This thread  will have happening s that you might here rumors of...but would elsewise, not know of.

   The Athena has  docked, all 4 tenders filled with  scrap from the battle..One tender worth to  be awarded o The Hermes...the Hermes is they to should have half, and kept half  for thier own foundry.

  The odds  are going up like Crazy, despite the heavy betting on the  Olympus team, people  still seems to think there is a slight chance the Hermes  can beat the spread...to try to push the  betting...Olympus is  now  a 13 point favorite!

  There have been battles down in the Grotto,some gang members  were killed along with  a dozen Hermes  crewmen..however..the numbers   slide often through the telling.

   Hermes  is being talked about  to be a deep scout Cruiser... thus  being on its own, with only a tender or two  for support..
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:08, Sun 17 Apr 2011.

  There has  been word that theOlympus  has been trying to steal people from the  Hermes..word has  it that two people have exceptd transfers..and other transfers are being offered....word also has it, that Commnader HAck is very angry at his peoplebeing "bribed wawy"

  Gruless has  died  well in Med-center there is  supposed to be an investigation, but  no one will confirm that.


  The Hermes  lost so,e people to Olympus, but  are picking up some new crew members..a good chnce to get off Olympus if you had  what they were looking for.

 From the  Olympus, there are scattered guesses  about what happened  and why, with the stolen fighter. Rumor mills  have said it was taken by those  who are siding  with the Demons, and would wish to gain support for them to allie our worlds  with thiers

 Dark rumors say, it is  Demonic spies, trying to weaken the Olympus.

 A body was recovered In a Hammer ejection capsule...it  is believed to be  the body of the  person who stold the  Mark IV Hammer...he was wearing  an Olmpus  Flight jacked and helmet...that still carried the  Ion dust from the blast of the HArvestor's  cannon..the man was  Idenified as Chief Owens...he was recently transferred to the  Olympus  from the Hermes..some  say the hief  had ties with the Demoic  underground...
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  From the Fuji:  Welocme  Calls Go out to the Hunting Task Force  of the Hermes  and thier  Merc  compainion ship, the Harvestor..there are  two Tenders  with them as well..Good  Luck Hermes!

  The  Ball and  Council on Delta Omega is being  studied by all...and could prove to be a big event in this war...the Demons and thier allies, as well as the AP all wait for the Mulls'  vote.....

  With a  Larger  Task force building in the Mull's  solar system, The AP  and  Earth in particular, have gained a solid  foothold in the Delta Sector of space.  With  Delta  Prime , already  in the hands of Earth and the AP, and Delta Sigma being colonized, the upcoming treaty with the Mull Home world  of Delta Omega, will set up a barrier, and Give AP  Vessels many places totake refuge. With The ESN  Fuji Only a Few  hours  away by Cruiser...the AP has a Lock on the sector

  There was the normal news  of the  continued  struggle   in the Delta  planets, with a New  Military Govenor  about to be selected, in time  to travel back with the Hermes, after thier trip back to Earth.
........................................

 News of  a Occi freighter that was being excorted by a Mercenary Destroyer, was lost and the destroyer battly damaged, the Occi were carring  some hightech goods. The Merc CAptain of the destroyer said it was two smaller bug vessals that attacked the frieghter.
.................................................

 The ESN HAdes Docked  at Olympus  station. Only the second  time the HAdes  has traveled out into Jupitor territory...they are to play the Hermes   Team in the ESN/AP league championship, once the Hermes arrives at Olympus next week. An Interview with  the Hades Middle Linebacker Stephan Korski, a LT in the  MArines..the feeds were edited...  we look forward to the game...to meet the  Hermes team, and beat them  to the ground...They cannot  run..when they are on the ground...

  the  Bookies..having taken a big beating  when Hermes  played the Olympus team have only made the point spread at 4 points, for the HAdes team...some say its because they will have a week of practice at the stadium, others think thier practice of hard hitting , on both sides of the ball...can slow down the  faster, quickstrike, Hermes  team...

......

  the Vids shows some  armed exchanges on the  Planet of Delta  Omega. The New AP  forces were  taking out rebel Mulls  and thier Demon allies. Some people were  quick to point out , some  Hybrd Bug/mulls in the fighting, but the breeding didn't seem to matter  much, as  Pulse rifles Blew Insectoid bodies inot  fragments. An Interview  with  a AP-Mull non-com ended with this  quote. These are  the dregs of our  planet. They sold thier own, to the  bugs  and demons. This is a good time, to wipe out, these 'mistakes' in our race, so  we might step forward, into the future..."

  Things were getting hectic on the Olympus. Rooms had  already been set aside  for     The Hermes crew, if any wished to stay. and  shcedules were being drawn up for the teams to have thier times on the filed....the  Hades team was getting as many reps in as they could, trying to get that tiny advantage of being used to the filed.

  Senator Frans was  shown on the Vids and in the magazines having dinner with the HAdes Captain and sitting in on some of thier practices. It was no secrect, that he shared the Hades distrust of the Angels, and wished to have some  kind of dialogue with the Demons....of course...The Angels had not yet, eaten any humans that we know of, nor did  breeding research...if breeding was on the Angel;s agenda, they had more then enough eager volunteers who looked upon the Angels as beautilful , in the extreme....

  Those  able to see  the Big Screen bids in the  cities, or the little vids in the bars, homes , or barracks...some  unsettling news.

  Across the Void, in the opposite direction of the Hermes. A Luxery Liner, The Goddess, was attacked along with her 2 mercenary escorts, The Sizzler and The Pitchfork..All three ships  were destroyed. When the ESN Ares and her Tenders arrived as soon as they were able. The salvage left floating  in the attack area suggested the ships  were  hit  by Pirates. But most disagree , that two Mercenary Destroyers could be taken out by pirates.

 Study of the salvage will continue. it is though all hands from the  three vessels were either killed or taken prisoner.

 The news  broke into the end coverage of the Big game... it started  with  the defeated enemy ships, striking thier colors, or being broken in half....that set more then a few people smiling...until  the anchor's voice  said, For those who have never seen this footage..now is the time you will...the next shots you will see, if  from birthing centers on the  enemy ships, where crossbreed testing  has been going on..much of it  with Humans...the sights you will see are harsh..but i encorage you to watch it...the demons, and thier allies, thing of us as either  Breeding stock...or food..or both....

 Around the Glode..around the system...Techs tried  hard to shut down the  feeds..no matter what they did, the feeds fought through, almost as if the feeds had a mind of thier own..the Images of Human women giving birth to abominations..and  Men being subjected tobizzarre mating tactics...The halfdemon offspring turning on thier birth mothers  for  food, as the demon "nurses' and 'doctors' stood by and watched, taking notes  and vids.

  the images ended with with the HAlfmull/insects falling out of the huge machine that cooked therm on the Mull home  world..

  for the next 2 days..the feeds ran rampant...more...and more  people saw what was at stake....and what the enemy was capable of.

 It is said, that for the next two days, recruitment for the ESN quadrupled....

  FROM EARTH...

  Tim Kirkpatrick here at ESN news on Earth....just Moments ago , buisnesses in several differant countires were rocked  by..what seems to be...terrorist attacks...The Buildings in New york have had  the tops  floors  explode..fires  Burning out of  control, the lost of lives  cannot be determined...we are  trying to find out whom these business  belong  to...In Sanfrancisco, another  Business Building  had the bottom floors  explode, with fires  raging, as   people are  trying to find out who and how many may have perished...In Great Britan, a Building belonging to the EDT was leveled..., Fire companies are on the  scene....In China, we have an update, that thier  largest office  Building has  Crumbled, the  loss of lives  could be in the thousands...In Moscow, serval building had  explosions....They all..wait..we have an Update from our people on the Olympus...

  Linda  Vore Here on Olympus station,  People are in a state of panic, as   another   series of explsions  have hit the station...a Business building  in the Uppers  has ceased to exist. leaving  fire  and  rubbled  over the  whole block, and  a Merc ship called  The Red Cloud, is sending SOS to  any ships in the area, as thier Bridge area Blew out and the ship is floudering...it  appears most hands will be lost, as   transports and Liners in the area try to reach her....

 Mars  Colony here...a very LArge Explosion rocked the EDT headquarters here..it is believed , that all inside have persihed, though the rescue teams   are digging through rubble  as i speak...thus far?  except for the  offical EDT buildings? it is hard to find a common thread in these attacks...no one has claimed responsiblity for these attacks...but..the toll will be heavy....

 AP News....

  Carl Kirkland here....seems we have a message from the Demon Confederation of Planets. They are trying to  set up  talks...on Carrier Station Olympus...however..the  ESN does not wish to talk. The Demons seem to be wanting us to Pull back, out of the Delta  Sector, and they will stop hostilties against Earth and her colonies....However...The ESN wishes them to Pull back , out of the Milkey way...taking thier allies  with them...there has been outrage on both sides....and the Focus of this Outrage, has been the Delta Fleet.

 A starmap comes up on the Screen. Its shows the Sol system and everything  it "owns" in green..this reaches  as far out  as  Sirus, in a circular covaerage...Reaching deep towards Orion's  Belt...is   a Swath carved  by the detla Fleet.

  Not  Far from the Delta Fleet  , It seems..are demon and Demon allied Coloney Planets...

 ....We asked San Diego what thgier thoughts on these talks were. The Answer  is...' Admiral Hack is making the calls in the Delta Sector...'

  The  camara went to Kirks  face, a dark smile on his face as he said,..so?  here at  AP  News, we  managed to call in some favors and get a live feed From Admiral HAck..fresh off thier   victory in Tortuga  Space...

 The camara was on Hack, the woman's voice said,what do you think, about the Proposed Talks   Ambassador  Frans  is working on with  Demons?

 Sims looked tired, but a smile was on his face. Behind him people were Hustling about and  Commander Si could be seen issuing orders,..There will be..NO...talks. Any Demon, or Demon allied ship that comes into our space, will be dealt with....The demons  bit of more the they can chew...they didn't know that, even the Angels seem to have....underestimated..the will of hmans....now? as we  add out own thinking to the Angel tech, and our people grow  stronger on Angelfood?...The demons need time to ...re-assess thier thinking....

 he pointed to a row of  HAmmers getting worked on..they dealt with us...in ways that can  only be thought of as Horrid....savage..they treated us like beasts....well..Total war isn't Hell...its  all the 9 hells put together...and those 9 hells  are coming right at the Demons...I have said this before...we recieved  no quarter..helpless colonies were destroyed..and we all saw the Vids....now?...The Demons  can look forward to that....If  they have places in our way, they best move them....because we 'll show you....how nasty..Earth can be...

  Carl looked at the  Camara, a nod of approval...seems like...the New Golden Rule has been laid out...Do unto  to others...as they have done..unto you...Good Night from AP news...and may the gods  travel with the Delta fleet...

  ..Hello folks..Carl Kirkland again, with a special Report from the Delta  Sector...as of 12:00 AM Earth Time, the AP has  aquired Three new members...Bura, and Elba have been added to the AP roster of Plaents, and  the  Free Carrier/Station , Tortuga as  Joined... what may be  almost as important...or  More  Important...The Sanri Republic  and the Occui Confederation have  signed  papers, to an Offical Allied pact with Earth...Though both groups belong to the Allied Planets, they have  remainded relatively Neutral in the war....this Puts Thier Navies and  armed forces along side ours...adding more to the  forces, that will...hopefully...push the Demons and thier allies, out of our  galaxy...

 ..a spokesman for the Sanri Republic , let it be known, that EArth's actions  agains the Demons  and thier  allies, have shown that these forces can be stopped, and it was time, for the  more peaceful  RAces, to join together...

  Kirkland Looked intot he camara and smiled as he said,Well Done, Hermes...and the Delta Fleet!

..this Vid Broke  through all the Vid in the secotor as well as Earth-space....

Friends...Ambassadors..and  those interested in the Human race.... he  Pointed to the Screen,What yoou are about to see , is Astra..the target for  our Next Invasion...all Delta Fleet ships  have been refitted...we are taking the war to the Demons....

  we Have  have..at this Moments 5 troop transport/bases..there are  another 2 coming as we speak..they..have not been OKed by the ESN..they are Volunteers...

  ..You see? The Admiralty is split, with this attack on a Demon Home world..some do not want us to over extend...others... are afraid we will..anger..the demons....

  ....As My rank allows me to make treaties, and grant Governorships, and the like...it also gives me the right to protect, and defend this  Sector, as i see fit....Astra...is on her own...a wide gulf of The Black, between  Bura and  Astra....and  a week travel time  to the nearest demon held  world...thus  far, Demon civies, and their allies, had not  much to fear...that ends..in 3 days....

 The films  showed Astra, the Northern hemisphere was industrialized, the southern Hemisphere had Giant Mounds where  the Creshains had made home...as the  spy probes dipped  closer, one could see  Largrans, and their MAtes, with smaller  Lizards walking around..demons even  looked like ...out-of-place  humans, as they stopped by shops and looked around.

 ...We  see..andother Type of demon...softer  Armor, but not  quite Wisps...we wil have to check with our   Bio-tach...but we believe, these are the work of crossbreeding , as they attempt  to make Demons that can take over Human and Angel Planets, with less..outrage....But...if we look closer at the shops....

  The camera closed in..the shops...more then a few...had  Humans, Occui, Sanri, and some other odd  Humaniods , not know to ESN yet..they Hung in Butcher  shops...they were CAged in pet shops...or were being sold as Servants, that you could , eat, when they were no longer of use... A demon in Uniform, that looked more like  the demons   we were used to Fighting...pulled a hand gun from its  holster and Blew the  Drone away..the screen went blank.

  Earth was Buzzing with excitement..worry..even some, good old fashion vengeance . The Vids showed the world of Astra, as nothing more then a Colonized homeworld , of  sorts.

  Small Military basses, the Biggest Military installation was the Space stations where the   LArge ships would dock, and send cargo down to the  planet, or get new fuel cells and  supplies. The  smaller cargo ships  could go , in and out of atmosphere and Dock right at  one of the Three major  cities.

 In the southern Hemisphere, there was only one large city..Nivar...the  'bug' Capitol  where aliens   would do business with the Creshians...the southern Hemisphere had the Largest Military Base, and some of the Mounds where said to have Fighter  bases  inside as well.


  In the North, on the western side of the planet, was Ragen, The Proud City of this Planet..The Demon Capitol and the city where the spy Probe had shown vids of the Demons  living on the planet..One  Military BAse was close  By. A training Camp for Demon soldiers, and an armor base.

  On the EAstern side was Vita, Almost as Grand  at Ragen, Vita boasted  the  science focus of this  world. LArge Buildings dedicated to every phase of Demon studies...Breeding..ways of using   'food' so they would last longer, and..of course..weapons tech. Here..It was  said, The EDT had their own Building, where they worked alongside Demon  and LArgran scientists. Hoping to bring " peace, through understanding"....or...perhaps jockey for position , when I camp time to have   the Human Leaders, when the Demons took Earth?

  The Space station was a little bigger then  Tortuga. It was armed  and had some 40 fighters...the rest of the fighters  would come up from the LArgrans, should they need them.

  Patroling the  Space around Astra, was the Migonian Fleet. NAmed after the Admiral who lead the fleet. Migon was an Older 'super wisp'. they mind and Body of  a Wisp, but the body armor of a TAnk....He was one of the first 'oranges' to step up through the ranks..and he was a ruthless as any demon ever hatched....3 dreadnaughts where in the   Migonian Fleet..The Harre..The  Nilo...and  The Verg. It is said the Rava was part of the fleet, until it was lost to the Humans a while back...with the 3 dreadnaughts, where 6  Destroyers...the lack of cruisers makes Earth Military thing, that the Crusiers lost to the Delta Fleet had  come from this  fleet. no records  uncovered  could confirm or deny that.

  All this was shown on the  Vids, as  "the HAcker" put up the vids to show EArth and the AP, what the Delta Fleet would be getting into, should they try to attack.

 there  were  snipets on the Vids...rumors  through the ship.Hack had  called for a Conference. He left it  up to the Angels to set it up. Whomever was not there?..just plain missed out..no waiting for one race or the other...you were there..or you weren't.

  The  Conmferance was set to start, when  Hermes  docked. After  which, the Crews of the  Delta Fleet were  getting  2 days leave to relax before returning to Astra.

  The Demons were said to have set up a COM Line with Fuji, that would be filtered through different channels so they could be there..at their site, were to be the Leaders of The LArgran,Avians, and  the Creshians...Mulls had their own  COM line in...and the  Sanri and Occui were being channeled through  the Hermes.

  The Borials  HAd their  own COM line as well...recently powered up with Help  from Delta Fleet Engineers  from the  ESN Edison.Though this new  group was largely ignored by most everyone...HAck Insisted they would be a part, since  they signed a compact with the Delta Fleet, the ESN..and the AP

  what had folks Buzzing was the talk, that the  Merc ships were escorting a VIP ship, though no one would say who they were.

   As the  people relaxed, or went  about their  jobs and duties. some places  had Vid  screens on to  catch Fleet football games, watch shows, or  listen to the news.

  People where Shcoked when a split  screen Showing  Qer La Cal, Ge-Fi, and Admiral Hennings.

  A Woman sat in front of the Screens that were behind her..she talked to , \maller screens in front of her...the Woman wore the Uniform of  the EDT.

 ...Tell me Again, Qer La Cal, your Feelings of  Admiral HAck and the Delta  Fleets upcoming  attack on your Home System...

 Qer La CAl, smiled a toothy smile  and said in a soft tone,..I find it odd, that the Humans, who have raised  so Much chaos over ...what the feel...is our aggression across the galaxy , yet they seem to think they can boldly go about, taking other People's Colonies...killing other races...

...This is nothing But a Sham...I am Only here because Ge-Fi wished it....The Demons have attacked..Killed..eaten  and  experiments on other  races for  1000s of years....Its Earth's place...its  EArth's Duty..to show them what its like... Hennings  waved an dismissive hand .

 ..We..as a People , Have never taken any colony, that did not wish to enter our collective...and..for once  I agree totally with  Admiral Hennings....we did not  eat anyone...

 ...but you have experimented on other peoples...the EArthers , themselves have been given additives  that boost thier lifespans, strength  and  even intelligence...

  Those  ...'gifts'..are ours  by right..we the people  of earth have Angel and Demon..and gods know what other blood in their veins...you only complain for  2 reasons  , Qer La Cal...the first? you see we are now your  equals , if not your betters....and... the second...you fear this is the end days of your Empire...


 ..and You  Condone this, Ge-Fi?

   We are there to protect Earth...not serve as its MAster. We gave them the tools to move forward....your people, and those of your allies..made the mistake..of stepping into the wrong system. at the wrong  time

 ...we shall see, if you have the same feelings when  the PArdise  system is nothing but a Demon stockyard...

 ..even  a Demon face, cannot  hide  fear....you threatened  Ge-Fi's  homeworld..in hopes that they will not  aid us in your demise....well?...They have  stopped  weeks ago...Earth, now..moves on, with the rest of the AP..and we will be knocking on your door  soon enough...

 ..I have  had enough of this banter....I do have a Message  for the  man you call Shadow?... Ber Jok..who was  the flight leader at Bura...managed to escape to..lets  say...a near-by-system, with a few of his  pilots....He says  its  a pity , Shadow will be dead, he would have loved to fight  against him... she  smiled  sweetly ( er..for a demon anyway)

 well..he must have  Run like a coward, because  had he met Shadow, or any of the Delta fleet pilots for that matter...he would be dead by now.... I will say this  on Shadow..and the Delta Fleet's Behalf.... They will meet again...unless..of  course...part of the Demon strategy for this  war, is to try to tire us out, as the retreat from system to system...

 Ge-Fi was grim,..Your  fate is is the EArtyhers  HAnds , Qer La CAl...the  AP forces have chosen to follow he Lead of the Detla fleet...unless you  pull your forces back to your home systems....i am afraid..there is no stopping them..... he  held his hands out in the 'there -you-have-it...postion.

 ..I must differ with Ge-Fi on this... The AP...and  ESN...will not be satisfied, until we are standing on the ground, outside your Palace..while it  burns , and your head is  on a flagpole ...


 All three  screens  went blank as the EDT woman smiled,..and there you have it..once more   the ESN and the AP, throw aside the branch of peace offered by  Qer La CAl, and the Demonic  Empire....remember this, when your sons and daughters die, light  years  away from your homeworld, or colony....

  The parties  went on, the Nightclubs, the bars..even little shops that sold  spirits   put Vid screens in the window, for those on the street to see and hear.

  Most of the  Vids   dealt with the end of the war...Gallent Angels fighting, Demons  falling...

  Fresh clips of ESN  and AP forces pouring into the BAttle...everynow  and then, there were repeats of Bor Jok being shot  down, using the Gun camera angles from Shadow's Hammer, Kats Hammer, and the   on-ground  cameras.


  Occui, Snari, Humans... could be seen milling about with  Angels as they partied ( Mulls snuck into picks as they tried to sell their  wares...)

....

 Vids  from the Red Moon shown  Skith and Tortuga Mercs  with Angels...there seemed to be  a lot of Skith, but no one seemed to mind.

  as the Vid s Ran the story came across....

 EVOL Trooper Catches ESN party people, out of control..

 the Vids show  Shadow  and  his  friends   slipping into a Building, then Coming out  and Heading down the alley way.

  a smaller Figure  had entered into the picture  as well..though   none could put a finger on who it was..

  The Vid showed some trucks  leaving the Building's  Dock access road...and  the  Angel SEC troopers as  well as  the Fire Defense Force showing up

  The Delta Fleet was  slowly pulling out, and forming up some 3000 miles  outside of Carras Space.  Three ships were staying behind to  help the   2 moons begin to rebuilt their   defenses.  A Sanri Cruiser, and  Occui Crusier and the ESN F005  Sif as well as the Destroyer Silica .

  The  Angels  , In turn sent 2 of their Crusiers to join the fleet. Both ships had been planet side, one from each  planet, and   the New crews were  trying to get them into shape. It would be a few months before all the  dry docked ships  would be in The Black once more.

   The EVOL ships   received word that they  could contimue  witht eh detla Fleet, under  Admiral Hack's Control. Thus, giving the fleet a few more ships...and a few more headaches!

  The Detla  Fleet had split. Mu was given command of a battle group that consisted of the Skith Fleet, The Tortugans , and the EVOLs

  2  ESN Transport/bases  went with them. Bur a was under attack. It seemed desperate  for the demons to attack a  world that was   now , a solid  ESN territoty. But they had to have a reason.

 The rest of the fleet, that consisted  of the ESN naval Vessels, and the Few ships of   the Sanri and Occui  Federations, as well as 4 token ships from  the Moons, 2  each from the Blue and red  Moon, headed to Fuji , for repairs  and refits. Though?..if needed, they would  have to leave  with the Skith's  section of the fleet, could not eliminate the Demon threats.

  About the time, the Shuttle landed on Fuji.....

  The small ship kept its Jump engines working hard...Pop in....power up...pop out..repeated for some 2 hours.

 The  small Qarl vessel final  appear of the portside of a MAssive Qarl Battleship.

  The  Human in the Black Uniform looked out the porthole...we have been hearing about beings that looked like this , my whole life....and now?  we are going to meet them.

 a Tired Occui with some signs  of battle scars  simply snorted at those words,..CAreful Human, even the Angels and  demons  Tread softly  , with the Qarl.

 The Man turned, seemingly with out a care,Delta Fleet didn't...they sent that ship packing ...Skith may have brought it down, had they not been ion the other  end of the planet...

 he  whacked the  wounded Female demon on the shoulder,..besides..they are goign to make her see again? right?

 The Occui looked  at the wounded Demoness as he shrugged,..maybe..maybe not...i think, she will at least get some form of sensors...But Cell growth and Biotech are  what the  Qarls are noted for...

  The Planet looked  wonderful from space. Mostly Green and Blue, white or dark grey clouds moving in their patterns  above the planet.

 This was Zolth. The free Planet in ...what used to be..The Free Zone. The Delta  Fleet changed that, when Tortuga Joined the AP.

 Tortuga  sits on the  AP edge of the system, a stopping  point  for ships going in either direction. Since  they have Joined the ESN, Tortugan ships have  patrolled the Black, focusing their attacks of  slaver ships, Demons and any ship flagged as a Demon empire vessel.

 the results  are not always good. Zolth has maintained its 'open planet' status. They allow  any vessel who wishes to trade, or needs help, to dock there. Goods from everywhere are  here...sadly the Goods include captives who are sold off as slaves.

 The EVOLs have made Zolth their  home, after being made aware of it, by their new Qarl Masters. The EVOLs thrive here. and have no problem recruiting  wayward Angels, Humans from dozen planets, and  disgruntled Humaniods from across The Black.

  With the transfers  coming on Board, there was also a change in the Vid-reporters  for the Delta Fleet..while everyship had  a reporter  and Cam person, The   Hermes  held the "face' that would  report the news   and  bring in other reporters for their 'time in the sun' on CAm.

  It was a very well paying, very sought after  job, if yuou were a Vid-reporter.

 Cindy was retiring, too much time in space..too mnay hard stories...

  Enter , Minnie Max. Though she  swore that was her real name, Most folks  doubted it. The  Tall slender Black woman, who has been seen on the battle field when she first became a Vid  Reporter, was now in the Prime spot  for her Business.

 She  smiled at the Vid-cam as she stood on the OB Dec. With Zolth over her should..ever-so-slowly, growing bigger.

  Hello people Of   the ESN and AP...I cannot  tell you what an Honor it is to be standing   on the OB Dec of the Hermes. I wish to thank the people  behind ESN NEWS, for giving  me this chance.

 She  Motions  with  her  Free arm over her  shoulder  with a Thumb,We can see, the Planet Zolth. Once the  Queen of  Free Space, Until  they allowed the EVOLs to hold operations  from thier   homeworld. Being stripped of this  Title by the AP, the delta  fleet..in a daring raid...attacked   leaders of the EVOL arm of the  Demonic  Empire...Talks between the Delta Fleet and the Zolth Leaders....Coupled with the strikes against the EVOLs..helped  win a treaty  between the ESN and  Zolth...the smaller planets of  Lux and Elba have also signed on. This Gives   the ESN its  deepest  thrust into  The Black..in the direction of the  Demon's Homeworld of Hel...As I stand her this Morning, The Fleet is closing  in on Zolth , to  have  Admiral Hack and the Board, go down for a formal signing of the treaty , as well as Give the Delta Fleet a Chance to meet and Know each other..a rare  thing Indeed, as Most of  out allies   are in sectors, that have not needed the  presence of  ESN  warships...

 She Smiles  , but the smile Fades as three faces appear on the  screen nest to her.On a darker note.. Admiral Wess  and General Nickerson , of the  EVOL forces who  have become to be known as 'Red EVOLS' were Killed in  operations  by the Detla  fleet..the Third, Lady Blankenship  escaped her Villa as it was attacked..thus far, her fate is Unkown. There are still some  , who still believe in the RED EVOLs thoughts  of siding with the Demonic  Empire to save  our race. Other  feel it would be akin, to a cow  offering to walk into a food processing center... reports have seen a drop  in EVOL signings..Most that leave earth Come from the  Middle East or  South America.... But there are patches of   support groups  all around the Globe, as well  as in some colonies..

 ..In the  End..only history will be able to tell who was right....

  The AP news   comes  on for their show. Most things are  about planets who are in the AP gearing up for the war, Build  ships, fighters..shuttles  and supplies for the effort.

   A guy with a head set on comes into view ( the reporter at his Desk looks annoyed  until he takes the paper  from his   hand), the headset fellow  goes off  camera, and   the  Vids behind the  reporter  go down and  a New one starts...

 ..This   just in..a live stream form somewhere Between Astra and the Delta  Colonies......

 he turns  so he can see the Vid Himself  as he  reads the  report,The reporter  makes  no attempt at appearing 'neutral'..the  disgust and anger   is barely controlled as he reads ...and watches.

 This is a Live  Vid  Feed from a  Life Pod from the   'Little Princess". The  Little Princess is a colony ship Bound  for  the Delta Colonies..it is....was...carrying  some 30,000 Humans  , sanri and a hand full of Occui...With her  was the   ECS  ( Earth Colony Service)...Med supply ship...she had 2,000 Crew, mostly Med techs and ships crew... and  the Supply ship, " The  Brown Dog..out of Tortuga....

 He looks up again,..We see the   HAdes, Now wearig the colors  of the Demonic  Empire, along  with the Pyrite  and  another ESN Vessel we cannot  get the  Niumber of...with them are  3 Largran Cap ships..and an Avain Nest ship.....

 the Vid  shows the Hades  pounding the  Little princess, until the  surrender Lights  came on...the LArgan vessels are Now  boarding the ships, sending shuttles to the Avain Nest ship....It appears  that any and all survivors  are being taken to the Nest ship....we must assume the ships will be 'joining' the Hades   taskforce....We can only hope  these...traitors...will be brought to Justice..and those in the Life Pods.....

 Two LArgan Fighters  appear on the screen   and   grow closer...then Fire..the   Vid  Disppears in a flash....

  The  Reporter  stares at the blank screen, then looks to the  Vid Cam,..If  any of You have Joined the Demonic Empire..I hope you burn in the  9 hells....

 The News  story ends...and some commercials pop up to fill in the  dead air.

   On  Everest there was a Big Parade in Lowers. It was the  Parade to celebrate the  growth of the AP. 3 new planets in a new system. A great day, unless you were from the demonic  Empire....

 here we are, a celebration to welcome  the new system to the AP!, and of course a Day off  for alot of the workers  on Everest! the man with bad hair  smiled

 ..That's  right Jim, andThe weeding out of EDT and  EVOLs has  helped freshen the air, so-to-speak..at last it seems like the  Tables are turning , quickly... said the Blonde  with the smile made for VIDs.

 Well, Beck? I'm sure there are  some Angels  and such who aren't  real happy. Humans have seemed to  be  taking over the galaxy, but not as  conquers , but  as a United  force...

 Indeed, Jim, one  can only wonder what we could have achieved if the Angels would  have come to us sooner!

 the    highschool bands came  down the street, one of them came from the Uppers, there  were Booths set up along the street for  food, and  many Races  lined the street to watch.

   there  seemed to be a disturbance as  a Fellow ran out in the middle of the street, standing before cameras as he shouted,"....THE FLEET WILL BE THE DOWNFALL OF EARTH!!!..."

 Then he Pushed a trigger on his  Belt, Blowing Himself  and  many dozens of people around him Up....The VIDs  kept  running as people screamed  and  Everest SEC scrambled... Med Techs where flying in with  Med Vans...

  The woman was Horrified...the Man struggled to talk,...we  just recieved this message...I think we were supposed to read it   before..this happened.... the Note reads, "...as long as there is  Delta Fleet..there will be an EDT!.."

  The Man looked at the Screen,his voice was bitter,we can only hope, the Fleet can stop these monsters...as well as the Demons....

 the CAMs moved  away and began to cover the MedTechs  as they tried to treat those who could be saved.

    As people went  about there  day a  APF Vid, the first issued  by the new Alliance , came onto  Vids  screens  everywhere.

    The  Man with BAd hair, that seemed to be the main studio guy for the APF ,

  we have this  bit of news  from   Fleet HQ there  will be a new   formation of  the Delta  Fleet. In order to protect from or  attack any...Empire Forces, The Fleet is being broken up into  smaller  fleets, that will  cover the Delta  Quad, and now, the Beta Quad.

 In this  Quote, at the a brunch meeting  at  Admiral HAck's  quarters...he explains  what they are about to do, so the people of the APF will understand.

the Viss switches to a tape....


 ....and..we have  come a long  way, since the  Hermes set out as a lone vessel, to hunt down a rogue  Demon ship, inside    the Sol System

 he looks  down at   the people in front of him , then back up to the Camera's. He is dresses in a  beach shirt and Shorts,  The Commander  has a sundress on, a lot of the people have dress uniforms on.

 ..at first..it seemed ,w e were a welcome bit of fresh air..each victory we  made, every set back  that faced us... we gained more and more followers, more and more...allies...

 Hack turned to the gathered aliens  and humans  from newer planets and systems.

  Then he looked  straight into the  main Camera,..but ...we did not  come out here.. to kill  a few bad guys, and chase away others...We came , to  rid the galaxy of the demon threat...

 his  voice grew a bit sterner as he continued,..i really, do not know, just how long the Empire  had the run of the  Black.. but that ended the  day we  blew up that first Vessel..people wonder why..i allow  live  vid feeds from  battles, and live  vid feeds when teams go onto the captured Vessels, or into Captured bases.... we want  every being  , to know, just what the Empire does...we have also started beaming  footage to Empire space, of tests we are doing on  every Race in the Empire....

 there looks to be some concerns  around the people behind him, But  Hack holds up both hands as he continues,..total war...means...just that... there are no...noncombatants ... the demons   take  women and children.....the least we can do..is to test things on their  warriors,rather then sending out people with no idea..."if it works"....

 In the end? This war is going to be over  when  Hel is  a burning  rock. The Demons pushed too far, and they are paying the price..those  races who side with them?  will be treated accordingly...and humans who side with the demons...will be treated...much...much worse....

 ..so? from here on out?  We will not  be as 'nice' to  the Empire as we have been...if you are an Empire ship  and we come across you... we will..indeed, capture or destroy you..and the only chance you have to save your life..is to hit your surrender lights, and pray to whatever gods you have, that we are in a good mood that day...

 ..as one  might suspect?  We have had a few officers, who do not agree with,,,total war... and i respect those officer's choices... they have been removed  form the  fleet, and given  responsibilities  in Colonies,  on Bases  and in the rear area...because.... I will not allow an officer  to get his people killed, through stupidity, as the former   Commander of the ESN Thor did in the Battle of the Black....

 ..Now..this conference is over, and  we have some shore leave to attend to...thank you for your Time..... You folks..in the Demonic Empire?...enjoy the  quiet...because...we're  coming for you.... his  smile was as dazzling as it was  cold, behind him   there were  APF people shaking hands  and grinning....

 The announcer  said  with a grin, as they went back to the studio,well?.... as the  old earth saying   goes.... stuff  just go real!

 the Vids  cut off and returned to regular programs.

  The Time  was   close to 8:00 AM...

  News Feeds, Games shows,  Vids..whatever  were interrupted  as    A Very good Looking , woman,reporter stood with  Admiral Hack And Commander Si.

 The Admiral looked distinguished in his uniform, but the  5 o'clock shadopw was  getting thick, and the Collar of his  dress Uniform was opedn.

 The Commander's   Uniform was opened a bit  as well, but she  still seemed fresh and alluring as always...

 ..I am   Here, for  FUJI  News... the breaking announcement that will be fed through out The Black..

 ..I am Here  with Admiral Hack, and  Commander  SI who headed the  talks, and  the  papers have been signed, Can you tell us, now, Admiral?..What has  taken place?

  Hacks  smile  was real, if not tired,..Well? I wil start  this off , by saying, we contacted  the Demon, Largran, Avains and Creshian Homeworlds..not  planets they Hold, but the seat of thier  Government.... not one of them agreed to be included in the talks, that would have brought some form of peace...and..saved  Millions of Lives... what it  comes down to? The Empire thinks  , even after  1000s of years of war, that they will  prevail.... Me?..not so much...

 ..And?  Admiral..How does  this  Effect the Delta Quad and  the Beta  Quad?

 ...if shows  us now...who  we fight, who we don't fight, who  we aid, and who we will not aid.. The demons  Thought we were seeking to surrender?.. But.. that is what i was seeking from them. In the End..they walked away, never  even  had thier names  entered into the Minutes, except to say they refused to  join in the talks.

 ..If  i may?..The   battlelines have  been drawn for sometime? We were offering the demons  a way out. There is no secert we intende to destory thier homeworld... we were giving them a chance, to prevent that...but they seem to think they will prevail.....

 ..Destroy thier  homeworld?

 It means  , Just what the  Commander says. The demons , and Angels for that matter.. as well as the Sanri and Occui, have been on earth  going back to the time when  my people lived in caves....  Our   history books  and books on religion are full of references to them...but it is only the demons who have sought  utter destruction, and rule over our race.

 It is clear, that  if you bowed  down to the  demons, and joined the Empire..you would  slightly better off, then those who fought against the Empire....Times have  changed.... Those who  walked away..who side  with the Empire are going to  pay..a very  heavy butcher's bill, when all is  said  and done... at least, until  The Homeworld of Hel is a smoking Cinder in the Black..then?  we'll see who still wants to continue the Empire

  Can you Tell us?... how the sides  have   formed up?

 Si Smiles,... we have   the some  people on our side as we did   When this was the AP.... The APF merely added the   Stations  of Everest, Etna, and the Matterhorn... there are   a few world  who came to  Fuji  to The  Roussians, The Orange Skinned , taller people..have  Joined the  APF...The Verians   have  confirmed  their place as active Members as opposed to advisors ...

  Hack  scowled,..The  Hillites... Nivens and Hyrians have   left to  join the Empire. Though the truth be told..they were always attacking   ESN/ AP  places before. This conference  made them choose  a side, that would be recorded..they chose the Empire..There are smaller..  moons, and even planetiods  that have  joined one side or the other.. they will be  added to the roster  as they join the   war effort in some form or other..now..If I may Make an announcement for the Fleet?

 ..of  Course Admiral..by all means!

  All Delt Fleet personel, You will report to your  ships  at 8:00 PM  tonight..COMS  will be send.... if you miss your ship, you will be assigned to Colony duty..that is all....

  Thank You Admiral, Commander... go get some rest... The wave  to the CAM  and move off, as the reporter says,..and there you have it..a Historic alliance is built..and dark days seem to  be coming for the Empire!

   There was Music playing  and Fuji Sec  guards  at the Doors.  Dozens of  waiters and waitresses were   hustling   drinks  and   finger food  trays. Servers  manned   buffet tables    cutting   meats and such   the way  people 'liked them'.

  The scene was odd. Men in uniforms or  suits   with  hair slightly a mess  and   5:00 shadows, collars   Un buttoned.. Ladies  with  hair falling out of they set up, and makeup worn away.

 Through it all people smiled and drank, laughed  and  talked.. this is the  1st day..or the APF...........

  Closing in  on 2:00  A very Tired Admiral  smiles   weakly  at people as they left. Si, likewise, tired, but still some how, looking 'fresh'

   Standing In  the Lobby, after     asking   for their things to be sent down...  Hack finally looked at his COM, the first time, since the  party, he  flipped through  screens  and   screesn shaking his head... Until he checked the  HOT BOX... there were only 5 COM TEXY there..all were from  Morris and Rivets... all sent  from the Shed.

   in his  present state he was more  easy to anger, He  told the Desk Clerk to have their  things sent  as soon as they were able, then he  stormed out   waving for a Taxi. Si Hustled after   him.

 ..to the Hermes.... as  fast  as you can get there....

  Kevin  O'higgens was not a rich man, as  most merchants go. True, he hand a few ships, and made  credits   selling  as well as transporting goods.

 He had three  Modest homes in the Lowers of the  Three Stations, of what has become known as, The Beta Triangle.

 More then Once, O'higgens used his ships to  meet people  , just off the 'corridors', to get  escaped slaves, to a CArrier /Station. That came to and end today.

  Two Nivarian  Caps  ships   were dogging   the ship he was on,  The BIg Package, he  was running   through the Corridor  between  Fuji and Everest when the ships  were  spotted on the scanners.

 Fast, and agile for Merchant ships, they were  lightly armed with  one Heavy Pulse Guy and a  unit of 10 Merc  troopers.

 O'Higgens got  17 people  aboard his  personal Shuttle  and hand them drop off the ship..with instructions  not to power  up for an hour...

 Floating   and 'dropping' away from the 'Package'.. they were unseen , or ignored by the   Caps ships..in 40 Minutes, The Package was hit...then Boarded...all three ships sailed into Hillite Space.....an hour  , on the  dot the Shuttle powered up and heading towards  FUJI and rising  back into the 'corridor'

 There is  spotted the  ESN Sandstone And the Destroyer   closed in on its  Hail......

  The Vids Broke into a news  story.

  Mark Liop here for Everest news.... we have Confirmed, that a fire has occurred in the Fleet E-stacks of the  St Gaul Library...the fire was contained to the E-stats, one of the  Info -Techs said,over 90% of the Fleet crew histories  have been purged..Admiral had said, by way of  a rep, that the delta fleet  will be sending techs to help repair and replace the information...

 he looked  more troubled,...another   tragic bit of  news, happen close to the same time...Admiral St Gual's Home was broken into At least 6 Everest SEC guard were killed, and Admiral St Gaul's husband was killed,..rumors  have it  that  token was left behind at the scene, that may lead to  the Group, " Golden Skulls' who have been known to work in the   Beta triangle as well as  the Delta Quad...The Fire destroyed most of the first floor, leaving only one upstairs bed room intact

 another Bit of news that may, or may not be related...Popular Pawn shop  owner Neci and Virk...is under new Management  by another husband  and wife Couple from the delta  quad..the news  came as a surprise  to many of the customers.. officials are loking into their   leaving , calling it...'odd'

 then the  news  switched  to some quoted  by Delta folks  as they were entering the BAll...before showing how'grand it was'

    Well come to  The Latest in the News of the  Beta Quad  and out Human holdings. Today?  we have the recent COM  Vid  debate  With the  reps from The Empire... Ge_fi and those  of the APF

 These are the snippets , right before the  hearing  ended.

  A Very Good looking Demon, Female Wisp Stood  by her  Mic,..What we are saying,  The forces of Earth have to withdrawn the delta Fleet. They have  committed war crimes, beyond that, of  any Human force in you tiny  history....

  Ge-fi looked  troubled,..we have  tried to recall the Delta Fleet...we have even cut off the normal support, other  Fleets that  have stayed in the Sol system. But Admiral Hack, who has control over the delta Quad, as seen fit to Join the APF as a full member..while the Sol system has been annexed  by Paradise ...and  we remain a non contibuting Member.

 A Sanri female, in full dress of silks  and  such was at her  micWe..The APF have we3lcomed  Admiral Hack and the delta  Quad Territories...and we will continue to support  the Delta Fleet...and acknowledge any territories he  annexes or, Gives over to other  Member species to annex... It has been a long time coming, but  The Black is standing up to the  Empire's  bullies....unlike..some races...

..so?  Ge_fi..you are saying you have no control of the Humans...

 ..I am not here to control them, but...to protect them... If Humans  Volunteer to go outside the system to join the Delta Fleet or live in  Earth's colonies? I will not stop them...at the same time, we hold back resources, so we can  fortify our  Home forces, to protect our system from Empire forces...

 Regardless  of what Ge-Fi says... the APF will help the ESN as they Fight....it was bound to Happen, to the Empire, sooner or later. You would hit the point that you could no longer push past...you were reward, with some one who will push back.... This is  the time, you should sue for a peace..and withdraw to your own systems...Before you do not have systemns , to withdraw to.

 Olympus was  in a state  of flux, EVOL-EDT forces  have all but  taken over the Uppers.

 The Lowers  seemed to be in control of ESN-APF  folks...The Stem was a no man's land, with Black market folks playing both ends against each other....at the same time ..'resistence'  also held up in the Stem, attacking/Hijacking   EVOL VAns  and sich that would try to make it to the lowers, and knock of  Uppers SEC.

 Even  the fighters.. the Lower HAngers   and Upper hangers  would   have stand offs.. while  Ships  started  docks on the   Uppers or lowers, depending on which FAction they leaned to.

  through it  All.. Ambassador Frans Ruled over the The Uppers, Having dinners  with EDT and EVOL  forces..and..even entering   Demon envoys ( those that would make it through the freelance Lower's fighter hunts. )

    People watched news  Vids from Olympus, as a matter of course. Nothing much  different then seeing news  around the world, or around The Black.

  The odd  Civil war  was being fought on Olympus, fighters were  now  painted  with Blue and red  for the  ESN/leaning fighters... Or  EDT Black for the Upper  fighters. Both sides knew  they could not have large  scale battles. the station would not survive.

 so...running battles  here  and there... The Black Market folks  became more rich, by the  day. selling arms.. taking a cut of Mercs who they ., more or less, acted as an employment agency for.

 the  docks were crowded as ships settled into their berths. The Merchants were split... creds were  creds... though there were some who showed , outright distain for the  EDT leaning  Uppers.

  This showed as   Lower's  fighters  escorted  merchants...or  attacked   those who would not 'stand  down' if they were heading to the Uppers...both sides  would board Merchants, and take the ships...and cargo.

  Tortuga got into the  act... destroyer and frigate class Tortuga vessels that were Flagged  as ESN.. would attack  any Vessel that was not   flagged  as   ESN/APF..when they were successful  they would  split  the cargo, sending some back to Tortuga,  and escorting the vessel to the lowers, to help the  embattled  Lowers.

 Tortuga also , engaged with small units  of  Empire   ships, that were trying to Aid the Uppers..a few smaller warships were even captured... again..Tortuga  would  share.. one time, adding the captured  ship to their  defense  fleets...and  then giving one to Astra, to add to their home defense

 ESN/APF ships  could  still pass through the Olympus  space , safe enough, but  Larrgan and  creshians  ships would pop up from time to time...

    far to the  " 1:00 " side of  the Paradise  system..was a Quad Earth folks never named.. they never thought they would need to, for  quite some time... right now, It was the X01 Quad.

  Here  the Skith and Qarl were engaged  in a war that has been going on since  the Angels lived in caves.

   with weapons  and Tech..close to equal, the battles  would be fierce, and devastating . Because of this..The Skith and Qarl where of  little use  to there  respective 'sides' in the war.

 now and then a smaller  ship from either side was sent to aid, in , whatever  way they were, but...in the end.. their  effect was more shock value, then impact.

  One  news  item that was send throught he feeds as a hijacked   CON-vid from the Hel system to Olynmpus.

 Qer La Cal's  face showed up on the screens. She was talking to someone.. the voice seemed human..but it  was hard to tell, in that transmission.

 ...I want to know, why the Delta Fleet has not been stopped....Even when we have  had ,some of our best resourses  in place... They seem to....how do you people say...'luck out?

 She had ..evolved a bit, her  features  still bore the Orangeish color, and there were lines, were , once  were crags of the  demon  blood vessel system.

  Her teeth. were pointed, but more in line, some  people might consider her....'attractive'.

 the  Voice..a Human Male , for certain..or  it sounded very close,..It his  hard to understand, High Mother. The Admiral  has...instincts?... and his people are loyal... and the fight as hard as any race in The Black....

  Qer La Cal looked  slightly behind her..Serving   platters  were being  brought into the room, that was being set for   dinner..one  would think...be that as it may? we need them to be stopped, we are losing too many of our resources ... we have more then enough  to send after them...but that does not take away from the very fact, that they are still out there..

  some  squeals could be heard  from  behind her  as the tables  were being set..the squeals muffled, by the lids  of the serving trays.

 ...high mother?  If i may be so bold, as to point this out. Perhaps...if more Demonic Empire   ships  were here to face them... we might  trun them back?

 Qer La Cal looked  at the screen ( at whomever she was talking to)...Should  we need to take   Empire  ships from elsewhere... then, perhaps, we  will find, we no longer have need for you and your factions? If that is the case... we could always  use you  and yours  to help fill our larders, and birthing chambers?

 ..of...of..Course..High Mother.. I was merely pointing out...

 She  slammed her  fist into an open hand,...you were  pointing out the fact, that your race is weak...and has become an insult to  the Demonic  Race , that we  ever  included you in  our glory....now....keep us informed, of the goings on in the  Beta Quad....we have...other  fires to start.

  Then she turned away from the screen as  her image  began to fade, while , loud screams of terror and pain filled the audio  for a few seconds  until the feeds were cut.

  In the Hillite system.  The people did not want to  bow  down to the APF. But things were going badly.

  over the  three worlds..Millions of people had  died .. Though many ket factories  for their  'war machines' had been destroyed... smaller one were   being ramped up, to try to turn out more   fighters...and Mechs  and  armor.

 but, this did not come, without a price. Civies  rioted  and more people were dying... Food and water  was being sent out to  smaller cities were people fled  for  protection.

 The New Council..now divided.. as  each  head council member was tapped on their  own planet... COM talks were often disrupted by ESN or  APF Techs.

 In this system, as in the others... to try and aid the Hillites could cause you to lose your ship...maybe, your live and that of your crew, if you tried to run the blockade.

 The once Proud slavers ..Merchant kings  and self-styled   privateers had to start to listen to the people...

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

 On Hyria.. the effect was much worse... with only one rather  huge, homeworld, the ESN was able to concentrate their attacks...The attacks had proved, even more deadly, then the eggheads  had thought.

 Fires had been raging for weeks... thick smoke  , coupled  with the  clouds of 'fallout'..help spread  sickness and death, almost the whole of the Northern Hemisphere had been covered..and slowly the  clouds  were  seeping southwards, as trade winds   pulled them along

  the Hyrians that were  saved, by odd moment of  mercy, from the ESN, would  ensure , that the race would live on... the other colonies..might now be  in danger, without the  Might of The Black Fleet... many lesser races, would soon know of Hyria's savage wounds...and perhaps..come to feed.

  leaders  of the planet, those very very few, that were left, had been taken to the South to  have  ideas  acted upon, to save their planet...more then once...as  Hyrian warlords  screamed  to take vengeance on  the Humans.. some one would play  the Vid... the Vid showed a stoic, Admiral Hack as he said, with  a cold, by level voice,"...remember... when the bombs hit your planet..it was you..who spurned out offerings...

  That would  settle the room down, as the began to talk about Med tech working on cures and treatments, and how they would amange food supplies...

...........

  In Nivar  the  grand  Complex  of  Nivar's leaders showed  little sign of  concern...after all?..how long would the  Fleet stay? they had other fires to put out...The Great Golden Guns  would hold, even the Might Delta fleet at bay.

  there was  concern... two battered  Nivarian shuttles   had  landed.. 16 , wounded  and bloodied  troopers  had been sent  back, by the humans, from the Black Moon..they told the stories  of Felrites and Hyrians..Angels and Humans...Sanri and Occui... fighting  and Killing...it was...too easy...and now, they shifted their  eyes to the Green Moon...the Holy place? Rumors were , of 100s who died ,with but  a hand  full of Humans there?... The Valley of the Moons was no longer  there... and   the  scrap of the fleet that nestled in its protection, were even now, being gathered as  scrap.

 there were rumors  of  a brave  Nivarian  pilot , who Ambushed  a flight of   Humans, Killing many...but his attack  was causing   ESN fighters  to  shoot and kill any   fighter or pod that floated in the debris...Humans..it seemed...not only learned  quickly...but  seemed to make a point, of  teaching people lessons...

 Perhaps..Nivar  could teach them one.

... the  vid  broke was taped.. the quality, not the best. it was of Occui signature...but   was  sent  from the Green moon..

 .... There is  a shakey scene of the Cavet looking at Vid  screens, she is in a lavishly appointed   room and is drinking  something from a metal cup ( gold?) as she  watched   some screens.

 ..there is  some noise in the back round, and  a tall gangly Nivarina in a Camo uniform that bears some   sparkles on its  chest... He  puts  a thinly made helmet on a table  and goes off  screen..he comes back with  his own drink.

   the voice s are a bit rough..but  they can be made out

  ...what have you learned... she  leans  back in her  comrotable looking chair, her long legs, hanging over   one arm as she used her free hand to run her screens.

 ...it is near impossible to tell.... the devestation... the savage attacks... we have   close  to  400  dead... and close to 100 missing.... we thing the Missing  were either blown to small pieces.. or the Naragrans took them...

 she shook her head , then took a sip...why would the Naragrans aid the humans?

 ..I am sure i do not know, Cavet...I....

 ...your  scouts..they are  fond of  roasted Naragran...do you think they....may have poached a few too many?

 he   downed his  drink  and went off screen, returning with a bottle. he refiled her  cup and set the bottle  down,..it is possible.. they are out  for  5 days at a time?

 she nods slowly, her voice  is dangerously sweet, and soft...and?.. yet..one lone  earthman, manages to  have the whole damn region  turn on us?.... do you know...the whole Moon must know  by  now...it is something we could ..never..ever.. afford..yet..this has happened...

 ..it may have been better, Cavet...had you not wanted him alive...

 ..I saw the  Vids, Captain... you cannot  tell me, your  people were not trying to kill him.....and his people, had no trouble killing ours...and now?..Naragrans seem to have stepped up... it is something  we had planned... NOT..to happen..yet..here it is...

 ..what are you watching...... he said, to try and change the subject.

 .... the  right  screen.. is the Hillite  system... the  left screen is Hyria.. the  top screen is Astra....

 The Captain  sat down and slowly shook his head,..the Humans.... are worse then the Demons....

 ... the Humans... are trying to be worse then the Demons...like the naragrans. They were content, to live  out thier lives..tucked away from everyone else... Thier myths supported the foolish talk , of  'no one else' in the Black.... But> the bastard Angels changed all that...and now... Humans and thier allies  seek to  wipe away, any who might harm them....

 she   makes a flip of her right hand that held the  remote,...much like the  NAragrans...we will see.. a very high increase, in Nivarian Jungle deaths.. the Humans  want this Moon... The Black Moon has fallen..and the  Valley of the Moons, is  no longer there... all that remains, is which one of those vids, will Nivar look like...

 There is the sound of a Cat..only deeper,  with more of a Hissss..there is the purple  flash of an  energy weapon  and   a lizard-cat falls   into  view as the Captain drew His weapon...the Cavet sat straight up  and Glared in the direction of the Vid... then the feed stopped..............

   , well outside the, estimated.... range of  Nivar's  big guns... Cap ships spread out, with smaller  ships   in between... from  Pole to Pole and  around the  equator...as the Delta fleet, began to slowly deploy.

  Shuttles from the Black Moon were allowed through the blockade... Slightly damaged  shuttles  ( that is to say, shuttles from seized vessels , that were 'damaged' when the ships  were board, so the crews and passengers only destination would be  Nivar.

 So far..20 some  shuttles were sent to Nivar  with captured and wounded Nivarians...( again..Nivarians  that were captured, and not  gunned down, when they did not  follow the EXACT surrender procedure )

  Three ships   had been captured... 2 Nivarian merchants that tried to Out  Run ESN  sloops  and one LArgan that was  trying to 'sneak'... the  Largran was boarded   , and the lizards sent to Nivar, in their own shuttles...

 the  2 merchants were towed  ( one to Hillite system one   to the Middle of the Delta Fleet.)  the crew..what was left..were sent to Nivar.

 The Merchant ship  heading to the Hillite system , would be  used  as  another Blockade ship, and its supplies shared among the   ESN/APF vessels there.

 The other two that were towed into the Middle of the fleet, near the Med tech ships  were also used to spread  supplies among the  ships...once empty, they would be flagged as   ESN captured Vessels  and sent to Fuji as part of  Enmmie's new and growing   merchant fleet...as  thanks... some of her profits would be  filtered into the Delta Fleet coffers.

 Now and then, a Tender was  called, when a 'sleeper' fighter was found  by patrolling fighters, to pick up the scrap...no one allowed a 'sleeper' the chance to ram  anyone  again.

 The Cavet Contacted   Nivar. She was  still shaken of what she had witnesses.

 She had her Captain open a Link to  Hack and the  Hermes. They could  listen and watch..but could not talk.

 Frezit, the  Lead Council...and Calik  the Nivar  Home Fleet Commander  sat eating  some thing htat looked like a Turkey , but had  6 legs.

   The Cavet and her captain hand the Nivarian equivalent to a sandwich and ..whatever they were drinking from the Gold Cups.

 ...Cavet... we have been watching the Vids  that the babarian , Hack is shoving down out throats?... You seem to be in a bad way? Frezit  eat  and looked at the screen, no emotions  either way as he looked at his  screen.

 ..If You have been   watching, High Councilor, Then you know the Humans  have violated the   Mountain..even more to the  point, destroys the weapon of the gods.... in doing so.. they roused the servers  of the deep..The Water Ones...and thy have  killed  100's...and ..as  I speak.. are destroying the sunken city..

 Frezit nods as he points with his golden fork, towards an unseen screen,..yes....we see that..most..unfortunate.....for you.

  Her  eyebrows  furrowed,..for me?..what about Nivar?... I have seen the size of the Human's fleet... and it is not just Humans... Sanri, Occui...Felrites!,,and even a contingent  from Vera!... have you not seen the Vids from  the Hillite system... Hyria?...or Astra?

...Cavet?.... We have  the  mighty weapons... we can destory anyship that coems within range... a near miss crippled one of the Fleet's  ships?  And?... The Hunting Fleet is on its way..be  quite the surprise when they attack  from the rear, while   we  counter Attack from the home world..

 The CAptain Looked at   Juil and sat down his glass, reaching and  grasping his forehead.

 ..something wrong...'Captain'.... please..tell me your wisdom.. i would love to hear the ideas of  a  Moon Watcher...

 The CAptain looked up at the  Admiral.. if ever  there was hate in a Nivarian's eyes it was in his...you may speak thus.... Your postion relied on  allowing your wife and daughters to couple with every offcier  and councilman..or woman...that would  allow you to rise through the ranks....

 the over  weight nivarian  rose in anger.. Frezit seemed amused.

 ..if you could take the  fork from you mouth, long enough to review the  Vids.. you will see how easy  the 'Golden Fleet' was  shattered.... the Valley is Gone... The Black Moon is  a APF outpost Now...and.. Our Moon will soon  join it....The Hunting fleet will be  torn to ribbons.. it will be a victory, if the commanders of those ships have enough bravery to take out an APF Tender!

  Frezit  waved  Calik to sit, he looked down at his plate  scooped up something that looked like  red peas and  put them in his mouth, taking a drink he stared, at his screen...so?..Captain Hiol?...  what backround  do you have, that we should consider your..'wise words'..hmm?

 ..Unlike Calik.. I served and fought... i have been on boarding teams  and have 11 captured ships to my credit... however..I only had sons, and  I would never permit my Late wife to couple, just to allow my rise through the ranks...

  The HC nooded,..and you think we should...what?

 ...you  contact the Admiral... you sue  for peace..... and take whatever bones they throw our way...They are an angry bunch, High Council.  One damn pilot cut his way through scouts... one shuttle  load  of   his  comrades, laid waste to troops on the beach... now?.. one cap ship worth of fighters... two shuttle  loads  of   troops have destroyed the  Moutnain's  weapons, and  all but  destroyed the Sunken City.... The Cavet and  I, have had our  disagreements...but she is  wise in this.... look at the vids she told you... and  replace  Nivar's Landscaape..with one of them...the best case? is we end up as Astra... and become a colony planet for the APF.... with battles ranged every day..until  we  surrender..or die off...or?..  worst case.. we end up like Hyria... a dying planet, that the APF doesn't need to worry about....

 ..what of you, Cavet... As the  Cavet? the choice of the moon, is that which, you make it?

 ..I have send   COMs to all my commanders...or..of the commanders i have left.. we still have  many troops   on the otherside of the  Moon...but they will fair no better then the rest.. we are going to sign a treaty with the ESN/APF..enough of my people  have died... i do not  need to  destroy the  moon as well...

 ..Very well Cavet.. do what you must do...when Calik is  victorious, we  will come to your aid...

  Hiol laughs,Calik?  The Victor?.. over what? that plate   that sits  before  his jiggling jowls?

  Frezit   just smiles,..thank you both..your..insight  has been....most...helpful....  and the vid  signs off....

  As the Hermes   stood down. The rest of the fleet watched  and waited.... a small Creshain freighter, trying to come to the aid of the Nivarians was intercepted.. it  goods  were off loaded, it power cells  removed and  what was left of the Crew  were sent down  to Nivar , with  a used power cell.

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

 The Black moon was now  being fortified . Some  50 Nivarians  were being  held  in an equatorial  outpost that the   Moringstar  had all but destroyed.

 Out side that outpost a few armor units  and  ESN  troops stood watch near a tranport shuttle from the Madame  Curie .

 at lest a dozen  dead nivarian bodies  showed that trying to escape was not much of an option..

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

 On the green Moon.. 100's of Nivarians  were hauling off  bodies of their  fallen. There were  bonfires being burned in some  clearings, as they sent their   dead to their 'gods'.

 Over looking the scene  where a half dozen Spidergators..watching the Nivarians  work, and Humans from the  Orville wright who  were  torching  Black  bodies to get  rid of them. when the fires  were  high, the black bodies  would burn   to nothing.

 the Nivarians were also working on a  stage, under the watchful even of the Captain.

   APF NEWS Vids...

  A Sanri Female  smiled  as  she   shuffled  some  papers in her  4 hands.... The  Delta Fleet has  set another mark..... Annexing the  Two Moons of Nivar as  one  ,Under the Rule  of   Cavet Juil....

  ..sometime, in the next few hours  The Roussians  of the   Dark Clusters  will be Joining the APF..... and the   Next  Day... Nivar, hersrlf is  supposed to sign a  treaty...the first and Only of the triad worlds to , for want of a better  word...survive the  attentions of the Delta  Fleet...

 ...That is  correct  Vies, Rumors have been floating  around  that the Roussians have  need of the APF.... I am certain  more will come out as the days go on....

 ..in a related topic..Eclipise  is making   news again as Lady V's Ships of  her Viper  Fleet  destroyed a  Convoy for  Merchants and supply ships headed to The delta Colonies.. 4 Transports   and  2 supply ships were lost or Captured... The   Captain of the  O75 Hot Barrel.. an Occui  destroyer damaged one of the ships  that are assumed to be  Up graded Largran Frigates  crewed  by  EDT and  Empire personnel .....

 ..Indeed and  we have a  sound Byte  sent by the Commanded of this Viper Task  Force.... we are also sending this on to the Fleet and all Carrier/stations...

  Hello...delta Fleet.. I Am  Admiral Bluggard.... Hunting has been  poor  for the  Viper  Fleet...but  we manage..Nice  Fat Convoy here... enough  APF trade goods here to keep   Empire  folks  well fed  for a month or so.... the  armor and such, will help out   ground troops...and You'll  be seeing that soon, I'm thinking...

 The  speakers   Face  looked familiar...but  was older the   Then Hack...maybe even older then Morris.. he smiled,... we have  good ships.... delta  Fleet.... we'll find you... will nibble around the edges...but  we'll get you.. And  ..Henny?... I'll be Looking for You...... and   that bastard that beat my son to death..... I'll make sure   his death lasts  days...but Henny?.. me and You?... I'd  love a little Pay back..... the screen  flickered.

 ...well?... we'll keep you posted .....

  around The Black,  Business  as usual .  ESN/APF ships   cruised   to hunt  down Empire, EDT, or  Pirate craft.

  Fuji's  Home defesne  found a  transport load of 'tribute" headed towards Empire space... Two SSN vessels  that were escorting it   ran away... the Vids   shown  of  some 200  Adults, and 100  children, Locked into  capsule like containers... for delivery to Empire vessesl


  the  crew of the ships were executed by space walk... the   victims  were  taken to Fuji, were they could  chose thier  direction ( colonies... other stations, or even 'home' to earth)

  The Transport , itself  would be  gone over  and added to the Fuji fleet as a transport, or  sold to a transport Company that served the ESN/APF

………………………………………..

 Big news  was on  Earth, as   anti- ESN  protesters  battles  with  ESN/APF  backers...The Council of Nations have asked the world's  leaders to quell anti-ESN APF protests... some of the Human led   troops do, some of the Angel led  troops , merely try to keep folks from killing each other.

 Empire.....

   Some places  stopped the feeds... but  then they were blind.

  Other Places, mostly Military watched In horror  as  the Damned Delta Fleet Attacked    'humans' with no less glee  then  they attacked  thier own troops...

  Teh  Larrgan Commander in the sector threw   a desk across the room to smash against the wall of his offcie  as he watched...Like the  Human transport Bases... the transports   that held  Largran troops contained 50,000 troops.. supplies,, goods    were scattered about the transports... they were so sure   the HUmans  would allow  Humans through.... Now... His people  would  die, except those who would   be taken as  Prisoners...


 ESN/APF …

 people watched  in bars... homes.. in parks.. in stadiums... outposts   streamed  to vid screens  and COMs... Roars  went Up with  Each  Ship that  was broken.. Pizzas.. Froth.. beer..  Blue Melon drinks   whatever they had, wherever they were flowed...  they tried  not to notice  that some of the flashes  was the end of an ESN/APF   pilot.. or that  the  flashes on a cap ships meant people  died or were wounded...


Earth...Olympus..Acadia


  Ge-Fi watched  shaking his head... Hack didn't  give one damn in the 9 hells.. Humans were dying, on both sides.. but what was worse...  a 'fool proof plan' by Ambassador  Frans's  think tank was about to wipe out the first of the City class cruisers…. he knew he should be happy.. a blow struck against the Empire.. but he didn't live this long, angering the Empire...

  AMBassador Frans  sat ..staring  in  Horror  when the Hermes  and Nike     Killed the  Pittsburgh, what was worse.. some bastard  Noticed   Largrans in Battle armor    spilling out into the Black   like mints from a tin....Everyone  could see this...every gods be damned body.....This would effect the SSN volunteers … just as well as the ranks of the ESN  would swell


 Sitting  in his offcie , his feet up on his Desk, Stoly sipped   from a Glass of Vodka. She  smiled   as he puffed out a snake  ring from a cigar as he  saw the  tint dots of the shuttles  on the spine of   the New York... he grinned and said to  the people e watching,...to the knife...

   COMs  Opened around the Vessel..An Admiral with an SSN uniform sat behind a Desk.

  Admiral Hennings  sent  up a  Vis  and  sent the Feed to beth who  began  to work ways to  Shut   down.. or  lock on the feeds.


 ..Fleet Admiral  HAck... I see  i interrupted your party, of the  events that lead to my people's Deaths...

 Admiral Milko Vesscov.. It has been a while....Now... as you say..you our interrupting my celebration, of  wiping out  your  SSN #1  fleet?... not to mention the  Transports  we have  captured.

..Before i should you this, Admiral... i will also be telling you, that we have locked the Feed in..so all of the Black can see it...

 ..Please do..Milko... we never hide  anything when we broadcast...victories  of fails  are there  for everyone to see.In Fact... Milko?... You will not be able to shut them down, should you choose..

 Beth on the rec dec  was    tapping away franticly, Shade  linked in his Vid board and tried to help as well.

 The Russians   face  got  dark,..I will start off  with, when  may i expect prisoner  exchange?

 ..You  Can't...why would  i release folks to you, just so i have to fight them again ?  What you  may want to do.. is  hunt  down the Pods  were couldn't get to.... you should have another  1 hour so before thier 02  runs out...

..you are letting them Drift!

 ..no one told them to pod out.. all they had to do is surrender... everything  else is on them.....  Some prisoners, have  decided to join the ESN/APF... those who did not.. are on thier  way to  penal colonies...unless... enemy ships try to intercept them? Then the orders  are  to  Vent the Hold of all cargo....

Milko?... Have you ever heard the   fable of  'the tar Baby"

..what?.. no?... why?

 Br'er  Fox, made a Little   person out o tar, and left it on the road  as a trap for Br'er Rabbit.. when the rabbit  tries to talk to the  Tar Baby, it doesn't  respond,  so he hits it, and gets  stuck... and the more  he struggles, the more he hits... he gets stuck even more...Until Br'er Fox comes out   and catches him...Now?... I'm smarter the br'er Fox... are  you  smarter  then Br'er  Rabbit?

 BAH!!!,,Rabbits..Foxes.... This is the scene from your Own Hanger  de3c,  as one of  My fighters  drifted ..damaged, with no support...

 The Film  was  far , but it was  easy to see the  Officers  being cast out into  The Black...

 ..You see!!! The great defenders of Earth.... Tossing Humans  into the Black....All are now seeing this!

 Hack shook his head,we are not just the defenders of  Earth,  Ge-Fi and the Angels are supposed to be doing that..not so well..it  would seem.... But...  we will now  play the Audio of  General Bales 's reading of the charges and the verdict...Something that will be leveled  upon all SSN officers we capture who are Captain or higher...and..in fact, more so, should we  Find out.... while the Audio Plays..beth wil feed in SEC came footage from the New York's Officers Mess.....

 Milko was  shouting orders...

 Save your breath  Milko... even if you shot   your  screens out..the feed is stil reaching...well...everywhere... Seems   My COMs are your  Tarbaby..only..unlike the fox, I am not letting you go...

 The SEC feed started  with   General Bales's voice  as a voice over....once the Verdict was read... he proceeded to Read  the Rules  of the 'Binding feast'... as the  rules  were  read,   Captain Wess  opened  a wooden box in the   kitchen, already steaks  and Ceggies  were  being cook with help of her  ades ..  she  did an 'eeny.meeny , minny, moe"  and pick one of the  three children from the box, shutting the lid on the other  two... The screams  of the two in the  box  were Muffled.. one the  unlucky child's  were bright, and loud...


 Wess's  Voice....We will have  no problem, we will start the Victory feast prep now.... and once  we take Anzio, maybe the whole fleet will be allowed to   join in!...

 All the while the   child  screamed..and screamed... the  Thud of the Cleaver  and   more  screams..  until..it stopped suddenly.. then   General quarters started,..I must go to the Bridge.. finish this up...

 Hack Looked at Milko.. it appeared he was shaken...THIS !  IS WHAT YOU HAVE JOINED......ADMIRAL...JUDGING BY YOUR RANK..HOW MANY  FEASTS  HAVE YOU JOINED IN ..!!!!!!!..HOW MANY!!!

 The  he says in a cold  dark iron worded  growl ,.. we cannot   be everywhere Milko... and the  Empire  wil use  it SSN  stooges  and EDT Lackys to try and Hamstring us.....But now.. I also call upon the  Humans of  Earth... the Delta  Fleet will return, once Hel is nothing by smouldering ash... it will be genocide on  a grand scale... but until we  do...people  of  Earth... FIGHT.. Kill EDT and SSN members.. and save your Neighbors    and thier children, It will be hard...aye... and alot of you will die.... but  better to Die saving a life.. then Live...watching them go to thier deaths....


 Thank You Milko.. I might not have been able to reach all the places  I needed, Just on  media COMs....Now..Br'er Rabbit.... I will let you go.. and  i will wonder, Milko... how you  live  with yourself..all of you.. should walk into a closet, and  eat your  sidearm....Now Beth.... shut it down...

 and  the Vids    went  Black.....

 Though none  could see  Milko had his face buried in his hand  as  dozens of COM light  light up his board

 As the Delta Fleet aproached  Fuji..the  New Feeds   came in stronger as  the power of  Fuji  helped  augment  the  Media  Vessels....


 ......………..

 ..This is LT   Miko Dummari, with some of the  latest reports from around  the  Delta Quad

  Tortuga has  seized  17 vessels in the last 3  months...all of them containing   supplies meant for the SSN  or  The Empire   hidden outposts..the Vessels  are  being added to  Tortuga   and  Astra's  Home defesne  force as  warships  or   supply transports.

 Today   3  Felrite  Vessels   captured    a Roussian   transport that contained   400 prisoners, of  mixed  races of the APF..The  Ship  is    being added to the Bura  Tranpost fleet...the prisoners  are  being sent  to thie rhomw worlds, or colony of thier choice... The Roussians  have been executed  as slavers.

 Two Hillite Blokcade  runners   tried to  break  away from the  Hillite sustems.. one was destroyed  witrh all  hands.. the  second  was  captured,  and the   crew and thier passngers  were  spilt  up  for   penal colonies.. the    Ship is being  fiteed out    to add  to the Blockade  Fleet.

 On Earth, 4 transports of  Delta FRleet volunteers  left last week... Three of them arrived  at Fuji  while the other  was destroyed  By SSN Cap  ships...100,000 troops  were lost in that attack

 Astra   is almost  bug free. The additions of   Naragran  troops to help  settle Astra, has proved to be a big help , as The UEs  are being Hunted   down by the scores...all Creshian Humnaoids,  are still being hunted and shot on sight..a breeder was  put out of her misery  in the North Pole under  ground. Nivarian HAndlers   are  also using   Worts and LArg units  to  hunt   Empire  foreces..Captain Fe-Ro has been quoted as  saying,"....another  few months, there should be no real Empire threat left on Astra..."

 ..Lt Miko  Dunmari  here, with some of the lest  News   for   the APF..Sol System  and    any of those  under the Empire's  sway...

 Ash she  continue s  picture   flash across  the   screen

 ".. a Vid COm from LAdy  Vid to the APF...'you are putting out Brushfires, while  hosue fires rage... you mop  up puddles   while  floods sweep your  homes.... This is the Time  for  Humans to  grasp the  Empire..Embrace it.. and Help  make the Galaxy one home..under one power..'

 " The Aqra  wil never be  friends of the APF.. The  Roussians will not either... The Verians grow  close  and closer to taking up the mantle of  Empire subjects, and  the Vampic  are  all..but.. Empire  vassals ..re3member that, when you send you husbands, wives, lovers and children  in the service of the APF....doom is coming.."

 The LT  smiled,.. we  managed to get a  Vid COM from Admiral Hennings  here is   his answer to this..and Yes... Lady V will hear  it...

 Hennings    had a cup of  Coffee , he  had a Jovial look on his  face..... I am not sure how other people take this?.. I know the Admiral and Myself as  well as many of  the Fleet's officers, always  enjoy  hearing  what  LAdy V  has to say... it is   good comic  relief  for  what is  coming  down to the   ';big squeeze '  on Empire  Flunkies.

 every so many centuries  there  seems   to  be  somethign that must be exterminated, in order  for   Life to go on...... The Aqra?   won't be  around in 50 years  or so... they will be extinct, save  for thsoe who are off planet..they had thier chance?  they Blew it... The Roussians?.. will  follow or fade... The Vampic have thier own problems, but  we  wil not  blink an eye , to make certain thier race becoames   scattered   tribes, rather then a race........ The Hillites?  Well there are more of them comign into APF service   then ever.. H-3   has   sent the paperwork to  join the Federation..Hyians  suffer, but learned...  we  take   some of their troops, but  we   leave most on thier  homeworld  to try and recover,  from the cost of thier  mistake... The verians?... it is  a big question who the 'real verians '  are?.. TYhe Blue Verians of  Uden.. are closer to us Then the    ...so called..purebreds  of Vera?..And shoudl they , somehow  find the guts to enter the war... They know  we have  enough can operners   to beat them down..

 ..it  will be  rough, this   Bit of the war... but not as rough on the APF, as it wil be  on  the Empire.... Hel... wil be destroyed...and.perhaps  ome or two other planets in thier system.. Just  do  Those empire folks understand.... this isn't a war, that we  try to  teach you a lesson.. this  is total war.. and   we will make certain there isn't  enough left of the Empire to  bother    the APF for the next 100,000  years...

  The  Time was coming.

  Etna was being  secured... 4 Transport bases from the Fleet had emptied thier  troopers who would add  extra security , With Admiral Richards, not  doubting , for a moment, That there would be trouble.

  The   Docking arms  and orbital  Docks were  clear, only one arm was being used   to load and unload   transports  for   imports and exports, the others  would be used  to   Dock the Delta fleet 1, 2, and 3 sections for repairs..Delta 4 was  part of the  'Shell' With Etan's Home fleet, along with the delta Fleet support ships.

 Richards looked over the screens , shaking her head, as she Turned to her Flag Captain.I almost rather be invaded  by the Empire, fred.

 The Captain looked out through the   CNC  ring  windows  as he  sipped from his   cup.I'll admit..I didn't see this coming. I figure  the Angels  would just spread  out across thier  system and   Hole up there... The  trouble with the red and Blue Moons siding with The APF doesn't help  any..The Admiral  will have a plan..i'm sure..

 what bothers me?... Both Admirals  will have a plan... Like  two  hard headed  Mountain goats  they are going to butt heads... and there will be fallout. We just have to hope The Fleet stays  sound...or   Qer La Cal will have  a massive  gift handed to her.

after Etna shore leave...after the Battle of the Funnel))

 ships  were moving  with in 2 hours  after  the Meeting.

 ZU-IS stood on his bridge watching the  fleet   that surrounded his flagship, sail towards   the  Funnel once more.

   GE-FI was on the screen....what are you going to do?... You cannot  attack the Sol System, we are allied with  Vicrock...and the Empire...

 ZU-IS snorted,we are not allied with the Empire, and   Admiral Hack said he would punish the Paradise  system, should  we  fail to act in our  mission...

 GE-FI shrugged,..so?  The  delta fleet  attacks  you,  you appeal to the Empire  and   become Empire Members

 Paradise  has suffered at the Hands of the demons... it is not a falsehood, that  The delta fleet has saved  the System.... But we are viewed  poorly..

 he reached for the COMs  button,We are coming , GE-FI..i must figure out  what to do with the Human crews we have, and how far we can trust them..we may..indeed, have to fight..

   Coming from Etna, The two transports by the  Red Sun transport Company sailed on the outside of the E1-E-2 Corridor to Aqra .

 The  Humans  were once pirates, now trying to become  'honest transports", but the  Captain wanted to shave a day or two off the  sailing time, as well as meet some...'old friends', for some blackmarket cargo.

 It became the  worst choice of the captain's greedy career.


 the  ship they were to meet, floated in the  area... it had some  heavy pulse  burns  on the Hull...

 as they drew closer, The Vampic  Cap Ships  arrived.....Prepare to be boarded.. or  die... was all the Vampics  sent in a COM
 the  two ships  tried  to  Run, criss crossing   above   and Below to try to protect each other... they were out  gunned by warships...

 inside of an hour, both transports  were captured.. the  Crew bound for  feeding.. while prize crews   sailed the transports to Vampra, and a cap ship towed  the other.

 (( as the  Delta fleet  sails towards Fuji, after Bura  shorleave))

  GE-FI's  face was on  one Monitor...

 Lady V..on another

 Qer La Cal..on another.

 sitting , facing these  screens where  thre   Angels, perhaps  as old  as Lilit.

  A  white sckinned  angel Male JE-HO

  A Dark Skinned Female angel EL-LA

  A tan skinned Male UO-DN

 The White skinned  male  said in a  strong Voice...Whar do you fools  bother us with...The Pact has been signed,  go about your Business!

 GE-FI spoke up...Our Most Pure!. We have to warn you. The Delta Fleet is sailing towards  Fuji Space.... we think, after  a stop at Fuji, they  will make a foray into  our  holding to , as Hack says..'send a message"

The  Female, Pointed a long slender finger at GE-FI..This is your  Doing, GE-FI. Your  daughter  could not  control  Hack..your other   daughter  failed to stop Shadow. Then you let that Fool  Frans  sail towards  Vicrock? for what purpose? a show of strength?  the whole of the  squadrons was wiped  out, and not  one ESN vessel fires  a shot!

 Lady V  spoke up... Had they made it. it would have  given hope to some races out there  , that haven't been bothered  with!, they would have came over to the  Angel side and..

 Shut up, Human  strumpet!..you are not  fit to  speak to us  unless...

 Lady V stood up from her place ..her  fists  slammed the   desk she was using..FUCK YOU!...  Gods  be damned Hallo head!..MY..people..The EDT  have struck the most Blows.. even more then  Qer La Cal's people who  hid in there  space like  crippled spiders!..  MY..people Killed  Lady.. we sent  ships  to the 9 hells   and  confronted  our own people..while you all hid  away... Don't  dare to  look down you angel nose  at me, when  My kind is carrying the load,   and ....others Of  My Kind are Killing your  asses  around the  Black like it was the Galactic cup!

 It was   quiet... GE-FI looked like he might  faint///..The pale  skinned  male  JE-HO was taken aback... the  dark skinned woman was shocked into silence..the third  , UO-DN  hand a smirk...

Qer La Cal  spoke  slow...low. in a female bass  voice.Lady V, has spoken the truth. The demons  and  the  three prime  Empire  races, have  only send  fleets were  we though  we  could build  strong footholds..we were beaten back..twice  at the  Matterhorn space...Human are cunning..they are ruthless, most of those  we  fight are brave, and
  are focused on the  mission at hand..They have Leaders who step out into  battle.. they kill with their own hands as they  rouse their people to do the same..

 But what do we think is the target for the Delta Fleet... Olympus?  Earth"  Perhaps  they come to   help sore up the traitor moons?

  Lady V  says....  some of  my people picked  up rumors... The rumors  point to Astra, or the moons.. There has been talk about  crushing the Vampics..

 Might we talk to some of these...people? UO_DN asked.

  Sadly.. no.. the last  group  was Killed  My  Shadow and  Spencer on Bura...one of them said...Hack Intends to  attack Paradise itself..

 once More ,  the  people were quiet ... The   EL-LA   began  to laugh, as  did the other  two... Qer La Cal  laughed..Ge- Fi laughed..but weakly.

 This just mad  Lady V do a slow   burn.

  Qer La Cal  smiles  as Lady  V  rests her  hands on the desk , shaking her head.Hack isn't a fool. Lady V..to attack Paradise. with her  Fleet largely intact?  with two demonic  fleets   in the same system... Ge-Fi's Sol System Navy,,, that...we have to help keep rebuilding to come to thier  aid.  We have the other two  planets in Rouusa  Space  eager to strike back... even if Hack would  win? what purpose/...  paradise is  but one planet in the system..The Damage  done to the Delta Fleet...how many of those ships
could be replaced..how many of their 'friends'. will give them more ships

 JE-HO says...you are too full of yourself..as a Human..  even the Demons have not   defeated  us  in a naval engagement

Qer  La Cal  chuckled  in her throat, over the centuries, we have  had   brushed of  squadrons, the  results are, indeed, pretty even.

 Lady V  looked around at the screens from where she  stood.when did your fleet last fight?..... Hack... his peole..and that Gods  be  damned Shadow killed my  niece. right in from of my eyes, and fed her to a gods be damned Larg!....m she  broke  down.

EL-LA  said  ,I think, this  meeting is over... we will send out  scouts... GE-FI  should do the same.. Lady V...you need to look into meds..your  grief has unhinged you...

The screens shut off.  Lady V  cried. pounding her  desk,  a Vickrock Admiral stood there..My Lady....?

 they are all fools... don't they see what the Delta Fleet has done?... Wess?  Blu... 100's of  out cred backers don't they see..... don't they see.....

 Come Lady V.. you should retire..its been a rather long day...

Somewhere, someone intercepting a transmission coughs “Bitch”

 (( Dallas, Earth.. a few hours  after  GE-FI talked with   the Angels. ))

  The  Mansion was  adorn in   Red. Flags of     Texas, Earth and The Empire   flapped  as   hover  cars dropped off  dignitaries .

 Some were aliens, a  Few Demons, dressed in Uniforms.  some Largrans. But Most Black uniformed EDT,  Very well dressed politicos , and smoe  movers  in shakers  of the texas  Cred  carriers.

 In the Back of the Mansion an old  ESN shuttle  sat, as  a dozen kids  were lead out  to come in the back way... EDT troopers  held   a hand  , or walked next to them.  One Kid looked up..'I'm scared'...

 " Don't be scared kid, gonna be lots of  Food.."

  The  people  were seated, and  indeed, the table was  Piled  High with  food... Monitors  showed  dignitaires  who were off  world.. The feast would begin...shortly

 " I..I don't wanna go in there!".. the  kid  tried to  turn back in his little  thin robe , But the troopers  grabbed him...he snarled.

 'Sorry Kid.. these  folks need you to  Get the Dinner started.."

That's when the  12 Kids  knew what was goign to  happen, they screamed, Cried,  kicked  Punched , and Bit.. a couple  just went into   shock/

 There was laughter, Comiin from the  seated  people, at the actions of the kids...

...........

Acorss the Black, as the kids  came  down the ramp of the old ESN shuttle..gun cames and helmet CAMs  picked up   on the  last walk of the Kids towards the massive  Loyalty Feast

  A Deamon   Officer  stood Laughing  as he raised hi glass to the  100 or so Guests,This is the Best part!..when the  fight, or are frightened, the  meat tastes all the Better...

  Pepple laughed   a bit, they were already picking up  Angel steel knifes and forks ,  for carving into the feast...

The..a Russian  accented  Voice  said...You like Fear?... Then you will love this..DA?.. The troopers  bringing the  kids   in Opened fire.. the Demons where the first to  Dir, but the Governor  and his cronies  followed quickly, the LAst two  troopers moved  the Kids back out of the Building to the  Shuttle.. already the   bubble  gun fired  at the  Guards    around the  area, out front  car after  car explodes  and   Troops, Police  and  workers were Gunned down.

 Thermite  grenades  flew towards the  min entrances blocking people and guards up,  and  fires  started.

 the  weapons Belched out death, Men and  woman  died  in their chairs, some who were  quick to understand  tried to  run and were shot in the back...

The people in the screens   watched in Horror...The   'trooper' who started this all , looked  up at Qer La Cal...FOR EARTH.....AND THE DELTA FLEET...HAIL HERMES!!!

 eh grabbed   bowls of   rolls   and had  another grab fruit and the   ran out,  two canisters of  gas  were  tossed in with a grenade  strapped to them... the trigger  set the  Up as the whole of the Dinning area   erupted in  smoke and fire...As the   shuttle lifted off.   4 other  shuttles     rose out of the  ravines a  few Miles   away,  flying in   formations. these were the newer  HellRaiser style  Assault shuttles and they raised the  hell....... Three bubbleguns with twin  50s,  but a nose  Gatling Cannon. and two missiles  on tubes on  either side.  People Died.. lots of people died, Building blew up  fires   raged...  and the  shuttles  Climbeed into the  sky , protecting the  older shuttle.

  closing in from the distance  were Angel 'firestar' fighters

  This  is Captain DI-LI  of the  Earth-Angel air corps... surrender..or  be destroyed...

 Knowing it was  all recorded, the Officer  said...Right  then Halo  Boy..to the knife...

 From the    base where the Older shuttle   took to the air from,  7   Fighter  rose  from the  scrap yard. 4 Hammer IVs  and  3  Novas... they were old looking, patches on them, but no one realized  they were in the    Air  as they came up from Under the formation of  Angel  Fighters...  Hard ammo slammed into the bellies  of the  Firestars,  Heavy Pusle  splashed over thier   surfaces.. Cries  of  surprise  , pain and  death  as  Angel fighters    augured into the  ground, the surprised pilots , never  thinking, or unable to  POD out.

  the  old  fighters   Joined the  formation one of the   Hammer IVs  blew up , a lucky shot from dwindling  AA fire.

   The   Officer  looked into the   Camera..This  ended of  enemy scum has been brought to you by  EARTH ESN...  I am Captain Antonin Stolyarev  These  kids?  aren't gettin' eaten..and there  are some 200 people down there, that won't ever eat a kid again....GE-FI... you backed the   wrong bear..DA>

 The kids  sat on the seats  eating fruit  and  rolls.

  after Stoly shut the CAMs   down, the older kid  said,why didn't you tell us you were good guys?

 Stoly frowned a bit and he said,They had to   see what they thought they were getting... then we fed them what they should get... you kids, being scared, made them thing  more  about  what they were going to do, rather then what we were going to do... You'er going Off   world.. a place you'll be safe...

 what are  you going to do?

 well  , I can't go home to  Texas now... so..maybe  New York..Have some friends who used to live there, maybe  we can see about  dropping  more bad  guys.

Taking the kid to the  ramp he opened it  a bit.. there could see  the large fires  burning. See that   grey area,, that was  my base...we got all of our people out of there. There are alot of  EDT there though, and one barracks of   LArgrans....Push that Button...

 he  held out a small black remote.. the  Kid   pressed the Button...a heart beat later,,explosions   happened  around the grey area, followed  by , even more explosions, soon it was burning  brighter then the Capital Mansion and area   homes around it.


 calls  came backbreaking Atmo.. Morrow   transponders  turned on... if they can't see us with there eyeballs, they can't see us..

 Head towards   Jupiter,, in 10 minutes break towards  Mars...

Back in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains a fairly large house, simple and sturdy, sits with a few gas powered cars and equipment about.  a young boy and girl, both around 15 or 16head to a large barn on the farm with buckets and work gloves.  The houses back door squeakily shuts its self.  The sky streaked with smudged bruise like clouds grow more pink in a sky growing a more dramatic blue of morning.  Along the grown was the morning mist and dew, the scent of cut tobacco hanging on the almost imperceptive breeze.
Inside and older man sat drinking a cup of coffee and an empty plate before him on the table.
He ran a gnarled but sturdy hand through his salt and peppered red hair.  On the counter was a monitor streaming on of the news services.  currently talking about an attack in Texas.
He sat listening intently finishing his cup before getting up and taking plate and cup to the sink to clean.  He stared out over his land for a bit as a tall red head came in, dressed in work clothes and her hair wrapped in a towel.  "Gudger, leave that be I'll get it" as she headed to the sink.  She kissed his cheek.
"Morning Jeannie-girl" he smiled at her "Delta and Quentin are up milking the cows" his hand grabbed hers and their wedding rings touched.
"I'm gonna go into work to today for a bit.  None of those ladies at the store can write out a mail order right it they tried"
"You do that.  I'm gonna go visit Marshall when the kids get back" he gave his wife a tight hug. "Talk to him about a few things on my mind"
she looked at the news "About what happened in Texas?  worried about Nikki?"
"Nikki?  No, I taught Nikki to take care of herself.  talking about other things"
This message was last edited by the player at 06:31, Mon 02 Jan 2023.

It turned into a rather warm partly sunny day in the foothills of the Smokey Mountains.  Driving the old gasoline truck, Gudger Rutledge drove to the small but neatly spartan house of his eldest.  Right across the street from the Tampico Baptist Church.  This day there was no service and he found Marshall trimming a few dangerous branches off a black walnut tree, ticking a project off his wifes 'honey-do' list.  He stopped and turned the cutter off then setting it down on the ground.
"Old Lyles place is lookin' sharp Marshall" he commented getting out his truck and walking to his son.  He mentioned the old Pastors name made Marshall smile.
"It's gettin' there Papaw.  just another 113 projects to do." He gestured to a small table on his front porch with a couple cushioned chairs.  "So what brings you out this way?  another spat with Titus?" A little girl just a bit older than Haley came to the door and looked out through the screen door, then smiled and waved at Gudger. "Amanda, go tell Mama that Papaw is here and bring us out some lemonade or tea, please"
"Yes Daddy" she replied and scooted off to find mama.
"Son I need your help....whole families help.  well save Nikki.  Reckon she's got her hands full right now" he looked about.  he was keeping his eyes peeled for anyone who might be snoopin' where they shouldn't.  "I'm thinkin' of goin' underground...in a way"
Marshall looked at him "This got to do with what Nikki could tell us?  About Haley, her family, and the Beaudrifts?" Marshall asked.
"That, some of what them Angels talked about, and Texas.  Just don't feel right son, just don't.  A'hm afraid hearin' somethin' happenin' to Amanda or other kids, and all" he looked at the porch deck wooden boards "Gonna call some friends and start puttin' ears out, keepin' an eye out here.  Make a few plans.  wanted your input.  protectin' our folk here and those that need it, have a feelin' that wars gonna come" he heard the bug screen door move.
"Now Gudger..." he heard a womans voice "Quit scaring everyone.  everything will be fine" It was Marshalls wife with a tray of lemonade and some ice filled glasses.  she sat the tray down.
Gudger loved his daughter in law, but he also knew she was sweet, naive and could be an airheaded twit at times.  "Not tryin' to scare anyone Vicky, just saying we should be prepared.  I don't want to be like the French in World War 2.  only able to be a guerilla fighter, a refugee, or havin' all I work for taken.  I want my grandkids to safe and happy."
"Papaw, Vicky and I are as worried as you about what is goin' on.  Had several of the congregation stoppin' by lately.  They are just as concerned" Marshall poured the lemonade for all and handed it out.
"They should be" Gudger said with a slightly higher voice
I'll talk with Vicky tonight.  Give you a call tomorrow or come by" he sipped his drink.
"Good.  I gotto be going got some work on the canning house to do today and tomorrow.  You 4 come on by the house on Friday" he drank more than half his glass then looked at Amanda "I think there is a small litter of bluetick hound-collie mix pups under the pourch.  might need some petting" he winked at her.  the little girls face lit up as he stood up "See ya all friday about 5-6 or so."
he headed to his truck and began going to a few home improvement stores.  Nothing like getting heavy concrete, things for shelves, some rebar, a few things for his new still he was gonna make.  People thought he was poor and with so many mouths he often felt like it.  However as most have moved out and him doing odd jobs and Jeannie working they made do and were actually ahead of many.  this was gonna dent him a bit but he could make his payments.  He began puttering about the day.

Garrat sends a message to Samantha via secure line.  “Shipment of children and shuttles coming in from Stoly.  Children to be found homes on Bura, shuttles to be sent on to the fleet.  Requesting access to nuclear device as a means of gaining access to earth, still determining yield.  Plan detailed in data package.”

(( somewhere in England))

  hard Ammo  zipped through the semi-darkness. bursts of pulse  weapon fire  hit  windows and the walls  surround  it.

 The huff and   Puff  of a captain sliding into the Rubble.what do we have?

 The SGT  looked  around the corner ,ever so slowly..well , Sir, that manor has  a squad or two of  angel Elite..they are trying to evac the  Civies?...got me boys around the other  side, shooting  anyon who makes a run for the  vehicles....

The Captain pushed his  helmet up,why not torch the vehicles?

 naw... we dunna  wanna  do that Cap'n, its bait, don't ya know..its the only way out fer them to grasp. we take out those  vehicles, they'll come up  with sumptin else..we don't  want that.. Me Lt  , he says two civiv  were cut down..loked like servants..But i'll tell you what?.. we get in there, we're gonna have a haul of creds.not to mention thr weapons we take off those Angel folks..

 Capin, beggin me pardon fer asking, but is it true them folks in there worked with demons fer animal stuff?

 The Captain frowned...not Just animals..huamns, used  Gene manipulation to try to make the perfect Kid..or perfect dog... Amimals became killignmachiens with chip over rides. The people..just ...well..becamse messed up. better to have shot them, then try to fix them.

 so? what do we do with them, if we captured them....

 ..Captaue?  I'm sure they will put up, too big of a fight  to be captured....

 but..they don't seem like the bravest bunch...we take out those Angels, they'll com crawling out?

 no.. there  some people  who lost people in NewYork to animals...I think they'll just resist too much...and? its alot easier to scan creds off dead folsk

 right you are then....woulda make me and the LAds and Lasses  a bit mifed if we let them walk away after  some of us paid the big price...

 Understood,  SGT. I had a home in New York once..now  i'm here, sorta fitting in a way.

 gun fire  opened up again, Three  Angel elite tried to reach an Agel  Van parked on the  side.. the  CAptain and SGT waited.. then gunned them down a yard  short of the Van. meanwhile, a few more were dropped causing a distraction.

SGT said,running low on Angel boys...

(( around  'The Battery' in New York ))

  the  shipyard that was used to Lay the  Hermes  keel, was now being used to lay the keel for  The Eden.
an Angel vessel , built along the lines of the Hermes and her sisters. However, getting peope to work the site was hard.
 The EDT had Joined with  'The Families ' of the area. Union people  wouldn't touch it. so skill people were  paid  3 times as much, and  other people  , forced into  labor.

 Still, things  haven't changed  much in the last 10 years...about  7 or 8 years ago, 'families" were losing people and credits, to  Vigilantes.. Businesses  burned, people killed, and, strikes right at the families themselves, including   'non-combatants'
Then , a bit of when the Hermes was taken up to have the  engines put i...the  war  on the ground slowed down.

 Lately houses were  found  with bodie scattered  and a broken light bulb stuck in a bowl of  pasta.

 there wasn't a day go back a 'skilled craftsman' who eagerly took the creds  to weld to  string lines was hit bay a sniper round from some where across the  city, or even the river.

 A meeting was called  by  the 3 biggest families that were still powerful  As  The oldest of the  Family leaders ranted,  as   20 of them sat around a Table in a warehouse, That warehouse had   hover cars  around, and  close to 30  bodyguards   watching Two snipers  on the  warehouse roof, Looking    through nigh  goggles  searching of  any one.

sadly. night googles and  bodyguards do not help much, when people come out of the sewers...  gas was poured from  bags that the   people carried, little or No sound. certain crates in the warehouse  had a power cell and a Timer .. the people were  out and in. In less the  8 minutes.. some of th Family member  began to smell the   Gas... then they saw the explosions    of C-10, set off  the power cells, which set off  more power cells and the Gas...


 Boady guards  ran to the doors. and  were summerly  gunned down by the people who came out of   the sewers in the alley. The Snipers  died  as their opposite numbers snap off  shots.

  the next morning the  metal roof  had collapsed ..no one survived , one of the Body guards  was   found with a trigger device on his  body, which began to get other families worried  about each other.... Suddenly, working with the  EDT and Angels, didn't look so profitable.

In reply to Garrat Wolfrim (msg # 58):

Sam sent a reply message to Garrat on a secure coded channel," Garret Lt. Robinson here, thank you please send transponder code of shuttle so we can track the children. Yes we will take the shuttles. Unfortunately I have been told we have no nukes in the Delta Fleet sorry Garrat. Robertson out."

“Transponder sent.  They are being shipped on a transport called the sky hag.  The news of the nukes is unfortunate.  I know it’s a long shot but could you check to see if there are any other large scale emp devises available through the fleet, or their suppliers please?  This can secure lives.”

 Sam sent back," Thank you we are monitoring the Sky Hag now. I will check and ask around Garrat but no promises, good luck and keep up the good fight."

In reply to Samantha Robertson (msg # 63):

Bumping post for clarity

  CMs  came on to SAM, and routed  to Garrat.

  This is the  Bura  Destroyer, 12  Green Bark,  we have seized the   craft known as Spartan Shield,.. there  are  15  children  alive,, 4 dead but  seal  for cold  storage..there were  4   EDT Crewman, One of them a Humanoid  Creshian. Sadly, they all accidently  fell out the  ramp's static field, Have a  Chief  on board  , that will conduct the Craft back to Bura
 there is a  Seaman scanning the children and  seeing if  their parents  are still alive.

 Sam replied." Excellent Green Bark, I will have the Burian fleet to watch out for the Spartan Shield to get to Burin space. That you and accidents happen. If you get any parents names please send it to me immediately. Lt. Robertson out."

Nikkis father had bought quite a bit of supplies.  If those in town had asked he was rebuilding his root cellar.  Apparently some termites and vines were making his old one a danger, plus he wanted to make it a bit larger in case it had to be a storm shelter.  He smiled at friends and chatted. Seems Gudger was pretty well liked around the county.  He had noticed Beaudrifts men watching him and others.  He made a mental note as to who.  He noted it seemed to be families with young children.  From then on he would take note who watched what family.

The new 'root cellar' was still being built when Friday came.  That night there was a large family dinner.  Practically everyone was there save Nikki.  They started with Marshall leading a prayer as always.  The family talked about many things, ate, even sang a bit.  Nikkis brother Brice brought out a fiddle and Remy brought out a mouth harp to play.  When Amanda began tiring out they had her put on the sofa to fall asleep.  After that Gudger truly got down as to why he wanted everyone there.
"You all know we got problems brewing.  I'm thinking this might get bad." he started out.
Marshall sat looking at his coffee cup "I agree. The question is what we do?"
Thier father looked at him "Something is always better than nothing" he continued "We all know what Marshall told us about the McGaha family.  Her daddy was railroaded to take the blame.  As far as I am concerned little Haley is now part of our family" he looked at all his kids. Only Titus seemed disinterested.
Titus sat slackly in his chair, slumped a bit and his arms across his wide chest. "You want to go up against Angels and Demons?  Old man your crazy"
"Might be, and I know I'm old.  How ever I am still a man and one who is gonna make sure those I care about are safe" he eyed him coolly "we know Beaudrift has mad his alliances.  I am not going to have his boot on our necks.  before I do anything I want all younzes to understand and keep this in mind.  Anyone who needs help we know, we will help as we can.  even upto hiding them or their loved ones, or breaking them out of the county jail or prison" he looked at each of his kids "Means keeping it secret and possibly doing things against the law or nature.  no talking to anyone about it... Titus this does include you.  Catherine, Vicky...I think this necessary.  Keep Amanda and the little ones safe"
The family dinner continued on as Gudger explained his ideas and listened to theirs.

It was a few more days as the family slowly gathered things they needed so as not to attract attention to them.  the extra supplies Gudger used for the 'root cellar' he used to update a firepit near his still, plus a few extra parts for the still.  old trail cams were updated and placed about their farm.  Jeanne and Catherine began stocking and canning food like peachs and things.  Sealing up jerked chicken and beef, freeze drying.  If they needed sugar or flour, they bought the large bags.  only 2 or so as needed.  Delta began going first through the house gathering blankets and old clothing.  using her sewing skills she made more blankets out of them.  Remy and Titus, as well as Quentin watched the fields and flocks but also built defenses and bolt holes as needed.  Knowing there might be an attack by air they used an old toy drone with a camera check by air if such could be picked up and adjust as needed.  They even hid the still and it's firepit.

It was about 3 or so days later Brice broke news he was going to make a run for the trucking company he worked for to New York City.  He was to take tomatoes and cabbages there.  he was going to be paid well if he made it there and back.  Papaw told him a list of things to bring back if he could...things hard to get here.  also a name of an old army friend if he needed help some where in Jersey.  Next day he'd be leaving, he took his bear gun with him and extra ammo.

  Paradise  Space....The delta Fleet has  come.

  Working the COMs  a  female   officer    turned  to  AP-LO. Admiral? The   Most High wishes to Speak with you.

AP-LO  looked  concerned,On Screen..please. CA-LE

  The   screen Opens.  An Angel, perhaps one of he oldest, was  sitting on a throne, His armor  was  Gilded, his hair was longer, but is most Purebreds , he had no facial hair.

 AP-LO... we have heard  no information, on what   terms the   Huamns might be  seeking.

 AP-LO  frowned.They do not  want Terms, Most High. The Only concession they asked  me, was  for  us to leave our  Cap ship to them, and surrender... as You  Know, Paradise  3  has  fallen to the Skyth... i fear Paradise  2  will follow. The   APF  wishes  the Home world for themselves..

 We  cannot   give over our ships... I cannot  see how  they  can turn on us..

 They are Humans, Most High, they are barely above animals.

 CA-LE spoke up.I have  people on the Moons, Most High. They rail at us for leaving them on thier own, Just as the praise the Humans for Coming to their  Aid. Admiral Hack, has proved to be formidable, and every race that has  followed his banner, as  some  ax to grind with us. We should Have  fought,  Most High. The surrender to the Empire...then Joining them? may be the last chapter of our people


  The Most High, looked disdainfully  at CA-LE..She  speaks  Heresy and Treason, AP-LO...

  Yes, Most  High, she does...

 CA-LE looked at  AP-LO in surprise... AP-LO shot her  in the head  with his  Golden sidearm... he motioned for the   Guards to take the Body away.

 The Most high  Smilesd...Do you have others , such as her?

 I am sure there  are, Most High. But they will be  fighting for their  life, not debating..Most High? if the  Detala fleet gets  by  us.. they will invade Paradise.

  That would be their Undoing.. would it not. An angry planet of  Angels? It would be  the stuff of their nightmares.. Good Luck, AP-Lo.. we will be watching..

 An Angel Elite officer, standing out in her Balck Uniform compared to the   Golds and silvers of  the   regular  Angel Navy. I am Your new  COMs  Officer, Admiral.

AP-LO looked at her and say the darkness in her eyes...Carry on, LT....

 On # 2.  One of the oldest of the Angel Capships. AP-LO stood  at the   bridge  window, about 10 yards  Infront of the double rows of Consoles.

 An Angel Elite  Captain. His Black Uniform  announcing who he was with out him having to say a word. Many of teh  Regular angels   watched the  new   COMs  officer, and not the Captain with sidelong glances.

 Admiral AP-PO. I am Captain DV-LN. I have been assigned to make certain you do  not fall to the   APF and their  lapdog humans.

AP-LO  snorted...They aren't Lap Dogs. They are attack Dogs. Thier  Council looses  them on us, and what as the Delta  fleet destroys   foe  after  foe

 ..you? Admire them?

 AP-LO  scoffed, Hardly, Captain. But one  must respect   attack animals... I sent  two  sloops  one to  our ports side..the other  to oar starboard.. The one  to the port?.. never found the flank of the  Delta Fleet, and was destroyed  by a SKyth corvette.... the one to  our  starboard hasn't  answered COMs  in 8 hours... we know  not.. what happened to it..we assume it  was destroyed  by  Delta scouts

 The Captain looked out  towards the  Black... so many twinkling  lights.. but  it  could not  be certain, which one of those  lights, might be a  Delta Cap ship..or  even if the  devil humans  weren't close. cloaked. or what ever magics they had to  hide  most of their  ship.why is it, we  can see a few score of ships, that are  far away.. yet we know , those who fought us, are closer You should send  scouts to....

AP-LO looked out into the 'night'.I asked  for   volunteers.. 10 of them.. their  job was to find a  Delta Fleet ship...if they tagged it , they would recvie  twice   thier yearly pay as a bonus...not one has returned.

  there was a grunt  and a nod...and sending out more, just costs us  more fighters and more aircaft... why do you think Hack is  waiting

 I have  heard stories  at the Feasts   and balls  GE-FI  and His  Most High  have... some talk, even  by the   Most High, paint  Hack as a 'god of war'. he  has his own rules on how to fight this war.. And, because of   The Empire. we fight   Total war. Hack is  either  waiting  for us to break under the Stress of waiting, perhaps hopign for surrender...or he has  a Plan, and he   is  setting the board to his liking. I would say the Latter.

 how do you see this   working out?

 AP-Lo  chuckled darkly...I lost my Best Bridge officer, because she spoke the truth...

 I am not the Most High. I just would like to know what our   plans  were , once the Devil Humans come.

If   we win the  next confrontation, Hack will have to with draw, we cannot chase him, be cause  we are battered now, and wil be more so when the next event  happens... so. there will be a stalemate. At which time, The Most High can  take a hand  at some form a negations  AP-LO starts.

 If  we are unsuccessful?

 ..Then  Hack  will spit his   fleet..perhaps even ask the Skyth to aid them.. some ships  will fight ours   until we have none left.. the rest will rain  hell on our planet.. followed  thousands  if not millions for troops,  They will make  the Demons look like   our cherb beasts .      Any  from Earth who have  felt  wrong by our handling of them, will make  Angels pay for it...The APF  forces  will want  their pound of angel
 Flesh. for leaving them on their own. The  was a Human we talked two years ago. He warned us of Hack..of the Humans. The Most High wanted to subvert them. it more or less
 worked, but pockets of  Humans defied  the teachings.. Most of them have hearts of stone, when it comes to enemies...

 What is the plan, to save  The Most High?

 AP-LO shook his  head slowly.There is none. he  does not  wish to grasp the thought, of the Humans and their allies   setting foot on Paradise... and  where  will he Go? Run to the Demons?... Perhaps   as the Skyth for sanctuary.. Run to earth  and
 Hope  GE-FI  forgives  his own exile?


 This cannot be this bleak?

 Go look at the Command  screen  and  take note of the Cap ships that no longer  sail for us... then, think of the Angels  who manned them, the   marines  who were  ready to Board and   take Human lives, and women...

 ..spoils   go to the Victors...

 AP-LO  turned to him, there was no hiding of his contempt. Remember that  Captain.  When   Gun Cams  or News Cams   show  Delta Fleet  troops  breaking down your   home's  door and yiour  wives and children are now...spoils..

 The Captain was  angered, but seeing  AP-LOs's face..he  reined in his  anger.That will never happen, Admiral.

 AP-LO turned to the  new COMs  officer..LT...  put   footage up from Paradise  3...  she hesitated.. NOW!..I shot  my best officer.. i have  no reason , not to shoot you..

 the   Footage  came up.. Skyth fighters  were blinking in and out of  view , sending  Angel fighters  to the  ground..  Skyth and some  Apefolk troops  were  going house to house.. Female Angels and children were  thrown into  hover trucks, while  Males  were gunned  down.. Fires  burned.. explosions   rocked  , whoever had the Cameras.. some Angel women    tired to fight, before  getting killed or  taking their own lives.

 AP-LO turned  away from the  screen.. the bridge  Crew  watched in horror..he said Absently...I  tried to get the Footage sent to The Most High. He refuses  to see them. I send them through an Underground channel.. it will be a mix of reactions... some will gain some steel in their spines, when troops come...others  may try to surrender, and hope the Humans  are  , more kind, then the Skyth

 Th  Angel Elite   Captain was  quiet for a bit...so... we must stop them...

 indeed.. and Kill people  like CA-LE..does not help us do that..we  are  in Ships that  were 'hos of the gods"  for  centuries . the only up grades we  received    were a few fighter variants .. Hack has  ..NEW  ships.. They have  weapons our ships  wee never deigned to  fight..and all those  thousands  of years.. we have never had to  fight  battles this  big... in the last 6  years, the Delta fleet    has  found  battle....after  battle..after battle. We either  defeat Hack. Or hope  he still has  some mercy in his heart..

  Inside  the Palace of the Most High. Servants  ran  about,  Troops  in Golden Armor   were stationed  at  doors  and  balconies .

  Three Black uniformed    Angel Elites  entered the throne  room. One  was  an Admiral, the other  two were generals.

 ...Most High.  you must be  moved to one of the fortresses... The humans seem intent of   hitting our planet.

 Most High Admiral, BS-MK. I  am not worried. Our  Navy has  never  been beaten, we will not stat  now because of   this curs  of humans...

BS-MK  bowed his head slightly.....We signed  a treaty with  the Demons  after  a short, hard battle... we did not lose, nor  did we win... our vessels have not been upgraded in 300 years.. only  fresh fighters  are in this battle... and Hack has..

 HACK!  The Most High  slammed  the  arm of the throne  with  his golden mace. People speak his name with more reverence  then Mine!..he is nothing..a Human with a  Angel whore at his side....he has  come  knocking on the  wrong  door, this time..

 The  General that  had   4  suns on his  shoulders said..Most high?  Par5adise    3 is in the hands of the  Skyth.. Paradise   2  will soon join them.. it is a savage massacure ..ships cannot  escape, and the  Skyth  are gleeful, in their  revenge... This is the last   Home world for the Angel race...we...we... need to   surrender..

 BS-MK  lowered his head.. The Most  High's eyes  went  wide.They  will fill my wrath!

  BS-MK  said  quietly , but sternly...Most High..... These  are  not   shepherds  with flokcs, nor are they Zealots, ready to kill  each other , because    they read from one book rather then  the other...These  are  trained, battle-hardened   warriors  who have  beaten  the  Empire, or her allies  ... they are   coming here, because  we have  joined the Empire.... even the fools  who hold  those books i spoke of high, cannot  stand   with Angels  working with Demons... the  killing of those in Limbo, has only  increased  The delta  Fleets  anger... This is not going to end well. what is worse. Paradise   will be over  run  by the Skyth, if  we  defeat. or   damage the Delta fleet badly, because  we will have no fleet to save ourself.  we are.. a day?  two? maybe  even Three, away from humans landing in Paradise...and  at that point, we will be nothing better  they  a Colony to the APF

 The Most high Stood,,anger had him shaking... then..the  whistling sounds  came..what sounds  are  those?

 The  Angel Elite shook there heads..

 then ..the ground s   shook  with violent  explosions. One...after  another.. after   another.. Cap ship grade, heavy pulse round  crackled   and sizzled through the    air   two  hit  with solid  'whumps' that  spread   Pusle  blasts   in  vast  circles.. but the  hard   ammo, with the whistling  sound.. savage impact  and massive  explosions.. send n alarms   off, Angels   screaming

 ...do you wish to leave  now....Most high?