and  Emmie  returned to the side as the faster Musics  came on... Brother Forrest and his LC    vectored in on them.

  Brother Forrest waited for all to get drinks, including  he and his LC...This is  my  Right hand, LC Bracus .... I notcied your  LC..seemed a bit...over  aggressive to my young LT?..and My SGT MAj seems  to  be havign a bit of a problem with others of your group, including the  wind up toys  from Vera?

 there were dark looks  all around, and this seemed to please   Forrest as he smiled a wide, snide , smile.


 ...Let me  lay this out... others may jump in if they wish.....

 he took a  sip of  the  cold  wine,anyone  in ESN or APF  uniform, or ...under our protection we  be protected..no matter  how slight.... the slight.

   I am The  Fleet Admiral, of the  Delta  Fleet.. i wager to say, almost all the people would follow  where i take them.... The LC and the SGT MAJ.. never  have to question if thier   people will follow  them.... But..make no mistake.... The Hermes.. is  The LC's  ship.... you mess with him, or anyone he cares about.. well... you'll lose..and you will lose  hard....Don't think to test us..... we're all done with testing....


…………………

  Will and  Harry  were ready to step off the  floor  when a white haired, red eyed   woman, whose  Black tunic  spoke of being a pilot,  came up to them,..hello.. I am LT  Priss, of the  113 IPF  Void?  could  I borrow your fellow  for a Dance?

 Looking to the Plae  woman  , Will said,..I..I would  rather not?

 The girl smiled at will her soft voice drifted to them,her  eyes shifted to HArry,..I was asking her?... If she does not  permit it..it doesn't matter   if you do or not?... If she is alright with it?.. I see no reason why you wouldn't wish to?


…..

 people , for the most part, stopped to listen to   the song being  sung.


 Stefi  smiled a bit,some one is thinking of those  not in the fight...

    "Interesting," Garrat says looking Genuinly interested "Could you do that with an already dead soldier, say recently deceased?"   Garrat thinks a moment then looks at Shade, "Ambassador? Would you say, as a member, that the counsel would look upon any member of the fleet being turned as an attack on Delta fleet personel?"

  Luca  snorts,..we could use the blood, right enough. But   turning someone who si dead, isn't possible...nor would we use  it   for anything  but fertilizer  for pur plants  and such.

  Shade's eyes  are  DArk  as he  sips  again from his milkshake  the   splurts out some  sounds.

  Dusk says,....To  do harm to any  of  our people, or  try to change them in anyway, without thier   permisson.. would be a personal attack...

 Lucs   had a dark smile,..I wonder if your LC, feels the same way...

"Hope so and not." she made a tsk sound "Just occurred to me that being 'undead'...does not mean they cannot be made immobile" she glanced at LC "Think Shade would like a dance next?  Promise not to step on his feet" she smiled.

In reply to Garrat ect (msg # 261):

    Garrat laughs, "Actually, he would.  Shadow usually goads others into making what he considers the first move...that said, he is VERY good at making the second.  As rude as it may seem, I have actually given you all you need to stay out of trouble with the delta fleet.  This station is Delta fleet now.  I strongly suggest you get your people together with ours and establish what are acceptable recruitment standards by our board and the AP before you proceed interacting with other sentients on this station.  I would truly hate to see your homeworld destroyed over a misunderstanding...and as you have seen with other Empire species, the Demons are in no position to take your side of the arguement."

In reply to ball (msg # 232):

Justin looked a little puzzled then gave Stefi a warm smile Why Lieutenant we're Kindred Spirits. he replied without guile or reservation. Executing a well practiced paired twirl.

  ..I sure he would not mind a dance?... But let me move away from you, so he doesn't think i put you up to it?... He's a rather  proud and stubborn fellow,  must have got that from his  Mother...

  he winked  and   moved  forward. Dusk  Seeing him  Moved   quickly to   Hug him..then stepped  back a bit of  pink showing on the cascading colors of her  face, that mirrored Shade's own skin. Lilit's  skin was  a grayish  hue, as most  Verians

 Lilit  smiled a bit,..it is  alright, Captain Shadow.. i believe  the Rules are relaxed  enough to allow a captain to hug her   Mod.

……….

 Stefi chuckled, Believe it or not, I was not always locked in a Med Tech LAb.

As the slow songs came to an end and a couple of rockier numbers started to play the pair of them would quietly decide to take it as their cue to take a break. Truth be told Harry rather liked the songs being played but wouldn't dream of even attempting to dance to them especially in heels. However the pair of them had barely taken a few steps when they were approached by a black clad woman asking her permission to dance with Will whilst making it clear that had no choice in the matter. Quirking an eyebrow at the pale skinned woman Harry would slip an arm about Will's waist as she spoke "that is a rather interesting concept you have there...tell me have you ever had any dealings with Alpha fleet?" she asked in a conversational tone of voice "You see I served with them for a little while and they hold much the same attitude towards women and as such I don't appreciate what you are inferring...my boyfriend said no, making whether or not I'm comfortable with him dancing with you irrelevant" she said in a frosty voice with the makeup Frans had applied doing a rather good job of emphasising the piercing icy blue of her eyes "so unless there is anything else you wish to ask us, I'd very much like to get a drink"

    Unfortunately Garrat can't dance otherwise He'd take Ma Ti on a round on the dance floor to end the conversation.  However he is good at dollowing a lead if she is good at leading.

In reply to ball (msg # 265):

Oh my... rumor has it that you were. Guess scuttlebutt is scuttlebutt he joked. Noting the clustering of the IPF around high profile Deltas he wondered what the heck were these black uniformed types were on about.

  Ma-Ti does look out  at the floor  with  some 'longing' as she see other ladies  and thier  escorts   enjoying themselevs.


..........
Lt Priss  smiles, more  at Will then  HArry,..Of Course...but... if yuou shoudl change your  mind, I am certain you  can find  me... a smile  and a flutter of  eyelashes  she slinked away towards  a sidebaord on the other side of the dance floor, where there  were a few of her  remates  talking  and nibblign on things.


 ..alright.... those folks?.. they aren't right.... and he turned  with Harry to get a drink, he settled for a cold beer, figuring one won't  hurt, but then he'd  switch to water or  soda.

…………………………………………

   Luca  glared  at Shadow after the LC finished his  hug...your  offspring.. thier   skin tons  shift like a Aklon Hunter lizard...

 Shadow  shrugged,.. they might not be the first human-Verian offspring... but they were the  first in the way as they were  made...... If they  Mod  hadn't  been killed.. or had they  um... not hatched  as soon as they did...perhaps   things would have been differant.. but..none of that happened... so the Empire has  3 Shadows to deal with

  Dusk smiled  at this... Shade gave a Thumbs up

  Beth came up to  Shadow and greeted Dusk with a   quick Hug and a  smiled-salute  to Lilit ..can i get a dance?

 Shadow smiled,..sure... and Igor?.. Don't even think about talkign to anymore  Hermes  folks...

 ..Luca....

 ..whatever...stay away from the pizza, it has garlic...

……………………….

  Stefi......I'll stop you  right there, LT..if you want to go  by scuttlebutt..... and she leaves the rest to hang in the air.

Justin grinned the thing about scuttlbutt is the target of it generally was oblivious to its content. He had no problems hearing anything others thought about him. Do tell...he prompted; after all he'd endured  quite a few roasts.

"Whats your poison?"Olivia asked as she reverted to her barkeep roll. Quickly realising her mistake she gave Nagy an apologetic half smile "Something to eat and drink would be appreciated." she thanked. While they ate Olivia people watched. "Those people in black are creepy. Its like they just came from a Wake and are doing a good job of spoiling the Ball."

Nikki wandered a bit as Shadow suggested.  She kept an eye on several of the black tunics.  After a bit she wandered over towards Shade and Larry.
She smiled at Larry "Mind if I ask Shade for a dance?" making sure it was okay. Then she moved next to Shade "Mr. Ambassador.." she began "Would you like to dance?" She held a hand out.

   Shade  Looked  around Then back at Nikki,

   ..She's  talking to you..... Shadow  said  with a slight  chuckle.

   Handing his half  Finioshed   Shake  to Lilit, he  bowed as best he could   and bleeped a few times as  the  went on the   dance floor.

 Luca  shook his head,..it is madness...this   kind of  cross breeding....

 ..sure..that's  right.... its  far...far  worse then  folks   who bite  people to get ..more people..nothing work with that...

 ..You dare make  sport of  our  people?

 ..Look..Nossie?.. can  I call you Nossie?.. its   way better then Nosferatu ..any way..Nossie.. why don't you go off nad  find a table that has some  eye of newt or  something....Cause.. you're  gonna get me  outta  my good mood?.. and  The Black will be short a few Vamps...

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

 Nagy frowned a bit   as he  handed her , her drink, then took one himself and a couple filled  cookies...Don't see too many others  Given anyone a hard time.. they might  not be around long enough to cause too much trouble.

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

 well?... for one? There was a runnign bet that your tastes  ran more to..say?  the SGT  MAJor...then it  would to someone like Frans.... Stefi  grinned a tiny bit  as she  crafted the sentence.

Nikki guided Shade to the floor.  Once there she began to dance with him...even more enjoyed the dance.  Both fast and slow, she would dance with him as long as he wanted.  only occasionally grimacing at black tunic if they got too close.  "Sorry...they are rather creepy.  As well as rude." she apologized for that.

  Shade  Just bleeped a bit , his  eyes  were Green... sometimes  fading to a dark Grey  if an IPF crewman came too close.

  Luca stood there a  bit, watching  Shade and Nikki. Lilit  said in a melodious metal Voice,.... I should think, you would wnat to be on your way?

   One of the APF SEC troops   jogged   to the    small stage that held the Vid machine.. he handed  Hemsly a Note and Pointed to the Door...

 Hemsly shook his head.. they quietly argued  until the Vid-J grab the  note and Pushed  Hemsly aside..


  ..Ok.. for the Next song we have a request made  by  some one for the LC of the Hermes?.... The Note  says... " sorry i couldn't be there... I hope you  feel like  dancing to this?...

he started  the Vid Machine,   , and Hemsly grabbed the Note off  him.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BrnZv7fHGSE

   Beth   and Shadow ha s stopped  waiting for the Next song... when the Fellow   read the note some  folks  clapped and laughed, thinking  the  note referred to the LC's  'lack of skills'... But   when the  Music  started.. Shadow's  smile faded, and  was replaced  by the  dark mask of a Delta Night Hunter.

     Dusk  who  had taken to the floor  with Wills  who  had   popped in with the rest of   the last group of Hermites….She Stopped  he r eyes  growing  Purple.


  Lilit's eyes  Blazed red...


 Beth Held onto  the Shadow,..easy, Kray?.. its  not the  Vid-J..

……………………………..

  Hack  downed  the last of his Drink, he  waited  for the  server to come along  with another tray and , traded  glass... he Never looked  at  Brother Forrest.

 ..That Sir?... was one of the  most stupid things   i have seen anyone do.... you will reap the rewards for this... and  I....for one... will not even try to stop it.


 ..I do not  Understand?

 Clearly....  you..or  one of your people thought it would be  fun to beard the lion...well sir?... someone's gonna get eaten...

 ..there is something wrong  with this  Song?

 ..The Delta Fleet.. has  more enmeies  then Just the  Empire.... Brother Forrest... and Shadow  has   a had full in each of those Camps....if...any of them would have been stupid  enough to   do this... they would have claimed it......So?... without  any such  claim, we must assume it is your people..with..or without your   perrmission.... I would say, your  people have...a day?.. maybe  2.. to  start getting back to the safety of your ships....Because that Man is gonna  find out where that came from... and bodies  are going to drop...

Roy nodded at Teela's comment.  "Oh, there's definitely something going on.  What, exactly, is anybody's guess."  As they danced, he maneuvered through a long, slow turn, using the motion to give himself a clear view of the entire room.  "These goons could be making their own play...figuring the Delta Fleet has cleared the area of all the major threats and it won't likely be sticking around, so they're trying to stake claims and occupy newly vacant positions.  Or, they could be working with the EDT, or even directly with the Empire...wouldn't be the first time a group that was supposedly providing protection from the Demons was actually running interference for them..."  His voice was low, loud enough for her to hear only because they were dancing, and it had an odd, distracted quality to it...more like he was thinking aloud than any attempt at communicating specific information.

Black uniforms were near Admiral Hack...had just been chased away from Shadow...one stopped Harry and Will leaving the dance floor...Garrat intercepted one that looked to be moving in on Shade...Damned shame, that, actually... he thought.  Larry had looked ready to turn that black uniform into bloody rags...still did, although his posture seemed to soften slightly when Shade went to dance with the new shuttle pilot...

He was calculating options, only peripherally aware of what was going on, until the note was announced as being for Shadow.  He stopped, in the middle of the dance floor, looking first at Shadow and then back at the Vid-J...and then the song started, and as he heard the lyrics, his face hardened, his jaw clenched...slowly, carefully, he looked around the room.  Someone had to be an inside connection on this...the timing was too spot-on to be accidental.  He surveyed faces, looking for anyone whose attention was on Shadow, whose expression didn't match with the pain of loss that just about everyone on the Hermes had felt when Lady got shot down.

"Someone's looking for a express ticket to the afterlife..." he muttered darkly.

  Brother  Forrest drew hismself   up,..Sir!... Do not think to threaten the Vampic people..you no Very little  about us....Should your  ….'man'  try  to harm us, he  will find out, that we  do not die very easy...

 Hack  Just waved him off with out looking back.... LC Bracus  had a  big  smile on his face.


  Enemies of..MY..people seem to think i make threats.... I do not  Sir!... I am Informing you...SIR!... and if you fail to heed that, such as it is..then  what is about to happen  will be laid  at your feet...right next to your head...

  Shadow   gently detached  Beth's  hand  and    held  up a  finger  for her to wait...he began to  stride to the   Stage. Two... what must have been  DArk Tunic MArines stood  In his  way, with  sneers on thier  faces.

 HAmelsy CAlled  down to them,..eh!.. Ye  wee chalk skinned Blatherskites.. ye  best get the 9 hells  outta his way..'cause he  ain't  stopping..nor  goin' 'round...

 They turned Back  and smiled  at  the shorter  LC... when he reached them   they  stepped together and he  Hit   into them,,, they didn't  Move...

 ..this isn't your home, boy..go around..or go home...

 Shadow   laughed,..boy..... maybe you guys  shoulda been ..like..Zombies? 'Casue that way you could  eat brains and stuff..since  you don't  Seem too  Have  too M….

 He didn't get to  Finish the insult  as a PAle  Face  Hit him in the face  and sent him flying  across the floor...

 People looked at each other.. Bracus  was laughing out loud … Forrest seemed very..very  Pleased.....That man?..... won't hurt any of my people...

Hack  smiled  darkly,... its all over  for those two..if they  run now?.. they might live...

 Bracus laughed even harder.

 Hemaly Put a Song on … and Nodded to the LC..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zckQ5kxXkM


 Shadow  Got  Up... Beth   whispered,..Shadow?.. what the heck?

 They are   heavier then they look, and they are  way stronger then they look... Not to worry..

  Shadow  started  to walk towards  them again, he  didn't  bother to  wipe the blood from his lip  and nose... his  right eye had  finsihed  tearing from the  shock to his  nose.

 The fellow on the right  had a  hand  close on his  silver pig sticker.. the other marine, had   both hands  ready

  when he was   1 yard  away Shadow shot  Forward.. the   Knife  fellow Grinned  as he draw his  Blade, and  His   partner   reached to  Grab Shadow   so the Blade  would  bury itself in Shadow's  Back.. But Shadow    slide  under the   Grab.. his   Trenchkife slashed into the 'holder's'  Right Thigh.. the  BAck Swing  Brought the Knuckled  handled dagger into guy's left Knee..  Both Men Screamed In  Pain..except the  'holder's scream was  short,  when his partner's  Blade   Jammed   deep into his chest, the   dagger  man  Fell   as Shadow...    drove  his shoulderr into the  damaged Knee.. His Teeth bared like  an Animal...  he  Brought  his   Blade   High..

 The Director  shouted......Shadow!..  YOu will Stop!

  Kray looked at the Director.. and   took one hand off  the Blade,,,held  Up  a finger  as he said  , quickly.....Hold that thought....  then he  drove the Blade  Down  with  Both Hands... the    man   put up one   hand   and seemed to   barely have trouble  Keeping    Shadow's  Blade  up.....once  a  break your arm.. I will Kill you  with  your Own.....

   Shadow's    left   arm shot forward  under the   arm and   grabbed the  Fellow's  throat.. he  seemed to want to speak... but  couldn't..., then.. with   the firece face. Shadow's  Free hand  jerked  Up ward..tearing out the   'man's' Thoat   and the Underside of his jaw... was the throwing  dagger  from his  sleeve,  sliced through the  thin pale  skin... Then he drove his    trench knife into the  Vampic's chest, twisted it, and dragged it out.....

The Director   was  shocked.... Shadow  Got  Up,  staggered a bit to the  other   fellow  who was  dead.. and  Pulled out the Silver  DAgger.....Spoils.... of  war... then took  the  weapons   belt  Off the  Vampic  as well... with an after thought, He slashed   down on the fellow's  neck to  detach the head...

  Two   other  Black tunics  reacted to this  By Drawing thier  weapons... one was close enough to  Shade  and Nikki,  for Shade to Point his  finger  and  Fire into the  VAmpic  chest..  she  screamed  as the  flames  licked up her  skin and  Tunic like   try paper...


 There was another   , short Lived  scream  as LArry  Bite of the   weapon's arm on a Black Tunic...... Larry spit  the mangled  arm out.. almost gagging  at the taste..

    Hack Looked at Shadow's  Face.. and he winked.. Shadow nodded...

  ..LC?... I think its  time for you  to leave... Don't you
?.. there are other parties   out  there...

 The Dircetor  said.....he killed  two of them....

 ..one..  his buddy killed the other one...

 .. the Ambassador  killed one!

 .. she drew a weapon.. My people  take care of thier own.....

  The Director pointed  at the   Vampic  that was  on the floor  bleeding out..  Larry  sat near him  thumping  his tail.....your beast  tried to eat one....

 ..also had a gun.......

 ..you are letting  your  LC..Just walk free?

 Don't see  why not.. scores of  people  saw them draw  weapons.. self  defense.......and... I warned you... its not over yet... someone sent that message.... all involved are going to end up like these  four..

 ..Ensign Nikki?... I need a Ride.. anyone  coming with me?.. I'm Out....

 Supe  had  just finished  Punching  a  Vampic, and  sat the fellow in a chair. and  went out the doors.. Beth Followed   quickly...Flores   could be seen  leaving   one of the  Athena's  Pilots  to catch up the  folks leaving.


   Luca , moved off  quickly, towards   Forrest.


 Lilit   stopped   Shadow   and Looked at his face...you let him hit you....

 Aye.... needed to see how strong they were,  after  i couldn't   just push past them...

 She   let  Go of his  face  and Gave him a slight  hug.

 Dusk Hugged  Shade who seemed  pretty pleased  with himself. Larry   looked around  waiting for someone   to tell him he 'did good'..

 Dusk asked,..Its time for you to go to work then?


  yes.... good as an excuse  as  any   to leave.. I'll see you all , on the   Hermes..

 Beth sent a MAss COM Text out for those  who were going to Delta Night to track her COM and follow them to the   safe house..
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:09, Wed 29 Aug 2018.

"Definitely a death wish." Teela said as the carnage played out, her irises black as night. "And they got their wish. I imagine IPF black tunics will be on our list now. Shall we prepare for other activities?"

Teela began to head for the exit, reaching down to pet Larry. "Well done, Larry. Let's be off to the Hermes."

Her wings rode high on her back and were mantled, the black and silver making her look larger than her already not inconsiderable height and were a clear threat display.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:55, Wed 29 Aug 2018.

Henry smiled, rather coldly.

"I suppose we humans have been lucky. Our food animals are definitely animals, not potentially sentient, and so we have not had to radically rethink our menus once sentience has been proved. I can see how it could cause problems."

His head turned as a scuffle broke out, then his com chimed. He checked it discreetly.

"I'm sorry, we have to go. Pleasure meeting you. Here's my com code. Contact me tomorrow if you want to continue our discussion."

(The com code given is a general one for the BioLab, not the one in his pocket, by the way!)

 Octavia   seemed  shaken by the display, she took the  Code and   nodded,..By...By  all means.. Dr Christie.. we  shall be in touch....

  Festes  Nodded  as well, when  Henry and   Mila    headed to the doors.

………………….

 The Director  smoldered. ..I thought.... Admiral.. your  people would     be more Under control....

 Forrest had  waved  People to   recover  thier  crewmate's Bodies....all this?..because you   LC didn't like a song?

   The Admiral  swirled his   wine a  bit, he looked at the director,...you have never  seen my people ...'out of control'...and?  You never  will... they are   cold, Calculating..and  almost all of them, are  very good   at thier  jobs... the others... are Damn good...I have no clue, why the IPF was invited  to a victory party, that they had  no part in?.... But The risk they took, was well rewarded..and the  debt has not been paid off yet...

  ..you will note.. Many of  My people  will move  off with the LC... to either party with him, or, find anthoer place, since eh is not here.

………………………………….

 Will  and   Harry's  COMs  Buzzed.. Will didn't   bother  to look at his,..The COMs  are playing our  song.... One more Dance?..before  we go to work? he grinned.

……………

 Stefi Stopped   with Justin  as thier COMs   also  Buzzed,... The LC  doesn't  look too  worse  for wear.... We can always  leave a bit  later, so  you can join in the FUn if you want... and  I can get ready to  sew people up.

……..

The Commander, Nodded to   Roy and Teela as they made to leave... Larry    thunmping his tail

…………………………………………….

 walking towards  the   Limo area,  Shadow COMed the  driver of the party Limo  and  they   made a turn towards the back of the HQ.

  Several  Black Vans  and white  Vans  sat there.. with Rolfe and Mann Standing  Guard. The  vans   had no signs  on the sides right now.

 Nikki..Flores... Yu each grab a  Van.. everyone  fill the Vans up... as more folks come, they'll have to pick a driver..Beth's Homing  COM will let everyone know were we are going.... Its  time for the Fun to styart...

 Beth will get in the VAn  with  Shadow  and  Nikki.

 Supe  , Hodden, Tucker  and Minnet were in a white Van with  Brooks  as a driver.