the  FArm:

  The  Bottom of the  ship, more or less, with the area  Stopping at the   forward wall ( the Hold is  forward of  the FArm)

 and the Stern wall where the  munitions  stored for the Ship's Guns...Unlike   the Rec Dec and Civie Section, this 'rectangle' goes from  hull side to hull side.

   Water Collection Unitls   run the length to the 'farm, in the Middle, Enclosed   walkways are over the Huge  tanks for workers   to walk. at the 4 corners  are  Cubes called 'barns" clockwiase  facing the Bow, are  The Cow  Pen...The Sheep pen.. Chicken pen. and on  building  split between goats  and Pigs/

 there are  stacks of Huge soil contiars called 'trays' by the workers,, they are  rotated   by thw  workers to keep the soil fresh..when ever possible  new  soil is brought in from planets..Corn, wheat, Tomatoes and othe vegatbles  are grown to help the shops and Civies   with 'fresh food'... to go along  with supplies  purchased at ports..

 there is a 'newly made' tray  that is guarded  by a  Hermes Sec trooper. Some two different  plants  brought from the Angel Moons, that the hermes has  been planting on it s other member planets

  The  Trays  are serviced  By walkways  as they have  some  20 feet between  the next tray...huge  growing light  Line the  tops  and  water is  filterd  down from one  tray to the  others.

  Cats ..dozens of them, can be seen doing their 'job' sneaking around trays  or   hunting around the 'barns"

  When they reach the Bottom, a Civie points towards the BArns,They are running all over the place..you would be surprised what they find...some odd ball creatures that sneak on board from other planets   when we bring crates up?... But the Cats have been keeping the vermin down..we'll see a Cat  chewing on one, before  we see something running around by themselves.

 a  Hover   cart Puling  some  trailers had Containers labels  for  goat's Milk and Cows  Milk  drove  By...a  cat sat in the  back Liking on of the containers.

 Hunter chuckles "I think the Ship computer had better go back to school where adding up is concerned" he says with a laugh. "According to it there are only ten cats on board".

Turning to his charges, "well as you see our small cat friends are a bunch of happy looking kitties".

Looking back to the guard

"is it okay if they meet some of the cats, as you can see some where along the genetic line there was some similarity."

  The   Civie   points  with the barrel of his  Pulse Gun to the'farm"..Look around as much as  you want, just  stay out of the worker's  way!

 Theother guard  chuckles,we started  with 10.....

 Tore Looks  at the cat that is licking Milk off the side of the sealed containers,..They seem to be smaller...less useful, versions of ou people!

Hunter nods "thank you"
"Hmm less useful, may be so, but in their own space and time they have evolved and made them selves useful".
"There is an old saying on earth that only a fool tries to control a cat". "They are independent minded little cusses at times."

  There is a some Purr-giggle from Hirr,..maybe  you should tell that saying to your LC?

 the  walk down into the 'Farm area..workers  are walking through the  stacks, some  picking  products, others  Tending to the plants, and  on the topmost stacks, they are planting fresh seeds.

 every now  and again..a  Cat wil be  seen walking towards  a Barn woth a Rat..or  small Lizard-esk  creature in its mouth...or perhaps   they will see on  poised to strike, its tail twitching as it  peers under the Bottom Trays.

Hunter laughs.
"Oh Lt Hirr friend you think he has not been told it already"
"I like and respect the Man, but he can be the most irritating person out some times". "But he is a warrior for all of that and I will follow willingly when he gives me an order"

Hunter looks around
"If I am allowed to I definitely am coming down here again."
"I am enjoying this"

  Near the BArn at the bow=starboard  end , the Cows  are being Milked. there are a few  beat up metal bowls  staged  around the   area  that have  some fresh milk..a  Cat can be  seen sitting by one... a pair of  Kittens  Tumble  about the  Dec....workers  are  vacuuming up old straw and sending it into a multcher that will be sued to spread on  the top of the  tray soil.

 A Fellow in an ESN  uniform with a  QM mark on his  shoulder  Is directing  some  Corn to be divided up between the   Civie 'town'..the Rec Dec-shop area, including the  OC and the Pulse, and for the Mess Hall.

 Hunter stoops and waits to see if the tumbling kittens wants to investigate the new scent to its area

 it takers a bit  for then Kittens to know there  is someone 'new' there. The  First one, a  grey striped..Bounces over Looking Up Hunter... the  scond one , a Black and white  patched.. starts to Come over, But  suddenly notes the  Felrites... it  Hunches  Up, turning sideways, Its  Tail  high as it lets  out a Tiny Hiss...

 Tore, takes a step back at this..Hirr  moves to draw her blade.

"As you were both" Hunter says softly.
"Would not one of your young so warn the unknown, look at it being brave facing some thing it does not know". "Why don't one of you take of weapons and join me, let them see you are not a threat"
Hunter cocks his head on one side, "Did you understand what it said or just a warning?"

   Lare, the Bluefurred  Female  Kneels..the first kitten  is   pawing with one paw at Hunter's hand.

 The  feisty Kitten..is Bouncing Up at down. Little hisses and  jagged fur...Larereaches out ot it..it's  ears are Flat, a bigger  cat cups froma small metal box  with a hole in it..hir slinks Up to the the Kittens It looks up at the Human and  Felrites....though its fur is not  fuzzed, it  gives a low growl

Hunter squats in front of the Cat his hand out stretched allowing it to see he is unarmed and friendly
"Lare join me" he says softly "and put the kitten down in front of mum"

  She  tries to touch  the feisty  Kitten to  Come to her, But  the thing just keeps  bouncing Up and down and hissing...

 The Mother  ignores it  as it   reaches  the one By Hunter and Grabs it By the scruff with her Mouth...the  Kitten goes limp and the Mother looks at   Hunter  and  scurries off to the  box...the  fiesty one  Just  Jumps   up and  down a few times, turning  sideways to appear bigger..then   scampers  after the Mom.

Hunter watches amused he gets the feeling that he was just evaluated in one go, and the result did not go down in his favour
 "Well there you go not intelligent at our level but very brave and feisty".
"Shall we stay and watch more of them, or head up wards"?

 Hirr has a bit of a amused look on her face,..our people and  many others  , have Idea, That the one who  was Seeding  The Black, watches us all....its is seeming, that we all have the same creatures on our  worlds...but it is different, which ones are the   Main  ones.... We have small Humans, they have lots of fur...they are not  well liked..some  Felrites have them as Pets, but they seem to be mean at times...There is being the law, that forbids these  creatures inside big cities.

Hunter nods I have heard of the theory.
These cats are house hold friends and farmyard workers.
He looks thoughtful
"there is a small thing that I have heard of which suggests that it is possible your people may have reached earth some many years ago."
 "Back in the Egyptian civilisation there was a goddess called Bast, she walked on two feet, had cat features and was the daughter of Ra the Sun God"
https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bast.
Hunter uses his pad to show Lt Hirr the file.
Hunter considers then asks
"How long have your people had star travel"

  We have been in the Balck  for some 1000 years....she studies the   Vid Board,..it  is said the Angels  found us, and Helped us to the sky...The Demons came soon after, to try to make us choose  sides....


 Handing the  Vid Board back,..It is  said, The one  who Seeding The Black..took with him, People  from each Race...so they could see the way  the seeds unfolded.... Your  Planet, is  faroutwards, so  they may have took longer to seed?

Hunter takes the pad and stores it.
" I guess no one knows the truth of it for sure.
"But it is clear that even the Demons and Angels have things they fear, one thing is clear we have much to learn of each other and our races." "I was surprised by the cats reaction to you, I will be honest." "I guess they saw some thing strange and were worried for their young". Hunter chuckles "I liked the little feisty kitten". Hunter looks around and says generally. "Thank you for your time and welcome people,"
"Shall we" he indicates the way out

  They  head back up the ramp, a different  'golfcart' type  cart is coming  down with empty Crates  and Boxes.

 they step to the  Side as Tore  says,..if that Hissing one, has not been named yet, by its  mother. One should Name it after your LC...he seems to  be much like that...

 Hirr  purr-chuckles,..that is  funny to say! then she adds,when we  return to the  Rec Dec, I am wishing  you to inform out people, we will be running the accesss Tunnel that goes about the ship..full equipment...we wish to be ready for the next fight..yes?

  Tore Nods,Already done...LT Hirr...as the Humans say...

Hunter chuckles at the idea of the kitten being named after the LC
Then hearing Lt Hirr speak he asks

"When and what time Lt Hirr, I think I shall join you and see if this Old Sgt is fit to run with your combat troops"

i am hearing, that your  LC  has the Pilots  run the tunnel 3 times a week? They have the  time to beat..if they6 are missing the time..they do not get to fly...

From Rec Dec>>>>>>>>>>

 She entered the farm deck and slowly looked around, taking in the sections of crops and hearing the animals. She slowly walked forward, looking for anyone who might be able to show her around. She also looked for cats, for she had heard that they had a few on board. That made sense, because like ships of old, they never seemed to be able to keep vermin completely under control. Somehow, mice seemed to find hiding places on supplies and come aboard. She had been on ships before where they would open the hatches and let vacuum in to get rid of the pests but of course, some always found places the vacuum and cold of space didn't reach.

 She thought she saw a cat running across the deck but it moved too fast, and she just barely caught a glimpse before it disappeared. She moved to investigate.

 "Here kitty kitty kitty! Here kitty! Kiss kiss kiss kiss kiss, come here little one. I have beef jerky in my pocket..." She wheedles and clicks her tongue trying to get a cat to come investigate.

 there are a few  civie men and  women walking around if any place on the ship made sense to have Dec  Plating, instead of Deck plating it was here.

 the water that dripped off the trays or plates  would filter down through the perforated plates and make their way to  holes in the plating under that, that collected  any  'loose water' even dirt and debris was gathered and  sifted  to be  reused, or used as fertilizer .

 One fellow approached her he looked  , very much , like an earth farmer... checkered  shirt, battered ball cap, and  knee high boots to go with blue  cover  alls.

 ...You lost. Ma'am?

 "Well I'm curious about what goes on and down here for one. I was raised in the country around animals, even worked on a pig farm for a couple of years. Secondly I was wondering if you have any kittens up for adoption? I miss the companionship a cat provides without the neediness a dog has."

 She smiled at the man and offered her hand. "Hello. I am Medtech Karie Baker. I find animals to be calming, and gardening can be relaxing. Do you have any tiny plots available for some personal use? Or do have a herb garden I could perhaps help with?"

  the  Fellow took her hand,Eddie Moss... I'm Number  2  guy around here  for now. Lots of  us   go to colonies to start a new Life..., but  we haven't been to Bura  or the Delta  system for a while.

  The herbs  are along the Port side Hull? Got  about everything there in plots... for  cooking and   the  Med techs?  As  Far  as Cat go?  Might  check the Cow BArn, some of the Civie ladies  working there  might know of a Litter  or two?

 She grinned at him as he shook her hand, liking his attitude immediately.His grip was firm but gentle and respectful.

"Thank you Mister Moss! It's nice to meet you. Would it make you upset if I came down every day or so to work a tiny plot? I wouldn't want to get in the way or take plots needed for something essential. I wouldn't raise anything against the rules."
 "Thank you for your help. I will go talk to the barn ladies about cats."

Well Can't  promise  anyhting  off the top of my head...but if you wanted to put  some time in  witht eh Herbs, no one would be grudge you a  bit of harvest?...Just..stay away from the   plots that are Guarded... that's  some  Anegl herbs or some such...said to be  high on the list for  Med tech folks.

"Just show me the off limits ones and I will avoid them. Not a problem at all! Thanks!"

 She gave him a pat on the shoulder  then trotted off toward the barn to check on kittens

  Walking towards the Coe BArn, she  sees some  men with a pallet unwraping Hay bales, the  wrapping is used   for  food  for the goats and sheep as well.  she sees  some   women Hefting  shiny containers  onto a cart that  will be taken to the Civie section or Rec Dec.

 "Hey there! Do you ladies need any help? Hi. I'm Med Tech Baker. I came down to see if you have any kittens up for adoption. I'd heard rumors that you have some sometimes. I miss having a cat around to sleep with. Nothing quite so calming at night as a purring kitten to put you to sleep."

She grabbed one of the shiny containers and hefted it onto the cart with a bit of effort but managed ok. She grinned ruefully at the ladies. "Been awhile since I worked on the farm. I need to get back with the training and workouts again."

 There was  an older woman , dress  much like Eddie, she had a Vidboard and was counting the Milk containers that were being loaded.Well?  we don't  need much help now...we get thinned out a bit, when we cast off though...when we are in port, more civies need  creds since  alot of thier  jobs  slowdown, when crew go on leave...

 As  far as Cats? Ask Toni..little  black Girl in the BArn, she shoudl be  with the other kids  filling  feed trays? She in charge of the 'kid section' The woman smiles,..she's a great help, and its good for these kids who will be transferring to colonies, to get to know  what work is!

"Well when you need extra help let me know when I come down and I will be glad to help, if I don't have to go on duty. I enjoy farming if I can take a break from it."

 She laughs lightly then if they don't have more to say she will head toward the barn to talk to Toni.

entering the  cow  barn, she see's  men stcking some of the wrapped  hay in the lofts.

  a skinny black girl, a bit taller then the other  kids   is helping lift  the bags od feed,that help supplement the  hay.

men and women  are  hooking/unhooking , milkers, she also notices  a few calkfs   stumbling around.Some of the Men and  Older  boys  are  shoveling waste into carts that will be taken to the nmachine that  helps covert it to fertilizer for the farm

 Just as she walks, she can see  a bunch of cats  running about.

 "Hello the barn. Oh, hello kitties! Is there a Miss Toni here. I am Med Tech Baker. The ladies with the milk cans said I should talk to Toni about kittens that might be up for adoption. I see that you have a nice lot of cats here. I bet they smell the milk. Milk isn't that good for cats though. Most can't digest it well and get diarrhea. That isn't good for them."

 She smiled at them and stepped out of the way of the milking crew.

  Toni stepped up  wiping her forehead with the sleeve of her left arm,..we have  3  litters  of kittens... on of the older boys  put up a Vid for Everest if anyone wants to buy some, we'll keep some though. so the farm doesn't  run out of Mice, and some of the odd ball alien things...Cat seem to lik eto eat them too...Came Up from Bura  , or so rhe Men say..., there aresome  grey and orange Tabbies..and there  is that one wierd little  Black one there..He's the runt of  that second  littler there?... we have to chase the other kitties  away so he can eat

 She looked around at the kittens Toni pointed out, but when her eyes lit upon the tiny little black one, her heart melted! She loved black cats, it was lucky to own one, it was believed. Besides, she was a sucker for runts!

"Oh, the black one is adorable! Let me see if he likes me though. I can't take one who has taken a dislike to me!" She knelt down so she wouldn't seem so big and tried to call the little runt kitty to her. She pulled out a bit of beef jerky from her pocket to see if he would eat it.

 "Here kitty kitty! Look, I have some beef jerky. Do you like beef jerky? Come here sweetie. Oh, you are such a pretty little fellow!"

  The little Black   kitten cowered in some straw... it  let out an almost silent mew.

  two slightly bigger  Kittens , a orange one  and a grey striped one  came Bounding over like  Bunnies  as Cookie  talked  with the wee one.

 She sat down on the straw and scooted slightly closer to the kitten getting as low as she could, then slowly broke pieces off the jerky and dropped a few on the ground for the grey cat and the orange one. Then while they sniffed the jerky she pushed some closer to the black kitten and tried to keep the other kittens attention away from his food, talking to and petting them gently. She wanted the runt to see she wasn't dangerous, and that she was really very sweet and gentle.
 "Oh aren't you all so adorable? Pretty babies. Are you hungry? Here is some more. Don't get greedy, save some for the others."
 She set her hand where he could smell it if he wished, but didn't move it around, using the other one for feeding bits of jerky to the grey and the orange.

  The Grey was Hoppign around pawing at her HAnd. the Ornage one  was Rubbing up against her  leg as she sat.

 The Black Kitty  just sorta  curled up tighters, its head  went up and its  eyes  wider are the  two 'bigger  kittens  frolicked . Once more its Mouth opened , issuing an almost, soundless mew.

 One last time she tried to coax the black kitten to sniff her fingers then she reached one finger to try to rub it's right jaw with a light touch, then would lightly scratch it's chin it allows her to. She really loved shy little runts! They always grew up spoiled rotten whenever she got one. She also played with the other two silly little furry babies since they wanted attention too. They were cute and funny and full of energy!

"Come on baby, let me pet you sweetie! You don't need to be afraid with me!"

 The  Little Black  one   lifted its head and closed its  eyes as Cookie scratched its  chin.

 the  Other   Two pranced  around , the orange one crawled up on her legs, the  grey one  tried to bat at the hand that was paying attention to the black one.

 Toni came over,ma'am?  we have to  finish workign , so you can just find  me over there....

"Ok Toni. I think the little black one might warm up to me.If it does I would like to take him though they are all so cute! Is there another kitten the little guy hangs out with most and who plays with him? If there is I might have to get both. How much are you selling them for?"

 She scratches the little kitten firmer under his chin and rubs his head.

 The  Girls  smiles a sad smile,..nope.. from what i see, even the Mom  don't have much to do with him?  She shrugs, As Far as Price goes, they charge  5 creds for Hermes folks... when we sell them off ship?..they go for 10 or 15?...  Mr Moss  has orders coming in from Everest... i'm sure all the Cap ships do..Cats  come in handy out here.

"Ok, I can do that. Here is 5 creds for the kitty, 5 creds for some feed for him, and 5 extra for you for taking such good care of them. If there's one you want, get him. And if not, get yourself something pretty or enjoyable. Now I need a litter box and litter too. I hope they have some in stores."
 She slipped Toni 10 creds and picked up the tiny kitty and tucked him into her jacket so he wouldn't be scared as she took him up to her quarters. She smiled at Toni and the kids as she left.

To Non Comm Quarters>>>>>>>>>>

   Toni  took then Creds and smiled, and went off to get a bag of feed. She Came  bag with a plastic container, that would hold about 1.5 LBs of soft nuggets for kittens.

 the Little  Kitten  tried to meow as it was picked up its  paws spread wide.

 the other  two kittens  meowed loud  and  kept  rubbing against Cookie's boots until she   left, they  scampered after her..a couple of the younger  kids tried to stop them, so they wouldn't be out in the 'farm'.

 From Non Comm>>>>>>>
 She came down and worked a small planter box. She adjusted the mix with sand and compost, then raked it all in. She sectioned it off into a dozen squares then planted herbs and medicinals and a few veggies, as well as marigolds and cat nip. After planting cuttings and seeds obtained from one of the farm managers, she watered them in with fertilized water.
 After washing up, she headed back to her room to shower and change clothes.
 >>>>>>>To Non Comm

Garrat walks into the farm section and asks one of the workers "Excuse me, I heard you had someone down here who had veterinary experience with canines. Could you tell me where they are?"

  The  place is a bit of a Mess... workers are using  squeegees to push  dirty water into slots in the deck so it  runs to the water   cleaning system, some others   are  putting the damp dirt that  shifted out of some of the closed covers of  crops, placing them  back into the   beds.

 some workers  are  unstrapping cows  and pigs while some  of the chickens, that didn't make it, were  being prepared to be sent to the  OC, Pulse and rec Dec to be used as  extra  rations

 Most of the cats  were in good shape, and were   having  fun chomping on rodents that where shaken loose by the  ship's movements.

 A tired looking woman with some wet dirt on her face pointed to an Older  fellow who was looking over   the sheep...That's Doc  Gavin..he keeps the animals healthy  and  says if   they need put  down and such.

   Garrat takes in the state of things.  He says sincerely "Thankyou, I'm sorry to bother you." And makes a mental note to check in and lend a hand after battles, but now he had a mission.

   Garrat walks up to the older man. "Dr. Gavin?"  he asks, offering a hand to shake, [in clasp fassion] "My name is Garrat Wolfrim.  I know your pretty busy here but we picked up a pod that had been in space for something like a week.  The inhabitants were in a bad way.  The man will probably not make the night and his canine companion is not to far behind him unless you help us.  We have reason to believe they might both be key  to some valuable information.  Could we borrow you for a little bit?"


   

   Dr Gavin takes the offered  hand and nods,Yeah..i can go check..can';t stay to long though..gotta finish up on the livestock, or we won't have  anything to trade when we get near a colony.

  Reaching  for his  bag , he holster's his  scanner  and   tucks his Vidboard  into the bag.

  ...lead on....

   As they  walk to the ramp that leads up towards the Civie  intersection, Gavin  points  at a  cat that caught some  weird looking  rat, with 6 legs...you watch  stuff down here long  enough, you learn..that thing there... came from Zolth..most likely hidden in  Felrite supply crates...there's a good  bet them Cat Folk like to eat them... seems out cats do , as well.

  "They probably need chewable bones to keep their calcium up huh.  One of our field witches said that was important for critters that move fast and have lots of dexterity."  Garrat leads the way to the Med deck....====>

Henry and Mila arrived in the farm section. Searching out the head agri-tech, Henry asked permission to exercise Mila, inquiring where the pair of them could run without disturbing livestock or trampling crops.

  There was a woman and a man looking over, what appeared to be corn...they were scanning the  trays.

    When Henry asked about  exercise, the woman handed the scanner back to the man who continued to scan.

  ..hello, Doc  Henry.... she looks around at the stacked   trays and lights,... if you run the perimeter  outside the trays you should be  fine... Just mind when you get to the BArns, in case someone is  bringing out  livestock  , so they can clean the  barns....and there is a Mulch machine that we   mix the  weeds and  manure together in, they are running it now....otherwise you should be good.

"Thank you very much, we'll be careful... won't we, girl?" said Henry with a smile for the lady and a pat for Mila.

Henry was not a good runner, and he expected that Mila - like most dogs - would cover two or three miles to every one he covered, and enjoy it into the bargain. Still he put in the effort, both to give the dog a good time and to build up his own abilities so that he'd be ready for, well, whatever they got tasked with next.

 She trotted next to Henry. Her nose to the ground. The scents were exciting, so her ears were swiveling all over trying to see what might be putting off the scents. Her head goes up and her tail goes straight as she sees some kittens romping nearby but she doesn't try to chase them.

  The Civies  are working rather hard, for a ship based  farm.. The trays are as long as a football field,6 foot deep and 40 yards  wide...The ere  made to take up most of  the farm section,whi;le leaving 10 foot wide  passages between the hull and down the middle of the farm. the rods and chains that hold the trays into position as well as the  covers that go over the crops,  barley move as 'farmers' stand in the trays weeding, planting and harvesting.

 Taller crops , like  wheat, and corn are the top trays,dropping in size until the bottom trays are onions, beets ,lettuce  and such.

 One of the  workers  can be heard to complain,..this bleedin' farmin' is a bigger waste of time,  sweeping up the Dec....neck Bloody time the Admiral throws this ship around,  some of the crop is  gonna be bloody damaged   anyway...

 the Voice of authority  speaks up ( from the third Tray up)well? Sir?... you like eating fresh food, then you best get used to it..... that's one reason we cover the trays before  each action...we might lose  some of the crops, but the  dirt will be saved, and most of the water..then we  sweep up what falls out, and spread it around... its a damn hard way to  aerate..but it is a goo side  effect, of something bad.

 ..bloody 'ells...

 ..may as well get used to it... if you transfer to a colony..you'll have to do this  to survive...if you stay on the ship, you'll have to do this, unless you find anbother  Civie job..and there aren't that Many.... if you transfer to a Station..you might be able to find a civie job..or?..you might have to  work thier farms.....the good side of that?>. they won't be getting tossed around

  Mila sees  cats  and cows and Pigs.. lots of chickens . At the Bow end of the farms, is a door..pipes  lead  in and out... someone who might study the pipes see that the   pipes  coming out, split and service  the trays.. while pipes at the very bottom of the  floor gets  the  water that filters  through and returns it to the  back building.

Henry's quite fascinated about how the whole 'farm' operation is run, but reckons it is not quite as interesting for a dog, so after the pair have got their exercise, he takes Mila back to his office.

"Ohe thing we need to do," he said to Mila as they went, "Is to talk to the medics about sorting out an implant so that you can send images, concepts, directly to me like you did with Jeremy... only I'm not going to try and do it by myself or see some dodgy chop-doc. We have good medics here, they will be able to advise us. What do you think?"

-> Henry's office

 She yips but with a questioning sound to her voice. She didn't want to lose another partner. He was very nice.

Henry knelt and hugged the dog.

"Don't worry - I'm not going to do anything foolish."

Arriving in the Auxiliary deck, Zarina stepped out if the lift and spent a little time wandering about checking out the different spots while she waited for Cookies reply. The odour of animals from the Starboard area was enough to for Zarina to find the Farm. This consisted of a series of pens holding Cattle, Chickens, Sheep Pigs & Goats, considering the number of animals they housed were little more than cages. 'So much for a Farm' she thought to herself
This message was last edited by the player at 23:15, Fri 07 July 2017.

the  FArm:

  The  Bottom of the  ship, more or less, with the area  Stopping at the   forward wall ( the Hold is  forward of  the FArm)

 and the Stern wall where the  munitions  stored for the Ship's Guns...Unlike   the Rec Dec and Civie Section, this 'rectangle' goes from  hull side to hull side.

   Water Collection Unitls   run the length to the 'farm, in the Middle, Enclosed   walkways are over the Huge  tanks for workers   to walk. at the 4 corners  are  Cubes called 'barns" clockwiase  facing the Bow, are  The Cow  Pen...The Sheep pen.. Chicken pen. and on  building  split between goats  and Pigs/

 there are  stacks of Huge soil contiars called 'trays' by the workers,, they are  rotated   by thw  workers to keep the soil fresh..when ever possible  new  soil is brought in from planets..Corn, wheat, Tomatoes and othe vegatbles  are grown to help the shops and Civies   with 'fresh food'... to go along  with supplies  purchased at ports..

 there is a 'newly made' tray  that is guarded  by a  Hermes Sec trooper. Some two different  plants  brought from the Angel Moons, that the hermes has  been planting on it s other member planets

  The  Trays  are serviced  By walkways  as they have  some  20 feet between  the next tray...huge  growing light  Line the  tops  and  water is  filter  down from one  tray to the  others.

  Cats ..dozens of them, can be seen doing their 'job' sneaking around trays  or   hunting around the 'barns"

 There are some small areas, permitted  fro crewman to plant their own things. Mostly Herbs.not many crew have taken up the offer..

Cookie was taking her time, Zarina wondered if she'd been called to some Medical Emergency. This would give her time to explore the ship even further. Starting with this level she moved from bow to stern and back to cover every foot she could, without imposing on any ones privacy or going into restricted areas.

*Flex time*
From Hold/Zoo>>>>>>>
She followed Henry out then slipped away to go tend to her herbs in the small box she'd been given. They seemed to be doing well, but she trimmed off a leaf here, a broken branch there. She noticed some cherry tomatoes were ripe so picked them and ate them standing right there. Best off the vine anyway.

 When done she went over to pet the cats and kittens and to check the other animals. She saw Zarina and waved.

 "Hi Zarina. I see you made it after all. There's the kittens."
This message was last edited by the player at 08:00, Thu 13 July 2017.

Completing her exploration of the Auxiliary deck Zarina checked the Farm incase Cookie had turned up, which she did. Returning Cookies wave. Wouldn't want to have missed this.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:12, Sun 09 July 2017.

 She laughed at the small kittens and rat terrier puppies. They were so cute. The adult cats and dogs used of course to keep vermin down. No matter what they did, there always seemed to be a way for the critters to get aboard. Good thing every access point here were screened with extremely hard mesh screening to prevent the mice from getting into the systems on board.

 "They do keep some cattle and other livestock for fresh meat, for times we can't get fresh meat from stations and planets. If you want to try growing stuff for yourself, they have a few boxes you can use one. I am growing some herbs and tomatoes, and some cat mint, though my kitten is too young for it now. I have sage and rosemary and basil and anise."

 She crushed a leaf in her hand and handed it to Zarina to smell.

 "Try that. Taste it too. Doesn't it smell and taste like chocolate mint candy? Like Andes Candies? It's great in cookies and candy!"
This message was last edited by the player at 22:58, Sun 09 July 2017.

He followed he fell back a bit as he was lost in thought.

In reply to Cookie Baker (msg # 66):

She explored the deck but this only have her an overview of the layout not the actual functions, nor the reasons behind the procedures, Zarina thought the livestock pens were quite packed but didn't know anyhing about Farming technique and as Papa maintained dilence is golden especially if you have no knowledge of the how's, why's and wherefore's. Do you think they'd allow any who wanted to to have a flower or herb bed setup in their rooms

*Flex Time*
She waved at Henry the new guy. "Hello Henry! Come on over."

In reply to Zarina Striker (msg # 68):

 "I don't know why not, if it's just a simple potted plant or two for freshening your air and to spice your food. But you would likely need a grow light and watering system for them. If your quarters is set up with a power system to support it. I mean, if you want a big unit, the heat alone from the light would warm your quarters a lot. Small units wouldn't heat up though. I'd ask Henry or maybe the agricultural manager here about that. Requisition supplies if you have the credits. I'd give you a start of my herbs if you'd like."

 She lead her back toward the planting boxes and the fields and showed her her own box with 16 plants all in squares of 1 foot.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:04, Thu 13 July 2017.

In reply to Cookie Baker (msg # 69):

Reaching out and plucking up a kitten she gave it's ear a gentle scratch. For a few seconds Zarina considered the two Henrys she'd recently met and based on her previous interests that neither of them had the look, feel or mannerisms of a Botanist or Horticulturalist. Examining the plants Cookie proudly displayed she wondered at the area they occupied. What type of plants are you growing and Who's the Agricultural Manager?
This message was last edited by the player at 21:01, Mon 10 July 2017.

 "Well, I grow stuff to add to pizza and focaccia bread like basil and parsley and rosemary. I have lavender that makes my clothes smell nice and is good in cookies. Anise makes licorice cookies and I add it to the pizza too. Cat nip is of course for the cats to eat. Red and Green peppers, chives, green onions, cherry tomatoes. Strawberries on the corners. Golden Pothos and Spider plants are good for low light areas to clean air, like in your quarters."

 She picked some cat nip and laid it down beside some adult cats, who grabbed it and started eating bits of it, and rolling in it. She grinned at their enjoyment.

 She broke off a piece of Pothos and handed it to Zarina. "Here. Put this where the stem is in some water and it should root and grow. Just keep it watered and let it get light a couple hours a day at least. It's not edible, just cleans your air."

  As the two talked a  Fellow  with a  Civie  'Hermes football' cat  came up to them.

  He was Darkhaeired  with a well trimmed beard,  and  wore  knee high boots...Hello LAdies... I'm Tyler John?  I took over  a Farm  Managerwhen transfers   were flying around..

 ...not used to seeing  Uniforms  down here.... most of them folks  do think to waste  there time, down here in the dirt...

 "Oh, Hello sir. Hows things going? Crops almost ready for picking? Any new babies?"


 She turned to introduce the two people.

 "Zarina, this is the farm manager. Sir, this is Zarina, a new member. She was asking about growing stuff in her room. I figured there wasn't much could be grown there except low light plants like this one (golden pothos and spider plants) to clean the air. What do you say?"

...well..good to meet you..there  are  alot of notes  and  such on the Tray maps..about   crew who have plots...So  I'm guessing we'll stay with that, since there hasn't been any complaints....Just remember?.. if yo have a plot... My epople won't  take care of it, unless they have time.. its sorta  your job.

In reply to Cookie Baker (msg # 71):

Admiring the different plants Cookie showed her Zarina stored the details she was provided. Smiling at the cats behaviour when Cookie tossed some catnip in their direction. Thanks for the cutting I'll do that asap.she replied tsking the Pothos. Zarina was about to mention the Botanical Club she was part of when Tylor John approached and was introduced. Giving him a friendly smile Its nice to meet you Tylor. Do the crew share plots or are they solo hands on. she asked suspecting she may have little time to allocate to plot care.

  Tyler    shrugged,been  looking through the  files and such. I gues folks could stake out a plot   and chip in for the  works and that?....don't know if anyone did that though.

 He makes a wave towards the  small section,most folks just miss something  we can't waste the space on, or..maybe  just the  peace of growing.

In reply to farm (msg # 76):

It could also be a need to be productive to offset the destructiveness surrounding us. adds Zarina with a smile. Cookie those battle honours you're waring are they for shipboard actions or are you a Field MedTec. she hoped the former as it meant Cookie was onboard the Hermes most of the time, and have a better chance at tending to any plants.

In reply to farm (msg # 76):

"Hello Tyler. Nice to meet you. I asked permission before I claimed a box that wasn't being used. And of course I am willing to share if they don't take everything and leave nothing for me. I use this when I cook on rec dec or when I want cookies. Or to put in my closet or drawers."


 She turned to Zarina with shadowed eyes and nodded. "I have been to ships to help take out the enemy and to help the other medical teams with injured. I also do some clinical work and research into infective vectors from alien environments. I also sometimes cook on the rec dec because I was a cook before I joined the resistance." Her face went blank as she remembered her time at the Resistance and the possible friendly fire incident there. "Then I transferred onto the Hermes. I have also lent a hand down here when they were moving cattle. And of course I have adopted a kitten."

 "As for medals or ribbons, I did what I had to do, that is all. If that was worth a medal or ribbon, that isn't my decision." She shrugged but seems to have lost the sparkle she'd had a brief time before. She turned back and bent to pick some lavender to stick into her pocket, saving two sprigs, one she sniffed, the other she handed to Zarina.
 "I should head back to my quarters to feed Toby and to spend time with him. It's not fair to him to leave him alone too much. Maybe I should adopt a companion for him. sometime."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:13, Thu 13 July 2017.

In reply to Cookie Baker (msg # 78):

Taking the offered sprig of Lavender, Zarina would pot that with the Pothos. The change in Cookies demeanor combined with her indication she should be elsewhere suggested that Zarina had asked one question too many. Giving Cookie an apologetic smile she decided it wasn't appropriate to ask to plot share. Giving the offcuts a gentle wave Thank you for these Cookie, I'll rustle up a pot to attend to them. Hope to catch up later. Zarina asked Tylor about obtaining the fixings needed to care for the cuttings.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:29, Thu 13 July 2017.

 "Oh, hey, no problem. There's an empty plot 1 down from mine. Is it available Tyler? Do you have pots? If not I'm sure maybe Doctor Henry might have something, or we can just modify a food container or something."

 "Zarina, good luck with getting your starts going. Keep the ends wet until you plant them, then dip the wet ends in Cloning and Rooting Powder, and stick in the dirt carefully so the powder doesn't fall off. Gently cover the hole with maybe 3 inches of the stem in the damp ground. The dirt should be kept barely damp for a few weeks, then water as they seem to need it once they root. Rooting should take only 3 or 4 weeks tops."

 "See you on the rebound, in Rec Dec or here or somewhere about. Bye for now."

 She waved then headed toward the corridor between the Hold and the Farm, to find a ships ladder.

To Non Com Quarters>>>>>>>
This message was last edited by the player at 07:58, Thu 13 July 2017.

  Tyler nodded,..if   she wants it... doesn't  seem to big a rush, and alot of the  farmers  went  down to  be colonists... we'll lose  more if Nivar  gives up.

 The workers  did look a bit sparse, until new  folks  would arrive on the next merchant convoy or some such

In reply to Cookie Baker (msg # 80):

Thanking Cookie for the advice, as she considered asking Doc Henry for some pots, a mental image of what they may have been used for put the though out of her mind. Hope so, till then keep safe Zarina responded giving Cookie a wave goodbye. Watching after Cookie who strolled off looking for something. Turning to give Tyler an appraising look Zarina considered the offer to use a plot, she'd have preferred to share one simply because she was new to the ship and didn't know the duties, hours and such she'd be assigned. Tylor are there any Botanical or Horticultural Gatherings to talk about stuff. I was part of a Bonsai Association in Ontario for 10 years before going to the Academy and thought starting up a regular get together with others who are or may be interested
This message was last edited by the player at 22:36, Thu 13 July 2017.

 Tyler  shook his head,..if there is stuff like that going on? I don't know about it. Folks  have alot of stuff to do, so..if they want to do something like that, they'er on their own.

   As they Talked a  Cow  was Being taken into the 'harvesting  Area"

In reply to farm (msg # 83):

Not to matter, if there are others interest someone may start something. Glancing at the cow. I take it there is a qualified Butcher aboard the Hermes, wouldn't be one of the MedTechs, would they? Zarina joked.

  Tyler    chuckles,..no..she'll be going to the Rec dec , Pulse  and Officer's club. the last convoy had a  transpot of  Cows and chickens.... we  sent  some older cows to the Colony below... and the  others  are  getting harvested .. got a fresh batch  of  50 new  sturdy , fresh livestock... so  out Milk production  should go up....... the  places  i mention intergrate the Fresh with the frozen we get from the  other  transports.....I'd  sure hate to be the bean counter who has  to diviy all this  up for the  fleet..

In reply to Farm (msg # 85):

That sounds promising, it'll allow more fresh supplies for everyone. Zarina smiled I noticed the pens for the livestock are quite full, will you be putting up extra to house the extra ones. With the Limited farmland aboard the Hermes she wondered what they fed the animals because the area she'd seen didn't appear to be enough for that many cows to graze properly.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:38, Fri 14 July 2017.

  Turning to point at the  top of the nearest Barn,.... When  we are near earth type Colonies we get  bales of HAy and such for them... but the prime food  are Bales   Burian grasses  and  wheat.... and?  of  course the Angel food  is in the water.... they eat it.. we get thier  milk, cheese and  meat, so we get it from them, as  well as what we drink and  eat outright ourselves.......Experts say, another  29 years or so... we'll be closing  in on Angel lifespans...

Henry started looking for a dog. He wanted to see if there was one before he asked questions about training them. Due to the fact that other animals aren't usually trained.Perhaps a sheep dog of some sort to herd animals.

    He does notice, that Mila  seems to be the only doggie on the  ship...( unless your  count Lirg, The Hyrian...)

  there are  many Cats though. One can see  some Chamlion-like lizards in the crops  that hunt downt parasite insects.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:04, Sun 16 July 2017.

In reply to Farm (msg # 87):

Looking in the direction Tyler indicates Zarina sees the stack of Hay and grasses they will feed the livestock. Interested by the comment about Angles lifespan. Tyler you know approximately know Who would that be and how long do Angles live?

   Tyler    looked around,who?... you mean the experts?.... Bio-techs who study the differences between us  and the Angels and demons? History say, the  firth thing the  Angels did was  see our water  and  fields  with Angel food... then?   added it into production of packaged  foods  as well? Guess having fresh troops  don't matter...if they get old and die  too quick!

 I have heard they live  2? 3 thousand years?.. I dunno... I run farms... but when you hear  some of thier names.... makes you wonder about some of the names  we heard in the old Myths...

In reply to Zar (msg # 91):

Giving Tyler a nod, at his statememt, Zarina didn't know anything about this. Her first thoughts were that this Angle intervention, in human lifespan, was limited to a specific percentage of the population. Ah! the Angles are doing this for everyone. Considering about their assistance This is good especially if everyone benefits.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:02, Tue 18 July 2017.

Thanking Tyler for his assistance, Zarina located two pots. Quickly trowelling dirt from one of the bins into them. Potting her cuttings and carefull packing dirt around each. With a nod of satisfaction she tucked each pot under an arm and made her way back to her cabin.

>>>>>>>>> Zarina to Rec Dec via Officers Quarters
This message was last edited by the player at 20:44, Tue 25 July 2017.

After a while he headed back to the hangar deck to work on the ships that needed maintenance.

Garrat swung by the farm section when he still had some time before the action.  He went up to one the ranch hands as he was putting livestock away.  “Say, do you guys have any of those things you call a cattle prod ?”

 three of the people  who worked the  farm were getting  animals to move into thier stalls  for  protective  rigging.

 A fellow Named Tyler waved  Garrat to follow him.  He   handed the   leash  for a Goat to a woman who was  settlign animals into thier  harnesses .

 walkign to a big red Locker, Tyler Opened the doors , there were Pulse rifles, shotguns and sidearms... there was a rack  for 6 prods.. two were empty. he  grabbed one hand HAnded it to Garrat,..its  ready to go?.. Two COM  cells in the slots near the head..if yo can't rack it in a charger, make sure the sun gets  to that  Blue  window on the side, and  they will charge.

In reply to Farm (msg # 96):

Garrat nods, "I want to use this to build a effective weapon for the leader of a primative species.  Do you mind if I keepit?"

 Tyler  waves Garrat off,..sure... keep  it.. we have a few more in stores, and  we can order more if  the foreman thinks   we need them.

   "Thanks" To Tech Deck.

<Flex>
With Haley in tow she took the lift to the bottom.  She even let Haley push the button.  She was surprised she could reach it, but easily could.  "Okay Haley, there may be some strange critters and things here.  Don't be shy, but be careful okay?"
"Okay.  But all bets are off if I see a pony or goat" she said.
She closed her eyes a moment.  She forgot the girl had a thing for baby goats.
"Just stay in eyeshot.  I'm gonna try and find a new babysitter, you might like.  For when I'm on duty and can't be right here with you."
The door to the lift opened.  Haley thought she was in wonderland a bit, a bit of a metallic wonderland, but wonderland none the less.  Manure and crops smells.  Barns.  Milk canisters.  People in overalls.  Off a bit she heard a bleat of a goat and moos of a few cows.  A sleek black kitty with white forepaws ran across the deck in a lope.  Even Nikki was impressed "Damn....better than back home"
"You said it.....I hear goats!" a big smile on her face.  she was gonna like it here.
She let Haley run a bit.  She moved to where a few workers were "Hi.  I'm Ensign Rutledge.  I'm looking for a girl named Toni or Cill.  Where can I find either, please?

  One of the  works    hanging in the  shelves a few trays up called  down...Toni is in the barn helping   milk the  cows  and   goats... Cill should  be  near the  water  feed checking on the fish and such.

 what looked to be  an older  woman, but  who can say? took off a   work  glove  and pushed back a  Hermes AG hat.

  Come with me.... there  are a few  alien   beasts here.. but  we try to keep this all earth like.... we  do have some of them Big Burian   Cows... the Forman is trying to  crossbreed them with   EArth  Cows..but we also want to keep the earth strain pure, so we can spread them around the colonies  and CArrierstations...we have CAts  down here... help keep down the rodents..both  earth type and alien.....Bee Keeper has a good  set of hives..

<Flexed>

Haley was beyond excited "This place is so cool!!!"

ooc: sorry got cut off earlier.
Bic:
"Okay.  Lets head to the cows first"  She led the girl towards where the agro man pointed to.  Once there Haley ran towards a cow, but carefully not to spook it.  Gently she rubbed its nostril area of it's muzzle area.  A few ladies were moving about milking, shoveling, feeding, grooming, etc. for the cows.  "Excuse me.  I'm looking for Toni.  Is she here?"

Haley patted and surprised a lot of women that she could handle a big cow with out scaring it.  "You are a big holstein, ain'tcha" she even knew the variety.

Toni was pointed out to her.  Going over Nikki introduced herself and chatted a bit with her and explained what she needed.  There was a bit of haggling, but an agreement was made.  10 creds a week, extra if it involved overnight sleeping.  Tonight though was special and was for 2 girls (Haley and Maryanne), A whole pizza and soda tossed in as well as some vids.  She introduced Haley to Toni.  Spending a bit of time Both got to know the farm layout.  Soon after Nikki took Haley through the rec dec and arranged for a pizza and soda delivery to Olivias for the girls for when they were at the ball.  Nikki then showed Haley her quarters.  They would stay there for the moment until other arrangements could be made.  Haley liked it.  Both from fairly poor families it was still big enough for both, even if there was only the one bed.  She said she would get another bed if needed.  For tonight though she had to get real dressed up for work.  Then They would go back to Olivias and she could play with Maryanne and get to know Toni more.

<end flex I believe, catches up to hangar dec arrival>
This message was last edited by the player at 04:55, Thu 30 Aug 2018.

<== from the civvie section

Nikki showed up at the farm just as Toni and her father were finishing up their workday.  Haley was helping one of the ladies collect a few of the eggs.  She was nearly covered in dirt, as a proper farm girl should be.  "Haley!" she called out.  and moved over to Toni, quickly transferring the credits to her account.  "Were you puddle jumping today?" as she came running after putting the last egg she had away.
Toni chimed in "Actually she had a bit of a scuffle with a young boy here.  He made fun of her voice and they tussled into the mud.  We got it straightened out though and he apologized"
Her father added in a light tone, nearly laughing, "After she beat him up"
"Ooooo....guess she and I need to have a talk" she looked over at the little girl running up.
Seeing Nikkis face told her she knew about the fight "Not my fault.... Sam shouldn't have made fun of me" she gave a pout and twisted a shoe in the dirt.
"True..but we shouldn't fight just to fight.  Okay?  We'll talk more at home.  Lets get you cleaned up then go get something to eat" She smiled at Toni and her dad as she lead Haley off who waved again.
"Did you have fun today?"
"Yeah...keven got to ride on one of the cows.  Helped Mrs Argusson with the chickens and played with some kitties.  And picked some lemons" she continued to talk about her day as Nikki lead her back to the Officers Quarters.

====>Officers quarters

Haley arrived with Toni to the farm, she waved to Toni's father as she went to see if there were baby goats yet.  She knew one ewe was gonna have a baby soon.  she gave a frownie face when she saw that there was no kid yet.  She let Toni and her dad talk alone for a bit as she skipped about and reached over and petted the cows a bit.  She even petted the little black and white kitty that was about.  It had been skittish at first, but was warming up to her.

Nikki had left the Rec Dec about the time school was to be let out.  before going to get Haley she had taken her books back to her quarters.  She made sure that the books were put up for now and that Haleys and hers laundry was done.  She also finished up the last bit of the purple melon meat as well.  The seeds in a cup, she counted 40 total.  It gave Haley about an hour or so to be on the farm area.  Bringing the cup with seeds, and still in her off duty clothes she left for the farm area.
Getting there she waved at Toni.  Toni then went to find Haley.  "Hey Mr. Annerson.  I was wondering if you could help me a moment.  I am looking for a farmer to make a deal with on some of the seeds from the purple Nivarian melons.  Would you be interested or know who would be?" she remembered she was told they had value.

  The  farmers   had the    side  dor  opened to the Hold.   They  had  Bags  of Manure,  and containers  of  fish ( and  fish-like  things  from other  worlds  that  managed to 'get along'  with Earth types ) There were also stacks of  Cow  hide, Goat Hide, and  bags of chicken feathers There were also  5 of the  'new" Lonnox Puppies is   glass cages  that had   holes for breathing.

  ..Hey there.... Yeah..right about  now , ever ship in the Fleet that has a farm is loading thier  'goods"  for trade with the Farms on the Uppers  and Lowers...we  get same  damned  good  deals..whether  we get  hard creds, or  supplies...  Manure  is the  heavy seller..they have as  many  Cattle s and such  as the whole fleet, so they  take what they can get if its  bagged...most ships  are pretty smart.. they  bag them right away..others let it pile up and it  takes  alot longer to get the stuff to  market.

 ..we  keep most of our  crops here , unless we  look like  we  might waste some...we're lucky enough that we have things here  that will eat  stuff... but  we  don't want to waste it all on that.. we'll be gettin'  cattle in and some other animals..we're tradin' off some of the older Goats  and sheep  for the Station farmers  to use, so we don't  waste   space on  an animal that we  might have to butcher too early

 He looks at the seeds, he pushes his , ball cap bill up  and Looks at her  while pointing at the seeds...I'm Gonna  tell you fair? We  can do two things on the ship for you?  We can  loan you a patch of  ground and see if you can grow your own.. The price  would be , One   Melon  from every  4, that will go to the farm's crops for selling to the Rec dec. or to folks  that wants them....

 ..or  we can give  you  100 creds  for every  5 you want to sell us?.... Bio-Techs  said  5 is the magic  number, fer  when ya plant them...

 ..now?..off station... I ain't gonna lie... You take that handful  down to a farm down there...uppers or lowers?... you'll get 1000 vreds , just fer that handful...maybe more..if there ain't  no one  who is  flashign them around when you;er there... Them things?  Ther  are like the  miracle food?.. Good drink, good flesh and the  Rinds  can be eaten too if ya  cook them up...But?.. not many folk have them...We ever  get back to Nivar... were  gonna buy Bins of those  melons.. and get the  Rec ded to save  seeds from thsoe they cut up...so..Little Lady.. you  have a tiny  Cred  mine in your hand.

"Well...I got enough creds that Haley and I can be comfortable and not starve.  And if I do this right I think we might be able to do all of it.  I know Haley comes down a lot, but she also has school.  How aboutthis....I give you 10 for a bit of land to grow them.  out of that I am thinking is a good number to start with.  out of that 10 if more than 1 plant grows Haley gets one and she gets taught how to grow it nice and healthy.  You get the rest of the plants.  The other 30 I'll sell on Fuji and if I can get about a good deal I will give you 10% to help towards helping your family?  If I can sell for atleast 3,000 you can make an easy 300?" to her that was a win all over.  She even showed him the seeds to let him know it was an up and up deal.  "And they are good.  Taste like a good Terran mushmelon or cantaloupe.  I think they could make a nice base for a homemade house paint or wool dye."

  The  Fellow    nods,..Good  enough. Let's  take a  walk over  to teh  Plots  we   rent out..there is a  Med tech?... that has a plot   set aside, comes   down and works on it, even helps witht eh animals  from time to time...

Nikki walked a bit as Toni found Haley helping bottle feed a litter of kittens.  She let Haley know Nikki was there and Haley handed the kitten back to the woman helping the first time momma kitty.  Waving bye she walked with her back to where Nikki and Toni's dad were.
"Well I'd think a bit smaller area is good, dontcha think?  and if you help out having atleast 90% of the crop would be an excellent start" Nikki said to which Toni's father nodded agreement.  Both were walking up to them.  "Hey Pinkin'.  Hi Toni.  Just talking to your dad about melons.  Haley...is your thumb green?"
"Uhm?...It's pink" she said as she looked at it.
"Well here is the deal for you all.  Haley when your down here..You get to help take care of some plants right here.  Remember the purple melons?  well in exchange for some seeds you get atleast one plant but you get to help Tonis dad grow them so you get to learn how.  He gets most and you get one.  Then you all get more melons and more seeds."
Haley sort of recalled that.  "I ..I think we talked about this...didn't we?"
"Yes we did...this is how it starts" Nikki replied.  "Mr. Annerson...think now is a good time to plant or should we wait until after we leave Fuji?" she did fish for 10 of the seeds.  "The rest I'll see if we can get a good deal"
He nodded and mumbled something like 'No time like the present'. and in that plot of land planted the 10 seeds.  If they lucked out they would get 10 plants going.
"Okay...now we need to get going.  the LC would like us on Fuji for a bit."  While were here I'll see about selling these seeds.  As well I know you have work to do as well Mr. Annerson.  We'll see you all a bit later" she would let him take care of the plot arrangement.  They waved to Toni and her dad as they left.  Soon they were near the lift "Okay my little Munchkin....impress me with what you learned today"
A big smile hit Haleys face and at nearly light speed began telling her all about kindergarten, recess, painting, storytime, spelling, numbers, Roll in the small park, and about the ewe not yet giving a kid and the momma kitten who did have kittens.
Nikki smiled through out.

===> quarters to get cleaned up

<- BioTech

Henry brought Nina and Gordo down (and Mila of course) and asked if Gordo might fly over the fields as long as he stayed away from the animals and didn't spook them.

   The   FArmer who was acting  as Foreman nodded, Howdy, I'm  Calib Moss.. i  try to keep the place  toegther  while the Boss is   off duty?...  well.. if  ya  wanna  have that thing  fly?...  let him go?  But  .. if  it  gets  to biting folks, or   animals, we'll have  ta   have you take it  away?.. can't have  the food sources  getting  contaminated .. Give it  a try...

 Nina  Looks  at henry then at the farmer.. and    Gorgo   took off..  Flying over the area    it would  sit on the branch of a fruit  tree, then  soar   around the 'field' troughs .

 It   looked around, once.. then dove down  to hit    something near the   water  tanks that had the fish.. it  went to a try  with a small Stem  rat, and began to     gobble it down..... well?  that will  help ? ..as Long   as the  thing don't eat   chickens  , cats or kids!

Henry smiled.

"He's really rather beautiful in flight, isn't he? Do you think you can persuade him to stick to rats and not eat the chickens?"

  She Frowned a  bit,..for the most part..I can...sometimes he does   what he wishes... we  had that problem with that  'cuttlefish' beast, that that  Barbarian LC has Murdered...

"We have been attacked by chip-controlled animals in the past so an unknown and unannounced beastie swimming up posed a threat," said Henry, who thought that the matter had already been laid to rest.

"The farmers regard the rats as pests, so Gordo can eat as many of them as he likes. That should satisfy his need for live food, and give him some exercise. So, how biddable is he?"
This message was lightly edited by the player at 06:22, Fri 14 June 2019.

  ..he gets  his exerecise by  flying and  Climbing trees..... they launch themselves  like  spears   to hit  prey..if they are  caught in the open field, they hunt  like   Birds..

"Do you know what world Gordo comes from?" asked Henry.

He looked round as a large cat, are bristling fur and claws, streaked by and took refuge in a barn, clearly unimpressed at the new addition to the wildlife around the farm.

   Nina   watched  the  creature  soaring   around, perhaps lookign for  more  prey.

   ..He is   from Nivar ..  we   got many  Creatures from there and the Green Moon.. There was a Private Company that bought  some creatures of us... If I understand, those   same  creatures  were  sent to you after   some...'altercation'..at the LAbs. on Etna?

"Ah, yes," said Henry pulling something up on his vidboard.



"This we found on the Green Moon, but I only saw one once it was dead, but this had fur not feathers. Gorgo definitely has feathers."

   Nina  smiled,as  with all creatures, Variants  are around.   I think that some of the fur   beasts   lived in the northen parts .. while   featehrs    where in the  warmer.. I have not  been able to  study them scide  by side... I can  only assume   the sea going   creatures have scales  or  .. 'seal'-like  skin

"That is extremely possible," Henry nodded.

"What is Gorgo's top speed? Have you ever seen him flying with other feathered serpents, or only alone with you?"

  ..no..sadly. From what i was told, they  catputred  a  nest of them.. and sould of the HAtchlings... Gorgo was the only one left  and   our People Aquired him... I wanted  a dog, at first.. but i have no complains as of now.

"It's strange how our companions acquire us. Mila was originally working with a former student and old friend of mine, who was killed in space. She barely survived, crammed in her space kennel, and, well, I took her in. Got curious about the linkages and settled down to understand what was going on, and now we seem to be making a pretty good team. It's not what I came here to do - as a xenobiologist I wanted to study the flora and fauna out here in the black - but it's certainly proving interesting."

Henry paused to throw a stick for Mila. For all her intelligence and other abilities, she still enjoyed being a dog at times!

  With Mila  chasing the  stick from one of the trees,  Gorgo  landed on the roof of  one of the barns, its  head  still  as its  eyes  watched  for  prey...

 ..it will be interesting to see   if  we get to take Gorgo  on  the surface... he  would enjoy  hunting   for real, i am sure... it would also be a good test  to see if  i could get him back!

"Yes, we'll have to try that. Well away from people who might get spooked at the sight of him."

Henry saw a rat stick its nose out from under the barn and wondered how long it would take Gorgo to spot it.

   Gorgo's head   went up slowly.. Like a  Cobra  ready to strike ...  its  wings  opened    as  he  shot  down  from the  Barn  and Hit  someign   close to the water  tanks, it   rosde in the air  with a bigger  Rat..this one looked   like a baby Stem rat...He sat  on the roof ,  Takign out  , mini larry sized  bites...

"Impressive," said Henry, who'd recorded the strike.

  The  Creature   flew    down    to   nestle  on  Nina's  shoudler.....they do  not like to  be on the rgound, too many  creatrues  can strike at them. beofre they can fly... they like having the Upper  hand...

 she looks around,what should  we  do next?

"How is Gordo with crowds? The Rec Dec is a good place to meet people, but might be a bit crowded and noisy for him." said Henry.

  She Looks  at   Gorgo for a long Moment..we  could try.. see  what  Happens.....  Gorgo Lowered  his  head  and wrapped his   tail around her.

"We can swing by the lab, see if the anti-venom is ready first, if you are nevous about him. There's no rush to take him there, if you think he'd be better getting used to people in smaller groups first," said Henry.

Heck, it had taken him long enough to feel comfortable in the crowded and often rowdy environment of the Rec Dec.

   Nina  turned to walk with  Henry,..I Think we  can go..if  someone gets bitten, you'll have the   anti-venom  sent to meet us ay Med tech...  I am eager to see how he hadled  crowds  of people who aren't wearing LAb coats


>>>>>>   to where Henry Leads....

"They are used to Mila and I wandering around, but then dogs as companion animals are more familiar. Fewer people keep snakes as pets, let alone as working animals. So, let's try it..."

-> Rec Dec

Haley was with Toni and her father down on the farm area.  There were a couple of other kids as well from the school.  She placed her things near where Tonis were and set about helping tend the animals and the crops, especially the newly planted small patch of the purple melons..  She also went and fed the goats and even milked a few.

   News  arounf the  farm was , some lady with a flying Snake was here  and  it  ate  to stem rats.

  The  Nivarian  melons  were growing    pretty well, they would be  bushes , Unlike the  Delta   Trees.

   Some  folks were leaving from thier  shift..others  were just coming in

<=== Officers Quarters

Haley was surprised to hear of a flying snake.  She knew no Earth snake flew...slither jump from trees maybe, but not actually fly.  She asked if it was poisonous to someone who mentioned it.  Other than that after taking time to check the plants she continued helping as she could.  Even trying to make friends with a mean kitty.  She felt sad as he didn't seem to have any friends.  To Haley that was one of the saddest things, to not have friends.  She knew it would take time but she was determined to win the creature over.  He was handsome, mostly black with white paws and wide white triangle on his chest and small white dot on the left of that on his left.  Looked like he was in a tuxedo with a hankie in a pocket.  She like him as well as he had longer hair than most and made him look larger.

Nikki arrived and picked up Haleys things as she wandered about looking for her.  She checked with Tonis father on the melons and talked a few minutes and made sure he got his fair share of the creds she had sold the seeds too, and thanked him for the connections.  Toni wandered to find Haley as Nikki chatted with her father.  in reality Nikki was lightly scamming for info on the farm system on Fuji, such as where farmers go leaving there.  like to what colonies were most popular and such.  Who to check with about getting part of a piece of land, etc.  the whole process.  after all Anything could happen and if she was injured, she'd need a fall back career was her cover.

Eventually Toni returned with Haley.  hugging they waved and left.
"Hungey..I'm starved" which was true.  she sorta missed lunch.
"Yeah"
"Growing girl needs food.  How about beef and noodles...like chinese food?"
"Hmmm...okay if it's not too spicy"
"Okay.  Beef and broccoli over noodles, with the crunchy noodles on top.  side of carrots maybe?  something orange for color."
"Sounds yummy"

She continued getting on the lift
====> to RecDec

The lift took Toni, Haley, and Roll to the lower section and the farm.  It was still a bit of a mess from the attack, but a lot of it was now fixed, only a few of the smaller animals were not caught or corralled yet, like a few baby chicks and a small piglet like critter.  The latter they hoped it would be caught soon as it had gotten into a few crops and spooked atleast 2 cows just since morning.
Various animal sounds could be hears such as the mooing, clucking, and even off in the distance a death squeal of an unwanted pest killed by one of the cats, now bringing it back as a trophy.
"This is where Toni and her dad work.  I get to help, and play here" She moved over to the small cubby where some people put their change of clothes and such and put her school things there.  "I like working in the barn area where the kitties and chicks are.  I help the ladies with gettin' eggs and play with the baby goats" she pointed off a bit and indeed there were at the moment 3 baby goats bouncing and running amouk playing.  Their bleats getting louder "Careful with the black one with the white head...he likes to jump on you and knock you down.  His way of playin'" indeed that one could be seen jumping up on an unrepaired part of the fence "Big thing to be careful of...if the critter is bigger than you, don't walk behind it.  Some kick and that can really hurt.  And it can be ...messy as they poop a lot" she tugged him along to the barn part.  She would just out of being exuberance teach him how to pet a horse, well pony, and some of the other animals and show her some of the plants as well.  of that she showed him her very own purple Nivarian Melon.  She showed Roll how to help take care of it and a few other plants, as well as how to get a hen to move to get an egg.  She was having fun showing Roll the farm.

 Roll looked  around at the   'staked  trays' of  crops... the aniamls..the sounds.. he didn't like the smell all that well, it reminded him of the lower  tunnels in the Lowers., that drained  from thier farms.

 ..I don't know much   animals...cept  Stem Rats... which one   can eat you?

Haley went through each animal type she knew.  What they do, and which ones might bite.  None as far as she knew would 'eat' any one unless the thing was sick or very very hungry.  Some might scratch too, but mostly to defend themselves.  a baby goat wandered over, this one a caramel and white one.  she held still for Haley to get close and she held it gently so Roll could pet it.

  Roll  bent over to look at it... he  reached a tenitive hand  to  pet it on its  noggin.whoa.... and they  say aliens  are weird looking.....

 what planet  do they come from?

"Earth...where I was borned.  This is a baby goat, her name is Henrietta.  They will get a little bigger when they get fully growed.  They mostly eat grasses, leaves, and foor pellets.  Henrietta is real friendly,  Buck...thats the black one I warned you about likes to use his head and butt people a lot.  He don't mean any harm, to him it's playin'.  He just don't know how strong he is sometimes and how liddle we are" she said scratching behind Henriettas ear.  "Goats are some of my favorite animals.  lotsa times we had goats and we'd get fresh milk, If they get shaved then we helped mama make thier shaggy fur into wool to sell.  And when they died or we needed to they were killed for meat so we could eat.  My real papaw told us not to get too friendly with animals, it would make it harder if we needed to do that."  Henrietta gave out a bleat.  "I know Toni and her father said rats get aboard sometimes.  that is why the cats are important,  have you seen one of those?"

  The  was a firm shake of his head,..nope? Just Stem rats.. some of them are bigger then the goat...

  ..they pick the food  pretty fast?... I wonder how long it takes to grow   , for ral. on a planet?

She let Henrietta go and began leading Roll to the big barn area.  "I don't know.  they can get a bit big on Earth but not as big as a goat.  Maybe as long as my arm, tail with it.  There are other animals too" about that time the old grumpy mean cat came out of the barn, he sported a lot of scars.  "Well...thats a cat.  I am not sure what his name is but I think he is the oldest one.  kind a like a grumpy grandpa.  Now they can bite you, they got teeth.  All four legs gots claws that can hurt too.  On Earth they catch mice and rats, sometimes birds and fishies.  Lots of people keep them as pets.  they can be friendly and purr if you pet them right" A rather plump younger kitty sat near the door licking her paw and cleaning her whiskers.  She was mostly white with patches that had faded silver and red toned stripes on her with a bright silvery tail.  as the little kids approached she made a low sweet mewing noise.  Haley could see she was getting fat with lots of boobies, she was gonna have babies.  Haley smiled  "That one is gonna be a mama soon" She moved to the side and grabbed a bit of goat feed.  It was kinda soft and a lot of animals ate it, including some of the cats.  She then went to the barn door and sat leaning on it.  she motioned Roll to do the same.  once sitting she gave him some feed.  "Trick for cats is not to chase them, let them think they got the idea to come to you" a few pieces of feed she flicked towards the mama kitty.  Seeing the movement she went and investigated, sniffing she pawed it then ate to 3 or so pieces there.  Haley then threw out another a bit closer to them.  the kitty moved closer. then another repeat. until finally the mama kitty was at their feet.  "Don't make fast moves, she'll scamper away." Haley then let her hand down and motioned for Roll to do so as well and let a bit of feed fall out and now eating for several the mama was happy for a treat.  Soon she was eating a bit out of both hands.  Whiskers tickling slightly.  Haley gently let Roll feel the kitties soft fur, and even hear her purring.  then slow and gentle Haley showed Roll how to pet the skittish cat.  its head rolled in delight at the touching.  Since Haley had been at the farm before her scent was familiar.  She decided to explore the other one and  it began sniffing Roll over.  Eventually being brave to jump in his lap.  She climbed a bit on him, atleast to let her nose touch his.  "I think she likes you"

  Roll   pets the  Cat with his fingers,  his arm up in the  air like he thinks  it will explode.

 ..maybe  she's  sniffing me  to eat!.... he     looked at the creature  a bit. It was plain it  would  take a bit for him to get used to beasties.

"No...more than likely seeing if you have more food or are a threat to her or her babies" she scratched her head a moment "Not too sure if it's true or not, but My real momma told me that if you look a cat in the eyes and blink slowly that it means you like them and if they blink slowly at you they like you" She said to Roll as they pet the little mama to be.
The little mama prodded at one of his hands and rubbed her ears against it.

 Roll   rubs her  head  slowly,..they had    cats  on Etna. Mostly  in the Uppers  and Lowers... not too many animals in the Stem.. the Stem  rats would  eat them.


 ..  Sometimes  i miss when  me and the tohers   were in the stem?.. we   were all together?... now I only see them a little bit..

<Bold>"But you do get to see them"</Bold> Haley sighed she knew very much what it was like not being able to see friends and such "I miss my family a lot.....But they gone now" her voice was kinda sad.  "But then I think...I got friends and family here now.  And even if I am liddle....they love me and would miss me.  And if I miss them the same way...I don't want them a hurtin' like that"

  Roll pets  the  kitty a bit  more, yeah.... I guess?   But  we have people go out  shooting  at bad  poeple , It was  bad  before, when  bad  Guys  would shoot  us kids..now  we  got  bad  guys  shooting everyone?   One  time?..maybe  they will come and shoot us!.. they  were close some of the Kids   didn't come back to school..teacher  says  they moved to  Fuji?... but i know   some people got  killed .. you can  smell it nwhen we came out of the   Bunker...Just like on Etna, when people shooted   each other...

 ..so?  your  Melon? you don't  have to worry about n animals  eating it?

Haley knew what he meant.  still it was a lot to think about, and a bit scary too."Well IF it gets eaten it gets eaten, and ya start over.  that's what Nikki said.  Back home sometimes you try and grow somethin' and critters get to it.  best you can do is keep tryin'." she shrugged.

 Roll looked  around from where they sat, ..must  be somethin'...you know?.. to  have to get water into  all these trays?... you would thing?  to save  time and water.. that they wopuld   wate r the top tray heavey.. and  have  lines  goign  down into the next tray, and next  tray...and  then.. these bottom   troughs  would catch  all teh water  that made it through and   it  could get used again?... we did that in a Hidey Hole Sneak  found for is in the lowers... this  older  house, had  an extra basement, cause  some one blew  somethign up?.... anyway.. we  could go in, an noe one knew we were their.. we had  heat... and    we had some stuff  the took..like a frid-rater... but   we needed water too... so Jax..  he gets  this   Line,  and the  runs it into these pipes?... and  the water   went  down  the   line into a  Big drum we  had.... i bet it needs  emptied out by now, since none of us  have been back there  for a long time..

"They can, but they also have to grow different things in them too.  Some plants take a lot of water, some less.  If you give one plant too much water then it won't grow and a plant that needs a lot of water too little then it don't grow either" she said.  she petted the little mama kitty "Still think she'll eat you?" she grinned that even now the mama laid down and got comfy in a sphinx like pose.

Haley had taken him around most of the farm and time was getting late.  Haley knew Nikki was on Bura, she then thought of Roll.  "Are your Mama and daddy comin' back up?  I don't want to think of you sleeping of bein' alone.  Toni and her family are who I'm stayin' with.  How about you?" she was curious.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:58, Wed 02 Oct 2019.

 Roll   shrugged, well..both my new people are down on the planet  killign bad guys?.. and so is JAx  and Sneak..... so..  me and Gregor  will be ok?.. I was alone  lotsa  time  in the stem... we hadda  do this thing?  Jax  would   yells  'Scatter'..we we was chased... and everyone would run every  where  , and  find out hidey holes.. then we hadda   be  real still an' not make  noise, so's  we  wouldn't be  caught and taken away... The  Jax and Sneak would come find  us  after   it was safe..sometimes it would take a whole day or more. Gregor  can help guard me...

 he pets the kitty some more,..I hope they let me go to see the planet...i never  saw a whole planet...

"But it's not right.  I'd be sad thinking you are alone with only Gregor..and what about dinner?  You and Gregor gotsa eat" This was a bit of a distress for Haley.  "Lets talk to Toni and her daddy...maybe you can stay with me and them tonight, Her momma is a good cook.  And they live only a few doors down from where you live." It would be about another 30 minutes or so before Toni would come to look for them.  She also realized she still had the 10 cred chip too.

  Roll just looked   at Haley and gave a little shrug,..its ok?  Me  and gregor  can   stuff from the frid-rator? An' most  folks are scared of  largs.. even a little one  like  Gregor?..I can't leave him by his self..i feel bad he was  all alone now!

Haley went to talk with Toni and her father as Roll sat with the little girl kitty.  She explained as best she could that Rolls Mama and Daddy were on planet and no one was there to help him. she offered her tooth fairy money if Toni and her family could help.  She told them she couldn't help thinking him all alone, even if a few doors down.  But he had a puppy too that roll didn't want left alone.  But it wasn't like an normal puppy, it was one most were afraid of, but he was really friendly if treated nice.  She held her cred chip up and awaited a response.  She knew that Tonis adopted mom made real good hot food, Roll would like that.  She bit at her bottom lip a bit.

  Toni's  FAthe rlooked at  Haley,..That's the Kid the Vamp  picks  picked up?  Right?... Look.. I'm no fan of Vampics... and that v'puppy is a larg!..I don't  think  my wife  wil like the larg there?

 He thinks for a Bit, waving off her   cred chip,..he can come  and eat... Its not his  fault the VAmpics have him...... But  no LArg... He can go check on him and feed  him and such, but if he wants to stay with us, he'll have to leave the larg  at  Home...

 Toni frowned,..But Daddy!... He's a little  LArg..and  that kid  is a little kid?

 ..enough, that's the way it is...He's  safe  for now  anyway.. its  just the idea   of getting him fed and such..

The night was settled, but not to everyone's preference.  Soon they would head back to the civvies section.  The meal was hot and good.  For Haley the couch was fine.  Hopefully in the morning they might get to go to Bura.

<===all over the place

Nikki arrived with atleast Haley.  The other two were coming.  After a few moments and checking in they were all set, and Haley was eager to show off her Nivarian Purple melon.  Back home she might have won a blue ribbon for it.

< <<<<<<<<<<from Rec Dec

 as they walked  down the ramp  way, they took the branch to the Farm. As they neared the  Farm, Can looked   to Roll....it almost smells  like  th stem in some places....

 Roll  smiled,Its not like the  Stem though, they grow lotsa plants and stuff and  have animals there..some of the animals  make  real Milk, and some animals  are used for eating, if the   supplies    we get run low...they have   eggs  and everything.....

 Can stepped  closer to Roll...are there Stem Rats here?

 Jax  said there are always rats..they get on board ships from the stations or from planets...but they don't  get  too big here... The have Cats  runnign around  to  stop rats and Mice from eating the  food... As they  entered, Can's mouth opened wide into a 'o' shape..he  saw the 'trays' with Green things growing  and a  place where  fish were in water  that was being  filtered through the  plant trays  and    they rotated  and 'watered ' each other.

  Corn stalks were there..Bigger then on  earth, with fatter   cobs...

 what are those?

 Corn things?  they make the yellow stuff, looks like  little  yellow teeth?....

Haley skipped a bit listening to Can and Roll "Some plants like corn are tall and others the plant grows but the food part is under the dirt, like potatoes and carrots.  Some they can grow without dirt, just water.  I think they call it hydrapanning? or something like that." She smiled and pointed to the purple melons "My plant is there the others with it belong to man who helps run the place" She pointed him out and then waved "Sorry they don't let largs down here, too temptin' for them to chase cats and chickens" She went to one fence and climbed to the top and sat on it when a cow and calf wandered up The calf was just a bit bigger than Haley, the cow most definitely larger "Hi Daisy.  Hi Marigold. Roll, 'member Daisy?  She growed up and gots a baby of her own now.  Her name is Marigold"   Daisy stuck her nose through the fence towards Roll and Can, she rubbed Daisy's ear and up between her eyes.  Daisy's pink fleshed and white furred nose was wet and half full with hay. "They let some animals wander in the padduck to stretch their legs."

 Can peered  around    Roll as he looked at the Cow...will it  eat us?

 Rolls  shook his  head  as he  ....gingerly..touched  its   head on the side.naw..they  make Milk  for our Milkshakes...and..sometimes  we  eat them... i think that's  what hamburgers  and steaks  are...

Henry arrived, festooned in curious bris, all 3 of them looking around, and Mila trotting at his heels.

  Can's little  Mouth opened  again as he Pointed to henry....DocDaddy  has the Cat-things!

Roll turned.. he was surprsied ( and maybe a little jealous  that Largs weren't allowed down!)

 One of the Foreman  Greeted henry...Hey Doc!, whatcha  got there?... I'm Tim Cless  #2 Foreman here, i do alot  of the night turns...

Haley waved wildly.  "Some cows are for milkin', some eating.  Daisy is a milkin' cow, so is Marigold" she had actually slid onto Daisys back "No, they won't eat you.  They eat plants and hay."  she sat right  in back of the Holsteins shoulders on its back "Leg you gotsa be careful of.  They can kick you, even break a bone or two.  So be careful from coming up behind her"
This message was last edited by the player at 04:33, Sat 19 Mar 2022.

"Hi, Tim, pleased to meet you," said Henry.

"These here are called bris. They are kind of snake-like with cat characteristics. On Matterhorn they are using them for pest control in their farm areas. I was wondering if you have any vermin issues and whether they could help? You see, Friday - the adult here - has been injured so although they can be potent combatants she's not up to it any more. She's got two youngsters, the snittens we call them, and I thought we could train them up for pest control. What do you think?"

Friday was listening, the snittens were staring around wide-eyed at the farm. Mila sat at Henry's feet, she seemed to be listening as well.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:30, Sat 19 Mar 2022.

"Docter Cristie?  that don't mean the kitties gotsa go does it?" Her age and southern accent like Nikkis made her words sound a bit strange.  She pet Daisy along her neck.  " and you said they had venom will that hurt the other aminals like Daisy or Marigold?" she asked.

Henry smiled.

"No, Haley, the snittens don't have to go...and they don't bite unless provoked. Daisy and Marigold are far too nice to be bitten."

She smiled but Haley shook her head.  "No.  I mean the other kitties.  They help keep the big ole rats away and eat'em.  If Friday, Khan, and Katrina eat the rats....what happens to them?  I mean, I know one mama kitty gots a family to feed." she was trying hard to figure the right words for what she meant.  Still she did like the snittens and Friday too.

"Ah, I see. There should be enough to go around, but we can make sure that some food is provided for the cats as well to make sure that nobody goes short."

Bless the child, always seemed to be looking out for someone else.

"Before letting them go...maybe see if the normal kitties like them?  I don't wanna see them fightin' each other.  But might be fun if they could have 'Skittens'" she combined the words Kittens and snittens. Daisy moved along to get to a bit of hay on the ground for her to chew.  Haley took time to get back on top of the fence.  A couple of pigs ran by squealing with another kid chased them.  Haley waved, it was another Stem pack kid about maybe 7 or so.  He was trying to herd the pigs back to their pen.  Sitting then climbing down she jumped the last 4 inches to the ground.  Looking at the adults (Henry, Val, and Tim), "Is it okay If I show Can around?  I know Rolls been here before and have him come with us" She gave all 3 Briss a gentle pet.

 Friday was  alert, her  larg  eyes  blinked  as her  head   turned in  quick  jerky Movements.. the   Snittens   wriggled  about, trying to get  down.

 Roll   looked at  all the   food  plants,   on the rotating   , chains   in their  massive  trays. H watched  as  the lettuce  tray   swunup...cabbage tray dropped   down..Tomatoes were bavie it..Corn  above that, wheat above that..Oniosn ...radishes Carrots  were on thier  way up. The topmost one now held Celeray  and such, and eat tray  had  Burian and Astra  vegetables   in a section, that matched  the 'type'

 Berries and  fruit as well as other Tubers   were across the way, rotating  as the others  did. Some animals   woudl walk under the Bottom  tray  and Lap at the later that drain from the lowest tray, that would find its  way into the filtering system.

Haley took them to the field where the Nivarian melon plants were, and all had a pretty good growth on them.  Haleys sported at least 5 melons, one very close to ripe "The juice is very tasty.  when it's ripe Nikki is gonna roast some of it and try and make a pie out of it for us.  Nikkis a good cook, so was her Mamaw" She looked at Can "If you don't mind helping now and then you're always welcome"

Henry let Friday down.

"Go and have a look around, girl. There are some cats around, they are friends and not to be hunted. Haley, can you find the cats, please? We'll try introducing them in a controlled manner."

He held on to the squirming snittens. Once Friday had shown the way, he'd let them go as well.

 some  Cats  were bounding about, a few  were lazing  near the 'barn', which was  more  a repurposed Quonset hut.

 there were a poair  of Tiny kittens  near one Lazing  'mom' they were  sitting their Meowing

Hawker might be about.  She is a young kitty has black and white fur.  Oh, there she is" Haley pointed and walked close to her, but not at her.  Cat was young maybe 8-9 months old. on her chest was mostly black fur, but her tuxy white patch looked more like an eagle or hawk. Haley stopped and the friendly little cat rubbed about her legs.  Haley immediately lifted the little cat, supporting it by the back legs.  "Mr. Christie here, Hawker is a pretty friendly cat.  She not got babies yet" as she came back.  "Now if I git bit or scratched by the Briss I'm not gonna get sick, am I?"

"Hawker, meet Friday. Behave, the both of you."

Henry watched the two animals sniff at each other suspiciously, circle a bit... hoping they'd not fight.

  Friday's   scales  lifted and  flowed  from her neck to her  tail.  even with her  limp  she  tried to show  some  defense.. the  cat backed up a space or two, its  tail twitched  but it just stared  at  The Briss.

 Roll was looking  at the Big trays of plants, staring up into the  rook as the massive tray's hang there..getting 'rained' on , by the trays  above.

 I betcha they could make  a whole planet out of all this  dirt!.

 Can Nodded his  head exaggeratedly  as he stared up as well.-

Haley sat close to both but not blocking sight of each other.  She reached out to Hawker first and gave her a skritch behind her ear and along her cheek area.  Then delicately did the same to Friday.  Getting a similar trilling noise from each.  Sort of showing what they both have in common, than different

Mila came over to the cat and the bris. She was probably more comfortable around the bris, but - despite ingrained instincts - knew not to chase the cat. Not here. Not now.

She sat down, tail wagging slightly, then lay down, crossing her paws and placing her snount on them watching the other two.

Tim watched the Briss , he  leaned on his pitchfork as he said,..That   Briss-thing?  you figure   is a hunter type..That Cat  might just be a good  morsel for it?

 The  cat  liked the  scratches...Friday seemed to as well, gut  Haley could  feel a 'tenseness ' in Friday as she looked at the   Cat.


 Rol and Can  walked over  and looked at the chickens...They look like some weird  creatures.... You ever see them?

 Can shook his head slowly...I only some some   animals on the Mountain, when they sent us  to the uppers to get food and steal stuff?...The Mountain had scarey animals..those  reminded be of the Vids  with   the Avian people who eat us..

Roll chuckled,I think we  eat these?..they  are the things   they  make chicken chunks out of...

Haley continued to scratch both Hawker and Friday.  She made sure to get the scent of each real good.  Then carefully let the Briss smell the scent of the cat, then the scent of Briss on her hand for Hawker to smell.  She wanted each to get use to each other's smell.  She hoped they would come closer to each other and closer to her.
The announcement came overhead "Good...we don't gotta leave yet" she noticed the boys running about.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:17, Mon 28 Mar 2022.

  The Briss had  decided it was  Better not to  bther with the Cat, she  Turned back to  Henry... The Cat meowed...

 Roll and   Can  watched the tank where the water was getting goign through, there were lots of fish in there some where pretty big..

 ..My little tiny fish would ge losted there..

Henry was pleased that briss and cat seemed to be coping with each other.

"Good, we'd best be getting on. At least using the briss for pest control will be feasible."

Friday climbed back up him to join the snittens. It was a mix of wearing a lot of scarves and getting strangled, or so it felt.

-> Time Jump to Jump off.

Haley again petted both animals before they separated, Hawker got up rubbed Haley along her leg then began wandering towards the barn.  "Our farm back home was larger, but not as fancy.  Nikki says someone else gots it now"
The boys eventually came back "You two like the farm?" she asked.  Both were smiling and nodded. "Good" she then smiled as well.
As she got to her feet, she and the,boys waved to Tim and followed Doc Henry back up to the RecDec and for Haley, lunch with,Nikki.



===> Rec dec then into tomorrows actions

------->>>>>>> From Rec Dec Via Officer Quarters

 After Lizzy and Izzy stopped at their quarters to drop off Izzy's stuff and checked on their fish. Once done they headed down to the farm section, Lizzy had never been down here and had no clue where to go or where to begin. She looked around as they went to enter the farm to see if anyone was in charge. " Izzy have you been here before, can we just want in?"

the  FArm:

  The  Bottom of the  ship, more or less, with the area  Stopping at the   forward wall ( the Hold is  forward of  the FArm)

 and the Stern wall where the  munitions  stored for the Ship's Guns...Unlike   the Rec Dec and Civie Section, this 'rectangle' goes from  hull side to hull side.

   Water Collection Units   run the length to the 'farm, in the Middle, Enclosed   walkways are over the Huge  tanks for workers   to walk. at the 4 corners  are  Cubes called 'barns" clockwise  facing the Bow, are  The Cow  Pen...The Sheep pen.. Chicken pen. and on  building  split between goats  and Pigs/

 there are  stacks of Huge soil contains called 'trays' by the workers,, they are  rotated   by the  workers to keep the soil fresh..when ever possible  new  soil is brought in from planets..Corn, wheat, Tomatoes and other vegetables  are grown to help the shops and Civies   with 'fresh food'... to go along  with supplies  purchased at ports..

 there is a 'newly made' tray  that is guarded  by a  Hermes Sec trooper. Some two different  plants  brought from the Angel Moons, that the Hermes has  been planting on it s other member planets

  The  Trays  are serviced  By walkways  as they have  some  20 feet between  the next tray...huge  growing light  Line the  tops  and  water is  filtered  down from one  tray to the  others.

  Cats ..dozens of them, can be seen doing their 'job' sneaking around trays  or   hunting around the 'barns"

 three barns  and some smaller coop  were  around the perimeter, making use of  every inch of space

——> Rec Dec

“I’ve never been here before, but I can’t imagine Nikki would send us somewhere off limits” Izzy said as they slowly walked passed the line of pens and growing trays, with Izzy shading her eyes as she looked up at the bright growing lights overhead ”you know I think we could get a tan down here…if it was a little more private” she giggled picturing them lying between the growing trays in bikinis.

Being a city girl this was closest she’d come to visiting a farm although she suspected there would be more grass on real one, and the animals would have a little more room to move around. It was as they were passing a pen that held a mixture of terran and xenos sheep that Izzy would spot a small calico cat sitting beside a stack of sacks, licking its paws clean ”oh look Lizzy she’s so cute…here kitty” Izzy said before crouching down and trying to attract the cats attention.

 Lizzy was marveled at the site of the farm, it was truly amazing, she walked with Izzy and then Izzy saw a calico kitty, and Izzy tried to call the kitty to her.

 Lizzy smiled and looked the other way when she saw a beautiful tuxedo long haired kitty she didnt know the breed but the kitty just looke at Lizzy with a rat in it's mouth. Lizzy said," Yeah it is beautiful, oh wow look at that kitty, and Izzy this one seems to want to give us a gift." Lizzy giggled at the kitty with the rat in it's mouth.

off in one little section there was a hand made sign with butterfly stickers in a field with quite a few Nivaran purple melons.  In rough child like writing was a sign saying 'Property of Haley McGaha' it was placed on 3 plants in the entire field.  2 had melons on them 1 was within a day or two of being fully ripe.

”um…that’s alright, he can keep it” Izzy said eyeing the dead rat in the cat’s mouth with a measure of distaste before continuing to try and coax the calico over so she could give it some fuss. The cat would pause in it’s cleaning, looking at Izzy with the tip of its tongue still sticking out, causing Izzy to giggle, before deciding to ignore the strange little human and get back to the more important job of cleaning itself as cats were wont to do.

Frowning a little Izzy would straighten back up and continue to walk with Lizzy, smiling as they passed Haley’s growing patch noting that it had fruit appearing on the trio of small plants ”I suppose I’ll have to get back to work soon, I still need to get something sent to the SM” she sighed knowing that she needed to produce something soon so it didn’t look like she was just skiving.

They would walk a little further before a young black cat slinked out from between a pair of pens ”Oh hey kitty, do you want to be my friend?” she said as she crouched down, with her being rewarded by a meep as the young cat trotted over and started purring as a giggling Izzy tickled it behind the ears and under its chin.

 The kitty with the mouse put it at Lizzy's feet and then headed off to hunt more, Lizzy smiled and said after the tuxedo kitty, " Thank you for the gift."

 "Yes I need to go check my fighter as well, do you have good news for the SM?" Lizzy smiled as she saw the little black cat that came to investigate them.

 Lizzy had a huge smile as the black cat went up to Izzy, and Izzy got to scratch behind the kitty's ear," Yes I do think she wants to be your friend, and she seems to love attention."

 Lizzy just stood and watched, she did notice Haley's plants and would tell her there was almost a fully ripe melon she could pick when she saw her next.

”hmm…it’s not really good or bad…it’s more of a this is what I’m working on kind of thing” Izzy said as she continued to fuss the little black cat, who was currently purring very loudly as she looked up at them with big green eyes. Hearing Lizzy’s comment Izzy would giggle before replying ”I know someone else that loves attention” giving Lizzy a mischievous look as she did so, with the cat meanwhile rolling onto it’s back so that Izzy get at it’s soft belly.

 Lizzy smiled and went to pet the black kitty as well, and replied," Oh ok thats cool." Lizzy smiled at the purring kitty and then giggled at Izzy's next comment," Do I purr like that when you rub my belly?" Lizy smiled and winked.

 After a few moments Lizzy said," Well we should get to our other things, but now we know an awesome place to take a nice walk at."

Izzy’s cheek would blush a rather fetching shade of pink in response to Lizzy’s teasing, with her responding ”um…sort of” in an embarrassed whisper, not feeling quite confident enough to continue the flirting with other people around to potentially hear her. Though compared to how she had been when they had first started dating, she had certainly grown more confident.

When Lizzy pointed out that they ought to get back to their duties, Izzy would give a disappointed sigh ”yeah I suppose so…guess I’ll have to see you another time” she said, speaking to the little black cat as she stood up, with cat looking up at her with those big green eyes and going meep, clearly wanting the attention to continue ”I think I’ll head back to our quarters to finish off what I was doing whilst you sort out your fighter” Izzy suggested as her new friend rubbed up against her legs with her wanting to get what she was working on finished before the next jump off.

 Lizzy giggled and gave Izzy a kiss on her rosy cheeks. Lizzy smiled as Izzy said goodbye to the black kitty, she added," Maybe you should name her, and we can come to visit again Izzy."

 Lizzy giggled as the black kitty didn't want it all to stop and said her own goodbyes by rubbing up against Izzy. " Ok I will check my fighter and I will head to our quarters when I am done and we can go from there ok."

 Lizzy then gave Izzy a big hug, and a deep kiss then petted the black kitty again, and headed for the Hanger Dec shaking her butt at Izzy as she walked out.

------->>>>>> To Hanger Dec

”hmm maybe…though she probably has a name already” Izzy replied looking down at the little cat, suspecting that Haley would probably know what she was called…if of course she had a name.

Having decided to meet back at their quarters once Lizzy was done with her fighter, Izzy would return the hug and kiss before taking a moment to admire Lizzy’s shapely rear as she walked away before leaning down to the kitty, much to its delight, a little more fuss before heading for her quarters to finish what she was doing.

——> Officers Quarters