this thread will be used  for events

  Switching the game to the  Uppers Stadium  did not  set well with most of the Lowers  and many of those who lived in The Stem. But  the bottom line  was credits...the Uppers could  seat 90,000..and at least that many more in the smaller venues  around the stadium.

  Olympus was not afraid to use anything to get an edge...the stadium would have 3/4 of the seating  for "home team" fans, Behind the Hermes bench and the South  Endzone, the Hermes  fans  would  sit..thus...ensuring.. the Home team would have  a lot more support then the  visitors.

  Signs  were being Hung now,  90% of them supporting the Olympus #2 team...drawings made  by fans were posted around the North Endzone. the Favorite, in the middle endzone  was  a half-decent  fan drawing , of Grueless tearing a sheet in half , the sheet had  a number 19 on it...above the figure  was " KIll"...and under it was "shadow"

  The crewmembers of the Hermes hung posters  that  said HERMES 3...5...1..the chant the fans used for  games.  in the South enzone  was pictures  of Lionel  TAcking  an Olympus player, or Miller setting up to throw...one artistic  crewman hand a picture  of Grueless cureled in a ball with the thumbs of his  two right hands in his mouth " GET GUTLESS " it read.

 as in neared game time  Fans began to  trickle into the stadium. Hermes crewmen wore thier Uniforms  to sport thier logo.  However on the far side of the stadium was a block of  empty seats that security guards  would not let Olympus  fans into...they were pre-paid  seating for  fans  yet to come.

  In Suites above  the Hermes Bench the waiters  and waitresses, and bartenders  were getting ready for VIPs to come...In the Center  was the Olympus  station Suite. The  Senator would be there  as well as  any of the movers and shakers on the station...to the Left of that Suite  was the Visiting Teams  suite, where  Hack and those   he invited  would be...to the right of  the  main suite was Gresh's  suite..those  he invited  were of his choice...

  The suites  were  walled off  from each other, except  for a  doorway  near the windows, these  were  left open  for people of the suites to interact during the game
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:24, Mon 11 Apr 2011.

  Securtiy was high for this game, too many Ambassadors being brought in, for things to go wrong.

 One the  running track that cricled the  field. vendors pushed  carts to thier   leased scetions of the stands, one person cooking, or restocking souveniers, the other  running up and  down the bleatchers, to hawk thier  wares.

  Airbalances were lowering themsslevs through the  opening in the roof...one settled in at leach endzone  tunnel.

  The Scorboard  was being tested, animations showing  cartoon Olympus  players  and  Hermes players  running  about.

  Techs  checking headsets  for  both sidelines  to make certain both sides  headsets  worked.

   Some  4 hours before  game time, the Hermes team board  an airbus, to take them to the stadium. Lionel Sits  next to Kray. The  Linebacker stares  stright  ahead., just the briefest of nods to  Kray as he seated  himself.

  The Left tackle, Myron Brown, another  strong fellow  from the foundry  grins  at Kray,..you set the tone  Buddy..every time you hit the Sanri, one of us will too...Punishment is the order of the  day..

  Other team mates  Talk amoung themselves in low  whispers, The Coach, looks over the Bus  and nods to the driver  as it lifts off. Dana and Miller  are talking  about  patterns.

 The  Left Defensive  end, Seaman Samuels sits  in the middle of the bus, He has a stressball that he  is  sqeezing on and off as he stares out the window.

  The bus  arrives  at the stadium and  the  players   exit, each carry thier own gear, some fans    of both teams greet them with cheers or  boos...

  about  a hour before the game, the players  step onto the filed to warm up...Kray runs  some routes  for Miller, then spends the rest of the time  talking with other players and  moving to where Hermes  people are sitting. he signs  some things  for Hermes kids, he has a smile, but it seems out of place..more cold, then happy...

  The LC lead the ladies  out to a waiting Taxi, they landed on the top deck of the Stadium. From there they took the elevator  down to the Sutie  level and entered the Visitors  suite.

  A waiter  greeted them and  pointed out the  Bar, restrooms and the Buffet that was being laid. The Door to the  other suites was open, Hannah  could see Franz wearing  agown, her two "wing women" wore thigh high dresses, franz  had  alot of bling on, the others, not so much. Thier  'dates'  were there  as well. Officers  from the bridge  or accounting. they wore the Hermes-blue  dress uniforms.

  Hack saw them and left  the Senator who was in mid speech, the heavy fellow did not seem to like that.Ahhh, You made it , My dear. he gave  Si  a hug and a peck on the cheek, they his eyesbrows went  wide,Wow! what have you done to my crewmen! The  Players see you two, they will either be inspired..or flabbergasted!

  The  LC giggled  and gave   Hack  a whack on the shoulder,..don't  tease them so, they are a bit  unsteady with thier new  'wings'..besides..nothing wrong  with shaking up the boys...

  Franz entered the Vistors  box, to ask her father something, when she saw the LC and Commander talking to  these two well dressed ladies, she  made her move to smooze...until she  saw who they were,..what..what  are you doing here? And who is this?

  The LC caught  Hannah's  eye, nodded to the gown  and mouthed the  word 'tacky'.

  On the field  the  players  were going through thier last warmups, Miller was taking snaps  and firing passes to the  recievers  who were lined up in two lines, When Kray's  turn came  she  fired  a bit deep and he caught it  around the 50..just behind Grueless, who was going through backpeddle drills,"..that's  right Gutless..keep working on backing away..you might make it through the game!

  The taller  Man swung his  arms at kray who Grinned and was ready to step into him , before two refs broke up the confrontation.

  After he jogged  back and flipped the ball to the center, he waved to the Olympus  fans who were booing  and shouting at him...he turned to the enzone where most of the hermes  fans were, he held up 3 fingers, then 5  fingers, then one...the fans shouted  3...5...1  HERMES! they repeated it again and  again,,causing the Olympus fans to try to match them, but they werenot as co-ordinated as the  Hermes folk.

  standig by the  window with a glass of wine in her hand, Beth was watching the warmups. She  would shake her head from time to time and take a sip. Dressed in blackslacks with a Hermes-blue Blouse and some dainty jewerly, frans had  walked past the Girl when she enters, as if beth were a chiar in the room.

 Not tht Beth Cared. she was watching the  hermes players with rapt attention.

It was either luck, or the cabbie camping out and waiting for them, but Roy and Stoly ended up with the same car that had dropped them off at the Hermes a few hours ago.  Roy chuckled as he climbed in.  "Get your bets made?" he asked, as he pulled his door shut.

 ..You bet..about  5 minutes  after  dumpig you guys off...flew  right there and  laid 500 credits on the Hermes team..tke the points...I got laughed  at, but if i win..whooooeeee...gonna take a weeks vacation.

  when he found out   where they were going to be watching from. The Cabby zipped up to the stadium top, and pointed out the  elevator. ..Just tell the guy your goin' ta Gresh's  suite, and you'er  all set...good thing too, about  a Half hour left!

  Capt Rivets was next to arrive in the Herme's booth. He was dressed in jeans, a Hermes T-shirt and  a Leather jacket, with the  Hermes  ensigna on it. Right behinf him as  CApt, Roles  and His first MAte, both wore the  Brown Harvestor Uniforms. They were shaking  hands  with each other. Teh Senator Ignored  Roles who offered his  hand, if it bothered Roles you could not tell. The Senator  Did  turn to Rivets...who just walked past him to get to the Buffet table.

"Thanks!" Roy said, as he turned toward the elevator.

"Man, I'm really curious to see what a suite is like.  Kind of a chance to see how the other half lives, right?" he chuckled, to Stoly.

 When they are showen to the Suite,  Gresh greets them personally. The Buffet table is  set with the  food  hot  and abundant. The Bar keeps  were busy mixing drings  or twisting off bottle caps.

  There  were  a few Angel folks there, as well as  a couple Occui, the rest were humans, some well dressed, some dressed in uniforms or  nice clothes.

  Gresh led them to the windows   to point out the field , from there , if they Looked , they could see though the other suites, and See beth standing by the window  drinking   some wine,and wathcing the players leave and go into the Tunnels...it was about time  for the  introductions.

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

  BAck on the ship..the ramps  came up  and  all doors  and hatches  were sealed. Guards who volunteered stood watch, though vids  were set up for them to see the game...almost all folks  were off duty...the Civie  section of the ship  and the rec deck was set  up for  everyone to watch the game. No one would be  entering   or leaving the  ship, Until the Commander returned in person.

Roy glanced over at Gresh.  "So, is there enough time for me to put some money down on this game?" he asked, grinning slyly.  He corrected himself and said, "Well...us.  If Stoly decides to stay away from the vodka long enough to make a bet, that is..."  He chuckled.

  The  Three armed  Sanri motions  a fellow with case slung on his  shoulder  and  a laptop,..this is  Mel..give him your money after he taps you in...credtis go in that case. depending on the winnings? You get cash..after that. we credit your account....not that i am too worried about that....make your bets...as soon as that ball is kicked off?  too late...

Roy nodded, and turned to Mel.  "Five hundred," and he produced a roll of bills, that he'd re-packed when he decided he was going to bet on the game after all.  "On Hermes.  To win."  He stressed the last word lightly, raising his voice just enough to carry into the crowd without sounding like he was yelling.

"What are the odds on that, anyway?" he asked, as Mel started counting out his bet money.

  Just before the introductions, there is the sound of  marching coming from the stadium halls, Roles Motions  for those In the Hermes'  Suite to the windows...and what they see  make  HAck smile , and Beth  Giggle with delight.

  150 of the Harvestor  crew marched  into the  seats on the Olympus sidelines..Dressed in the brown Harvestor uniforms  and jackets, they were lead  by a Lt. who had them standing until the last one reached thier seat.

  Then she Called out,who's gonna win?"

  With  a well practice shout, the  150 yelled  as one,HERMES....3....5...1...HERMES...3...5...1

  then they all sat down,most of them had  posters  that  had  a players  Number. Most of them were Lionel's Number, Miller  and Dana were represented   and  then Kray's 19..the rest  were scattered amoung the rest of the time.

  Roles patted HAck on the back,..told you i had a surprise !

 The little man counted the money, in the back round  they could hear the HArvestor folks shouting,..right now? 5 to one..if  Hermes  wins...you will pull in 2500..now?  if you put it down to beat the spread? 3 to one...if you'er going  for the win..and they lose , but cover? you don't get anything...

 Mel looks at him  before he continues to set the bet.

Roy looked back at him.  "Thanks for the explanation, but I already know that.  I'm betting we win, not that we don't lose too badly."  He gave a lop-sided shrug, and smiled.

"May not be the smart money...but I've been in battle with these guys.  'Smart' doesn't necessarily apply.  But these bastards do know how to win."  He chuckled.

  he pushes  the  cash into the  slot on his  case  and  types in Roys  name..asks him to make a password, then types it in....You'er  set...

  A human womanwith a black dress and a side arm that could be the twin of Kray's sidearm,..hey Hermes..I'll take  20 on the Olympus to win...no points..staight up?

Roy shrugged.  "Twenty, and twenty, winner takes all?  I'm game for that.  But I hate to take your money, just so you know."  He turned and looked back at Stoly.

"Man, make sure you get some video of this.  Dad would never believe I saw the game in a suite, much less made a bet with company like this!"  He'd suddenly seen the opportunity to get the video camera into play--act like a tourist, or at least a country kid with his first taste of the big time.  It was a good cover, since it was pretty much true.

He just wasn't as impressed by the 'big time' as he was playing.

  The PA announcer called out for attention from the stands. There  was alot  of excitment on the Hermes  sidelines  after the HArvestor troops showed up...

  the voice announced the starters on offense  the third to the Last to come out  was Kray...alot of the  Younger fans, girls  and kids  went nuts..he  Held up his hand  moving his fingers in the  3...5..1.. and the chant started again...he reached his team mates  who were pounding him on the back as the waited for the next  player..Miller ran out, her hair  flying behinf her and the fans went nuts  again, she  had  a confindent smile as she jumped into the  O-linemen..the last player  was the Team Captain, Lionel..he  jogged out  holding his helmet high, the roar that filled the place, for the Linebacker  Marine shook the  panes of galss in the suites.


  As they stood and  waited. The Olympus  team was introduced, the defense...the crowd  cheered, but they did not seem as loud  as the Hermes folks...the LAst player to be introduced was Grueless...he  reived  alot  of cheers...but they were almost  drowned out  but the  chant of  GUTLESS...GUTLESS..from the  Harvestor  folks..

 the  teams  went to thier sidelines and awaited the playing of the AP anthem, followed by the Earth's...the  Hermes  would kickoff.  Cindy  Lore set the ball on the tee as they awaited the  Vid  Break to end.

  Kray went to the sidelines, Looking up in the stands  as if  searching for someone one of the techs in the stands  caught his eye  and Pointed up the  the Suite, he looked up...

  The  woman nodded to Mel who pulled out  a  notebook and wrote up the side bet, she gave him a 20 credit chip...

  A younger fellow Looked at Roy and says,..i got  20 that says your big mouth wideout get taken out of the game....

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

  bets were not limited to Gresh's  suite.  The Senator was taking all bets that Olympus  would  win..and cover. Hack put 500  on the Hermes  Team, so did the LC.  Roles ponied up 1000..the Senator  was grinning ear to ear as he took them bets, his  orderly  keeping track of the bets...

  Frans  shouted that she bets 50 credits that Shadow gets  carried from the field.

  for the first time since they  have been on board, they saw what an Angry Half-angel looks  like, as the LC snapped, ..make it 100 and you got  a bet , Traitor!

  Hack gently Pulled  Si to one side. steering her towards the windows  to watch the Kickoff. Frans, who had  more the  a little to drink  already, and her daddy close by shouted, you'er on LC!  100!
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:05, Thu 14 Apr 2011.

Roy gave Mel twenty credits to cover the first bet.  He turned to the young guy making the second side bet, and said, "A hundred.  Shadow gets taken out, I pay.  Gruless gets sidelined, you pay.  We have a deal?"  He gave a toothy grin and shrugged.

She took herself to an empty seat next to the glass and sat as lady like as she could and looked out to the field, trying to think of her self alone, there were a lot of people near her and it was making her feel a bit restless again, she would rather be in the hanger working on her ship, but at least there were some good factors about being here, one was Commander hack...the one she wished she could fly under five years ago....and her best Idol, then there was Hannah and the LC, who she might connect with more, but they were lost to the crowd as soon as they entered...now she sat alone with a fingernail of her left hand between her teeth as she watched most of the game, slightly ignoring anyone else but her new friends and crew-mates, and waving the waiters away from her as if they were pesky bees always bothering her

Hannah shook her head at Frans, eyes narrowed in thinly veiled disgust. She'd been willing to give the woman the benefit of the doubt, admittedly tacky gown aside, but there was no way Hannah could get past the other woman's attitude. Quickly moving away she went to the windows to look down on the field, a glass of beer in her hand. Beer was a safer drink for Hannah than wine, and this one would probably last her for a good hour or so.

She smiled at the sight of Beth and tapped her on the shoulder. "Hey there. Thank heaven someone else wore pants." She waved to Angela, inviting her to join them at the window. "Have we missed anything so far?" Hannah scanned the field, looking over the Hermes players to see whom she recognized.

Angela looked up towards Hannah and smiled at her gesture to join her, she stood up, pressed any wrinkles the dress might have had then moved towards her new friend, her eyes fallowed Hannah's, back to the field wondering the same, maybe she new someone too and from her past mostly...then she spotted Kray and smiled some leaning to Hannah. "He looks kinda cute dressed like that."

  As  the players lined up  and  awaited the refs to blow the whistle, the  speakers opened up  and they could hear the players Talking., an extra  bet  for the  high rollers, that they get that  extra bit  from the  game.

   Beth smiles  at the  two as  they came over,No...didn't  miss  anything  yet, the Vid  channels  are  running  commercials,,Let's  see..Shadow is 19..he's the only pilot  out there...Miller  is 8...Course  Lionel is 55...there  are  a few Marines on defense  and  the Halfback  is  a Torpedoman..the rest are all civies...That Dana...Number  82..she's pretty good...waitress at the  food section..when they brought Kray in , she  really started to  get more looks, cause they couldn't  doubleteam her all the time...as  far  as Kray?  I like him in the Home  jersey better, the Blue brings out his eyes!

 Shadow Looked up at the Suite, he could  barely see the Gilrs  , But he  waved, then the Thump of the Ball came  and the  game was on!

  The Olympus  team had the ball on thier own 21..they were stalled  until thier  QB threw  are terrible  pass behind  his reciever, The DB from the Hermes  tried to pick it off and got called for  PAss Interferance, giving the Olympus team the ball on the  Hermes  40.

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

  In Gresh's Suite the  man Made the deal with Roy, ok  Hermes..we got a bet...just will add to  the Joy of seeing   that grin wiped off his  face!

  Frans was flitting  back and forth between the suites, Hack was more then a little  annoyed at the Senator spendiong  time in his booth... Hannah caught Frans  talking to a trio of  Young Bucks  dressed in suits and pointed    at  Hannah  , Angela  and Beth...

  The Three Guys came over  The  Blonde  Guy Grinned at Hannah,..Your  friend  said  you three might be bored...and may not like the outcome of the Game...why not come with us, we'll hit  some of the bars in the Uppers...we  know  all the spots to go...

  Beth chuckles...yea...right..I going to miss them  kick your sorry team's  butt?..shove off...
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:08, Thu 14 Apr 2011.

Angela nearly jumped as the game started and grinned, the first time she had ever felt this way for a game, it had to be because of her friends she felt around her... their spirit of the game was getting to her and she liked it, the mood went down as the three men came over, all she could do was wait to see if they would try something to either girl, she could only release a growl of irritation towards them and kept her eyes on the game

  The Olympus  team, fueled by the pass interferance, Kicked  a 40 yard  field goal to go up 3-0 Olympus  Fans went  Nuts, the Hermes  fans   have seen this  before, and  continued the  3...5...1  chant, the Vistors  sections  were all full now  with Blue from either the Hermes  or Athena, across the way, the Block of Harvestor mercs were making themselves known.

  After the kick was returned to the Hermes 30  Kray  took  another look upat teh Suites  when Miller  came Over, her Helmet onso her speaker was On,..Com'on Hotshot, time to make me look good! kray donned  his Helmet and he and Miller  ran into the Huddle, Grueless waved his hands  about trying to get the  Fans  riled up.  Gruless lined up on Kray's  Side, the  play was a sweep  to  Dana's  side..Kray  exploded off the ball, Gureless  turned  and stopped seeing the play was almost Over, when Kray Hit him  Blindside with a savage  block, his head in fornt  so it  was legal..as the Sanri flew sideways, the  Big  Left tackle Blasted him, right before he hit the ground...The Sanri rolled on the  field  and  Kray Looked down"  THAT'S what its like to be hit when your not looking...

  The next play was a sweep to Kray side, the hermes  team lined up in a no huddle, Gruless barley had time to stand, Kray  drove off the  Line and Hit the Sanri at the Knees. The  Full back Leading the way, smacked into the  Sanri...the Halfback had an openigto  the outside, but the Runner Blasted into   Grueless as he was on the way down....3rd  and short...

  Gruless tried to Get Up, But Kray Pushed him down, and he tried to take  a swipe  and  the Pilot, who was already lining up..Miller looked over the defense..she looked to Kray  and Dana and yelled,..STICKS!   STICKS! both wide outs nodded, and the Safeties rolled up...Kray sprinted off the  Line  gruelss gave him a halfhearted shove to the sideline, Miller's  arm Pumped, the Sanri grined  and jumped the route...But ..Miller still had the Ball, and  Kray Broke up field  at the sticks...the  Ball  arrowed through the air  and  Kray  brought it in...only having to outrun the safey who had  rolled up...Kray easily scored....The  Crowd exploded... Gruelss was bent over..the  big man was hurt...The Kick made it  7-3  Hemres...

Hannah had stayed quiet as the girls talked about Kray in his football jersey. She completely agreed, of course, but she found it safer to just sip her beer. The approach of the men, however, pulled her attention away from the field.

"Thanks, but I'll have to pass as well," she said. "My friend is playing. Miss Frans looks more than ready to leave, though. She doesn't seem to care too much about the game itself... I'm sure she'd appreciate the escort."

Okay, it lacked any oomph as a dig at Frans, but it did seem fair to send the men right back to her. With a polite smile and nod she turned back to the windows to watch the game, effectively dismissing them.

 The  Men looked at each other  like they have  just seen  an oddity,..so..YOu girls would rather watch this game? then go on the town with...us?

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

  Hack  truned to the Senator, Doesn't look good for you..to cover the spread..you need 19 more points  then  we have right now!


  The Senator's  face  was red, and  waited  until he swallowed some of the Chuicken he was eating...from the Hermes  table, of course... Look Game Hack...why aren't you out there anymore?

 The Commander grinned, They don't  need me  anymore since  i brought Kray over..He  and Dana  caught mor passes  between them, they the whole of you team!

  as if  to add to Hack's comment...the  Monitors had  a Message...WITH  THAT COMPLETION MILLER HAS  BECOME THE REGULAR SEASON LEADER IN  YARDS PASSING, TOUCHDOWN PASSES, AND  COMPLETIONS....Hack pointed to the screens,see that? and the quarter   isn't over yet!

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

 In gresh's  suite, Roy and Stoly notice  two humans sitting in the upper chair they seemed to be talking to someone in the far stands  with  a comm unit.

Angela finally turned towards the men and smiled elegantly. "Thats righ....because you three are so beneath us, your lower then dirt in our eccentric lives." She put a finger to her chin looking up with mockery. "also i dont think our boyfriends who are actually in the game would like it if you were trying to pick us up behind their back....i just might have to them when they are done...with that much adrenalin running through them after the game, i hate to see what they'd do to you..."

  On the filed the Hermes Defense was savage. After  all the talk of Grueless, the  Hermes  team  thought they needed to ramp up thier hitting.

  The Olympus  Tight endm, caught  a ball and tried to turn Up  Filed  , But  was pasted  By Lionel and gave up the ball. #78, the  DT recovered th  ball and   Hermes had the Ball. one  the  Olympus  35...Lionel  and Kray Jumped up and   High fived, the hit that knocked the ball loose..now the  Sanri DB lined  up on Dana's  side, away from Kray.

  Miller  saw the Change  and Looked to the bench, then to Kray...she  called  an audible, that sent Dana  shifting  to Kray's  side, then once  she set..had  Kray come in Motion across the formation...Gruless took two steps in, until he saw Kray, then dropped off the line...Kray sprinted for the Sanri as Miller  faked the  Pitch to the Halfback, then Turnn  and  fired  a Pass into Dana's belly..she  caught the  ball and Moved towards the Middle   and Up the  Filed, Kray, broke off his Block on Gruless, But tha Halfback Finished the Sanri off....the Strong sfaty bore down on Dana, but never  saw kray as the samller  wideout hit into him so hard, both thier  Helmest flew off as they Bounced  across the filed...Dana was free and pranced the last 10 yards into the Endzone...the kick made  it  14 -3..the gun sounded the end of the first quarter.

  kray got up and shook his head, found his helmet and Jogged to the sidelines, Te saftey was taken off on the cart....before  the kicks  was made...Gruless sat on the bench  flexing  all his  arms  as the  trianers sprayed his ribs  with Numbing spray,

   Dana  Grinned at Kray...hey..hotshot..you got a little Blood thing goin' on there...

  Kray reached  up and  felt his forehead, a gouge  from  the lemet? or the tip of  a cleat...he went over to the trainer  and told her  to patch it ...

Hannah ignored the conversation behind her, though she registered Angela's remarks, as she focused on what was happening on the field. Her fingers gripped her glass as she watched Kray and the Sanri go down but she breathed a sigh of relief - along with about half the Hermes crowd - when he got right up. With a wince she looked away and took a long swallow of her beer.

"Are the games always like this?"

Edited because Angela's post was better. ^.^
This message was last edited by the player at 00:50, Fri 15 Apr 2011.

  Beth rolled her  eyes...Look guys..we aren'texcited to be  with boys, after being around Men all day..got it?..go play...


   The LC  and HAck  did  begin to work thier way down incase the men  had to be removed...But the men just threw upthierhands  and shook thier heads,..YOu'er  loss ladies...  and they returned to the  Olympus  suite.

” (ooc tryng to catch up) ”
Stoly was impressed with the suite.  It was smaller than he'd have imagined, but it was still huge.  There was plenty of food and, more importantly, plenty to drink.  He panned the video camera around to get a record of this place.

Stoly followed Spencer's lead and dropped 500 on Hermes.  Side bets were flying around but this turned out to be an American football game and Stoly was kinda lost.  What Americans called “soccer” was football in the rest of the world.  Five hundred was plenty to risk on a game Stoly didn't get.

Stoly didn't immediately recognize Hannah out of uniform.  Some young punks came over to her and her friends.  One spoke to her and she obviously dismissed him.  Stoly wandered over nearby to see how things would go.

The three Hermes ladies sent them off with their tails dragging.  Stoly laughed.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:55, Fri 15 Apr 2011.

Roy flashed a grin over at the guy who'd made the side bet with him.  "Hate to take your money like this," he commented.  "But that boy Shadow's got a head like an old-style cannonball...cast-iron, can't pound a thing through it if you tried.  Gruless might be built like a battleship...but a lot of ships were sunk by cannonballs."

He noticed the guys up top in the suite, and pulled out his scope, pointing it down at the field.  He scowled, and pulled the thing down from his eye.  "Military-issue crap..." he grumbled, and fiddled with the switch on the thing.  He looked again, fiddling with the focus, scowling some more as he took it back down from his eye, and fiddled some more.

He lifted it back up, looking at the field while fiddling with it, then panning up into the stands, still apparently fiddling with the focus.  He scanned, smoothly, across the stands, his fingers making a lot of misleading motions around and over the controls of the perfectly functional scope.

”Ladies, how are you enjoying the game?”  Stoly said as he walked over to the three, intentionally a bit unsteady.  ”They did not tell me it was American football game.  I was looking for... uh... soccer is what you call it?”

Angela turned to Hannah the to the field "What...What did i miss?" she watched the field again a bit angry at the "boys" for interrupting her watching the game, she looks to Hannah's beer  then back to the game "how long does it normaly take you to drink that?"

    Roy scans  the other side of the filed. There are alot  of folks  with either cells, or comms, even some  with mini-vids to watch the game..while they are...er..watching the game..then he sees it..or thinks he does. fellow with a Pin on his Suitcoat, sitting in the stands  with several others..he  had a Comm, and in his hand  was a small leather packet, with the same insigna that was on his pin. However...the leather packet was  neatly wrapped, and the part of  a page  stood out from it, the top of the page, sported the Hermes insigna.

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

  Hack  smiled up at the Senator,..Maybe you being in our  suite is good luck?...and i like the  thought of not having to chase you for out  winnings...

  The LC  shouted across the way,..And  I have  some credits coming  fromyour Daughter!

  Frans  took a deep pull on her martini and waved  the LC off,..Kray  won't  finish..he  don't have it in him....

  Beth blnked  as she looked from the  Scroeboard, to Frans  to the  LC, and to  Hannah and Angela,...we ..are winning..right?..and  by....11 points? The  only  Olympus can  score  enough points to beat us..AND..cover the spread?  Our guys  would  have to leave the field!

"A rough tackle, but he walked away from it," Hannah said in response to Angela. At the question about her beer Hannah looked down at the half-empty glass and then back up at Angela. "It depends on the situation, really. I'm not much of a drinker, though. Why do you ask?"

She looked over her shoulder to Beth and smiled at the smack talk going down on the way the game was progressing. She hadn't bet anything on the game - she wasn't even sure how betting worked, spreads and all that - but she did grasp that Frans and her father would have egg on their face before the end of this game. The Hermes team, Miller and Shadow especially, seemed to have a fire in them today.

She turned away from the game at Stoly's approach and smiled. "The game is going well. Soccer is in spring, though... I think."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:27, Fri 15 Apr 2011.

Roy snapped an image of the guy, and tried zooming in on the leather package in his hands.  He also tried listening to what was being said above and behind him...to cover his activity with the scope, he mumbled, "Oh...wait...I had it for a second there..."

"no reason really, I used to be a good drinker back in the day....used to put all the guys under the tables and walk home....that was until the commander challenged me and put me in my place, I'm telling you it was a hard morning the next day when it was actual flight time.....i had a splitting headache from a hang-over as well as from a loud noise in my ear to fly straight and move over....apparently the wing-leader wasn't getting enough space in the great blue sky." she chuckled some looking back towards the Commader then looks to the sky with a worried look on her face "i have a bad feeling...."

”Spring, hard to tell out here.”  Stoly leaned in close, whispering.  ”I need to hear something, and I think, 'There is comm tech from Hermes who buys special equipment from interesting people.'  Would you happen to have anything that might intercept transmission with you?  Might be important.”

  In all games, so they say, is a  turning  point. Something Lucky, something  stupid, something outstanding. But one play can turn the game around for better or worse.

  The Olympus team manged to drive  down  with aid  from a roughing the passer call..The Crowd ( Hermes'  crowd anyway)..got  a laugh as  Kray  shouted from the  sidelines, ..HEY REF....DON'T  THEY HAVE TO  HAVE A PASSER FIRST?

  The field goal drew the margin to 14-6...but anyone taking the spread was dancing in thier seats. The Hermes  team came out, a no huddle  with Miller  killing the clock as  she set the  formations  and motions from the line. Then  cranked off  two first  downs, the  second  one coming with 1:56 left...As  Kray turned back to the Huddle, since the time was stopped for the 2:00 warning, Gruless..Banged up  and  sore took a run a Shadow, Miller shouted  but it was too Late, Gurless Hit  the wideout, sending Him into the  trainer's tables  and  scattering  Containers of  Sportsade all over the  place...flags  flew out of  every  Refs hands, But Gruless struck his  Pose  all four  arms  out, chest out  as he roared....however...normally when he did that, the player he had  just hit  was flat out on the  ground...not over  ticked off that someone just cheap shotted him... Before  any of the  folks  gathered around  Kray could  stop him, the  Pilot  sprinted  and launched himself  at the Sanri's  weakspot, thier  breast bone...The  Impact of  Kray's helmet, his  speed, and the flexing of the bigman's chest..all came together  with a Mighty Crack...Gruless Howled  as the poor Refs threw thier hats into the air, in lieu of  flags..., when the Big man hit the ground, he wasn't moving...save  for twitchings in his arms... Kray Got  up and sneered  down  at the  Sanri, then ran into the  endzone, tore the poster down, of Gruless tearing  his  Number in half...Kray  ripped the  poster  inhalf and  did  a mocking flex  , then left the  halves fall..Grueles left the  field on  a stretcher...The refs  huddled  around Kray  and spoke to him, the head  ref was  waving his hands  about  and  Kray  simply nodded...then Jogged  abck to the  sideline, with a slight limp.

 The ref announced, WE HAVE PERSONAL FOULS  ON BOTH TEAMS..THE FOULS CANCEL EACH OTHER OUT...NUMBER 19 HAS BEEN WARNED, HIS NEXT  PERSONAL FOUL WILL CAUSE HIS EJECTION...
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:03, Fri 15 Apr 2011.

Splitting his attention between fiddling with the scope and watching the game, Roy caught the events that unfolded.  He'd spent the quarter, off and on, taking snaps of the guy he was pretty sure was talking to the man in the suite behind him, so it wasn't too much of a stretch for him to let it go.

He resumed fiddling with the scope again, at Shadow's demonstration of the pilot's opinion about the Sanri he'd just laid out on the field.  "Like I said...head like a cannonball..." was all he said, apparently scanning the sidelines.

 Hack  was standing close to the  ladies Now, LC  seemed a bit more relaxed being  near  them as well. When Gruless hit  Shadow, The  Commander  simply said,..That's  the last mistake  the Sanri  will make today.....

  As  Shadow   sprang from the sidelines and hit  the big man and all the  flag sorting out  took place, Hack began to speak, almost as if to himself,..The Sanri  is damn lucky to be alive.....

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

  The  Half  ended  with  the Hermes  team putting up  a 20 yard FG..the  score  was  now Hermes  17, olympus 6

Stoly missed the initial play, so he didn't see the Sanri blindside Shadow.  He heard the crowd and came up with the camera rolling.  He managed to get the image zoomed in and stable in tim to catch the impact of Shadow's helmet on the big blue Demon's chest.  It was a good scene.  Shadow ripping down the poster and tearing it in half was even better.

Stoly grinned and showed the playback to Hannah.  ”I got it,”  Stoly said.  ” Or most of it anyway.  So about that signal intelligence gear...”

  The teams leave the  filed and there are a few  entertainers who come out  on the field  and sing, Dance, and use optics  for the crowd.

  while this  is going on  the fans  are headed to the  food couts  and the  people in the suites  are treated to  fresh foods and some deserts added to the  Buffets.

  Folks MIngle  about, Frans sweeps into the Hermes  suite with her two  companions, they stop at the Girls, Including the LC, and begin to talk,..well..it looks  like  Miller has a hot hand  so far..wouldn't  get too excited though...30  more minutes to play!

  Beth growls a bit,..why don't you guys  go sniff around those  three stooges  you sent over..they are bubble heads too..you 6  could  get along  quite well...

  Frans waves  her  hand like she is shooing  a fly,Listen , ensign...i don't  even know  why people like you are here...you should be down in the endzone with  the rest of them... frans  two pilot  buddies giggle...Beth looks  a bit upset.

  ..Beth, and the others  are here, because they were kind  enough to except  our  invitation..an invitation, that quite frankly , was not issued to youo  or your...friends...

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

  In Gresh's Suite, the  two men  with the Comm, quieted down for  a bit. The talked amoung them selves and  eat  some  of the fresh goodies laid  out on the Buffet. Gresh , himself  made the rounds talking with his guests and apporached Roy (  and Stoly if/when he comes  back).  ..I must  say, I am impressed..but the  game  has  a whole 'nother half to go....

Angela turns around as Fran speaks again and lifts a brow. "People like us?." She clenches her fist some and growled. "If your meaning the Hermes Pilots, I'll have you know that we are the best there is...since you think you sports team is so hot then how about a game of our own." She grinned at the thought of them whipping the faces of these other pilots over the bow of their own ship. "I'll even let you set the terms."


(slight blow up hehe if not excepted then no harm done :D )

  She  looks  at  Angela and  sneers, .I don't  even know  who yu are....I....AM..A hermes  Pilot, as  are  my to friends here..I don't remeber  you being on the roster...

  The LC stepped up, Placing  a gentle  hand on Angela's  shoulder,she  just arrived  LAst Night. she was to be put in your flight according to the rotation, But the Wing Commander suggested  a change...i had to agree with it  as well...she flew  Under  Commander  Hack  at Mars Colony..

  Beth  looked at the LC  as she  said this and stiffened, she relaxed  as the LC said the  Kray's  "suggestion" was right.

  Roles  walked over  to the gathering  and  he smiledWell well  well...what a fine  gathering  of beauty!  he smiled  then Looked at frans,..you and your friends   don't  look half  bad either..but don't  worry, I am sure someone  one the Olympus can fix that...

  with a snap of  her  head, Frans'  face reddened,..Lets go LAdies, Let the LC and the...'Captain'...take care of  thier ....'guests'  as they  walk back to thier  suite, Frans  calls over  her shoulder,...just stay out   of  my way out there new girl...you'll be  flying with the real people now...well..except for Kray.... the  Girls Giggled as they made thier  way to the table inthier Suite.

  CApt Roles looked  at the LC,..you really must tell me the bet, that  HAck lost, that made him take her on his ship... Beth  giggled at this.

She so wanted to go after her and knock some adult attitude into her but stood still. "She's lucky I can't shoot a friendly, I would fire a missile up her fat little nose and give her a reason to be snobby." she looks to the captain with a faint smile. "It couldn't be a drinking bet or id want a rematch...just to win. Also sir if I may add you are looking very nice today." She returns her gaze to where Fran had gone. "I hope no one will punish me if I shoot her down if she fires at me."

 The Commander  comes over  as he watches  the three ladies  walk away, Captain Roles?  Did you just insult  three of  my pilots?


The Captainn looked at  the Commmander,maybe...can't  tell for sure Until i see if they can fly...but if  mean them three? he points to frans  and her buddies..then...well..yea... he grins  wider.

  The Commander nods and chuckles,well Ladies?  enjoying the game? And just a wee bit of backround  about Angela here. She  earned  the  ESN bronze  star and ESN Brionce  Cross  for actions on MArs Colony, when we  were there...didn't  quite turn out as she planned, but were giving her  a chance to  get some payback, Aye, Angela?

She would be bright red from blushing if she could, she just smiles big to the commander. "Oh yes sir, because if it wasn't for that miss-hap id have your job by now and you'd be under the table drunk out of your mind, so I'm going to take it out on those darkies as much as I can, and if it weren't for the good Captain those three would have needed a Medic and stat....and the games gran sir, i never thought id have fun watching what i can without interruption." she glances back to where Fran went.



*Edited some* (not enough text.....and BOOM!)
This message was last edited by the player at 06:36, Fri 15 Apr 2011.

The program watched the game through several cameras 'he' had hijacked when nobody was on the network. It took half a nanosecond to get complete control. 2nd Lieutenant Prometheus used his amazing powers of turning the cameras ten degrees to get a better view of the field. He was currently inhabiting a small computer placed in a steel reinforced suitcase sitting in a chair next to some sergeant and corporal talking about sports. A small holographic projector in the suitcase, next to the computer, allowed the AI to communicate with the outside world. But he didn't care about the people next to him. He had money on this match, and was happily talking via comm-link to several tech specialists about how he was going to spend their money. They of course claimed that it was his money that was going to be spent, and not by the Lieutenant.

If Prometheus was capable of humor, or even smiling, he would be. The humans had such a limited capacity to understand the odds, and an even more limited capacity to take advantage of their understanding. Some things just weren't their strong suit, and gambling was one of them. He was also betting on several other things at the moment, including a poker match, in which he was currently participating in. And winning. His virtual pile of chips was far larger than all the others, three of whom were sitting in chairs formerly inhabited by people who had run out of chips. Managing all this activity was hard for a normal person, but the lieutenant was far from a normal person. For him this was as easy as breathing. Easier, in fact, since it was impossible for him to breath.

He wished he could taste though. He'd heard food was quite amazing.

Roy just chuckled.  "I can understand your guarded admiration.  First time I went into combat, I only had reputation and rumors to judge by, and I was a bit concerned about my own health."

He shrugged, and added, "I think our entire boarding action on that captured Demon ship lasted about ten...maybe fifteen minutes, before the Demons surrendered.  Didn't lose a soul on board, and our losses out in the space combat were nowhere near as bad as you'd have thought.  After that, I'd never make the mistake of betting against the Hermes...for anything."

Hannah smiled at the Commander and the Captain as she set her glass down. "It's a good game. A little rougher than the high school games I used to watch, but those were mostly excuses to get a frito pie and overdose on pixie sticks."

"That's because its the big leagues." she turned her attention back to the skies and looked to be lost in though, still getting that bad feeling. "Is this feeling because of the memory attack on Mars base, or was it still the nightmare that I had recently woken from?" she didn't turn around to ask her next question out loud. "Commander....how would we know if there's another attack comming while the games are going on, and if there is one on the way, is there any pilots on the ready?"

  Commander  Hack  smiled,..Demons   are aggresive, but not  entirely stupid..the Fire power on the OLympus, and her fighters. could  hold of the largest atacks  we have seen..they have two wings, one in the Uppers, one in the Lowers, close to 80 ships in each, give  or take a breakdown, or accident..The Athena, The Hermes  and the HArvestor are sitting out there, as  well as The Iron  and The Zinc..the  destroyers only have  6  fighters  apiece..but? we wold be ready, since  any atacks  would have to come  past  Jupitor an Saturn's  Moon bases...we ar quite  safe...But if you are getting edgey...there is  only one half  to go...

  Beth  gets  a little  jumpy, here they  come!


  The   crowd  roared  as the   Hermes  team  came  running out of the Tunnel...everyone  had thier helmest on except for Kray who was being pestered  but the trainer, trying to  get  the  'cover skin'  to set before he  put his head gear on.

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

 Whenn the teams  came out, the two fellows  with the Comms began to  talk once more...on the screens the crawel came  across "..DB  Gureless  and  S Nokel are out for the  game, they have been taken to  the Medtechs...updates  as soon  as available..."

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

  The ball was kicked off to  Hermes, starting  at thier  25, Once more Miller used the  no huddle, yet ran the clock as she called audibles and  fake  audibles, have the ball snapped  with  1 or 2 seconds on the clock, quick passes to Kray  and Dana, and the TE as  well as more and more  runs  by the tough running  Fullback  and Halfback tantem...the clocke  began to fade...On his thired Catch,,the Crawel  came  acorss the screen"...WR  shadow  has now captured the  reception title  for the season..."

  7:30 off the clock when the Halfback  blasted through the hole that the Center  and  Left guard  made, the full back clearing the way, he went into the endzone standing up...the kick made it 24 -6... The Kickoff had the Olympus  team stuck  at the 18...they were now  hoplessly outmatched...three plays  and they punted.the ball going out of bounds  at midfield...

  Miller  was  on top her  game, the  Hermes team did not let up..every Chant, every scream  seemed to make them  want to punich the Olympus  team that  much more...  with 3 seconds left in the third  quarter, a 21 yard  FG made  the score 27-6...the gun sounded for the thied  quarter..Olympus  "fans" began to stream out of  the  stadium.

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

  Prometheus was feeling something odd in the streams he was watching...there  was some undercurrent , that he has not  felt  before....

She groans lightly...edgy wasn't the feeling she was having...she wanted to be on the ready force now. she puts her hands together, still not paying attention to the game anymore. Her anger building, wanting her revenge at this second, just if only they were stupid enough to come, then there was still the fact that her ship wasn't ready... She could fly better being linked with her ship...

    The Olyn nstruggles to gain some ground, after beig  a 15 point  favorite, they were down by 21!  They reched  the  Hermes  5 yard  linem but  chose to go for the TD...the defense held  and The Hermes  team took over at the 6...as they ran out onto the filed, Kray Grabbed the  back of Miller's Jersey and was talking to her, he  held up 2  fingers  and she shook her head no, but he inisted..they both looked over  at the Coach  who looked out into the Huddle as Dana stood By the Huddle with her  arms out, wonder what the heck was ggoing on,,Caoch nodded  his head  and Kray Grinned,  Miller smiled  and shook her head.

  The Fiorst Play  was a run to get the clock going, the next was  a bubble screen to Dana, who picked up the first down,  another run  and   then  a quick slant to Dana, when she  was tackled after her second catch, Kray popinted up at the Big board, "...with that receptions 82  D. Henry has taken over  the total reception title from  19  K. Shadow.."

  Kray  asked for the bal and handed it t o Dana  who seemed  shocked, the Hermes folks went  wild....  Her and Kray came off the filed   and two backups  came in to finish out the game...end  score  27-6...

Prometheus watched the game with mild interest. The poker game had ended, but he was already in another game, an FPS he had downloaded before the game started. Paying more attention to the virtual game than the actual one, he was slow to notice that something was off. As soon as he did, however, his the lieutenant's interest was guaranteed. Abandoning the other game before a new match started, he checked the feeds. Apart, nothing was glaringly wrong. But perhaps together?

Swiftly dissecting each frame, and combining them together in infinite combination, Prometheus looked for a sign, a clue as to what was wrong. He inverted colors, changed formats, and a million other things, as the AI ripped apart the streams bit by bit. It was under the radar, of course, undetectable to the computer systems in charge of the cameras he had jacked. And to those around the briefcase the sound was barely noticeable as the computer within processed everything.

The program was perfectly calm, of course. Mocking the tech specialists a bit as the game ended, he watched the money transfer to his account as Prometheus continued to analyze the camera feed.

  he  found it..odd at first...it seemed to be  one  word  messages...pumped into an off world  feed...as  eat  feed  reached its mark it shut down  and the other  was right on  its  tail, whomever..whatever  was on the other end, as good...But this  much  Prometheus  knew...the feed was going outside  the  Carrier/station's  orbit...far into space.

Prometheus paused to consider the feed's meaning. One word messages being transmitted off station, using the game's stream to hide themselves from detection. It was inspired, hard to discover, and even harder to prove. But the lieutenant had a record for being right almost all the time in matters relating to information. He was sure to be believed. But who to contact? While normally he'd contact an intelligence officer, the fact that he was now serving under Commander Hack made him think twice. No, the correct thing to do would be to contact his commanding officer.

Bouncing the signal off the carrier's communication arrays, he located the Commander and sent a brief message, using an artificial voice he had programed himself several months prior.

Commander Hack, sir. This is Lieutenant Prometheus. I've been assigned to the Hermes. While watching multiple feeds from the game, I discovered that the game's transmission is in fact hiding smaller, coded transmissions while they are broadcast off the station into space. They are one word messages of an unknown quantity, and ceased broadcasting as the game ended. They may be Demon in origin, or merely the creation of some hackers having fun at others' expense."

  about 20 minutes after they left the field, Kray came out  washed up and in street clothes, he looked  around to see if Hannah had gone back to the ship, or  was waiting to get something to eat.

   As he looked around  he signed  some  books and such for kids who  were waiting  for players to come out.

When the announcement that Gruless was out of the game came up, Roy turned the to man who'd made that particular side-bet and shrugged, with an apologetic grin.  "Better luck next time, maybe?" he said, in a tone that had just enough sincerity to it to leave a listener unfamiliar with him wondering if he meant it or he was mocking the guy.

As the clock started winding down, he stood up and stretched, then rubbed his hands together.  "Thank you all for a very entertaining time, and a wonderful start on my retirement package," he said, as the final horn sounded.  He'd set his scope for its nearest focus range, hoping it was enough to get a decent shot of the guy he'd noticed with the comm unit, and had snapped a few shots with the scope loose in his hand, basically 'firing from the hip' to get a pic of the guy without being obtrusive.  He didn't expect there'd be much opportunity to get information with the chaos of everyone leaving the stadium.

He looked over at Gresh.  "I really hope you put that extra 20 credits down on Hermes, like I said," he chuckled.  "That coulda turned into one helluva tip..."

Hannah had turned down the offer of a ride back to the ship. Now she leaned against the wall watching Kray sign autographs and grinning. Lordy he was a bit of a ham... She was starving and more than ready to eat, but patient enough to wait until he was through with his fans.

She'd never be a huge fan of the sport - it was too rough for her taste - but she'd definitely start showing a little more team spirit and start attending the games. Hannah wondered if Kray would even recognize her in the LCs clothes and all done up. Her current appearance was a far cry from her normal look.

  After the last fan left, Kray  walked towards the few fews still milling  around, most  waiting on another Player to come out.

  The  Pilot looked  a little  Crestfallen  as he  looded around, but  approached  those standing near the tunnel's  mouth...'cuse me, Miss..have you seen.... as he started to speak he  was  about  toshow the hieght of a peson he was looking  for, his hand  was about the right size off the ground, when he  stopped  and looked,..Hannah?...a  slow whislle  came out of his lips  as he looked up and down, then shook his head,..I..well..I mean...you keep  all that, hidden?"

  Looking down at his  dress slicks, and V-neckshirt, both black, his sportcoat was black as well, the piping on the V was white,"..man..did  we get this backwards...I should take youo to the " Twight" now!

  without thinking he offered his  arm  so they  could exit  the  Stadium, he fishes  in his  inside pocket  for the  "recall" button  for thier  favorite  Taxi-man

Roy would have been happier with the gambling paying off in cash...but, still...2620 credits in your account was a nice bonus to the game.  He hung around the suite, exchanging good-humored taunts with the high-rollers (although, he did tell himself, it was Gresh's suite, so they may have been no more high-roller than he was), getting a little something more to eat before resigning himself to Hermes rations (although, really, they were as good or better than anything here...it was just tradition to complain about your own mess hall), and trying to see if he could overhear any information about the comm-user.  He was in no rush...willing to let the crowds thin out a bit before he decided to head back.

  Roy  was pleased to see the  woman  with the Sanri sidearm apporached him right  away to pay of her bet, she  jagged him  a little about having inside information, but let it go, except  for giving him a card with her comm number, incase he "needed"  to get in touch.

 Stoly was given another bottle of his Vodka, by Gresh himself, The man was as good  as loser  as he was a businessman...of course...all the credits  that just flowed into his coffers from the Hermes  might  of had something do do with that.

  Roy  noticed sometyhing, without really noticing, as he  took another look down on the  filed, he saw  Shadow making his way towards Hannah..the lst kid he signed  an autograph for  prancing away towards his mother  as if he found  a 100 credit  chip...

  That isn't  what drew  Roy's  eye..the two Comm talkers were at the  Olympus  end of the tunnels...at the Hemres end  was another pair watching Shadow..and  standing up from thier  seats, were 2 of  the three he saw during the game..the third, was missing.

Roy paused, just long enough to make sure he had clear images shot of the four guys he could see.  He ran a quick eye over the stadium, looking for anything out of sorts...odd spots that didn't match the rest of the stadium design, a glint where there shouldn't have been one, anything that might give him a quick clue where the missing man had gone.

He pulled Stoly aside for just a moment, speaking in low, terse tones.  "So, four of our five comm-talkers are down there at the tunnels.  I'm not sure if they're supposed to be security, or surveillance...or something worse.  You think we should check 'em out?  Or call Hack and have him round up Shadow before something ugly happens to our flyboy?"

Hannah blushed and looked down at her outfit. "You mean I don't look nice in my uniform?" She couldn't even say it with a straight face, making it very clear to Kray she was only teasing. She moved away from the wall and took the arm he offered with a wide smile.

"Honestly, I'd really rather that burger we talked about." Hannah let him lead her out of the stadium, trusting KRay knew the way out - she certainly had no clue. Biting her lip, she hesitated a moment before asking what was on her mind. "How's your head? You took some nasty hits today... I'd understand it if you wanted to go back to the ship and rest."

-->To wherever Kray decides

Stoly considered the situation.  ”Perhaps someone should look out for our football hero.  Of course we could just grab one of the comm addicts and talk a little shop with them.  If its all good, no harm no foul.  If bad things are happening, then who will blame us, or even report it?”

Roy considered for a moment.  "I say we see if we can catch up with Shadow.  If the comm boys are working some dastardly angle, I don't want to let them know that we've made them...they'll find someone else who's better at the job."

He considered options for a moment, then grabbed his personal comm unit, and called the Hermes bridge.  "Can you patch me through, direct, to Commander Hack?  Tell him it's Sergeant Spencer."  He figured odds were pretty good that the bridge was screening congratulatory calls to Shadow...he'd need the Commander to give Kray a heads-up.  By the time he finished explaining to the bridge personnel why THIS call needed to go through, it would be too late.

”What?”  Stoly said.  ”I am friendly guy.  People always talk to me, eventually.”  He laughed.  ”Alright, we'll keep up with our hero then.  You watch him.  I'll keep an eye on the pretty...umm...pretty suspicious comm tech.”

Roy chuckled.  "I have no doubt they'd talk to you...I just don't want them to realize we picked up on their game.  You learn a lot more about your enemies' operations when they don't realize you've caught them doing something.  So, go ahead, be friendly...just don't let 'em know they're busted."

"I do not think we are talking about the same comm tech now."  Stoly nodded toward Hannah and Shadow.

It took Roy a second...he was busy thinking about what to say to Hack.  But it clicked.

He chuckled, and nodded.  "A little bit of a scuffle over the fair maiden would be a pretty good cover..."

"Cover for what?"  Stoly said.  "We are not skipping out on a bar tab here."

  Walking out  of the Stadium the two went  to the raised  Taxi platform and  Kray pulled out a disc  and pressed it...Burgers  it is..been  awhile   since  i had a decent one...  he chuckles,..who knows how many  Olympus fellas  are going to want  to hover  around you ...

   Kray's side arm was no evident, but his  actions were loose. body motions  as he talked  and  turned  seemed  normal.

  My head...yea, Damned Sanri..wouldn't  had monded  if he would have lit me  up legal...but man...you cheap shot me....you have to pay the  price... he touched the  Derma  patch, it was taking hold, but still thumped  a bit.

  Then he  winked,...of course? In then end..I am walking out wth  the LAdy, and Gruless is in the Med-lab.

  .......Go to off  duty  from here...

Roy grunted, and shook his head lightly.  "Cover, in case someone's got some trouble in mind for Shadow.  If there's a couple of guys giving him trouble, they're not gonna turn around and run away.  Might wait around for us to finish up, might follow us back, waiting for an opportunity..."  He shrugged.

"Or they may just turn around and take off at the sight of a couple of extra Hermes uniforms.  We may not need any cover at all.  I'm just trying to anticipate all the options.  Planning for contingencies is a sniper tactic..."  He shrugged, and chuckled.

Stoly said,  ”Perhaps we should just follow.  You are sniper, ne pravda?  You will spot them before they can make trouble, then we make trouble for them.  If we frighten them away, we may not get another chance to have chat.”



>>( to Off Duty )>>
This message was last edited by the player at 01:21, Sun 17 Apr 2011.

....For   the trip to Olympus  for the ESN fleet championship

  This game  was getting alot  of press, covarge from all the colonies, and  sent out to every ship in the fleet, as well as beamed back to earth...the only game that could 'outdo' the Super bowl, since  the universe was involved...plau the fact, that thanks to the 'Angelfood' give  spacefarers, the extended life  and youth, would  allow the best of these players to come back to earth and play in the NFL  some day.

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

  The Statdium was filling up, Once more the HArvestor  sent   ablock of some 300 crewmembers to sit in a section as they cheered for  the Hermes team....most of  Olympus  was leaning towards  the  HAdes team...but there  were some  folks who still wanted to see the Hermes  win.

 The Angel and Demon backers were using this  game as a barometer, to see what side was"right"...a real...political football!

the Docks were Buzzing. The Hermes and the Harvestor seemed to  be going near empty as more people the normal, were being allowed the shore leave to go to the game....of course...not all would, but that was the chance HAck was takijng  by allowing passes for those who were going.

 About half the MArines were staying on board, and the ship would be buttoned up until after the game, no exits, no entries until HAck cleared the ramps to come back down. most ot  the town was staying on the ship, they would watch the game in the homes, or on the Vids screens throughout the ship.  Even the guards would be ale to see the Vid screens.

 The Foundry was closed down, since many of the players were foundry workers, and the Med-tech lab and Bio-tech LAb were  be sealed as well with guards  around the doors... and extra patrol of  security would  man the Hanger Bays, and  pity the poor soul who walked in there without the proper clearances...

   an Hour before the Game, The Hermes  folks  were warming  about, doing drills , running patterns. Vidcam folks were taking pictures as reporters moved around the players.

  The Hades  folks were in the locker room, they had  the filed first, and now the filed was all for the hermes team.

 The Mercs were hollering to the hermes  Team, even Raven, dressed up more then normal was holding up a Wingfoot with 351 under it.


  Hades  fans were less then happy with the Hermes team, shouting taunts, more then one fight broke out in the stands  thus  far, and  the people taken away.

  In the  Luxery box to the Left of the main Owner's box, The  Hermes folks are settling in...Oria, Hannah, Beth, Angela, LC Si, Roy , and  Lyri.

  Ethan is  in a very good section of seats, Not  far  from Calhoun..there are several Pilots  around, Including   "the BAron Killer" stevens


(( Henry and Justin,Charles, Let me know where you want your charcters to be to be))

Roy did his best to look at ease in the box...it was only his second occasion, and it was, in him mind, still 'officer country', where non-coms never strayed.  Except that, for the duration of the game, rank was kind of unofficially set aside.  He adjusted to it more easily this time than last, having been through it once...but he missed having Stoly there.  Snipers didn't usually have a wingman, per se, but they also, contrary to popular belief, didn't operate solo, either.

He kept his ears open, listening to the chatter, waiting for someone to open the door to a better bet than he'd get from the station bookies...or, at least, a good occasion to make a 'morale bet'.  He could afford to risk a fair sum, to encourage some loudmouth to either shut up or put his own money on the line.  He still didn't know the game well enough to understand half the discussion about why the odds were so close to even.

He'd also brought with him the camera that he'd had on the occasion of his first game at Olympus...didn't know if he'd need to be shooting clear images of anyone on the far side of the stadium, but it was better to have it and not need it.  Also, worn simply and without any effort to draw attention to it, he had the ring they'd recovered on Fuji.  Each person he chatted with, he watched carefully for any sign that they recognized its significance, but he was careful to avoid the appearance of flashing it around...he wore it like it was a part of him, fighting down the occasional impulse to fidget with it...he wasn't used to wearing rings, and it had taken him the better part of an hour to get to the point where he didn't constantly notice its presence.  But still, occasionally, it would snag briefly on something, or catch the light just right, and remind him it was there.  The same kind of strict discipline that got him through sniper training came in, at that point, as he kept his hands behind his back when standing, in a sort of 'parade rest' position, or found something else to do with them while sitting.

  The Doors  where opened between the   boxes  as the Players left the field  from thier  warmups...In the Middle Box  was ...Ambassador..Frans, along  with the New Senator Salie Latoure...Roy has Noticed that the Angel Ambassdor, Unli Si and  her "suggested companion" Feri Kei were standing by the indows  with HAnnah, Beth, and  the LC, as they pointed out players..Beth informed everyone who would listen , about stats, how good they were, how much butt hey were gonna kick.


  Not to go unnoticed was Ambassador Krol..a Wisp male..that Frans had allowed to set up a small embassy on Olympus...it goes without syaing..that most of earth and the ESN, were not real keen on having  a Demoic presence inside the Sol system.

  Gresh moved from his box through the main  box chatting and taking bets, when he spied  Roy. he moved into the Hermes box, greeted Hack, who seemed very at ease  with the Blackmarket king, and finally he stood by Roy...this is going to be a Good  Game. Much better then last time you were here. The Hades Security Chief  has put 1000 Credits on his team...they are giving 3  points to the Hermes team...don't  understand that..i thought t it would  be even..but they know the Hermes team lost  teo people in your last action.

 Lyri takes  adeep sip from  some fancy drink Beth had  talked her into, Hades has a Security Chief? Well...i suppose some one has to keep track of the number of  toilet rolls they use, when they get close to the action....

 Gresh smiled a toothy smile  at Lyri,..you have a companion? That is a good thing....it seems she has that....endearing....Hermes personality...

   As  Gresh came  Through, Roy saw frans and Eckles talking to her FAther..however..the talk dfid not look like a pleasant one, and when the  Demon reached to take her hand in greeting, Frans  Jerked it back and snapped something, Ambassador  frans said something  and frans  and  Ecles  moved through the door and  Stopped by Hack who was moving  down the   box to listen to the Girls  talk about the players and game...  They all looked surprised to See Frans ..she was dressed nice, but not over the top. like the last time..she wore  dress slacks  and top, Eckles had  a dress... Commander HAck?  LC? Would it  be alright, if we watched the Game  with you all here? If not.. we might be able to get seats in the stands....but..I would rather be with Our people, this time around?

  she seemed  clearly Upset..Beth   was a little distrustful, by her looks Hannah smiled slightly and turned to hear what LC  or  HAck would say.

 Lc spoke up,..You are more then welcome to stay...I can understand your lack of willingness to stay in ..THAT...box.

  Unli smiled, I agree...i would not  want to be near one of those things, unless by blaster was in my hands... Feri nodded as he checked  his sidearm absently,  Do i not remember you from the Academy?

  Frans  nodded  a bit,..Yes  Ambassador...i met you my senior year during  flight training....and  at the spring ball, when  Kray  was your escort... At those  words Feri seemed more edgy then when they talked of demons....

Roy returned Gresh's toothy smile, noting the activity between Frans and her father over the Sanri's shoulder.  While he was never one to celebrate family troubles, it made him feel more at ease to see the pilot walking away...it was one less nagging variable to focus on.

"I guess you could call her my Companion.  Sometimes she's more of a guardian angel..."  He paused, and laughed a little bit at how what had once been a common colloquialism on Earth had become a literal possibility.

"Sorry, it's an old Earth saying, from back before the Angels established contact with us, when they were nothing but an element in Terran religion and mythology.  Suffice it to say, I wouldn't be here today if she hadn't been around."  He raised his drink (a soft drink, carried as if it were something stronger) to Lyri, with a smile.

He turned back to Gresh.  "And I don't see how it could possibly be a better game than last time.  We won.  And I made a small fortune."  He chuckled quietly.

  Gresh's  chuckle  rumbled from deep in his chest where the  four..or in his cas..3 arms converged,...The HAdes  team prides itself of being warriors..fighting to the end..  he waves his  lone left hand  and takes a sip of a purple drink, they do not think your people take take the pounding for a full 4 quarters....I am inclinded to agree, having seen them deal with MArs Colony team  in the round of the playoffs...


  On the Filed the Announcers were calling out the NAmes of the Hades' players  as they ran out..there  was alot of cheering, but not near , the amount , that the Olympus team had.

Roy chuckled in response.  "Different mindsets, I suppose.  We're used to dealing with our problems right off the bat.  I wouldn't be surprised if the Hades team had a major chunk of their roster on the bench with injuries by the fourth quarter.  They better hope their third-stringers can pull them through..."

Angela stood in the Box looking over the field, just as before, with the same worried look over her face, but this time was different, she could only stand there and think of her friends who she had prayed over in the chapel. then another thought crossed her mind of the rookies she flew with just as they arrived.

She held a wine glass in her left hand this time, dressed in a crimson red dress, which seemed to sparkle from tiny specks of silvers spotting the dress. she tried more this time to look good taking the look of someone she seen in a photo from the past.

(what she looks like...sorta)

  Gresh nodded slowly as he watched the Hades team , getting near the end of thier intros...Since  dealing with the Hermes, I havealways had second thoughts of selling them short...It would seem the HAdes deal , are already cashing thier  checks...


  More then a few of the  Young  men in suits, that whee in the Ambassdor's box, Looked over at the Hermes' girls... one or two try to catch Angela's eye...they seemed to be talking  about who should go and try to hit on the women

 Lyri shook her  head  as she pointed with  a finger from  the hand that held her drink,...From what i see?  I see fools...throw  rocks  at a Lion while ti sleeps....when it wakes? They will all be eaten..  What Lyri pointed to wasLt  Max  Progovitch..the fellow who thought he was the best pilot in the ESN,  even though he has never seen a Demon up close...well..at least not  one that was trying to kill him...he was  the strong  saftey for the HAdes team..he  wore the Number 13..he stood out in the middle of the field  and tore two posters in half..one of Kray, and one of Dana..the HAde's  fans cheered..though..onceagain..the noise level was no where near the cheers Gureless and the Olympus team was afforded.

Roy shook his head.  "Oh...I'm pretty sure he really shouldn't have done that.  That poor kid's gonna get himself hurt...if he's lucky, Shadow will take care of it himself, it will at least be quick that way.  Some of those foundry boys get their hands on him?  It's gonna take a doctor a couple of hours to sort out his arms from his legs..."

  Gresh's toothy grin grew,..there is some talk , about  some of the HAdes players were punished  for returning to the HAdes with less Power Cells then they  paid for, from MArs Colony...they pointed fingers  at Your Pilot and his  friends...but none  could prove that wass the case..so they were given some duties  to perform to make up for the missing Cells...oddly enough? TheDocks Security Camaras were off line   foe about 20 mintes, before your ships returned to the Hermes...they did  get a good shot of the Russina pilots being...'dusted off'..By Shadow and his friends....

Roy shrugged.  "I was back-seat to Shadow on that one.  I don't know what happened to the missing power-cells...but unless the Russians packed them on-board the fighters we took off in, we didn't do it.  We never left the flight-line."

He paused for a minute, remembering that flight.  "Never want to try that one again, though," he continued, shaking his head.  "I get my fill of fancy flying when a shuttle's trying to extract us from a hot LZ...I'll think twice before jumping in another fighter again, no matter who's at the stick."

Angela glanced up to the Ambassadors booth at the men looking at her then looks away before giving a shy double-take. Then her ears pick up Roy talking and smiles, slowly turning to him before approaching. "Not even if it was me?" She was jesting at this point, but figured she would still jump into the conversation, mainly from boredom, and to see the look on Roy's face when she came near him. He always seemed to flush around her.

  There was a somehwat louder roar, as the  Hermes  team came  out  from  the tunnel , from thier end of the bleatchers..the PA fellow had a hard time keeping up because the whole team cvame out..so he had to rattle nimbers and names off..rather then get all theactric-like witht he names...

    The teams went to the side  lines and listens to...The  North American Athem, the Eastern Block Anthem, the Olympus  Anthem..and Finaly the ESN Anthem.

 Kray, Miller  and  Abe Merrick. the Middle  Linebacker..one of the many foundry boys on the team, went out to meet..Korski, Morski and Progovitch fro the coin toss..the call was heads, it was tails..The HAdes team took Ball...as they went to shake hands..Kray stepped away from the group ( to be in full view) he had a puzzled look on his face. He held  up a finger  for the others to wait..Miller and Abe , seemed to be fighting back a laugh...Kray reached down the front of his football ants and had a look of disgust ...he pulled out  a headsized poster of Proovitch...a hoile cut out where the mouth should be..he hannded it to Progovitch..holding it with two fingers as if  it was all wet..

  Progovitch hit the Poster of  of his hand and went to hit  the Pilot..Until the tall dark figure of Abe stepped up and  shook his  head no...The refs sent the  captains back to the sidlelines..no handshakes involved..But  the Hermes  fans were laughing  and hooting as the kickoff teams  came out.
.........................................
  The back door opened, Rivets  ahd Rowles came in.. they were both laughing as Rivets said,..That Laddie's got the sense of humor  alright....

 Hack turned around to look at them...but it was plain to see the humor in his eyes...

 Beth shook her head,..going to be one of those games.....

 Unli looked at  LC Si and both thier  cheeks were colored, but they giggled  along witht eh rest...

  Frans shook her head,there should be a bet, on bodycounts this game....

....In the Ambassador's booth..Capt  Pavel Nolov of the Hades, gave Hack a frown..Hack..in turn raised his  galsss and downed it, then looked for another drink.

Roy gave Angela an inscrutable half-smile.  "Nope, not even you.  I prefer my rides to be a little more predictable."  He shrugged, and was saved from any further elucidation of the point by the roar of the crowd and the announcer's fumbling attempts to rattle off the names of the team en masse.  He stepped up for a better view, and shook his head at Shadow's antics.

"It's a good thing he's as good as he is, because that boy would get himself hurt, playing around like that," he muttered, to no one in particular.  One of these days, Shadow would grandstand in front of the wrong person.

Roy hoped he was there on that occasion...not to see Shadow get taken down, but to make sure the guy who tried to do it didn't get away with it.

  The Kick off came..the whole of the Harvester's  crew stood up and shouted as the ball came down into the  Hade's returnman's hands... He charged up field , after bobbling the ball and was  Labeled ..hard..By on of the foundry guys, who was a second team Corner.

 The HAdes  came out..as was thier wont..began to  run the BAll, But the Hermes D hit the the line hard..selling out on the run..three straight plans, the HAdes Punted..Dana took the ball and returned it to the  Hermes 25.

  To everone's surprise..the  Hermes team lined up  with only 2 wideouts, and began to run the ball as well..they made some yards, as the Hades team played off looking for the quciok strike pass...The Miller hit  Dana  with a pass off the FAke...Progovitch came up and hit her...Dana  satyed  down... Kray and  two O-line  men where there in a second, Provitch danced  about shoing his  Muscles, and the Lt Guard  Just grabbed Kray before he  could hit him blindside..they took Dana of the field...

 A yonger Kid from the Hermes  supply lined up at the other wide out..they sifted  two guys to Kray's side of the filed...and filled the box  with the rest....

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

 Beepers  went off in a few guys pockets,Gresh smiled,Seems like the odds have changed...they now predict the HAdes team will win by 10...any takers?

Roy chuckled.  "Hades by ten, huh?  What's the payout now for a hundred on Hermes?"  He glanced over at Lyri and smiled knowingly.

"Just 'cause someone's been hurt doesn't mean the game's over.  Right, Chief?" He chuckled, knowingly.

  Gresh smiled and shook his head,..right now? 2 to one..you put down a hundred, you win two hundred...you have to remember...Dana took alot of coverage away from Kray, now, they can doble, even triple him..I do not have much faith in the Hermes  running game...

  A smallish  halfback for the  Hermes team cut through a hoile and got the first down...they ran a few morte times, then Miller Hit  Kray with a pass over the Middle..Progovitch and  the Middle Linebacker  hit him hard, all three went down, But Kray bounced off and spun the football on the turf like a top..the Crowd went nuts...those cheering for the Hermes team seems to be pushing the HAde's fans down...

  with one minute left, in a very fast 1st quarter..Hermes  tried a FG that missed from insde the 20....the HAdes team took over own thier own 20

Roy shrugged.  "Nobody's got any idea what kind of receivers we've got as second and third string...hardly ever needed them.  Given the quality of the rest of the team, I think the backups will be more than ready to step up.  Same things goes for the run...you don't generally use a weapon you don't need.  We'll see what comes."

He took another sip of his drink, and added, "When and if the odds make it to five-to-one, come find me.  I'll get in on that."  He gave a wolfish grin and turned his attention to the field.

"Of course, if the Hades team doesn't have any offense to speak of, it's a moot point...the odds will never get that far."

 The 1st quarter ends  with  Hades running the ball twice more  for  a total of 4 yards....on the hermes sidelines, people were  agthered around  Dana, an airboot on her left foot...The HAdes  team tried to run the ball again..there was a loss , but a flag on hermes for being offsides..giving the HAdes team a 3 and One, which they converted...the ran the ball, taking thier time in the huddle...now  and again a hermes  player would go off the field and a fresh one come in...the Hades team never  subbed...

 ..You see?  The  Hermes players  are not used to fighting this hard, they keep  bringing new poeple in, while the Hades players  stand tall and  porud!

 with 4 minutes left in the half..the Hades team kicked a 35 yard field goal..Hades was ahead..3 -0

 Gresh nodded,still doesn't  cover the spred..but a Touchdown and a filed goal will...

  The   Hades defesne  strived even harder to punish the Hermes  team..more then once..a Hermes player would go to the  sideline limping , or  an arm dangling from a stinger.

 Kray took a punding. every play..if he blcoked, the  second guy  would come in and hit him...if he went out for a pass, they hit him whether the ball was near him or not..more then Once he would throw  a DB off him  who tried to hold him on the ground , to help the clock run...The Hermes  folks...looked battered....

Roy just watched and waited.  He had faith in his team.  Depth on the bench meant that everyone could be worn out at an even pace, instead of the first string becoming totally gassed out and having to throw the whole game into the hands of the second or third string.

"Doesn't matter who's winning at half-time.  Lotta teams played a brilliant half of football.  Hitler held most of Europe, on Earth, for most of our second World War.  The war lasted six years...and for the first half of that, it looked like he was probably going to pull things off.  Then his grip started slipping...and when push came to shove, he lost the majority of the continent in about a year."  He'd finished and refilled his drink, still watching.

For all the hype about how the Hermes didn't see the Hades team as a serious threat, all the commentary that Roy had heard had made it plain...this was what the Hermes team was expecting.

  During the ahlf..The Captain of ther Hades  came over to the hermes  Box, Ambassador Frans, and the Wisp in tow. He had a very large smile on his face, and a very big glass of vodka.

 ..So...yuour team..finding otu what it is like..eh? To play the hard game?

  Amb Frans smiled, I must say..I am enjoying seeing that BAstard Shadow taking his lumps..I have a bundle  riding on this game..3 nothing  isn't great, but the Hermes  team does not look like its having a good time!

  FATHER!...Dammit!..if you'er going to Gloat? go sit with the Demon Kissers! Eckles grabbed   frans  and Pulled her back a space, Hannah looked more then a little unerved at the ebatings  going on on the filed.

 Beth? Looked as calm as if she was punching in another  V-bomb, Really  Ambassador  Frans? For as many times  as Kray has made you look silly...why would you thinbk you would get ahead this time?

 Lyri chuckles aloud,..You forget..Ambassador..we ae battle tested..we have been killing Demons like  some folks kill rats...your people..well...I am pretty sure the odds  would be even , if rats invaded your ship!
 Captain Nolov and Ambassador Frans seemed  more then a little angry...the Wisp's skin darkened alittle  as Lyri boasted of dead demons...

  Roles cleared his throat,..You know...You have a three point lead, before  we come out of the  half....You think that 10 point cusgion is enough?...or you hoping  the odds go down, so you don't have to pay out as much?


  Rivets nodded, Don't have much credits as you folks do..But you give  me the right numbers..I'll put 1000 on me Boyo and the crew!

 Gresh laughed  aloud, he had seen the peoiple leaving, some of them  not even coming back in..hiding on the bench as the Caoch looked around..Only Kray, Miller and Ortiz, the halfback, had stayed on the field the whole half, and the defense looked like most of the third  and second string played he first half!..For me...since you people  are some of my best customers?..I will go as  high as 4 to one...5 to one...would be folly in the highest order...

   Beth watches  as the teams  come out for the second half, Dana still had her boot one, three of the O linemen were carring the helmets as thier backups  warmed up..I'll put  500 down...

 Hannah looked into the palm of her hand, she shook her head as she read it. then said  quietly,...I will put  1000 down...I have  faith... though...just perhaps  there was a bit of unsureness , in her voice.

  Frans  snarled at the Russian Captain, me too!...1000...you have to beat us by 10!

   Lyri shook her head, what if we win?

 Gresh, the two Ambasssadors  and the Captain laughed...now?..I will give you 5 to one on that!...Gresh said.

  Make mine to win...screw the points....

  Hannah nodded quietly,..to win...

 Eclkes and  Frans   both said, to win!!

Roy's grin lit up.  "Five to one?  That's the number I've been waiting to hear.  It's just not worth betting when the odds are any closer to even."  He turned to the Russian Captain and the Ambassador.

"You want to climb out of the wading pool and get in some deep water?  I'll put five grand on the Hermes to win, at five to one odds."  He gave them a hard look, daring them to back down from the bet.

  Amb Frans, and  Capt Nolov looked at each other..the Wiusp's eyes blinked a few times, as it really didn't have a cluew what was going on.

  The  Men who were checking out the Hermes  chicks came  over..drinks in thier hands, They looked over the girls and  the "spokesmen for the group of 5" said,well? it doesn't have to  be all about money6...how  about a night on the town with the Best Company in town?

  Beth rolled her eyes, Please...those  men  are out on the field...what do you guys  do for a living...

 ....................................

 the second half  kickoff was about to begin. The ball came down to the Kick returned, the fellow  drove up field hard  and fast, he was determined to make something happen... he was hit  by a savage tackle and the Ball flew out of his hands into the Arms of a Hades player, who was downed at the Hermes  40 yardline.

 The return man came off the filed tossing his helmet into the bench... Shadow  was on him  like a hawk, grabbing his helmet and shoving it into his belly..his face an inch away from the man as he read him the riot act... The HAdes team ran 6 minutes off the clock..before  having to settle for  another Field Goal...6- 0 Hades...

  The Hermes  team got the ball and moved  down filed, Miller  handed off and hit the short stuff..the TEs  and Kray were getting hammerd on each catcvh..every yard was paid for  by mulitple hits. not just on the ball carrier, but on every player  a HAdes person could get a helmet on.... Hermes  tried for another  FG..the kick went  wide right again,,,the Hades  team took over  on thier own 27......still 6-0...

Roy decided not to relent.  He didn't have any family, his costs of living were covered...if he lost the money, he was the only one that would suffer and he had enough to survive on, anyway.

"How 'bout it, Ambassador?  Not going to be chased off a bet by a lowly sergeant, now, are you?"  He let a smirk flicker across his face.

  Yes..Father..what about that...Hermes Sgt!..and a handful of  Hermes women!

  Hack looked down at the floor. he was fighting  to not smile, not that any of the opposition could see as they were agahst  at the numbers being thrown at them....Sims looked to Gresh,..I have a brand new...clean as a whistle, MArk IV Hammer..its mine...only flew 5 missions in it...of my kills? it  collect 2 of them...I will put that up..against 300 power Cells....if Hermes  wins..I get the Cells...if you win..you get the HAmmer..you can sell it to the idiots who lost theres!

  Gresh..for the first time since Roy knew him...was shocked...almost dropping  his drink, Commander? YOu do know ...a Hammer  MK IV is worth 500 power cells....

 Hack shrugged, Does it look like i am worried  about losing it?

 Amb Frans  and the Captain niodded and put up thier money as well..writing Chits out on scan paper and handing it to Roles who was keeping book.....with one Minute left in the  3rd  quarter..Hades kicked another  FG...9-0...

Roy angled to do a little 'extra fishing' out of the bet.  As the Ambassador agreed to cover the bet, he reached out to shake hands with him...the closest thing he'd done to an open display of the Eclipse ring.  An inscrutable expression on his face, he watched both the Ambassador and the Russian Captain for any reaction to it.

  both men  looked at the ring,  they looked at each other, but said nothing.

 The Bets were on...the Hermes  team just got the Kick off, Once more  they moved  a bit  of the filed, when the ball bounced of the fingers of  the TE as he was hit..and intercepted by the Hadfes team..the  Russians  tried to ruch some plays, and through 2 incomplete passes..thier  Kicker made  good on his kick..it was now 12- 0 with 13 minutes left in the game.

Roy scanned the sidelines, spotting one of his volunteer security officers working as an assistant to one of the trainers.  He stepped to the back of the box, and pulled out his comm unit.

"Shoemaker...let Shadow know that we've got Ambassador Frans and the Russian Captain on the hook for close to ten thousand in bets...at five to one odds.  I think that'll put a little fire in everyone's souls down there."

He stepped back to his spot in the box with a malicious little grin barely showing on his face.  Even if he lost all his credits on the game, he had one more piece to tie the Ambassador to an anchor, just waiting to be kicked overboard and drag him down.  After the game, he'd have to be sure and mention the ring and looks between the two men to Commander Hack.  Roy was used to operating at a tactical level, small units and direct engagements...someone else would need to oversee the strategic, 'big picture' side of this.

Angela shrugs off any pains she felt from the hits taken by her team. "2000." Is all she said as she slips her hand into her dress and pulls out her card, then glanced over to the group with a grin. She had never made a bet on a game before but Hack would be able to tell a dink bet from her any day, and well...She treated just as one.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:49, Tue 21 Feb 2012.

  The hermes  team walked out ontot he filed..The Crew of the Harvestor in thier section..began to chant the cheer..3...5..1...HERMES!...3...5...1...over and over  again..the crew from the Hermes began to chant as well...along with pockets of Olympus folks, who sided with  The  "Angel lovers" over the "Demon Lovers"

  as they took the filed after the Kickoff, Kray was pulled aside  by a trainer... Kray whistled  down the bench to the  Coach, who Nodded  and  waved his hands to the Bench.

 everyone on the filed left, except for Miller, Kray and Ortiz...from the Bench came Dana, Kicking off her air boot, the O line  throwing away Ace bandages and pulling on thier head gear...all of them..had very big...very...scarey grins on thier faces...

  The HAdes looked at the   starters  coming back in...the were tired..it takes  as much out of you to Hit someone hard, as it does to be hit hard...and this had been a street fight all night.

  Miller  stepped up to the line and called the signals..the D-backs looked at each other, not knowing whether to ortate the coverage or not...Miller didn't Give them time to think about it..she snapped the Ball and dropped  BAck, faking  a strike to Kray, she let the Ball go deep down filed..Dana  was on her horse, flying past the tired  DB as if he was standing still..the O line Buried the D-line...tons of hate and energy buitl up from watching the last 3  quarters...Dana  pulled the ball in at the 20 and Jogged In...Progovitch never saw her  cross the Goal Line as kray jacked him  up..blindside  but legal...as he looked down...at the Russian..he said...Now?...the ass kicking starts..we were just playin'...

  The kick went  through...12-7...with 8 minutes left to go..a filed goal  would set it up for over time...but...was hades in shape to drive for aFG?

Everyone was cheering, and he had no idea why. Perhaps it was Angela's dress, which had his attention far more than some silly game. Everyone stood up and cheered. He asked someone beside him what had happened. He didn't really care, he was far more interested in Angela and her dress...

  The Hermes  just scored!...if they can stop the Russians..ands score  again..they will win!..but there is only 8 minutes left!

Roy's smirk returned, as he looked sidelong at the Ambassador and his cohorts.  He gave Gresh a good-natured elbow to the side and said, "See?  Our second and third string players, with just a few starters to bolster them, kept their first string down to twelve points for the whole game.  I really hope you thought to put some money down on Hermes when the odds started shifting..."  He grinned, devilishly.

Aldin watched the intensity of the game unfold. Even being new to the Hermes his gut sank as he seen one starter to the next benched by the Hades team. He had butterflies in his stomach by the time halftime came around.

He hadn't bet any money on the game, but after seeing Shadow signal the coach and watching each of the 'injured' players returned to the line, riled him up. He couldn't help but be excited and chant along with the rest of the crowd. 3..5..1 Hermes! 3..5..1! He grinned ear to ear with the rest of the fans as he watched the players come back. Their touchdown was even more rushing. He cheered loudly for the Hermes. "Yaaa!! Goal!! Take that ya demon-loving trash! Haha!" He couldn't wait to see what their next play would be.

  Gresh smiled good  naturedly, It seems to be a team of foxes, in the hen house?...by the way..what is...a hen? the Sanri titled his head, and  poured himself another  drink..Amb Frans  was wiping the beaded up sweat from his  Brow, the CAptain of  the Hades was drinking out of the bottle.

  Beth was jumping  up and down,HA HA!...this is gonna be great!

 Hannah was still a bit  nerved out. but  her smile was begining to come back.. The LC and her sister  were all wired out..and Hack  just stood a bit taller,..I can only hope...for your  player's  sake..that  the HAdes team were n't mouthing  off..while they were...um...beating us...

 The Kickoff came  and ther ahdes  player brought it out of the endzone..he was smacked hard, by two Hermes coverage men..and it took him a while to elave the field..

  Now Abe  walked back and forth in the Defensive backfiled he was pointing to the HAdes people and shouting...at the snap of the ball, they handed off to the full back, to bull his way through the line...the poor fellow  managed only a yard..Abe  was shouting  at his  teammates...what the 9 hells is wrong with you...you let him get a whole damn yard!

  the clock ticked, the HAlf pabck took a pitch...a corner back, one of Rivets weapon's  techs..flew Up and Met the Halfback  3 yards  deep in the  back field..he fumblerd, but the Quarterback was there to fall on it...loss of 6..loss of a halfback...the Russian who thought he was doing  good  at 3 and 4 yards  a pop...was done for the game.....3rd and 15,,,the Hades QB looked up at the clock and called signals...he dropped back as if  to pass deep, but dropped it off in the flat to a TE  on a one man screen, the TE gained 4 yards..they would have to punt...now..the stadium began to come alive...it was one thing..to cheer for "the good guys"..when the fought the good fight, even though it appeared to be a lost cause....but...whenh the Good guys were showing the fierce nature  they had...it drove thier supporters crazy!....The Chants grew louder..anyone  who even leaned towards the Hermes team was standing and  shouting...the BAll came down to Dana who had taken it up the sideline. but a  clipping  call sent the ball back to the Hermes 10...4:10 left to get a touchdown....

Roy chuckled at Gresh's question.  "Hens are female chickens...a domestic bird kept on Earth for...oh...probably nearly the entire history of humanity.  Somewhere way back in time, someone figured out that building them a specific place to roost encouraged them to stick around and also protected them from predators."

He paused, and turned a wolfish grin in the Ambassador's direction.  "Of course, if the predator managed to get inside the henhouse, the birds had nowhere to run.  It could be disastrous...instead of losing one or two stray birds, a person could lose their entire flock in one night."  He took a sip of his drink, and raised his voice just slightly, for the Ambassador's benefit.

"Or, in a situation like this, they could lose their shirt in one game..."

  The Wisp was trying to get a grasp of the situation, but  barely had a clue...he turned to  Roy, and asked,...so...The Hermes team...appeared to being  getiing beaten?...but the realality was, The hades was struggling against the  2nd  and 3rd tier members?

  It tilted its head as it asked,...if the Hermes  could  do this  all game...why wait until the last section of the game?...would it not have been wiser..to win the game..right from the start?

  Amb Frans  was livid,they didn't  win anything yet!

 Captain Nolov just shook his head  as he  took a deep, deep pull on his vodka.

  Frans was smiling at Hannah...even giving her a reassuring pat on the back,now ..we both know...he wasn't walking out of this building , with out  taking his share  of shots...either way....

  Hannah smiled  a bit  and looked towards the field...even in texas..football was never like this!

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

  In the stands more then a few Hades fans were getting  decked, after shooting thier mouths off for  3 quarters...pay back was coming.

  Stevens lOoked around  him..hollering and Cheering, seeing Calhoun, he gave him  the thumbs up..and  joined in the  chants.

Angela looks over to Roy and his friend "Actually the domestic chicken is descended primarily from the Red Junglefowl also known as Gallus gallus scientifically, and is scientifically classified as the same species. As such it can and does freely interbreed with populations of red jungle fowl. In the past genetic analysis had revealed that at least the gene for yellow skin was incorporated into domestic birds through hybridization with the Grey Junglefowl. The traditional poultry farming view is stated in Encyclopedia Britannica from 2007: 'Humans first domesticated chickens of Indian origin for the purpose of cockfighting in Asia, Africa, and Europe. Very little formal attention was given to egg or meat production...' In that last decade there had been a number of genetic studies. According to one study, a single domestication event occurring in the region of modern Thailand created the modern chicken with minor transitions separating the modern breeds.... However, that study was later found to be based on incomplete data, and the more recent studies of that time pointed to multiple maternal origins, with the clade found in the Americas, Europe, Middle East, and Africa, originating from the Indian subcontinent, where a large number of unique haplotypes occur." She blushed a little at knowing this much about something so trivial.

She glanced back at Ethan and noticed how he looked at her. She held her smile and made her way to his side, then leaned to him and whispered. "Temptation is a sin Preacher." she grins at him before taking a drink, she didn't mind the way he looked at her and had decided to dry and joke with him a little.

Roy was starting to formulate a response for the Wisp when Angela cut in with her discourse on the evolutionary history of domestic chickens.  He blinked a couple of times as she rambled on...rather quickly, he noticed--it was a recitation of data, not an observation on the conversation, from the way it sounded.

As she finished, he looked at Gresh.  "You probably never wanted to know that much about chickens, did you?" he said in a low murmur, with a grin on his face.  Then he returned his attention to the Wisp.

"My belief is that this ruse serves more than just a tactical purpose.  There's the obvious factor that the coaches realized this would be a very rough, very physical game, and there would be risk of players getting seriously injured.  Last time we played here, a player actually died of injuries received on the field."  It was the official story, though Roy believed it even less now than he had at the time, and he hadn't believed it at all, then.

Still, it wouldn't hurt to let the Wisp think that humans routinely risked death for the sake of recreation and entertainment.  After all, they did.

"So, tactically, it made sense to protect the starting players.  They are in the best condition, the most durable and most athletic, so they would be the most capable of sustaining the kind of punishment that happened down there.  But we are in a war, as well as this game, so it made sense to ask secondary personnel, whose importance to the ship's operations after the game, is not as vital, to endure the abuse and punishment.  As you have seen, they were well up to the task...and, if we were called upon to go into battle upon the game's conclusion, we would, with only a few exceptions, have our forces in nearly full operational capacity."  His eyes hardened behind the smile he turned on the Wisp.  This was, he realized, a certain degree of psychological warfare...something he'd always discounted, being a shooter by training--but he was realizing that he was actually kind of enjoying it.

"However, it also allowed us to take a measure of our own kind here.  Traditionally, when playing against a second-string or third-string lineup of players, a coach will substitute his own secondary or tertiary players as a gesture of sportsmanship...or at least ask his primary players to tone down the aggression a bit, especially if rampant substitution is due to injury.  You'll notice that no such gesture was made by the Hades team.  That tells us that the injuries they believed they inflicted were intentional, deliberate, possibly even premeditated attempts, done in the interest of crushing the Hermes team morale, at the very least--I will not go so far as to assume they had any less honorable motives than that."  The look he shot the Russian captain showed that he, clearly, had already assumed that much, however.

"So...given their demonstrated desire to crush the Hermes' team morale, sending out a well-rested first-line squad against their now-wearied team gives us the chance to turn the tables.  They are, now, so worn that their ability to hurt our most durable players is almost negligible.  Their lack of sportsmanship has been displayed for all to see, as has the futility of such a gesture."  He paused, and looked at the Wisp, coldly.

"Astounding, how much one can learn about an enemy from such a simple game, isn't it?"  As he spoke, his eyes locked on the Captain, hard and cold as stone.  He nodded, curtly, and turned back to the game.

In reply to Angela Morsan (msg #124):

His bluch grew deeper as she made her way over. Her joke broke the tension though and called a smile to his face. "Temptaion is not a sin, acting upon the temptaion is the sin. Though you are neither temptaion nor sin. God made us to be...attracted to one and other. I am attracted to you.

I am not a priest any more. I was defrocked for refusing to accept the Vow of chastity. Not that I have ever..." His blush grew deeper. "I am waiting for the ... for the woman I will marry."

He felt like he kept putting his foot in his mouth, "Not that I wouldn't marry you, its just that I dont know you that well is all. I would like to ... know you better...not in the Biblical sense."

He hung his head. "My appologies. Women were never a priority until recently. I am all together new at dealing with the opposite sex on this level."

  Roles  and Rivets listened to Roy's answer to the Wisp.  Well  i'll tell you what , Laddie...you have the  right of it..we knew  them Hades Bastards  , always look for the easy way out..like when they switched playoff oppenants so they wouldn't have had to  play Grueless...Heck..he might be  alive right now....course...we would be  playing Olympus..

  Sims turned, he looked  Amb Frans in the eye as he stated,..one thing, Ambassador Krol...I cannot  speak for the whole of  the ESN. But the Hermes, and the Delta Fleet, as long as i command it...does not allow slights to go unpunished...when we  pay back...it is ..with interest...if you do not believe me...ask your allies , in the Delta  Quadrant...now? the Hades Team is  about to get thier accounting...

  Miller   stood back in shotgun, she called out her  signals... a draw to the Fullback from the Fondry..the O-line cames off the ball with a vengence, the  Clack of pads  and helmets as the  line  met the D-line..the D-line pushed back, the fullback  slipping through the gap and  running head long into the Middle Linebacker...both men  fell to the Ground, the Middle linebacker's head bounced off the  turf....Injury time out as he was taken from the field.

  The Hermes  team showed no  care, or  concern for the fallen Hades member. They moved like a machine. lining up as soon as the Refs wound the clock...2 and 3  from the 17, Miller snapped off a quick slat to Kray who broke the first tackle, then slammed into the weary Progovitch..who...at the time of the hit..seemed to be trying to get out of the way..Tangled upo as they went to the Ground, Kray tossed the ball to  the ref and stood up, tossing  Progovitch's leg aside as if he was trach...Progovitch barely go into position before the balls  was snapped  again, Miller rolled out to the Right and Hit  Dana on an Out...Dana stepped out  at the  Hades, 41..stopping the clock at 3:01..

 The HAdes team thought  there would be  a huddle witht he clock stopped, But the Hermes team were already lined up...half the  hades teeam off the field, half  on..they had to call a time out.....which gave them only 2 for  the last few minutes of the game...

  One of the Linebackers   gave Dana  a shove  as she jogged back to the Huddle, he was rewarded , by being lsammed to the ground   by the Hermes Left Tackle..whistles  blew...and they waved off   the penatly as it came from both sides...

  Kray moved out  to his spot   and Looked over at the  Hades sidlines,he shouted, so those on  that sideline and  stands could hear him...as well as the sound bites from the field mikes.. How does it feel?  How does it feel to know  we're making you lookm like fools, for the whiole univer4se to see!

 Miller snapped the Ball and hit the TE for  5 yards, he was  hit, almost broke the tackle of the weary Linebacker...again, the relentless Hermes  team Lined upo..but the 2 minute warning  came... 2nd  and 5 at the Hades 36..1: 58 to go..

   Beth   was jumping up and down, she went Nuts when she heard Kray's podding of the Hades team....I want them to thrash them!

  Hannah smield  just a bit, could only shake her head at Kray's actions.

  Frans  looked back over her shoulder, If i was you , Father? I would start writing that check!

  Amb Frans  was livid...This..This  is  a Mockery of the Game!  They should shut it down..play it  again another time....

  Nolvo shook his head,...there are two things you cannot   do to a foe....you cannot  underestimate them...and you cannot  over estimate yourself...

 The Wisp Looked at Roy, who seemed to be the only one who would anser  questions,so...does this mean the HAdes team  has lost?

Roy shrugged.  "Not yet.  There is still time on the clock.  However, their best people are on the field, and being pushed around like they were cargo containers.  Unless the Russian coach has held back some last-second subterfuge or heroics, there's not much to be done."  He grinned and looked over at the Ambassador.

"At this point, it would seem the Hermes team could score at will.  Their quarterback has the arm to throw touchdowns all day at this distance, and their receivers certainly have the speed to get to the endzone.  The offensive line appears to have control of the situation, so the quarterback is not at much risk...so I'm guessing they're burning the clock, and prolonging the punishment on the defense, since the Russian offense didn't seem to show quite the ferocity in going after Hermes players that the defense did."  Again, he shrugged, and added, "What press coverage I saw leading up to the game was touting it as a question of the Hermes offense against the Hades defense, so there may also be a certain element of proving the point that the Hermes offense has no need to score quickly."  He paused, coolly taking a sip of his drink, and added, "But, then again, the Hermes is, generally, known for her offensive prowess and for not being overly reliant on defensive measures..."

Again, he eyeballed the Russian captain as he spoke the last part, freely taking another opportunity to drive his point home.  "People who count on Hermes personnel to take cover and make the safe play end up losing...often losing badly."

  Unli turned Her sister's  arm  around her shoulder as they enjoyed, both the game, and the Antics,..If memoery Serves...then  then..Lt Commander Hack, brought his  wing  of fighters in after  a rougue  demonic Destroyer...While the Hades hung  back, behind  Pluto's moon?...As  the  LT Commander's   Fighters   and torpedo craft attacked the  Demon....The Hades Rounded the  Moon..to take some free shots..only to suffer a few hits from the  fleeing vessel... As soon as the   Hades had taken a few hits..she was headed back , at all speed , to Mars  Colony....The Lt Commnader Finihed the Job,  and the Hermes..finished off the  Demon...That was before  Commander  Hack...brought in some hand picked people , as the Hermes was completed and  command  of  the Vessel given over to him...the Victories have been coming since then...It is  a vessel , My people , are very proud to call Allies....there is little room  for Defesnse...on the frontier...

  Hack Bowed his head and raise his Glass to Unli...LC SI  Beamed a smile  at Hack.

  Nolov bristled......our ships should not be used lightly...they do not  pop off the  line everyday...

 with a chuckle Hack merlely said, I would rather  weild a sword, that may have a nick or two in the blade, Then keep it sheathed, just to show it off at parties...

Roy shrugged at Nolov's comment.  "Ships shouldn't be wasted, true...but they're built to be used in battle, not to hide from it.  If your ship can't take battle damage, maybe you should consider converting it to a luxury cruiser or something...might be a little more your speed."

Normally, he'd be appalled at a sergeant...ANY sergeant...talking to a captain like that.  But between what he'd seen and experienced, he just couldn't take the Russian's rank as a serious consideration.  If they were on the Hades, maybe...but here, it was a figurehead title.

  Nolvo looked at Roy  with a bit of distaste, , his eyes shifted to  CApt Roles  and Capt  Rivets, then came back to Commander Hack,..I see your people have the same disregard for thier betters, as your ...." famous  Pilot"

   As  Nolvo spoke, Sims...pointedly...turned to look at the field,...Captain Nolvo...My people know rank..they know thier place...when the occasion calls for it. THIS...is not one of them. We are  all Equals in this  Box...Good  Captain...well..Eccept for  Our Demon Visitor...I would not have him go about this Station..or  any place...My people are...We have been on the  inside of Demon Vessels...or..what is left of them...we have made the Vids and have sent them out...

  He added , without every taking his eyes off the field,..and  ..oddly  enough...with all due respect... My people know whom thier betters..are...and there  are not too many who fit into that catagory...

  Also...I have been told that some places  have censored the Vids made from  the ships we have taken down...and of the results of Demons and thier allies...experiments....I think that should  not  be allowed to continue. However...As my status  of a mere Ship's Captain..I  can only theorize, that those  vids could  pop up at anytime...Am I not  right  LT Morrow?

  Beth nodded   quickly as  her eyes were glued to the Field... I do believe you are  Right , Commander HAck..some people think...those vids  will hit the airways right after we win this game...

 AmB Frans' eyes went big..That would  be....would be...

 ..Informative....

  Gresh was nodding as he listened, His words were chosen, but to the point,...I am Sanri...We know  of  what our "guest's" people do to captives, and those that fall into thier grasp...I think it would be  a welcome bit of fresh air, as it were, to have the people see those Vids, and make up thier own minds.  He shook his head slowly as his eyes followed the action on the field,...it  appears  Commander...You will be recieving a visit  from one of my Cargo Shuttles....

  Miller looked over the D, her  eyes shifted  as she pointed to Kray, then  Dana..The Halfback split  from the  backfiled  in Motion as the snap  came back, Miller shot forward Following the  Center and Two Guards who were   wedge blocking...7 yard gain to the  29...2nd and  3 at the 29. Clock at ! 26 and  running.

  The two D Linemen  and   LOLB who were  Bowled over by the  run, go up slowly, the Hermes  team were already lined up..kray was laughing as the DB  took a few steps back off the line after  being hit on the Play..Even Dana's DB had backed of  from the  slender reciever,  after she cut blocked him on the play. The Hermes  Fans  chanted, but not too loudly..they didn't  want to interfer  with Miller's   signals...but the 3...5....1  Hermes!..could   be heard...down in this  section of the endzone...the  HAdes team Tunnel...the fans  hollered...but   the shouts  did not seem to carry as much weight, as it  did , even a mere  quarter ago.

Roy had opened his mouth to respond to the statement about him, but the Commander's answer cut him off.  And, rather than say anything, he decided to let his actions speak.  With a nod to the Commander, he fell silent, and went back to watching the game.

Just in case, however...he surreptitiously made sure that the flap on his pistol was loose, and tucked aside.  While he was utterly confident in the outcome of the game, he was not so certain in the aftermath of that outcome, especially with the Commander hinting at all manner of unpleasant surprises to be dumped in the laps of those who favored a Demon alliance.  He wasn't taking any chances.

  The  Yong  Men whowere checking out  the Hermes Ladies, decieded to make one last ditch effo9rt, to score  before the game was over..4 of them came to the  doorway, One of them Looking  at Hack for permisson to enter, the 'spokesman' was trying to Hand Beth a drink with his right hand,..Comon there  Cutie...its just a game, why don't we take off before the game is over, and see the sights?

 Beth never  even looked over  at him,..shove of kid...If  I want to date a loser, I'll hit on one  of the HAdes Crewmen...

  Unli and LC Si  giggled at this, the  felllow  was more then a little upset, as his  eyes  narrowed and he tried to keep hi cool..

  Lyri  tokk a few steps down , as if she was trying to get a better view of the game, but she now  had a good vioew of the men massed in the doorway.

 Roy noticed, the fellow had  a ring on the right hand that held the drink...much like the one Roy was wearing.

  Amb Frans was looking at HAcvk to see if he was going to allow them men in his box...Hack was making certain, that the men sweated out his answer.
  Frans  and Eckles  turned away from the men, and moved  closer to the open windows  so they could watch the last minute of so of the game, without being distrubed.

Aldin watched wide-eyed glancing back and forth from the field to the score clock. Being with the rest of the crowd, it was chaotic around him as everyone was chanting for the Hermes. He took a sip of a drink he had bought earlier. Come on the clock is running.... He thought to himself, watching them set up for the next play. He had butterflies in his stomach as he stood at the end of his seat waiting to see if they could make it.

Angela looked to Ethan and smile lightly. "You're doing fine so far." she wasn't taking in the fact of him walking all over himself as he spoke. "I'm kinda the same way."

She looks to the 'boys' as they filed in to hit on the women and shook her head as she fallowed after Frans and Eckles "We can talk again after the game some more if you want." She calls back to Ethan before heading out of the door. She had seemed to lose interest in the game.

Ethan felt relieved that she didn't think of him tripping over himself as an impediment. "I would very much like that." he replied as she walked away. The game was actually rather meaningless to him before and now he could care less about it. He watched her until she disapeared into the crowd.

Roy drained his drink, setting it down to make sure his hand was free, and gave Gresh a nudge.  "Might want to stay low...I'm not sure, but I think trouble's brewing..." he muttered softly.

"Son, you familiar with the phrase, "catching a tiger by the tail?"  You're about to tie into a whole lot more trouble than you ever imagined, you keep it up."  As he spoke, he raised his hand (the one wearing the ring) to point at the 'boys' trying to worm their way into the box.  While he wasn't sure what the reaction would be to seeing their own emblem on one of 'the enemy', he was pretty sure it would cause some confusion...and that couldn't hurt.

Son? You are so out of  your league, its not even  funny...If i were you..I'd take your playmates   and see how fast i can get lost before the GAmes over...'casue..you don't  want to meet me, or any of  my friends..in the streets...   " The Spokesman," looked  at Roy with a bit of annoyance as he said,..Listen Pal..I...... he stopped for a moment and looked at Roy, then at his friends.

  Come  now?  Commander? Won't yuou invite  the boys in, they have  been dying to meet your Ladies  here, since they heard of what charming  females the Hermes carries!

  Hack Looked at Roy, there was just the Briefiest nod  and he turned to Amb Frans,Right now..this is my house...you are damned lucky  i let your pet Demon in here, and your Eastern bloc toadie...if you don't like  it here..you have  a much bigger box  just a few feet away...

  Commander HAck!...I have Never been so insulted...

 Hack put  up his hand,yes you have...at the  Twilight Sky..I was there..I gave  Shadow a bit of hell over that..I'm thinking I have to apologize to him for that... Turning to the   guys at the door he said,..If yuou are still there when the game is over? I'll shoot my way past you..Understood?

 Beth gave them a  quick look,Run along  now..I bet the Hade's women will take you in a second...you can rub Mustaches  with them...

 The Men gace Roy  one last look, almost waiting  for an expalination, then  the Spokesman said to HAck,..You just made a big mistake  pal...

  Lyri  walked up a few steps on the  window of Hack, to make sure the Ladies were set...Beth had her free hand on her sidearm...Frans  and Eckles were poised to do the  same...HAnnah looked  a little confused, but had herwand, Shadownhad given her. Unli's...'suggested  Companion ' already had his balster out.

  Amb Frans  shook his head, Nolov was clearly insulted, but   made no move to leave.

 Gresh smiled  as he said,well...at least..let us wait to see how the Bet goes..after  the payoffs..everyone can go thier own way. I will not have  a major bet in question..it is bad for our reputation!

  MIller  called the signals Her  eyes going  up to the clock  the snap  came  and she fed the Fullback a  draw..the Folloed the Center  and the Two guards...he might have scored, But he seemed bent on slamming into the safety who came up to fill the Hole...1st and 10 at the 22 1:01 left..Hermes  called its First time out...

  The Fulback shoved the Hades players out of the way  on the way back to the Huddle. He said  something to one of them, but none of them seemed ready to take  action.

  Kray a and Porgovitch had the faces masks  agianst each other as they shouted into eachother's  cages...Dana  ran over  and grabbed  Kray's  Jersey and herded him back tot eh Huddle...

 The Hades Player looked up at the Clock..1:)1 left..a FG would do know good, Hermes needed a Touchdown.... Most of the Hades team was on a knee othe  bend over with thier hands on thier Hips..In the Hermes huddle the players were jumping up and down to stay loose..they were eager to go..

  Finally the  Ref  blew the whistle for the play clock, the hermes  team didn't wait..play was already called... Miller didn't even call a signal, as she spoke her first word,.. the ball was snapped, catching the  entire D  standing still..the Line  fired  out and hit the  Linemen low , cutting them down Like Wheat..Dana and Kray  cut  quick slants..well the TE  went into the BAck of the End zone..Miller was going to hit the TE, but the MLB  droped, so she fired it to Kray..it  came off  high and he pulled  it  down..slammed to the  turf  by Progovith at the  5 yards line... Kray go up and handed the  ball to Progpovitch who tossed it  a side...

  1st and goal at the 5...40m seconds  left as Hermes took another Time out.... The Defense set up...five yards..one time out left...4 downs to use..it looked bad for the Hades..and they knew it. The Hermes team looked Cold blooded..no smiles, no high fives..they didn't win anything yet..but they were going to put these dogs down...

Roy flashed a smile at Gresh...some might have identified it as slightly psychotic.  "Oh, I wouldn't dream of starting anything until the game ends.  I want to see the look on their faces when they're left with second place AND the payout on the five-to-one odds."

He turned the smile to the spokesman, and it went from slightly psychotic to full-on bloodthirsty.  "Anyone tries to interfere with that, I'll put him down like a rabid dog.  Not a big fan of folk who prey on their own kind.  Wouldn't be the first time I've done something about it, either."

Knowing Lyri had an eye on the potential troublemakers...and, if anything, would be faster and more accurate than he would be himself, he turned his attention back to the playing field without another look, leaving the Hades folk to ponder just what his last comment meant, especially in light of the Eclipse ring he'd just flashed before them.

  Thge   Men in the Doorway began to back into the Ambassador's box.  three of them moved to the Windows to watch the last seconds.

 " the Spokesman Offered the Drink to  Beth one more time, she didn't even bother to answer him. His  brow furrowed  a bit as he looked to Roy, then to the Ambassador, he slowly nodded  and went to his buddies, tossing the refused drink into the Refuse  container...thw whirling  sound of the  Cup and flushing water taking care of the object and its  contents.

 Gresh  simple  shrugged,..I have  been around  awhile, Mr Spenser. You will find, that sometimes you win big...sometimes you lose big...sometimes you should not listen to all that's put in your ear...

 The Sanri's lone left arm  motioned towards the field.. In another play or two, we will find out who has  won big Credits....We  may also see, how people change thier view of things, In light  of who wins...and  what is  said after the outcome...

Roy nodded.  "One way or the other, things will never be quite the same again.  Then again, they never are."  He thought about crossing his arms over his chest, decided against it.  He wanted his hands free to deal with potential trouble.

His mind buzzed with a few hundred things that could still go wrong...but he refused to focus on any of them at this point.  None of them were the insistent nagging that had marked something about to go seriously wrong...just the usual concern of covering all the bases.  He realized that, despite his best efforts, he hadn't...but there were a few options that he couldn't really have done anything about without raising a lot of alarms on the station.

Much as he hated doing it, he'd just have to hope for the best.  He was definitely glad that he had his extra security personnel embedded with the team, however.  He'd trust in them...and wait to see what the last few seconds of the game brought about.

  Miller came  out of the Time out, She stood back in shotgun again, It was easy to see that  Kray, Oritz  and Miller were tired from being the only Offensive folks  to stay the whole game...but even at that, they moved with Purpose. Miller thinking and calling Plays, Kray talking to the D-backs and Hitting someone, when he wasn't running a pattern, and Ortiz, flowing out of the back field, or carring the ball...

  Miller took the  Snap and Shovel passed the ball to Ortiz, He was hit  at the  2..the Hades team expected the Hermes   to call time..with only 20 seconds left, but  they didn't!  they Lined Up..the Hades team scramled to get set, The snap  Came  and Kray came  around  behind  Miller, who flicked him the ball..Kray moved to his  right  as Miller  dropped back, to get out of the way of the Rush... Kray brought the BAll up, looking  for Dana..but!  it appeared Dana Blew her route! She was  cutting across the Middle, and though the line set up to Block for  Kray, there was no path lelf to the endzone..the  Hades team eagerly came at Kray..

 The Fans Cried out in horror...or elation..depending on which side you would be one...if Kray threw the  ball away, they might have time for one play..but the Defense was On him, Some leaping high in the Air to stop him from tossing It  away...But..then..Kray Stopped, He  Jumped in the air  as his Body turned  and threw the ball back, behind him, to a waiting Miller..Miller..who was all alone on the 15 yard line..she caught the ball..Just as Kray went under  the waved of  D-linemen and One Linebacker, who buried him  at the 9...

  Miller   set up..Unconcerned at the tired  ROLB as he stumbbled towards her, she stepped into her throw..it whisted pass the LB  and into the waiting  arms Of Dana, who was right were she should be..in the  corner of the End Zone..The D-backs who had  given up on the play, fell to thier knees...almost as one..Dana Jumped in the air  holding the BAll as the Ref's arms  went up...and the  stadium exploded with a roar of cheers...the chant..3...5...1...HERMES...was deafening... and the players  all swarmed Dana...

  Kray sat at the 9 yard like..a big grin on his face...just too tired to try and stand.. the weary ..beaten Hades team walked to thier  sidelines..Progovitch   ran right into  thier Tunnel to escape the  microphones.

  Slowly Kray stood and made his  way to the Mound of players..the Ref waved off the PAT..as it was not needed...Hermes 13...Hades 12....  Danna  and Miller  ran over to Kray giving him  hugs...The Defensive players  turned  and rose thier fists in the air..chanting the chant along with the Fans...

  Kray, Miller  and  Dana  were interviewed  first. The  Lady announcer asked them how if  felt, and why they would call such a play with everything  hanging in the balence. Miller  said,..I've been to war with most of these players...war on the field..war in space...People Like Dana  and the Foundry men..they keep us going... and this one here?
  she fuzzes Kray's   sweated  hair,Always makes me look good!

 Dana was next,when asked  how she felt  about the play she answered,..Caoch said it  would work, if  we trusted each other to do our  jobs...if that's  one thing we have a ship load of..its  trust in each other...Miller  said they count on us..well..The Hermes is our home...and we seek out the enemy..people like me? I'm just a civie..but i never worry, as long  as these guys  are here...everyone did what we were to do..no one complained..no  one backed  down..and..if you ever see a Hermes person back down..you better take a picture! Cause it will be worth a damn lot of Credits!

 The  Announcer Moves to Kray...have afraid to ask..but she  nodded into her earpiece and said,what about you  Kray?

  The LAdies  said it all...we fight for what we believe in..in Space..we  fight  with and for the Angels..who have came...both to help us..and get help from us...Against the Demons, who only want to Take!...But..out here..on the field..we believe we are the Best...if  we play our Best..and the other team plays thier best..we feel we will come out on top...and..if you make the mistake of getting us mad...well..you saw today...we could have put up 50 point in the first half..but we wanted to Punish the HAdes team...The mocked us..saying we were weak..relied only on speed....But what they forget..we use that speed to attack...if you are going to be slow and be defensive...Join the  army..you can protect the   ground, while we take  take of the skies.....

 Chief Post came over holding the ESN Trophy. A Golden football with ESN engraved on it monted on a Golden post to make it look like it was flying..Right now Lady!..Leave the Kids  alone..let them have thier fun..go talk to the losers!
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:32, Fri 24 Feb 2012.

 The Girls  were glued to the Windows. Even Lyri watched, with only a sidleong  view  of the door...just in case.

  Nolov  Jumped,They HAve  him!..ITS OVER!

Amb Frans  smiled   and was about to say something, when the excited voice of Beth rose  above everyone else..NO!...LOOK!

 The  ball ent back to Miller  as Kray was  crushed  by the  swarm of  over eager..over  weary..Dedfensive players...leaving Miller  all alone..to throw to Dana..who was all alone...just line  if they were warming uip on the sidelines..a rediculously easy play, for as hopless as it seemed at the snap..

  Beth Jumped  about  about like a bunny, she  turned  and Hugged Hannah, who stood in horrid facsination at what just happened..then she  jojned in the cheerign as well..Frans  and Eckles jumped about..hooting  across the way at the men , who were making themslevs scarce now. leaving the Ambassador's box..

  Gresh chuckled  deeply and down his  drink in one Gulp,That's  two big losses  your ship has put on me...i must learn not to bet against you!

 HAck smiled,...my people will be down to visit you, i am sure..just put the power cells on the shuttle with thier things...

  With a Broad  Grin, HAck picked up a credit scanner from the bar Keep, Well..Ambassador? Captain? I think its time you pay up? I scan your credits into the ships  account, then those you owe will get paid  be me....no chance of you....forgetting.... to pay up then...

 Both Men rolled up thier left sleeve a bit   as  Hack punched in the codes  and  scanned the wrists..when it read that there was enough credits to cover the bets, he nodded to the  two men....See you on  earth for the Launching....

 Nolvo  shook his head..distressed  and Humbled, at what had happened, Commnader...both new ships  are close to the design of the Hermes..built  for speed..and carry  6 more  fighters then most of the Old God  Class ships..with the exception of   The Hermes  and The Athena...is there any reason you are picking the Achillies as  the ship to add to your fleet, rather then the Hector?

 Sims  shrugged, Both men were great warriors...both inspired and lead thier people with heart and valor...But Hector fought the defensive fight, Axhillies  was the attacker...and we all know who won that war,..aye?

  Nolvo shook his head,..Good sailing to you then...I must go see to my team...

  When the  Last two plays   were run. there wasn't one  fan, anywhere in the building, that was sitting..people hollering ,cheering, even p[leading   thier team to pull this game out....Only a few people in the stand did not look worried..if one was to look across the  filed at  the Harvester Crew..they were still chanting  and  Raven was still sniling  as if she already new the outcome

 Stevens , carring himself with a bit more reserve, Just nodded  and kept saing,Its not over..not to worry..wait..wait..they have them right where they want them..you'll see!

 The Dana  caught the ball...the intake of breath from the stands, almost caused a vaccum...and the  sudden roar....Happiness mixed with horror..sent  a wave of  sound thoughout the  stadium....people went nuts  tossing  torn programs into  the air for confetti, and waving  thier Hermes  items about...

Roy just chuckled in satisfaction as the play unfolded, his eyes glinting with the grim joy of someone who's just seen a bitter enemy slapped down.  Oh, there's gonna be a LOT of talking going on over on the Hades tonight, I'm sure...  Some would be discussing the game and how their team got taken in by a very elaborate ruse...others would be discussing how a Hermes crewman ended up with one of their rings.

At Gresh's comment, he shrugged and smiled.  "I'm pretty sure I remember telling you at halftime to make sure you put some money down on the Hermes..."  He held up his hands in a gesture of helplessness, an easy smile hiding the relief that he felt over the victory.

It was more than just winning the bet...money, he didn't really need.  The moral victory was infinitely more important to him than winning the bet.  Not that he wasn't about to relish having won twenty-five thousand credits...but the satisfaction was so much higher because he'd won them from Senator/Ambassador Frans.

He just wished he was going to be in the room to see the apoplectic fit that Frans would have when the unedited footage from the Demon ships was aired.

He turned to Commander Hack with an impish grin, utterly unlike anything he'd had on his face in the Commander's presence before.  "Not gonna lie, Sir," he said in a low voice, after making sure that the Demon ambassador and his escorts were out of earshot in the noisy celebration that was still on-going.  "It felt REALLY damn good to take twenty-five grand out of the Ambassador's pockets just now..."

  Hack smiled  after  accepting  a Hug  from  the LC and Unli, Not to mention, the Demon Ambassador knows  that  the Hermes  and  her fleet will have  plenty of powercells to fight the fight...

  Beth walked  passed them as if on the way to the bar,..in 5 minutes...and  every 15 after that..there will be a looped fottage  for each of the  defeated ship's  birthing chambers..and the footage of the  Mull/bug crossbreeds...it is on a rolling feed...won't be able to predict where they pop up..and it  will last twodays...people are going to see it..there is commnentary from the ships  Vid Anchor as well...

 Hack smiked, Good Girl...this is going to  be a day to remember...of course...winning  makes it a lot more fun...

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

Aldin watched as the last few seconds unfolded. He gripped his drink tightly as his eyes followed each movement the team made. As the catch was made and the Hermes scored, he threw both of his hands forward screaming in excitement. His cup, half full, went flying forward spraying everyone, but all things considered no one probably noticed. All around him was chaotic filled excitement as people chanted 351 Hermes. After he instinctively just hugged the nearest person, not even looking to see who it was, he was so full of joy. For that split moment he was finally feeling like a true crewmen of the Hermes, as he was so happy they won (Although the few drinks he had probably helped out a bit too, in making him feel so good) "Yaaa! Whoohooo!! Go Hermes!" He shouted as he cheered with the rest.

 Olympus  security folks made thier  themslef visable, Pulse rifles  and GasSprayers as they made sure there wasn't  any fights  still going on.

 The team went in to get thoier showers, and friends waited for them in the bleachers..Guards making sure they were safe.

 Hannah sat with some of the wives and GFs, waiting  for  Kray....a Trip to The HAmmer Burgers, and  some shopping at Gresh's...

Henry, who'd been sitting quietly in the stands enjoying the game, got up and headed back to the ship. Too much work to do...

 Break here  ...for the awards.....

  There was much discussion, about  not allowing the Demon aboard the Hermes. In the End  HAck won out..The ship was his..and he pulled the "security in time of  war" card...Amb Frans, the Admiral  Locke  of the  Olympus and a few ods  and ends dignitaries  who liked to be seen at such events.

..seated on the other  side of the Stage   was  Hack, the LC..Unli and her Suggested Companion, and Coach Post, and   Major  Cummings.

  The  trophy was in a glass case, brought on board  By Post himself...

   They moved  the  event to the  football filed, so more people could  watch..The football team sat in the front  rowalong with thier  dates/wives. and the rest of the filed was used  for  whomever they could fit...the  Upper  running track was now standing rom for  any other civies and Crew who could make it, as well as the rec dec..the  feeds from the event were beiung feed into Vid sysetms everywhere.....

  The Admiral stood  and gave a  short speech ( short for him, anyway)  about the bond that sports brings to the ESN, coupled with the bond  of service...he went on to say, he would like to see such championships  for baseball and basket ball as well..but the nature of those games do not lend themsleves to as big a stage as football...In then end He congradulated the Team, and GAve  the 1000 Credit award to Miller for being the MVP of the game.

  Amb Frans took the mic next, speaking on the  way the  teams fought, hard and never giving up, much like the battles they ( they?) fight everyday against a common foe...when he was finally done, he called the Coach forward and handed him the trophy. Tons  of  Pics  and Vids  being  taken, and the Coach  gave a heartfelt speech, thanking his players  and offering a  moment of silence for the loss of three teammates on Fuji..he pointed out the fact, the game  would have bene way differant, if thier Kicker/punter  would not have died   while on shoreleave.

  when everything was Done He held the trophy up and the crowd cheered..no matter what part of the ship they were in...the sounds  were piped in  from all over the ship...He gave the   trophy to HAck  who held it  up and smiled as the crowd cheered again.. he gave a short speech..he thanked the team and the  HArvestor crew for they way they stood together...

 As he Sat down, The Admiral took  a stride to the Mic..this had not beem in the schedule..the Admiral stated, With My Backing..I am allowing the Ambassadoe to make a pitch, Much like the one he made, the last timne the Hermes was here...I must say..I think it is a grand  Idea..but i will allow him to make the Pitch..and we shall see what happens...

  Once more , the Tall, but portly, Amb Frans  stpped up to the Mic..He looked over the Crowd..first at  Shadow, then to  his daughter...then he began....

Roy shook his head.  The Ambassador's last pitch seemed like a lifetime ago...and he had listened to about thirty seconds of it before dismissing it as a ridiculous notion.  That was BEFORE he'd had a chance to see, first-hand, what happened to groups that failed to repel the Demon advances.

Still...while he had little faith in the Ambassador's courage and great faith in his avarice, he could easily imagine some of Frans' 'allies' choosing this occasion to use the Ambassador as a sacrificial lamb.  If some unknown assassin took him down here, in the stronghold of the anti-Demon factions, it would be a propaganda coup.

He caught the eyes of some of the other security on duty and nodded slowly, his eyes narrowing, and nodded out to the crowd.  He hadn't had much time to brief them all on the details of his suspicions, but he'd made it apparent that he expected some kind of 'unfortunate incident' to take place.  The gesture was passed along, and the normally bored, stonefaced expression that the security guards wore was replaced, by those paying attention to them, with questing eyes that scanned the crowd in painstaking detail, looking for any indication that foul play was imminent.

  As most of you know. I tried to recruit some Hermes people for the Olympus, not long ago. Very few took that offer. As Ambassador , with the OK, by the Good Admiral  I get to offer...an offer that..CANNOT..be turned down.

 He Motions  Frans to come to the Mircophone set on the field, she looks back and forth and walks up to the Mic.

 Lt. Frans?...CArole.. I am using my power, as Ambassador, to transfer you to the Olympus, where you will be the Wing  Commmander of the Upper Wing...as part of that appointment ..you may select up to three pilots to come with you...This..Cannot  be turned  down  by your Commander...and as an appointment..you are free to come , without Guilt   of  leaving friends behind...  he smiles...until he sees the Look on her face...she shakes her head ..no,FAther..Ambassador  Frans...I do not want to leave the Hermes. They need me...and i have come to think of it as...home...

  Shadow watches  with interest..Hannah puts an arm on his arm..Eckles  whispers  behind them, I don't  want to go to the Olympus!...But i won't turn down Carole if she asks...

 Commander HAck stands and approaches the Mic, where Amb Frans  stands, He's is right...of course..as an Appointment..your Cammander cannot refuse to let you go..nor  can you refuse..but nothing can keep you there after the 1st year...

 Amb Frans  smiles, and he casts a dark look towards  shadow, that ends in a grin...However..Admiral Locke? We are in a war..are we not?

  The Adamiral nods his head,Of course we are..none know better then you and your people!

 Sims nods  and his eyes looks to Shadow, Then...It is Lt Frans' Wing  Commander..that has the last say in this....

  frans turns to  shadow with a odd look of hope, mixed with despair..Eckles pounds him on the back,..do it Shadow..or you'll be losing three Vetran Pilots!

  Hannah looks at Kray,...Kray?.....

 With his head drooping a bit, Shadow says softly,..oh  9 hells...  He  stands, and walks to the Mic and stands next to Frans..she is looking desperate, she tries to Study  Shadow's eyes,

 Eckles  whipsers to  Hannah, I dunno about this...last time he would have flown her over  himself....

  Hannah nods, I might have helped load her in..but things  have changed...i don't know...

  The Admiral comes forth to stand between Hack and Amb Frans as they look down on Kray and FransWing Commander..You are only a LT....

  At the Moment ...Sir...but the fact remains ..I am the Hermes  WC. he gives   Frans a pat on the back as he smiles,..I do believe..this  appointment is in the best interests of  LT Frans...to serve as a Wing Commnader...and help protect the Olympus...and it is not a thing she could turn down...according to the rules....

  Frans' shoulder  drooped as her eyes watered... Eckles  swore ,..that BAstard..he...

  Amb Frans' smile grew Big as Hack's head titled  a bit. If he was surprised..it did not show.,the Ambassador was ready to say something when Kray added... HOWEVER.... he let the word hang in the air, when Amb Frans looked at him, he reurned the Cat like grin, that was given  to him moments ago...As the Wing Commnader..during times of war. I must look to the betterment of  my ship..and of our fleet...The Delta Fleet cannot  afford to lose 3 good..vetran pilots...the Fact  Frans is the Asst WC , also hangs heavy in this....So...

  he turns  to Carole whose eyes were now wide,..I hope you will forgive me..But you will have to stay on the Hermes..rather then  pretend to be a pilot in the rear area...I...Um..Hope you will forgive me...

  Frans  forgets herself   and Hugs Kray, who just holds his arms  out helplessly and returns a awkward hug..as they turn to leave the Mic. The Admiral calls Shadow's name,..not so fast..Young man... perhaps  the Admiral was stung by the "rear area' remark, he asks, I have  an appointment that must be filled, since you denied the Name on the list? It is  up to you to pick who will fill it...

 Now it was Hack's  turn to lower his head, almost as if he was trying to figure  a way out  himself...But Kray, disentangled himself  from Carole and nudged her  back to her seat..she was greeted  by eckles  and Hannah, and even Beth...the giggles  and whispers overly loud...

  It is Up to me? I did not know I would have to condem some pilots to have to  fly back here?

  DAmmit  son.. YOu watch your tone.. Now..I want names..and you better be careful, because once those names  are out of your Mouth..they are My property!

 Alright..Sir..But i will only give you one name, that this pilot  might select wingmates, to take with him, as his chocie...aye? That will be the appointment parameters?

  Yes! Yes..give me the name..NOW..That is  an Order...

 Alright  Sir... Lt. Max  Progovitch, of the Hades...

 Amb Frans' Mouth dropped open, The Admiral stood straight stiff... I hear he is the Hades leading scorer...in the Sims...and has clocked up more Sims kills the most any pilot in the Navy..

  Hack Just nodded with a grin and turned to head back to his seat.

 The Admiral nodded his head slowly,very..well done...one day..you should  run for the Senate....

  Thank you sir..But  i am not a Big enough As....i mean...desk Jockey...to want something like that...I am sure, Progovitch  will be a pefect match, for Amb Frans' Appointment..

   with that, Kray gave a very crisp salute to the Admiral, who had a slight smile on his face..and he returned to his seat as the event was now breaking up...

 Hannah smiled at Kray as she stood when he reached the seats, frans and Eckles grinned at him,..Shadow..I don't know how...

 Kray put a finger to his lips and said,Shhh...you never know  when i will need a tie, tied again..Aye?

 Frans  just smiled, eckles said,a tie..what the hell?

  One of  Amb frans men came up to him as  the message was sent to the Hades that they would be losing thier  top pilot.. If anyone watched the man come up to Amb frans, they would note he was one of the people in the Box, who tried to hit on the Hermes girls...

Much as he wanted to watch what was going on, Roy kept his attention on the crowd.  It was a measure of his surprise that his normally stoic exterior betrayed surprise when the Ambassador forwarded Frans' appointment as WC for the Olympus.  His eyes narrowed and his jaw muscles worked as he clenched his jaw...and then a ghost of a smile crept onto his lips when she tried to decline.  It became a little more obvious when Shadow was called up, and ended up putting Progovitch in the hot-seat for the position.

Bastard can't turn and run from the fight, now...the Demons show up, he's gotta get out there...  More importantly, the continuity of the Hermes forces was maintained.  Just a few weeks ago, he would have gladly thrown Lt. Frans out an airlock if she'd given him a good excuse...and he still wasn't completely convinced that her change of heart was totally sincere.  But she'd more than earned a little goodwill from him.

However, his attention still stayed on the crowd...he didn't get a chance to notice who the Ambassador's messenger happened to be.

  On the Salt Flats,  the Two Bridge Sections  sat. The Achilles, with her  Number  and NAme  under the forwards Windows...On the  Side a Greek warrior was painted holding  a Spear and  sporting  the  closed-face helmet sported by Greeks.

  The Hector was like wise, marked. the warrior on its  side was a man dressed in Greek era brestplate  and  large round shield, on the shield  was a Horse, it the warriors right hand  was a shortsword...In front of the Huge Bridge sections was a Grandstand. Where  the dignitaries  and Hack would be, to make speeches  and  christen the  ships.

  Not far from that Stand was a fenced  square..inside that square was a very large Tent..it was Guarded By  Marines  and ESN Shore patrol.

 The  Hermes and her allies were docked now, and the accounting was started...in a few hours  the festivities would begin..even now the  Vid teams   from the  networks were setting up.

 Break here...christening

 The Call came out   over the ship, all Military personel that were not  on duty stations were to report to the Hanger Bay...all Civies  were to  watch the  Vid screens in the  Town, or  on the  Rec dec, or  the  scorebaord Vids in the "stadium".

   As  People assembled, the saw  a rather  elaborate stage had Been  built  and   a verylarges   Vid  screen set up behind that stage. On the stage  were The Commander, the LC..Unli..her body guards, as  wel as Capt Monroe  and Major Cummiongs  ( with SGT Miles a step behind him)

  on the  many smaller Vid screwns  around the larger one, could be seen  Admiral Hennings , and Admiral Locke ( command of  Olympus)Admiral  Hai Moto ( Fugi)..the captains of the  Delta  fleet craft were seen on screens, thier settings  much the same  as  the Hermes, with  people  in the Hanger  Decks.

  Kray Sat on Lady's  Wing with Hannah. Many of the Pilots ddid the same....they waited  for the  Big screen to come on. The Feed was coming from a Moon on one of the Demon's planets...

  The Screen came on...a building was shown from above. The Moon the meeting waas taking place on, was lush, a sea was not  far from the Domed building, roads  could  be seen leading to the complex, a large city could be seen off in the distance.

  With a Flash the Screen truend balck. A timer appeared  5:00 and the count down started.

  Admiral Hennings began to talk,..In less then 5 minutes. We will all be joining in on talks  with the  Demons and thier allies....it is a Summit between the AP  and the Demon Empire...it is to see if the chance  exisits for a treaty of  some sort, as well as to rules of war, whether a treaty is brought  about ..or not.It would be my guess..this  will not be the last of the talks...but we needed to take this step, for those on Earth who think we should try to talk with the Demons, before the war goes any further....it is the thoughts of  the AP, that it is only a waste of time...thgis meeting..is soley, to allow Earth, the chance to  see what deals , they may make  with the Demons....THus far, No AP Planet has ever signed a treaty with the Demons...the onlyPlanets that have  Joined with the Demons, are those  that now, belong to the empire. The speakers all have timers on them..we do not wish this to last more then an Hour...in that time, we will know...if  we wish to deal with the Demons  and thier allies...or stand  firmly with the  Angels  and thiers....

  Commander   Hack stepped to the  front of the  stage,All around us..any plaxe there are Humans...from Earth....there are vids of thsi taalk going out..there will be a  time for  people to speak out..it  will....be limited..but  we will have  our chance...now..get ready for the  Chief Ambassador to the Demon's  Homeworld...know to us..As  Tatarus....

  The Final seconds  counded down, the   Chief  Ambassador sepped  in the Middle of the  screen...People of Earth..I greet you this   Historic day..a Day that might  see the  end of Earth-Demon conflict. You have been drawn into this  war...by a the thin thread, of having some form of Angel Genes in you....I summit..that the Humans on your planet, when the  Angel convicts were sent there..would have..and did...climb the ladder of evolution...Granted..you would not be sailing the  stars just yet..But that gift was givien to yoou...by your former TAsk MAsters...so that you could aid them..and Give them a way to keep thier  race from extinction...

 The Angel Ambassador, Looking to be in his 60's ( which meant he was in his 1000's) walked out to stand  by the Ambassador, The Good Ambassador is right..to an extent....but the Angels put on Earth were not forgotten, But  we were unable to  revisit them, as  the attacks  from  the Demons  and thier allies all but, cut us off...to have tried to reach you..before   we could help yhou to the  stars..woudl have signed  a Death warrent for the  peoples of Earth.

 regardless...we have  come to talk..regarding a peace  between earth and Tartarus..and...rules of war...if the  war is to go on...

  The Debate  raged on, the Angels citing that the  Demons  have come to fear the earthilings, and  the Demons , only wantign to give the young  race a chance to save themselves  from war..The Demon   stressed, if  war was to continue, then there should be some sort of  treaty, invovling  non-combantants, wounded, and prisoners...

Closing in at the end of the Hour, people from all over  the Void asked  questions..answered by  Angels, the Demons or  Hennings.

 It came down to..the Angels were Blood..though the mix has been thinned through time...

  The Demons were raiders of The Black, seeking to take what they could, and destroy the rest.

  But what  was hinted  at, but not spoken aloud was this...Did  Earth have the Heaart, for a war that might  never end...and if so..would they sign treaties, in effect..drawing upo the rules of  war?

  Hack bantered  about  this was nonsense..Unli stood by a mircophone near the stage and  promised, that the demons  could not be trusted..

  The Demon was growing weary, and angry...he asked  for people from the  common group of humans to speak.

  Rivets stood, he  said..in so many words..that Earth was not  a diner  for the Demons..and it would be better  if the who race was gone.

 Unli  looked through the roster and and Called  Up Stevens..the Hero, Killer of the  Demon's Red Baron..he said  he  would stand  by what those who were wiser in the  ways of  politics  would  tell him to do.

  An Eastern Bloc sailor from the Olypus, said over the Vids, that he thought, that if they would  leave the  quandrant..that a treaty might work.

  when it came back to the hermes..Unli called Up Shadow. Shadow's head hung as he  jumped off  Lady and  walked to the Mircophone. The Demon said,..I have seen you..you are the  Human who bested   the Angel Elite...  The Demon smiled, this  too..would be another voice towards the Treaty..so he thought.

  UnlI smiled at Kray as she gave him the Mirocphone. Hack looked  at him and nodded,..I...have not been in this  war very long...I have come to see Humans trusting Demons...Humans truning  from Angels......Humans...turning on humans..... he looked at the Screen the  Demon was a Male  Wisp, but noot a Hybrd...a full Demon  Wisp...before...I ever blew one of you fighters to Atoms, You were taking our people captive...colonists...prisoners..eating them...breeding them..testing them...The Hermes...herself..has sent back Vids  of what you and your allies do....We cannot trust you..no matter the treaty..no matter who signs what...where...you will always be the  people who eat us.....You think of us..as we do our farm animals...

 The Demon stood up a bit, the Angel Ambassador smiled  smuggly, Unli put her hand  on Shadow's shoulder  and reached to take the Mic...but  he  shrugged off her hand   and Looked into the Vid screen...his voice a bit  tense......The treaty would be worthless....Not just from your  side..but  from mine as well....I will kill..every one of your kind i see....in the air..on the ground..it matters not....Treaty..no treaty..I will go Rogue if that is what it takes  to allow me to kill you....and  one day.....we'll reach YOUR homeworld...and  wipe it from the Black!...YOu reached too  Far Demon....its  time we cut off your hands....

  The Demon was out rages...Unli was shocked.. If any Looked to Hack..they saw a slight smile...the  Angel Elite  came  a relived   Shadow of the Mic... and escorted him back to Lady....and stayed there  with  pulse  rifles armed.....

 The Demon was flooded by voices. most from the Other Delta Fleet vessels, some from Earth ot  MArs...Many fron Fuji....any hope of a treaty..this  time  around  was lost...the Demon nodded his head and said ,...So be it...we will treat you, as  we treat all others, that we crush....

  Kray..finally settling himself on Lady's  wing   said  to Hannah and those  around him,..that went well......

As Shadow was being led back to his fighter, Roy stepped away from the crowd.  "Excuse me, Commander?  Are others from the crew allowed to speak up as well?  Or is it to be assumed that Lieutenant Shadow's words represent the entire Hermes contingent?"

His question was carefully worded...he wanted there to be some thought that there might be a dissenting voice on the Hermes.  It would increase the likelihood that a lowly Sergeant would be given voice in the situation...and he felt like he had something to say.  Maybe he'd been around Hack too long...or maybe he was just getting long enough in the tooth that he didn't care much anymore whether or not he got a reprimand.  But this was one chance he would have to play policy-maker, in some small degree, rather than merely serving the role of operator in the carrying out of said policy.

  The Commnader Looked down and Nodded to Un-Li who handed  Spencer the Mic. The Angel and Demon Ambassadors turned to look into the Vid  screens as they waited  for  Roy's  message.

Roy took a moment to look around, and took a deep breath before he started talking.  "I've got to say, I'm not surprised that a treaty offer came up at this time.  I've been one of the boots on the ground, from the very first Demon ship the Hermes encountered through every action the Hermes has undergone.  Those encounters have taught me a few things."

He looked at the screen, and took another deep breath.  "We're a vicious lot.  When it comes to the capacity for raw, brutal violence, we're as bad or worse than the Demons.  When it comes to devious plotting and subterfuge, we're equal to or better than the Largrans.  While we don't hybridize every damned thing we encounter, we're more adaptable than the Creshain.  And our appetite for carnage is enough to put the Avians to shame."  He paused, and then gave a rueful laugh.

"Hell...our flyboys are meaner and tougher than the Angel elite.  We all saw that one happen..."

He paused for a moment, and then looked up at the screen, where the Ambassadors were visible, a feral grin crossing his features.  "So, no...I'm not surprised that the Demons are asking for a treaty.  We're like nothing they've ever fought before.  We've met every one of their allies in some kind of action, thus far, and sent 'em packing, when we left any survivors behind to pack.  Ambassador, if you sign that treaty, you buy time for the Demons to figure out how to fight us...and you dishonor the memory of every individual whose life was given to demonstrate that we shouldn't fear the Demons...the Demons should fear us.  Sign that treaty, Sir, and you spit on the memory of every man, woman, and child whose life has been lost in this conflict.

Yes, we're newcomers to space, and newcomers to this war.  But let's look at this.  The Angels and Demons have been fighting each other for millenia, without either one gaining any significant advantage.  Thousands of years of advanced technology, and neither one could gain the upper hand.  Two hundred years ago, we hadn't even left our own atmosphere--and in two centuries, we've become such a threat to the Demons that they think they need a treaty.  Don't give it to them.  They wanted to find out how humanity tasted?  Let's give 'em a good, strong, heavy taste of humanity...and forever make them fear its flavor.  When they're ready to ask for peace ON OUR TERMS, then I'll think about puttin' down my rifle, Sir, but until then, the Demons--and anyone who sides with them, regardless of race--are my enemy, and they better pray to whatever Greater Powers they have that they're never in my gunsights if they want to live."  His voice was dripping with venom by the end of his final statement, and he thrust the microphone back at Unli, not bothering to look and see if she got a good grip on it before he let it go, leaving her fumbling with it for a moment.

He strode firmly down the Hangar until he approached Lady, where Shadow sat with Hannah, surrounded by the Angel 'honor guard' that had escorted the Lieutenant back to his plane.  "Getcher ass outta my way, boy," Roy growled at one of the Angels, glaring at the being with smoldering eyes.

The Angel didn't meet his gaze...but did shift slightly to the side.  Roy stepped inside the cordon, next to the plane, and turned to face the screens, arms crossed firmly over his chest.  He was making his stand...and it was with Shadow.

Justin paid particular attention to the broadcast; observing the alien’s actions, statements and reactions; whilst attempting to gauge their true purpose. If there was anything he that could be used against them in the upcoming struggle he'd pass on his observations to Intel at the first opportunity

  The Demon was taken aback by this new voice. Though other  people around that Black spoke up..there were some who were unsure..some who wanted  the Demons and Angels to end the war...

 The Demon heard from the "hand picked" people...and was insulted more then angry, By Shadow's words.

 When Spencer spoke up...this fellow he did  not know..and not on the "list" of Possible speakers..He wasshocked  abit..The voice in his  ear must have been scrambling to put a name to the face...it would not take  long to find an Action figure ad...

  Drawing himself  up, the Demon nodded to teh screen,..so be it..Commander Hack?  Do you...as well suport this war...this...KIND..of war you are about to enter into.?

 The Commander looked over the HAngerbay, He smiled..a bit proudly...his eyes  stopping LAst On Lady where Shadow, spencer, HAnnah , and a few others  stood, he gave a wink. The turned to the screen,Ambassador....we...'have entered into '...this war...long before i flew my first HAmmer...when  Earth scientists and thier familes were taken to teh stars to study Planets and Moons..to terra  form MArs and  to some extent..our  moon....and some of those  Civies were Killed, or eaten..or worse by your people....

  Looking  down for a moment, as if he was remembering,then looked back to the screen...I..Myself...and  Most of Earth, know , this  is total war....when we fought each other...and  at times..still fight each other..we had rules, because we knew..somewhere down the line..wars  would be over and we would need to work together..and livbe together...we have no such need with you. We may not eat your  people...we may not try to cross breed with every races we find...But  Demons, LArgrans, Creshians...and gods  know what else you have to throw at us...will not get much quarter from us...the prisoners  we take...we'll exchange for Humans or allies you have taken..but that is as far as it will goi...You crossed the Line, Ambassador....you made a huge mistake..every day that goes by...Humans  learn a bit more..know...a bit more...and we are not afraid to make certain...no one  breaks into our house, and gets away with it.....

 The Angel Ambassador  smiled and nodded, his two guards  came over to him to escort him from the Moon,..It would apprear, these talks are over.....

  The Demon nodded, As you say.... he turned towards his Shuttle, the ramp came  down, the  Angels did the same, However..the  Heavy Pulse gun that was set up insdie the   Demon shuttle  rattled  off, some 100 rounds in a second or two, the Ambassador and his guards  were Cut to ribbons, The Demon looked back at the Camara and sneered, before pullign a Blaster from under his robes, and shot the Camara man, the screen went black.

>>>>>>>>>>>> we will be having the Conference here..

Roy had a pretty good idea where this meeting would end up going...it was the aftermath that made him nervous.  He wished that they still had the Sanri trooper aboard...it would have made a nice touch to have the Ambassador escorted to the conference by a Human, and Occui, and a Sanri.

He'd weighed the guard detail carefully.  Hunter naturally came to mind to head it...he'd kept a lid on things in Security and had been more than efficient in his execution of guarding Un-Li after things had hit the fan up in her quarters.  He'd earned a spot, for certain.

He wanted some visual indicator that this was not merely a Human action...something to indicate the discontent of the AP with the way the Angels condescendingly doled out only what they deemed necessary, including both advice and assistance in fighting the Demons.  Trouble was, the nature of most of the non-Human crew members...or the half-human ones, could be twisted to be a mixed message.  As a result, Gethin and Zob were counted out...he didn't want anyone clouding issues by using the presence of a Largran or Demon half-blood as 'evidence' that the humans were aligning with the Demons.  That left Xyran, who was more than capable and had also earned the right to see the whole thing through.

He could have left it at two...but while he was in the unprecedented mindset of using personnel to make a political statement, Irina came to mind.  Granted, escorting the Ambassador wasn't anywhere close to shooting Angel Elites...but if things went the way he suspected they would, he thought the Russian would appreciate the honor of being one of the guards to haul Un-Li out to be revealed to the AP.  And she was wounded, her hand missing due to a mishap in a mission that had been potentially compromised by Un-Li or her guards.  There was no known connection between the events...but he wasn't above making an implication or two, especially when evidence that he knew would be forthcoming would underscore it.

And, while he knew Krieg was nervous about appearing in front of cameras, due to his background, Roy offered him the fourth spot, for the same reasons as Irina.  Whether or not the man would accept the assignment, he wasn't sure...but he had the distinction of being the only member of the detail who received the notification as an offer, and not as an order.

For his own part, Roy had once again strapped himself into the Corps dress-blues...it was a design that had changed little since the early 20th Century, and while it looked incredibly sharp, comfort had little consideration in the design.  But protocol was protocol, and a conference like this, with so much on the line, demanded dress uniforms.  And Hack had ordered them.  So Roy had grimaced as he dressed, ignoring the last twinges of pain from the wound he'd suffered himself...the whole thing was almost completely gone, now, thanks to the dermafoam...just a strip of skin that was a slightly different color and texture than everything around it.  The scar would be negligible.

And, now, he found himself once again wishing that he was just a regular soldier again, and didn't have to be part of the entourage on the stage with Hack.  He'd likely never be comfortable with that particular assignment...but he grit his teeth.  It would likely all be over in a very few minutes, if Hack dropped the bombshell news that Roy knew he had--and Roy would gladly stand on that stage in shackles and prisoner togs, to be there to see the reactions to the news.

  With the Ships docked...The Stage was already set. The  Crew had become , well versed, in the art of  taking down, and putting up the  stages and the Vid screens.

 As the   People who would Gather in the Hanger would  see...

 to the left of the Stage was a Large Screen for  Ge-Fi..a few smaller screens for those of his  board.

 In the Middle was a LArge screen for  Hennings and  a smaller screen for each of the Admirals of the board. between Ge-Fi and  the Admirals  were three Medium screens...one for the Sanri, one  for the Occui, and one for the Mull.

 to the right of  the Admirals was a big screen for the Demon Home world, with a set of smaller sceens  between Hennings and  that one, that  were set for  The Largran , Creshians. and Avains.

  The Hermes Camera  Crew  has been Bolstered  by the ESN  Crews, AP crews ( from their home worlds) and Independent News sources.

 Bura, Tortuga, and the Delta Planets were getting feeds as well...not to be Missed, the Feeds were being jacked into any transmission they could find, to  flood  Astra  with the   goings on.

Irina looked in the mirror, and fretted. The whole point of a dress uniform was to make the wearer look sharp, and maybe even dapper. It certainly wasn't comfort, or being easy to put on. Every grunt since time immemorial could testify to the latter. So the Russian was doing her best to make sure her weapons didn't detract from that too much. Which wasn't an easy task given how many she hand decided to carry. The need for everything to be easily drawn by her left hand only complicated matters further. Normally she would have bother herself much with a dilemma like this. However escorting Un-li meant she was going to be in the spotlight. Even if it was just briefly. Given the caliber of the people who would be watching looking good actually had to stay one of her priories.

What Irina was wearing now was probably the best balance she was going to achieve with the time left. There was a a machine pistol, and some spare mags in a shoulder harness. While her Largran pulse pistol was tucked into a holster in the small of her back. For more close in work she had a collapsible baton on her belt, along with a K-bar. For real stopping power though she was carrying two frags, and a white phosphorous grenade on her belt. Two flashbangs next to their more lethal brethren helped widen her options. Irina had even tucked a magnesium flare into a boot. Which if she was honest with herself was more of a safety blanket. A safety blanket that would burn bright, and hot, but a safety blanket all the same. Everything had been cleaned, and polished. While some effort had also been spent making sure colors didn't clash violently.

With one final tug to straight her top, Irina turned away from the mirror towards her compatriots. "You lot ready to move her?" she asked moving towards the cell. Irina was working under the assumption she would be the one tasked to handle Un-Li. With only her off hand she wouldn't be as effective a fighter as the others. However that was more then enough to keep a cuffed prisoner in check. Being the same gender also simplified a few potentially tricky issues. That, and Irina would be damned if she was going to pass up the chance to push around a royal bitch. She stopped in front off of the cell, and smiled. She really did love the irony of all this. "Against the far wall!" She roared in her most intimidating voice. "Face the wall, spread your arms, and keep your hands open! Today sunshine, or I break out the peppper spray!" It was important to Irina that Un-Li got it through her thick skull just who was in charge here.

In reply to Irina Tatyana (msg # 174):

Could some one do me a favour please and get this picture to show

http://www.google.co.uk/imgres...&ved=0CEcQ9QEwAw

Hunter dresses in his SAS Dress uniform. His small caseless pistol disappearing in its holster hidden under the outer clothing.
The Rail pistol riding on his hip.
He finishes cleaning his AVIR Rifle so that it gleams.
Looking over at Irina he smiles approvingly at her actions and words.
"Okay people listen up, Xyran and Gethin, you two have front and point to the area as we move". "Irina you have close in at her side, My self and Justice have the rear."
"When we are called forward, to present her, I want Xyran and Gethin with their weapons covering us and ready for unpleasantness."
"Irina you will be by he side with Justice at the rear."
"My self slightly to the front and to the right side".
"Questions"

  Commander Si was Dressed in ESN Dress Uniform. If she looked great before?...she was  10 times as impressive now.

  Hack had his dress Uniform as well...everyone  in the Hnager bay (( save for Rivets  and a few Dozen ground crew) where in Dress.

   One  By One the screens where coming on Faces of the People began to appear, Only The Demon Home world  did not have a face yet.

  Hack stood By Hennings  Vid s creen, Talking  quietly to Him.

 Si stood  a bit back, a cold , hard look on her face, as she looked to the steps that lead to the SEC side of the  Stage.

Having took the past day to recover, Jesse took it easy and pinned back her hair with Chinese sticks, letting a few stray stands fall down onto her back.  She'd dressed in a black fitted knee length skirt and a white button up blouse with silver buttons.  A watch that her mother had given her dangled around her wrist.  This day she wore flats and a small amount of make up.

Arriving in to the conference room, her arm bandaged heavily under her sleeves she found a seat and sat quietly awaiting to see what was going to occur.  If any one said anything to her, she would give a very soft smile and nod of her head as they passed by.

THough she is more then a little angered, Un-Li shows a smile of Contempt for the   Little Russian. She does  as she is bidden, and says,there is going to be the 9 hells, to  pay for this outrage....Killing Angel  Elite? Abusing  an Ambassador?
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:43, Sun 22 Sept 2013.

Hunter turns and slams Un-Li against the wall.
His face right up to hers, his voice deadly cold
"You are one stupid bitch." "What do you not get about Politeness and courtesy."
"Until the admiral changes your status you are a prisoner of war not an ambassador.
"So shut your mouth or so help me I will remove your tounge at the root".
"The next thing I expect to hear is yes Sgt Hunter."
"Do I make my self clear"

   Un-Li's Laugh of Contempt shook her  Body,./..you....human....are about to get a sad, hard lesson in Politics....and...My rank is Major....I will ....NOT....let this go...you will be setting up Tents on the Delta Planets after I  finish my report....is that clear?...SGT?

In reply to Un_LI (msg # 180):

Hunter "so be it".
He gags Un-Li with a ball gag.
" That stays in there Prisoner, until I am ordered to remove it"

  Her  eyes  shift to look at Hunter. There is  a deep look of satisfaction...as if, everything was  working  out...

Hunter grins at her and winks, Places a blind fold over her eyes and ear muffs.
Then steps back out to where she can not hear him.
And puts a call into the admiral and to the Sgt Major. "Sirs how do you want the prisoner to appear on stage please"
"As a prisoner in shackles or as an Ambassador dressed in her clothing"

Irina steps calmly into the cell, and cuffs Un-Li hands behind her back. Using the cuffs for leverage Irina forces Un-Li down a bit. With the stub of her right arm Irina pushes the ear muff out of the way, and puts her mouth right next to Un-Li's ear. "You think this is abuse," She whispers. "I'm going to clue you into to a little secret bitch. I grew up in Scarborough. If you pulled this kinda shit with the guards there they would have you in solitary eating juke cakes for a month. You know what a juke cake is? That's where they take you're food, and blend it into a puree. Then they bake it, until it's black on both sides. That's abuse. This, here. This isn't abuse. Hell it's not even revenge. Thought there is an element of irony. No this is simple. You're a prisoner, and we're guards. We're doing what we have to make you compliant, and thus ensuring our safety. Try to understand you're not in charge any more. You do that, and life will be so much easier for all of us. That, or you can keep up with the bullshit. Trust me you don't have the pull to get me sent to the shitter at this point, let alone a penal colony. Even if you did that would just be a vacation to me. Then when we next meet, and trust me there would be a next time, you would get to see me when I'm angry." Irina leans back, and lets go of the cuffs. As Un-Li stands to full right again, Irina uses her hand to put the ear muff back in place. Then Irina takes a hold of the cuffs again, and uses them to move Un-Li towards the exit of her cell. There she waits for Hunter to receive an answer.

  The Admiral was on the stage, interrupted with his  talk with Hennings. Answering the COM, his voice, Just a TAd Irritated ..Her choice, Her  ESN UNiform, or her Ambassador's Uniform. She  should be  Pristeen No restriants ...things  are gonna be bad enough, without  making  Ge-Fi's  daughter look bad. We're going ot have  our friends  watching this, we can't look bad...HAck out..

Irina walked out of the cell to tracked down both an Ambassadors uniform, and an ESN uniform. A few minutes later she marched back into the cell, and tossed both uniforms down onto the sole bed. She gave a nod to hunter, and shut the door. Walking over to Un-Li she removed the various restraints. Irina moved away from the angel so her back was to the door, and put a hand on her baton. "Pick one, and change," Irina said nodding to the cloths on the table.

  she looks at the clothes....I am supposed mto be Presentable?..Is that what Oliver  wants?..MAybe..I should refuse? so  the Conference can see how  EArth treats its allies?

"Well you could try, but then I would be forced to bring in one of the other guards, and we would dress you. I'm sure Hunter, and the others would love that.  A nice memory to keep them company on lonely nights, if you know what I mean," Irina said making a suggestive gesture by pumping her fist near her crotch.

 Smiles slightly,Indeed. Humans are....Hormone driven. The Males?..Quite frankly, I am  unsure how they ever grasped the use of tools.

  She Looks over the Uniforms and shrugs...I think?..The Ambassador Uniform. It will aid me greatly, as i push for the Punsihment  of ..your SGT  Hunter.

Richard had changed into his formal uniform and put some effort into looking presentable before entering and finding a place to sit. He wasn't looking around much or saying anything, but he would reply politely if addressed. He was currently staring at a particular mark on this table like it was the most fascinating thing ever. Was it a swirl? Was it a scuff? Ehh, maybe just where something fairly hot or cold had sat for too long. His mind started to go on a bit of a tangent with all the infinite possibilities of what could possibly fit into a microscopic little scratch.

Natalie spent a good hour dressing herself up to make herself as professional looking as she could, though her dress uniform mainly did all the work. after much effort put into her looks placed her side arm in her uniform and tucked away her knife into her boot so it would not clash with the look. she then made her way to the conference and took a seat somewhere in the middle of the room.

Grizwalt got word about the conference. he did not care for a dress uniform, nor did he have one. he didn't want to really go but he figured getting some information could not hurt. so he made his way over in his regular uniform. the way he seen it, he can dress fancy when he is about to be put 6 feet under. If they kick him out for not dressing properly, he considered it more a blessing than a curse. he only brought his glock 18 and left his AK back in his room. he then made his way to the room inserting tobacco in his mouth on the way. when he arrived he stayed in the back away from the majority of people so no one would bug him about his choice of clothes. though he didn't try to hide from security. he had nothing to hide so he did not care if they did see him.

Irina stood quietly by the door as Un-Li changed. She just wasn't interested in rising to the other woman's bait any more. Maybe she should have snuck in that towel, and bar of soap. While the ambassador changed Irina couldn't help, but regret how such a fine body had been wasted on such a complete bitch. Only once Un-Li began to comb down her hair did Irina open the cell door. "Prisoner's ready to move!" She barked before grabbing Un-Li by the arm. Keeping a firm grip Irina guided the Angel over to the exit. There she waited for the other to take their positions so they could take her down to the conference.

  The Conference started with Aides announcing all those who were present from their Vid  screens.

  The  Demons were the last  to show their  FAces...so far. Another Feminine Face appeared...Slightly Different then before, Next to her  where two others, One MAle Wisp...one that appeared to be Female. The One who spoke  had  Light Purple Skin, the  Veins that carried the  glowing blood of her kind, showing as Yellow, as were her  eyes. Her Voice was Cold, HArsh...even full of rebuke as she  said,...I am   Qer La Cal. I am  the New High Mother of  the Planet your Kind calls Hel....My...predessor ....has fallen out  of favor..She  is...no more....I take it..you have  Called this Confer, Ge-Fi...to settle in on a Truce....

 Hack Stood Up, the FAces on the screens ( except for Hennings and the others in San Diego) Looked shocked  at the Breach in Protocol ..Ge-Fi...is just an Invite, As you are Qer La Cal...This is not for a Truce, though you may beg for one, if you would like...  that brought  chuckles  from the Crew, and smiles from Sandiego.

 ..Astra, is now and ESN...AP Planet...we have already began to cleanse it of the  Infestations that  there...The  Apes, Humans and Apeman, will be colonizing the southern Hemisphere....they are very pleased.... he looked  right at   the Demon Mother,..that there is so much to eat there...

 The Male Wisp stood, but she waved him back....so...you are using  our ways, against us..and expect us to back away in fear?  We don not....

 Once more  HAck  shut her up,SILENCE!.....This is my show....if you talk out of place again, I have  the sound  cut from your stream...and  only allow you to listen!....we are...indeed..using your ways against you...so? You are half  right...where you are wrong...is..we don't  give  one damn in the  9 hells if you back away or not....

 He Looked around   at all the  Vid screens...The  Mulls, Occui and  Sanri  seemed  overly interested...the Demons  and their  allies..a very least...shocked.....For too LOng..you ranged   The Black..with Little to stop you..The Angelsstepped away..because they feared you...the  others represented  here...fought as best they could, or  operated under some form of Truce....which..i understand...meant looking the other way, now and then, when a ship vanished or Planet fell...


  I'm here to tell yuou....we have  an old  saying...'There's a new sheriff in town'...and we are cleaning  up The Black...and weren't  not stopping at Astra.....we won't stop, Until I banging on the  Door to your throne room!

 Qer was shocked at this..her Wisp Aides were dumbfounded...The LArgran,Creshian and Avains looked at there screens  as if a snake  jumped out at them.

  The Occui and Sanri Stood up and  gave a cheer..the Mull sat there watching everyone else....

 Then...Ge-Fi took the BAitARE YOU MAD!....YOU CAN"T TAKE THE DEMON HOMEWORLD!...WE NEED TO SET A TRUCE!...

 Hack Struck out like a snake, this time , aimed at Ge-Fi.A TRUCE!.... YOU MEAN LIKE THIS!

 he Motioned  for  Beth to Hit the Feeds. There was the sight of PAradise..Under siege...Three ships Like Heaven  In orbit...trying to Hold off the Might of  the Demon Armada

 ..you fool! what are you...

 What am I trying to Do...Ge-Fi? m Humans....and I bet the other races....want the truth!..we have not  been getting  a whole  hell of alot of it....But we are damn sneaky when we need to be...

 He turns to the Crew and Nods to them, to make sure they know he is speaking to them as well, then turns back to the screens..The Demons have had thier  way...too damn long...if you have an infection...and you don't cure it?....then you have to cut it out....if you don't...you die...by inches.....Earth isn't going to die  by Inches...only the gods  know how long Paradise has been under attack....but we are not Letting the Empire  into our system..Sadly?..The only way to do that....is pound them back to the stone age...and  any that stand with them!

 ...you fool!..we lifted you into the Black....and this is our thanks?

 ...you lifted us up, to be shock troops...get the feel of The Black, before you brought us to PAradise...or..maybe..as a barging Chip to use with the Demons...

 ...we do not  Bargin with....

 Hack Looked at Spencer....SGT Major...Your  finding, Please..then you can bring out  our  guest....

The ambassador is moved out as ordered dressed in her robes of office at T minus 30.
At T-15 to conference start the ambassador is held quietly at the side of the stage. Ready to be moved on.
"Xyran front and left please."
"Ladies close order protection please".
"I will be rear and right."
"The rest of you back up out of sight, no one comes on except through either the admiral or the SGt Majors okay"

Roy stepped forward...and even managed to contain the thoroughly unpleasant smile that wanted to come to his face.  It's an information briefing...don't gloat, just inform... he reminded himself.

"I believe you're all familiar with the results of the recent Demon attempt at driving the Hermes away from the attack on Astra.  Before the Verg was destroyed, however, we discovered a few items of extreme interest in Admiral Migon's personal quarters.  One item that caught my eye right away was a posting of bounties, by the Demon government, payable for the delivery, dead or alive, of several key ESN personnel, including Admiral Hack, LC Shadow, Commander Si, and myself.  In the same set of files, I also found personnel reports on several ESN personnel, along with a few deceased members of our new allies.  These reports detailed how Demon-allied personnel managed to create conditions that allowed them to extort said personnel for intelligence updates of the operations in which they were involved.  Even the Hermes had been penetrated."

He paused, his jaw muscles working as his face twisted to keep the expression of distaste he wanted to display from becoming too obvious.  "What struck me as most noteworthy about these files was the signatures at the bottom of them.  The Demon signatures were meaningless, of course...I honestly couldn't care less which one of their officials was involved in the operation.  But the fact that Ge-Fi's name was also signed to them?  Well, now...that tidbit of information was quite a revelation.  Even more revealing was the fact that it was apparently at Ge-Fi's orders that family members of ESN personnel were being abducted and held as bargaining chips...their turncoat on the Hermes was lost in action on the Verg, but the file made it very clear that his compliance was secured with the threat of turning his family over to the Demons if he failed to deliver information as requested."

He paused there, watching the various screens to gauge the reactions this news had brought.  He'd give them a few seconds to chew on it, before he dropped the other shoe.

  If Hack had  told  any of the other Admirals about what was coming, they were surely good actors. Hennings  Placed his coffee cup  down , his eyes  went from HAck and Spemcer to the Screen where Ge-Fi sat.

 The allied Delegates were surprised as well..even to the Point of a pair of the Occui's Aides standing up. before being  told to sit.

 The Mull just looked like he was waiting for  his next drink, watching his screens and turning to HAck, now and again.

  The Empire's  people did not show the  least surprise, Though they seemed to be talking to each other on a separate link.

 Qer La Cal  Looked stunned, but the kind of Look one gets, when caught trying to steal the LAst Cookie......How can we be....

 Hack spoke once more,Qer La Cal?..You...are nothing to me...but  some rodent that needs to be wiped from the Black...do not speak out of turn  again!...

 Commander Si Spoke up from her Chair Near  Hack and Spencer...it is True...I saw My father's signature...it is his hand...and his Stamp...The stamp of  Heaven..

 ...we are not yet done...there is  some more information...and we have a PAir of ....guests...to bring to the Stage....of course..that will happen, After  the Good SGT Major continues... he nodded to Roy.

  Kray stood near the stage. Opting out of  his aircraft's  wing, since he was in Dress.

  Kat, Frans and Eckles were close  as well...Foster  and the rest of  M Flight sat near him

 ..be real nice to know what the 9 hells is going to happen...but i like it so far...

Watched from the crowd, keeping his datapad out and keeping notes.

At Hack's encouragement, Roy continued.  "Armed with this new information, including the identity of our deceased, subverted crew member, we started searching his gear, only to discover an Omni-Comm in his quarters."  Not waiting for anyone to ask, he added, as an aside, "Such a device is all but useless in deep space operations, and is definitely outside of any gear issued to Hermes personnel.  It's an almost perfect communication device for a spy, as its signal band is at the far edges of monitored communications and if you aren't looking for it, specifically, it's easily overlooked as signal noise from background radiation.  It's also extremely limited in range, however...the presence of one unit aboard the Hermes instantly raised suspicions of the presence of additional units."

He resumed.  "So, we went looking, using a signal locator attuned to the frequencies used by such devices.  And we were almost immediately led to one of the personal bodyguards, the Angel Elites, of Ambassador Un-Li...a guard that was assigned to the Hermes detail by none other than Ge-Fi.  When questioned about it, both the guard and the Ambassador became reticent to speak on the subject.  So, we took them into custody and went to verify, for ourselves, that we'd captured the only holder of an unauthorized comm device.  Our suspicions were naturally focused on the Angels, at this point, so we proceeded to Un-Li's quarters...with all due caution.  We were also quite suspicious that our Angel 'allies' were not quite so allied as we'd been led to believe."  He shot a venomous look at Ge-Fi's image on the screen before proceeding.

"Our caution was warranted.  Upon arrival at the ambassadorial level, the first thing we discovered was two dead Hermes security personnel.  The next thing we discovered was an explosive device set up as a trap in the hallway outside Un-Li's quarters...an explosive device we'd seen in use before, by the EDT, when we attacked Bura.  Most intriguing, I thought, to find a weapon belonging to known allies of the Demons being used by those who had led us to believe they were sworn to defeat those same Demons.  We countered the Angel subterfuge with some of our own, and soon found ourselves in an armed encounter with the Elites."

He turned to focus on Ge-Fi.  "You should really find another title for them.  For Elite troopers, they didn't put up much of a fight.  And the last one talked altogether too much, including offering to split the bounty for LC Shadow's life with us if we let him go.  Apparently, he didn't realize that he was addressing someone whose name appears on that same bounty listing.  Long story short, we broke your troops, Ge-Fi.  You can have your ambassador back...we don't want her.  The only thing she seems to be useful at is being a massive pain in the ass.  Oh...and in either erasing memories or putting mental blocks on at least one of the members of the assault team that attacked the Verg.  Given the half-assed method in which she's done everything else we've had to clean up, I'm pretty sure we'll find a way to reverse that, too."

He turned, looking off the stage to where Hunter was waiting.  "Sergeant Hunter, if you please..."

Hunter signals his people forward, the two women in close guard, with the ambassador.
his rear guard out of sight and waiting
Hunter salutes, crisply
"As ordered Sgt Major"

Then peels Front right and hopefully Xyran front left.
Goes to standing rest with his rifle cradled in his arms, as he looks out over the gathered beings"

Nat payed close attention taking mental notes trying to catch something important from the powers at work.

Grizwalt frowned a bit showing a face of discussed as he spat in a bottle. fucking politics he said to himself watching events unfold.

   Un-Li stepped up on the stage. She Looked a little worse  for wear...a bruise on her forehead, from meeting a  wall... red marks  on either side of her  mouth from  the Gag. Other then that, she strode with the marked grace of an Angel Princess.

  Un-Li...?

  ..I have been  Mistreated, Father..treated  like a commoner...all your Elites  are dead....

 Ge-Fi stood and Looked at Un-Li..his hand  moved  below the screen. most likely using the  Vid to get a better  View...and the Bodies?

 Hack Looked out over the Crowd, from the back  Rivets  called out,...we sent them off, with the rest of the trash, before  we  reached Docking Distance...as per  regs!

 Ge-Fi's  mouth opened wide,before he could say anything, HAck nodded,Very Good , CAptain. We jettison the bodies of  our enemies....we do so with the test subjects  we are done with...we even sent our Traitor, out into  the Black

 Hack looked over to Spencer, then  at the   'honor' guard that brought Un-Li up. An Aide put a chair for her to sit on, which she did.we may have top deal with some...issues....other then that...enemies...are enemies...if you do not  want to be treated Baddly by us?...Do not Oppose us.

   He Looked over  all the Screens, The Sanri  spoke up,...so..The Angels...for how long?..have  been at a standstill with the Demons....and  never told us?....Never  told of the  fragile truce. that keeps your world from being Invaded...while the rest of us suffer attacks?


 The Occui spoke upThis Puts the   Angels...in a very bad  Light, Ge-Fi..this is worse then when your  first Leader of the Earth Ships, Yo-We..decieded to take over the world himself....he failed then...and those peoples only had sword  and bows?


 Ge-Fi answered...shaking with anger  after seeing his daughter  and and hearing the  the last few words......You will Get no more help from  the Angels..Admiral HAck...we will seek to  defend Earth and  any of the allies  who gather there...But...from the Angel's...you will get no more ...aid...


  Qer took the Moment to speak...Seems....Admiral HAck...you threat is wasted....how  do you thing you can stand angaist us, with out the Angel's aid?


  All the screens looked at HAck...he was looking down at the Stage, his shoulders shook with a good Laugh...a Happy laugh, as if he had  heard a goodly joke....Qelr La Cal? we have been on our  own, Since  we left Earth...even worse...there were steps being Taken to hinder us....We are...for the Most part...self sufficent ..we have Planets...we have Colonies and we have Allies...We have fighters  being Produced   on Fuji , that rival anything the Angels  thought to send us....and...we have allies..The Angels  can stay and  'guard' Earth...its what they are good at....but we are coming for you Qel La Cal...do not mistake that.

 He looked at HIs  Com....we have  another Guest coming...one that you will all be...surprised...most of you...in a good way....They are delayed a bit, But are docking  as  i speak..

 SGT Major  Spencer? do you have anything to add?...Or perhaps, those  from the Boarding party?...at least, before our Next Guest arrives?

  there were Murmurs  in the Crowd. Not  too many folks liked Un-Li...and many of the folks loved Commander Si. None of this set too well, as Ge-Fi added is  vent.

   Steele and  a few Pilots   that sat  near Shadow  watched the Goings on, Though Steele seemed bent on  getting Kat's  Attention.

 ..who's Docking Now Rivets? Shadow said into his COM , softly.

 ..Dunno  Laddie...they Docked with Fuji, Not the Hermes...Roles  is comign with whomever it is...

 Thanks..... his  eyebrows  furrowed, who would  Roles  be bringing, that would matter...No one  from Tortuga would rate that

Standing behind the stage with the others Irina couldn't help, but scowl a little when she heard that the Hermes own ranks had been penetrated. A few things about her last shuttle ride, and Monroe's KIA status finally lined up. Then Spencer dropped the bomb that Ge-Fi's signature had been on the report. It took real effort for Irina not to draw her blade, and settle things with the Princess the old school way. Instead she just tightened her the grip on the other woman's arm. Finally Spencer called for Un-Li. Irina marched forward at a good clip practically dragging Un-Li along. All while keeping to the center of the guard detail. When she hit the stage her face was that of a hard ass marine ready for trouble. Her eyes played out across the crowd, look for danger. Her heels clicked together when they stopped in front of Spencer, and Irina finally released her hold on Un-Li. The moment Hunter dropped his salute Irina turned, and marched to the far corner of the stage from the SAS trooper. Once in position she came to attention, and drew her machine pistol. She flicked the safety off, and pointed it towards the ceiling. Again her attention turned towards the crowd. Thought she couldn't help herself from glancing occasionally at the happenings on the rest of the stage.

Hunter watches the crowd his face a mask
Almost Silently to him self, as the news is given he mutters
"Cry havoc my friends and let loose the dogs of War"

Roy considered for a moment, when asked by Hack, shooting a quick glance back at the honor guard, and nodding minutely.  "The files we discovered revealed that ours were not the only ranks that have been compromised...the Sanri have also had their turncoats, though all of those mentioned in the files are deceased.  But we have information regarding penetrations into the Occui military structure, as well."

He turned his head to the side, so his voice would carry behind him, without ever taking his eyes from the screens.  "Corporal Xyran!  Front and center!  Repeat for this...august assembly...the information you shared with us during the preparations for the Astra attack."

If they were going to start cleaning house, they just as well flip all the rugs back while they were at it...

Xyran took a deep breath and walked his way up over to the podium to where Roy had ordered him and took the mic and made his speech, "I have in my possession and i will play for you all proof of the Occui free traders involvement in the death of former commanding general Xar and his crew along with there plans to subvert the Occui high council..."

Xyran then handed off the recording to be played to all,

 

After playing the recording for all Xyran was struggling to hold back the rage and it made it quite difficult to continue speaking, "They wanted the Delta fleets to fail in there assaults so the demon puppet representatives of the free traders could use that as justifiable means to by force of politics, join forces with the demon empire... and turn the federation against the ESN and there allies, it would cause division in Occui society and ultimately we would tear our race apart from the inside out fighting each other in a bloody civil war, and in the end the demons would be able to effortlessly wipe us from the face of the black in one fell blow..."

Xyran then handed the mic back to Spencer once he finished speaking and refused to speak further on the matter instead returning back to his position where Hunter assigned him.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:32, Thu 26 Sept 2013.

Roy took back the microphone solemnly.  He turned to face Hack, and the other Admiralty back on Earth via their vid-screens.

"I have just one last thought to add, Sirs.  Based on what I've seen and experienced, as of the moment I found out that Un-Li was harboring a spy ring aboard the Hermes, and with all due respect to your respective ranks, I wouldn't trust Ge-Fi to guard a pile of dogshit in the backyard, much less Earth Space.  He has been actively plotting with the Demons, to basically hand them a defenseless planet ready to be exploited as only the Demons can.  He's already sold us out, the only reason we aren't all on a Demon buffet table is because they're too busy trying to contain us out here to make a strike at us back there.  That is, of course, just my carefully considered opinion on the matter, but if he were here right now, I would have shot him already for espionage."

He was going WAY out on a limb with that one, he knew, but he figured it was his duty, as the senior enlisted representative of the Marines, to state the situation as he saw it.  Officers could worry about phrasing their warnings with tactful references and gentle cautions...he was paid to find threats and remove them, and as such, he rarely had time for tact and gentility.

Jesse had quietly remained in her seat and took turns looking at the various reactions that each of the Vids and speakers gave and procured with information.

When Roy took the stage with the information, her jaw nearly dropped, at least internally.  She'd wanted to cross her arms, but with the bandage and damage on her one arm, it made it nearly impossible to do that.  Instead, remaining in her seat, she let her arms cross in her lap.  Her fingers traced the edge of her skirt trying to remain calm and collect or at the least neutral.

After hearing and seeing everything, she now had a better understanding why he kept everything secretively.  It drew a long sigh from deep within her chest.  It was very reminiscent of another person that she cared for deeply.  She had much to think on, but that would be for later.  For now, she sat by and watched as everything curtailed into a downward spiral for the Angels.

This disclosures didn't phase Justin in the least rather it sent another message.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:19, Thu 26 Sept 2013.

 After the speeches, Xy's  words, and  Spencer's  'closing remarks' the activity on the Vid screens was animated.  Ge-Fi talked with  folks in his Office....

 The allies were  talking to each other  on private Channels.

 The Admirals  were Buzzing each other as well..Hennings was talking while Looking at his own screens....

 The Empire's Allies were COMing each other  as well, the LArgrans  Looked as More angry then the others...

 Qer La CAl  elevated her chin as she  watched the screens, her aides babbling to her as she dismissed then with a causal wave.

Hack took up the Mic, he whispered  for Spencer to stay Close. At that Point, Spencer Noted  Lyri in the rafters. Her sniper  rifle in her  hands, her eyes  sweeping the  crowd.

 ..I will say this....Earth has an Angel Space station...well...most of it...orbiting  our planet. In the  Century or so, since they arrived...thinks have gotten better....Air is better..water is better...Food..is in good supply.. Terrorists get stepped on and Military whack Jobs  are wiped from the surface of out home.

 He  waked about the Stage. He looked at the elevator doors near the SEC Station ( behind the screens)..we have warships that  the Angels  developed...then we made them Better..at least..better in out eyes...regardless of why....The Angels  have made us a Player in The Black...The thing..that none of  our Allies, or enemies  understand? Earthers, Play for Keeps. We do not allow  our people to be harmed...unpunished. And we will stand  for those Humans  on other planets, that are most like us...

 he walks towards the Allied screens,we do not Like , seeing the smaller...'animal' humans  killed  and eaten....but we understand, Because the Mulls would Not Like seeing  Bears and such on earth Being Hunted....

 Then he turned to the  Empire screens,..Nor the Creshians seeing  us Step on Bugs, or the  LArgrans seeing shoes  made of Reptile skins, or...the Avians watching thanksgiving Dinner...

 He shugs,..That's the way it Goes..each Race developed the way they have...and that is fine....  He was quiet for a STep or two, Before  stopping in front of  Qer La Cal. The anger  and Venom in his Voice  LAshed out.BUT! WHEN YOU TAKE....MY...PEOPLE.....  he caught himself and simmered,..you have crossed a line...and there is no going back...we will hunt  down the Demons..The LArgrans...The Birds and the Bugs...until they are dead...or retreat back to thier own space....and quite frankly.....that might not be enough!

 Qer La Cal snickered,Such a Brave...and wonderful man.. She Looked at Commander Si,I can see why you would enjoy mating with him....

 Si Inclined her head, the Hate in her eyes was easy to see.

 ...But  Admiral HAck?...even with your Fleet out here... You know....you can't possibly stand against the Might of the Empire..should we choose to throw it at Astra, and the Delta Sector....


 ..My Fleet..as it stands  Now...took apart your...Migon Fleet...I'm waiting on some new ships to destroy...there is a Nest ship out there..when we find it..we're Sending the  Prisoners  to Astra, to Give   the Ape, and Apemen a speical treat...bet they never had Roasted Birds before...

 The Avian stood Up and was about to shout something, when Qer La Cal snapped ..sit down..you fool.....what do you expect to happen to them?

 Aye..... Hack nodded with a smile  as he walked back towards the Admiral, he was looking down at his boots   until he stopped,This is...Total War...youo started it...and its refreshing in a way. You see...wars on Earth..we had rules...most times the darker side of the conflict would break them...in the end, no matter how long it took..they would pay for that...and the EArth would keep spinning, because...we have to deal with each other...we have to get along....

 The Admirals Nodded in agreement,Hack Pointed to Qer La Cal,...but you showed us...out in the Black..there  are no....rules...unless you make them up yourselves...will we trade Prisoners?...Maybe..maybe not...Most likely..we will no longer have prisoners to trade..instead..we will have...subjects   for experiments...or...rewards for  our...more grusome allies...it may...indeed..be harsh..but it is something we have learned from you...and I thank you for that....

  No MAtter....you cannot  stand against the Might of the empire...Paradise is all but a prison..they can't leave, without being destroyed...they cannot attack with  out suffering more carnage..you greatest alliecan only help so much...How then...Admiral Hack...do you think you can ...knock on my throne room door? her smile was cold, yet full of mirth. it was almost like she was enjoying this  conference...then  things began to change...

 They are  not alone...not any longer..the Fleets of the Sanri will throw thier weight into the  war...behind the Delta Fleet..and Earth...

 the  Empire screens got active again as they talked over this....they stopped as ...

 ...The Occui...will follow HAck and his people..the Military out in the Black  are Yours....soon..our Homeworld  we be rid of the traitors...and we will  set the  gears of war in motion..you will be seeing alot of Occui ships in the near future....

 Qer La Cal..( and Ge-Fi) looked shocked...Qer La CAl's  smile had slipped a little...

 Then  a Happy voice said from the steps that lead to  the SEC station..Sorry Admiral Hack..we were a bit LAte, But our new friends were intrigued by our ships  and Fuji Station..we promised the  full shore leave, once this is all over...

 Roles, Raven and  4  Merc Marines escorted 3 robed and hooded beings  They stopped at the top of the  stairs, the  three beings  Moved forward to Greet Hack..when they Stopped and Removed their  hoods..the crowd Gasped...the allies and  foes  alike were shocked...Ge-Fi stood once more..and Qer La Cal leaned forward...a shocked look on her face as well....

Xyran was pretty surprised by the turn of events with the Skith they were the last people he expected to see, Xyran had only met a handful back in his service days with the Lazarus Concordance when he made eye contact with them he gave the three a respectful nod.

Zob was given a special task for this Event by those in authority to keep an eye out for trouble and to protect Hack at all costs should anything go wrong by providing overwatch with Lyri but he also understood the importance of this meeting so he was wearing his balaclava while the demons and angels vid screens were still live but his best bet altogether was to not be seen at all and that is what he aimed to do.

Zob was positioned up in the rafters on the opposite side of the stage so that both Lyri and him had a crossfire to the crowd should anything go down, He took his Largran sniper rifle and held it in his right hand as he took his other hand and reached for the portable binoculars that were secured to his neck by rope and scanned about the crowd on his side for anything out of the ordinary if he had to he could easily drop them and ready the weapon to fire.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:58, Thu 26 Sept 2013.

   The  Leader of the Skith, smiled. His teeth were Jagged yet even. the type that would rend flesh. His Blue skin hand  Yellow stripes that went over his head,  and down his back..his hands were , likewise that color.

 He held out  a hand for HAck and said,  Adnmiral HAck...so..nice to finally meet you. We have followed  the deeds of the Delta Fleet since you killed the  Demon Ambassador..very nice work...um...Capt Roles said i sould shake your  hand and say...'howdy" ?

 Hack  Looked at Roles who looked away with a bit of a smile, HAck then laughed and said,Howdy will do..um....Mr?...

  After the shake the  Skith smiled,..I am MU...I am the Lader of the Skith Peoples...to My Right is  my MAte, she is also the Commnader of our  Naval Force...Ze.

 the Female  pulled back her Hood and smiled, slightly bowing her head Her skin was Green with Yellow dots. Her form, under the  robe that was tied  with a sash, showed  she was a female , for certain.

   and this is My oldest...what yu call..son...he leads  the Ground forces  for the Skith..his name is Fo...

 the Male  took off his hood. His smile was stern, but yet friendly, his skin was Green with Orange spots.

  The  MU turned to the  Crew, took a couple steps to the edge of the stage, standing next to Spncer he called out,...and Howdy to all of you....whether you know it or not. The Delta Fleet has changed the way the Universe spins...and not everyone is going to like it!

 the crowd chuckles, Many of them shouted  'howdy' back. MU seemed to be happy about that.

 reaching for the Mic, he said to  Hack, ..If I may?..

 HAck Gave him  the Mic..before he could speak Ge-Fi shouted in anger.....HAck!..Are you mad! you do not know these people!...you are putting  our worlds in great danger!

 From the Otherside Qer La Cal all but screamed,..HOw DSAre you set foot in out space!....I'll fry everone of you we see, for dinner and snacks!

 If any of this effected MU, it did not show. He walked over to Commander Si, he offered his hand...a  Howdy to you, I understand you are  Admiral HAck's MAte?....It shows you both have good taste...  Si did not flinch as she stood and took MU's hand, she smiled  and  whispered something to him.

  MU laughed and Looked at Roles,Howdy ..it seems  is a greeting?..but , perhaps not the right one?

 Roles was redfaced,um..well..it works...i figured it would take the edge off....

 All three of the  Skith chuckled at this, MU continued..well?..My friend? it has worked, it would see...I am thinking we shall keep that as out greeting..i like the sound... there was  a bit more chuckles  fropm the crew.

   MU approached Un-Li..She Hissed at him as she turned her head from his offerd hand.ahhh..Ge-Fi...your  other  daughter, seems less then happy to see  us?..I guess..the skin sheds close to the body?..Hmmm?

 The  Occui and SAanri seemed to be calm, yet very interested..the Mulls seemed shaken...The LArgrans, Creshains and Avians  were irate...and Qer LA CAl was over the edge.

  Ignoring them all Mu walked to the screens in the Middle with the Admirals and the allies,..some?...100 years ago...there was a meeting of races....there were 4...we met a  a Planet, on the otherside of  our system..it was called Treaty....There were us...the  Angels, the Demons and the Creators...those you people call..'The Greys"...The  greys  tried to take over the whole of the Black...they wanted other races  to do thier  bidding..we would not stand for that..in the end..war broke out..and it has yet to end...i do not think it ever will....

 Looking  at his mate and son Mu continued....The Greys  were Driven off..all but wiped out..though they still have a planet here and there...My people, for the most part, kill them on sight...and release any slaves or subjects they have..it would be wise, if any other race would do the same..but  each has thier own codes.....

  The Demons and Angels drew lines, and began to take what planets they could..to be ....kind...the Angels  helped those  as best they could...often setting themselves up as gods, for the people to worship...after a few hundred years or so...when the  IQ of the races  evolved, then began to understand who the angels were...and ...at that time..the angels would  help them reach for the stars..

 ...the Demons  found away to help thier people grow..by taking planets and races, and using them as resources for food, and resources..they became more and more agressive, as they found out, there were very, very few  races who could travel the Black, let alone fight them...

 With the Greys out of the way...more or less...we stepped back...we had the whole of  The Black behind us, there was no reason for war...no reason to take? we found planets..we landed... he turned to Roles and said,..we said Howdy...  the crew and Admiral laughed at this..Roles smiled and looked down..HAck even laughed  and shook his head.

..The Sanri..were one of the peoples we helped...in turn, they helped  the Occui...as it should be....

 Here, his voice turned dark...the Blue of his skin grew darker, making the yellow stripes stand out.Mu faced Qer La Cal,..then? Your people dared to attack us...Dared to subjugate us...and that brought a fearful war...The Angels  at first, came to our aid...but when  the Demons went around us, towards us, to PAradise? They left us...to fend for ourselves...we would have been wiped out...save for the Occui and Sanri..they..came to our aid..supplies..warships...tech...The demons backed off..but did not forgive the others foir aiding us....now...we have  had a great many years to work on our warskills...we have Tech that is as Good as any Angel's..and better then Most Demons...but what we have.....are ships....with the Delta Fleet..the Sanri and the Occui...and the Skith?...I will beg Admiral HAck, for the Honor to be by his side, when he knocks on your throne room door!


  Turning to Ge-FIwe owe you nothing..Ge-Fi...and any Any Angel ship , that is not confirmed, by Admiral HAck as being part of the historic Alliance...we will destroy to sue  for scrap....should you, use your position, to Harm Earth..or her  colonies...we will come, and remove you..should you try and destroy Earth..or even succeed...My fleets we sail straight to PAradise, and finish the Job the Demons started..

 He turned to   the allies screens, then the  Empire's screensWe Have found....after some 1000 years... a Race that is not afraid to fight...that is not afraid to eliminate the darkness from The Black..we will stand  with the ESN...and the allied  Planets , but we will not ally with Paradise....they have taken care of themslevs all these eyars...they can continue to do so...Qer La Cal...I look forward to seeing many of your ships in our scrap Tenders....and the rest of you....we have not had much...exotic food  for awhile....

 The Cresh and Avains looked shaken By this,,Qer La Cal  Nodded,..so be it....we  will meet you in the Black!  her voice was less imperious then before, as she  signed off..the empire screens went Blank as well as that of the Mulls.

 The Occui  and Sanri greeted   Mu and  smiled..clearly happy with the turn of events..they too, signed off..

 Ge-Fi looked at Hack, Mu..and the screens of the admirals,..do you know what you may have just done to my people?

 Mu smiled,...making you do something you should have done ...long ago....stand up and fight the Demons in earnst...or surrender to them as many others have....You are done using Earth...how did  Captain Roles say it?... HAck has a new ..Big Brother?

 Ge_fi's screen went blank

 Turning to Spencer, HAck said,SGT Major? Please have a detail take Un-Li to her quarters...they will help her gather  her things she wishes to take with her...they will be loaded onto the Angel Shuttle, which she will then Pilot back to  Earth...Her fighter will stay her as  payment  for her crimes..until the shuttle slips out of the Static filed..she si still an Ambassador..have her treated as such....

  The Adimiral saif their thanks to MU after introducing themselves  and the screens went Blank. Mu turned to HAck...Now then...this shore leave  Capt Role s Pormised?..I would like my people to get to know yours?


 Hack Turned to SpencerSGT Major? Please to come to the Offciers  Club, bring a date?...I will send out invites to other  Offciers..everyone else..for the next two days  is off duty..the Fuji SEC can watch over us

 Turning to the crew Hack said,staring in 1 hour, the Fleet is on  48 hours  shore leave...have fun. get to know our mew allies..and try to stay out of Fuji SEC lockdown..we won't get you out, u7ntil we ship out..Understood! he rginned

 The crowd shouted "ALREADY DONE, SIR!"

 and the  Crew split up

 Hack told  MU.we will have dinner  at the Offcier's  club, you will meet  most of  my command staff, after dinner you can have a tour of the ship, should you wish..or..visit Fuji..it is a very nice place...

Mu  took his hand, as did Ze and Fo, and they left to get ready.

  Roles came over and Hack looked at him..sizing him up,Howdy?

  Roles  shrugged, its what you said to Shadow and me, the first time we met..figured it would work now he chuckled.

 Hack  slapped him on the back,see you at the  OC..bring a date...

In reply to the stage (msg # 217):

 Turning to Spencer, HAck said,SGT Major? Please have a detail take Un-Li to her quarters...they will help her gather  her things she wishes to take with her...they will be loaded onto the Angel Shuttle, which she will then Pilot back to  Earth...Her fighter will stay her as  payment  for her crimes..until the shuttle slips out of the Static filed..she si still an Ambassador..have her treated as such....>>>>>>>>>>

Hunter waits for the Sgt Majors orders

Seeing the newest members of Hacks entourage, Jesse felt a chill crawl through her skin.  She couldn't confirm what caused her this unease.  She looked down at the bandaged arm and it was a bitter reminder for her to not overthink things.  The meeting released, Jesse gave a quick glance over at the ones on stage before her departure.

She would give things time to cool down and headed back to her own quarters.  She'd make a pit stop in Med Lab to have her arm re-examined by the techs.

Richard was surprised by the outcome of this little meeting. It was definitely more exciting and dramatic than he was expecting, so he actually paid attention. After being dismissed, he thought for a moment about what to do before deciding to head back to his quarters. First, he was going to change into something more casual. When he finished, he could go from there. As he walked, he mulled over the new developments; there were plenty of new things to think about.

-----To Non-Com quarters

Justice finished and departed quickly from the meeting.  He pulled out his data pad, looking over some of the information he had gathered on the ship.  She will be piloting the ship; he just needed to make sure there was not an escort assigned to her.

He walked quickly, a man on a mission.

Grizwalt was half daydreaming when he suddenly heard a weapons discharge. He instinctivly went for his glock. His hand was touching the pistols grip when he realized it was a recording.
he then wondered if hack would put his former self in this catagory as he easd back into a daydream.

Nat was astonished at the turn of events and even more so with the info about the "grays" it peaked her couriousity. She then began to wonder what there perpose was with so meny reported sightings in earths past.

Irina waited until the crowds started milling out the doors before she left her position on the stage. Holstering her machine pistol she marched right over to Roy. As she closed the last few feet Roy could she the anger boiling just under the surface. "Sarge I don't care who that bitch's sister is, or what fucking title she holds. If we're just going to send her on her merry way after all the shit she's stirred up you need to take me off the guard detail right now." She said a foot tapping impatiently.

Roy didn't even hesitate.  "Consider yourself relieved, then.  The Admiral said she gets a free pass of Hermes.  It's a helluva long flight to Earth from here, especially in a shuttle, lightly armed and designed for short-hop flights.  Every ally we have between here and home will be ready to shoot her on sight.  The Demons won't have any reason to be any kinder."

He gave her a level look.  "You think she's being sent on her merry way?  I'm guessing she never makes it back to see her daddy again--she's got a snowflake's chance in Hell.  That shuttle is basically a very expensive and elaborate coffin...she just doesn't know it yet.  But as long as her demise isn't at our hands?  We've got a clean slate with our allies.  We can afford the moral high ground pretty easily on this one."

He turned to Hunter.  "Sergeant, Corporal Tatyana has asked to be excused from continuing with this guard detail.  Please make what accommodations you need to cover for her departure.  I'm trusting you to carry out the Admiral's directives...not a scratch on her.  I'm pretty sure she's dead and just doesn't know it yet, but it will not be at our hands."

He paused, giving Hunter a long look, eye to eye.  "I told you a lot of stuff would become clear with this conference.  Any lingering questions I can answer in a couple of minutes for you?  You've earned it."

Irina just grunted, and turned to leave. She walked in the direction of the stages stairs, thought she too a path a little closer to Un-li then she needed to. Then Suddenly the Russian was charging the Angel princess. Irina threw a left hook as hard as she could at the princess's nose. Hopefully she would be break the delicate bones beneath. As soon as the punch was thrown Irina backed off, and threw her arms up in the air. As one last parting insult Irina spat at Un-Li's feet. Still backing away from the princess Irina looked over her shoulder at Spencer. "So the brig then," She said with a look of smug satisfaction. "You mind if I walk myself down? Hunter's going to have enough on his plate, and you have a dinner to get to."

Hunter, "as ordered Sgt Major it will be carried out."
Hunter gathers the rest of the team up so the Ambassador can be escorted to her craft.
"In answer to your offer sgt Major, when and if you have time sit down and have a long drink with me",
"The second I need a secure line to my unit on earth at some time."

Roy was torn between wanting to roll his eyes at the melodramatic gesture, wanting to chew Irina out on the spot, and wanting to cheer her aloud for what she'd done.  None of them would accomplish much of any use, at this point.

"Getcher ass down there," he said with a dismissive wave.  At some point, maybe, he would have to discuss with her the potential ramifications if everyone in the crew followed her example and let emotion dictate their obedience to orders, or lack thereof...if it all happened at the wrong time, a lot of people would wind up dead.

Right now, however, he was pretty sure he'd have more luck convincing one of the Hermes' bulkheads of the point.  Besides, personally, he'd have felt like spitting in her eye would have been a more effective gesture, personally...but, then again, Irina wasn't really the type to focus on the finer points of subtlety...

He turned back to Hunter.  "I'll see what I can arrange..."

  The Little Russian's Attempt to hit Un-li was close, but no cigar. The Major's training, Calmly Blocked it., and Gave her  that Cold little smile, thay have been treated to, the last few hours.

  Lyri   came  down on the stage, and Moved towards  Un-Li,Ease Up Corpral..show's Over....

 Un-Li turned to Lyri,..why?...MAster Chief? Are you My bodyguard....

..not hardly...but we dodged one bullet  for mistreatment, Thanks to the Skith arriving, not going to Put Hack on a LImb now...not  for you...

 She turned to Spencer,...SGT Major?...I am Going to Give her shuttle the Once over, and stand guard over it  Unitl she's loaded up...make sure no one messes with it?

Hunter. "No I am Ambassador" (Contempt drips in the three words)
He signals the rest of his team to form up.

Hunters Com buzzes for attention
Seeing it is on a personnel line Hunter answers and sub vocalises in answer. "Hunter Identify and speak message"
This message was last edited by the player at 19:10, Sat 28 Sept 2013.

Roy nodded to Lyri.  "See to it, Chief," he said.

Maybe he found it a little curious that a senior NCO would volunteer for such a lowly task, but he had a little smile on his face as he turned away.  The thought dawned on him, however, that she would probably have been his first choice to accompany him to the upcoming event in the Officers' Club...he trusted her instincts, having been saved by them on more than one occasion.

His list of alternates was short.  Beth would likely want to go back to Security and finish cracking open the Angel comm unit from Un-Li's quarters...that crossed her off the list.  And the last time he saw Jesse, prior to the conference just concluded, she'd been unconscious in Medical, awaiting treatment for shock and blood loss due to failing to get timely treatment for the shot she'd taken in the arm earlier.

That got him thinking on side notes, and he quickly jotted down a general security notice and had it dispatched to all personnel, on or off duty...



He then turned his mind to the question of who should accompany him to Hack's dinner.  Given the very few women he knew on the ship on anything more than a casual level, it really wasn't a hard choice, although he had reasons to be reluctant for it.

He sent a private text comm message to Jesse. 

It wasn't romantic...but, then again, he wasn't expecting the dinner to be much of a romantic event.  He needed someone to act as backup, and not necessarily in terms of fire-support.  The people he trusted most to do this were going to be busy, and there was only one other person on the Hermes that he trusted for that task, even if that trust had recently been rattled a bit.

Jesse replied after about 10 minutes.

Hack hadn't said it, but there's been an implied 'right away' in his invitation to Roy...or, at least, that was the way Roy heard it.  As such, he'd started on his way to the OC...walking slowly, trying to buy time for a response so he'd have something to answer when questioned about showing up alone after being instructed to bring someone.

So, it was with a mixture of relief and annoyance that he read the response.  Relief, because he had his answer...and the Club was not far away at this point.  Annoyance, because he'd been this close to being stuck in an awkward situation...well, even more awkward than he already expected it to be.  He was a career non-com...the Officers' Club was territory he'd been trained to regard as...well, not sacred, but something that was above his status.  And he'd never been a fan of big fancy meals and affairs of state and all of that...he always felt out of place at those, it was a climate that was totally foreign to him.

Still, he paused and took a deep breath, focusing on the positive and ignoring the delay.



Yeah, back on Earth, for a date, he'd have been the guy to go to the front door, hold her car door open, and all that.  This wasn't Earth...and, in his mind, it wasn't a date, either.  He deemed getting there to be more important than getting there with Jesse on his arm...and he knew she was capable of taking care of herself.

Well...most of the time, anyway...  She HAD broken protocol by bypassing the elevator lockdown, and she'd gotten herself shot, along with dragging Beth into a high-risk situation.  He didn't expect this to become anywhere near as dangerous as that, however.  She'd be fine.

She gave a quick message to Roy that she was on her way about 15 minutes later.

Once Hack was safely out of the area Zob grabbed the rope next to him and threw it down to the ground floor and slid down onto the stage next to Roy his balaclava was still on, "Well that was a interesting turn of events if i do say so myself, in any case you go have fun boss... i gotta go take care of my travel arrangements" he said with a grin as he patted Roy on the back and made his way back to the non com quarters.

------> To Non Com Quarters
This message was last edited by the player at 03:29, Sun 29 Sept 2013.

When the moment best presented itself, Xyran excused himself from the whole escort deal for a minute while Hunter was busy talking with Roy there were enough guards escorting Un-Li at the moment for him to introduce himself to the Occui captain he approached and spoke in the Occui tongue, "Yug'c voom u remt gyuno cyumso yu fubo usuloja cho senkumi eh emo eh ni equm pyumja, YU quuc fekot iea searja umcquol ceno wocgyuemc yum klyubugo rugol yuh iea searja ckulo cho gyuno?" Xyran asked he needed answers about Mina's moon and the situation back on the home world.

Translation: "It's been a long time since i have shared the company of one of my own kind, I was hoping you could answer some questions in private later if you could spare the time?"

  The Captain and his XO   were talking with the Sanri Captain and his XO. Zal smiled slightly and said,..well..Xyran..isn't it? If you wish, We can talk on my way to the OC?...or...if you would prefer? You may Come  aboard The Frez and we can talk there? The Admiral said this  Dinner with the Skith, will only  take an hour or two?

Xyran nodded his head before speaking, "Yu quearja klohol yuh quo searja ckoup uveulja ieal usyuk quoug yu quyuus geh ckoup uveag yuc meg hel echolc geh foul" Xyran was all business with his statement.

Translation: "I would prefer if we could speak aboard your ship, what i wish to speak about is not for others to hear in great detail"

   CAptain Zal Looked for a moment,then said,...Agreed. Our ships  areParked outside  Fuji, as are most of the Delta Fleet's ships. I will have the Admiral  contact you, and you may meet us  on the HAnger Dec  and ride our shuttle over.

Irina narrow her eyes at Un-Li. She certainly hadn't been expecting the princess to show any really profficiency at hand to hand combat. That she had missed her one real shot at messing up that face gnawed on her. "Aye Chief, I'm going," Irina said to Lyri before leaving the stage. She shoot one last stare back at Un-Li before steping into an elevator. She pressed the button for the deck where the brig was located, and began to hum to herself. It was then that her comm began sqaucking for attention. She glanced quickly at the screen, and then put it to her ear. "Hello," She said waiting for the caller to respond.

“Irina.  This is Justice.  I was wondering if you would like to join me for a bit of fun.  I have a friend who is a freelancer and he is willing to take us out to run his gunship through its paces.  I thought you might like to come.”  He said from the other com.

"A gunship hu?" Irina muttered. Something in her gut suddenly felt ill at ease.  "Sounds like you have some interesting friends. While normally playing with toys like that would sound like fun I'm actually on my way to the brig right now. I might have just taken a pop at queen bitch of the universe Un-Li. So now I have to go sit in time out. Can't say for sure when I'll be out, and about again," Irina explained as she waited for the lift to reach it's destination.

Xyran nodded, "Thank you for your time sir, i look forward to speaking with you later" with that said Xyran turned and left the area with his group and after that would head back to his quarters to gather his things for his Fuji shore leave.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:01, Mon 30 Sept 2013.

There was a pause on the other end.  “Are you sure charges were filed?”  He asked softly on the other end.  “I mean, unless the charges are formally filed, they cannot hold you on anything.”  He seemed to say something off the comm with the comm covered.  “If no charges are filed, and you feel up to it, call me back.”

A little wry smile appeared on Irina's face as she listened to Justice. "Oh Roy was on his way to that formal dinner with our new allies. I doubt he bother to waste his time on paper work. Besides I'm escorting myself there. Could totally get 'lost' on my way to the brig if I really wanted. That's not the point though. I've pushed my luck enough today. I did the deed, now I have to do the penance. I got no problem with that Justice. Listen I'm still interested, but I just can't do it today. I'll probably be out before tomorrow though. Why don't you ask you're friend if he minds waiting a day?" Irina offered.

"I fear that he might be off to a job after this.  If you change your mind, you can always spend tomorrow in jail."  He countered.  "But I respect your moral certitude.  You will be missed."

"Yeah, but I think Master Sergeant Spencer wants me in the brig now. Funny thing about prison is that you don't get to decide your own schedule. Weird I know," Irina replied. Something about the muted urgency in Justices voice was bothering Irina's gut again. The sketchy reputation of PSI-OPs didn't help any either. Oddly enough she couldn't decide if that actually worried her. Irina sighed, "Seriously though you have no idea how tempting that sounds. Look could you do me a favor, and give me as much of a chance to tag along as you can. If I'm lucky I might be out in just a few hours."

There was a pause.  “I will see what I can do.  Take care Irina.  I hope to see you soon.”  He hung up the call.

Irina put away her comm unit. A few moments later the elevator arrived at it's destination, and she stepped onto the deck beyond.

Events ---> The Brig

....This is where  all posts  for Victory Visit will be......

  The  City Of Foini was lit up, like nebver before ( at elast in 1000 years) Debris was pusghed aside... several Bars , hotels and eaters  were open..The Mansion was  decorated ..all Over   the Flags of the  Blue Moon , AP  and ESN flew.

  Vid-people were all over as they set up to capture the sight of the first ever welcome of a  Alien Planet, to the Delta Fleet.

  Locals were gearing up for some  strong celebrations...in fact?..alot of the  locals  could  still not get over the Demons were gone...Dead..destroyed...many more could not believe it was a Human Lead force that tore the Might of the Demonic  Empire from their midst .

   The Angel  Orderly looked at her sheet.  pointing folks  to where they were to sit.

 Hack, Si, Spencer, Shadow, Beth , and  a Very Uncomfortable Rivets  were Motioned Up on Stage.

   every one else  was  seated  in a very large  Semi-circle in front of the Stage. It was not  hard to see, that most of the folks were either Hermes, or  Harvester Crew.... This was not to say others  were ignored, there were similar sites  set up all around the Capitol...each with   3 or 4 ships being  greeted  by other   Angel dignitaries.

 It was reasoned, the  Harvester and Hermes started this all..so they got the Lion's Share of the attention....sadly..they had to drag along the EVOLs.

  Nickerson could be heard in the backround , Fussing about sitting way in the back when there  were...'common crewmen'..sitting  up front by the stage.  Jesse, Lyri , Zob , Xy,  and others from Stoly 1  were in the front row...Hermes and  Harveter Pilots filling in behind them...still..it wasn't  hard to to hear Nickerson's  whining....an Angel Elite  did  have a quiet chat with him to shut up.....

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

  The Music  Stopped  and Az-el stepped up to the Mic, dazzling  smile   as she  nodded to all those seated before her...Friends...Comrades...perhaps.. Family? welcome to Carras..The Blue Moon of Paradise. This is a historic Moment...a Moment that many have never  envisioned ...perhaps?.... would not have  lived to see. If not  for the courage, the foresight, and raw bravery, that the Delta  Fleet has shown...


  People Clapped and hooted  and whistled...Az-el smiled and allowed them this   for a few  seconds  before motioning them for quiet...I , like  you, am a warrior...but in this  instance , I am enjoying this Moment..and I will enjoy this night..the First Night of Freedom on Carras for  close to 1500 years!

 At this. every  Angel in the  Area Roared waving their hands....

 Again , Az-el waited for the quiet then continued,..we have   much to celebrate...some of us...must attend a higher  function , but  before this night  is over,  I am certain, that  all willl find themselves  welcome...find places and people to Celebrate with..Regardless, of what the Homeworld Chooses to Do..the Red Moon and Blue Moon are now AP...and ESN...and we will do...what we are able , to return the favor  you have done us!

 More roars..from all peoples....

 ..The  Blue Moon and Red  Moon have  talked...and these Awards we be going  out to everyone...in the  Delta Fleet...As i speak these words here...it is  also  happening on the Red  Moon, with the Tortugan and Skith  Forces there....We have recieved the  Logs  from your Fleet..and every person who served will be  in our  History books as Liberators of  our  Moons...

 She  looks at a sheet from  the  stand,..all members  will recieve...The ESN Silver Silver Star....The Angel Gold  Battle  Star....the Angel Silver Star..These are being delivered  as  I speak....and  will be waiting for you at your quarters...

 ....We also have a special Award...few have been Given out in my lifetime...but then?..few have earned it...... LC Shadow?...Ensign  Losky..please set Forward....

 Kray's  eyebrows  Narrowed as he looked towards Hack and Si..both shrugged as if they Hadn't a clue...

 Kat was 'pulled ' from the Crowd  and escorted to stand Beside  Shadow,

 Az-el turned to them with a Beaming smile,..You two...are the first  Pilots  to enter   the Angel Moon...as you did, you rid the galaxy of Ber Jok..who sent many of us  to the void ....for this  You are both presented  with the  Angel...Comet..also known as  The Burning Star....

 Kat's  Mouth Dropped open..Shadow Looked  at Hack..hack shook his head quickly...Si smiled proudly...

 Az-el stepped up, one of the Angel Elite  Held a Black Box  with a  Comet design on top... as she Pulled the red Ribbon out that Held a red-gold  Comet, to put around Shadow's Neck...Shadow pulled back a bit..Az-el looked confused, He leaned close to her and whispered  something...

 Hack buried his head, in one hand..Si's smile faded a bit....

 Everything was quiet..Angels caned their neck watching Shadow  and  Az-el...her surprised looks, slowly turned to a smile..she walked back to the  Mic  and  said. standing  tall her eyes Glistened in the Lights  as she gathered herself to speak,LC Shadow....has declined to accept the award...Unless..everyone in the Delta Fleet recieves the  same award....he  has cited...and  rightly so....that none of this, would  have taken place, had it not been for the Ground troops. the Allies in The Black, and  the pilots of the Delta Fleet....

 She turned to HAck Who, was looking at Shadow  as if he wanted to reach for  his Blaster...Si held   HAck's  Left arm, as if  stopping him from charging the LC...

 Admiral Hack?  Commander Si? The Bruning Star is the Highest Combat award , the Angels can bestow on someone...none..have  ever refused it...

 Si Looked hurt as she looked at Shadow...Hack's  veins in his neck Bulged as he fought  for Control as he said,..I am Sorry Az-el..I....


  Az-el looked at  Hack...her smile broaden, even as a tear escaped the  side of her left eye..No...Admiral Hack...Commander Si...you..yuou ...misunderstand...if anyone in the  Angel Empire ever  doubted...ever...second Guessed  the alliance with the ESN?....That has now be wiped away....To refuse such an honor, not out of  false Modesty....but out of Fairness?... Comradaderie ?....This....is..Indeed....something, that None  , on the Moons with forget....As of this Moment..I...am No longer  thankful, for serving  along  side the Delta fleet...But I am Proud!

  She gestures to an Angel 'beth'..who worked  some Puters and such,..All..in the Detla Fleet..we  reciever the Burning Star...where it proudly...there may not be many more   given out!


  Turning, walking back to Shadow, She tiled her  head,..Now?... Mr  Shadow?

 kray allowed himself a Smile and Nodded, Aye....Thank you War Minister.....

 she  slipped the  Ribbon around his neck,...you, Sir...will call me Az-el....and..I expect the first DAnce, when we go to the Mansion in a few minutes....

 Kray  Nodded   and smiled, as Az-el Moved to  Kat, and Placed the  Ribbon around her neck...

 Hack still stared Daggers  at Shadow...Si looked more then alittle, relieved....

 Az-el gave Kat a kiss on each Cheek and then Motioned to the  pair of them as she called out,..PLEASE, GIVE THEM SHOUT...AND ONE FOR YOU ALL....YOU ALL HAVE EARNED  IT!


 Angels  all rounf  joined in..some  Pulse rifles went off...behinf the Mansion , firworks   filled the skies, as   the Odd looking   Angel aircraft Flew over in the closing darkness...

 ..Now?...thsoe of yoou  who must come to the Mansion with me...let us go, and get the formal duties over...The rest of you...Carras is opened to you..enjoy!

In reply to Foini (msg # 251):

 Az-el gave Kat a kiss on each Cheek and then Motioned to the  pair of them as she called out,..PLEASE, GIVE THEM SHOUT...AND ONE FOR YOU ALL....YOU ALL HAVE EARNED  IT!
Hunter comes to attention and salutes Stage and people "and yells for all Free for honour and duty"
He then looks to Xyran and Cpl Ickabab and checks they are okay
"What's your pleasure tonight Xyran city or here, I want to find Katirina and see if she would like some of my time"

In reply to greetings (msg # 252):

   Garrat sighs and shakes his head face-palming on the burning star incident. But as soon as the roar went up Jesse found Garrat next to her. "Go to Spencer, grab his arm and go with him.  He needs you as backup whether he knows it or not.  I'll get you there."
     If she agrees Garrat takes her hand and weaves up to the stage being used to cutting through rowdy crowds of soldiers.  In route he says "I hope you have one of your nifty angel side arms hidden somewhere. "

    Regardless he would have gained the stage and wished Spencer happy hunting before making his way back to the crowd and sending a com out to all PC'S : "I'm headed out to the barracks where the REAL party's going to be, wanna get an eyeful of angel toys and honor those that have been holding the demons at bay for so long.  Anyone coming?"
This message was last edited by the player at 05:17, Wed 14 May 2014.

Justin was glad to be sitting behind the row of VIP's, additional Marines and such; this way those in the rows infront of him were the focus of any attention. When the awards were announced he congratulated those about him for their recent honours and wondered what each would look like and be made of.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:43, Wed 14 May 2014.

In reply to John Hunter (msg # 253)

"I'm gonna hit up the city with a few of the other rangers, go to your lady friend and show her a good time... don't pass up on a good thing Hunter on my account" It was in this moment a few of the other Occui Rangers were calling for Xyran to join them.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:18, Wed 14 May 2014.

Jesse had stood briefly until Garrat had taken her by her arm and guided her up the stage once the commencements ended to Roy.  She batted her lashes blankly, yet curious.  She gave Garrat a raised eyebrow to this, but left the look to itself.

Her eyes moved to Roy briefly to gage his reaction to her being escorted to him...on stage at that.

Hunter nods appreciating the need Xyran feels to be with his own people, "enjoy friend, but please in all the above ones names take care"

Hunter gives his friend a mock salute and goes to find katrina
This message was last edited by the player at 07:01, Wed 14 May 2014.

 The   Bridge Officers and a few others  were escorted  towards the Mansion...Music  filtered through the air, was oddly familiar, perhaps like the Music  from Old Germany during WW1.

  People were already Dancing, some had  Military Dress clothes, some Fancy  dress clothes, and some , just normal everyday clothing.

 As they walked  , Shadow  said to Lyri and  Spencer,not everyone has off tonight, Look at those  Poor Buggers  at the top of the stairs, and on the roof...

 Lyri noted them and began to search for others as they walked.

  The Doors were Locked open, as  many of the windows, to allow  some of the  night's coolness  to enter the stuff Building. Ni-Gl, Az-el's  Second spoke to them as they walked,..it is  sad, we must have some people on Duty, but  we cannot be sure we have  eliminated all the threats....  he pointed to the Long Tables, Help yourself to drink and eat....to aid  the Humans?  we have  color coded the serving  platters...Red has  meat....Green is  vegatble..Blue is fruit...i am thinking, you will be able to tell the differences though..

  ... Mr..Shadow?...Please get some  food or Drink..I must  Contact the Home world, then i will be back for that DAnce...


 the Angels  left the Hermes folk to their own devices  for a Bit... HAck and Si Followed them to the Table, HAck looked around  and when it seemed  there  where no Angels about he  snapped at Shadow in a strong but  low whisper,...Lyri had to hide her  giggle begind a Glass of wine...Refuse the   gods be damned Burning Star...what the 9 hells  were you thinking...or...were you thinking at all!

 ..I..I..thought it was the Best...I shot down some Demon in an oversized fighter...with Kat's  help?..and we Get thier Highest  Combat honor?...didn't seem quite  right....


   Si smiled a bit,..I thought it was a grand gesture....all our people will have that to pass down to thier  children...

 Hack  made a 'cutting motion' with his hand,..That's Not the Point!...We..the delta  Fleet..saved  this system...AFTer..the Angels on Earth  started to pull or hold   are resources....These folks...wanted to give us something for that... Just damn Lucky she chose to do what she did...couldn't  have a new allied insulted by some Hot shot Pilot!

 Shadow Looked   more then a little  bothered,..Sorry Sir...I...well...

  Hack sighed and  Gave the   Pilot  a Pat on the shoulder,..never mind..be careful..these folks seem to be good people...they don't have a whole lot not to give away...Thier Home world is Pulling its nose at them..all they ahve  is  each other..and us...

  One of the Angel Elite came over  and saluted,..Admiral Hack, Commander Si?  The Prime Minister  wish to see you..he chair is at the top of the steps, above the ball room floor...

 ..Lead on LT... Hack and Si followed the  LT towards the  grand  stairway.

  Kray shook his head a bit  and Looked at the others,..seemed like a good idea  at the time.... he noted the wine Lyri had, he took one as well...then grabbed a couple of  Bluish Vegetables that were cut into strips.

In reply to Mansion (msg # 259):

The ceremony concluded; Justin glanced about the gathering in an attempt to get a feel of the area, who was where directions they'd head. He knew he'd have to spend some time with the Pilots he'd been assigned but thought it best to let them have time to themselves. He meandered his way towards the buffet, exchanging greetings, comments and such with any who was feeling chatty. Once at the buffet he selected several portions from the various platters piling them onto a plate. Finding a seat well situated to observe the buffet and access he sat quietly eating and musing to himself

   Hack and Si  went up the stairs to the  PM. It was an odd fact, that this   Angel, the PM, was a bit over weight....something  no one has ever  saw before...even the Civie Angels seems   Fit and well built.

  The  Elite Angel Bowed to the PM,...Prime  Minister Pe-Tr...This  is  Admiral HAck, And his MAte  Commander Si... Admiral?..Commander.. Carras' Prime Minister  Pe-Tr

 Hack and  Si  Both  Bowed,..I am proud to Meet you, Pe-Tr...I  have to thank you..not just from the ESN, and  AP, But for myself  and My People, for your Joining our  cause against the Demons.  When the PM stood  up, it was plain to see he  was much older then any of the Angels HAck had ever met.

  Thank  You Admiral HAck...I do view this  as  an honor and a priviledge  to finally met the  renegade Leader of the ESN forces....Ge-Fi's COMs  were few and  far between..every now  and then we would send a fighter up with a COM buoy to try and  catch some ESN COM traffic...sooner or later the Demons  would find, and destroy it though...but we have managed to get a bit of news...Between My Self  and Se-Ul..the PM  of the Red Moon,,,we could  put together  some Information and pass it back and forth....our...  his hand shake done, the  PM  makes a face as the next word  comes out of his Mouth,..'homeworld'...seemed to forget about us...for the last 1200 years..we  fought against the Demon forces...they could not commit   an all out  invasion  to either moon with out opening the door for the Homeworld to attack...and the Homeworld was afraid to attack because  the Demons threatened to Destroy  Paradise  with thier  ' world Buster'...so..the Cravens made a deal...we...the two  moons...did not sign the treaty..and  have been fighting  for  so...so..very long...

 He Motions  for HAck and  Si to sit, Si Sits  next the  the PM's wife...the woman seems  half the PM's age, she is introduced  as Li-th.. she speaks up,..I must say...The home world abandoned us....I was  happy to see the Angels alive from some of  our colonies....Bura?...

  Si smiled,..it has been too long  Pe-Tr...Li-Th...and Yes..the Angels on Bura lived out of thier ship, and built a city..they merged  with the  native  folk, the Borials... between crossbreeding and the  Food...thier skins have become Green, Like the Borials...every ship in out Fleet has  one flight of  'green angels'..they have proven to be a great help to us...

  Pe-Tr  smiled  and waved a Hand in the direction of the dance floor,..this....this..is somehting i never thought to see....not just Humans...But warrior  humans  on out Planet....and they...saved...us....

 Pe-Tr  asked   about some of the Hermes  people, between HAck and Si they pointed out  each Crewman, and told  Pe-Tr  and his MAte who they were, rank  and  postion...At Spencer's Name, and Shadow's  as well as Lyri...the  PM's FAce grew  Grim,..the Demons...want them dead...amoung  others...they feel , if they can rid the ESN of those people..morale might fail....

 Hack's  face lost its smile for  a second as he said,..Aye...indeed...but  humans...tend to carry that weight  a bit differently...some, may be crushed..others  will become  more Vengeful...in the End...Our people can function, should they lose a leader....The Demons  have proven , they cannot...at least..to this point.

 Beth sipped on some of the   wine...she wrinkled her nose and gave the galss to the attendant..she asked ( and took a few  attempts ) to get  'soft drinks'..she  hand one to Shadow who had finished his wine, but  did not seem to like it.

 I don't  understand  , ye, Lad..why do you waste tijme  with that sweet drink?..Rivets had   hit the 'gold mine'...and Angel  beer-of-sorts called  Froth, by the locals..it was made  from fermented grain  and  rinds from  a Melon they grew in the fields.

  Before Rivets  could  nag the Pilot any  more, Lyri said,..Capt. Rivets? One would think an Officer  would admire   a person who knew his limits...and acted  accordingly?

 ..Ack..Lassie..yer right, of course..Just don't seem fittin' fer a fighting  man ta not be drinking the harder stuff...

 Beth smiled,..seems  alright when he's torching demons though...

 Rivets  laughed a hardy laugh and turned back to the table asking  the attendants, what the meat and sauces were  and was loading a small plate with the stuff.

 after sending the com text Kira made her way out of the area to do some window shopping while she waited.

----> To Paradise

    There are plenty of Vikings that dance, Garrat wasn't one of them.   He liked music and could work, fight,fly,drive, ride, to it but even without a bionic lower leg he was all left feet. He wasn't into drinking either, Mead didn't register as alcohol to his metabolism, indeed it was more like a sports drink, something in the mysterious genetic resequencing that made Vikings .  This party was for others.   The true heroes weren't here anyway .  If there were containers of non alcoholic beverages available he'd load some into his pack and look for the first "bus"  to the angel barracks.  If any wished to accompany him he'd already put out the invitation.--------) paradise

  Nickerson, Blu and Wess entered the  Mansion, a few Angels greeted them, but as they noted the Uniforms and Insignias, they would excuse themselves  quickly..

  Nickerson was Funming...his Glory stolen...And Blu was not that much happier...Wess..just tailed after them  as they approached the  tables  Shadow and some of the  folks ( who had not  moved on) were.

 ..Shadow!..Shadow..You Sir!...are a Blighter Sir!...

 Shadow turned  a stick of  Blue  slowly  disappearing into his mouth as he chewed it,..Hello Nickerson...Wess...Jonny....Blighter , eh?..I've been called worse...by  those who were way better...

 He  waved  a Finger at  Shadow,we were to lead the Forces  down...we were to Land first!

 Shadow Chuckled,..Sorry Nickerson...my orders were..if i remeber...to allow you to enter the Atmo first...I did....

 Wess just shook his head  and Looked at beth Moving Over and started to Chat her up.

 Blu spoke up,..Tha's Bush League, Shadow  , that's...

 Shadow took a step between Nickerson   and Blu, to get right into Blu's face,..you know what is bush league...The EVOLs  are Bush league....I don't know if  the Admiral has  gone into  figuring out, how many folks  died becuase you were too scraed, ot  to Kill hunger, to do your Job...But i bet Lilly has it down to the  number...But i kinow what really bothers you...that  the whole thing was on VID-CAm  and everyone in Texas saw it...

 before  anything  else  Could happen, Az-el cleared her throat,..LC Shadow..I beleive tis   time for that DAnce?

  Shadow  turned on Blu who was Seething. Wess seemed more interested ion Beth...Nickerson's FAce was red...

  The   Angel in charge of the BAnd announced   The PM  and HIs  Mate,  HAck and Si, Az-el and Shadow..and a Half dozen other  'mover  and shakers of   the Blue Moons who would   dance the 'first dance' ( even though folks have been dancing since before the ships landed!)

  Lyri   smiled as Shadow went out  on the DAnce floor,..Now?..there goes a Brave man...he is scared to death of  dancing..but he carries On...

 there was a sound of   a slap..Wess was staging into  Blu as Beth's teeth were gritted in a vicious snarl,...you touch me...you try to touch me ..one more time..I'm cutting off your hand , with your Own Boot Knife!

 Lyri Turned her face  a Mask of restrained anger,...she can do it too.....and  when she's finished...I'll take over...

 Wess, stomped off in embarrassment and anger to theTables  across the way as the  the  music  started. Nickerson was beyond embarrassed..Ignored by the angels and the Vid Coms..his people ignored or  worse...he went to the table  and  grabbed a wine.

Henry cheers with the rest as various honours are announced for the military personnel.

When the awards ceremony is over, he follows the crowd into the mansion, and looks with interest at the food and drink on offer, asking the servers about the dishes and their origins.

When Jesse approached, Roy gave a curious grin.  "I hope you don't have your heart set on celebrating all night," he said, cryptically.  He leaned closer, so his words couldn't be overheard and so anyone who might be attempting to read lips would have their view obscured by her hair, and added, "You should know by now, just because there's a party going on, doesn't mean I'm not on duty..."  He waited to see her reaction...while he knew that he and certain others among the crew held a 'mission first' priority on their lives, he also knew that it was neither fair nor realistic to expect everyone on the crew to hold that perspective.

Regardless of whether she chose to accompany them or not, Roy followed along with Shadow, Lyri, and Beth, though not necessarily part of their group (if Jesse chose to go with him, they'd tail the others but appear to be moving as their own group...just never very distant).

He stiffened slightly as Wess tried to make his advance on Beth, a dark grin on his face as she rejected him...but ready for some kind of trouble to ensue, all the same.

It was too early in the evening, yet, for him to begin working on the assignment Hack had given him...people were still eager to see and recognize the faces belonging to the big names they'd heard of in association with the Delta Fleet.  He maintained a civil expression, almost pleasant, as he was introduced to people and as the participants in the celebration expressed their thanks...but his manner did little, if anything, to encourage further discussion.  He took frequent occasions to look up, often stepped around an individual he was speaking to in the course of discussion...did his best to avoid standing still for too long and to keep his awareness of the setting around them updated and current, aware of who was standing where and alert for any changes.

  Henry is  received  eagerly, the angels go out of their  way to explsin the  food  and the wines  and such, they ask him about Earth and Bura...and if  he knew why the Angels from there were Green.. many questions  and answers  go between him and the servers, or other Civie Angels who came by. some of them , Academics like himself.


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

 Lyri had  just finished  sending a Com-Text, and turned to view the Floor..she says to Spencer, Jesse  and Beth,..look at him, they Guy can't  dance to save his  life..but..when it comes to duty, he manages to get away with it...

 Beth  turned  and watched she smiled, Like dancing  with the Shadow of Death...only she doesn't know it....

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

  Shadow didn't look too awful bad out there..he was saved by the fact, that no Earth folk knew  any "angel Walzes"..so he  Move the best he could, to what he learned at the academy. They seemed to be in deep conversation, and Az-el seemed to be  Smiling a lot.

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

 everyone  of the Hermes  folks, were now starting to be focused on...there were even some  Civie folks who asked for  autographs  and Vid-Pics.

  Kat, Foster, He-La and a few other  Pilots  had their meet-n-greet with Angels ..talking ,sharing stories, being thanked..endlessly

  Foaster Got a COM from the Civie  women he was seeing, that the first of the Civioe  shuttles were coming down, Morris pulled  some strings to get her  and her son on the first one down... Foster  made  his apologies  and  left5 the mansion, post haste

  He-La  was having the time of her life w, with Angel Men fussing  over her  and   some of her  pilots.

 Kat Liked the attention..to an extent. A far cry from St Petes..But  soon the crowd thinned  as the Angels began to search for  more people to fawn over.

 Steele   stood By her   taking a deep drink of  froth,..this is nice  and  all?..But I hear Raven and  the EMS Pilots are at a Tent Party a few blocks  away...lots of our people are going there...

  Frans  frowed  when she heard  Steele...Eckles nodded slowly,..First chance i get?..I'm Gone...

In reply to Manison (msg # 269):

  Kat Liked the attention..to an extent. A far cry from St Petes..But  soon the crowd thinned  as the Angels began to search for  more people to fawn over.

Hunter finding the pilots, moves in to find Kat, seeing her he moves so that when the crowd thins she will see him
Hunter smiles
 thought you might like some company"
This message was last edited by the player at 21:46, Wed 14 May 2014.

Jesse had turned to give Garrat a shake of her head when Roy had whispered to her about his mission priority sequence.  She gave a nod.

I have wondered if you were okay, she commented in a low tone.  Hence for the reason of my message earlier, but I figured if you wanted company, you knew where to find me.

She followed along but figured if he didn’t want company he could tell her to shoo away and she would.

I’m not remiss of your duties, she added looking about nothing in particular but returning her attention briefly to Roy and keeping in step with him and behind the group ahead.

I can’t say the same about others; I can only suppose that other’s took note of my concern towards you and wanted to intercede.  She gave a casual shrug, but her look towards Roy was one of understanding and acceptance of who he was and what he did personally and professionally respectfully.  It gave her a deep hollow spot that she completely understood the cold lonely feel that focusing on a mission can be.

She paused briefly to listen to the encounter between Beth and Wess and gave a devious grin at his rejection from the fellow lass.  He really was something is all that Jesse could mentally say without spurting obscenities causing an unneeded scene.

I’ll leave it up to you how much time you wish to spend with me, she said bluntly.  It won't hurt my feelings much if I'm a hinder to dismiss myself as a request.

She turned to give him a friendly link.  I don’t intentionally intend to interfere with your duties, personally or professionally.  To be honest, I do enjoy spending time with you, even if its for a drink or chat to catch up.  Doesn't always have to be...overnight.

  The Music  ended  and  the Couple s began to leave, the floor...but the conductor struck up another    song and Az-el Grabbed  Shadow's  arm and..( more or less) held him in place.

 Eyes wide   as he realized he was stuck for another DAnce...Shadow recovered as  quick as he was  able...and stepped into the dance  again, this time , it appeared Az-el was teaching him the Steps.

 more People came  onto the Floor, HAck and Si  followed the PM  up the stairs to the chairs  once more.

  Lyri chuckled  at Shadow, and Pointed at him when he looked towards the table.

  Blu , said from a few feet away,What a dolt..he wasn';t  even passable at the academy!

 Eckles spoke up,...he never  seemed to lack for  dates for the  Dances..how about You Jonny?


 Roles  grinned  and  said,..Jonny?... he had to ask  his Cousin to  go with him..and she turned him down!

 Blu seethed a bit and snapped back,..he only got DAtes  , because of football...

 frans  said, with a hint of  a sigh,..Yeah Blu..that was it...the rest of the package was  just bonus...


 Beth Giggled,...I'll take the Bonus!

  Three Angel Elites  came in and  set up near the Table..they appeared to be watching  Shadow and Az-el.

 If none others  would Notice, One of them flicked the safety off on his  Pulse rifle...all three were  turning their ehads, searching the room, the steps, the balcony above the dnace floor..they were looking for something...someone?

Katirina turns to Hunter looking mildly surprised by the British troopers appearance. Almost instantly thought her expression turns to one of relief. She turns back to the handful of Angels still clustered around her. "You must forgive me. It has been a pleasure, but it has been far to long since I last saw comrade Hunter. So I must take my leave," She says. With the reflexes of a fighter pilot she grabs Hunters hand, and begins walking quickly away. After a brisk few moments she comes to a stop at a quiet balcony. She lets out a sigh of relief, and leans back against the railing. "You're timing couldn't have been better," Kat says as she tugs at the collar of her dress reds. "It was getting to be... how you say, a little tight in there. That group made me feel more like display case for medal."

In reply to Xyran (msg # 256):

Looking sharp in her dress red's Irina casually stepped into Xyran's path as he tried to leave the party. "Comrade I hate to sound like your mother, but you aren't seriously about to walk out of this party by yourself are you?" The tiny Russian asked as she knocked back a glass of Angel wine. "A stiff wind could knock you over. You really should have a friend by yours side tonight. Besides you might even use the opportunity to explain how you wound up adopting a human girl. If you want..." Irina said her last words trailing off as her attention suddenly shifted to the three Angel elites that marched in. She hadn't survived this long as a combat engineer by being callous. Notice small details had kept her alive more times then she liked to count. In this particular case the details where whispering vague threats to her brain. "Is it me comrade, or does something about those three strike you as odd," Irina says with a casual nod towards the troopers.

Roy grinned as Jesse seemed to be going to great pains to pardon herself for an intrusion that he didn't see as such.  "Relax, Red," he said, with a hint of a teasing tone.  "Just because I'm not here to lose myself in the celebration doesn't mean I don't appreciate the company.  As a matter of fact, I was going to ask you to help out with something, once the novelty factor wears off and everyone and their dog stops trying to see how many of us they can meet..."  His expression was pleasantly neutral, maintaining a front for the sake of their hosts...but there was a dark humor in his tone as he spoke of being on display for everyone.  His tone varied, a little more easily audible at first, lowering to a murmur for her ears only as he hinted at wanting her help with his upcoming recon.

Then he noticed the trio of Angels...and the rifles, ready to fire.  He let his gaze travel around the room, through the crowd, up the stairs and on the balconies, out on the dance floor, looking himself for any sign of something amiss.  His attention returned regularly to the Angels, watching them for any indicators that they'd located a specific threat and using the direction of their focus as a guide for his own.  "Heads up," he said, slightly louder than necessary for just Jesse to hear.  "Friendlies going guns-hot..."

In reply to Irina Tatyana (msg # 274):

Xyran had his Occui pulse pistol well hidden inside his Ranger dress jacket he powered it on and watched the angel elites closely if this was what he thought it was he was gonna have to fire quickly, "Get your gun ready to fire girl... they just flicked off the safety on those rifles..." Xyran said quietly in almost a whisper as he watched and waited.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:11, Thu 15 May 2014.

In reply to Justin Kase (msg # 260):

After a bit of walking Kira spots Kase and approaches his table, "Lt Kase there you are, ive been looking for you... mind if i take a seat?" Kira asked hoping she was intruding on anything.

Hunter chuckles "glad to be of service, you look good though Kat."
"Shall we blow this joint and find some where to drink and relax",
Hunter observes her discomfort with her clothing, "want me to carry that number one Jacket for you, you look like you want to rip it off"

Henry was in his element, especially when some angel academics joined in the conversation. He enjoyed sampling the foodstuffs (and wine), but even more learning about the plants and animals being served up.

Irina pressed her lips together as she did her best to discreetly study the three elites. "To hell with this," she declares as she sets off towards the suspicious men. Careful not to walk straight at them she takes the opportunity to exchange her empty glass for a full one. After a few more steps she pulls up next to the elite with his safety off. "You know comrade I do believe that must be the most beautiful rifle I've ever seen. Do they actually issue you pieces of artwork like that, or did you have to buy it yourself?" She asks nonchalantly before taking a small sip of wine from her glass.

In reply to Roy Spencer (msg # 275):

Having now come to an open area, she’d grinned at the nickname he’d given her.  She’d let it swirl in her mind and toy with the notion only to come back to a slight blushing of her cheeks at the nickname.  She perked up at the mention of being useful for purposefull things but before she could comment Roy’s Heads Up alarmed her and she began searching the area for any would be targets using the Angels visual line of sight as places to begin to look.  She started scoping out herself places of a possible sniper or ambush.

Though her visual attention was focusing on one thing, she proceeded with the conversation.  So what do you have in mind for me? she asked quickly.

   the three Angels were scanning the Room, the one who flicked  his safety off first, was  watching  Shadow ( Az-el?) as  Irina  spoke to HIm, the one  nearest the table was Looking at HAck..The Admiral had his back turned as he was  one-step lower the the PM...Si was next to him, her left arm around  him, as she too, faced and talked with the PM

 The third Angel turned to Irina,...these  are issued..only to the  Elite...you have to earn the right to use one...
.......

 Shadow was talking with Az-el as they Danced...if anyone was watching, they would see her  beautiful smile drop for a second, then  return quickly, though not as happy as it was a second ago.

  to the  Angels , and most humans around them, it  would most likely go  unnoticed...

  Kray  guided Az-el...in a not   very Fluid motion, so his  back was to the tables, and he was between her  and  the Elites...Now and again, a  small laugh came from him, causing his head to turn slightly...his eyes searching the balcony. or the far side of the room.


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

  A group of Humans   from the Hermes came through the Door, ,lead  by  A LT of the Angel Elite....they moved across the floor to the   Band  Area...The LY  whispered something to the Conductor who grinned and Nodded, the Man turned  and shook hands with  the 4 humans, 2 male, 2 female of the band..and the Little White haired  Man.



the Lt  Bowed slightly to the Conductor  and headed back out to the Door, His  steps, slowed slightly, as his  gaze feel on the trio of Elites..but he continued on..

 Stepping  to the  Mic the Conductor smiled  and said,Pleaee? No one leave the floor...we have a Band  from the Hermes...and a solo artist, to play some Human Music of celebration and dance!..Until the BAnd gets ready...  he tilts  a bit closer to the white haired fellow who says his name  again... Mr  Macpherson will play a few songs...


 The  Conductor Pointed to Shadow and Az-el  Mr Shadow. Minister  Az-el? I am hoping you will lead this next  string of Dance music!....Please..Any Human., Sanri, Occui, and Angel who wish to take  Part Follow  along!


 The BAnd wasn't going to be playing anytime soon. Both bands were  exchanging  insturments  and talking and showing each other how their  items  worked...so it fell to Joe Mac to start it Off..the Conductor  was Beaming at the thought of new Music...


  Shadow Forced a Smile and Looked Up at Hack, Both Si and Hack turned Si waved a hand to show , she expected the Hapless Pilot to dance..Hack Just laughed and Nodded for him to "carry on'. Az-el  smiled a bit , but helf  Shadow's arm a bit tighter then needed....The Pilot Looked at Joe Mac..hoping for something easy....

In reply to Mansion (msg # 282):

Joseph knew that look all to well.  It usually meant playing below his talent but he had the perfect opening act for this situation.   He rolled out his piano and it snapped rigid.  With a practiced movement he popped the telescoping legs in place and pulled the harmonica harness around his neck. Three seconds after pulling out the piano he was playing.

     While provincial, it was a song every human in the room knew.   "The pianoman" by Billy Joel

  The  Music  started, Kray did his best to Move with it.... as they  did some turns  his  eyes  would flick to the tables, more Humans   ( with Angel partners) were coming out on the Floor..the Humans eager to dance  with Angels , the Angels  happy to try something new..

  Near the end Of the Music, Kray motioned to  Joe Mac to speed it up..but  held his finger and thumb  up, closer together...

In reply to Kray Shadow (msg # 284):

   Joseph obliged upping the tempo a bit on the last verse as it launched with gusto.

   "Sing us a song your the piano man.  Sing us a song tonight. 'Cause we're all in the mood for a melody, and you've got a spirit alright. "

   He finishes the last bar with a drop in tempo that allows Kray to dissentangle himself relatively gracefully.   And looks for a visual que to start the next song as he pluggs his laptop into his keyboard.

  He saw Irina and Xyran and recognizes the looks on their faces.  He notes the elites acting different.   If their helmets are off he checked to see if any of them were marked with a bounty as EDT.during the song.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:53, Fri 16 May 2014.

  The PM stood  and  clapped along with everyone else, then Called out to  the BAnd, Joe Mac in particular,..through the years, We have  seen Vids  from earth..showing ...wild  dancing?..do you have songs  like that, that our Humans  friends  can show us?


 Shadow's Head  dropped, Az-el couldn't help herself  But Giggle

 Lyri Shouted,..Show them Flyboy!

 beth was  laughing hard, her sadness gone for a bit.

 The Elites had Not Moved, they still looked  about, only their  chins and lips Visible behind the  smoked glass.

 Hack was Laughing  and called Down, Yes, Mr  Shadow..Let's see what you and the others, might  teach  out new friends...

 Si, Covered her mouth her with free hand, her  arm hugging HAck a bit  tighter.

 The PM was enjoying this...it was not hard to see the discomfort on the Pilot's face...and that he was being a good sport about it, made it all the beter...

Roy stood next to Jesse, apparently focused on the events in the center of the room, using the focus of attention there to help mask his continued surveillance of the place.  Irina approached them...the fact that she didn't get some kind of physical brush-off indicated to him that whatever threat they were anticipating wasn't imminent.

"The Demons didn't build up that stockpile of Angel meds by raiding, as far as we know...there's a good chance that someone in the Angel command structure is working with them.  Hack wants us to do a little snooping and see if we can find out who, or at least find evidence that it's been done so we can put the Angels on the trail of their own traitor...though I don't know how much faith he has in them to chase down someone like that."  His voice was kept low, a murmur barely audible with the music happening.

"People are still a little too focused on all of us to start, just yet..." he added.

In reply to Mansion (msg # 286):

Joseph gives shadow a helpless look "well my freind, if yer gonna go."  He grins "Go with a smile. " and taps up a song on the computer.   It transfers to the music for the musicians and his key board is automatically set to the right instruments.  This will give the players a run through they're paces.  (The guitarist looks at the opening bar like "WTF")

   Over the mike he says "well then let's get in the SWING of things shall we."
   The drums thunder off an almost tribal beat then the guitar breaks in with a cascade of fast fingered notes launching "Zoot Suit Riot " by The Cherry Poppin Daddys.

Joseph calls the lyrics into his mike, his Scottish accent barely apparent yet adding flavor to the song.   On the keyboard he fields the big band sounds and lets the rest of the band shine in their own areas.
   Hopefully that's what the PM wanted, Anderson it went well (again hopefully enough of the humans knew the swing to swing the song.)
This message was last edited by the player at 07:52, Fri 16 May 2014.