Going North  above the river. There was only  signs of some skinny human type characters. They were fishing in  dugouts and looking up at CAlhoun's  HAmmer in surprise , smaler figures on the shore  were running into the trees.

 None of them looked like Bugs ....

In reply to Commander Hack (msg #1):

Scanning the screen display Justin gave a mental shrug. So this was to be some kind of bug hunt. Wondering what type of bugs the Chief had cooked up for them.

Aldin took notice of both the skinny humanoids, as well as the small creatures heading to the trees. He looked at his map keeping note of the area they covered so far. "There's life down there, but they don't look dangerous..What do you guys think, should we turn south over the forest and scout out some of that area? I can pull up, and we can take a more spread formation too, to cover more ground." He said still scanning the planet below him, keeping a watch on the sky and clouds out of the corner of his eye.

In reply to Aldin Calhoun (msg #3):

Did either of you get a situational brief he prompted hoping that they could provide at least the basics of this sim

"I think that would be more beneficial to our mission." Gormeck replies to Calhoun. "We should remain under the cover of the clouds until the storm hits, If we don't pass it before hand."

"The Briefing is as fallow's. We find the bug base, and give them a bug bomb for their birthdays." He pauses a moment to check over the scanners then sighed. "And don't die while doing it....it will look bad on our records.

In reply to Marshal Gormeck (msg #5):

Roger that Rogue one, special delivery for bugsy. Any specific bugtown or the first we locate... Initiating electronic surveillance he asked adjusting his sensors slightly to pickup any signals or electronic communications

"If it's not military, we don't touch it. There's no need to waste bullets on civilians." Aldin replied to Justin. His tone was serious. Giving one last look around, he pulls up back towards Justin and Marshal. "Coming back up..Alright let's spread to cover more land. We can sweep the area up and down, heading east. I don't wanna spend to much time searching for this place, we're wasting fuel and if we get stuck in that storm it's not gonna  make finding the bases any easier.." He said marking the area they covered so far on his map.

In reply to Aldin Calhoun (msg #7):


Have either or you prior knowledge of the situation being used in this sim.

"Even if we did this sim before, it wouldn't make any difference. They change it up every day so its always a fresher experience." He watched as Calhoun rose, then veered south for a half mile before stabilizing. He looked to the storm and shook his head as it seemed to get worse from afar. "Like the storm. It might not be there if we did the same sim tomorrow, or it would be already on top of us. There's no telling what they will do." He let out a soft laugh. "I remember a sim where we were in the same situation but after three hours in the sims we gave up because there were no enemies...at all. So there is no telling what will happen in these things."

In reply to Marshal Gormeck (msg #9):

That's no help he mouthed Here's a thought. Assuming the sim has predefined environmental and life form conditions The humanoids in the dugout probably reside close to the area they were fishing. If we get a planetary schematic from our simulated Base Vessel it may speed up finding the location we need to be in. That's conditional on if the Chief considering this option and prepared allowed for this.

Justin considered applying his sim sysadd. True he had only just transferred in; which combined with the uncertainty of the Chiefs reaction to the subsequent sim adjustment. prompted him to decided holding off the better option this instance. However if the others demonstrated signs of frustration at executing a full opp flight without something to show...
This message was last edited by the player at 03:10, Wed 11 Jan 2012.

"I have to agree with Gormeck, sides it'd be boring if it were the exact same sim...In real flight there's always something different, a new variable. Getting a sim closer to that is what makes for great learning experience." He said. "So three hours, huh? What'd the guy running it say when you guys bailed?" He asked Marshall jokingly. Might as well get to know the two pilots, since they were just scanning land right now, he figured. "I have no doubt those life forms live near the river. History and ecology have proved that land organisms on earth are drawn to areas of large bodies of water over and over again. Seeing them things fishing down there prolly means the same rules apply to this place..." He replied to Justin. He felt like a nerd talking about science and history like that, but oh well.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:21, Wed 11 Jan 2012.

  the chief  didn't  say anything, but his comm was opened  so they knew he was there..he just wathed the sim  and made notes for the  CO and WC to go over.

  to the nroth and east was a thick tendril of smoke coming from the thick Trees, the River  bent around here, and a LAke came into view...some boats out on the lake, tiny figures  casting out  nets..they looked up as the HAmmers  came into view, thier  open vents making the crafts  sound  like the  dragons , of old earth fanatsy

"Rogue 3 head over to the smoke and investigate whats going on. Rogue 2 and I will cover you encase something goes down to our disliking." Marshal pulled back to lose speed. "Rogue 2 hang back with me. ready all weapons systems and boosters."

Justin shook his head at both pilots comments, I wasn't asking for a rerun of past sims, rather if you knew anything about the nature of the bugs... he thought

The ships onboard display registering the locals proximity. Assuming these indigenous races have a co-habitable relationship with bugs. He paused checked for broadcasts from the urban area outwards. if any registered he initiates a jamming countermeasure. If that's the case those who've seen us may let the bugs know we're headed their way
This message was lightly edited by the player at 05:40, Wed 11 Jan 2012.

"Well if that is the case. then the more fun for us. That would only provoke them to come out of hiding and reveal their bases location." He looked down to the fishermen at work. "But then again they look more like the type to fear the bugs or be enslaved by them...But take no chances." Marshal was starting to wonder what back water planet this new pilot came from. Everyone new about the bugs, and had some history dealing with the over sized vermin.

Aldin pulled back as well, drecreasing his speed. He turned his weapons on, and cycled through each one making sure they were up and running properly. Once everthing was running, he took note of the new points on the map. The trail of smoke made him a little on edge. Either that was some big campfire, or some sort of forest fire was spreading. Looking back down on the fishermen he wondered how advanced civilization was here.

  the   Hammers  flew closer to the  Smoke, the LAke vast, islands scattered  about, some of them had signs of  settlements on.

  The water looks extremely smooth, despite the  wind kicking up.

In reply to SIMS (msg #17):

Do either of you think it's odd how the water appears so smooth. I'd have thought there would be some wave activity considering the front that's moving in. Rogue two you can you pickup anything with your sensors

Marshal remained silent now. He had decided that since he didn't really have an answer to the question, he should keep things going on the task at hand. And putting a bit of extra energy into keeping his bird from being blown into his wing mate...that just wasn't good piloting if he let that happen. He sent his craft up a bit higher for just encase measures.

Rogue two do you copy... he broadcast hoping Calhoun was still on line. Checking his sensor for the ships onboard registration signal Rogue One have lost verbal contact with Rogue 2. Can you contact

  The  craft flew  closer to the  smoke, they could see a  bit of a clearing in the thicvk forest, if not for the smoke, one  might have just passed over it...to the North, was a very dark bank of clouds moving in, almost on course to head off the  storm from the east...

 All signatures where now off line from the heavy electrofuzz in the atmosphere..the only  links they had where the coms  and the trtacking discs in each of thier craft....

In reply to sims (msg #21):

Blast this the storms causing system interference. Will have to go visual. Looking at the surround scree display an image of the situation he's able to get his bearings adjusting the controls to invert the craft thereby changing the image and postioning to reflect this mode of flight. Rogur One Rogue Two am inverted, adjusting to lowest safe elevation for operational area. Care to join me... over This'll test their flying capabilities; hopefully the'll not fly into a peak
This message was last edited by the player at 01:59, Tue 17 Jan 2012.

Focused in on the area around him, he didn't realize Justin talking to him. His concentration broke though the second time Justin spoke. "Uh, I'm here...sorry I zoned out there for a moment..." He said softly, looking back to the smoke. He took note of the clearing trying to get a better visual through the smoke. The smoke appeared to travel the opposite direction of the storms of from the north and east, particularly the north. "Careful that storm from the north looks nasty...try to keep track of the wind turbulence. I'd like to keep our distance from each other til we know the full extent of the power of this storm. Last thing we need is to crash into each other..." He replied over the coms.

In reply to Aldin Calhoun (msg #23):

Roger that Rogue Two. Will circle the clearing and see what's up rather down. Hopefully I'll spot something of interest, that won't be too threatening... Over He informs, prepping the ships counter missile devices and checking the blaster control and targeting

  Kase circles the   clearing..it looks like a small village...but the fire  they have in the middle of the village for  cooking and such, seems to be alot bigger then the  fuel sources they have piled  there...some of the natives  are looking up in the air, smaller ones run for the huts...

In reply to sims (msg #25):

Adjusting the displays images focus to zoom in on the fire. He gained altitude and level off allowing him a moment to determine what they were up to and whether this required further investigation.

it was hard to tell, the  hole for the clearing wasn't all that big, the smoke rising  and the fire made it hard to get good reads...the  branches  of the trees swaying and such, didn't help much either.

In reply to sims (msg #27):

He had half a mind to put three blasts into the fire just for effect. But discipline prevailed. This search was turning out to be another one of those waiten's that he'd been sent on many, many times.

Aldin watched carefully as Justin circled the area. "Rogue three, can you see anything down there?" He asked. He was further up, so he didn't have quite as good view as Justin did. Seeing as how Justin was investigating the open area, Aldin kept check of the storm moving in. He was cautious to note any changes in the wind or weather.

In reply to Aldin Calhoun (msg #29):

Rogue two Apart from the small village with a fire they have in the middle of the village for cooking and such. It appears to be bigger than the fuel sources they are using. Probably using some reagents or could be an underground vent that releases flammables... Over There's just too many possibilities and not sufficient proof

Sighing he looked off to the storm in the north. "As much I hate the idea of flying in a storm, I think it might be best if we preserve our fuel and let storm pass through." He paused for a moment surveying the area. "With any luck, rain and wind should put the fire out, in theory, and we could possibly get a better look on the village. If the fire doesn't go out then I think it's safe to say these villagers probably have something they shouldn't and we could be a lot closer to those bug bases than we think." He added. In thought it made sense. With the materials that the three of them can see, the villagers should only have wood and the likes for the fire. Rain should be able to put it out or at the very least douse it. If the fire continued to burn, then Justin was right, they probably had a hold of petroleum or some sort of flammable reagent.

  a Buzz goes off in all three pilot's Coms... a tect goes across the screen..report to the WC, in the Hanger Bay...5 minutes ago!....

In reply to sims (msg #32):

That solves that then. he grins, executing an automated system shutdown. Popping the Sims hatch and climbing out of the unit. Thanks Chief was an interesting scenario. What's the buzz he asks hoping he'll be able to spare some details, as Justin heads for Hanger bay 5. On arrival he'll salute the WC, offering his transfer doco if and when required.

 the Chief  shrugs,..don't know boys..but i sure as the 9 hells, wouldn't  have him waiting one me..  he smiles with a wing  as he opens the disc  chambers to  unload the machines.

Acknowledging the chiefs responce he bustles off

To Hanger 5 >>

The buzzer woke Marshal up with a start. He didn't realize that he had fallen asleep. Strange that it never happened before. He opened the simulator hatch and slid out with a wince from the bright light from outside the pod. "Hey cap' You need to check out the screens in this sim...knocked me clear out in the middle of the run." He didn't leave much room for a reply, they were called to the hanger and the hanger he half stumbled, half ran to.

HANGER>>>

The buzz caught Aldin's attention immediately, as he looked reading the text. The hell...? He thought to himself as he processed the message. Sighing he let up the hatch, turning the sims off. "Thanks chief. Think you can save that sim and give me an analysis of it? I'd like to review what we did and see what kind of improvements can be made to better ourselves. I'd appreciate any advice you wanna give too, if ya don't mind." He asked sliding out of the sim. "I'll come back later to pick it up, gotta run" He added before darting off after Justin and Marshal.

Hanger>>

<<<<<<<<...Calhoun , Apple

   Taking her  down she disengaged herself  from Apple  and  climbed up the  steps into the cokcpit...she  jumpoed in the seat , a smile on her  fasce as she Buckled herself and the Dragon inot the  seat..she was looking all around  the dash, Then finally Over her  soulder to  Apple and CAlhoun as the Sailor who prepped the machine fussed with it a bit.

Appigan watches over her as she climbs into the sim.

"Her call sign is Dragon."

"Hey how about I fly with you. I know your excited and all, but flying is a little trickier than it looks. You can be like my co-pilot though, alright?" He said as she quickly jumped in getting herself buckled. She might've known a lot from watching videos and such, but he could tell she looked a little nervous or overwhelmed as she looked at the dash. Getting in himself, he adjusted her so that she could sit on his lap comfortable. He pointed to her where everything was at and what those things did. "Alright, we're ready when you guys are" He said to the sailor working once he was done explaining everything to her. "Hey Apple go enjoy yourself for a bit, I can keep an eye on her for now." He added. With them being in the sim he felt bad just having Apple stand there.

Once the sim was getting started he did a few standard system checks from inside. "Alright, I'm gonna let you steer for a bit. Remember you gotta hold on tight, and make smooth movements" He told her, letting her grasp the yoke. He still held on as well in case she needed help steering.

Appigan smiles seeing things getting going.

"She's flown sims before. Watch you tail feathers Calhoun. Dragon might just flame yer ass."

He moves off to the controller's booth. There he asks the operator to bring up the cockpit camera. There he can watch Ingrid's reaction to events.

 Ingrid crosses her  arms and Pouts..not a sad whiney pout...but  the Pout  of "what the 9 hells you doing in my ship!"

  The Sailor laughed  as  he was getting the extentions for her feet for the ruddeer controls,Don't  think she wants you messin' with her bird...um...Sir....

Aldin looked at her a little surprised. Laughing a bit he shook his head. "Alright alright I get it...Sheesh, you watch your tail then kid. You wanna fly your own bird then your the one responsible for it" He said jumping out, helping her get buckled up again, all the while he shook his head smiling and laughing. "If she can take me out Apple, I'll buy you and the sailor here a drink, and her a sundae" He replied back to Apple. He couldn't get over the little girl's behavior. It was funny. Jumping in the next sim over, he adjusted everything himself, and prepped the cockpit. Putting on the coms headset, he looked over to Dragon. He smiled at the girl's tenacity to fly her own fighter. "You ready, kid?" He said over the coms so she could hear. He was actually a little excited to see the girl in action.

  When he got out  and the sailor  fixed the leg extensions, she  got really happy..she  Pointed  at the cockpit   and held up  three fingers.

  The Chief  shook his head,..no..a Hammer  One is good.....

  she shook her ehad and held up three fingers...her little eyebrows  going V shaped again....

  The  Chief sighed,alright kid, but  when you wreak on take off, it will just take  longer to Re-boot....

  She  smiled  smuggly as  she the helmet-headset on, then she  pointed at the  screen and touched a place on the star map....then touched it again...The  heading on the map said  Tortuga Space....she touched it once more  a Moon that circled  a dead planet was there...but the  moon was far from dead, Bigger then ours, it held  atmosphere..she tapped the Moon... and she pointed to it...

 The chief looked up,awww..now  what the  9 hells are you doing..You can't  fly this  thing onAlba...

 It was too late...she  had  are ready locked the program in...she  was jumping inher  seat as   the Chief  pulled Apple over and whispered,..Alba  is  a Pirate base...of sorts...it is known to have  slaves...blackmarket, yuou anme it ..its there...the sim we have is from a mishmash of   ships cams  and  porbe  cams.....the  fighters  will be a mix of ships, even HAmmers...You sure you want her to go through with this?

"Hey Chief," Appigan says, "Over here a moment."

Once the chief is away from Ingrid he talks softly.

"This is also a medical trip.

Part of this is fun for her. The other part is to get her to talk. I want you to not always go with a hand signal on the first go. Like pre-launch or in flight things. Ask for an audio response.

If she doesn't at first you can do it on the second signal. We want her to want the benefits of talking again."

  The Chief nods, Right then..Dragon? Calhgoun..You ready?

  The  Girl gives  a thumbs  up  and salutes the chief.... she  flicks  some of the toggles and the "hammer III" begins to hummm..

Oria walked into the area and looked around. She was a little put off at seeing Apple here but managed to hold feelings in so they wouldn't show. their last encounter and his uneasiness had just set her mood. She stayed by the door and crossed her arms as she watched what was going on.

Appigan has a momentary pause seeing Oria. The strange, solo, educated Angel that floated around the Hermes. He had mixed feelings about the Angels and for all he knew Oria was anything from an outlaw to a runaway princess. He decides not to raise any objections. He watches the cockpit camera of the young girl Ingrid.

  Ingrid's  Hammer took off..the Viud  screens above showed the girl and a camara  angle as if  trackign the Hammer, the  Girls's hammer was headed straight towards that moon....

She held her gaze on him a bit sternly as she watched him with her oval eyes, momentarily looking away to look at the vid screens when he looked back at her. The only question running through her mind was why he had gone to the doctor, who wouldn't tell her anything. maybe if she could befriend the man, he might tell her everything. She didn't quite know how humans thought but from what she had learned was that they can hold secrets very well.

She decided now might be a good time to start, making her way over to his side but saying nothing. out of lose of words.

Appigan looks up to notice the hovering Angel woman.

"Hello Ma'am. I'm Corporal Appigan, ESN Marine. Can I help you?"

His voice had instinctively gone formal saying ESN Marine. It was obvious from his barracks brown off duty uniform he was a marine. Something reminded him of dealing with EDT on Earth when Henry had almost been abducted.

Oria forced a smile on her face. "Ma'am..." She looked down at him then back up to the vid screens. "I think we got off on the wrong foot the other day...Corporal, I am Oria the ships technician and Bio-tech engineer. It is nice to meet you...again." She took her right hand from her arm fold and holds it out to him.

Appigan reaches over with his right hand to shake hers with slightly under firm strength.

"I'm one of the few marine medics on board so alot of odd jobs fall to me. Right now we are hoping to encourage the young lady to start talking. She is an orphan survivor from the black ship with the avains. Pretty sure her mother was among those eaten. She's in a mental tension right now but she likes sims. So we're giving this a shot.

There any special Angel treatment for curing this?"

She gave him a firm but lighter-than-his grip. She looked to the girl as he spoke, she seemed at home with the controls in her small hands which made Oria smile. She kept her eyes on the girl as she replies to the humans question. "There is a way perhaps, Although the practice is thought to be to harmful on humans. It has never been tried again after the first human died from the shock derived through thought process." She glanced down to him to gather his reaction.

"Ah, probably want to discuss it in detail with Stefi and Henri. You know Henri right? Weren't you at his lab the other day?"

A little blown away by her place of choosing, Aldin shrugged and went along with it. The way she worked the sim definitely showed she had played in them before. He wondered what her life was like before being put on that Avian ship. Maybe her parents or people she use to know flew. He pondered the thoughts as he started up the Hammer giving the chief a thumbs up. As the sim came up he noticed Ingrid's hammer on his radar heading straight for the moon. What is she up to? He thought to himself.

"There is no need to bother them with it." She said looking to Calhoun  as his sim started up. "It wouldn't really be up to them, in the long run it all would be the little humans decision." She then smiled with a nod. "And yes, I Know the Doctor. I work with him in his search to know us better and the rest of the black."

Appigan tilts his head funny. Maybe it was his expectations but she first said little humans he took it to mean the species as a whole was little. Before he speaks he realizes she may have meant the girl.

"Actually, its not. In human society until a child reaches a certain age the key decisions belong to her care givers. With her known relatives killed in the war at the moment it means the hospital will make the decision. Experimental procedures are risky things.

What can you tell me of this mind adjustment? How do you do it?"

  Ingrid neared the Moon she veered towards a  place where clouds  had  gathered for a small storm of  sorts. The CVhief barely had time to open the "random encouters" bot.

  Out of the Clouds  Came  a Largran fighter. The colors of the craft showed it to be a Pirate Craft, Bfore the thing had a chance to register Ingrid's  Hammer..the Little  girl opened fire  with the nose  Cannon and Pulse guns.... The ship was tore to pieces  before it ever fully  cleared  the Clouds, and Ingrid  dove into the cloud mass....

"Yes, I know the human rules with their young. Then there is weather the youngster wishes to speak at all. Your adults have no say in that matter." Oria paused and put a finger to her lips in a thoughtful posture.

"This experiment as you call it is widely used among us angels. since our minds are strong we can use it about once a week, though we do not need to on an over all since we do not hold stress like humans." She then looked down to him again. "It is easier to show you how it is down then to simply tell you."
This message was last updated by the player at 22:03, Wed 18 July 2012.

"Well you can show us a video about it. Experimenting on an already damaged patient can cause other complications. Though I'm suprised to here its like that. As I understood it humans where a left behinds of the Angel species meaning we ought to be capable of the same thing."

Oria shook her head. "No, there are no Videos of this in work. I have to show you upfront. Possibly We could work on it with you, so your not to much on edge around my kind." She turned around about to leave the sim area. "As far as you concerns about where you came from, think about the differences of our planets and how your people evolved on your earth." There was a slight edge to her words as she spoke, almost angry in a way. Oria gave him a bow before heading towards the rec dec.

Rec dec>>>

Appigan waits for the doors to close. He looks over to the sim chief.

"And that's why we call her princess.

Rather than actually telling us about the shared past and common genetics going off with a demeaning royal air. Princess Buttercup."

He turns back to watch the sim.

"We need to drop something in so she needs to co-ordinate with her wingman Calhoun.

Maybe task her to do SEAD for his ground strike."

OOC:
SEAD = suppression of enemy air defence, as in knocking out missile and radar sites

 The Chief looks  over the   boards   and he shrugs,..this is one of the newer  programs..as  far as i know?  Only   the Commander and   Shadow  had flown it...I might  be able  to insert some air to ground stuff, But she's not  giving  me  a chance to get ahead of her....this program is built on  films and research for this past year...most other programs have   a  hell of alot of  backround loaded into it...Still..if   i can  catch her on the screens , i can pump another random in..hope it slows her down....

  The Hammer with   the Girl  flew past a Village on the   ground. near that village, tehre seemed to be a small  transport, of  demon-make  near it, a few of the   people ( about   1/2 inch in size on the scren were talking to a pair  of demons..One of the Demons pointed in the air, But the Girl's  craft kept  moving...it  appears she was heading  towards the  small Mountain range...
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:38, Wed 18 July 2012.

"She's flying like she knows what is coming, like she has already watched this footage somewhere. Security leak? Or is she just guessing?"

  Damned if i know  corpral..but  i don't see folks  fly like that, unless they know what they are doing...I don't know  if she  can fly a Hammer? But she can fly a Sim....

"Zero Gee affects does make it easier. She used to play sims on her home ship so does know the buttons. Kids get good at the games they play. Part of me looks at us breeding up another killer. But thats what it takes to keep the world safe."

   Ingrid was  diving through a valley and  swinging up the foothills ...her  cannon fired as the Explosion revealed a  demon lookout  tower, hidden in the trees, she then roled over and went down over the otherside of the Mountain...

 Chief  shook his head,..there is no way...she doesn't know where she's going...i bet  yuou could  count the pilots on one hand, that could fly like that, in this Sim, and you would have fingers left over....

Aldin followed in pursuit after her, as he tried to keep up with where she was going. She took the Largan pirate ship out without hesitation, and flew right into the clouds. She seemed to be very direct in where she was going, and only cared to attack anything that would attack her. She was even shooting at stuff before they showed up on the radar or where even visible. What the hell is going? There's no way this kid is that good.. He thought to himself as he flew behind her following her movements.

"Dragon, where are you heading?" He asked over the coms. He began to wonder if she had knowledge of this place. Being on the Avian ship, she could've been taken from this region and sold to the Avians. She had to have knowledge of the place, there was no way she could know where everything was at otherwise. She was flying through this sim like she had flown threw this area her whole life.

    Calhoun just recieved a beep on his  Com 1...a single beep used by fighters to signal thier  wingmen to follow. as the  Fighter  went out over  the  ledge, a small sea  appeared  she shot over the sea and  Piboted  around in an Immelman turn, he sights were focused on a small Cave Mouth.

 As  the image became  clear..10 figures were on the ground  by the cave..A Black Avian, a Yellow Avian..A wisp..a Largran..4 EDT people  with one man standing with his arms tied  behind his back..the  Hammer dove  down on the FGigures. they ran towards the Cave..the Little Girl fired  with her pulse guns and Cannon..two EDT  people  ran into the cave  with the tied man..as the  girl Gunned down the Others....one very loud...heart breaking shout came from the girl...DADDDDDYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!

"Well now... apparently yeah... she's been thre."

  The  Chief shook his head,..never  seen that before....what the hell is  that.....how did she know.....

"Chief, she was there when the abduction took place for real."

  Ingrid's Hammer went on auto Pilot...the Girl was crying saying over and over again daddy...daddy...daddy...

Appigan runs out of the control room. He heads over to Ingrids cockpit. Popping the hatch he picks up the girl in his arms and holds her to his chest.

  Ingrid says..i can't get my Daddy!  her body shakes  with convulsions, she styill rgips  her dragon in her left hand.

He continued to follow her, his interest peaked. Once they reached the small lagoon like area he circle with her noting the beings on the ground. It was then when he heard her shouting for her father and firing away that he knew what was happening. Still he was boggled as to how she knew that the sim would be perfectly set up time and date wise, and well considering everything to consider, that she knew her father, or even someone who had a similar fate as her father would be here. He had a hard time believing it all, thinking maybe he was just over thinking it all, and this was possibly something just building up inside her. Maybe her seeing the slaved man, brought up memories, he didn't know.

"Chief shut the sim off" He replied hearing her starting to cry. His voice was cold. It was enough to tell the whole thing had been to much for her. He felt bad hearing her cry. Opening the hatch of his own sim, he got out, seeing Apple had already grabbed her.

  The Cheif  looked over to the three of them,...i can shut it  down..but you'll lose what se saw..we didn't  save it yet.....either of you think you could fly back there, the way she did?

"Im a fucking marine not a fly boy. Bring it in Calhoun.

Chief random drop friendlies to help him."

Appigan was holding the girl close.

"We know about it. We know about it. You did good Dragon. You did good Ingrid. "

"I'm pretty sure I remember the route she took that brought us there." He said turning to the chief as Apple tended to the girl. "If there really are slave trades going on there, higher ups are gonna wanna know...You said most of this sim is from ship footage from around the area right?" He asked the chief. From the sim footage EDT and Avians were involved in the slave trade. He wasn't one for high intel and such, but this could be important to the ESN. It was worth at least taking a look into. The fact that they have someone who was actually there and went through everything too. He looked back to the little girl to see how she was doing.

well?  the footage  we have  is from that scout ship, but that one pliot lost the rest of the ship and the starmaps when tried to do something to the ship...set off a self destruct and they Jettisoned it....But? This Moon circles  that Dead planet  on the far side of Tortuga space...figure..pirates and such being people in and out...no reason they woudl show us the way, if the Credits were right?

In reply to SIMS (msg # 78):

Justin had finished his mean and was making his way back to his cabin through the sims area when he heard the hullabaloo. Moving in their direction he noticed Aldin emerge from one of the units and head towards the Marine Medic, who appeared to be comforting a girl. Hey Aldin what's up.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:07, Thu 19 July 2012.

"Ya it'd better if we could have a good idea of were that place is located though." He turned to noticed Kase approaching them. "Hey, just some interesting stuff. This girl came from that Avian ship we fought. Had her fly a sim with me. Think we might've found a slave trade spot going through the sims." He said replying to Justin. "Chief if Justin and me jump in you think you can put us in the same sim and spot? If I can bring us back to that location we can get an edge on where this place really is.." Aldin added.

..I can sure try..bottom line is this...even without the Randoms? no sim is ever the same way twice,  Unless it was created by an instrutor...you might get there  way before those  goys on the beach..you way get there way after...You might get shot down by some  anti-aircraft?..I can shut he randoms off...but  changes  itself...

"Whether we get there before or after isn't too big of a deal as long as we know the location. She went pretty quick but I remember the way she took. All we need is to is last long enough to get to that spot and for you to be able to save. We can use that data though to try and find the location for real.." He replied.

well?..Hop in..lets see what happens...

In reply to Aldin Calhoun (msg # 85):

Justin hobbled towards the sim Aldin and Geoffry caught glimpses of the edge of casts on both his arms, along with several sutures and telltale bruising of from facial injuries Sure thing I'm game, what's the situation

  This program is a newer one...a habitable moon called Alba, on the other side of Tortuga Space....Kid found  some slavers that were in the   pictures and   given 'lfe' by the program...these two want to  find  out were the stronghold is...

In reply to SIMs (msg # 88):

Sounds interesting. Chief have you had a chance to run through the samples you downloaded. The one called Who dares could help if you want some extra tweaking or intend to mirror the conditions He suggested as he gingerly climbed into the Sim Cabin.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:48, Thu 19 July 2012.

  The Chief  shook his head,had to  take them out   , until we reach Fuji..they have to take to the techs who were workign with those EDTs.....should have shot them all....but..they don't let  me make calls like that.

Aldin didn't notice Justin's injuries until the guy started limping over to the sim. "Hey man you alright?" He asked Justin as he caught on to his other injuries as well. He climbed back into his sim, listening to both of them. The injuries didn't seem to be bothering him too much so he shrugged it off, and prepared for the sims.

In reply to Aldin Calhoun (msg # 91):

Mostly, Thanks. The medics have me popping pain killers till I can heal up. Still able to hobble about and have some reduced flexability.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:25, Thu 19 July 2012.

Appigan lifts Ingrid out of the sim.

"Come on Ingrid. Lets take you to the control booth. Now that you are talking again you can tell the pilots how to find the right spot again."

He takes her to the control room. He pulls a chair over so she can sit next to the chief.

   Ingrid sits  on the chair  , dragon  held  tightly..she sniffs  now  and then as she watched the Chief  Punchup the program

Appigan looks to Kase.

"You a pilot? We've gotten something significant and a wingman for Calhoun could help.

By the way, I'm Corporal Appigan, Marine Medics, on assist to Med Lab at the moment."

In reply to Geoffry Appigan (msg # 95):

Affirmative Corporal Appigan I'm a pilot and we met earlier... Ensign Justin Kase; you suggested I get some rest. he prompted.

Appigan looks the bruised Kase up and down.

"And I'm guessing you had a fight instead. Can you help man the sim?"

In reply to Geoffry Appigan (msg # 97):

Looking out of the Sim Justin gingerly shook his head, in response to Geoffry's statement. Not quite I got the rest, as you advised. All of this happened to me in training; one of your Marine buddies, the one called Kruger, was showing me the finer points of martial arts.

Aldin was waiting in his sim just about ready as the two were talking. So that's why he's all beat up.. He thought to himself as Justin explained his encounter with the marine. "You let a marine beat you up, Kase? C'mon now you can't be having them show us up." He said a jokingly to Kase before glancing over to Apple with a smile. "Let's get rolling, I wanna get this done." He added in ready to fly.

In reply to Aldin Calhoun (msg # 99):

Justin glanced at Aldin with a, You should have been there look... then thumbed the manual close switch and the Sim door closed. While the screen started up he wiggled his fingers in preparation. The routine ran through a series of protocols as the scenario parameters setup the mission. Adjusting his headpiece Tally Ho Bandicoot leader he broadcast to Aldin.

"If a marine can't beat a pilot up there is something wrong with the system."

He laughs.

In reply to Geoffry Appigan (msg # 101):

Yeh thats what I thought you'd say Ho'd you like to try your luck against Shadow... Justin responds, through his headset, with a note of mischief in his tone
This message was last edited by the player at 05:22, Fri 20 July 2012.

  The Chief aks s them if they are ready..then starts the Sim....once more the Moon comes into view..the  two Hammers  dive  down into the clouds...neither see the  fighter craft  Ingrid had  toasted.

 Ingrid shakes her little head as she watches. as they get to the area the where they saw the small Village and the  spacecraft on the ground, the notice the little people pointing up at them...That's  when Calhoun's Hammer is blown out of the air, by an anti-aircraft gun..

no damn good ..restart... the  Chief  shakes his head, the little girl sitting by him mirror's his actions.

  In all..it takes  5 more tries  Until they take out the fighter..and take out the Lookout  tower..and..turn as they fly over the  sea, and  find the Little group of  people on the shore.

  Ingrid  Jumps off the chair  as the HAmmers close in on the group....

Aldin laughed as he remembered Shadows fight with the Angel. He lowered his hatch and waited for the system to start up. "Ya I'd put money down on Shadow in a heart beat...I think that guy can take on just about anyone...It's crazy" He responded through the coms. "I think I'd like to fight the guy just to see how long I'd last" He said laughing.

As the sim started up he lead them through the clouds. Before he has much chance to react as the small village came into view, a antiaircraft gun started firing at them. The gun loaded his hammer with bullet holes, causing him to crash. "Son of a..." He bit his lip, thinking the girl might be listening. He was getting frustrated for a bit before they were finally able to take out their enemies and reach the same location as before. He looked down spotting the people. "That's the spot..Any chance the vids can capture images of them? Tech specialists might be able to identify some of 'em." He said keeping a close on on the group.

In reply to Sims (msg # 103):

According to what, the Chief, Dragon, Aldin and he had been discussing. betweem restarts; the group will try and haul Dragon's father into the caves. They planned for Aldin to take out the ones on the left of him and Justin tried to take out the ones on the right.

As soon as they were spotted Justin fired, a controlled burst, which ripped through the group he was to target.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:57, Fri 20 July 2012.

"If the solo pilots aren't over stroked on their egos there's something wrong with their system.

I wouldn't want to be mistaken for striking a superior officer. Certainly not a showboater at that."

  Justin and Aldin work  out the attack rather well...But  try as they may, at least on EDT , always got the priosner into the cave.

 well boys...no matter what we do...doesn't  seem like you can get them all...not without toasting the prisoner...however...the recorded  has  saome damn nice  photos of that play now...

In reply to Sims (msg # 107):

have they tried skidding into the purps both sides of the target so the only one left standing is the father.

"All right I'm going to take Ingrid back to her room now. You fliers will need to sort out the intell up the chain of command."

Appigan picks up Ingrid then sets her down standing. Holding her hand he leads her out.

--->Rec Dec

In reply to Geoffry Appigan (msg # 109):

Corporal Appigan are you sure thats what you want us to do...he prompted

He sighed, as it came down to just settling on the photos. It annoyed him that they weren't able to nail everyone except the man, but at least they were able to get some good pics. With any luck higher ups could match the photos to actual people and try and find were the real slave operations were taking place. "Ya, we can't do much with this info...Them high intel tech nerds? Well they can probably put names to the faces we got photos of. With any luck, they might be able to pick up tracks of a slave route or something." He responded to Justin.

In reply to Aldin Calhoun (msg # 111):
o
 Justin considered the scenario for a moment Aldin do you think the imagery replication of actual persons of interest as opposed to randomised figures.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:05, Sat 21 July 2012.

   The Chief  works on saving the area at the CAve mouth. he then prints out 10 pictures from various angles...well? we have these pictures....I Locked the program..no one else is going to use this , until its cleared from up the line.. Pics  should go to Hack? I guess...but i hear the  Brass is  all in a big meeting?

Aldin took the pictures from the cheif, scanning through them to look at the faces of the men as he listened to the two. From what he could tell the men appeared to be the same wach time. "I dunno, looks like the faces are consistent in the photos. At the very least, we should let them know. What they decide to do with the info, well that's their call." He said slipping the photos back into an envelope.

Just as he seemed to close the envelope a call came across the coms. All military personal were to head to the hanger bay. "I wonder what's going on.." He said in response to the message. "I can take these photos to Hack, after whatever they want us in the Hanger for.." He said holding the photos to his side. "Thanks Cheif," He said before turning to Justin. "Cmon lets go figure out what's happening" He said heading off towards the hanger bay.

-->Hanger Deck

Justin looked up as the call for all active personell to report to the Hanger. He gave Aldin a nodding grin, Perhaps we'll get some more time in the Black. he commented hopeful that this would be the case, and headed for the Hanger.

to the the Hanger deck -->>

Berkley led the way to the simulators. she pulled out her tablet and pressed a few buttons in preparation. she then nodded to the chief guarding the simulators.

Permission to use the simulators sir? there are two of us and we would like to use it for entertainment, that is if no one else needs to use it.

 The Chief  Looked over  his Vid-board,..SIMS  are cleared  for another  hour. A class will be comign in  then...what you shooting  for?..Demons,  Lizards..Bugs?

Berkley handed the chief tablet with a save file displayed on it and a link cord.

Actually Koreans and a few Russian aces. some of the techies on the Fuji made this program, its a simulation of some dog fights in the Korean war. It works and does no harm to the simulator, and once its unplugged, the simulator works as if  nothing had happened

Berkley then turned her head to see what Justin was doing

In reply to Natalie Berkley (msg # 118):

Justin rubbed his chin absently. Korea with Russians its a variant then. Are there any tricks with controls

  The  Chief took the File and Nodded,..Let me  safe check it, and we'll get started....

  It takes  a few Minutes, the Chief  shrugs,...alright..I think  they are ready, Pod 1 and Pod 2...

Natalie stands by pod one and waited for Justin to get ready.

actually there a bit simplified compared to your standard hammer. just remember your flying a jet and not a space fighter

Natalie also took a second to think.

oh, and missiles are not invented yet

In reply to Natalie Berkley (msg # 121):

So no way to undertake a 360 split s and come in inverted on any target he mentioned as he clambering into the second pod. Once inside he slipped the head gear on flicked several buttons and tested the controls. This is radicle, how the dickens do you target without a system array. he mumbled

Natalie climbed into the first pod, put her head gear on and tested the controls.

ok, you'll have some time to get used to the controls on the way to the mission zone she said over the com as she tested the com to make sure it works.
after hearing Justin's question she chuckled a bit

why manually of course. see the crosshair in front of you

The simulation started to boot up after a brief loading screen. after a bright flash of light it was made apparent that the two pilots were in there aircrafts on an aircraft carrier. deck crews were rushing around trying to make last minute adjustment to get the jets ready for lift off. among the chaos a loud voice came over the com.

this is the tower , sorry to rush you to your sabres but we have an urgent situation. the Chinese are Launching a full scale counter attack and they are being covered by migs. If we don't clear a path for our bombers the boys on the field don't stand a chance. your mission is to find the enemy and take them out. this came directly from general MacArthur himself, lets not let him down

the crew gave both pilots a thumbs up and the unnecessary personal left the runway.

looks like your sabre is in front of mine, you'll have to take off first. just accelerate and pull up. if your sabre dips at the end of the runway don't panic, just keep accelerating
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 06:12, Sat 27 Apr 2013.

Manually he blurted as he looked about the sims interrior and control panel What the dickens are foot pedals for, I presume the dial with the horizontal line is for elevation. Where's the fuel consumption located, do we have to worry about that...
This message was last edited by the player at 05:17, Mon 29 Apr 2013.

Berkley looked at her controls to get an idea of what Justin was looking at.

Yes you will, the gauge should be at your bottom right, its the one that looks like it has a tube connected to it, but ill worry about bingo fuel and let you know just check on it if a mig gets a lucky shot incase your leaking any

In reply to Natalie Berkley (msg # 125):

Roger that, will do. You know it brings to mind learning how to use drive an AFV. After several adjustments and some tutoring from Natalie he's right to go. You sure you want me to lead its easy enough for me to assume wing position

Ya, it might be a good idea to let me go first, just do as I do.

Natalie accelerated just enough to make the plane move forward. the ground crew moved around a bit in confusion but after a second they adjusted so Berkley's sabre could take off first. Berkley's sabre wing tip came inches from touching Justin's as she passed by. after adjusting the jets direction a bit she held the airbrake in and pressed hard on the afterburner to make up for lost distance, then released the breaks. the jet seemed to have a slow start but suddenly picked up speed half way down the runway. when the sabre reached the end of the runway it suddenly dipped off the end of the ship but rose back above deck level and higher.

when she felt she was high enough she turned to circled around the aircraft carrier.
Ok, your turn.

In reply to Natalie Berkley (msg # 127):

Lucky thing you decided to take off first. I'd have probably landed in the drink. I take it we thrust to max whilst held in position, and the ships flight crew release the aeroplane
This message was last edited by the player at 06:42, Mon 29 Apr 2013.

just accelerate and pull up you'll be ok

In reply to Natalie Berkley (msg # 129):

Roger that Justin acknowledged fiddling with the throttle he accelerated the sim zipped forward appeared to drop and he pulled the control stick back tilting the nose upward. Once airborne he manoeuvred the sim bringing the Natalie’s sim onto his display and taking up wing position. Lead on McDuff.

ok, we got a few minutes till we reach the combat area, take some time to get used to the controls. I would tell you some tricks to taking out some migs but I don't want to ruin the surprise.....

Berkley slowly turned her sabre to the direction of the mission and matched Justin's speed to not go ahead. she felt a bit more relax to be away from the crowd, and this was her escape from reality. for the moment she dropped here cold shield and tried to have a bit of fun. she slowly inch closer to Justin's sabre seeing if she could get a reaction out of him, knowing he was not quite accustom to the craft.

this is the tower, before you guys go out of radio range keep an eye out for friendlies, there was a squadron sent out in the same direction your going earlier. good hunting guys

In reply to Natalie Berkley (msg # 131):

Justin noticed the adjacent fighter slow a little and jinked closer to his kite. He'd done the same thing quite often in training missions so wasn't surprised anyone would try that with him. If these were hammers he'd simply bank and roll over the adjacent craft ending on their opposite wing. When the tower report pumped across his headset he grimaced. Now we've gotta keep an eye out for friendlies, what next. he thought to himself How the heck do we do that without beacons.

Berkley corrected her course somewhat disappointed to not get a reaction.

the migs look vastly different than a sabre, you'll know when you see them....I can see land in the distance....and 4 aircraft coming to us.....hope your ready to shoot

this is lightning 1, your coming in from the sea I hope your friendly

as the craft came closer it was noticeable that on of the craft was leaving a trail of smoke.

In reply to Natalie Berkley (msg # 133):

Roger that Justin responded That figures, we have to be close enough to see the differences between fighters before we can open fire he mumbled to himself; surprised that Natalie didn't say he should hold his fire till you see the whites of their eyes.

Locating the approaching craft and the trail of smoke Justin noted the erratic path the partially disabled kite was taking. From what he'd learnt so far it explained why there was such a high casualty rate in pilots during that time.

lightning 1 this is phantom 1, we are friendly. what is your situation

Roger phantom 1, we stumbled on a hornets nest, there must have been at least a dozen and they got the jump on us. however we managed to shoot a few down before we bugged out, they seem to be inexperienced.

inexperienced? ha! I managed to take 3 down, they must have pulled these guys off crop dusting duty to fly here!

Lightning 4, overconfidence will get you killed here. focus on the mission!

roger that, were going in. thanks for the Info

Lightning 3, escort lightning 2 to the aircraft carrier. lightning 4 were going in with phantom 1 and 2. if I may make a suggestion. lets fly low north west of here and whip around a mountain near by and surprise these bastards, with any luck we wont be surprised by flak

I agree, redirecting my direction now.

Lightning 1 and 4 broke of formation to join formation with the non-AI pilots while lightning 2 and 3 continued on there straight forward path.

so bringing in your best with you huh?

we're the least damaged kid, and I better not see you showboating out there or ill see to it you'll be transporting cargo for the rest of this war

Justin grinned at the exchange, despite his unfamiliarity with this type of sim he had a good idea how combat worked. I thay bandit leader, thhall we give these upstarts a run for their thchilling. he commented in a manner he'd watched in some of the w1 film archives

Ha you sound like a brit vet I've talked to back in Liverpool

as the squadron approached the mountain a since of eagerness filled the quietness of the four pilots with the exception of the occasional interruption from lightning 4.

ten o'clock high

 dots from far away in the sky could barely be seen in the direction along with the occasional mortar shell exploding on the ground from the battle being waged on the ground.

there heading toward the sea, must be looking for us

well lets not disappoint them

when we get around this mountain lets pick up speed so when we make a pass they wont be able to stay on our tails

Berkley remained focused on the mountain as they began to hug it. she had never lived on this simulation mission, she wondered with another non-AI pilot if this would be different than her previous attempts.

In reply to Natalie Berkley (msg # 137):

Tally ho chaps Justin replied. Whilst getting the feel of the sim he had made some adjusts to the controls, employing shortcuts and the like which simplified some of the actions. Following the terrain contour he banked the kite mirroring Natalie’s manoeuvre.

as the squadron whipped around the mountain they picked up speed and headed into what seemed like dozens of migs.

Here we go!

lightning one peppered the area but missed, due to trying to stay somewhat in formation.

lightning 4 broke from formation to ensure he had a kill then followed a few yards behind the squadron.

Ha! at this rate ill have to add marks to to my cockpit when im out of room.

your no ace and stay in formation damn it! your just making yourself a target.

Berkley lined up the closed mig in her path with the crosshair and pulled the trigger. a line of yellow with a distanced rapped popping noise followed (editing post after dice roll)

Berkley had hit her mark but stayed in formation and had to avoid pursuit.

i hit one but i dont think hes going down yet
This message was last edited by the player at 05:45, Sun 05 May 2013.

Justin banked his sim following Natalies lead, as he did he allowed the jet to slip outward thereby ganining a better angle to target one of the Migs side. Lining up he fired two quick bursts.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:41, Mon 06 May 2013.

Justin fired his two burst, missed his target

after 30 seconds from flying it was expected that the squadron would be followed, however this was not the case....

lightning one looked behind him to see if any of the migs were following

why are they not following?

they know im here

lets go in for another pass

the sabres slowed to make a 180 degree turn. the migs they had been firing on had all formed a circle and flew clockwise.

Ive seen this formation before, each mig is covering there own tail, do not pursue any of them instead....

suddenly yellow light flashed all around justins cockpit followed by the distinct sound of a machine gun. a single mig had attacked the squadron from above them at a steep incline, justins mig was hit but with the exeption of a few bullet holes his sabre was otherwise unaffected. the mig then swerved to the side of justins sabre to avoid a collision.

*slow motion scene*
as the mig passed Justin it was apparent that the canopy had spots of frost on it, indicating the pilot was hiding at a high altitude. the pilot in the mig gave Justin a lifeless stare that slowly turned back to what was in front of him. he was clearly not of Asian descent. the tail of the mig came into view. it had many stars on it indicating a kill, along with the a big insignia of a sickle and hammer crossing.
*slow motion scene end*

the mig pulled up hard after passing the squadron, getting so close to the ground it would make any pilot cringe at the sight.

attack us will you!

lightning 4 broke formation to pursue the mig.

NO KID! THATS AN IVAN HEAD HONCHO!

(trivia: "head honcho" actually came from the Korean war, it was a term Americans used to refer to Russian aces)

Lightning 4 fired upon the mig but the mig dodged his fire as if it were a child's game. the mig then aligned itself in the exact direction of the sun. lightning 4 then fired rapidly in the direction.

I CANT SEE HIM, THE SUNS TOO BRIGHT.

a shadow then blocked the sun from lightning 4s cockpit, it was the mig! the mig had stomped on the air breaks to let the blinded sabre pass him. as soon as the sabre passed the mig then accelerated and opened fire on the sabre. Lightning 4 tried to bank hard to avoid the fire.

I CANT SHAKE HIM! I CANT......*LOUD STATIC*

the migs gunfire had connected with the sabre, resulting in the sabre exploding into a fireball.

THAT DAMN ARRIGANT FOOL! WHY DIDNT HE LISTEN TO ME!

In reply to Natalie Berkley (msg # 141):

 Justin hit his thrusters angling his sabre up into the mig as if passed overhead. Inverting his kite and ejecting as it plough into the rear of the mig both aircraft erupting in a ball of flame as Justin plunged to the ground his parachute filling.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:50, Mon 06 May 2013.

 The Chief watched the SIMS  like he was  watching some  old Vid, a few other people had gathered around, some folks asking what type of aircraft they were flying, more thenh a few  Russian folks made comments   about  US vs  USSR 'olddays' wars.

Berkley was somewhat surprised to see Justin sacrifice his jet to take the ace out, and to actually take the ace down, something she had not done yet.

This is Tango squadron, we heard you guys needed some help so were be on your position in 5 minutes.

Roger that, im near Bingo fuel. our squad is going to bug out while you guy mop up here.

the two sabres turned to the sea and headed back to the aircraft carrier as the remaining migs retreated after seeing there ace pilot go down.

with any luck our boys will find your boy before the reds do.

the simulation suddenly ended with the words mission success a crossed the screen.

Berkley claimed out of her pod with a somewhat frustrated look on her face.

In reply to Natalie Berkley (msg # 144):

Justin grinned I bet she didn't anticipat that one. Popping the sims access he climbed out

Interesting Mission that Natalie; have you played it often he asked before noticing her expression What gives did I zag when I should of zigged

Ive played that simulation many times and I've never shot down the ace, that was pretty impressive.

Berkley didn't like to be out done, but the shock subsided quickly, and it was a reminder to think outside of the box.

the Ensign then retrieved her tablet as she reset the simulator to its previous state.

so the question now is what do we do now?

In reply to Natalie Berkley (msg # 146):

Justin's face reddened slightly prompting him to rub his forehead I'd chalk it upto beginners luck. he flustered; after a second or two he rallied Say have you been assigned quarters yet
This message was last edited by the player at 04:46, Tue 07 May 2013.

No i haven't, where would i go to do that. might as well get situated

In reply to Natalie Berkley (msg # 148):

Justin nodded slipped his hand held out of his pocket thumbed some key and read the reply Did you have any gear I'll can give you a hand with. he offered.

I dont have much, so that wont be necessary, but thanks
she gave a slight smile, as she felt a bit more comfortable around Justin now.

well im gonna get some shut eye if i can find my room, im sure you have a few last minute things to do.

In reply to Natalie Berkley (msg # 150):

Justin catches her, I want to be alone prompt, nodding empathically. Provides directions to her quarters, he bids her a pleasant rest. Moving to the cafe area grabs a bite to eat then heads to the gym for some training, then back to his billet, showers and catches some z's.

Bo goes over and starts training.  Big uglies first , no problem. Then shuttles, easy. Then the Stoli's, ooooh, nice
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 13:24, Sun 08 Mar 2015.

In reply to Bo-Jagger (msg # 152):

Bo finds a simulator for an old hammer design he's flown, and works out some kinks before looking at the Mace simulators.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EPcb-gfPppI

   What missions are available for him to check off on?
This message was last edited by the player at 08:00, Tue 10 Mar 2015.

 The SIMs are kept updated By the Chief and his crew that operate them.

  the Planets and   fights in the Black are standard, but can have  any of the  aircraft we have  available inserted into the program

 there are Bura senerios  that  any craft could  fit into.

 The Maces  and Moringstars will tend to be ground support and, but you could fly them in a fighter senerio

 the Chief pulls out a fresh "log book' and has Bo sign it, to begin clocking his time on the SIMs

In reply to Bo (msg # 154):

Bo looks at him, "So is qualifying about hours on the sims, or successfully completed missions?"

 The Chief gives  him a 'police officer' look...every Minute you log on the SIMs, gives you  a chance to fly out and back..the hard part here?...the planets may not look the same when we make a return trip.  Forest fire here..a few large bombs there, and the terrian  changes..but? at elast you have   some knowledge.  he shrugs,Almost like taking one of the  Vid Tours on your Vid board, except you can get shot down...

In reply to Bo (msg # 156):

"Does score count in the consideration?"

  The chief stands   up  and Puts   his hands on his hops, including the one  with the LOg Book,..if you shoot  down 10 aircraft but die?..you fail....You make it all the way through, but don't engage...you fail... You attack targets slotted  for the MIssion...and you live..you pass....and..there is the random generator that pops  things up, that aren't detailed to the Mission...those are taken into account to..lets say?..Bonus Points?

In reply to Bo (msg # 158):

   Bo nods. He puts on his peculiar helmet and starts working the missions for the fighter bombers first.

   Offensively he is a bit passive.  He's not the best shot but he waits till he has the shot before alerting the enemy of his presence.  He has a good enough sense of what is in the sky to take opportunities in rout to his objective by taking a pot shot at the tail of an enemy here, flying across the wind screen of a bomber there.  Nothing more than a few seconds but the average kills of the AI's go up, even if his kills doesn't.

   Defensively he is much better.  His brief involvements in other objectives make his position hard to track, and he naturally jinks regularly without reason though enemy craft are rarely able to target him before he is aware of them.  When he is aware of them, his ship is all over the skies, even to the point of drawing his target into upsetting other enemy engagements. He seems talented at putting his opponents off their guard just long enough to get a sound with a smart bomb and release before he is engaged again.

   Generally: different situations, surprises, changes in objectives mid-mission don't faze him.  He doesn't get angry, he doesn't get scared, he doesn't get frustrated.  He just adapts.  His accuracy per shot is medium, his number of hits is low.  His survivability is high.  His team work is excellent, though it might hamper some pilots who aren't used to it.

   He will never be a Shadow, but as a good solid team member he's fine.

   This scores him high in the bombers, and low in the fighters.  It is noted however that though his scores may be low, he definitely raises the success of the entire mission on the longer engagement as he seems to have great battle endurance, making him a possible choice for patrol and escort missions when it comes to the fighter craft.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:22, Tue 10 Mar 2015.

  The Chief  watches  the  SIMs  from his desk, recording the  flights  and  marking  highlights or ...lowlights..on a separate Vid board to be tacked on in the 'comments' section.

In reply to Bo (msg # 160):

Bo takes a break for a drink and looks over the Chiefs shoulder "I know I ain't no acadamy cadet, but you think you can use me?"

  The chief is   watching  some of the replys,...seen some better...seen alot  worse...the main thing? if the  Admiral or the LC , thinks they can use you....there has to be a reason you'er here...right?

In reply to Bo (msg # 162):

  Bo shrugged. "I gave Shadow a hand with a fugitive and got Rivets some R&R time, so they might just be throwing me a bone and seeing what I do with it.  My personal goal is to fly every ship you've got.  It helps me see what I need to have done to make my own fighter better."

  The Chief, who wasn't too sure of  another alien  messing around his SIMs, seemed to be  getting won over  By Bo's work in the machines.

 Tell you what?..we have 2 Maces, with no pilots..one was Killed, the other one transferred last time we hit Fuji....Maces  are like the Moringstar's  older brother? they are a bit older..and thier  fire power   a bit smaller..but they can fly a bit tighter....not to Mention..if you helped Shadow...he might sue  you on some of his...errands.

In reply to Bo (msg # 164):

    "Thanks.  That's a Bummer on the Pilots.  Maces are good craft.  I had outflying them in mind when I had sis work on upgrading Betty's aft boosters.  If you want, I could talk to some merc buddies and see if we can find someone worthy of the other one."

In reply to Bo-Jagger (msg # 165):
   If the chief accepts, Bo will simply see what pilots are available to swing by the Hermes before she leaves port and forward their names and contact information to whoever might be interested.  If they get on it will be by their own merits and no roleplay of mine.

  Chief  shakes his head with a Shrug,we have  had  some bad  times with Mercs. You almost have to be hand picked to get on the Hermes as a Merc...and the fella doing the picking needs to be  the Admiral..or..influenced by someone he trusts.

  You might  what to try Shadow, or Morris..someone like that...but i wouldn't hold  my breath.

In reply to Bo (msg # 167):

Bo nods thoughtfully, "Who's likely to be my CO?"

 well?..that's a tough one...You'd be Under Morris...LC's underhim...by rank, anyway....Rivets has a bit to do with who flies what, as far as getting the ships ready.....If you want to get into a MAce you may want to talk with Capt Nilsson. He  flies the  one Morningstar, and for all intent, is the   flight leader for  Ground support craft..but?..he's the only qualed Pilot...so far.

In reply to Bo (msg # 169):
Bo looks back at the simulator.  "Well let's see if we can correct that."  He runs one easy Morning Star sim, then guesses at what a comfortable difficulty is for the next one and Flies it.

 The scenario here is based on  Astra attacks, which...will be about the same used  on Bura, since the target area is roughly the same.

 The Chief   points tot eh screen before he  loads it,...now?  In your  breifing...you would be told about  the Pop-up AA guns..they are nasty things...

In reply to Bo (msg # 171):

Do they have a minimum angle of attack?

  The Chief  Chuckles,never flown one..messed witht hem in here? but  in Atmo, they work better then in The Black...but...all of our aircraft has to do double duty, or  we find  some that will...

In reply to Bo (msg # 173):

Bo chuckles, "Uh sir, I'm talking about the AA guns.  If they have to aim up into the air I can come in under their angle of fire and hit them with standoff weapons before they can target me."

  The Chief  just Chuckled,...good luck with that, fella....

In reply to Bo (msg # 175):

"Ill take that as a 'no, we don't know anything about their angle of attack'"

   Bo goes through the mission briefing.  Does he have a say in ordinance?  What ordinance is available?
    He studies what the AA batteries are designed to target and makes sure his load-out is designed to evade them

   When he is ready, he takes a breath and launches.

   High terrain is a blessing.  He sets a course through the valleys, taking the second most promising routes to avoid obvious traps. He sets the chin cannon to his helm, and relys on the combat computer to cover his tail for the time being.

   What are the mission objectives?
This message was last edited by the player at 06:09, Thu 12 Mar 2015.

   keeping mountains between him and the known AA sites whenever possible Bo keeps his eyes on the threat receiver.  Any uneutralized site that painted him got a transmitter full of 35mm rounds.  He found the target and fired on it till it was confirmed neutralized and moved on to other targets in the same pattern.
    It was a longer mission than the others but Bo's staying power put his performance above average.

    He finishes off and checks with the Chief "Now, if I did well enough, you have another morning star pilot if needed."

  The  Pop Up AAs  are in the Mountain side. at random points. ( not so random if you were inside the Mountain and set them up)

 As Bo fried a few of the AA guns   at the foot of the Mountain, Pop up would rise, with their 'gatling' version of Pulse round  flying through the air.

  the First time through, the Morningstar was chewed up rather  well...the Screen went  red  when a  few lucky rounds painted the 'cockpit ' window.

 The Chief   came over with a shake of his head, and held up the Vid Board.....our  guys are here..trying to get to the Mountain...so we can get..INTO..the Mountain. You have a flying weapons  platform..but each hit  counts..just like for real?..Now..try again..remember..the  object is to  get the troops to the foot of the Mountain...AND..not get shot down.

In reply to Bo (msg # 178):

   "Thanks, the objective was not made clear in the briefing."
Bo resets.

In reply to Bo-Jagger (msg # 179):

Bo scans the terrain.  Not used to dodging AA implacements he's still good at dodging despite the clumsier maneuverability Morning star.  He listens in on the ground personal and takes pot shots at what placements he can when he has time.

   What threats are there to the ground team?

  The troops face pockets of Demons that are using   Heavy Pulse gun nests and small arms.

 above him are fighters  from Both sides contesting the air.

In reply to Bo (msg # 181):

He sets the AI to target the terrain the demons are holding and focus' on the heavy gun emplacements with his nose cannon.  Is the entrance in site?

  the   SIM takes  the battle  into the attack, Bo does better this  time as the   Gun emplacements  go Up and troops surge forward.

 He does note, the entrance is  to the  west of Him, or...the other to the North, but that was not  his assignment...his job was to get "live" troops to the  mountain.

In reply to Bo (msg # 183):

Bo lays down a withering barage of fire, but is careful to save some munitions for contingencies.  While the AA sights are rough, he's concerned that there is another shoe that is ready to drop.

Watching the Sergeant run through the Beta App Justin wondered what the marine thought of the sim.

   The Chief   watched the  Ran a few  set ups  and   set it on auto to see how the  SIMs  preformed.

  When half way through the third  Auto, he says...this  may help a bit. if nothing else , its a  fresh set of  flight Sims , we'll see how it works out for the Pilots when they come down to log in hours.

In reply to SIMS (msg # 186):

Justin nods appreciatively. Thanks Sergeant, any and all suggestions that will streamline, improve or enhance the app are appreciated.

well?..it will come down to how much they use  it...and howm much they get from it, then we can move on from there.

  2  pilots are watching from a few yards  away, One Apporaches the chief,  They have  Bran spanking new  Uniforms , One is a CHief, the other is an LT.

  Chief Tore,who was one of the Two Chiefs  who's whole job it was, was to run the SIMs, Turned from Justin to the two pilots.

 ..You guys need  something? or you just taking up Dec Space?

 The  two moved closer to the SIMS the LT's face was a bit  red from embarrassment but he said in a Clipped tone,...I suggest..You watch your Tone...CHIEF... he looks at the name tag,..Tore?  or i might  see my way fit, to report your to the Admiral....

  Chief Urns, his  red hair slicked back, just looked  a bit  Unsure.

  Chief  Tore  put his hands on his hips, one still holding the Vid Board,..You do that...LT...... he mocks leaning an looking at the name tag, then looks up and grins,..LT Holman...I want to see your face when the Admiral slaps you down...

 Holman stiffens,..How Dare you!..Have you no respect of Rank!

  Rank has its  place, and that's for certain...But it's not  to be used to try and ebat your betters on the ehad with.... I'm one of the 2 men who run the SIMs...might not sound like an important job?...but without the SIMS you don't get much log time,  Unless your a scout...Now? You want to Use the SIMs... En Kase here, just installed  some new SIMs..you two can be the first to try....

  Holman snorted,..We  just finished flying  some 50 hours  SIM  time at teh FUJI Academy and.........

 ...and..nothing...SIR... You are transferred to the Best ship...in the Best Fleet, the ESN has...that doesn't make you one of the Best, Until you prove it.... Maybe?  If he has the time?...En Kase will stand  againt you and  Chief......

 ..Chief  Urns.... the red head  said.

  Yeah...Chief   Urns

The LT looks at Kase,well?..Enisgn?

 Urns  smiled,..We saw out tail fin  Numbers... 95 and 97.... we got two of the newest  Fuji Fighters... They must think well of us?

  Chief Tore   just said  sadly, it just means, that's almost how many piltos there were.....You see someone with a NUmber on thier Fin that's below 35...you treat them with respect, because they have been here since the Hermes left Earth.... There are a couple in Foster's  flight that came over from the Mica...and then 91..Flores?..she's been around, but spent most her time as an EVOL...They are  Damn good vets...and we have a flight of Green Angels?  they served their time as well... he shakes his  head as he looked at the Vid Board list,..also have a flight of Cats?... Jury is still out on them....

 ..Now?...lets see here.... his voice  got a bit sarcastic Wow.... Urns? you have  53 hours in the SIMS  and ...a whole 9 hours in a fighter?..and  LT? You have  50 hours in Sims and and 5 hours in a Fighter....how the 9 hells  did you get here?

 Holman  stiffens again,Well we had classes...and   we have duty and....

  Those  folks  I mentioned...with the Numbers  35 and Under?... he  flicks through the Vid screens, to pull up records,#1  Carole frans..98 hours SIM time, 56 hours  flight...#2 L  Eckles...76 hours SIMs , 53 hours flight time...Every one of them, had at least 50 hours SIMs...and at least 50 hours  flight time... I can't straighten you out..the academy should have done that..But ask Kase here?..you try to talk more then you walk? The LC will grind you to gear powder...So?..If EN  Kase is   ready?...

 Urns  speaks up, What's your Number...En Kase?

  Chief Tore doesn't even look at the Vid Board...25.....

In reply to SIMs (msg # 189):
Justin glances from one pilot to the other. Gentlemen; Mister Tore’s, that is Chief Tore's, advice is correct. Interactions and Conditions aboard ESN Hermes are unique; in that the Crew enjoys a high degree of flexibility. You will find what your skills are, dictate who you are. Mr Hack or if you prefer Admiral Hack adheres to the premise that Professionalism and Skill’s are what make you. With that in mind, if we. he indicates the four of them Were in a conventional Taskforce or Fleet Mister Tore would hold the minimum commission of Lieutenant Commander.

If either of you disagree with my premises you are at liberty to discuss the finer points of this with the Fleets Head of Security Mister Spencer, that would be Sergeant Major Spencer, who in a Conventional Fleet would hold the of rank Commodore.

Justin paused to allow the pilots to assimilate these details.

I’ve no doubt you both are highly motivated and talented Pilots, however your abilities will be tested in everything you say, don’t say, do or don’t do aboard the Hermes. The black is littered with the remains of those who thought the piping on their shoulders entitled them to far more than they were capable. For example a short time ago I recall a Lieutenant who had a modicum of merit, who like yourself was transferred to the Hermes. This fellow had a degree of possibility and held views which he too had learnt in the Academy; however these views messed him up big time. Result he was destined for the Prison on Delta Colony.

Pausing again Justin assessed the Pilots reactions.

If you care to revise your intentions the more flight time you are able to assimilate the greater chance of survival you will have, when up against whatever or whoever, Mr Shadow; that would be LC Shadow, throws you at.

Gentlemen if you’d care to spend some time in the Sims sharpening your skills? If so you’ll need to arrange this with Mr Tore‘s.

  the Two looked at each other.  Holman's  face was a bit red as he said,..you'er a bloody Ensign!..and you presume to speak to me...

 Alright.. first of all... his Fin number is 25... you want to see why  he's here..go check the Kill list...and..yes,,,he's an Ensign, but promtions  don't  come quick here..you ahve to earn them..and..well..live long enough to get it..see that thing on his  neck..which one of you can tell me what it is....

 ..Blue Max.... Captain  Gregg at the academy had   one....


 The Chief nodded,...you have to get 20 kills to get that..wait...20 CONFIRMED...kills...so..you might want to check your attitude at the door...and grab what help you can get....

  Urns nodded, Holman said,  Let us   tag Team Kase then.... see how good he is..since he has that fancy blue cross...

 ..Alright then, LT... You take  SIM 1...Urns  take  SIM 2...Kase will take SIM  5..be a good shake down for the new Program...llest see... Set the  program for Bura,  Battle of Irina's Mouintain.... You two will  start  east.... Kase will start  West.....you shoot Kase down..you win...Kase shoot both you down..he wins.... You run away..he wins...

 Urns offers his hand to  Justin,..good luck, Ensign....

 Holman  shakes his  head,..you gonna  kiss hiom too?..lets go!

  Chief  Tore smiles and shakes his head,..now?..Shadow would either play with them a bit..or burn their asses quick, depending on what kind of mood he was in?....but?.. it wouldn't hurt to beat them up....

In reply to SIM (msg # 191):

Returning the Pilots handshake Justin then waits as they move to the Sims. Thanking the Chief for the advice he moved to sim5 and climbing. Quickly running through its opening credits he decided on a course of action. Unless he was taken out by them he planed to flame one quickly and, test the seconds skill and determination.  His opening gambit was to sweeping through the Bura sky he quickly climbed gaining height. The sim performed as he'd hoped.

Picking up the other pilots signature he watched as they closed on his position. When the closest opponent was in range Justin Dropped the fighter like a rock,  accelerating it in the process which plummeted towards the surface. When his sim was slightly below the horizontal level of the opponents fighter, he thrust forward coming up beneath it sending a burst into the path of the sim.

   The Chief  Put the    'fight ' up on the overhead, a couple Pilots  dropped by to watch. a few Civies,... Civies always liked  when SIMs  were on overhead. It Gave them something exciting to watch, while knowing no one would die.

  When Justin Dropped  down Urns  was  in his sites,  Both Pilots Knew  it, but  were Helpless... Urns  Control panel lit up red  and  locked up...on the  overhead, a Hammer getting   Blown apart was shown  a few of the Civies  ohhhhhed, the  Pilots nodded expertly point to the screens  talking  among themselves.

 Holman swore  and  Banked  Up and  away,  spinning into  an improvised Immelman .

In reply to SIMs (msg # 193):

The Lieutenant's manoeuvre was a standard response to the situation, Justin side slipped his Sim angling to one side and bringing its guns to bear throughout the full extent of the Immelmann. Grinning as he adjusted the Sim's gimbal with few thruster bursts one side or the other so Holeman's on-board sounded twice, warnings of a lock on, during his improvisation.

  Holman, tried  to roll out of the Immelman  and then  hit his after  Burners to  Come Up under Justin. his  Pulse  guns  firing , only one  burst Nicked Justin...just enough to make a Mark


 Urns  climbed out of the Sim and tossed the helmet on the seat. He shook his head as the Chief grinned, then stood there and watched the big screen.

In reply to SIM (msg # 195):

Better much better, Lieutenant Justin commented; as he raised the fighters airbreak's forcing it to quickly drop, while he countered the fall by adjusting the flaps and pitch; as the Lieutenants Dart soared past him. Giving a slight burst of the thruster his Dart fell in behind the Lieutenant's, allowing him to dogging its moves, like a terrier on a rabbit.

 Holman was  quietly curing  as he     watched  the   screens, He Put his nose  down  and hit the  afterburners, heading   for Irina's  Mountain, then Banked as  HArd  as he  could to  wrap around the Mountain, Hoping to Lose  Kase..

In reply to SIM (msg # 197):

Undeterred by the rookies action Justin mirrored his every move, matching speed, change of angle and manoeuvre. When Holman came out of his wrap around the Mountain Justin was still on his tail, in fact he was so throughout the entire arch. Adding to this he fired a couple of near misses past the Lieutenants Cockpit for added effect. You're doing well Lieutenant, Keep it up he encouraged

 Under the fighters, the  sim used combat footage  to show the   Troopers roiling under them, like some kind of living rug.

   Holman  Made to climb, then cut his  engine   falling    with his  Nose   in the air, Hoping to Catch Kase as  he   zipped  by.......

In reply to SIMs (msg # 199)

Sorry Holman a partial stall is a good move provided you don't broadcast it. Justin dropped his Dart bring it beneath the Lieutenants left wing, his antenna tickling it in the process, making a twanging sound against the wing, as he cut his own engines. Both fighters plummeted towards the rolling mass of troopers, ground fire skimming the air around the fighters as they fell towards them.

 Both pilots 'felt' the buffet of AA rounds that explosed  near them Now and then aircraft from both sides of the  war  Zipped  by.

  Once  more  Holman    tried a split  S, then tried to  roll out  as he  Kicked the rudder around   firing lazar  and pulse  weapons at the    trailing craft.

In reply to SIMS (msg # 201):

Justin grinned at Holfmans attempted the Split S, and inverting matching the S as he did. Good try Lieutenant however a split is better attempted if I were above you when you started. Unfortunately this isn't the case and you commenced your run sweeping directly through my arc of fire. to emphasise his statement Justin put one round into the opposing dart punching a hole though a wing flap.

   a few more  folks came over, most were civies watching the fight..alot of them recognized the  backround , from watching  fights  on the Vids.

   Holman  grimmanced  as he   hole  appeared in his craft,  Now  he   Just   watched the screen and Hit the Rudder, tilting over to  do as tight as a trun as he was able, popping of Lazar and Pulse rounds every time he saw Justin

In reply to Sims (msg # 203):

Justin followed Holman's lead as the fighters tightly circling in a concentric spiral as they closely chased each other through the air. Inventive tactic Lieutenant, however as you can see without a clear shot at me, you'll soon run out of ammo and power, unless you control your bursts Justin advised. With each fleeting beep or his targeting acquisition he lightly trigged on the gun sending either a short bursts or a beam in the direction of Holman's Kite. Pulling heard to port and dropping his flaps Justin angled up in an horizontal pane then dropped his nose bringing his dart down quickly in an inverted V that sliced an arch through Holman the circle, bringing his dart directly down at Holman's cockpit. Unable to resist the impulse Justin grinned as his gun cam came to bear on Holman staring directly at it and him. Smile for the birdy Lieutenant. Passing Holeman's port wing Justin flipping his Kite to Starboard inverting it as he did and bringing it inline with the opposing Dart.  How you holding up Lieutenant; care to call it a draw. he asked raising his hand over his head to give Holman a wave.

  Holman  was angry and  embarrassed,, He Looked Up, the  cockpit screens showing him what he would  see.


 Then the  Angry  Pilot    pulled up   hit the thrusters  and  turned, Bot   Darts  Collided and the Screens went blank...

 The Chief    came Over to  Holman's SIM as the  cockpit opened,..What the 9 hells was  That?... Is that what you'er gonna do out there... crash your ship into another one?...you know  how many credits a dart costs!

 He  Took off the Helmet that had the  3/4 dark face mask. that served  as the screens.

 ..I did not hear a 'SIR' in there.... Chief?

 ..and you won't...not here...The SIMs are my House.. people use it  for fun and games, But you're a Gods Be Damned Pilot!

 Urns  Looked away his arms  crossed as the Chief  snapped on the Pilot. Waiting for  Kase to get out of His SIM.

In reply to Justin (msg # 205):

Justin climbed out of the SIM, as the Chief tore a strip from the Lieutenant. Crossing to where they were he waited respectfully quiet for Tore to finish discussing the trial with the Pilot.

  Chief  Tore shook his head, then Pointed Urns,..if he ends up doing that for real?..You ask to be put in another flight....Damn rookies..... he goes to record the time  for all three pilots  and log the Vids.

  Holman  does a slow burn as  Urns  walks over to  Kase and offers a hand...pretty good Ensign Kase?... are all the pilots like that?

In reply to SIMs (msg # 207):

Justin return the Lieutenants shake. Thank you Lieutenant, you did pretty good yourself. Not sure about many of the other pilots, I've not flown with many of them so can't say. The Best one to talk to about the other Pilots would be either Messers Morris or Shadow Captain and LC.

  Chief urns grins a bit,..Don't  think  I'll be talking to   The CAptain or the LC..i mean...Some ships?  they don't  even see thier WC?

  Let's go Urns?..I want to get a drink...

 Chief  Tores  comes over with the Vid Board,..first you guys have to sign out...

 I'm not  signing that.

  Chief  Tores steps up,The only Flight Record you don;'t sign, is the  very last one you make...Capta  Moris  signs  those....

 Chief  Urns  takes the   vorad and signs, and waits for the others.

In reply to SIMs (msg # 209):

Justin takes the board and signs Thank you Mr Tore's that was a interesting session. holding the board out to the Lieutenant.

  Holman Looks at everyone, Tore and Urns   eyeing  him expectantly.  He finally takes Vidboard and signs it...

Don't know why this has to  be Filed....</

 Tore  takes the Vid Board  back, signs  Under their names then Holds Up the Board  for  Holman to see,...Because...LT Holman...SIR.... When certain Mission come Up, Your File is run through Capt. Morris's Data base..... that helps him select the 'right pilot' for the job....The only ones  who do get logged in, are civies  who pay a few creds to 'fly'...and even then...if we notice  a good prospect, we might  call him down to the hanger Dec  for a talk to  Capt Morris....

 Chief Tore  presses the 'button' and the Screen flashes.."  Saved and entered ".

  Urns smiles   then Frowns at the look on Holman's Face,Comon, LT? You me and Kase  get a drink?

 Holman  looks at Tore, then Give Justin one last look,..no...i'm going to my quarters  for a bit.....I'll see you in a couple hours  at the ramp....

   Urns shrugs and Homan  walks away,whatta ya say, Kase? drink?

In reply to SIM (msg # 211):

Delighted Mr Urns, and the best place to have one is right here, or rather over there he clarifies pointing to the raised platform which runs the length of the far bulkhead. Leading the Chief across the deck he locates a suitable table, indicating the one Kray prefers to frequent and informing him of this. Whats your poison Chief

 Justin...Urns... Rec Dec...>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Non Com

   Bo shows up "Hey, have you gotten any sims in for the new Stoly Duces?"

  The Chief was  moving through  some of the poeple on the Rec Dec, and he shook his head,..man..something's going on...

 ahhh..the Duces?..no..not yet..where  waiting  for some  footage from the factory, and we can lock them into  out programs? Should  have  them by tomorrow night...we got stoly Sims?

In reply to Bo (msg # 215):

   "Pity that.  Thanks for trying anyway.  I'll be back for the Stolys.  Let me go check to see if I can get some live stick time on anything else."

=================>  Hanger deck

In reply to Rec Dec (msg # 146):

Justin spends some time people watching as Civilians relaxed before heading home from work or grabbed a meal before heading to work. Occasionally he tapped away at his hand held, adding touches to the Application he was working on. Half an hour later he'd finished the update he'd been working on, making his way to the Sim's he asked if he could download the patch which included footage of the recent engagements along with what data the Delta Fleet had acquired showing Hyrian ships applying their tactics.

In reply to Justin Kase (msg # 217):
  The Chief  looked  a bit disgusted,..Hyrians? Only Beta  Fleet has   had any runs ins  with them, and thier  Gun cams are a joke, we get better footage from Captain Lighting.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:24, Mon 20 June 2016.

In reply to Justin Kase (msg # 218):

True the stuff is piss poor but I've assimilated all the footage which is available if that includes the stuff from Captain then its in there. I can hold off on updates until we get some real updates.

In reply to Justin Kase (msg # 219):

  The  Chief  nods,better  off  with no footage, the ...'selected viewing' From Beta Cams...if Beth wasn't busy, she might be able to crack thier  real stuff..but..she is?
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:24, Mon 20 June 2016.

In reply to Justin Kase (msg # 220):

Already done Chief Justin responds slipping his handheld into his thigh pocket. Have the other applications been useful?

In reply to Justin Kase (msg # 221):

 The  Chief nods  and shrugs..yeah?..I dunno... a bit , i guess, not much time for  folks to use it.  we'll see when we have longer  down time.
This message was last updated by the GM at 13:24, Mon 20 June 2016.

In reply to chief (msg # 222):

Thanks Chief at least it's getting some use and isn't a complete waste of time. As you surmise its early times a hopefully more exposure will provide a better assessment of the application. Justin considers for a few seconds Chief, have you had an opportunity to assess it yourself. Making a mental note of any information the Chief provides Justin's beginning to feel hungry and decides to head to the OC for a meal.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:43, Tue 21 June 2016.

   Bo had been sweating the sims flying everything they had available and proving his general ability to pick up new vehicles.  He had seen enough of the station to know that unless he was taken more seriously he was unlikely to be allowed into any of the entertainments the porcine so love to share with the upper class humans.  [Indeed, some of the traditions such as ballroom dancing were introduced by Bo's own species.]  So he practiced and trained hoping that maybe a porcine could move up the ranks in the human dominated ESN

Bo hears the call and heads to the hangar bay.=======>

With the permission of the Sergeant, Justin had spent most of the day/week in the Sims updating this Flight app. Thankfully his time was well spent and the results were looking good, however the proof of the pudding. It was time to let others get a crack at the system to really test its limits. He was sure there'd be someone who'd easily find flaws in the coding after all there's no such thing as a unbreakable app.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 16:20, Fri 07 Oct 2016.

  Howe Came over, have  paying attention to the Vids  of the meeting...So..watchca  got goin' on there ,  Kase? doin' something with the   Sims?..feedback? controls?

In reply to Justin (msg # 227):

Justin looked up to see Mr Howe, giving the Flight Leader a smile. Not quite Sir, I've been allowed to install a Sim Application, which uses ongoing flight data including material and footage with recent adversaries Delta and Beta Fleet has acquired in the field. This will enable Operational Pilots to get an idea what to encounter, it's accessibility is limited to Authorised Military Personnel.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:35, Sat 08 Oct 2016.

  Howe snorted,... be damn lucky to have  any feedback from the Beta fleet...damn hard to   get Gun Cam records , when you'er  running the other way! OPur People should have some good recordings  of their  flight paths, when the   fighter break  up and begin to dance...

 did you take  note of what was  collected?
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:37, Sat 08 Oct 2016.

In reply to sims (msg # 229):

That's a given but the footage the very few of Beta's more courageous Pilots managed to provide has been included with that which we've amassed, the total has been assessed. Specifics and details of these craft and the Enemy tactics being used, has also been assimilated and transferred to the SIM.

  The LT nodded,boot her  up..let me have a go?... Chief! set by Log up...

 the chief  typed in the information that would record the time and flight ( and grades)

In reply to sims (msg # 231):

Justin nodded and moved alongside the Chief to watch the Flight Leaders test of the application. As Howe ran through the Sim when situations presented themselves Justin took notes of possible tweaks to the operation and usability.

  Howe was  Immersed in the   Sim as the  cockpit  darkened.. he ran through a pair of skirmishes with Hyrian fighters.

 even to the point of talking on his head set to the  SIMed Flight members.

 Though the results  were fairly good, after  20 minutes, the 2nd   SIM  had  finished, and he 'landed' his craft.

  He was a bit less cocky when he came out,If those Hyrian specs  are right... we're gonna have some  problems... we handled  them pretty good, that last time out....but they are coming in prepared this time.

In reply to Sims (msg # 233):

Justin considered the Flight Leaders statement Do you think so Mr Howe maybe we should get some other another Pilots thoughts on this just to certain. If the data he'd used was over designed there wouldn't be a problem however if this was what they'd be facing it could help their Pilots be prepared by working up methods to deal with any possible threat. he suggested considering they'd be facing this sooner or later.

   Howe shrugged...<Brown>I tagged one of them, last time out.. he blew up, from the inside out....I guess  a hardround hit   something ..i dunno... they  are faster then they look,  and we  can out climb and  dive...If we can get into Atmo.. we can fly circles around them...but in the  Black.. its out turns against their speed and armor.

In reply to Sims (msg # 235):

Howe's uncertainty was sort of confirmation that he needed to get others thoughts about this especially since it may save Pilot's lives. Do you think asking some of the others who'd flown against the Hyrian could help?

 Well... all of the  task force, flew against them... none of the  rest of the  Delta Fleet has.... This  is going to make  The Battle of the Black, look like a homecoming dance.

In reply to Sims (msg # 237):

Right then, sending copies of the App to the other Ships in Delta Fleet should help the Fighter Pilots get an idea what they'll be facing. We should check with Messrs Hack, Morris and Shadow to get their OK on this.

   Howe  Nods.....be a good idea... we'll have to  wait until the Pregame is over..shouldn't  be much longer now.

In reply to Sims (msg # 239):

Justin nodded his acknowledgement, then flicked on his com to watch the Pre Game Briefing. This he found to be quite informative, despite the Ver's reluctance to throw in at least they weren't joining the opposition, which meant there was still a chance they could be swayed to step up and contribute.

The Broadcast finished Justin acknowledges Kray's com and sends the Brass ie Hack, Morris and Shadow his suggestion to distribute the APP to other Line Ships so the untested Pilots can get a degree of exposure which may assist them in the coming engagement.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:15, Tue 11 Oct 2016.

    Morris   Gets  BAck to   Justin and  allows him to send  files to  the  other ships  SIM chiefs, through   ESN   COMs...

In reply to sims (msg # 242):

Justin contacted Coms arranging for uploads to the SIMS Chiefs; as advised as quickly as was possible. The more exposure the Pilots could get the greater their chances. Once the uploads were completed he headed to the Rec Dec for something to eat.

    La Trulle  walks over  with Bo, and Musette.  The Chief    gets  up from his reading of   Fighters  and gun ratios.

 ..what we got here?

    "Sorry to bother you chief,"  Bo says mildly "but I've challenged La Trulle to a duel.  He chooses the craft.   I felt it wisest to do this in the simulators.  Settling personal grievances with actual ESN craft seems to be frowned upon."

  The Chief  Nodded and looked around  as he  pulled his pants  up a bit...well LT?  what will it be... we are pretty up to date..we have Hyrains programmed  from the last fight...we'll have to adjust it a bit, after Captain Morris  releases the Gun Cams vids  so we can update   the hyrians

 ..Give ud ... Hammer IIIs ...put  us in Astra....Northern Hemisphere...

 there was a Chuckle as Howe  said,what the 9 hells  do you know about Astra...

 Musette smiled,...we  may have not been there, Mon Ami..but the Hammer  IIIs did not function as well in the north Only the top pilots , were able to make them go...

   "Trial run, or cold turkey?"  Bo asked.  He had flown more outdated mercenary pieces of crap than must of his fellow watchdog pilots because he always had the lowest pick as a beginner until he got a reputation...and then they were still prejudice against him.

  La Trulle smiles   slightly ,..We  just  Mount up and fly..I have no flow  ze Mark III for over a year....

 Howe  speaks up,wait?.... You  have been flying  for more then a  year...and you only have  3 ...gods be damned... kills? What the  9 hells  have you been doing?

 the smile s Vanish from La Trulle  and Musette,...we did , what we should  do... we patrol, and keep  people out of  our space....we do not  overstep our bounds...

 ..Yeah?..Frenchie... you have  a whole damn lot  more space to cover now....

 Shadow    shakes his head, his  mouth a thin straight  Line...

  Howe  went over to Bo,..look..i know you ain't  flown  ESN fighters, but these MArk IIIs..what the  downdrafts   around the Mountains, you'll lose  height..might even  be pushed into the walls ,depending on the   wind... This guy's a Bum?..but he's been in the damn things  before...

 The Chief   waits  for them to pick out  two of the  4 remaining  SIMs  that aren't being used....this  won't be  complicated ... the   area of  engagement is  the Mountain on Astra where the   UEs  made thier last stand... screens  will flash if  you go outside the  area... 2 flashes and you lose.. first  pilot to get three   hits wins....

   Bo looks at Howe and smiles. "Thankyou.  Your right of course.  Down drafts happen in the shade, up drafts happen on the sunnyside.  If I keep my belly to tree top and climb at an angle along the slope I don't allow anywhere for the air to go.  Ground affect buffers me from drafts"   He climbs into the simularor "Thanks fore the reminder.  I fly good but I fly cautious.  That's why I usually fly well in a bomber, which is the only place Le Trulle belongs.   Win or lose, my challenging him will help the unit."  Bo buckles himself in  "Besides, who says I haven't flown outdated ESN craft before.  That is the only type of ESN craft the mercs got.  My concern is that the bastard has something up his sleeve.  He's going to try and force me to do something with the craft that will give him an opening.  I have to rely on merc tactics rather than the ESN tactics I've been studying so hard, nor come at him directly."

 Waggles is  taking book   Cred for cred on who will win.

 Shadow puts  up 100 creds on Bo

  When the Chief hits the green light, Both  fighters are in the air    about half way up the Mountain .

 The   downdrafts ( and updrafts) affect them a bit,   as Both   flew out of the AOE, early in the Fight.

 Latrulle  was pressing, trying to get a shot  at the other MArk III.. but  was having  trouble  trying to get  a lock...

   Bo, being a defensive flyer was an expert at making ungainly craft hard to hit but was never good at sighting an enemy using standard technics.

   He flew low over a ridge of the mountain to the North side and let the down draft on the other side drop him unexpectedly as he cut power.  Latrulle overshot him compensating for the down draft and put himself right into Bo's sights for a score on Bo's part.

   The veteran pilot didn't stay there for long and used the ungainly frame of the Mark III to stall for a moment taking advantage of Bo's momentary tunnel vision to tag him back as Bo overshot him, caught with his own trick.

   As before Bo was hard to hit used his ground affect to kick up some snow and bank into the cover so he was lost from sight entirely.

   Latrulle pulled up gaining altitude and distance from the white out Bo had made, but Bo had managed to circle the peak and caught Latrulle from cover of the terrain as the Veteran pilot crossed back over onto the south side of the mountain.

   "I'm impressed Latrulle."  Bo said over the sim's com as he levels out and heads in. "Your a lot smarter than I took you for.  Not a lot of jockies know how to play in the dirt anymore.  Do you think you can summon up the guts to use this in space?"

  The Chief   cut the SIM after Bo's  second  shot hit. The picture of   La Trulle's fighter  'exploding' was frozen on the big screen , until the Chief loaded the disc into both Pilot's  logs.

  Waggles was collecting and passing out  creds as winners  and Losers lined up with their  scraps of paper.

  Shadow   waved a waitress over  gave her the 100 creds and told her to  split it up as tips  for the waitresses.

 La Trulle  climbed out of the SIMs  and sat the Helmet down on the seat,... I picked ze MArk IIIs to give  you a bit of a chance...It would not be that easy, in the  real life..no?

  Nodding to Musette  , they set off  for the OC

   Bo sighs "I gave you the chance to be the better man and you just lie through your teeth La Trulle."  Bo looked at Shadow.  "Did you want to to tell him he just lost a duel of honor to a mercenary shuttle pilot in a flying brick.  Or mention I come from a peaceful species and had never even climbed in a Mach III before?"

   The LC shrugs,..Mercs aren't career  fighter Pilots?... La Trulle won't  recognize the  fact? and... there is a good bet he has  alot more skill then he showed.... But?... seeing him lose is a good  thing.

 .. notice?  he looks...less-then-bothered? He's too smug of  a man, to not be angry at this.....but... i suppsoe  it will comeout in the end...Still?..the logs  will show, that you neat him.

  The he  grins,... that was a good line and  all about the ancestors  and such?...but... you might  have went a tad over board.... He Gives Bo a whack on the shoulder and  heads towards his table.

 Howe  frowned as he turned to follow as well,..I'm still stuck with the bastards....

 Shadow   nodded without looking back,..That you are..my friend.....as are, we all!

Making his way to the Sims Justin checked with the Chief asking how the Flight program was working.

  The Chief   had his nose in a book, that was  explaining the  37 MM gatling Cannons the Darts were using.

 oh?..Hi... worked  well enough.. that alien guy beat some frenchie in a SIM  match....

In reply to SIMs (msg # 257):

Thanking the chief for the feedback he noticed the field Manual for the GCM-XXXV Looks like you're cramming for a assement. he prompted anything I could help with.

   The Chief  turned to look at the Manuel ..well..since  i took over the SIMs, i like to keep up to date one the aricraft...Always wanted to be a pilot..but  couldn't get into the schooling, I was flying  supply transports before  i transferred here... Last Chief  transferred out to The Nemeisis ..I'm  Chief  Oric..by the way...

In reply to SIMs (msg # 259):

Extending a had in a friendly manner Ensign Kase at your service.Justin greeted Gracious Chief; why would you want to be apart of that lot of speed junkies. Haven't you heard their a bunch of arrogant, stuckup, elitist aholes.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:41, Wed 23 Nov 2016.

  ..to get the Girls!!!... then he  sat down and waved it off,..i wanted to go against the  demons and thier  like..one on one..ya know?.. I mean?..being on a ship that's kickin' the  galaxly's ass?..its great and all...but nothing like being able to say..'i done this '

In reply to SIMs (msg # 261):

Ah for the honey's is it...Now there's a reason. Justin grinned. Motioning to an adjacent chair, hopefully Oric had no objection to him sitting. If you'd like I may be able to help you out some way. Mind you my skills may not be anywhere as good as the best hereabout but they may help.

  The Chief  just shrugged,ahhh..well  lad? It ain't that easy. Some folks a born  at the right  time or place. Some, maybe have a few more  creds..or?..the right name. My folks?  we didn't have none of that..just plain old Navy folk..

In reply to SIMs (msg # 263):

Spending some time with the E's I had noticed that. Best anyone can do is to try what they can. Being part of Delt as O. Hack is an ardent promoter of talent and effort, I suspect he'll support anything you try to improve your abilities and effectiveness; provided it's successful and doesn't prevent operational duties. Did the selection board tell you where you were lacking. That would be a place to start working on. Justin suggested
This message was last edited by the player at 04:37, Wed 23 Nov 2016.

  Oric  just shook his head,Most of the folks who signed up, already had  some kind of  flight trainign, the rest?..well Acadmey folks get the first shot... I sneak on a SIM when i can, normally in the  wee hours  of the morning, i have  some 100 hours  logged, but it ain't like  real flying.

Bo comes in and catches the last part of the conversation.  He looks at Justin, then at Oric"I've had just a little luck with volunteering for patrol duty." Bo nods to Kase "Is there anyway you can request him as a tag-along if he gets some stick time in an older craft?"

 The Chief   just laughs, though it is  a sad  laugh. ..i don't have  , but one wing on my Chest... fighter boys, well? they have 2....If i get to fly a  supply shuttle once  a month, i count my self lucky....

Bo shrugs. I got my first tag along beating aces at sims, but then that was in the watchdogs.
  He looks at what was offered "Can I try a combat simulator in that Mark III I was flying earlier?  It posed some interesting challenges...challenging vehicles are a nice change."

  The Chief  Nods,...Mark IIIs were the thing in the MArs  wars, but since  we  started to battle in open psace?..we're  startign to see, we ain't the fastest folks out here....  Don't even think out  big aces  could  go head to ehad  with Felrites...

  "One on one? Betty might be able to swing it.  Felrite fighters are lite and susceptible to the flashbang missiles.   The tail gunner will help and I might have time to use it.  Betty can take more hits than them and as I recall, they have fewer weapons ports."

Justin returned the porcines nod. While the chief settup the sim Justin tapped away on his hand held.  After a short time Justin gives the Chief a nod.Chief I've got to go will drop by when you have time and continue this talk he informs giving his arm a pat then head off. From the raised platform Justin spots several pilots drinking, heading across to them. Taking a chair and greeting them with a nod. Catching a waitress'es attention he Orders a round for each, mango & kiwi for himself. When an opportunity presents itself Justin gives Howie a rundown of his plan.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:55, Thu 24 Nov 2016.

  LT  Howe, Gives Justin a sour  look,..Maybe?..we'll see..just cause he  can fly...doesn't mean he can fight... I mention it to  The LC, before i send it up the  line though.

 Mara  shakes her head,..bad enough we got those  frenchies....Still..we  should have  tried to get him his  wings  first.

 Urns   chuckled,Guess that means, me and Egger won't get picked on as much...

In reply to justin (msg # 272):

Judging by your reaction, it's reasonable to conclude the guy's got a bad rep; Justin appers to have been setup again this was getting a bit tedious.

  Lt Howe   snorts,what?.. The SIMs  Chief? I dunno...but i do know  he'll be  as green as they come..'course  a few more battles like the last ones, and we'll be bringing  folks up who only ever flew  SIMs. Vet Pilots...and I mean real ones, who fought...hard to come by!

 Mara  raises her drink,..yep..we're endangered..for certain.

In reply to Justin (msg # 274):

True enough, Mara.  Which is why I thought giving him some actual flying time whilst needling the Frenchie may be something to think about.

Dropping by the Sims Justin greeted Chief Oric enquiring how he was and if he'd been contacted by any of the flight leaders about training?
This message was last edited by the player at 22:27, Wed 14 Dec 2016.

 Chief  Oric   shrugged,..there was  a few of them who came by... i suggested the  Nivar features?...but?..most of them are down on Everest or hanging out on the recdec.

In reply to SIMs (msg # 277):

That's regrettable, I hoped Howie would allow us a couple of hours in the Frenchies kites. If you want I'm more than willing to chase this up with her. Alternatively I could ask Captain Morris if we could take out A Torpedo ship for a training flight.  How much do you know about flying one of those babbies.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:29, Thu 15 Dec 2016.

Several Pilots arrived making enquiries about the Sims, giving Justin a catch you later nod Chief Oric set about assisting them. Justin headed to the Hanger deck to discuss something with Rivets.

 Zarinia  and   crew<< from Rec dec <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<


  The Chief  loks at her  with a  chuckle,well?.. Let me tell you this, Ma'am?  I can sign anything you want... But.. if  SEC or the Fleet deem  it nesssary  They will lock it  out , or lock  it up?.... FUJI is the Home Base  for the Delta Fleet..The PG?  Its Fleet owned... with partnership from the APF..so?.. Yeah.. I'll sign, Ma'am... Just for the exercise...

In reply to SIMs (msg # 280):

Irrelevant post. Replaced by.

Eager to get the training package up and running Zarina was also interested to know what Sims were running aboard Hermes. While we're waiting for the firewall process to sweep the Minidrive what type of Flight sims are run on these Units, which do you think is the most popular and the best Zarina asked the Delta Fleet Personnel clustered about the Sims.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:20, Thu 15 June 2017.

    The Chief looked  at her  with a raised eyebrow as he signed the  papers  and   sent a copy on his  Vidboard to SEC.

 Flores   shood there in her  dress..Musette was wayching , a bit  behind with a glass of wine...trying  not to get in the way....

Irrelevant post.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:37, Thu 15 June 2017.

  The Chief  Lowered his Vidboard slowly. Hie eyes   took her Measure......"us".... Ensign?  Are You ESN  or Not?.... because? If you are not.. I'm Not Putting that in there..and we might HAve to Call the CAptain to get his gauge on this?

 ..now.... 'ma'am'... i won't  pretend to  study all the  red tape that goes into this....but this is one thing  i do know.... i would ..NOT..want to be someone, trying to do a ' financial' recovery.... bad  things  happen to folks who mess  with the ESN....

 his hands  went on his hips  as he  waited for her  answer.

Quickly counting the number of Sim units, in the area, Zarina did a quick determination of the number of Fighter Pilots aboard who would be viewing the install. Chief do you think there are enough sims here to facilitate the Squadron Pilots?

ooc are there enough Sims to allow each pilot to use these simultaneously?
This message was last edited by the player at 21:16, Thu 15 June 2017.

  There are  8 SIMS  there..all can be  run  solo..or 'teamed up'

  Once the program  is loaded into the Chief's Console, he  can   install them  as needed.

Justin provided Zarina a rundown of the Sims that were available for training purposes. I recall seeing you in the junior classes at the Academy. How'd you go in the finals?
This message was last edited by the player at 20:39, Fri 16 June 2017.

In reply to Justin Kase (msg # 287):

I Passed well enough thank you for asking Zarina replied not wishing to mention she was in the top three percentile I remember you were a lot shorter at the Academy and quite the bookish student; prone to all manner of ailments which kept you from many a class. I was surprised you managed to graduate but here you are, larger than life and with a Blue Max to your name. You must be packing in Angle Food by the tonne, how'd you get to be the size you are now.

 As zarina talked  with  Justin, The Chief  turned a raised  eyebrow  Flores,  Candy seemed to  find something interesting on her  shoe but her shoulders  shook a bit  with hidden laughter.

  Musette watched  trying to get a  good looks at what was going on.

Justin smiled self consciously. Its amazing what a good diet will do to a guy. Especially when the food Angels supply the ESN is filled with all manner of vitamins and minerals. You should see what it did to a Marine called Kurger he was 8'6" in his stocking feet.

That's huge lucky he wasn't a Fighter Pilot, they'd need to tailor make a design a boat specifically for him. speculated Zarina. How's the install coming along Chief Craning her head to get a look at the screen, not being into the Tech stuff she hoped it wouldn't take too long. Glancing over at Kat, Candy and Musette, she got a feeling that they were as eager as she was to get the Sim up and running.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:36, Sun 18 June 2017.

  The Chief  watched the   DL  checking Beth's  anti-threat bots to see if any would activate.

  The  Rec dec  has settlign down as most people were  stillign  now..  the movement  of folks leaving or  entering  even the balance out.

In reply to SIMs (msg # 292):

Watching the Chief check the Server's firewall Zarina wondered how long this process would normally take. Turning she surveyed the room below the raised area, noticing how the number of patrons appeared to be constant, those leaving replaced by some arriving. Candy is there a roster for Crew and Passengers to access the Rec Deck.

  Flores  looked around,..for people like us?.. we'll never get  to know  Civies, they come and go each time  we find a colony or  Carrier station..The Pilots.....

 Her vocie lowered a bit...sometimes  we don't get to know  alot of them either... Captain Morris  has a Big Board outside his shed.. shows were you will be slotted.... The Other Board is the Kill list

 Chief  speaks up, Numbers   25 and Below  have been around for a while...after the  refit , and hadding more Hanger space....but the higher the number.. the newer you are..on your ship.

Justin grimaced at the mention of the fighter numbering, and lists, choosing to focus on the progress of the counter malware application that was being run across Zarina's HD.

In reply to Sims (msg # 294):

I guess that's the way of things during wartime. Make do as best you can, trust what you do helps. Zarina agreed, she didn't think her question would be answered like than, and felt ashamed at asking it. Giving the others an hopeful smile she glanced across the deck In the end all things come to an end.  It's foolish of those in the wrong to think otherwise.

   The chief, nodded....... SIMs  1 through 4 are loaded.. the other 4  will be ready in about 15 minutes....

 Musette  moved up next to Flores and smiled  at her   as they looked at the SIMs...

 Flroes  Just  said.."..ehhhh.."  and  rolled her  eyes.

In reply to Sims (msg # 297):

Thanks Chief, would you care to join the others for a run through of the Sim. Zarina asks glancing at the others Would you like me to run through the preliminary instructions or leave you to work these out for yourselves? Either way was fine by her

  Chief shakes his head,..I have to overwatch the  SIMs..... I will be able to take a run  when  there are any  Pilots that need to use it...

 Flores  shrugs,...I'll take a shot........

 Musette  raises his hand....

In reply to Zarina Striker (msg # 298):

Justin was interested in learning about the prototype. Slipping into a SIM he gave Zarina a smile. I'll give it a go.

When the booths are occupied Zarina gives the Chief a nod Lets get this Sim up and running She stands between the units in a potion where she can watch what's going on the screen and is able to give the pilots a quick a rundown of the intro and answer any questions.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:41, Mon 19 June 2017.

  The Chief  says into the  headphones,we're starting you out  with  a flight in the Black since most of you don't know these things  quirks

  in  5 minutes you'll see  enemies....

Justin glances at the cockpit display comparing it to the existing Fighters. I notice you've used most if the existing configurations used in Fighters whats different.

When the image of the Bee shows on the screen Zarina provides its Overview
The BEE is fitted with a One seater Jump seat and is designed to facilitate the need for a multifunctional interdiction delivery platform

Being 60'x 30'x 10' it fits between the 50' x 20' x 8' Hammer Va and the 70'x 40'x 12' Dart. With uniquely designed Wings that are shorter than the Dart having its tips curved forward.

Its Armament consists of
Two Heavy Pulse guns per wing
One lazar gun mounted left of the Pulse
Under the nose of the fighter is the gunport for the Gatling 37MM hard ammo cannon...and the Tag Cannon on the nose, which has a operational effectiveness that covers a 22.5 degree cone around the Fighters Central Axis
Dual Overarch Enterprise Thrusts provide 15 hours of Continuous engagement usage, albeit slightly slower then the Dart this is compensates for this by having a better turning capability and extra armour.


This message was last edited by the player at 21:23, Fri 23 June 2017.

Justin appreciated the design of this prototype Fighter, and was eager to test out ots capabilities. Tapping away on the sim consol to bring up displays he manipulated the flight controls to assess the maneuverability.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:50, Wed 21 June 2017.

After her brief Zarina strolled over to the Control area. Chief How much experience do these four have? Do you think they could handle a progressive encounter which escalated from a minor skirmish to a near death/suicide type battle. One that will give them a good understanding of the B's capabilities.

    The Chief  Gave her a look, then said in an Even voice,..Look?  Ensign? These people have been  flying Aircraft...while trying to kill people, without , dying.....so? yeah, they can fly a SIM of a  new aircraft...

In reply to SIMs (msg # 307):

Giving the Chief a nod Sorry Chief. Being new to the Hermes I don't know anyone very well, so didn't want to presume anything. Do you think a gradual escalation is possible with the Flight Sims you have available and suitable for them or would they prefer to be dropped into the thick battle, straight off.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:12, Thu 22 June 2017.

     While punching in the SIMs,   The Chief waves to the   Pods,.. I think they launch on a  scouting  mission and let the   computer   let things happen.....

   Turning back to the controls, he adds,besides ... them not  knowing what to expect, should be a better test.

In reply to SIMs (msg # 309):

Nodding at the Chiefs choice, Zarina moves back to the Pods. Crossing to a spot where she can watch the closest pilot run through the module the Chief has settup for them. Remaining  quiet throughout the trial run, unless any of them ask a question; which she'll answer loud and clear enough for them all to hear.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:58, Thu 22 June 2017.

Justin found the scenario started out a basic recon allowinhg him to try out some manoeuvers and fire control and targetting processes to familiarize himself with the Fighter. When targets started showing up he'd let the others take these out and he'd assume a wingman position for the closest of the other three Bees.

  Crosstalk in the SIMs.

  Flores:..... Kinda stiff.. like the controls  are tweaked too much?

  Musette....... I do not know?... it  seems  like she is  smooth to me,, the   right hand  climbing turn?.. is zee best?

 .....well.. that's  real nice  Musette.. but if i have a demon on my tail, or a LArgran, i need to snap turn... doesn't matter how fast  it it, if you can't  turn!

 they were  Jabbering about  as they went through the   SIM..

From whete she stood the SIM appeared to be running smoothly. Tapping away at her mini notepad Zarina noted the pilots comments. When she got an opportunity Zarina would check these out. First she'd check to see which iteration they were using then compare the controls for the B SIM to a Dart to determine if they had the same result.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:14, Fri 23 June 2017.

In reply to SIMs (msg # 312):

Justin snapped off a couple of practice shots to get a feel for the cannons flexibility. Musette that could be because you favour your right hand.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:32, Fri 23 June 2017.

Moving from Pod to pod Zarina spends a short time watching the Play, taking notes which she'll send to the Boffins for analyse, review and feedback. Most of the comments had been non specific so there wasn't much for her to assist them with. Not that she could considering the difference in both Flight hours and Combat experience between herself and each of them. When the Scenario livened up a little Zarina was standing alongside Candy's Pod. Watching the encounter to its conclusion she quickly jotted down some notes about the skirmish then moved across to Musette's pod.

  There was  some  cursing  from Flores as she tried some of her  favorite  moves.. In truth , others   worked  quite  well... but she still complained  about the ones she didn't.

  when he r run was  Finshed   she got out, trying to  not show too much leg ( and failed) .

 I Dunno..hard to think of this better then a Dart?


 Musette was Gliding  around rather  happily.  Thought he was shot  down 2 out of three times....( to   Flores' 1 out of  4)

Justin found that he was knocked out twice in the scenario, whilst dispatching seven opposition. He appreciated the flexibility of the cannon it definitely was an improvement over fixed firing guns, in that it allowed targeting.

When the test finished Zarina gave the Pilots a smile Would you mind completing a questionnaire on the Sim. This input would be great to have and it will assist us to improve the B. This covers Fighter Comfort, Controls, Design, Handling, Maneuverability, Power supply and Weapons System.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:56, Sun 25 June 2017.

  Floras  shrugs,..yeah... i'll give it a shot... as long as it  doesn't  take too long  he frowns at the Rec dec,..I may as well go back and change to my flight  uniform...doesn't  seem like this dress is interesting any one...

 Musette cleared   his  throat and smiled  at her...

 She Rolled her  eyes  and  just said.."....eeccchhh....

  and   strode off towards the elevators...

 Musette looked slighlty embarrassed.

In reply to Sims (msg # 319):

Thanks Candy, it won't take long. The question about comfort can be skipped as it's unnecessary. I'm sending you each a copy now. In thanks for your assistance, in this two drinks are on Fuji Corp. Zarina chins towards the Rec area. Giving Musette a sympathetic smile They'll help you get over your Crash and burn. she suggests at the fellows failed effort to complement Candy.

After setting up the cuttings in her cabin Zarina headed back to the SIM are to check with the Chief about Fuji Flight Application. Passing through the Rec Deck she gave Rivetts a friendly wave. Greeting the Chief Zarina asked him about any others interest in the Fuji Corp 'B' Prototype Sim, and feedback from the himself and any Others who'd tried it out. Taking note of this she chatted with the Chief for 5-10 minutes then headed over to the Pilots Platform.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:01, Sun 23 July 2017.

--->Officers Quarters

Flex Time

Upon entering the Simulator Harry would take a short tour of the room before moving over to a control panel where with a little guidance she would set up a basic scenario for the Bee. Due to her lack of flight time and inexperience she decided to keep things simple for the time being with her picking a basic flight simulator where she could get her head around the controls and how the Bee handled both in the Black and Atmo without having to worry about being attacked. Once she'd gotten used to the controls she'd ramp things up a bit but for now she just wanted to get a feel for the Bee and it's capabilities.

  The Chief   see  Harry Come over. he gets up from the Control station and salutes her,..Lookin' for  some practice Time, Ma'am?... no one  bothering  with them now.. might be some come over  once you light one up...

 Gai Arrived  as well.. seemingly waiting  for the Chief to salute her.. and he did.

Flex Time

"Sure am...thought I'd  better cram in as much practise time as I could before we ship out" Harry replied whilst returning the Chief's salute, doing her best to ignore Gia, figuring that she wouldn't be having much to do with Pennili's pet ace now that she'd transferred out. It wasn't that she disliked the woman it was just the fact that Harry felt that if she'd been given half a chance she could have been just as good if not better than she was. Unfortunately that hadn't been the case and so seeing all the praise being heaped upon her on a daily basis had rubbed Harry up the wrong way on more than a few occasions.

She would spend the remainder of the day within the simulator performing basic manoeuvres and flight patterns until they started to come naturally to her, sure she wouldn't be winning pilot of the year just yet but she could at least claim to be competent within the Bee which was proving to be a joy to fly in comparison to the Hammer’s she’d previously flown.

By late evening she was making attack runs on a lightly defended enemy airfield and dog fighting with scout craft in both the black and atmo with her only finally deciding to call it a night after a very close call with a tree whilst performing a low altitude attack, which in hindsight had been rather foolish and further evidence that she needed to rest.

Promising to return the following day Harry would exit the simulator and head for her quarters.

---> Officers Quarters

  Gai  chose to  Fly the Darts.   Both pilots   screens  can be viewed outside the 'cockpit'

 Soem pilots had  made thier  way over to watched the 'new guys' work out... Gia  did   well.. she  chose    LArgran fighters   with in  range of a moon.

 she danced  around  with them scoring 3 out of  4 Kills but.. the last one  torched her...

 when she got out , quite  happy with what she had  done.. The Chief looked at her....Beggining your  Pardon..Ma'am? You have to finished your  SIM...

 she smiled her bright  smile,..what?.. o?  no no no.. I am quite done for the Day..

 There were two pilots  from D Flight  Chuckled...

 ..See this  Ma'am? These are the rules  for Pilots who  use the   SIMs.. these rules were written by the Instructors  at the academy...

 he drops the book on his control panel  some 2 inches thick.....and?

 opening a paper oulder with  one sheet of papers in.. there were   three lines as he handed  it  to her.. they said...

1... never leave the SIM if you left a wingman behind...

2...Never leave a Sim if you failed  your  Misson

3.. Never  leave a SIM, if you have been shot down...

 it was signed..  LC K. Shadow... and   undersigned  by  Commander Si

 she looked up and asked... you   are telling  me.. you are going to force me to fly  the  SIM again, until i do not get shot  down.????

 A Black  woman LT  and  a White  woman Ensign with their  'd' flight patches on their shoulders  giggled a bit..

 En Mara said,..The Chief  won't make  you  fly it again... the LC will when he  gets the SIMs  readouts...

 The  BlackWoman, LT Bresil said, in a thick Nigerian accent,.. thee important ting, es why you would  leave, a job undone?.. you cannot   walk away in thee  black...

 The Chief  smiled and nodded..

 Gia  stomped her  foot....FINE!.... she tilted her head  and   waved her  arms,..I will get in!.. I will..... do it all over....

 The chief  smiled  a bit ,...yes  Ma'am... you will..

 Gai climbed back in  and   reset the SIm  flight helmet as  the cockpit closed....

---> Rec Dec

"Ah good you're back, I was wondering how long that tantrum would take" Harry said with a smile, knowing that she should probably show a little more respect to a superior officer but finding it rather difficult under the circumstances.

It had been interesting watching Gia the first time, with Harry taking note of some of the manoeuvres she'd used in order to down the three Lagran fighters "Perhaps you should consider throttling back a little ma'am this thing doesn't fly as quickly as a Dart" and if you hadn't left me behind I might have been able to frag the one that you Harry silently added doing her best to be polite; watching as four more Lagran fighters appeared from behind the moon as the simulator reset "This is Bravo two, bogeys sighted ten o'clock high, weapons are hot, moving in to engage" Harry announced through her intercom gently turning the Bee to line up on the left most fighter and selecting her lasers. Once the fighter had moved into effective range Harry would open fire.

    yeah... well.... now  we got spectators out there... 2 Pilots  from D flight...

 She  flipped her   Dart over to  engage the   Right Most fighters... The Largans performed , pretty close3 to LArgans, as the Machines fed  all the GUN CAM  footage into a data  base to give the  AI something to work with...thought..every now and again, the  enemy didn't always stick to its own rules.

   Harry found out, what   Gai already knew. Largans  had Shields that would protect...for a bit.. from energy weapons... But HArd Ammo  cut through them like butter.

  Harry's   lazars   splashed  against the LArgran and   moved to form a bit of an oval , befoer vanishing...

 Harry fired off  4 rounds  from the Gatling Cannon, before the  4th round hit her target and it  Blossomed into a red and orange cloud

 Also, Harry found out  that energy weapons  do..indeed , hit the  'shieldless '  ESN Machines... as her target registered two hits..but nothing   in the crit area.

 ..Largrans  have  Shields.. the weaken and Fade after a bit against energy weapons... as far as I know? they are the Only Race that has shields.

"Good to know" Harry replied; grateful for the advice and the fact that she was learning it now in the Sim rather than out in the black where it could get her killed. Switching over to her pulse cannons she would then execute a turn that a Dart could only dream of performing to track her first target as it attempted to move out of her arc of fire.

Being sure to lead the target Harry would open fire with her pulse cannons; watching as the tracer rounds shot out into the black and correcting her aim where necessary "How's it going back there Bravo one? You fragged any yet?"

   Gia   saw  the Pulse  bursts  flow over the  LArgran Craft...... remember? Pulse is  energy too..unless you are using a  capsulized  Pulse round in a pistol or  rifle?...  Pulse cannon wear  down the shields faster then Lazars....  for the Lizards?  use   the 37 MM cannons.

 Gai's   Dart took  two more hits , as  she walked   6  37 MM rounds   up the  Largran's  tail to the Cockpit,  it  fractured, the  Pilot  spinning into the Black.

 ..I hear that the  old  Hammer  3's  uses to have one shot  37MMs.. and limited  Ammo.. they got  rid of some armor and and such to make  room for the belt  fed 37 MM  gatling Cannons..soooooo..much better?.. though?..i never flew a HAmmer 3.

Justin asked the Chief for permission to observe the two new pilots, over his shoulder.

  The Chief   smiled  at Justin, having worked with him before...  Watch her..or watch the Screens.. Mara and  Bresil have been watching for a bit...

Watching the shields fluorescing under her attack Harry swore under breath as she realised the dumb rookie error she'd made, with Gia's gentle reminder making it all the more embarrassing, not to mention the spectators she'd previously mentioned "I think I saw one once...a Hammer III that is" Harry spoke in a conversational voice as she once again brought her cross hairs to bear on the fighter before firing the Gatling cannon, listening to the low whine of the motor coming from within the cockpit "...daddy took me to an air show when I was a little girl and they had a Hammer III on display...or perhaps it was a II?" she continued trying her best to recall details of an aircraft she'd seen as a child as she fired another sharp burst from the 37mm cannon.

     The  two ESN  Aircraft wound about their paths.... Harry.. took out the third   aircraft with her Cannon... leaving one  they tried to escape by  heading   for the Moon and its  ravines and   outcroppings.

  We had  hammer  II's  at the academy when i started... when i had to run the  finals  out pass Moon Base  we had  Hammer  IIIs.. they said somethign about a  Naval  Commander wanting to send  Hammer  I s  and Hammer  IIs  to colonies for home defense, and train us on  , more up to date  Machines.. for flying in The Black...

  Hammer  1s and IIs  were bricks with wings.. relying  on power  weapons, for the most part... Hammer IIIs had a  Magazine for the 37 MM, but had to  be hand   fired  as it loaded the round.... Hammer  IVs  and Up began to see  the Gatlin Cannons..... Shadow  said he  uses   the Lazars  for tracers.. to line up his  cannon  shots.. and fires by eye, rather then  weapon's lock

 The  were  catching up to the  Largran.. it has  the red flashing light , of a flight leader, and thus, flew like a more experience  pilot.

 Then it dropped into the ravine.....

Watching as the fighter's wing and hull parted company and spiralled away into space Harry moved to pursue the final fighter all the while listening to Gia as she described the different marks of Hammer she'd seen and flown since joining the service.

It was at this point that the enemy flight leader dove into a ravine on the moon's surface "want me to see if I can flush him out for you?" Harry asked figuring that the more agile Bee would fare better at navigating it's way through the ravine "I wish I'd signed up sooner...my life would have turned out so differently if I had...I'd have been a better person if had..."

   Gia  answered  quickly, as if she was making the call for real,... ahhh... No   Harry.. he  wants us to go there, No?.. so we do not  want to go there.... I will do the flushing... I will fly over the ravine.. shooting power weapons into the  sides.. you  hang back... the Lizard  will either try to escape.. or   come after me....Remember.. he is ..the Flight leader... so..he is more the smart one.. and?  you must keep in mind, as you fight the lizards?..thus far, they are the only other  race.....that we know.. that uses.. the hard ammo...Si? That is born from  finding out , that the  hard metal poisons the Demon blood...a ,very much, good way.. for them to die..

 She  settled into a run  for the ravine.. it looked a good  20 miles long, give or  take.

 ..as  for making  yourself the Better Person?... You are here now, Si?  How  many ...'not better persons'...are not?

 She   dover  towards the  ravine abd flattened out.. firing    energy weapons  at the  sinde of the  ravine causing   rocks and Dirt  to Puff out  of   fall into the darkness at the 5 mile mark..which was a second or two..   Harray saw the Red  Light  come back on as the  Prey, thought it  had Become Hunter..

"Roger that Bravo one, Good hunting" Harry responded, pulling up to get a better view of the ravine that Gia was currently decimating with cannon fire; her eyes searching the darkness for any sign of their final target all the while listening to what she had to say "I suppose so..." Harry quietly responded to Gia's comment that she was already a better person just by being here, though she sounded less than convinced by that argument "...but it's going to take a very long time to balance out the things that I..." catching sight of the fighters red light Harry suddenly stopped mid-sentence "He's on your six Bravo one, moving to intercept" Harry stated as she moved her fighter into position.

Remembering what Gia had told her about Shadow's methods she'd fire her lasers first before lining up the targeting array for her 37mm Gatling on the shields corona and firing, deciding that she wasn't going to risk firing over open sights like Shadow did, a small smile creeping onto her face as she quietly spoke "and for you... the war is over"

   the  Largran rose.. and began to  fire  with all weapons.. though his  power  weapons weren't any where near the  small target of the dart.. one hard ammo round  did  hit the  fuselage  where wing met the body and a  bright fast  was seen...

   Harry's tactics   worked..and , perhaps  saved    Gia  as the   Largran tried to dive as the shield lit up... but the  hard ammo ripped the  aircraft to  shred.. it  needed in a short ball of flame...

   Gai   came back... her voice  abit tense, Very well done... Captain Penilli use to have  me be bait many times...4 of his kills were  much like this!... I had to  Pod out twice though...sometimes.. he waited too long...

 the  Chiefs  Voice   came over  the headsets,...nice job.... now  return  to the 'ship' we got  folks waiting for thier turns....

"Roger that chief, returning to ship" Harry said grinning from ear to ear, sure it wasn't the real thing but she'd at least proven to herself that she could actually fly a combat mission without getting herself or anyone else killed during the process.

Upon exiting the simulator she'd move over to meet Gia with a smile still on her face "Thank you Lt, I really appreciate the help you gave me... I'd have probably still been floundering around in there if it wasn't for you" she said, clearly grateful for the other woman's help and advice "...though...um...if you don't mind me asking...are you alright? You seemed a little on edge at the end of that run" she asked, dropping her voice so as to keep it between the two of them.

  Gia  smiled  a bit.. several Pilots  were waiting in line.. all 6 of the pods were now  being logged in, while 3 more pilots waited 'their turn".

 The Chief  came over  and had them sign off on the  SIMs logs. knowing they were both new to the  Ship the Chief said quietly,..now? there are so many hours  a month you are  must log on the SIMs... but? with how much flight time  fighters get in battle, most times   the  logs aren't even forced...but.. if you step into one.. the Log counts...keep that in mind.

 he pulls them aside,..The LC...Captain Morris   and Commander Si  reveiw the flight logs.. though , CAptain Morris  does  the lion's  share of that.. when time comes  to  run an op..or lead a flight.. the SIMs logs are sued for a Tie  breaker.

 He  gives them a salute and returns to his control desk.


  Gai smiles  and salutes , then  says to Harry, Come with me to the Rec Dec.. we  will ahve a  drink..i will tell you some things...

 Gai, Harry  Rec Dec.>>>>>>>>>>>>

In reply to Sims (msg # 331):

Justin gave the Chief a friendly smile Thanks for letting me get an idea of the Newbies Flying skill. Noticing Gai and Harry speaking confidentially Justin gives a shrug and heads back to the Hangar deck to kill the time.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 04:51, Thu 02 Nov 2017.

Signing her name to the flight log Harry listened as the Chief explained about the simulators and how they counted not only towards her flight time but to whether or not she would be considered for operations and even promotion "Thank you Chief, will do" Harry replied with a salute before quietly agreeing to Gia's offer of a drink and a chat.

---> Rec Dec

  The Little Group is Met  by Lyri.


  The Chief  looks them over  as he asks,..what's up, LC?

 ..the warlord  and I are going to have a bit of a contest

 He looked at   Lilit,well..Ma'am... what  do you want?...target practice...see who can get to most bad guys... or head to head?

 ... Head to Head, Chief... the others  may take  too long..

  alright?... what you want?.. we have  Hammers up to  Hammer Va.. we  have Darts... got the Bee.. but.its  still a prototype, ... we can get you in  a Largran Scale Ripper.....and a   Demon Claw... that's all we got.. we're  working on Sundrops  and  the Hyrian aricraft..but  don't got ebough  real input  yet.

 ..What about a Verian Nova?

 The Chief Laughs.....never sen one.'cept in the Vids.... i don't know if they even make them.

 She opens a pouch on he r  Belt , a small Black Disc  case......now You can.... load it up...

 ..um..well.. I have to run it through...

 ..do what you need to... we can wait...

 I ahve never heard of that..I have never flown that?..

 ..I have..only a few times.. its  sleek short swept back wings.. 4  nose mouthed  heavy Pulse   guns..  4  wing mounted lazars.. it cuts  through  Atmo like a hardammo bullet..it can out dive any carft i know.. and can out climb most of them... once you get used to turning... you can almost ram your own tail..

 sounds  neat...under powered as far as weapons go?..no hard ammo?

 ..you hit  somethign with 4 Heavy pulse.. you don't need  Hard  Ammo... if humans would get these?..  I am sure  hard ammo cannons  could  be swapped out..  teo  hard Ammo.. teo heavey  Pulse.. all on the nose... line of sight... no  tartget tomes to warn an enemy?

 Dusk   shakes her head,.... we  do not even have those?..

 Ahhhh.. but  we will, Captain Shadow...The Capships I came with have them... there is a carrier  coming with some for the Charon... and a few..for ..gifts.. for our friends...

 Shade  left  out a low  whistle...

 ..yeah?.. well.. we'll see... i sorta like the Dart....

 ..Come on.. let is see how well you do...

 the chief  comes back with the disc,..Ma'am?  if those  are real?.. from what i saw in the specs?.. why haven't your people taken over  the Alpha Quad?

 she  waves for the chief to keep the disc,..put that in your  library.. so  your pilots can try it out..... she  looks a bit sad as she adds,..it does not matter, how great a fighter is, if your do not have great fighters... to fly it?

 how is it , for Ground support?

 it makes you a hard target to hit.... the weapons  are good  for   armor  or troopers.. you have to be good though.. you are moving fast...

 what about Armor?.. is it tough.. or tinfoil, like a Sundrop?

 ..if my studies  are  right.. the armor is  a small bit less then a Hammer Va... will Notice  the Cockpit is covered  from the Pilot back.. the metaglass goes from shoulder  to shoulder to shoulder and locks  down over the pilots head..... the theory is, YOu can turn fast enough to se what is behind  you..  and the extra  armor should help  getting the back of your head blown off.

 Chief Nods...Well Ma'am you take  the first one.. LC take the  3rd.....This should be interesting..

Roy arrived as the two were climbing into their simulators.  He took a spot next to Lyri, leaning over slightly to ask, "So, what's the scenario they're flying?  I assume it's a direct competition...flying against each other?  Or both given the same mission to fly and whoever does it better wins?"  While he considered the second a better test for who was actually the more useful pilot, he also knew most fighter jocks preferred direct engagement to establish their place on the totem pole...

   Lyri  shook her  head and pointed to the  screens about them.

    Head to head in  some verian made Fighters.... The Warlord  says she only flew them a couple times... I'm thinking she's more of a ground Pounder.....Shadow..never  saw one before..sooo...

 Beth Arrived  as the Chief  was checking through each SIM to make sure they worked...safeties off... good Luck.."

 Shade  was  whirling and Grinding...

 Dusk answered him,..My first thought was, She is trying to get to know , Father's skill set.... My second  thought, she just wants to be considered part of us..

  ..I asked  for no Safeties  so you  know when to  quit...outside  of   getting Blown up...

  ..great..great... nice of you  to think of me....

 ..you are a warriro.. a little pain shouldn't bother you...

 RIGHT... lets get started.... in 3....2....1...

 The glass turned Black ..when the inside Lit up they were sitting In a Tight  Cockpit.... there  was a  Transport in the distance..Shadow tried to read it name but it  kept Blurring out... around it  were Red and Blue Novas... Shadow looked at his wing..he was red....

 well..um.... Flight Lead to..um..Red Guys... keep taking out Blue   Guys ... he was  really unsure?... were they trying to take the transport or  protect it?

  robotic  mixes of Voices came back..."  yes  sir.. we will not let them get to the transport..."

 "...be careful..there is  an Ace  among the  enemy  ..."

  He frowned.. he wanted to fly imto the Mix.. But he banked  to the Port and Began to  twist  turn and Loop..Getting a feel of the New  Air craft... he shrugged  as he  flew... then his  screen lit up... 3  fighters headed his way...

  .. He  shot  Stright up into the Black..and  sure  engough  they put on speed  to  Raise up.. Passing his spot just Briefly, as they tried to rein in thier aircraft...Without Gravity tp help, Shadow had  to Force his  aircraft to 'nose down'..  the Last of the three  fighters was a little  Behind the other  two... and he  fired  the    4 nose cannons...the  ship shook  , just a bit  as the   4 Pulse  rounds    zipped  towards the  target, it  tried to veer, one  round  zipped passed..... the other  three it the tail section, Blowing off the stabalizers  and tail fin..the result set off   the  heat from the thrusters into the body and  Blew up ...

  Now  Shadow  Banked  hard..too hard... Lilit was right, he  could  chase  his own tail....but.. instead of being on the ^  of the climbing fighters.. he was on thier  4....

 ..Dammit.... he  throttled back the whole  was,  as the ships  turned to  find him.. he  hit the thrusters  to try to get some 'reverse' to stop his  forward  movemment.. Firing all wepaons..because...why not?

  The second on Vanished  as it was cut to pieces.. the  Thrid  one Dived    past the   firing  Nova..

 ..man..if i can get the  controls down...

 ...you will not get that chance....

  a Jolt of pain when through him  as his Left wing was hit... He hit the  rear thrusters   to Full and 'abacked away  as   a Blue  Nova  flew  as...and he Fired...  there was a scream from the other   SIM... Shadow abused the  Nova  he flew  by slamming it in  full speed.. the ache in his  right arm told Him the wing was in bad  shape... the trail of  sparks  and flickering Lights..showed the other was damaged  as  well.

  The transport was calling for  Help.. red  Fighters  were trying to swarm to her to protect it...

 Shadow Broke off  from , making   finishing off  Lilit... and  Zipped towards   the  mass of  fighters... taking out two who were  trying to  bring  down one other, he called into the COMs,.. All red  Fighters   rally ON   Me.. get a wing  and start taking out  Blues...

 The transport was using   what few AA guns it  had... The ensignia was a generic one of a  Run Sun with a Darker red  'R' in the Middle.

 The fighters started to Ralley  and Blues   were dropping  like flies...

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

 Outside Dusk  Looked at Lyri and   Roy,...why did he not chase   Lilit?.. He could have destoryed her?

  Shade  bleeped  and Pointed at the over head screens,

 ..yes.. I understand the  transport is in trouble... but..that is not the focus of this   test?

 ... unless.. the test  is to see what Shadow does?

 Hack and Si arrived  , clearing thier throats,.. I am unsure what this is about... but Lilit  doesn't do anything , by accident...She  the Warlord of her people.... who helped  keep the Angel Moons  ..somehwat..safe until we  arrived... I think alot  more is being tested.. then  a new fighter class...

Roy leaned forward, murmuring to Dusk.  "Contrary to what a lot of people say about him, the LC is not about his individual glory.  He's part of a detachment that is defending a transport.  Even if he shoots down Lilit, if the transport is destroyed, he feels he lost.  Interesting choice for a head-to-head scenario..."

He looked over at the SIM chief.  "Is this scenario part of the download from the Warlord?  Or did you create it?"