when things happen on the bridge

 a bit  before  lift off LT. Miller  and En Morrow come aboard  and see the Box and the techs  building a cublicle for it.

  the two  owamen loook at each other  and say, I think that thing needs to go..somewhere  else....

Mal looked at it and then said,
"Good day.
Am I early?" then looked around to see no one he knew there.

Angela steps farther into the bridge and looks around, seeing everyone at their stations preparing for the launch. "Wow things sure have changed since the last time I was here." She looks over to Mal then the women near a box, but stayed by the door off to the side encase others had to get through. Her eyes went from one screen to the next, at least twice or more, with wonder with each passing glimpse.

  security Officers closed in on Angela and Mal even as  Miller and Morrow looked around.

  ..something  wrong fellas? Beth asked

   Sorry Ma'am but the Comander  and  LC  are not on the Bridge. we have to limit unauthorized traffic...

  Commander  HAck isn't on the Bridge...its less then 2 hours before   we slip the moorings!  The Lt  moved to her  bridge  station

 ..they went down to the  loading area..seems they are  waiting  on...a...pilot?

  the  two girls looked at each other,..Shadow...

    As  Mal looked  at Promo..he could see something was  a bit out of sorts  with the thing...it  was running  slower..and the case  seemed hot...

Mal said,
"Hi, I'm Lt. Roberts the scientist in charge of Alien stuff.
I can't tell from here but it looks like that AI is about to blow up.
I've seen it happen a time or three.

Should I just pop off to have a drink or try to get it not to explode?" then almost sighed. Then added, "No need to hurry as long as you keep shielding me with your bodies. It's clear for the rest of the bridge, might make a few dents but no good trajectory for anyone but you two...." and wondered if they'd move.

   ....Blast Crew to bridge  please... Beth opened the  comms to the security  section.

  Miller looked over the rest of  the Bridge  and Shrugged,..Allright,..You two  begin to disassemble  the walls to cover it if needs be...Lt. Mal?...If you can toy  around with it...please, be  my guest...

Angela looks to the guards and backed up a bit putting her hands up a bit. "Woe fellas its alright, I just came for a peek." she then gives a faint smile before heading backwards through the door with a turn. She shakes her head waving off the guards. she was grumbling a bit as she entered the rec area.



>>>>rec area>>>>

Mal said, "Sure," even as he head for Promo. He did a quick check of connections and then said,
"I need someone from medical up here to treat electrical, heat, and plasma burn to the hands.

He was reaching for the connection points and added,
"Cindy from department too please?" then started damn near crushing his teeth as he yanked out connections to power, systems, and the ship's computer. They were the fail safes for Promo taking over, but they also took resources to do the job.

For some reason Promo was seriously overclocking. Mal hadn't seen or known a quantum level computer could even do that. It must have been trying to figure out a doozie of a prob...

Focus Mal..
Grab that right....
Mal began to make sounds between a growl, a whimper, and snarl as his hands got his with burn after burn. He watched with hope and his hope was filled. Promo was running out of steam with no power or connections. A quick look through the pain and watering eyes showed tell-tale scorches which meant his suit was once again the smartest AI (limited and with no self will sure...) that he knew.

It didn't help the burns.

Mal said,
"The I.. is ... gone.. from... AI.... No boom... no power. grruhh.. surges.

Just unbolt it and make sure to wear gloves..." then he shut up and wept quietly in pain.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:42, Fri 22 Apr 2011.

  Beth was experctly tapping  away, Calling in the people Mal  requested.  Miller was moving folks  around the bridge with  short crisp orders  , as she would  on the filed. Right now..it  was her bridge and this box  was causing problems.


  with in a  few moments the  dooes hissed opened  and two Med-techs entered One  when, right away, Stabbing a force-hypo into Mal's  neck. The  second  one hand his hands and  was using  a Hydro-scalpel to  skim away  dead skin...

  As They Worked Cindy   came  on the Bridge, the guards  stopping her Until Miller gave them a nod to allow her in.  She Came  Over  and Knelt by the Med-techs..Made  sure you get the Medi-skin on there right  away, don't  worry  about thickness....

  ..Ma'am...we know  what we're  about .... The older one said  as he  put the Hydropscalpel down,..you have  any Idea  how  many burns and such  we treat a week from the foundry or the Repair details?

  Cindy shook her head,..Sorry....I...well he  just joined the   ship..

  ..Got it...Hermes  didn't lke   the box going  so deep into its systems...it  appears it has its  own set of...um....

  The older  Med-tech Just Finished appling the Medi-skin, and slipped and Odd pair of Tactial gloves  on Mal,..Anit-bodies...the  ship was removing  foreign organisms...just as our  bodies would....There..keep the Gloves on until they start to peel..should be  a day or so...don't go lifting any weights  with them, or your tear away the skin, its  starting to bond now...

Mal turned on his communicator as the meds hit more. He was fairly certain they'd given him a nerve pain suppressant and a euphoric. He managed to tune into the Commander's frequency and said,
"Hey Hack, it's Mal.
Promo almost went boom on the bridge.
No big badda boom but my hands were burnt by electric, plasma, and heat.
I think I hated the electric most...

Anyhoo...
They fixed my hands but I got a encrypt-device loaded with stuff confirming my wild guess. That and I got nerve stuff and euphoric stuff.

So I'm becoming pudding physically and in-tox-o-cated on euphoric needed to treat my hands.

So I got secure materials on me and a briefing to.. ummm... do.
So can you send one of your Sec guys to get the encrypt then take my sorry carcass to somewhere to tell someone you trust important stuff.

Oh... Promo's fried but the bridge didn't blow up!
Did I mention that?
Oh yeah and burnt hands...
hurts but... funny as hell right now.." then he chuckled as he lay down not shutting off the communication device.

  Hack  answered,  Mal?  Give  what you have to Lt. Miller...she  will stow in in my office...when we have the Mission briefing we will add what you gained to the pot...You should  be....stable...by then  to Miller he  says, Get  the Damage Control crew to get that Box of the Bridge..take it down to the Fondry  but secure it...I what the Tech folks to go over  it first..

    Call Cindy to the Bridge, have her get Mal to his quarters  with some.....assiastance...

  Cindy replies,Alrady here  Commander...Two guards should be  enough..thanks...

  withe a  That, Cindy  and the Guards  heave Mal up, and will take him to the LAb, to his Quarters..one of the Med-techs  is going  along  until Mal is secured.

Mal handed off the data to Lt. Miller and then got loaded off.

Roy arrived, shortly after the briefing down in the Mission Room broke up, and made his way over to the ship's records station.  "Commander wants me to check out the file on a new Recon Marine that came in on one of the latest shuttles," he said, hoping nobody was going to give him any trouble about it.  "I don't have a name...but, really...how many Marines do we get joining the crew THIS far out?"

There was a moment's hesitation in the young ensign's eyes, but the fact that it was on Hack's orders--even if there was no confirmation of that--was enough.  He remembered details...like the comm officer who got bawled out for not patching a Sergeant...named Spencer...through to the Commander in a timely fashion.  And here was a Sergeant--with a nametag that read, 'Spencer'.  The mental math was pretty simple.

He called up the records on his screen.  "I can't give you a copy without the Commander's express authorization...but you can look here."

The file wasn't very long...the Marine was, really, just a kid.  But a very impressive kid.  No field experience to speak of, but tops in his class, every step of the way.  And he had not only gone through Scout/Sniper school, he also played football...that meant he could translate Roy's words into metaphors that would make sense to Shadow.

Roy grinned a tight-lipped grin at his own joke, but didn't share it with anyone.  He finished reading, and nodded his thanks to the records officer.  "Any ideas where our young Marine can be found?" he asked.  It didn't take long for someone to send Roy off to the Rec Deck...with promises to call him on the comm to update him with any changes, if Storm left before Roy could catch him.

(--->Off-Duty)
This message was last edited by the player at 16:51, Fri 20 May 2011.

  She was t racking the other ships out in the sace  around them..no Mull vessels at all...One LArgran destroyer...and  a Creshian destroyer about  a day away...where the  hell were the demons....

  The   Ships  Moved  In, with a  Merc  ship on either  Flank. The Hermes and Athena in the Middle, the destroyers  and Tenders  Back  and  flanked  way out to act as  Scouts. Thus  Far, on a Creshain  Cruiser was closing in on the Planet, Two tenders  with it.

    Shadow, MAke certain  Frans  and the space fighters know  we have a BAug ship coming it..still no sign of any other.. 10 hours...Out.

  Commander...The  Bug  ship will be within standard  fighter  range  about  1 hour after  we launch...Miller out...

  Commander. The ESB 703 Sparrow. Medship is coming to join us. An odd escort fightrer is with her...when they are in hailing range  we will send a query about the ship... Miller's Voice  was  just a tad  distrusting


   Your  Call Lt. Miller, we are still co-ordinating  down here..keep eyes sharpe...

  Alright  Lt Miller, relay this  Message...EMS Porwler, and ESN Athena swing to the Port side, wide to Pincer the Bug Cruiser...EMS Harvestor, and ESN  Artemis, swing to the starboard side..The  Hermes  will go forward, with  the ESN  Flint  and ESN Grantie..the  Medshiop[ Sparrow will lag back with the Tenders...we are not fighting  here, to "hold them off"  we are  here to destroy the Bugship..Understood?...and Carry on...

Commander...Captain Roles  says, if they can get down into Atmosphere...he wouldn't  mind trying to get a shot with his Ion Cannon...

 Hack looked at the  thing  rising  from the  ground Tell him thanks, but to keep looking  for more ships...i am not taking  a chance of losing a Capitol ship to an unkown...

 Rodger that...and Commander...Kray doesn't make it back...there are a few of us, that will wish to talk with  General...

 Sorry  Lt. MIller..I am afraid The LC will get first shot..then me...don't think there will be anything left, after that...

 understood...but if that is the case...we should get to watch....

 Hack looked at Orca,Agreed....but lets hope Kray makes it back to...talk..with the general himself..he's still a might touchy about that hole that was put in his shoulder...i'm thinking he might need to work out  some of his anger  issues...

>>> From Off duty 2

With his recently obtained transfer and assignment papers in hand Justin quickly located the bridge and presented himself for duty.

  The  Guards at the Bridge look to  him. The Corpral takes a look at the papers, and  says  something into his com, The Door Opens  and the  Guards gesture with a jerk of thie rheads to go in.

  Once on the Bridge, he Nots a halfdozen more  marines on the  Bridge. There is a Marine Captain sitting in the CAptain's  chair.

 Well Son, The Commander, The LC  and the  Exec  are either on shore leave or the rec Dec...I'll have your papers placed in the Commander's  Quaters  to be Viewed when he returns. I'm betting the WC gets to you first though..Go, Relax..we'll be shipping out soon enough...either go check out your ride...oe look in on the Sims...not much else doing right now.

In reply to Justin (msg #22):

On entering the bridge he executed an appropriate salute, handed his transfer papers to the captain and waited for permission to speak, when given. Thank you Captain, Checking out the kite would be my call do you happen to know which vessel I've been assigned.

  The  Marine CApt  ...CAptain Monroe...shook hisn head.I just make sure the Bridge  is secure, and take over  when the  Commander, LC or Exec isn't here...Head  down to the HAnger  Deck. Capt Morris is the adjundant..he'll show you , your ride if you have one yet. CApt O'riellly works on them..good  folks  to get to know, if you live long enough to keep flying  on The Hermes.

In reply to Justin (msg #24):

Justin acknowledges the Marines response, even if it is a bit pessimistic, Thank you Captain Monroe. With your permission I'll head for Captain Morris post haste. When given he snaps-to attention, salutes the Marine Captain, executes a textbook about face and marches from the bridge. Once outside he pauses to get directions from the marine corporal.

  The  Corpral Points down the way to the Elevators,..Go down to the Main deck. the Hanger deck is labeled, Just follow the Grren stripe , if you can't fing the hanger..you might want to get a differant job...

 The other MArine  laighed, but it was plain to see thier  humor was more a friendly rivalry Between, ESN  Sailors, MArines..and Pilots ( regardless of  the branch the pilots were).

  Just as he was about to Leave, the Guard said,..you'll see a Guy in  Qrange Coveralls, yelling at a bunch of people in Khaki coveralls..that's  CApt. O'Rielly...in a small office  on the Hangerdeck  should be an older bvlack man..That's Morris...

In reply to Justin (msg #26):

Thank you corporal If memory serves a hanger is something like, marine quarters big and filled with all manner of odd materialsHe grins Down to the main deck and follow the yellow brick road. to find Captains O'rielly and Morris he adds before returning the marines salute and heading to the Hanger

to the hanger >>>
This message was lightly edited by the player at 00:38, Wed 04 Jan 2012.

  On the Bridge HAck sat in his chair One huge screen in front of him 40 smaller screens surrounded it..each with a number that was a fighter's  gun camara... Off his chair ,to his left, was  the  Admirality on earth watching the same things everyone else in space was watching... to his right was a screen split between  Capt  Roles  and Captain fleers...

 As  Shadow  gave the Demons " The  Put your guns down now and no one gets hurt "  speech.., everyone nodded at Horst's answer..Most grinned at Shadow's promise of laning on the  Blade's Hanger dec and taking   the Admiral's sidearm....it was plain to see he had listened well, when told  what insults to hurl the Demon's  way.

  Cheers  filled the room, the ships, the system as the HArvestor  drew first Blood. Now? The  two Cruisers had something else to worry about.

  Ambassador Frans broke into the Comms, I must protest! This could damage any chance of  Demon-earther relations!

  HAck answered,That was  done when the spacefaring parasites  came into our system..the cherry on top is the attack on a Liner...there is no coming back from that Ambassador!

 Admiral! Surely you can stop this..perhaps an apology and...

  Admiral Hennings..The Grand Admiral of  the ESN, cut Amb Frans off,THAT IS ENOUGH!...did you not see the Vids? frankly, when i read the reports, I though they might have been overstated..but..after seeking the vids..they were tame! No...No one comes into  Sol Space without escort, that we are at war with... HAck? if all there is  is scrap metal..that is fine by me!

 Hack smiled  as he nodded. Hennings had  just set the tone for the rest of the war...all set up by a football game... You heard the man Ladies and Gents...scrap metal is just fine.....

  Watching   the screens as if he were in teh flight commnader's  cockpit himself, Hack's jaw mucles  worked in tension until the Bloodoath Blew , almost in Half, Folding over itself like a rusty pocketknife.

  Shadow's  Com came in and Hack relayed it..there was really no need, save to make certain no one could  say they did it without orders, Capt  Monroe? Head to the Liner...Major ?  send the remainer of the   Shuttles towards the Blood oat..i want everyone armed..one supply shuttle to the Liner, the rest to the  Blade with  armed personell..understood?

 ALL STOP... one more round into her now..and we shall see what she does!

Hack ordered one more torpedo to be fired By the Hermes...from where they stood, and  the Blade's broad Bow facing them...it was an easy shot  for the gunner to make...another  Large explosions Rocked the Front of the Blade, Lights  flashed all over a huge  area became  dark,  around it  for a few dozen meters...lights  were flickering..many tiny"pops' were seen as  demons  were sucked into the void and exploded...

  The white Band of Lights  came on around the Blade, she had struck her  colors! Attention..all Boarding personell. marshal onto the hanger  deck, we have a prize to take!

  The Commnader relaxed...only a little. The Admiral  on earth congradulated  the Hermes, the HArvestor  and the Slayer for a great Victory... They were told  to tow the   derelicts to  MArs, and  bring the Blade to earth...Prize mony was going to  be out of this world!..not counting the money for slavaged metal!

 we are going to be  awhile Sie... we have to take control of  The Blade..anmd  do some hunting on the Mica  and the Liner...

  The relays  came through from the shuttles  being sent to the Mica, First report , is mass devistation on the Mica... They have  entered through the Hanger  bay, and the Breech point...thus far they have  found only  bodies of the Crew and  Demons... They may have  just went over to take the  Mica out, so they could raid the  Liner at thier Liesure...

  Shadow acknowledged the  report and told tho se  fighters  above the Mica, to aslo  keep an eye on the Blade and  Liner.

   Shadow  hailed the Shuttle, Wing  Commander  ESN 351 Hermes to escaping shuttle..YOu will stand down and return to the Blade...should you refuse..you will be shot down...

  Well..Lt  Shadow? You are coming after me? I have been Granted  safe passage  By your  Ambassador Frans to Olympus...You would not dare shoot me down...

 Well well, Admiral  Horst...of  the 'Grand" Demoic Navy... the venom oozed through the link.saddly  for you? Your Gutless run for freedom , while your troops  are gunned down is wasted...you see..Ambassador Frans is not out here...but..I...am...

  Shadow?  YOu have 15  minutes until Olympus  space.. it would be real nice, if that shuttle doesn't make it...

 HACK!  I have given   himsafe passage  to the Olympus, as  My prisoner....and trade goods  for   prisoners of our own!

 Well, Ambassador? If the shuttle  makes it to Olympus  space? Your  word  will be honored..right now? I have an escaped prisoner to run down...now..between you and  me? do you think the   can get away from  Shadow  and two wingmen?  The Commander's  laughter was dark....
This message was last edited by the player at 05:59, Tue 20 Mar 2012.

  The Admiral on the main sceen said, Commnader HAck? YOu intend to shoot the shuttle down?

  The Commnader nodded as he  switched the main screen over  to be split into three..showing Shadow, KAse, and Calhoun's gun Camaras...The bastard on the shuttle has destroyed  an ESN warship..and  has  attcked a defesnless Liner  out on a cruise...in OUR..space... If it wasn't  for  the Boarding actions  going on..I would  ask the Slayer  to give chase  and blow it out ofthe voiud with its  deck guns....as it is? I have done the next best thing...there is no way ..in the 9 hells...they could escape our Hammers...I owe  Admiral Horst...nothing.

  Commander? In coming Message from ESN 704 Swallow... Beth puts it on the speaker,

  Captain  Francois of the  ESN 704 Swallow..Hosptial ship, will be arriving   in 10 minutes or  so,  you should see out  approach from  Mars side.....where  to first?

  Hail  Capt  Francois. Commader HAck  ESN 351  Hermes...there is  a Liner..The Custard...go there first..many civie  casuities there...

  Rodger that Mon Ami...already done!

  Hannah?  send that along to Roy and his troops..let the fighters  hear it  as well...., he clicks   of the Com as  Hannah Relays the messages.

Attention, ESN Hermes as fellow  warships...I am Aboard the ESN   HAdes..we are approaching to takecharge of the  Blade's Shuttle  and her passangers...DO NOT OPEN FIRE ON THE SHUTTLE...is that understood...

 Commander HAck's  FAce turned to a sneer, he looked at  Admiral Hemmings , who just  gave a short shake of his head, the Commander answered,..You may be a bit Late Ambassador, I have three  fighters  sent to bring it back, or shoot it down....they should be there...about now...don't  know if  i can get the message to them soon  enough..

 HACK! if your  people  ruin this  chance  for a bridge between our peoples...

  Ambassador..that bridge  was burned  when the Mica was destroyed and the Custard was boarded , and  Civies  slain and taken....I suggest..once more...you leave the war..to warriors... As  far as you reaching the  shuttle on time? I doubt  if the HAdes will make it...there is still some shooting going on, and we  all know the Hades never  appears , until the last shot has been fired!

 I demand you call yuour Killer dog off that  Shuttle..Now!

 Hack turned  , once more to the Screen showing   Admiral Hemmings.. Hemmings  had a slight  smile on his face and shurgged.

  Beth?...HAnnah?  see if you can raise  Shadow for me...please?

  Beth shook her head,  He  took some damage  sir, maybe it effected the  range we have...not certain..Hannah?

 ..I sent    the message to LAdy...maybe she  can tell him..best we can do sir...sorry...

  The Ambassador was on the coms  again, Commander Hack! do you realize what you have done!  An Admiral of   the GDN was aboard that shuttle, along  with his flag officers and one of the   Princes!..do you know what that means!

 To me? it means there is  one less  Admiral to Kill  , one  less handful of  flag officers to kill..and one less Pricne to Kill..does that sound Right? Admiral Hemmings? Could you enlighten me?

  Well , Commnader  HAck...Ambassador  Frans, and  any others who are  on this  feed.We had a helpless Liner, and her  armed escort attacked  by two of the GDN Cruisers...in Sol system space....the price for that is...death.HAd the shuttle stopped and returned to the Blade...those  aboartd  might have been  worked into a Trade for  priosners of ours..all except the Admiiral, who would have been executed for attacking   a helpless civie  craft....Frankly? I am very surprised  Lt Shadow  gave him a chance to return...considering his long standing  vigulance for  strinking  down our  enemies.

  ...we have lost hospital ships...do you understand that..Ambassador?..That is the worst of  all war crimes, one  can  imagine.....so...from here on out...All ships..Civie  or not...will be considered targets for the ESN, and thier sisters in the EMS..they will be credited  for Kill scores  and  for  prize money...Earth will not...repeat..will not..suffer things  like this, with out some form of payback...and..Ambassador? If you have that Pet Demon with you, the Hades better beat time back to the Olympus, before i have you blown out of our space, for  aiding the enemy...The Demons have  1 day...1 day to  leave the Olympus..there is no longer   any embassy for them, in our  holdings...should they still be there..24 hours  from now, we  will take them, and  any who are with them, to the  Holding cells on Moonbase, where  they will be  asked...many..many  questions...Now? was that Clear enough for you?

  HAck nodded,Aye sir, for us?  Its business as always....

 Earth is making  a very  large Mistake Admiral Hemmings....we are returning to the  Olympus now...any further  talks between out  people  and the Demons will have to  be  on Board the Nexus...Just outside the Horsehead Rim..

 Very well...though the Rim is  a damn good hunting spot...I see alot  of demon scrap[e metal in the future...

  Amb Frans cut off  Hemmings said to HAck..forward the new rules  of engagement to your task force,  i will send a fleet wide  message to our ships  and the EMS...as  well as out  allies..Pass my compliments onto your ship, crew and those who fought with you..Hemmings..out.

  The Commander  calmly watched...he had the bother Captain son one  vid screen in split  screens...he had the Adamiral on another screen..though he  didn't like the idea..he  wanted to know what this is as well.

  A Black Hammer   rose up  out of the Growinf formation to meet the  Hermes Torpedo head on...what the 9 hells?..why didn't it  just use  its  Lazers?

   All Shuttles..be ready..after  the  attackin g Hammers make thier first round...head towwards    your Target areas...Escort Hammers, Protect them....

..I do not understand? That ship...could be taken apart by  the HAmmers  thermselves if  we waited long enough...granted our  Cap ships  are  just punching holes here  or there..but it should not be able to take too much more..who then hell is in there..and who the hell taught thier fighters to fly?..I dare say...we could bring  some cessna  pilots up here and  be even up! he wasn't bragging..he was concerned...the Voice  had warned them..sounded  so...Imperious..but here they were...getting knocked out of the black like gnats...

 ..Just beware..regaldless of its strenght...or lack there of..we cannot have that thing  sitting here...we take it apart..now...the worst that happens  , is  we make a new enemy. the best that happens , we get that  thing out of out  space...

..Call of  Captains? what is your take..sound off for the record...I..Commnader Hack..ESN Hermes agree to  destroy  or capture the vessel...

 ..I..Captain  Molly Gail...agree..stop it here and now...ESN Achilles....

  Zee ESN  Hector...we agree as well..we fight , till eet is gone...Captain Pierre LaCrose

 Well shoot   Hack..ain't no way  we'er gonna  let thios  thing  sniff  around our space fer free..nope..Capt   Ryan Fleers  EMS Slayer..

  Heck, you know  my call  , Commander Hack..The EMS  HArvestor agrees...Lotsa  salvage from this one!..Capt Henry Roles

Beth>  Logs  those .send them out   so  they are offical...

 ..Already done  sir...

  Black ship? You have  human fighters  attacking us..that will not save you...state your name, and  what faction you fly for..or you will be destroyerd..

 The  voice  was  eeire ..iut wasn't  human, nor  Demonic...do you think..yuou ships  can defest  the might of ours?...Good luck, Human...

  Teh Comander  shook his ehad   as he ehard the fighting, and  saw the vids  from the various shuttle  screens. what the 9 hells  are those....

  The doors opened LC Si and Unli entered the Bridge, they were both in-less then good spirits,..They are Avians...they are  less then useless members of the  cosmos..they rely on the copy of  Tech, they have little in the way of thier own...That ship they travel in, is their Nest...there  may be  100s ot  thousands in there...They  eat every speices  they can find, except for other Avains...The  Largrans are thier most hated  enemy...Though? Right now..I think they think of Humans  as good  food stock...

  She Flicks  on a com VBid, that is fed through  the Vids, that show  a Human collectying Credits from a Red feather Avian..once ther payment  is  made,   The Human's ship lowers its  ramp and  some 100 humans  ,who a chained  and beaten, are lead  across the dock to the Ramp of  another Black ship, This is out  Past  Everest Space, On the   Planet Varis  1...a trade planet where all species  are welcome...and Pirates hold sway..you will note..some of the Humans   are Medical people from the Lost Carary...

  The Adamiral swears  as he  is on the Coms in a sec or so he says, The  Military transport ,Henry Ford will be leaving  space dock in10 minutes...it will arrive in your area  within the hour...there will be some  20,000 troops  aboard..The Zeus will escort her...

 The Commander shakes his head,  All hear this..The  Transport, Henry Ford  is  coming  within the Hour...with  troops to board this thing...hold out  as long  as you can..gain what footholds you are able with out ovcer extension..and see what damage you can do to the ship's power and such...

  The Commander nodded  as he watched the  engines  blow, The  Henry Ford will be here in 10 more Minutes...make certain the way is  Clear...

 The Adamiral  commented as well,..The Orlive Wright is on the way...this thing is  getting taken over, or taken apart.

  Lt. Bols here....we are at the bridge..they have sealed it..there are at least 5 humans, in Black Uniforms on the Bridge..There are also  three Redbirdmen, an One Yellow Birdman...don't know what the  heck is going on, but they don't want to come out..we wasted a good 50 more of these things on the way up! We lost 4 people...

  Carry on Lt Bols..,,Keep your  side  sealed in, if  we have to we'll bust through the top...

  Monroe here Commander, we are near out side of the Bridge, damn birdthings  dead all over the place...I bet out side  will be sealed as well...Lost 5 people so far...

  watching the  Henry Ford  drop its shuttles, the Commander nodded with a bit of satisfaction..He said over the coms to all the boarding parties,Be advised..Henry Ford's  shuttles have arrived...they are Cutting non-secure   enrty points into the ship, with  The  4 shuttle Square, spread....make certain your  O2  is on and pressure  suits   are wroking,..any Humnas  you find   working  with these things..Captured, and have them sent to the Hermes....Understood?...

 Ayes..were sent in from all around , including the Henry Ford  shuttle commanders.

  On the Bridge...at Command...and on every ESN ship  in the fleet...the  slaughter was being send out for everyone to see . LC Si and Unli had anger and disgust on thier faces,..who would  Deal with  such creatures!!  LC snapped.

 The Admiral shook his head,with out confirmation...i would have to say...the  EDT..but  we'll have to check the coprses to make certain....

   One  does not deal with Avains...one kills them...

  Unli nodded,..they are disgusting creatures...we must get some information on them for the  Fleet...We did not think  they would ever come to Earth Space...they  would have had to have some form of help...

  The Commander  and the bridge crew watched the feeds...the feeds were going throughout the ship, so everyone who could stand to watch...could see.

 Some schools of thought, said..."make certain you don't show  the public, the darkside of aliens..it  might effect our treatment of them"....Commander Hack felt, that people  need to see what is real...good ..or bad.., then, they could make a choice...it's  a lot easier to pull a trigger  against some Lizard, Bird  or demon, after you seen them chewing  on someone who didn't even know the  things existed  50 years ago...

  Commander?..a Meesage  from the Commander of the  EDT is on the vid...

  Thank you Beth..put the bastard on... He smiled at the Vid, even though he knew it was already on..the Admiral could see and hear as well..And you are?

 ...I am Sergi Vashocoff..Commander  Vashocoff..I need youo to  stop this attack!..we have  worked long  and hard to get these beings   to allie with us...

 LC Si  stood up,YOU!...YOU sent those people there!

 They were slaves...nothing more...thier lives  for  these creature's help in building faster..better  weapons...

  The Commander waved his hand to shut him up,  Right  about now?  If I were the Angel forces on Earth, I would be  sending troops to  haul you and  everyone  of your blacksuit  stooges away....These things are eating humans..alive...there are Babies..women and children...and..i saw the narkings of ESN  and the Hospital ship Canary

 Vashocoff shook his head,not my problem Hack...my job is to make  Earth secure...and..independant...

 you lying pile of stool!  You are giving your own people over for  food..for  near mindless creaures, who cannot think for themselves...they can mimic...anything...but  none of it is any good...

 She has the right of it Vashy....my pilots were taking those...MArk Vs  apart like Balsa Wood  models....Oh?..just to let you know? None of your Black Uniformed folks survived the battle...

 The man turned his head   then back to Hack,...are you mad! I can see  at least 7 or 8  still fighting on the ship, through the feed you are sending...

 Hack shook his head,..lets just say...I can tell the future...

 Admiral!...how can you sit there and have he make threats like...

 The Admiral shook his head slowly, as he held up a hand,...his eyes  still moist from what he had watched,....doesn't look good , Commander Vashocoff...I think they will be killed...don't see anyway around it...must be that Karam thing they used to talk about ? I mean...a human that would let humans be fed...alive...and not only..not stop it...but  bring  more  in?..I am certain Commander Hack's gues is right..Oh..Vashcoff?...Two of yoour   Buildings have just been taken over By  Angel forces...you should be hearing a knock  in a few moments...

  Monroe  came on the  screens,..Looks  like its  about Over  Commander...Major FGinns   of the  Orville wright  ahs  split his  troops..he brought three of the Stuarts and send  bout 1000 men in behind them..the rest have been split off  and  are hunting the P-ways now...Hanger bay  has been Jurt rigged, and  we are uing the 4th  tank to  push the  scraped Mark Vs   off the ship...Med-shuttles  are landing  from the Sparrow  and the Swallow..sure like to get my people home now sir?

  The Commander nodded,Turn over the Bridge to the Major,  call  aour people off...Those  from the Henry Ford  can Clean up  what's left  while the Orville's  people do the hunting..what have you got in the way of prisoners?

  Monroe  looked down at the floor  a moment, then back up,No much  Sir, to tell you the truth...i didn't even care..but we have one of those  Red things..and  a Captatin of the EDT here..that's  all we got...i don't see any more coming..not on purpose , anyway..


  Understood  Capt Monroe..when you get back  I want you to have the bird  thing put in the  ...lab... and the  Human stay with you...The LC and I will give him a tour of the Fondry after the Briefing..

  Monroe's  smile  was small, and he nooded  with a dark grin, beneth it.Already Done...Out.

-->> from the Chapel

Casually walking upto the Marines stationed outside the door. Stopping he identified himself to them adding that he was here to see Comms Chief Beth.

  THe  marines  open the  door,  one of them annoucnes  the Pilot, the Marines on the bridge stand at ready, as   Justin is Ushered in.

 Beth is   typing away on some keyebaords  as she monitors some  Com traffic.

In reply to Justin (msg # 48):

Steping into the room Justin notes the other occupants as he waits for CC Beth to acknowledge his visit.

  Beth tilts her head towards Miller, as Miller says something from her Helm chair.

  What do you Need, Ensign?" her voice  was matter-of-fact as her  eyes swept over thje  Vids screens.

In reply to Justin (msg # 50):

Lt Miller, I mentioned getting this unit cleared for use in the small craft. he informed
This message was last edited by the player at 15:00, Fri 15 June 2012.

  Lt Miller Points ot  Lt Morrow ..that's her house..I just drive...

  Beth takes the   Object  and  studies it. with out  hooking it up to anything as  yet, she stands  and Motions  for  an Ensign to take her place,...Can we Hook this Up to my machine? or would you rather not?..It has to be able to be Collared, should it fall into the wrtong hands..However..if it is able to be regulated? then  you should have no problem getting apporved...

  Miller Peers  around the Younger LT and says to Justin,...if she doesn'[t approave it... The Commnader won't even look at it...just a word of advice, Ensign.

In reply to Justin (msg # 52):

No problems Lieutenant, from what I have surmised of the Commanders directives I'd expect nothing less.

He smiled then faced the Beth. Prior to taking the vaccated chair, least they relocate to another point

It's has a number of encryption and inherent safeties, which will to say the least give the OS of anyone attempting to tamper with it a thorough purge. If they persist it has a final self trashing application which I could demonstrate if you've got a stand alone that you have no use for. Its not as impressive as the one previously observed but it does the job.

  Beth Nodded  as she  crossed her  arms,after handing him  his handheld.all i am woried  about  , is  the Hermes and  my crewmates...if  i can make certain , this can't be used against us?..I'm fine with it..but i have to see the l,ockouts first....they had some dame  box on the rbidge when we first came out, it tried to go too deep into the  Hermes' information ports..and  the Hermes struck back, we had to launch it out of a torpedo bay  before it blew up....so? we  have less they 100 % trust in tech we didn't have'hands on' with.

In reply to Justin (msg # 54):

He nodded Thats' why I've brought it for you to examine. If they have a stand alone he'll connect it up login and let Beth run her diagnostics

  they have to  go off the Main bridge  off to an empty workstation,Allright, let's  see what we can do with this?

In reply to Justin (msg # 56):

Justin obliged Beth, using the equipment available he quickly setup an operational system.  Here you go if you want to know more about any of the apps I'll be more than pleased to show you what they can do

  Beth's eyes  look over the   apps and she nods,alright...what we  will need is to add a little something on the front  end of  each of those, that will tell us, it  is hour device..sort of a 'hello' if you will....then we can feed  that itno the Hermes, so she doesn't get angry, like she did with the  Computer  box thing.....

In reply to Justin (msg # 58):

Add away Beth, I assume you've got a pre-coded package or do you need to fine tune it. I've got a version converter that will duplicate whatever language they are coded in to the existing variant. It will enable the front end addition to fit in

  I have a few sniffers, we'll use one of themJust so we  can recognize  ti , within a  word or two, and then  we'll be able to tell if  friend  or  foe is using it.....we can turn the tables on  someone who steps too  far, and they won't even know it....now....what do you want your 'hello' word to be?
This message was last updated by the GM at 13:05, Sun 17 June 2012.

In reply to Apple (msg # 60):

Rumplestiltskin001... he replies with a mischievous grin
This message was last edited by the player at 00:50, Wed 20 June 2012.

In reply to Justin Kase (msg # 61):

Beth's diagnosis and approval process took a good five hours to complete, albeit most of this was automated, Justin remained on the bridge to provide on the spot feedback, answers and commentary about the various applications. When it finished he waited expectantly hoping Beth would give a thumbs up on use of the unit.

 As   the   apps   run, and Beth hovers over the screen, she seems  more worried that that Hermes  might not accpet some of the  apps, rather then them not working.

  Miller  has Docked the ship, she is going over  all the   Dock plugs,even to the point  of snapping  out over the coms to  some Olympus dock hamds  , because one of the couplings  didn't  register 'green'

  Lilly was handling  small tiem coms, now  and then looking  confused, but otherwise  , seemed ok.

  The rest of those on the bridge were finishing reports and getting ready to leave the Bridge.

  Capt Monroe and the Bridge Marines watched Justin...

In reply to Justin (msg # 63):

There are a few moments where he wasn't sure if Beth thought one of the applications suitable, which was cleared up by a comprehensive outline of its function.

  Beth appears to be "mother hennish' when it comes to the Hermes, her eyes  dart  back and forth as she says,some of this stuff  can come in handy...but..be careful..the last think you want? Is the Hermes  mad at you!

In reply to Justin (msg # 65):

Nodding appreciativley at Beths caution. Does the Hermes have a variant of Ladies AI installed
This message was last edited by the player at 01:35, Wed 20 June 2012.

  she shook her head,nope...the only LAdy AI  i know of , is Shadow's LAdy..they tried to take that off him, But the Commander   blocked  for him...lots of higher ups  one to see  Shadow lose that ship....

In reply to Justin (msg # 67):

That's a relief, not that I would want to do anything to endanger the Hermes it's the thought of having to consider the outcomes of every little action before the fact that boggles the mind.

As far as Lady is concerned I'm grateful she's in Shadows and the Commanders capable hands. he grins

  Beth giggles,its  even money who takes  care of who..Shadow  or LAdy

In reply to Justin (msg # 69):

Exactly what I thought... he agrees Mind you if he doesn't watch out he'll be in the doghouse for not taking better care of himself when he's out and about ooc he's referring to the training session with the ambassador

Never  saw it  first hand?  But Hannah has seen Lady use her  Rodent-shock on Shadow a few times....</  her voice  trails off as she thinks of Hannah

In reply to Justin (msg # 71):

Justin couldn't contain the grin at the mental picture of Shadow getting the shock treatment. Really... he considers for a moment Do you think that's the cause of his Out to beat everyone, who crosses him, to a pulp he enquires grinning like a Cheshire.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:27, Wed 20 June 2012.

  she smiles slightly,..I think....Shadow just doesn't  mess around...

In reply to Justin (msg # 73):

oh well he thought at his latest attempt at humour, realising the comments his friends often made were right after all His humour just isn't, this thought prompted him to rub his chin, as his face reddened slightly How's the testing coming along he flustered.

..I am thinking  things  will be fine  Ensign. If  any thing  comes up Or The Hermes  has  something that bothers her?  I will get in touch with you.    Beth Nods as she  starts up andother   Machine that is running  files into its  HArddrive.

In reply to Justin (msg # 75):

Justin blinked surprised by the download process Beth I assume you are aware these apps are specifically designed for small craft. Which are covered by IP copywright.

  Beth nods  as she  watches,That's right...so? all better be in order...i not too worried  about  a copywrite  lawyer showing up on the bridge...if he does? well....that's  what they make airlocks for....

In reply to Justin (msg # 77):

Leaning forward and removing his the hand held from the docking port and preventing the copy process. Sorry can't allow that. If you wanted to copy of this, common curtisy dictates requesting it; Rather than simply taking it.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:49, Wed 20 June 2012.

  Beth stands up. more then a little angry,GUARDS!

  The two nearest  marines  moved over  quickle, Sanri blaster    drawn and ready..Monroe  steps over and asks,..is there a problem, Lt Morrow?

  this...Ensign..took his device from  the Hermes copy drive.,,,  the sweet little  face had  eyebrows  furrowed to points,..You will give  me that device, or the  Captain will escort you to the Security  Office...


  Lt. Morrow? are you not  over re acting...just a tad...

 no...Sir....if  he feels the need to hide something fromthe Hermes..then we best needs find out why....And  Ensign?...there is  no...Common Courtesy in the service....you gave that up when you signed up...

In reply to Justin (msg # 79):

Justin stood to attention the hand held secured in his left hand. When everyone have had their say his stance indicated a unspoken request for Permission to speak.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:48, Thu 21 June 2012.

  MOnroe  put   a hand on his face and Looked to the side, his eyes  swept over the things on the  screen and  station that were way out of his  realm,..Son?...what have you to say..and by the 1000 gods..it better be good...cause folks don't stay in the Hermes Brig very long...

 Beth  frowned,we lose this information...I want this to go to the Commander...

  Monroe looked at Beth,it would be real nice if that doesn't happen...we did not request too many more pilots..

  then he waited on Justin to speak..but this time  two Marined  on the far side of the Bridge hand thier pulse rifles leveled and poweed up.

  Miller's hand was a hamster tail's width from calling   a full secruity breach...

In reply to Justin (msg # 81):

Sir, I volunteered these applications for a full diagnostics. I was not obliged to do so but thought it best to undertake this, so as to alleviate any concerns about their function.

If I was appraised of a requirement to copy, replicate or otherwise infringe upon existing IP, a simple request would have sufficed before the event.

All within the Bridge have been privy, over the past five hours, to the extensive number of diagnostics processes designed to determine any inherent threat to small craft, and my every assistance in this process. I presume the Communications Chief had determined such was the not case; as evidenced by her decision to replicate these applications to an external hard drive.

As this contravened standard IP provisions, I appraised the Communications Chief that the applications being copied were not appropriately coded to operate on larger vessels. Informing her that applications that would function within such, are currently under development and testing.

The Communications Chief disregarded my advice and sought to continue the replication process. I thought it best to prevented this.

I am obliged to adhere to any directive issued by a ranking officer, however having a greater knowledge of the functions of these applications, than the Chief, I am unsure why she has chosen to duplicate them; especially since they were readily accessible. Such decision to replicate these applications carries with it a degree of concern as to the actual purpose for their replication.

  Monroe   looked at Beth, then to Justin Lt. Morrow? how long would it take you to break the code?

  she sniffed,Me?  a few  hours...perhaps a day if they were really good... the distain in her voice for the question was not hard to catch.

 The Captain turned to Justin,You do realize...Ensign. That the information you were providing is somthing  you were  using on our machines?...not just ESN machines...But Hermes  machines...  he looked at the device in  Justin's hand , then over to the pilot again,...had yhou not told  us of these  applications, and they were found in your ship...you would hav ebeen grounded, perhaps  even dismissed as a Pilot....now? to take the device as the information was being down loaded....WITHOUT....he lets the  word hand  for a second,...the ok by  the Good  LT  here..you have crossed a line."

  Monroe  Looks  Over to Miller  and sees her hand ready to call for help,...Give the  device  to LT  Morrow...and  hope that she  can recover the information...in a way that makes her  feel comfortable...should it   not work, or she cannot  recover it...we will have to assume there is something  you would rather us not know....as a Member of the  ESN...and more importantly...the ESN Hermes...you  should have ...no..such information.

  Monroe Motions  for the guards to take  Justin's  sidearm and Bootknife, You will be held..in the brig..until such time   comes, that the Good LT can recover what she wants....

In reply to Justin (msg # 83):

Lifting the device he holds it out to the marine  Thank you Sir. He says nothing more and is escorted from the bridge, to the brig.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:06, Thu 21 June 2012.

  Very well  Ensign..Men..take him down....  Two of the marines Nodded to Justin to take him to the Brig.W hat do you think?

 Beth  shrugs,we'll see ..i have some  back ways  since  we loaded the first time..I jusrt wanted a back up...The Hermes  can get me were i want to Go...and we'll have his fighter checked out too..there is  a good chance the rest of  his  people are in on this too....should  send a message to Fujji to   make sure none  get away?


  MOnroe  nods,..damn shame..kid  just became an Ace too...

 Aye...and so  was Baron..and look whjat he did...

  Beth  contacted   The Commnader's com.  Beth here..we may have a security issue here..i need you  ok to take steps  towards  finding out?

 ..is Monroe there?

  Here Commnader...um....one of the Pilots...Kase? was letting  Beth work with his device  and some programs, when she  went to store them, He pulled the   device out , and ...um..lectured her on Courtesy...He is now ion the Brig, we have a team on...Beth's  Techs goign over the MAchine...seems he wiped the device...more or less...

  Beth?  ..waht steps  do you wish to take?

 We need to warn the   of possible EDT folks, that  we sent therte...they should be locked down to make certain there are  no EDTs in the group...there were a few before...i see no reason to think otherwise...

  Take the Steps, with the   information wiped, we have to figure it was harmful..and where we are going, we cannot afford that

 ..and the Pilot?

  he's in the Brig?...we'll keep him there until  Beth can do something witht he information..take his  carft off the Line..i'll put in a request for a spare...

 Very Good  , Commander..already done...

  Beth answered the  Call..This  is ESN 351 Hermes on route to Fuji Station....We can reach  you in 8 hours....if you vector towards   Fuji space, we will meet ealier...what is the nature of the enemy vessels?

  The Commander   came onto the Bridge, Capt Monroe was already going through the starmaps with Miller...he looked to the Commander to see if he should scamble boarding teams.

  Betrh shook  her head  as she looked to the Commander,what do i tell them Sir?

 The Commander  nodded,Tell them we are on our  way...were are coing to be close to Tortuga space, but that's thier problem..If tortuga  wants to challenge  us?..we'll bring the whoile fleet in ....Tell The Rose we are on our  way...

  Hermes is on her  way, Captain. we will be brings a few ships. Should you be able to  keep in front of those demons....we might just make it...

 Teh  Commander  sits in his  Chair  and Hits the Ship's Com..All hear this.... we have recieved a distress call from a civie  Merchant. she is being chased by to Demon..sloop class, ships... The Hermes, The Harvestor and the Achillies are going out to meet them..we will be rbushing through Tortuga space...that might involve  us  fighting some pirate ships   or somesuch nonsense...should that be the case..I will call in the rest of the flleet..and we shall see...just how long..Tortuga lasts....After all....  he chuckles into the intercom,..we are the Big Dogs here....its time  we marked out territory...

  with that he hit the Red alert Button to scramble....

  Hack  hit the  Coms  again,SGT Spenser Meet me in the Mission room...LT Shadow Meet me in the Miission room..that is all....

  Beth, open the  channels to Tortuga and the Ob Rose....

  Already done....Sir

  The Commander begins.Attention all Craft and forces in Tortuga Space. The Ob Rose is being chased by two Demon Sloops of war..they have called  for aid, and we are going to give it.  We will  need to pass through the Tortuga no attack Zone...we will not offer any danger to ships  docked at the tortuga....

   With a brief  pause, the Commander adds,However..if the Tortuga, or any ships there..Offer  our ships  any threat..we  will consider them enemies as well...and treat them so....even if  we must Destroy the  Tortuga, to protect my Vessels....

 The static  is loud  in its  silence, until a gruff Human voice  comes on the Coms  Commnader Hack..the Tortuga nad her space, has been agreed as a neutral area...to pass through our space with intent to do harm , Violates that...and we will have to take action....

 With a  honest laugh, that carries through the  Comms bot abaord and throughout the channels Hacvk answers,...I'll tell you what,...you send your Pirate ships  and  collection of fighters  out after us..and when they are floating in space, waiting for our Tenders to pick them up....we will come to Tortuga itself..and  pound it into boxwood....I was not asking your permission to pass through Unharmed...I was telling you what would happen, if you are foolish enough to stop us....Again..we offer no threat to the tortuga...but by  all the gods..if  evem one fighter  comes out after us....The ESN is going to have itself a new base...or millions  of tons of scrap for our fondries....

 who do you think you are! You dare dictate  what we are supposed to do?

 what is your name....

 I am  Captain Jace..of the  Free station Tortuga, i serve  as its governor  as well...

 Well...Captain JAce?...after we take care of those two Demon Craft....I am coming to see you...now..whether we share a drink...or   i merely identify your body..is up to you..Hack out..the next move is yours...remember  one fighter..one torpdeo...and your whole life is going to chance in a few minutes...

 Miller looks  at the   Screens,..No Good commander..those slops  are as fast or Faster then The Rose...the near misses seem to be doing a number on  the ship....We won't  reach in...quite in time....

  ..Attention...Delta Fllet ships..Full power to try and  rwach that Merchant.... reserve's...Come on Up...bvring one of the troop transports as well...just in case...

  The  Coms  switch to Tortuga we are not Letting  the demons  take out a Trader,,,just to  go around your  Beacons....Just think...real hard...before you send  someone out after us...

 ..Shadow...take your people to  the  Trader..all spped..Understood..don't  wait on us..if you can damage the sloops..fine...if you feel better taking them out?..that's good too...

 ..Aye Commander..already done...

  Hearing the Threat from the demons , and starting to see the readouts on the  screens, Hack called,..All Delta  Fleet ships  report to  Tortuga Space...we have  Three demon ships...One Battleship...leave two  ships in Fuji space to  guard the transports....

  The acknowledgements  came through...The Fleet was coming....

  Admiral Hennings  came on the Screen,what is the status?

    Two  Demons sloops attacking a Civie Trader that has asked for help..we could not aid in time without  a short cut through Tortuga  space...I warned the tortuga..and they...did not seem to care.. Right Now we have a Demon Battleship coming into play..launching her fighters....we have a Pirate in a older ESN warship sending out nher  fighters...That should be little problem....however...if Torguga  Joins the pirate in attacking we will either  destroy..or take the station...


 Very well....losing that Battleship   would be a big blow to the Demons, this far into our territory....Leave me Linked...

  The Commnader  listens to the Pirate Captain as he answered,..Then..Welcome to the fight....I never underestimate a foe...but...we have the Numbers..and have more com ing..I d not know if the Rava can see them yet...

  Tortuga notted the   HArvestor's  fighters  fanning  out and  apporaching the STation,..HACK!...YOu are going to attack us?

 The Commander  smiled as he says, Don't know yet Jave...either way...you and I are going to have that talk after this is over...

  Demon Sloop..your  surrender lights are on..prepare to be boarded..any hostile actions  will end with the ship being  blown to bits..is this Understood...

 ..Ensign Hoor..commandering the Sloops Nitva...Understood..Commander  Hack...

  Captain MOnroe...take your Shuttles to the Nitva..secure the ships, Tranfer  prsioners to cargo shauttle, then contact me...

  Commander Hack..this is Commander Oogleson of the Artemis..per you orders..we  are  running...a bit Behind....

 The Commander smiled, Very good Rolf...make all speed...if the Rava is still here  when you get here? attack on site..keep flighters  on board until you think you need them...

 ..Aye  Commander..already done...

  Rava? I will ask you this....keep in mind, there  are  no....rules...for  combat between us...but..if you surrender your ship? I will agree to trade any priosners...for any allied Prisoners your side has...if  nay? Well...we will find a cozt moon for your people to stay on...

 YOU DARE!...you offal!...My kind was  sailing the Black before your kind got out of the trees!..I will never  surrender to the likes of you!

  Beth?..make a record of that..log it in send it out....Thank you Rava..I was hoping you would say that...

  The shuttle was  Locking onto the sloop that was about  two miles  in front of the  Hermes  and Queen....about  8 miles  from the Rava...

 ..Mr Shadow....time to unleash your Hounds...
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:12, Wed 01 Aug 2012.

    Alexandria? We cannot manuver  as we would like witht eh Civie trader locked on....The sloop...in a few moments..is going to make a break for the Rava....try to make it look as if your are trying to catch it....

  The Admiral smiles  abit,..yuou are taking a chance Commander...

  he nodded to beth  to open the channels to all ships..including the  foes...even as she patched  some  Voice bits into a  Com line...

  Artemis?   where are you.?

   We  are  nearing the range  Commander Hack...we are still behind..but  we will be able to fire soon...

 From the Rava, thier  Captain laughs,...you have  ships here coammnder...go head...take your shots...once we bring our guns to bear..there will not be ..any ..Delta Fleet...

   Commander to all ships...Fire  as your  ready...try not to toast our fighters...

   ...Assault shuttles...you will fire at the sloop...make sure the misses look good... Chiel Mullins...You head  at all speed towards the Rava...open up your com..Beth is going to feed a  call towards the Rava...you do not respond..bet willl be the Puppet master... Whem You are within ...1000 yards of the ship, you will bail out...i repeat YOU WILL BAIL OUT..... he let the words  hang there  for a moment, then added,..you miss your ride home?  You'er walking to Fuji....Understood?

 Aye  Sir..already done sir....

 ..Good Luck Chief....this is  going to be important....

  voiced over the Coms, Commander HAck asked.....I hope your surrender lights  are working, Rava..because we aren't stopping until they come on....or you ship vanishes in one large ball of flame....

 ..Alexanderia? if yuo want to recall your Mechs....fly on over to the Rava, see if they  can open a few holes on the top of that Lump of steepl over there....when this is over..You can have enough of the fighters  we capture to replace what fighters you lost.....

 ..SGT Spencer? see that you reel in  the Chief..please....

Beth Make certain all camaras are on this...break the walls  and make sure the feed hit s anything that carries Vids..People are gonna  wanna see this...

 Commander? Are you ghoing to take it..or destroy it?

 Hack shook his head,..At this point..I honsetsly do noit knbow...How many  Demons on that ship...

 Before the Admiral could  look it up...Un-li said,10,000...give or take 100...mostly Military....The Rava  has been around for some time....

 The Commnader looked at the admiral..I have  three transports  worth of  army and marines..hate to waste them in shipboard Combat thgought...

 ..this is your Battle, Hack..do as you see fit...


  with a nod, Hack motioned  for Beth to open the hailing channel,..Rava....your engines  are almost gone....we can stgand off  and pound to to boxwood...then sent some 60,000 troopers in to clean up whatever still moves over there.....If your  Surrender lights come o9n...within 10 seconds  after  my mark?... we wil take your ship as a prize..and transfer ...most...of your  Crew to  one of the  Pirate ships  and have them sail you to a moon near your own quadrant...Tortuga  space, is now under  ESN control......Just between you and I?..I hope you choose to fight.....

  MARK!

 The ESN ships pounded away again...sitting still and  firing  on the aquired target, cause more and more  shells or  blasts to hit the target....

  The b Commander  motioned with his finghers, which  coms he wanted Beth to open..

  the call went to  The Shuttles and  Alexandria,..we are  either  going to blow this  thing apart..or its  going to surrender...Alex?  if yu can Get some  Mech up the Bridge area...punch some holes  , so  the  Shuttle teams  can go in and get Intel....

...........

  Then  back to all Coms,..I see no sureender lights....3......2.....1.....Fire! the lights  came on....Hack said,..too late Demon....

  Tehh Cap ships  Pounded the near , motionless  Rava, Bits and Pieces of metal Flying off, the rear ships Knocked the Engines  out, entriely...more explosions   from back there  as things that should not be exploded near..becan to explode...

 COMMANDER!..I have put  my surrender lights on!...this is against all rules.....

 ..FIRST!..he  yelled into the coms..his  voice  stern...perhaps..touched by hate.....YOur lights  did not come on in time..i warned you..i am not accostomed to being ignored.....2nd....there are no..RULES...when we start eating your people..we'll concsider yhou an equal Race...until that time..yur  are just vermin we need to extermnate....


 ..I have  Non combantanst..I.....

 so did every colony and ship your kind   has raided...perhaps...if you would not have murdered the Angel ambassador? we  may have had talks..this  is total war.....no quarter asked..none...given...

   another  explosion on the Rava's  port side as a Gunport was blown open.... Hemmings nodded to  Hack...and Hack  talked slightly softer...still with venom......YOu shut  down your  Guns....you open your Hanger deck... and you assemble yhour people in the Hanger deck..call in your fighters.....if one of my people...get..even a paper cut on your ship...we  kill everybody on that ship..and thier dogs too!

  ..It will be as you say......Admiral Joir...of the Demonic Empire gives you his  word....

with the Coms  opened to all...save the Rava...a new face appeared on the screens. An Older Angel looked at Commander hack, then loooked at his own screens  from where  he sat, Commander Hack...I must offer you congradulations  on capturing the Rava...it has been a scourge to our  shipping lanes  and  smaller  warships  for...quiet some time.... I will be arriving shortly...we will put  a crew of  Angels  aboard  and tow it back to earth space...we will retool the engines and such......You and your fleet, will ..of  course..get thier fair shares  from the Prize money...and I wish you good luck in negotiating Terms with teh Tortuga, to come under our Unbrella....We shall be there in some...8 hours...

  8 hours..are you near by?

 ..no we are on Mother ship #3...we left earth space when we heard the Rava was near...we have....enjoyed the Vids...One more thing..Have Colonel Mi-Reand his elite..take charge of  clearing out the ships...put your ntroops at his disposal.... Lord Po-Li..out...


  Hack shook his head  as he   called on the Coms,Colonel Mi-Re...You and your troops report to the shuttle  bay  and board  a cargo shuttle..Lord Po-Li has  appointed you  to be in charge  of  taking over  the Rava...

   The Commnader's  fingers  drummed  on the arm rest of his chair, and he motioned for Beth to Open the  Coms to the Assault  shuttles,...I trust you heard that...lets get what we  can..I sent the Colonel to the Hanger  Dec..you should have time..but you won't have much...

Alexandria's voice came over the comes. "Commander, unlike what I would normally do, I am requesting the demon ship to mine as spoils for my help in taking it." The coms go silent as she waits for his reply.

  The Commander  thinks for a moment,Saddly, Captain Rava...I cannot  do thast..The Angels are coming to claim it for the Fleet...part of your compensation will be  demon fighters, for each of yours that were lost...and..of course..your share of Prize money for the Rava...Once the Mothership leaves  witht he Rava in tow? I am goign to Tortuga to discuss the fate of the station..now that this space is Claimed by Earth and the ESN...perhaps you will join me there...because  Captain Jave...is going to have a huge career move to think on...

Beth got a signal on one of the Security channels, and relayed it to Hack...it was audio-only, and brief.  Roy said, simply, "Cargo shuttle with VIPs on its way inbound.  Data-mining in progress...should be clear in ten minutes, max.  Will stay on station to deflect questions when the Colonel gets here."

  THank you Sgt Spencer...once your   mining  is done?  have  both shuttles leave..we shall let the Colonel figure things  out for himself....

"Copy that, Sir.  We'll do a little something to obscure our tracks, at least...but definitely leave it to the Colonel to figure things out."

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>..an Hout  before the Invasion of  Alba

  Hail to  Alba.... This  is Admiral HAck, of the ESN Hermes and the Delta Fleet...be advised, you are now  part of  ESN space, and  are now a colony of  Earth, aand the AP. We are coming down to take over  and  install bases, give medical help and transport  those who wish to leave, away.....answer..Please

 There was silence until a gruff voice  on the other end...shove off HAck..you have no right  ta...

 ..I have the right, according to Military conquest, and annex. If you have  slaves, or enemy personel on that planet, you would serve  your  best interests, to surrender them, and yourselves to us  now...

 ..This is our  Rock, HAck...we built it  with the help of those down here  with us..we ain't give'n it up...watch ya gonna due  about it...

 Hack chuckled  as the Vid screen came on. Showing  a fellow with a  semi-thick beard and a Captain's hat from the Old China NAvy...he was  american by his look....well...whatever your name is? In 1 hour and 5 minutes..we are going to shell the 9 hells  out of that rock, then..we are  Dropping some 100,000 troopers  to clean up what we missed..of that 1 hour  and..opps..3 minutes....you will only , really have  about 45 minutes, because we start the bombardment..in about 15....I'm not  bluffing..if you think I bluff..Ask the Rava...

  Me name is Captain Mott....and ya can try and  come  and  get me...your people come on this rock..we'll take care of them that we have..that you want...

  HAck leaned forward , closer to the Vid  screen......You do that Mott...you kill the prisoners and we won't just shoot you...we'll test you..to make sure there are no implants, or anything like that from the demons...and when the Med Techs are done?..well...My people will take over....you kill those  folks you have down there? What of it...we didn't even know  about them until now...so we don't lose  nothing....but..by gods..you will pay..it will take you weeks to die....

  He looks at the  count down clock,..you have..13 minutes  before the shelling...you have 57 before  the troops  come....and ..as the saying goes?..The 9 hells  are coming with them. HAck out....

 The  screens went Blank, Beth? Send the Silica and the Pumice on circle from each side, they are to  capture any ship that tries to leave Alba...Disable it and Hold  for  Boarding  Artimis? Break off High...keep your fighters and go with the destroyers...no ship leaves...

  Admiral Hack looked at the Clock, 2 minutes to go before the  shelling started. He nodded to Beth, who opened the channel to Alba.

 ...you have  2 minutes Mott..then we start..once it starts..it won't stop until  my people are hauling you on board..or  torching you body with the rest of the dead.

  a few  seconds  went by. Mott answered,..what about the Civies  down here HAck? You don't care about them?

  Hack  frowned and  shook his head,..no..not in the slightest..they are your  people to worry about..once  we take over, those who still live  will become  AP citizens and we'll look after them...those that die?..well..you could have stopped it...

 ..bring it on then, Hack...a few troopers don't scare us...

  Hack smiled at the Vid screen,..i was hoping you would say that....  they cut the feed, Miller  spoke up, a merchant ship...frigate class leaving the atmosphere....

 Hack didn't even need to Look at Beth, The Captain of the Artimis came on the screen,..ship trying to sneak out the back way..try to capture it...we can use the ship...disbale it..board it...if you don't have to  destroy it..search the ship, let ,me know if Mott , or  our target is on there...

  Captain OLgelson nodded, yah..you bet sir...already done...

  the screen showed another  part, Alba...the  south, east and North was being pounded by  Pulse cannons, Ion Blasts and Deck guns of the Merc ships and destroyers...this would  contimue  for 15 minutes, Giving the transports time to set up for thier  drops.

  Miller  looked  at the screens,  Admiral? we have a  Ship leaving Alba from the Southern Hemisphere....Ship readings   name it...The Cold Front....

  Very Good  Lt Miller, Beth?  Path  me into Athena..

 already done sir....

   Athena,...take your ship  and The Flint..chase it down..capture it and board it....if you can't destroy it..it doesn't get away...

 ..Aye  Admiral..already done...

  Admiral Hennings  and the  Staff watched  from thier  room in San Diego...  Many screens were up, none of the fighter's unless they Com-ed the Bridge..there  were too mnay other ships  and People to watch over.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:02, Fri 28 Sept 2012.

  On the   big screen, it looked  like  one of the  Vid-games the pilots  would play in down time.

 Alba, a blue-green ball...around her  were 4 transports, thier shuttles  flying  back and forth as they unloaded thier troops..one in  at 12..one at 3..one at 6..one at 9 o'clock..

  further out, but in shelling  range were the Hector at 10...Achillies  at 7....Hermes at 6  ..athena at 5(..but was chasing the pirate ship and Pulling away)..the Artimis at 2...

 Above them were the Harvestor at 6...the slayer at 5 and the Prowler at 10...the  Destroyers buzzed about them in  counter clockwaise  motion, except  for the Flint that was going with Athena to stop the  Coldfront.

  The Wren was  behind the Hermes  with the granite guarding her...the Sparrow was in between  the Hector and  Achillies, the Silica hover over her.

  The Two LArgran  crusiers were closing in on the Hector, the Prowler  veered to intercept  and the Hector  and Artimis manuvered to bring thier broadsides to bear.

  Some 50  largran fighters   closed in on the hector...all the  Fleets CAp ships were lanching thier fighters..though none, except the Athena carried  as many as  the Hermes...the BAlck was getting filled with ESN blue fighters and torpedo ships..as well as  handfuls  of muticolored  Merc ships

   HAck to the Hector and Artimis....Destroy the LArgrans...if yhou happen to disable then...fine....but we need them out of the fight..scrap will get  us credits  as well as capturing them..but we don't have the time to waste on them at the moment....if thier  surrender lights come on...tell them they must power down or be destroyers...Understood?

 Both Captains  acknowledged the orders.

  Hennings   and the  Staff watched  , standing over  a Table  that was a Big view screen...they saw everything Hack saw on his screen. A rear admiral from Spain said,Admiral Hack? woudl it not be good to try to capture the Largran Crusiers and  add them to our  Fleets?

 ..Yes , Admiral Mendoza, it  would be the best we could hope for, but i'm not about to loose a Cap ship to gain one of thiers....

  Hennings  Nodded,Well said  Oliver, They must knbow they do not have a chance...they might   be trying to cripple  some of  ours, then escape....

 ...or?....they are trying to punch a hole in our  ring  for a ships to escape from the planet..either way...we learn almost as much from the hulk of Largran ship, as  we would  a captured one.

   HAck walked  back  and  forth on deck in front of his  chair, Looking at the fighter screens, the  over  all Fleet map...the  tracking of every ESN person and asset on the planet.

  Hennings   said,...seems  to be going well so far Oliver....


  The Admiral  smiled slightly to Admiral Hennings..taking too long..they should have surrendered by now...we have another planet to take yet...

 Admiral Hack..we have overtaken the  Coldfront..and she has surrendered..orders?

 Captain Fisher?...Board the ship..take  any and all crew prisoner..any one fights?..kill them...see if our package  is on there....

 already done Admiral...

 Beth looked up...call from  CAptain Mott, sir?

  Hack nodded...Mott's face  came on the screen....ya gonna tear aprat the whole Palent  HAck?..Just to get me?

 we will tear apart the whole planet..but its not  just for you....you'er just the  icing...

With the pulse cannon disabled and the mechs chewing up the few troops left in front of the doors, Roy took a look around, checking for any other hazards to an advance to the doors of the cave complex.  They'd likely need Irina's particular skills at that point, unless one of the mechs was equipped to just blow the doors right out of the way...but if that had been the case, Roy was pretty sure they would have done so already.

"How's our flank looking?  Any targets we need to know about?"  He could swear he heard pistol fire somewhere in the area, but with all the chatter of the various weapons and machines in the area, he couldn't positively identify the source, or even be certain it was actually what he thought he heard.

  Hack  paced the Bridge watching the screens, watching the feed from the   Beach..hearing the  Coms from the  Troopships.

  Mok Came on the Screen again...he did not look as  selfconfindent as before...HACK!..There are Civies  dying down here..

  Hack nodded slowly as he watched three fighters peel off to  help meet the Transports,..well..Captain? You folks are Pirates..so...most of those  dying down there are Civies....But? those LArgrans  and Black Uniformed EDT?...well..not so much...

 ..Look..HAck.. what do you want?

  Hack Nodded to the screen he could see, I'm Thinking..the same things  those demon Transports want....

 ..What?...Demons?..Where!

  ..Coming in from the EAst..our troops there..encountered them at a stroghold..from what i understand..the stronghold has been taken...but they are sending  3  transports  worth  of Demons here....wonder why that would be?

  Admiral Hack Nodded to  Admiral Hennings who nodded to someone off screen and the  Public feeds stopped, excpet  for a few  showing the last bit of  fighting on the beach.

  Admiral? Major  Tomplins  and Major Strauss from the   Ben Franklin and   Davinci...Sir....we have way too many prisoners here...I am thinking there are going to be close to 200 from the Transports, Major  Mota of the Wilbur says  the Navy has at least 60 some  stillalive at the base they took across the small sea.... That's not counting the LArgrans and EDT and Pirates  the Oriville   and our two  Forces captured  as  we  moved towards the Moutnain...


  Hennings  shook his head,we cannot possibley house that many Oliver...not   with our  next Jump taking us to Bura...

 Hack paced the  bridge a moment  and asked Beth to open a channel to  Tortuga,When Alexandria  came on the screen he asked...Are there  any Transports   at the  docks now?

 Aye...Just one...a Sanri goods- mover..empty now,  was headed to the Detla planet for  fruit.

  send me the load out and cargo blueprints...

  It took a few Moments and the drawing s  came up on the screen,..Tell the  Captain this....the ESN  needs his ship...he will be taking  prisoners  to mTitan...he'll be  well payed..if he doesn't like it...then  send the transport over without him...and he doesn't get paid..those  are the choices...

 Alreadt done, it will be there   in some 20 hours, i suspect....

 Hack shook his ehad  as he looked at the cargo holds,Tompkins?  Strauss?...we have a  Sanri Transport coming, should be  here, just short of a day... it can take 500 prisoners....make sure  all Pirates  and EDT go first....then..split the  remaining spots  up between largrans and  Demons....those that are left?...execute....

 Tompkins  and Strauss looked  a wee bit shocked,Um....aye sir? How do we pick them?

 Wisps and Ornage  Demons go first...then  split up thier share between tanks and stumps..Largarns? leaders  first..work down the line....I know it is extreme...but this  is extreme times, we have another planet to Hit  in one week's time  The Edison is  coming with   Troops, and  a Civie Cargo ship is bring  replacements  for   our transport/bases..once the supplies  are diviied up and the  people  put aboard  your ships, the Edison will stay with us...we will have  5 transport/bases, to keep our  troop strenght up...The Fuji  already has  troops training  to act as replacements as well...

  Before he signed off he looked at Strass and Tompkins,....don't  feel too baddly about this, its better  treatment then our  prisoners get...if  we didn't have that Civie transport?..we'd  just space them all....Carry on...

  the  men saluted  and Hennings waited for thier  screens to go black,..tough call Oliver....

  Hack shook his head,No Sir, not at all..its us or them...I want those EDT people questioned  and punsihed...I want to see if some of those Pirates mingt end up as Mercs....the  demons and LArgrans...just too dnagerous  and costly to keep them...and since  we don't eat our prisoners?  he shrugs  with a half-smile.

(( this is both for the Bridge and the Hnager Dec 'war room'))

  ...I heard that Lady...All Ships...Scan the  targets below...look for spikes  in power...

  all through the Fleet, the  Cap ships  acknowledged...The Achillies  was the first to report, Capt  Molly Gail. ESN Achillies...three spikes...every 3rd Minute...Notlargeenough to be a weapon, but   some form of  power....

    Que...Mon Ami...Capt La Crouse  ESN Hector...plotted ze same powers...zer es no growth in ze shields...we do not know ..what it could be?

    Commander Si....Hermes...we tracked it  as well Admiral... it does not seem to directly  effect thier  offensive of defensive out put?

  Hack shook his head,..Spencer...Bols? Did you copy that?...not showing outwardly..but something is going on down there....

  Hack  paced back and forth, his eyes  always going  screens....the  other  Admirals watched thier  screens. And Orderly gave  Hack a Cup of  coffee and he sipped it as he stopped...FLEET!....and  news on Capships?

 All the Captains  took thier  eyes of thier  screens  and  said no...they had  Confirmed there was a Demon Cruiser, and a LArgran Cruiser, standing Off a good  50 miles  from  Bura...they had fighters  around them...but ...as of yet...did not  make  any move to aid the Planet...or  attack the fleet.

 ..Well, Oliver? What do you think of thier Capships?


  Hack shook his head,..They are  out numbered..and they know it..they could  cripple us, but  taking out one or two of our  CAp ships...but they would lose  both  of thiers.....which seems to me...that they do not  want to lose them....Rava was thier  Juggernaught...and that Avain Nest ship had more  troops on then we have  seen in 4 years...What i don't understand..is why are they fighting ..On a and around the Planet...if we get bogged down..I'll just pull the troops out  and the CAps ship will pound those  fortresses until thier is only a crater left...be better to Capture them though...  his Voice  Trailed off, He looked at the  Screen that had Ge-Fi...and Lord   Li  watching what ws going on.

 ..Tell me...Ge-Fi...Lord  Li? have you ever seen the Demons do this before?

  Ge-Fi made a sneer of a smile as he said,..I..Myself  have never seen the Demons  do anything..but attack...Perhaps...they are  waiting for you to do something...


 ..so?..You have  no suggestions  that can help me in this? All the  years you have been fighting  these things...and  yuou have nothing to offer?

 ...I am ...Afraid  not...Admiral Hack...It seems you are  On your Own on this.... his smile was cold, perhaps taunting.

 Aye  then....we are on out own...you said  that..not  I...  he pointed to the Tech,cut off the Feed to  The Heaven...block any attempt for them to re-stablish it..Understood.


 Beth Grinned,...My Pleaseure..Admiral.... afew  clicks  and the  screen went  Black...Ge-Fi was  outraged  and was staanding  up from his chaair  when the Screen went black...


  there  was Buzzing  on the other screens, Hennings ...a slight  grin on his face,Oliver...some of the ...other  Admirals..are concerned  at the action you have just taken.

 Admiral Hennings?....if they aren't going to help us...and they won't  share information with us...I think i would rather let them skim the Vids like all the other  Non-combatants...besides...they need not know, how  we fight a war...just yet..

   Hack walked  back and forth, sipping on his  Coffee,watching the Vids. Commander Si...Hoild Postion above the Landing Zone, between the powerhouse and the  Frotresses...Send  word to the  Hector and the Achilles to  peelm off  so they can Flank those Caps ships... Have the Prowler and Slayer  come toeards them One High, one low...if the  enemy vessesl seek to run, chase them down, If they try to attack, Send in the  Athena as well....

 ..Aye , Aye, Admiral...no enemy caps ships leaving this day.....

 ..You think that wise..sending away Caps ships for  ships that are standing off

  Hack shrugged as he motioned for a fresh mug of  coffee,...they are doing it for a reason..if that was us..our Cap ships would have been harrassing the Fleet, maybe taking out some of the transport bases, to kill off large number of troops....but they are Just standing thier, with thier  Fighters ....something is wrong..the best way to right it..is to wipe them off the board...

Oria had nothing to do with her time while everything was going on. She had grew bored with reading as much as she could on her role to take a leadership position, She had not heard from her father yet as to where he was at the moment and didn't feel like waiting in her quarters to find out. she stood at the door of the bridge calmly, no matter what the guards were thinking of why she was there. She only told them that she was there to see the Admiral and would wait until he would decide to allow her to observe the mission from the bridge or not. It was a long shot or a long wait, but she would rather wait it out here then in her quarters waiting on her father.

  She Could  see Commander Si was in the CAptain's  chair, she was  watching the monitors and  directing  fighters and  Caps hsips as her ehad moved  from one to the other.

  The Guard next to Oria just chuckled a bit,..if you are waiting  for Admiral HAck?...You have a Long wait, he is down on the HAnger  dec, where they set up a war room...

Oria shot the guard a look of disapproval before taking a step onto the bridge. "Then the commander would suffice." She was cautious in her actions, mentally watching the guards as she moved.

  The Guard  gave her a slight  smile,..it may be a while Ma'am...she is a bit...busy..now...

Oria only shrugged as the guard spoke and watched the going ons that took place on the bridge. She wasn't there to talk to the higher up of the ship, only to watch what needed to be done from the commander of their vessel.

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

   Beth...Please Call Ensign Kase to the Bridge?

  Already Done, Admiral.... Beth Coms Kase, to  report to the Bridge.

In reply to Commander Hack (msg # 123):

Justin had set his alarm to wake him one hour before the Hermes would enter Fuji space. He'd exercised, showered, changed, breakfasted and taken up position adjacent to the Marines posted outside the Bridge's entry. When the call came to report its broadcast was heard by the Marines on station and himself. Stepping away from the bulkhead he gave the marines a nod and entered the Bridge. Saluted the deck and stood to attention awaiting further instruction.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:56, Wed 08 May 2013.

  The Admiral was  looking out the Window at the work that had begun on the Hermes...the ship had not even been docked yet, when  hundreds of  workers in Hover  suits jumped from the  Dock to the Hull, securing  the lashings and set about marking , where the cuts would be made.

  Commander Si Nodded to  Kase,..you may approach the Admiral, Mr  Kase.

In reply to Commander Hack (msg # 125):

Aye, Aye Sir Justin promptly replied, before moving to stand, at attention, 8' from the Admiral. As he passed by the Coms area, his peripheral vision picked up  the Coms Chief distasteful glance towards him.

  ..Ahhhh..Mr Kase..At Ease.... he turned  and shook his head,over 150 years ago? we didn't even know what was out here...now? we are grabbing it by the throat...look...we are not even officsally docked yet..and they have already started...

   Ensign? You will remember, That we choose to save your  group from beth's Cyberstrike?..we  weeded out some of the  bad folks there, and set them up...quite nicely...on Fuji...

 Hack walks  up and down  the window, Looking often as the  torches start to cut into the Hull.we set them up on Fuji, because it is  our Home  now..our base of Operations, for the delta Fleet. We are not as Popular in the boardrooms, back in San Diego. And the Angels  think we are pressing too far...too hard...

 He turns to  Kase  and looks at him, sternly, but not  threateningly,  There seems to  be  one member in your group that is  working with the EDT...as foolsh as that sounds..it is true...we have  tried to trace credit  balances, Com relays....we get close, but so far..have not  found him..or her..We  gave them  the chance to aid the ESN and  the AP...and most of all...Earth...the work they did with the Hammer Va and the Mace..is good...Mr Calhoun has been training Fuji people to fly them and Hammer IIIs...

  He looks to  his right  and  a Marine steps forward, Giving him an envelope ...you will go down, and Vist Mr  Calhoun..give him these papers and tell him its time to come home...from there? You will go visit your Friends' R&D facility  and try to find out who the traitor is...it will take  2 days...maybe three..to get out Refit done..then we  head out  so the next ships  can be refitted....if...at the end of  the first 2  days? You cannot find the  Traitor, I will send in someone who will either find out...or make certain we eliminate  the traitor...however,,,that may mean there will be more then one...that...is terminated. They have done well..better  then expected..but our next step, means, we cannot  have nay one , on this side of the line, giving information to the EDT...Understaood, Enisgn?

In reply to Commander Hack (msg # 127):

Justing took the offered document instinctivley pocketting it. Aye Aye Sir two days to complete this assignment. He responded, slightly concerned by the Admirials brief.

  I know ..its a lot  , Son. But I didn't  save these folks  , to have the Lot of them turned to space junk. One  Day  You'er going to  be an Officer, and have to make tough choices...I'm thinking it starts now...CArry On Ensign, and contact us when you find the target...

In reply to Commander Hack (msg # 129):

Aye, aye Sir he responded knowing full well what the decision and consequences were once the brief was over he delivered a smart salute about faced and marched from the bridge. Once outside he moved down the passage turning the corner. Once out of visual he leaned against the bulkhead. Wondering what the dickens was everyone up to. Rubbing his temple he considered the situation, Ok then he mentally roused himself Calhoun. Tapping out a 'What’s your ten' text sending it to him. Slipping by his billet Justin packed what he'd need for the two days then made for the docking point.

<<<<<<<<<<<<<< from Hanger Dec

 The orderly nodded tot eh MArines  who guarded the  door to the bridge, the doors slid open  , on the bridge many people were  walking about  , or fussing over screens. The Admiral watched from the window, as Modules  we being placed into the port and starboard sides of the ship.

 Excuse me, Admiral Hack....Sgt Lanceheart....

 The Admiral Turned and looked at the fellow, and Held out his hand  for  his career
Logbook.

Stood at attention waiting to be addressed after reaching the bridge.  He did take a moment to look around the bridge, seeing who he would be serving with.  He did pause to look over the captain.  He seemed a lot less threatening in person then he had heard.

He knew the ship was getting refitted and wondered if the bridge was at only half compliment, how many people were meant to run this ship.

 Admiral Hack, his hand still waiting for the logbook,Well Son?..You have your Logbook? he had a halfsmile as he waited, his eyes  studied Lanceheart as if he could read his thoughts .

  A door  to the  starboard Opened, an Angel woman in a Commander's Uniform  came out, She was heading to the Command Chai but  stopped at the Admiral, She too, looked at  Justice.

 ..Commander Si?  This  is  a transfer...SGT Lanceheart...This  is Commander SI, the  Captain of the Hermes.

  The ..very..goodlooking Angel smiled,..The Admiral is kind, But when he is one the Bridge, the Hermes will always be his

Handing over the datapad he nodded.  “Sorry, Sir”  He looked up at the Angel and nodded.  He had seen them before, around the ships he worked on, but he had never served under any.  “You will see everything is in order.  Your code will be needed for my more classified operations and clearance.”

There was a soft nod given to Si.  “Commander or Captain.”  He tried not to stare, turning his head to look at the captain and tried to focus there.

  Admiral Hack  plugged the  pad into  a nearby Terminal and  his fingers Mobed  across the  keys, stopping everynow and then as his eyes moved over the information, pictures  and notices.

 without Looking he says,Well Son?...MSGT Spencer is the ehad of SEC on the Hermes...he is also the second man to Captain Bols...when we send in assault shuttles for Boarding or incursions

  He adds the Hermes to the man's Log and signed out, returning the  pad to  Justice.our  refits are changing the Barracks and Noncom quarters, we are  taking out some of our torpedo bays and adding  , old  earch Cannon..seems the aliens don't know  how to deal with  non-powered weapons...Spencer is on shore leave  right now..You can take this time to hit Fuji, or  walk around the ship..you are free for the  next day or too..however..we will be sounding recall, as soon as our refit is finished, we have some other ships to refit, before  we take our next action.

 Commander Si asks...You have any questions?

He nodded.  “So I guess I am waiting to stow my gear then, Admiral?”  He said, assuming his room was part of this refit.  “What is the ETA on the refit, sir, at least until I can get a place to keep my stuff?”  He asked looking between the two, Captain and Commander.

He took back the datapad and slipped it into a pocket on his uniform.  He took the duffle bag he had and slung it over one shoulder.  “As for me, is there a place I could go to read up on things?  I think I should get used to the procedures on the ship.  I suspect I will want to read up on your boarding protocol as well as your past missions.  I want to be ready for the first encounter we have, sirs.”

  The Admiral Look at Lanceheart,..Your  Belongings  are being stowed on the Inner section of the HAnger Dec. If you are on board when you seek sleep, You'll have to use  a sleeping bag, or Blankets. Once the refits  are done, everyone will have their own Quarters...big enough for 2..but slotted for one...we'll double up  if we need to pick up survivors  and such.


 The Commander  added,I'm sure  if you check the Library , in the Civie section, or  ask the SEC for some logs, you will be able to track down some accounts of  our sorties.

 Until the Recall sounds, or you are called?..You may consider yourself on shore leave...

Justice nodded.  “I will consider myself on leave until I am called then.”  He told the Admiral and then nodded to the Commander.  “I will locate the library, and thank you for the advice.”  He gave a final salute to them both before departing.

He headed for the lift considering what had happened.  He had his choice of places to go.  He slung his bag over his shoulder considering if he might need to leave the ship and find a place to rent for sleeping.  He stepped to the lift and departed the bridge, heading for the civilian areas of the ship.

  As  Hack walked out of the SEC room Followed By the Commander, Miller hit the  Coms,..Admiral...Commander?  we have...two Alien ships  closing in on us, They are hailing us?....


  Put them on the Vid Screens down here...don'[t have time  to head to the Office...  his stride gained  speed, The Commander had no trouble keeping up with him. They Stopped By Morris's Office, and the  Vids were  mostly hooked up for the upcoming  Briefing... on Two Vids , the FAce of  a Sanri Ship's CAptain , on the Other  , an Occui Ship's Captain.

  The Feed was piped through the ship, incase of emergency, Hack didn't have time for filters..

  Hello, Gentlemen..I believe this is the first time I have seen an Occui , or Sanri warship in our  space....to what do we owe the honor...I will tell you this....if you are from the AP Admiraty  Board, you can turn back now...we are not  stopping out  intended attack..

 The Sanri Captain  nodded his hello, then said, I am Captain Klos...the commander of the  Empire's Cruiser Vilt...we...had a disagreement with the Board...I left the fleet....aboard my ship is a Mix of crews who wanted to Aid  earth in this  strike against the  Demons....i..also have 1000 Sanri Marine Volunteers aboard....however..my choice has  left me without a fleet...I ask to Join the Delta Fleet?

  The Occui spoke  up..his skin was  dull purple, his  fangs dull , but sharp looking,I am Captain Zal or  the Occui  Frigate Feez...i too...spoke out  about the LAck of AP help in this region...i was...um...givien leave....to aid you if  i wished....The Frez has lost her standing in the  40th Occui Fleet...we too..seek to enter the Delta Fleet?...My Frigate is designed  for  hit nand run, and for  protecting  larger Cap ships...I have  30 Occui Rangers, that would love to be involved...

 Hack thought  for a Moment, the Commander just smiled  slightly...you will be  getting  instrauctions  on how to  link up with our Com network...we will be having a breifing with teh CAptains, and the  Admirality as soon as we reach Tortuga Space...I am certain your actions will cause you some greif..but...the Delta Fleet welcomes you.

 Until then , Admiral..The  Klas is  yours to use.... he saluted and the image winked out.

 The  Occui saluted as wellAs is the Frez...until Tortuga, Admiral

  The Commander smiled, a pleasant surprise, is it not , Oliver?

 ..Perhaps....or..they could be watch dogs to see  how  we fare at this...either way..they will be getting their hands  dirty.

Post Astra Attack from Hanger Dec 2---->

The doors opened and Justice stepped onto the bridge and saluted.  His head was still aching, and the information tumbled around in it, he had to focus to keep it all safe and locked up.  “Requesting some of the Commander Si’s time.”  He said to the duty officer on the bridge, as was customary.

He was sweating, and his focus was being taxed, he was already tired from the fight, and the rush of adrenalin was fading.  The taunting and the mental punishment the bio computer had put him through was still clawing at him, fraying at his nerves.

 Lt Miller was sitting in the Command chair, an ensign was at her normal Nav station.

  Commander Si has left the Bridge...to find  LC Shadow, and to  go to the   Debrief area...If you wish i can Log you into her list? or you can contact her  after the Debrief?

He looked around the deck, and nodded.  “Could you contact her, let her know I have need of her.  I have some information I think she needs to review personally.”  He let out a long breath out and smiled at Miller.  “The nature of the information is sensitive and time is something of urgency.”

    Miller Looked at Justice  and Gave Him a nod, She said, evenly,..I wil have Lt Ore send a note  to  the Commander...you must understand, they are going over  a Debrief that will encompass the whole of the ESN , and AP?..Not much time for Chatting  Up NCOs...she will contact you, when she gets the chance...

 The Doors to the bridge Opened, Un-Li stpeed on the Bridge, annoyed that she was stopped   by the Guard with a Pulse rifle.Lt. Morrow...where is My sister?

  MIller stood up from the Command chair  and  straightened her Tunic,. Her Voice  was stern as she  said to Un-Li,Commander Si is well busy at the Moment...if you wish, I will add your NAme to the COMs Que....

 Then she Looked at the Guards  By the door,Escort these  fine people  off  my Bridge...the next person that comes through those doors, and asks for the Commander, that is  Under the RAnk of Captain..you have my permission to shoot them...

 The Guard  Nudged them towards the doors, as  another  poweed up his rifle and aimed at them, two guards  across the Bridge did so  as well.

Justice shook his head.  “With all due respect, Lt Miller, there are some things rattling around in my head and I need someone with some talent in getting into someone’s head to help me sort this out.  If it stays up there too long I could lose it.”  He cautioned the Lt.

He looked at the men leveling guns at them.  “Well, I will make full report of this as well, Lt.  I am sure the Captain will want to know how her officers are treating the men.”  He said and turned, his head was still aching, and he was trying to keep his thoughts strait, keep his mind in check.  He nodded to Un-Li and moved to the lift.

  The  Lt Mused,we're Fresh out of Captains , Mister. We have an Admiral and  a Commander..and ahot shot LC ...don't have room for Captains... I am sure they will get to you, when they have the time...Dismissed...

 as the  Guards ushered them  off Un-LI Looked at Justice.  I Might  Ask, SGT? What would be so Important, that  My Sister  would need to speak to you?

He looked at the Commander’s sister.  “Well, I have something in my head, and I need someone who is trained to look through others minds to help me sort it out.”  He leaned against the back of the lift as the door slid shut.  “I do not know what is in there, and if there is something sensitive, I would not want someone without clearance to see it.”  He put a hand to the side of his head as the pain struck through the meds that were wearing off.

“I think at this point I just want to have it sorted out.”  His shoulders sag slightly.  He had given it his all and was too weak to fight off the other mind.  He needed more training, more work.  The sense of disappointment was clear with his posture and expression, a long face, and generally slumped posture.

...would you like me to Aid you. SGT? I can do  everyhting  My sister can do...I am abit ...older... she smiles  slightly.

He nodded.  “You have someplace quiet we can do it?”  he asked.  “If there are any secrets, you can be trusted, I will assume?”  He said and stood up, hitting a button to take the lift to the non-com quarters.

Letting her in would be a big risk, but one he was willing to take.

  Un-Li smiled,I am the Angel's Ambassador here...if you cannot  trust me?  she punched in the  Number to the  Top Deck. Only a few apratments where there...Un-Li's  was one.  a brass plate said,"..Angel Ambassador".

He rode along with her.  “Well, I do not know what level of security you are entrusted with.  I have never had the chance to be part of the embassy.”  He explained to her, holding the side of his head with one and.

He was feeling slightly hazy.  “I suppose I do not have a choice if the Commander is not free.”

  Un-Li giggled  just a little.Really, For a Military Man, you are quite Un-informed? The Admiral runs the Fleet..Nil-Si runs  the Hermes...somewhere in there They have to take of the crew and each other....does not leave alot of  face time for a SGT....does it?

  Now...sit in the recliner there...she walked into the Kitchen and returned with a  small cold Glass of  a wine-line  fluid...This  is  Vul....a wine made on our Home planet...it  relaxes the body..and stems  pain....when your head pain has  Lessened? You will tell me..and I will begin.

He sat back and took the glass.  “Trust me, if there was anyone else in my chain of command who could get inside my head and help me sort this out, I would have gone to them first.”  He told her and took a sip of the wine.

He closed his eyes and focused, the information, the other person, it was a person, and a machine, they were both inside his head.  The nebula, fire and shadow living together.  Stars danced in the distance, stars that would mark the place the ship was being built, the ships.  They were hiding an armada.  “I meet another mind, and let it in.  I was too weak to fight it, and I ruined it, I could not cut it, the mission failed, and likely because of me.”

   She  touched his temples as he began to relax....his arms dead weight..his eyes growing heavy.....yes..you are right....a Wisp.....was working the  Computers..wiping the  programs to make the ship useless....but ti started....at the wrong  end...fighting  the engineroom, and the Weapons dec....had you hit the  Life support?...and..the gravity?..the ship would have fell.....

 she nodded, a dark smile on her  face....now?..Yoou will be  asleep..in a moment or two? Youw will forget...all about  the Star..and the ships....the Voice you here...was the Wisp...but..he is now dead....if ever..the thoughts of this ship come to you again...the pain will be great...and you will have to shut it out...now?...go to sleep...and forget...we ever talked....

 as the  helpless Justice  passed into  the darkness, Un-li called on her Coms. Two Angel Bodyguards came through the door. Take him to the Civie section...place him in the park...try to do so with no one seeing you..then return to your posts...

  The Guards  Left with Justice......Un-LI smiled and  washed out the  Glass of Vul.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>from SEC

  Hack  stepped on the Bridge...CO on Dec!

 Hack Looked around,..I want all the doors  to the Bridge  Sealed...No one comes  in Save  Security Chief Spencer, and any he brings  with Him....Lilly? Hook the  Monitors  up with Beth in the SEC Area..


 Si Stood  and Got out of the Command  Chair, HAck explained to her what just happened...at first she was shocked, but then her brow  furrowed  as Anger took its place.

 Let me go Talk...

 No Commander... stray at your post...we'll see who you talk to, after the dust settles...

 He reached  for the  Big Com and  spoke with Roy,..Bridge  secured...Lilly is hooking Monitors up with Beth in the SEC room.

   She looked at her COM and   pointed to the SEC  Panel,..Lock down all empty ambassador  suites... she turned to  HAck,..the Lone  Angel  seems to be headed to Un-Li's...there are  2 other Angel Elite outside her door...

  He Opened the COM to  Spencer...in case you were unsure..it appears the  Angel Elite is heading to  Un-Li's..at least her floor...there are two  Angel Elite  outside her door..if yo have any one free?..have  at elast one take the  Fire service tube..it should,bring them out at the Dead-end area of  the Ambassdor's  level...

Roy's voice came back in response..."I've got all available Security on the Officers' levels covering the elevators or moving in on the Ambassadorial suites...I'll adjust orders and get them more focused, but I'm not sure anyone's in a position to make a shortcut out of a fire-access tube."

  Admiral HAck stood on the Bridge, looking out over Fuji.  There was a Call on the COMs  from FUJI SEC, he Pointed to his quarters and  Lilly transferred the call there...Commander SI entered the  Quarters  as well..Hack put the Message on Speaker COM.

 What have you got, Captain?

Admiral Hack..Cammander Si..first off...my condolences for the lost of your Sister..we are being flooded with Calls  from heaven, demanding to know what happened...I apologize..i sent this information to them, before  contacting you....

 ..Understood  , Captain, please continue...

 ...we cannot be sure, of the  Person't name. But we uncovered  who they were from the Credxit accoutns..can't hide that..and you can't  buy anything without it...

 ..Go on.....

 of  course...an Angel Merc  . going by the  name Prometheus..owned the Merc ship, 'Longarm'...he made money running  guns, attacking   convoys...most times they were enemies..but not all the  time..depends where the Credits came from, I suppose.  At any Rate..we  checked out HAnger  12..a Mull merchant told us about the people  going on board.., there was no mistake they were gearing up for a Hunt...but that HAnger   is  for privateers...we are goig to put  up extra  eyes on that hanger from here on out... there was a pause.

 ..From the   SEC Vid Cams..and the credit transfers...we forwared..the names  we gleened   from information...I am going to bet, that  the familes of those folks are going to be getting a vist from Angel Elite


 Commander Si nodded,That would be normal procedure

 ..The Last BIt of News?..The Angel was a PSI Opts...as was the crewman you lost?... AP SEC and ESN SEC are now rounding up as many as they can find...they have a Code Name of Mother?...it wil be a day or two, before the Angels get  the   information to find out who that is...whoever it is?..seems to have  his/her  finger on the pulse of  PSI OPTS


 HAck shook his head  as he cupped his hand in his chin, his eyes looked up at  Si who spoke into the COMS,...keep the heat on..i want the name of  every dead, or captured PSI OPts to come across my COM...I am sure  the Angels will have a Bounty?

 Aye.....sucks to be PSI OPTS  now..its open season on those freaks, never met one, i could fully trust...


 ..Anything else, CAptain?

 no sir, just wanted to fill you in, Commander SI? You'er added to  the Link for any PSI folks we kill or capture.

 Thank you, Captain, enjoy your day...

 Si looked at HAck, who shook his head,..Lets hit the White SAnds? Last chance for a while...

 Of Course, Oliver...I need some  time away from the ship...

  The Fleet sailed   into the  Black, past Astra, into the Void  Between the Boundries of the Demons...the Delta Sector ( now  part or Earth, and Thus AP)...The Skith..and the fringes of  The Angel's holdings.

  ..Bring Up the Screens  Lilly....

 Aye, Already  done, Commander...

 the Screens popped up , one by one...small screens on the MAin screen on the bridge..each  small screen held the face of the Captain of  a delt a fleet ship...or the Captain of  a Tortuga "privateer fleet' ship...The Skith, the  Occui and the Sanri..just had their flagship CAptain on..they would relay whatever  Messages to their own ships.

  ...As we  sail towards  our next Oblective....you will now..open the First Locked COM mesage Lt Morrow sent you...the Code that will be sent in  a second, will only last 10 seconds....if you fail to open that Locked COM...you must tell us....That COM will give you your  headings  and speed for the next 12 Hours....At that Point in time...YOur will be sent the code, to open the 2nd  Locked  COM... her eyes looked over the screen as she added,..at that point in time, Admiral Hennings...GE-FI and Admiral HAck will begin the the Briefing for what we are about to do....Ready yours hips for  War....Si...out...

 She nodded to Lilly who send a COM ping  down to beth in the SEC  room...from there  Beth sent out the Codes..and activated the timers...

  Lilly  turned to  Commander Si, who sat in the  con Chair...Ma'Am...Skith Commander  on the COMs  for the Admiral...

 Hack stood  by the  Forward window, looking Out into the Black, his hands Clasped  behind him...

 ..PAtch it Through, Beidge speakers only...

 ..Aye...Ma'am..already done...

 Admiral HAck...We have something here..I need to make certain i am following your orders?

 ..The Admiral  Is  here...er.. CAptain Hiok...please  state your  questions?

  Aye, Commander SI..from what i understand..we are to destroy any enemy Vessels we come across, so they cannot  relay account  on the size of the fleet...

 ..That is Correct , Captain...your Question is....

 ..Thus  far  we have destroyed two scout sloops and a Transport..however..there is a demonic  Hospital ship  here...we have Jammed its COMs...do not  know how long  we can continue...My question is..do we board it...do we capture it?..It is marked  as  a Hospital ship...

 ..I do not understand the problem, Captain Hiok? We destroy all enemy Vessels on our  way to our target...

 ...aye..Sir..I wanted to make certain..because it was a Hospital....

   Captain Hiok?....your  people have been fighting the Demons , much longer then mine....if they treated your people, ..the same as they did ours? I have to assume you lost more then a few Hospital ships....We lost farming  Colonies..and  tree Transports  that were carrying noting  but trees.....Captain....We did not start total war...but we are damn well going to wield the same weapons  our  enemy does...they will taste the same bitterness we have...and they will learn..they are not above the treatments  they have dealt out....So?...Good Captain...if you need this to ease your  mind..I give you the order to blow the ship out of the void....I am willing to kill a ship load of demons, if it means I can save   a shipload of AP people...Carry on....

 ...Understood , Admiral... Admiral MU said you would say something to that affect, but allowed me to contact you to make  sure...

 a few seconds of silence....Done  Admiral...

 ..Make sure your tenders  are picking up the  scrap...

 ..Aye  Sir...and thank you...Captain Hiok ..out...

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


  Hack  walked the  floor  in front of the   Bridge  window. A Cupo of fresh coffee in his  hand as he looked out  through the stars....like he was looking  for one special  star.

  Si  sat in the Command chair, watching the  Viewscreen, as  people came to her  with Vid-boards  to be checked.

  Miller  spoke up, Ma'am?... Orion just came on view...ETA...10 hours....

  Very Good  , LT  MIller...steady as she goes...we are making better  time then we thought....Admiral?...Did you hear?

  Hack  Nodded as he smiled , walking briskly to the CON he  Nodded to Lilly...Open COMs to  all the  Fleet, and the ship...Have Beth run the Buffers against outside COMs...

 ..Aye..Admiral..um...already done!

 He waited  for the light  to pop up, telling  him it was secure,..Attention...In 6 hours  we will hold a  PreGAme...This...is   goign to be one of the Biggest Steps In Human History...in the ESN and AP histor..everyone bethere...and  bring questions..should  you need to ask...2 hours  after the Breifing....we will be in battle....Civie Sections  of all ESN Vessels..prepare for battle..including the bUnkers for  expecting mothers  and Children..All Fleet Captains..open your third  Message....set your ehadings  accordingly...Hack..out...

   Garrat steps on to the bridge.  Now the bridge of most star ships is a well oiled machine.  Barring being boarded by the enemy, there is never anyone there who doesn't belong. Everyone has their task, their purpose, and if they can't perform them well, they never make it to the bridge.

   Most people who don't belong to the machine stand out like sore thumbs. Garrat had captained smaller vessels for most of his life, so while he wasn't a part of the bridge there was the feel he belonged there.

   Garrat scans the room then proceeds immediately to a quiet spot where he will be out of the way till Si can have Garrat approach.  His eyes catalog the different officers and their duties.  Making mental notes on their abilities and tendencies and how they work together, how formaly they interacted.  Not for the first time he misses his own ship.  It was small by comparison, but the spirit was certainly the same.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:32, Thu 03 Sept 2015.

 The Guards Stop Garrat, both guards  are SGTs. One of them says something softly into his Collar COM, a minute or two later  the SAme SGT nods to him , to enter.

  As he steps on he  sees the overhang o the Hermes  Blastshiled  and the great front   window,  Many of the forward shisp are in sight, weathe by their shape, or flickering of the  fire of their engines.  a large screens Is  fold up  that would drop down when the blastdoors  are closed,  large screens are on each side of the window, showing a view as if they where side view  windows.

  Si is sitting in the Command chair that is   a few feet highter then the ring of people Monitoring  their own screens.

 Lt Miller is  near the blast window as Pilot, next to her is   the NAv,

  Lilly sits near the   Command chair with a thin head piece on as she  monitors COMs. There are  Two SEC  guards  by  a door  to the fsr side that is  the Admiral , and Si's  private entrance to the Bridge

  there are two LTs who  run the   Forward firing Guns , one on each side of the main window.

 Si is  watching the window as  Lilly  listens to COMS, she waved Garrat over,What can i do  for you, SGT Garrat?

In reply to Commander Si (msg # 162):

   "It was recently discussed with me that I needed to adapt to ESN protocol.  This is difficult as I can't even read ESN protocol as it is not written in my native language.  Beth said she would help me work up some translation software but yyou were mentioned as someone who could help as well.  I don't know a whole lot about earth history with the exception of where Asgard blundered into it and harvested genetic stock from it.  But I do know they angels were there through much of it.  I was wondering if you had the old Toutonic language mapped out from the Germanic regions previous to what were called Ceaser's Golic wars."

   "It became the Einherjer native tongue with most of the first genetic stock coming from that region and time."

 Looking at Garrat with those eyes  that seem to  search what you were thinking, as much as what you were saying. When he finished she propped up his chin  on her hand as the elbow rested on the Command Chair arm.

 ...If there is  any truth in this? Heaven would have it recorded, as well as which side those  people and taken  , when Angels  and Demons crossed swords...as it were.

 ...My Father   is in Command of  Heavan, and does not seemed to inclinded to aid the delta  Fleet.

 she topped a mment when a crewman came and over and handed  her a Vid board, she looked over it  and signed the board, then said, Tell the  Commander of the Teal to slow down Util the   Thor  is able to close with her....Tell them Si said they can alway come back and guard the  Medtech ships, if that is not acceptable...

 Aye..Already done, Commander...

 Looking back to Garrat, Beth is remarkable in her  skills...for a human, she is near god-like. She will have to do , Until i can Contact the Moons...there should be someone there who is able to access that, if...it  is really there to access...

 ..i will warn  you SGT Garrat. Of the people on this ship? Beth is the last one you want to anger...

 ..is there anything esle  i can help you with?

    Garrat looks confused. "First, why would trying to generate a translation software for my language anger Beth?  Second, I'm only seeking records on a language spoken on earth during a certain time period in a certain area.  The Asgard tried to be well clear of any Angel/Demon conflict at the time.  They simply sought out conflicts where the genes were pure and the outside involvement minimal so we could get the fallen and get out of there.

 She nodded,you may not realize this, Mr  Garrat. But wear much closer to Earth, then we are to this ..'asgard' you speak of. The  Asgard we Know, is one of our Mothers ships,and  its  sister ship is the Valhalla...We will do our best to aid you, but you may be better  served, just learning the language.


 her  brow  furrowed as she looked out the   main window..my....father...was  on earth when the people of the north  , mistook angels and Demons  for gods...I..was not...what  written words they have, or may have  had, are stuff od history, your best bet would be to get Dr Christie to see if  he could   call in some favors to send copies...of what they know.

  she  smiled a tiny bit,i have no memory of   'asgard' ships in our histories, unless they withheld  such things? But..that is of no import, as  , if there is  such a place,  they are neither friend , nor foe, so...are no use, or no threat?

  as for Beth? I am simply warning you. Her tasks  are important..perhaps..the most important on the ship...sometimes..she  can get a bit....testy..as they say? I am certain she will help you, especially if the right person asks her?...but she does  concentrate on the  things  that seem to hold the most import?

   Garrat rubs his brow, "Look I don't know where the names came from. I don't really care.  Our enemies destroyed much of our history and we had to piece it together again.  I'm a soldier not a scholar, but I'm not bullheaded enough to think I'm more important than what's going on here.  As you say, Angels were there on earth through everything. I was just hoping that maybe they documented that language while they were running around being Gods and fighting Demons.  It IS my birth tongue, and it IS from earth."

   He switches to English speaking in a strong Germanic accent, and very haltingly "and I HAVE been learning your language, but I have also been going into battle with ESN troops to free your home planet." [switches back to translation] "I'm just asking for help with written language, and that requires more mastery than I'll have for years."

  She straightens   just a bit, the smile  turns into a stern line,...then? You will  be happy with what efforts we are able to provide.What records  of such exist, would be  in Heaven, and of  course  the Valhalla   and the Asgard...but we have not heard  from either ship in decades...they are most likely lost, or in hiding...again?  Dr  Christie may be  able to dig some things up through his  contacts on Earth... but  they will have to contend with what is going on  there, as well.

 ...Now ...SGT Garrat? I think we are done?

In reply to Commander Si (msg # 168):

   Garrat sighs "As it seems...of consequence to you, I'll be happy to discuss what little I know of our history with Midgard at your convenience."  and leaves.

  The Commander Called the Admrial from his Meetings, Entering the Bridge  he  waved off the 'Offcier on Dec'..the Yeoman handed  the Admiral a Vidboard , that had  the same  views in Information that  the Commander's  had.

 ...so, Commander? before i say anything, tell me what you see.....

 ..The Romulus  has Confirmed, The Hades, the Pyrite, and 5 EDT Cruisers, along with the  2 EVOLs cruisers  that left with them...they appear to have  two Creshian Troop carriers, along the lines of  our Transport/bases....


 ..To the   Starboard side , the Argus  has  spotted a Large task force of  LArgrans and creshians Capships..we won't  know until we run the SIGs, but we must assume the remainder of the task force  that was near Zolth, as  joined up with another?

 ..Lastly...there are 2  confirmed Nest Ships  ahead, they are  still powered down , in attempt to stay hidden,, But the   sloops have made Visual confirmation....oddly enough?.. whatever they  are planning, they are leaving The Black behind us  wide open...as if they are giving us  a chance to ....retreat?

  Hack Nodded  and said,..Very Good, that is what i see as well..except  for one thing? There are No support vessels for the Nest Ships..  he looks up at  the  windows, the  "blacked out" stars can be seen now, about as big as a 50 cent piece.

 ...so?..Commander..what theya re saying is this....You can  trun around, and  we'll let you go....or you can attack the Nests, and we'll close in on you....if  we attack either Flank, the other Flank and the Nest ships  fighters   come in from behind....

 She  leans back  in her Chair,...what do we  do?...there  has got to be a 'point of no return'..once we reach  a certain point..they'll attack no matter  what we do?

 ..Come with Me..we  will talk with the board...I know what i want to do, but we'll see what the others have to say....

 Si  stands Up and Motions  for Miller to take the   Command Chair, they she follows Hack tot eh  Offcier's quarters, where the Board is holding court.

 Miller  looks at the   Vidboard the Commander left on the Chair...she slowly mouths  a soft  curse word as she  see all the Red SIGs, along the boarders of the Vid screen.

    Miller's   Voice  came into the  War room...Admiral HAck, We can see them.....


  On mY way.... the  doors hisses open a second later,  HAck  and the rest of the board strode out. Hack stood  By the  Command  chair, that Miller left.  Commander Si  was   getting ready to  Sit down.

  Out the  main windows,  Two  huge  shapes, Circular, Black, Loomed  head..the   closest one  Had  tiny Lights  near a large  yellow  slot. The Hanger  Bay...with fighters  ready for Take Off...

 Hack  had a Grim look, nodded hos  head and pressed the Red Button on the Commander Chair.

  Red Light  began to flash, the    Blast Door s closed over  the windows as the forward Screen Drooped  down to take their place.

  Hack reached  for the ALL COMs RED ALERT....LAUNCH TIME... IN 30..On MY MARK..... he waited for the  minutes to reach :00.....MARK...ALL COMMANDERS...OPEN ORDERS....

  There is  a Call sounded, Captain's  Morris and Rivets... Chief Morgan...LC Shadow... SGT MAJ Spencer, Master  Chief Mullins Please  report to the Bridge...that is all


 Shorty..Morris, Rivets   , followed By Shadow.. Lyri  comes up with  Spencer.


  they are  ushered tot eh war room, where  a Holographic  display of the Hillite  system is.... the Board is there, along   with  the Commander of the Sandstone, LT Cora  Minn, and   3 civies dressed in the uniform of   O'Higgens' merchants. ( a Large 'O' with a 4 leaf clover inside)

  When  all were  in,  MIller  was the Last one is. the doors  shut.

  Good...now that we are all hear, i will start. first,. The board  has met theses folks,  I will introduce them to you, who have  just arrived.

  These  folks  are part of the survivors of  Kevin O'Higgens' ship...The Big Package...it was taken about  12 hours ago.... and only  about 12  hours after  an earlier  attack that was show on the Vids....

  This is Captain Lissa Murphey...Lt Nil Liam...and Seaman Connor   Kiln...  .. The LT there is Cora Minn , the Commander of the  ESN Sandstone.

 the admiral introduces  everyone and explains that Miller is here, ion case she  has to  take the Con during the action.

 Everyone greets everyone, Lt Minn seems less-then-happy to see Shadow.

 ..another Fan of yours?

 Shadow  does his halfsmile,yeah...they're  all over...you can't swing a dead felrite with out hitting one...
 Lyri tried  not to Laugh, Hack looked over at them Both..Something you would like to Share...LC?

 he  cleared  his throat, and   straightened a bit,..Oh?..No Sir, Admiral.. i was  just wondering, what this has to do with  the fleet?

 ..That? LC  Shadow is a very good  question.... The fllet is in the beat Quad  for  one reason..to start taking out the trash, and  eliminating Vermin.... I was prepared to go in and just start shooting... it would make  us look a tad, bad..but? with the treaty signed, most folks would   think they know why....But now?..Our Good friends  on Hillite..have handed us the sledgehammer, to start crushing  the ir  homeworlds.

 So? instead of being  bad  guys  doing bads  stuff to bad  people...we will be good guys, doing bad stuff, to bad people...

 Minns  rolled her   eyes and  snickered.

 something  funny?..Lt?

 she waves  a hand at Shadow   and says,words like this, Admiral  Sir, are what makes us look less then professional!

 The Admiral  shrugged,Agreed LT Minn. But... when you have killed  and many of the ...'bad guys' ... as the LC? YOu may scoff..until then..try to learn something...

 She  Nodded  and   took a step backwards, her face red.

  Now?  Captain Murphey?  If you please.....

Roy managed to keep himself quiet at Lt. Minns' statement...but anyone looking his direction could see an expression somewhere between disgust and amusement on his face, and it wasn't hard to see him rolling his eyes.  Unless called upon it, however, he held his peace.  He was curious to see just what the Admiral had in mind, and whether it would involve standard boarding operations or some kind of more direct ground work.

   The red HAired  woman  moved to  the 'crew's side of the projection and  said...We have   3  planest that the Hillites call Home..they  narrowed  the names  down..in thier way...H1...H2...H3...not very exciting   names? but it is somethiong   you would expect from the likes  of these  gobshites!

 Now?  You'er  a noticin' the H1 is a wee bit hotter then the other  2? We ain't got the truth of it? But the eggheads are sayin' they Greenhoused themselves.. now? only Miners and such live there..  one year on, one eyar off... 'ceptin' fer the slaves  who go there..and say  unitl thier  dead, altogether...

  Now...this  was  leavin' us  with a bit of a quandry... which of the other  2  have   O'Higgens  ? Most like, be either one... but  we'd be beatin' on the wrong door?..and the  cat would  run out the other house?

 Rivets was  smiling nodding His head...Morris was  looking at Hack who had an amused smile on his  face.. Miller  seemed to get the gist..Shadow...was...Shadow...  Lyri just furrowed her  brow,damn translater  chip must be broke...
 she whispered to Spencer.

  But the  boss... surein' he's a bright one... Had Conner   tag the   hull in 5 differant places... Them Blue bastards  might be findin' one or two...but they ain't gonna  find all 5

 Shadow spoke Up,..so? you are  saying   we can track them?

 Rivets Elbow  caught  Kray in the Ribs,..Ye  let the wee Lass have  her   say Laddie, Don't be fergettin' yer manners...

  LT Minn laughed... Murphey  smiles and Fluttered her eyelashes at Rivets,..well..shor'n its 's  a bright t day to see a Man of the sod?... how  about  ye be takin'  the new  girl ta' get a drink after the   we fill these folks with a wee bit of Knowledge?

 Rivets  took off his  crumpled hat,be my pleasure...Lass... we have  a few good places  ta drink here...

 Hack cleared his throat. Lissa turned away with a  grand smile and  finished up.

 ... so... the Sandstone tracked  The Big Package  to H3..but lost it  before  they could lock on.... The admiral here  says  ye got a LAss  who can find sheep's fur in a blizzed..so's we're here ta see...

 ..Thank you  Captain Murphey..... beth will   find it..... Now..SGT MAJ Spencer?  we will be using the   3  new  shuttles to take   assault teams down, to break in and free O'Higgens and any other   prisoners we can find... as   always  we  will be dropping    Transports with armor and troops to draw attentions away from the  spot the Shuttles  are coming  in.... we will also have  a Big Ugly load the mechs  and take them down... i'm not risking our  assault   shuttles with the mechs

 LC.. Most of the  fleet fighters  will be in the Balck, harrassing  any enemy aricraft and CAp ships we encounter... and..we  will encounter them... these folks will not  just sit  by and watch us.....but?..this is a good test.... we will see how well  thier  'allies" support them....

 ..Shadow? I want h
Hermes  fighters  escorting the  Shuttles and the Big Ugly down..   I want  Capt  Nilsson to  bring down the Morningstar as well......we don't know   quite what were attacking yet...but  we'll know  as soon as   Beth gets the tag nailed down

  you are  all dismissed... we'll have  Pregame  as soon as  we figure what we're up against..


   Murphey  turns  and grabs Rivets' arm,..so?... where's yer  quarters?     Rivets  just grinned   and the two were Gone.

 ..LC..if you Please? escort Lt Liam, Seaman  Kiln and LT Minn to the  rec Dec  for some  relaxation while we wait...

 Shadow  tried not to frown,Already Done sir....

At Lyri's whisper to him, Roy gave a distracted grin.  "You mean you didn't understand that?  Made sense to me.  Must be operator error or something..." he responded in a low murmur, to avoid distracting from the information they were getting.

When Hack started laying out the plans, Roy nodded...three shuttles, that meant three different squads.  He would have one...much as he hated to do it, Lyri was the natural choice for the second, but he'd leave it up to her to decide...it wasn't as if he had a lack of choices, really.  And the third...well, he'd still heard nothing official, but Garrat had mentioned being considered for a leadership position in the crew.  This might be what he was talking about...

He decided it would be wise to ask...but he'd wait for the briefing to end and the others to file out.  He caught Shadow's unenthused look at being told to take Lt. Minns with him...maybe, after clarifying the shuttle crew leads, he could follow them down to the Rec Deck and bail Shadow out a bit...

As the meeting broke up, Roy stood, and walked to Commander Si.  "A question, Commander...did you have specific personnel in mind for leading the shuttle crews?  I'm assuming, since I'm here, that you intended me to lead one of them...what about the other two?"

    Truning and Smiling in her 'angel perfect way',..Ah..Yes, SGT MAJ... Oilver feels  You and the MAster Chief  will each take a crew, and...after a Talk with SGT GArrat... he feels, perhaps..it's  best to give him one last shot. at a team lead.

 she   flips through the Vid Board,..the  Washington Carver will provide  a transport to  take the Mechs  with thier  squad of Troopers  down..then it  will return to  Orbit... and come down for them on recall..that's  all I have  for the Moment SGT MAJ. The rest we will hear in Pre-game..as the Admiral Calls it...

Roy nodded and gave a crisp salute.  "I was thinking along the same lines, Commander.  Just wanted to make sure we had the same approach in mind.  Thank you."

He turned and began moving quickly, catching up with Lyri in short order.  "Guess we're gonna have to rock-paper-scissors for which one of us gets Supe," he quipped, with a wry grin.  He remembered seeing a sniper in the new personnel...assigning him to Garrat's crew would give each one of the three shuttles a sniper...he just wished he had more intel about the location they were going into so he knew whether that would be much of a help or not...

"Shall we head down to the Rec Deck and see if we can rescue Shadow from having to deal with that lieutenant from the Sandstone?"
This message was last edited by the player at 08:51, Fri 04 Mar 2016.

    The Commander smiled,we are hoping  this works alot better then the blast time....Carry on....


 When he caught up to  Lyri,...well?..he won't kill her on the Rec Dec....though? I've  seen him sitting on a guys chest in LA   while he finished  a slice of  pizza?..so? who knows... she    smiled and shook her  head.

-----> enter from med dec

Carmen entered the bridge she looked around looking for the admiral before she says anything.

  The Nearest Hermes SEC guard stops  her  and asks her why she is on the Bridge. When she  says  she wishes to see the Admiral he shakes his head and says,...he  is in the war  room with the  Board  right now....and...most folks  do not have access to the Bridge  unless invited? You would be better  served  Contacting  Capt Morris, and allow him to go through the channels.

 it  is very obvious they what her to leave.

"Is that the same captain that handles the room assignments and such"

 Aye, Ma'am. He sets the  sorties  and Mission assignments  after the Admiral sets the  mission perimeters.  I hope yuou understand ,  we cannot have folks  running  around on the  Bridge on a whim?

"Point taken but he doesn't seem to know where I would fit in in the ESN either since my crew is grounded indefinitely."

  The  SEC Trooper smiled  slightly ..Yes  Ma'am.. I think Caot  Morris  will be  able to help with that?. We also have  that Merc Capt who is looking for some crew?

 I would start with Capt  Morris though.

"Thanks will do."

She left heading to the hanger deck to speak with the captain.

-----> exit to hanger deck

  Miller   Said.....NO...The Hermes  ans her  Escort Ships  will Dock together...

 I  am sorry   Lt Miler.  You must take the Berths  Avaiable, we Have....

 Commander Si came out of the  doors that lead to  her Quarters, her eyebrows  slanted  in  anger.

 ..Everest SEC..YOU WILL... move ships  if you have to..Wea re  Not only the Flag Ship of the Delta Fleet, we are Also the Flag Ship of the AP..Which you and the Beta Quad  fall Under....

 Begging your Pardon ,Ma'am..but You might overstate your....

 ..You finish that statement, and I will personally see you on the  next shuttle to the  Delta Colonies!....

 St Gaul's  face  appeared, she  gave a very pretty sneer to  Si,Commander? Are you overstepping your Rank... It seems to  me you were giving  your Berthing assignments...

 Hack  Came out of the  same  door, he  was less then Happy...Alright Admiral... I tried to be real nice, I tried to   let you preen yourself , consideringthis was your  House... But..ADMIRAL St GAul...This is MY SPACE...now?  YOUWILL..clear Berths  for  My three Cap ships and our Destroyer..and you will do it   5 minutes ago...

 St Gaul's turn to get angry,Monsuier  Admiral? We do not docks  destroyers when we have CAp ships  to Dock!

  That, destroyer, St Gaul Has seen more battles , then you will in your life time... Clear the berths and that's  an Order...

 She inclined her Chin,..I am In command of this Station...

 ..I am in Command of this war... if you want to keep that nice warm....safe  saet you have..don't press me..or  when we meet, i will be introducing  a New Admiral for the Beta Fleet.... and  I will do it, St Gaul...Its bad enough were  fighting  people you should have put down years ago.... I'm not standing for this....

 St Gual's face reddened, but she nodded,..It will be as you say..Admiral HAck...Sir...

  Lilly was now the Bridge COM officer. she smiled at the thought.She wasn't as COMy as Beth. But she was good enough,for her uncle to get Hack to allow her on the Hermes.

 Beth had  been given some sneaky job in SEC COM....so? They both got a better jobs.

 then the call came....Hello Hermes..This is the 666 Saladin. my Captain Aazz is to speak with your Admiral Hack.

 I am sorry.You will have to wait until sometime Tomorrow.  The Admiral just came from training a d has a number of meetings..we will COM you,with a time to meet with him...

  THe face on the screen was a woman.but had a head covering,You Will tell your Admiral,he is to receive My Captain within the hour,or we Will view it as an extreme insult!

 I will save you time...The  ESN 351 :Hermes does not take orders,or threats from a Ship flagged as an Oil Lords vessel....should  you approach  our ship,we  have to view it as a hostile act...find a berth in the orbiting docks....ensign Lilly Ore..is my name..should you need it

 she Flicked off the COM and sent a warning to the Admiral a d SEC.

   Whistles Blew as the Brass stepped onto the bridge.  Folks were introduced around.

 Lilly Von Dros  met Lily Ore who had taken over  COMs for Beth  After  Beth  was transferred to SEC.

 After a Tour of the Hermes  Bridge..which wasn't  really  ne3eded, seeing how  Athena was a sister ship to the Hermes...the  group  left the Bridge to the Officer's  Mess, where Si and some  others  were making a dinner, complete  with table clothes and such.

 Si Met  Lilly Giving  a slight  hug after  returning a salute,...forgive my apron, I felt the  need to cook, when i learned you were  coming over, I thought Oliver Might invite you up.

 Lilly smiled,..If you made  some of your Angel dishes..I think i can  survive your apron.... You knew I was coming?.. i thought it was SEC eyes only? she looked to Hack  , the others were already exploring the   finger foods.

  Nil Is Second, only to me.. as far as SEC ops go.. It was her  primary Focus, when she was  on Earth... You met Sgt Major Spencer...he handles   many of  the details, and reports only to Myself  and Nil.

 Lilly Looked around,...I am a wee bit jealous, I thought i might get Command of the Hermes, When Oliver Made Admiral....

 ..It was Talked about.... but with  The Hermes' duties in this war,  I suggested the Command structure  stay, more or less, the same on  her....my people wear alot of hats,  Lilly. As you have seen  when we call upon your people , as well..

 she  nodded with a smile,Indeed, Oliver... its not a bad thing to be jealous. The Hermes is the only other ship i would  want, outside  the Athena... so i have done rather well...

 ..Indeed you have... we will need more of that, goign forward. The  up coming  schedules,will be putting some demands on your boarding teams as well....out of all the Fleet..only  the Athena and Achilles has boarding teams that might match our own.

 Hack nodded,Well said. Though I feel Commander Bornberry's Nemesis is rising  quickly..She not only is determined, but  the reports  are, her own crew seem to match her....eagerness...

 ..aye to that.... At least half her people are from the Thor... they have a bit of a bone to pick witht he Empire.

 ..not  just the Empire... but the  EDT and EVOLs... they flew the   fighters    that ....in the end... destroyed The Thor.

 Hack  smiled and   looked at the tables,Well.. Nil and her  helpers  seem to have the food  ready?..be a shame to let them get cold?

 the  folks  moved to the line  getting   a tray with  dishes  to pick some  finger foods and 'main course' style foods.. a fellow in a white tunic  pushed a cart with wines to see if any  wished to partake.

  The Command  Mess was a scene of relaxed  talking, exchanging some stories  from their recent battles or, perhaps, head to head disputes with  allies  as well as  Enemies .

   They ate, there was discussions on the Verians  and their  'lack of support'..this brought up the issues  of two Prize  ships being turned over to the verians, that have transferred to the Fleet.

  Lilly  said  , between  Bites of  some  'angel-chicken',..Admiral HAck?  I must ask this, mroe  for myself then anything esle? But what is the importance  fo the verian transfers?.. We add one..weaker  Cap ship..and one destroyer... and  one set of  troops, that will...most likely, not be replaced should they fall. I understand  each ship we  get adds a bit to our power? But..to be, at least..they seem..Negligible ?.

  Hack smiled,..you are right..to some extent. There isn't  anyone out here now, that know the Verian Mindset...but....in half a day or so, we will have two shiploads of  pureblood  Verians . And we will be able to gauge alot  from thier actions.

 he   took a bit of some blueish rice,.....The importance of them joining the fleet, will send a message to   the EDT and any  Demon sympathizers, that Vera is leaning to the  APF...as they should.  People  wave off the Tortugans  entering, because  their lifestyle was  ship to ship fighting... Burians  have no ships,  so thier  contribution of   pilots, and ground troops are waved off by the Empire.... The  Felrites are the Biggest PR gift we have ever  received...they went  from a dalliance with the Empire, to being a savage enemy and staunch allies of the APF

 Si smiles  as she drinks a creamy looking  ,Greenish drink,So... each Verian in the fleet has  family...ods are that , at least half that family will support them..which means, that feeling will spread....where as we bombed Hyria with a plague that will kill thousands... we have ...'bombed'.. Vera, with an idea...

 Lilly  looked  down the tables  at   Hennings  and the others,...so?  They are...poster  boys?

 A smile and  short laugh from  Hack,..you might say that..but they will fight...indeed, some will die..so..the 'poster boy' is their  image..but their tasks  will not be any different then ours, or the Sanri..or any other  APF race.

  Hack checked his COMs  and  sent  answers to  Beth, Spencer  and Sarah...

  I will need to go to SEC in a few moments.... But  you all may continue here, I will return as soon as possible....If you have other plans?  Please, take your leave and enjoy what down time we have...

  The  PA Blared a few Times as   Lily's voice  came on the   speakers,

  Um.....all hear this.... um......alll um  Hear this?   Recal Has been ..um..sounded.... You have....2  hours...repeat...2  hours to return to the Hrmers...That is all!..um..Thank you!


 COMs were  sent to each Crew Member saying they had 2 hours  and counting,  to return to the Hermes

  In took  about an hour, for the Delta Fleet to get into m  the Convoy order, Med Tech ships, tucked into the  Middle..with the transport/Bases  Layered  above and Below. Media ships  on either side of the med tech vessels.

  The rest of  the Cap Ships  spread around, with the Hermes in the front..Flanked  by the Achilles and  The Athena .

 a  Note was the Nemesis that  flew  Just behind the Hermes,, and a bit  above

 scattered  around on the outside  where the destroyers and Sloops.

  Admiral Hack  watched the  screen as  well as the window.. seeing the Might  of the  Delta  Fleet.

 ..Commander Si?..If you please..Contact the Ironwood, so she  may go to her ...'meeting"

 ..Aye ,, Admiral,,Already done...  Lily..if you please...

 Aye  Commander...um...already Done.... flickers  flicked the  COMs,..Ironwood.. You  may peel off from your  Picket  and  move on your  ...um...new Course...

   Hack then says a Bit  louder ,..Beth?...COM to Nivar Please?

 Beth's Voice  came over the COMs,COM 5..when you are  Ready,Admiral

 Hack looked tom Lily who   flicked on COM 5. The Golden skin faced ( bright yellow really..but they claim it to be gold)

 ..Admiral HAck... I was wondering when you would   contact us..its has been so long  since   you have chatted  with us...

 Hack  smiled  and bowed his head slightly,..you were expecting me to call, then?

 ..But of Course,.. Please.. I am Frezit.. I am the ruler of  the Planet, blessed by the gods.... his  fingers  move showing  at keast three rings on every finger.

  on the left side of his throne, a Lizard Cat called a Nort sat  there licking its  lips  as hits  greenish/gold scales   reflected lights..on his  right, a rather large Garg, the  yellow , 6 legged Dog say, its  flat  head and, Platter like  Jaws   snapped  as if it could   see and smell Hack.

 ...we have people..everywhere..Admiral? We know you are on  your  way for a Visit to our  lovely  system...

  Hack crossed  his arms  and Nodded his head with a Laugh,..Good ..Good... That will save  me alot of prelude them...

  The Nivarian's head  tiled to the side, its  round eyes looking  a bit perplexed...I do not understand...

 Hack's Laughter stopped... his  smile faded and his voice became  cold...stern.... I do not pretend, that any of the Fleet's actions, go  unnoticed...one of the reasons, battles  are shone in real time, so  people cannot ...'make up' ..history...Now?  knowing  that we are coming, isnt the  same as knowing when we will be there..are  2 different things...But? I am very practical and  I need to have a time table. So? Rather then waste Time once  we arrive, I want to just dive right in, ,and start sending your people to the 9 hells. So? if you want to stop us from pounding you  to gold  dust and butter? I would suggest you surrender...I know its  a lot to think about.. so?..I will give  you 5 hours to contact me. 5 minutes one second from now.. it doesn't matter  what you say or do.. we will come to punish you.

  Frezit's  smile was gone, his finery  flashed  as he waved his  arms around,we are not  the Mindless , Hillites...who fight mindlessly... and we are not Hyrians, who...though  they are great warriors... are more of how  you would say...a blunt  weapon. We are as Savage as  any race, when it comes to protecting our own... and our ships, are unlike  any you have  sailed against..

 Hack  Nodded ,,his arms still crossed as he walked   along the railing of the Command slot.. Commander Si in the BAck round, he turned his head as he walked to face  the screen,..yes.. we  know.. we destroyed a stray Nivarian not long ago, when they entered  contested space. we were going to add it to the fleet, but  we deemed it better to be used for scrap..

 Frezit seemed to get a  darker   color of yellow, he is about to say something, But  Hack holds up his  finger to stop him.

 ..Call your  friends in the Hillite  system... Call your friend  on Hyria.. because... i'm not  coming to scare you... i'm not coming  to convice you... I am coming to destroy you...think of it, as punishment for  sins..past..present..and Future? By making  me come out there  with my Fleet..we'll.. that doesn't  make me happy... I want to destroy Hel...and every parasite the Empire has, that slows  me down?..I make them pay the price... He turns  and holds his arms out wide,..and?  Its  fun? I mean, we have to fight you anyway?..best to knock the 9 hells out of you now..so..you understand...Completly..what it means to side with the Empire.

 ..so? You get enjoyment , out of seeing your people die? he snarls.

 no?.. that is  whjy we hammer the 9 hells out  of anyone we are forced to attack...one? to teach you a lesson...two?  to make sure you cannot   hit  back...or?..even get up...

 The Nivarian snapped,..and who are you..Admiral Hack.. to carry out such judgment..


 ..Me?..Myself?.. I am a fighter Pilot, who happens   to be in the uniform of   Fleet Admiral..a wear the hats , that allow  me  to annex systems and planets to the APF..and carry out actions that will help protect members of the APF..The Triad had a free ride  for years... that ride is over..its time..as they say... to pay the piper..

 ..so?  i have some planning to do... we have to decide  how your people are going to die...you have....

 he looks to Lily...4 hours 48 minutes..and counting..Sir..

 ..don't  test me Frezit... if you miss the  timer..by one second..we come to harvest souls..and i won't  feel bad about it..here?  something for you and your people... and the people of  The Black to think about, while the Clock ticks... he   looked up at the   ceiling,..Beth?

 The   screens were replaced ( non COM 5 , being sent out , all around the Black.

 The scenes were taken from Gun Cams.. ships cams..colony CAms of Nivarians   raiding ships, and taking prisoners. Some showed Nivarians  greeting Demons, or LArgrans   with  armshakes  and smile  as   APF people were loaded  aboard Empire transports... battered  APF and ESN shuttles, transports and merchanships, Blown up while surrender lights  were on, and escape  pods  snatched up by Nivar ships.

 ,The last  clip in the loop ,w as the Nivarian ships being blown up by the Hermes  .Ironwood and Scarecrow..then the  loops started  once  more.

    Hack, Si,  Hennings, Bale and  Emmie  went to the  Admiral's Mess on the bridge.

   ..Normally, i would have  had the food brought into the war room...but i think we need  some   time to talk this over.  the   orderlies  brought  out    carts  with steaks, side  dishes  and  Pasta

  another cart had  some  soups and salads .

  ..Emmie, Did  any of your ships  have any dealings  on the green Moon?

 Emmie  shrugged her shoulders,I don't  know?  Admiral.. i would get statements  when shipments left..or  arrived at thier  ports of call...but  i don't remember  any  thing about  the Moons of  Nivar. We had  one independent   company that  would meet Nivar Merchants to get  shipments of   fruits,  furs, and even  small exotic pets ..alot of  My ships  didn't  travel in the    corridors between   Nivar and Hillites or  the Hyians and Nivar..too many ships were lost...cost too much.

  Hack nodded thoughtfully as he began to cut his  steak.

 ...so..Oliver? do we  count this as a win?

 Bale  snorted,..I don't see why not?..We have Taken the  Black Moon...the green Moon has  been proven to be a stronghold, of sorts..and we took out the orbiting  weapons  of the Nivar system

 ... I say it is a draw.... we took one moon...uncovered the other, through pure chance.... But . we  can't get close to  Nivar, without   our ships  being  blasted  by those....quasi-plasma-Lazar Guns.... and if  the Moon has  those   shoulder fired AA weapons.. you can bet the Homeworld has, emplacements like that.

 Si   chipped in,it is a good thing, we   strapped down the Hillites and Hyrians...they cannot come to Nivar's  aid....

 That is  true  enough Nil,...but we know there are LArgrans  and demon elements sniffing around..regardless..we have to take care of that Green Moon. it may not be the threat The Black Moon was...but...we know they have fighters...and  we know there  are bases  there... I would hate like the 9 hells..to  pulverize the planet... it can be one of the Biggest resource   we have, this  far out..that..and the fact that Shadow  made allies  with  those  creatures...Just because they can't  fly a fighter, doesn't mean we need to  flatten them with the rest of the  moon.

 ..so?  what is  your thoughts then?

 Right now?... to land  troops  around  that Lake area...and investigate that mountain... we will have search and destroy  sweeps  for any Nivarian we see,  that doesn't  turn themselves in...

 ..and if they do?

..then we  pack them on aircraft..tell the Nivarians we are sending them down... and point then in the direction of Nivar...after that... its  up to the Nivarians.

 HAck looked at the orderly,Tell the chef he outdid  himself this  time... You can bring the carts of desert and set them by the  drink table, you and the rest of the staff, grab down time, I am most certain we can serve  ourselves  from this point on?

 The Orderly smiled,..Thank You Sir.. have a good evening...
This message was last edited by the player at 02:59, Tue 21 Feb 2017.

  a  COM Opened up...it  was Lilly,..Admiral..Sir... i..um...am going to  put this  up for you....

  the voice  of Shadow  asking  for the COM Vids  to be opened, and  the   Shadow 'singing' to  The Cavet...as she  looked surprised..then annoyed..then Angry before the feed was  cut.

 By the gods  we know, and then some!..that's terrible!

  Hack   Nodded as he  chewed on a bit of steak and  was  lifting some mashed potates towards his mouth,Agreed... but..we have to cut him some  slack..with all he can do? One cannot expect him to be able to sing...

 BAle looked at Hack  for a Moment, the Admiral smiled  and winked as he chewed.

  Hennings  laughed,..so?..General BAle... you don't approve  of   Shadow  singing to  The Cavet of the Green Moon?

 ..it's ..its...just not  done!..what did he hope  to accomplish!

   Hack was  enjoying his  steak, he pointed   his  fork that had  some greenbeans on, at Si, and she  giggled  as she looked  to Bale,...Shadow....does not like people to think he is....out of the game...so -to-speak. I think. This was his way of telling her, that they will be seeing him again....

  Hack  drink a bit of  cold  wine,  nodding  as he   took the  time to  cut off another bite of steak,...  The feeds went  galaxy wide... as with all of our feeds.... there are   races out there, we have never met.. that have seen what we are doing...to counter the  Demons.....


 he takes the  bite  chews for a  bit then moves it to his cheek as he talks,...now?  there are  only three types of races out there....1  type..sides  with the demons....the second..sides  with the APF..or?  even Humans..... and last... the races that are frightened at both sides, and just want left alone.... The bounty of  Shadow, and  many of us, in the delta Fleet is high.... and we just showed the galaxy how  easy it was  for us to take that bounty away....and...now.. we have to show  the   cost of  standing against us.... he  scoops  some more potatoes

 Hennings  nodded as he  finished  a mouthful , himself, i have heard  reports  from the   blockade vessels  in the Hillite system, that  ships, from , unknown worlds are trying to aid them with  supplies and such... we have sent them back to thier systems... and captured those  that tries to run the blockades.   Hyria is all but begging for Help.... Demon Med Tech ships  have arrived...2..to be exact... they were told to turn away..one did.. the other was Boarded and captured... the Demons who crewed the vessel and lived, were all sent down to  Hyria..since they wanted to help... the supplies  are being added to the   Fleet Supplies

  As the Meal  wound down  Hack and the others   took their  used   plates  and  such to the cart,  then  picked over the  deserts, settling down again  with  the treats  and  ...either  coffee, or  something stronger.

 As they sat and  ate,  they told  stories  about  their  lives before   entering the service, some had  war stories, some  had stories  of  embarrassment and such

  Emmie  was quiet, she didn't really have anything to talk about, she never  flew a fighter, like  Si or the Admiral..she never commanded ships , like Hennings, or fought up a mountain, Like Bale.

 But she  screwed up enough courage, to ask.....Admiral Hack? I know i am not much on this   'war thing'...And  i look  at the Vids..hear reports... The Hillites  are struggling, but they are better off then the Hyrians... The Hyrians are losing cities  worth of people , every day.

 Hack Nodded  and waited  respectfully for her to continue.

 ..from what i have heard... the Hyrians   will be working  very hard, in the  southern hemisphere, to grow  food  for the planet... the water in the north  won't be safe to drink, until they can treat it..and  the sickness that we  gave them, won't die out   for almost 6 months?

 Hennings corrected,...7 months... there will, of course, be a strain that  is born off that, that will be much like our Flu..and  folks will die from that, but not near as many... if they do not work hard  to dispose of Bodies  and  kill off  the vermin, then they will have thier own version of  The Black Plague...

 she nods slowly,...and we are turning away , anyone, who will help them?

 Hack smiles  slightly,..you wish to say something, please do...we are  all on the same side here...

 ..doesn't this..make  as as bad...or worse..then the Empire? she looked   around, she was  greeted  by small, sad smiles.

 ..Emmie.... when the Angels  came to Earth, they did  so out of desperation.... we were the  only Human planet...that we know of...in their  Quad. So they readied us  for battle with the Demons....they forgot, that we are  desended from Criminals  and Angels  who tried to blend in when the Arc  crashed...Since  taking  to The Black we have  found  decent  races, who wish to make The Black a community...we have also met races who wish to use  The Black as their own test Lab...grocery store ..and breeding pen...

 ..now?..on Earth, when we fought  each other.. you had to understand, you might have to trade  with this folks someday, after the war is over...out here? We don't... So... We  can't  tell the Bully no.....we can't make him stand in the corner... what we need to do is beat the bully to a Pulp, and hold his  bloodied body up for other Bullies to see.

 Bale  nodded  as he  finished  some pie,...In the realms of existence..there are  always  opposites... we have... he ways  his fork around  then  cuts off another  piece,..animals that eat plants...plants that eat animals... we have fish that come on land...animals that go into water... we have Light  and dark..hot and Cold..love and Hate,,fire and Ice... ..I'm sure you get the idea...

 she tilts her head.

 ..until we entered the war, there were no..real Savage answer to the  demons  and the rest of the Empire...The Sanri and Occui fought...this is true..but they did more defensively...

 Si said, in a cold tone,...my people tried to make treaties  with them... But as Oliver has said, it was like them, making  treaties  with  thier next dinner....

 ..So... we are the 'big Brother...who comes to the playground and beats the 9 hells out of the Bully..and when that Bully shows up with his  friends..we face him..and hope, that our friends help us....if not..we fight..we  fight hard... we  don't expect any quarter, and thus, do not give any....It is not an accident, Demon ships stay away from the Fleet..sooner or later, they will have to step up..to show thier  friends... that they aren't just using them for a shield...

 she wrinkled her brow,..you are saying...what we do is  ...good? her eyes  went to everyone.

 there was some  small smiles  lighter smiles...Aye..Good  for the ESN...good for the APF..not so good for the Empire and her   people.. Hyria will either have to spend all thie r time, saving their world, or it will die... they stand..on a razor's edge  right now...if they wish to attack..get veangence .. then they will die, from within... people will fight  for food, water, places to live... and?..some 50 years down the road.. there will be small clumps of Hyrians, trying to put thier world back together..... If they stand together, and  'fix' thier world, they could be  back to basic space travel  within 15-20 years..but they will be in no shape to try and conquer anyone. They will have to be defensive...and become merchants and perhaps..join the APF?..or they can remain alone..and open to any race that wants to collect a debt.

 he shrugs,...As the demons  don't worry about familys  and worlds they tear apart with slavery, food collect and breeding stock... i do not worry about them...this...maintains balence..and  if anyhting, I mean to shift that Balance  more our way...why?... because the centuries that have passed, The  Empire  tore up The Black...we have  some debt collecting of  our own to do.

 Emmie   leans a little forward,...but you have allowed some of those very races, to Build colonies  on  our own Prison planet?

 Hack nodded,..first?..undertsand this... i don't  give  one tick, about the 'poor  Empire Civies'....but.. if the  chance comes  upon us, i will let those who seem to be...'decent' folk try to carve out thier own colony ...it is a Judgment , in a way? If they turn on the other races there.. they will die.... if they don't  put  effort in..they will die..if they treat the Ape-folk like animals..they will die...but?..if they can build..and aid   the other races, the other races will aid them..the Apefolk will see them as they see the others..and they will thrive....

 Her eyes grow wide,....you...created..a miniature...Black?

 Si giggled,..in effect.... if a colony of a race..can't get along  with the other  race's colonies...what makes  us thing the  Homeworld will?

 Emmie  smiled a bit  and went to eating her  cake.

  Hack looked at his COM,...Shadow is  on his way to SEC for the  debrief...  I suggest we all make our way there. I thank you for joining me in a Meal...it may not be as  fun as the  LC's  Rec Dec party, but...we have taken some down time, now?   we shall slowly work up to speed.

 He  finishes  his  desert, once more, he and Si begin to  take  the  used dishes and  such and place them in the cart Bins to be  cleaned,

 Si wipes  down the tables  as the others  join in the effort..

  Emmie looks around as she  joins in at the end,...don't you have people who do this?

 Si smiles,..Yes... we do. But no ill comes from them , seeing us  , unafraid to do  work, that is looked at , as 'below us'. There are no jobs too base, for us to do....

 Hack finsihed stacking the used  Dishes in one  Bit  and places silverware in another,...fate has a way, of putting people in certain places...some, look down on others, and make life worse.... some  aid others, and make Life better...

 Hennings  Grins,..so?  there is nothing wrong with officers making the effort, to be kind...because you never know  when we will need the very same folks to aid us?

 once  the place was tidied Up, the Board moved on to SEC>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Justin slipped out of his Cabin strolled along the deck passing the Admirals Suites as he headed to the Officers Mess. Pausing at the Maitre d'hotel's booth he asked if it were permitted to have meals sent to his Cabin.

  The Chief in charge of the  Officer's Mess  takes   down a note,  He looks up and says,..all we will need?.. is a order for  which meals, and what you wish to select... they will be brought to the door and your buzzer wil ring. If the food is left in the hall you will be charged and that will  end your delivery Privlidges . The Admiral frowns on waste.

In reply to Justin (msg # 199):

Pleased this was possible Justin thanked the Chief then headed back to his cabin. It had taken some time to finish assembling the equipment.

<- His office

Henry's cold fury had not abated much by the time he arrived.

"Doctor Christie to see Captain Morris on a matter of some urgency," he told the sentry, glad that he didn't get shouty when angry, he was more likely to get coldly formal...

  The SEC  troopers  there. Both Greet   Henry with a smile...Hey Doc?... Um.. LT Hock  has the Bridge  right now?  But  Captain Morris  is using the Hanger  Dec  for  Command  right now..at elast until  the Commander , Lt Miller, Or   The Admiral return?

"All right, thank you... it's whoever's in charge that I need..."

Looking a bit puzzled (like most civilians, he expected whoever was in charge of a ship to be on the bridge) he scampered off towards the Hanger Dec.

  when the Im apct  Came. Miller  shouted to the Engine room...BOADERS    ON THE  BOW...  SHUT  DOWN THE ENGINES.. GET  READY TO SEAL THE ENGINE ROOM DOORS...

 the   first shuttle  was   right  above the OB   dec.. Vampic s  were    filing in..

 the   send on   , Just above the bridge... there was  Gun Fire in the Passage ways

  General BAle  and his  three Provost  aid s   came in the Bridge  with  armor  and   heavy  puls e guns..  facing the   two  doors..

 Lilly  tried to stay in contact  with the HAnger Dec.

 Newton Law  and Holly  Hock  stood  near Miller  as   she  slipped her helmet  on and  drew her  service  pistol.

 Edison trooper s  were comign down the elevator from  the  landing pad.. while  the other half    worked thier  way up the  hull to attack the shuttles from  outside.

     the  Doors  were getting Burned open.. the  Bridge  crew  readied thier  weapons.. Lilly...  Miller   and  Newton were Busy , locking thier stations...

 The  Gun Dec  Captains were locking thier    weapons so they couldn't be used  against other ESN ships.

  then the   door s  fell in the  Bridge   crew  fires a few shots   and waited..all was  quiet for a  few  seconds, until the    cry of  " THEIR BLOOD IS OURS!", and Vampics  poured in from the doors..   most getting   gunned  down  as they  came  two by two through..

 Miller   took  her  sword in her Left hand  and  her   service  weapon in  her  right ..slowly VAmpics  p[our  onto the  bridge..some  fell  but getting  deeper  into the  Bridge , before   getting shot   down, but  this allowed more to  enter..

  From the COMs   was the  CAll, " ESN!....ESN..!" as  the    drop  ship   troopers   were beginning to    empty  out  of the  shaft   of the  elevator to the landing  pad..  they were meeting  resistance  from the  Troops  from the   assault shuttle..the  Vampics  had  a war on two fronts now..

  Miller   Nodded to general Bale... she  flicked the  switch for  All COMs.....Bridge is secure.... unlocking safeties.... Engine  room.. spin up the power cells....

 The rest of the troopers   went  down the   hall looking  for  stray  Vampics.

   it  was  closing in on 0600..  the newly Minted  ,  Commander Miller stepped on the bridge and took the  chair.

   Newton Law, commented. we are 8 hours  out  from Bura... we are getting the signal to  dock in  'Orbit  #12" for Repairs... Commander...  he smiled as he  used  Miller's  new Rank.. Miller  smiled back.

  Send  COMs  back acknowledging , and  we  will be  then there.

   Holly Hock spoke up,...Commander?  there are also   two invites  for  Officers  to the   Burian Palace .. and   to send a message  to   those    who  do not attend, that Bura  is open to them

 ..Thank them... send   the COMs  to the Captain , and they will take care of  that  announcments.

 Nothing really changed on the Bridge.. Miller was stil in charge..but  ...somehow..she  felt  more at home

   Miller  sat in teh Command  chair, she wasn't  happy..but he rorders  were her  orders...This is Commander  Miller  of the ESN 351  Hermes... in 7 hours  we will be  rising  above Detla #1... please  do not have  any  ships  rise  with us.. we are goign to be testign  fighters and need   clear space,,,,

 'Acknowledged' came from all the ships in Delta one...

 Miller turned to  Lilly,Aloright, Lilly?  send the personal COM  mesages  from  my COM to each of the Commanders of Delta #1..

 Lilly took  Miller's  COM  and said,um...ok.... um.. it..it will take  a bit?

 you got  7  hours  , lilly.. a Mull could do it in 7 hours...

 En Holly Hock , looked back at Miller... Commander?... there is a sloop  approaching at Flank  speed... It should be here  in  4  Hours....

  Send COMs  to  the Captain,  The Admiral  and   the SM... that would make its  arrival time about  1600 hours instead of  2000.... what is the name of the   Sloop?

 ..that's  another   thing, Commander?  It is listed  as  a privateer.. the   'Free Ship  Starduster..ship  Number 797 "

  Send a COM to  Rivets.. tell him we might need  some  fighters  ready.

 Already Done, Ma'am.

  Hack   frowned  as he listen to the Angel's demands... but..it had to look good...

 SM?  get your people   and Larg together..... Shadow, get to the Room across  from Nil's .... Beht..get into SEC  and lock  down the Fe3eds  and  direction this 'freeship ' came from....

 Lilly looked up...Um..Admiral...sir..I..im..have  ..what..is ...loooking like  thier...Vector?

 Very good..feed that into  the SEC  for Beth..

 ah...um..already  done..Admiral...

 ..Shadow here... on my way..   send   a COM to Shade to meet me there as well....

 REoy?   this is  faster  then  we  thought.. somethign's not right..but it never damn well is...  Let not  ness this up!

 Si broke into the COM,I changed to my duty uniform.. I have   two bags on one of the beds that  look 'half packed.. should buy some time..

 (( heading into   Beta  Quad after   Bura))

  Captain Si  called for Yellow  warning lights  through the ship.

 Commander Miller  complied  with 'already Done.  Lilly  watched and listened   on the COMs, while  LT Holy Hock manned the  helm and  Newton Law the the  automated Gun systems.

 ..Lilly?   Patch me Into the Burian Flag  vessel...

 um...ah..already  Done..um...Ma'am...

 Captain Si of the  ESN 351 Hermes to Burian Flag.... we have conformation that the Bait has been scene, we do not know  how many areas of  conflict there  will be, we might have them all across the board.....

 ... There is also , some form of Base out    here... Station # 13  according to intercepted COMs.... should you find this  station... try to  neutralize it, and board it, take anything of Value  for  your fleet... when you are  finished..it is to be destroyed, we cannot waste elements  of the fleet to portect it, and it will be too close to  Sol Space.

 The Admiral  always  says, that any  enemy tranpost, goods and ships you captured, are for you to keep or  deploy as  you wish...Good Hunting....

Sarah received the message, "Acknowledged Captain, the wolves have been cut loose. We'll pass the message along and if our elements find the station we'll pass the word along."

She looked over at Sam, "LT Robertson, pass word to the both Wolf Packs and the Fleet. I doubt Wolf Pack 2 will encounter it near the Hillite system but they should be aware and looking for possible coordinates for us."

 Sam gets the Comm message and sends it directly to Sarah, for her response to Captain Si. " Commodore, Captain Si for you Ma'am."

 After her conversation with Captain Si Sarah gives her orders to convey the information of station 13 to the wolf packs. Sam smiles, nods and replied," Already done Ma'am." Sam then copied and sent out the information to both wolf packs and the rest of the Burian fleet.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:44, Tue 27 Apr 2021.

((Battle of the Funnel))

 Captain Si watched  the    screens  as the transports  turned...Captain Kovacs, have your transports sail  under  us, we  will form   a line to hit the   oncoming ships   with a  surprise  broadside  or two....

 ..Already Down  Captain Si. well wheel around  incase you need pods  picked up...

  Negative..you will sail  under us and make all speed to your destination..ypu risked alot  to lure  the  scum out of thier holes...go get paid!

 alright Captain... Thank you, and  beat them to death...

 The only ones  who  will not die, are those  who might run fast enoud to reach Sol System  territory.

 Captain Si's  voice  came over the  speakers...

 The  SSN 701  Perth is the Flag, 70 Manchester,710  Portsmouth ..The  Pirate vessels transponders say...Bloodeyes 999,Hearthbreaker 1313,Sunny Skies 403 ,Lash Wish 108, Green Been 13, Crabcake 79, Gold Band 20..there are 4 Corvettes...

 I am holding    the  section's  fire  until  they either see us, or we cannot miss...

  A Trooper snapped to...CAPTAIN ON DEC!

  Captain Si waved   for people to be as they were...Lilly...Tight Beam to  Matterhorn, please....

  she looked up   and back then up again...Aye...Ma'am..already done.... Admiral Van Ros, 2nd  screen...

 Admiral Vandross  was in  a duty  Uniform, she had chest armor   on  and carried   an SMG...Captain Si...Nice of you to Hail me. Am I to assume The Fleet is on its  way?

 Aye, Admiral Van Ros... you look busy....

  ..not as bad  as it looks, the Gava  and Naragrans helped  alot....The Ape  Folk were the back bone in retaking our station..... it helped that we have a Bounty on UEs.... we have Stem folks  Bringing  piles of them to   the Hanger Decs.... The Ape  Folk and Naragans, and even Gava, pick which ones they want to eat, the rest get tossed. Our Farms  have been secure  for the last 3 months  now, The Uppers is  almost clean,, the lowers are a bit tougher... we found a lair  of  some Gangers, The UEs  looked to have wiped them out..Three more levels  and  we should be  done with the UEs....damn good thing they can't  breed!

 What might we expect when we reach  the Quad....

  Van Ross took of her helmet, a trooper  gave her a  canteen.The Lizards and the Bugs  have been dancing back and  forth across the   bounty..we hit them, they hit us... Thanks to those  Morrow  bouys , we know were they are..... we have  Two H9ive  ships  on thier side of the line, i wouldn't send  any ships there, we can't  afford the loses...,  some privateers  make s  runs through there, we bough a pair of  Destroyer class ships from them..but  privateers  can mess with Cap ships....

 she sipped from the canteen a couple times and handed it back with a nod of thanks...we heard  that vote , against using  chems to true the UEs  against thier  own...gods be damned joke that is!...and when we torched the last one, we were called for genocide!

 Captain Si smiled a bit sternly...Oliver will stand  by that vote?...so..Genocide it is.... Two less  Hive ships  will make the Black  alot better place to be. What about the Largran...

 As  near as i can tell?  they have a fleet out there along  with the Bugs,,,might be more?  If there is, they are out of the range of the Buoys.

 well.. with the  Creshian and Largans, and the Vampic   well back of them, towards  Everest space, we need to  do some real Damage here, if  we want to swing into the next Quad.

 you are thinking of going into Epislon Quad?.. That is  supposed to have been taken  By the  Empire?..Rainer,  is all but  cut off, the colony  worlds   there  are trying to help, but they are under invasion as well... we  send  destroyers to escort transports to the station..about have the  transports get through..Zeta is  Just as bad, people from Astra and Tortuga  are  tryign to help them, but  both quads have Empire  Flotilla  running
 with impunity there....some of those ships  are captained by EDT...

  we can make  those  ships....uncomfortable. But, before that, we must help you  sweep the vermin from  your quad

 I had to laugh  at the meeting?  ZU-IS has to  attack  The Sol System?....You know he won't do it, right?

 He had is  warning...Oliver was very grave, when he  told him the  reward for failure....

 what could scare him into  attacking his allies?.... I mean..The Empire  would love that, so would   GE-FI..they would have a reason to  combine, and turn all that  'ancient might' against the APF...

 There are things   , Oliver doesn't tell me.... but he  said he has  sent pieces in place, and ZU-IS would be  'surprised', and  somewhat , unhappy.

 should have  just boarded  all thier ships, Killed  the Paradise  Abgels  saved  the  Moon Angels and  tied  the   Vicrock folks to the outside of a transport and sent it to Lady V. Even if Paradise    turned on us, we would have had all those ships!
Captain  Si  chuckled,

 you should have sent that idea  to  Him, he might have done it!..I must go..Tunnel run  tomorrow, we are breaking in out transfers...

  your LC in charge?

 there was a bit of a smile,aye.... and the we'll all be there, but  that's his show, and he runs it   hard. she waves and the  screen is   shut down..Commander Miller?  You have the Bridge...

 Aye , Ma'am..Have a good Night...

 Captain Si  smiled as she walked to the doors,..That is the Plan, Commander....

     cruising towards  the  Gamma, Beta  boarder . Admiral Hack was on the Bridge looking out the   window, leaning against the glass.

  Captain Si was in her chair, with Commander Miller off  duty

 We have  15 Minutes  before  entering   Gamma  Quad  space...

 are there   any enemy eyes out there.

 Newton Law  answered,...there is a sloop out there, I don't think they know  we know they are there... they'll have  eyes on us  if they  care to look, at least one of the  picket destroyers

 where is the PSN....

  Law answers,..just now  entering the Soly system at the site of the  destroyed   planet-station...

   Hack nods...connect me to beth...

 Captain Si  returned to the bridge, part of her  was troubled, with  what transpired, the other part of her  felt  'at ease' now that  the Sol system and Paradise  system was going to have their handsful, and that the 'sides' that were chosen , we  clear.

 Ma'am  we have   four  ships  with  ESN transponders  approaching

 Hail then, if you  please  Holly... The Hail went through, a Snari with a ESN Captain's Unifrom appeared.. around him  , on the bridge were   Humans  occui and  an Hyrian, all in ESN Blue.

 ...I am Captain Liges of the  ESN F 011 Diemos.. I lean  4  ships, The  Thebe, Io
 and Oberon, to join the Delta Fleet....

 Si  bowed her  head slightly,Welocme to the Fleet.. You will  Join Delta #1 section...  Lt Hock will send orders to the other  three ships, as to which section  they will join.... You  Four  will come  aboard the Hermes   to join in the Meeting with  Admiral Van Ros, for  our  upcomign counterattack...I see you have many races on your Bridge...

 ..Aye, Flag Captain. The APF   finished   12 vessels in the Sanri and Occui  ship building moons....They decided to use  Multi APF  crews  and Officers.  2 ships   were  kept in each   system, 4 others   were sent to the Moons,  2 for each moon in the paradise system...we were sent here, as  most of our  crews  have  fought Empire  assets in our own systems...

 Very Good  , Captain Liges, I look forward to meeting you and the other Captains..Welcome to  the  Tip of the spear

 Holly send the Information to the  other three ships,  send  information to  The Admiral and the Board..

 already done, Ma'am...

(( after   Bura  shore leave))

-----> From Morris shed

Zob approaches near the door to the bridge a area he don't come around very often if at all, "General Bale is expecting me" he addressed the sec troopers on duty at the door.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:33, Tue 03 Jan 2023.

 The Trooper  gave  Zob a nod,I'll Check  , Sarge... he went in the   door, then came out nodding  for Zob to enter.

When Zob entered  General Bale  was sending out  DOLs ( dead or Alive) on a large  stack of  deserters, or slavers.

 Waving  Zob in, he finished off  4 names  and put those papers  in the 'done' box.

War is heating up , SGT. and we don't have the  brave of heart we had the  first 2 years. We still get trained  people. But many lack guts... he made a  fist  and   clenched  it like he was squeezing a stress ball,Lack Purpose, Think only of themselevs

  standing as he  opened a Cabinet behind him, Bale pulled on  a Bottle of  Rum and two Glasses, alonf  with it, Papers from  a section of the Cabinet. When he sat  down , he    checked off   some thing on three  sheets of paper,  The General could either read horrifically fast, or who was  just used to the  Boxes he needed to check, and the lines he needed to sign on.

 Turning the  papers towards  Zob, he  said..sign under my name, at those spots. As  Zob read and  signed, Bale  punched  two icecubes  from the water cooler/freezer ,for each glass, and  filled the glasses.

Zob knew the general was a busy man so he picked up the pen and signed the papers where he was instructed to do so before handing them back to him, "Sounds like me before i got here over 5 plus years ago, the only thing i ever thought about was revenge back then and over time i realized how narrow minded i was... lacked discipline, control, but found purpose in fighting so that our future generations can be more then just a side dish for the empire and its allies"

  when Bale took the papers  he  handed  Zob a glass, held his  out  for a clink,here's to 'moving on'. Its  not an easy thing to do, but the mindset is important.  Your Daughter should be fine, if she doesn't  catch a stray round on the Hanger Dec.

 I will tel you this. Our  next jump off is goign to be nasty, we had  to explain to some of the APF  folks why we needed to do it. he chuckled a bit,we were goign to do it  anyway, But  The Admiral's efforts  to have them weigh in were important, it   gave us  some insight to  the other  members thoughts. Saddly, Earth  will be a target sooner or later, Hack will not  be able   to ...NOT... pound it like any other planet.

Zob raised his glass in a toast to Bale before taking a drink, "Every jump off is nasty in its own way some much worse then others, lets just make sure that its nastier for them then us this time around... a side note general when we eventually reach the demons main system we should make sure to hit Cinna before Hel itself... one of the biggest supply planets for the system, its kinda like a central hub in a sense that links teleporters where we used to move our slaves and pretty much breed them and put them in cold storage... its also very rich in precious metals but not many are foolish enough to try and excavate them the wildlife is straight nightmare fuel as humans call it"
This message was last edited by the player at 17:54, Thu 05 Jan 2023.

  General Bale  thinks a bit as he says, we will have to keep that in mind, maybe visit some   the blockade the  handed ut to the Angels  back on them.

 Bale  stood, offered his hand,Carry on SGT. you an your   daughter have a home here, always.

Zob stood as well took the generals hand and gave it a firm shake, "I appreciate that general will see you around" with that said he took his leave and headed back home.

-----> To Civie Section

 (( hermes  sails  betwen Astra space  and Zolth space. ))

  Lt Holly Hock turned to the Captain , who sat in he chair.we have   the 'gifts' from Astra  and Zolth  moving into postion. Ma'am.

 send out the  co-ordinace  they  need   to settle into the fleet

 Lilly says,Um...ah....already done..um...Ma'ma..

Ensign , Newton Law,  punched in the   next two  tack changes  as the  fleet   would  change   vectors  evey two  hours, This also helpe hid  and   additions or subtractiosn  to the   fleet's move ments.