Now and again the door opens to the bar, stains of Techno-Alien music pops out...and  now and again some old  earth songs, that are , even now, just getting intercepted , as  'new".

 The Bar has  a few people milling around as they  dance, or  talk, there are folks playing  "Target"..as they took turns  tossing oval shaped balls, about the size of billard balls  at  a screen that had  random flashing lights.

 Outside,  there were a couple of  younger  folks watching the  'group' as if they were  waiting  for a 'turn'.

  The  Girl  gives a sneering smile,from under her hood,...none of work, the kinda jobs folks  talk about... Them docks? belong to the Big rollers... Black MArket folks....

 The fellow in the back,...'cept one....people say they are mercs....but not the good kind... they are bounty hunters...Slavers... Drug runners...and stuff like that...

 ..That's  just jetsum..floated by the Straight Ups, man..tryin' ta stop Stemmers  from workin' for them....

 The Voice behind  was cold and hard.....Maybe?.... But yer mom...wasn't she in the Lowers Lock up.. for Cred Humpin?  Now? She's gone...So's  all them that was in the Uppers  Lock up...and ya know what?...Them mercs, shipped out three Corvettes right before the battle started....Blended in..realllll nice  with the folks tryin' ta escape.....

 The  Fellow had an angry look on his face, when the voice said about his mother...but  eased up, looking  at the railing he was sitting on.

 The  woman said,how do you know that....were you there?

 A harsh Laugh, if one could see his face, you would think it came from a clenched grin, no...no i wasn't.....But i was near a Lowers SEC car..... and I heard them say, the Last three ships were on their way....seems  they were unloading  the  lockups right under the Nose of the ESN... shuttles  docking at the lockups  and moving away....course...no one cares what happens in the lock ups....'cept this time... we gotta figure those  folks are going to be invited to a 'dinner' somewhere....

 no man..no  way.... maybe...maybe  the ESN sent them to colonies...Maybe...

 shut up.....you know  i'm right....and?..there was alot of  kids in there too...just what them Empire types like to  dine on...
 The  other  guy stood Up, an ugly looking Blade  Flashes in his  hand... but the bright  flash of a 'popper', sent the  guy over the railings..his  screamed ended  in a sicking thud...

 ..guess he  don't need to worry about his creed humping mama no more.....

 The   woman hissed,that's no damn good...he was  worth some  50 creds a night!

 ...you aren't looking at it right.... that's that many hits you can sell for more  creds..to some Straight Up who has the Creds...

Jesse watched on as the two gents argued over the cred theft and the ships and mom issues.  When the guy went tumbling over the railing she looked over and down as if it was common thing.  In some aspect it was, seeing the people being pushed out into the black from the Hermes.  She'd gotten accustom to seeing people foolishly lose their lives.

She looked to the remaining man.  So, where abouts can I get a job like that? she said.  I've slipped out, I mean, flown a couple in my day.  Had a few pilot friends back home when I was a kid, they taught me flying and a few other things to help me out when I was in a wedge.

   The  voice chuckled  again,..you can  walk around.... they might even let you in... but there's a chance you'd be on your way to be  someone's momma...or..meal..

 The  hooded  woman adds,...they try and find you...not the other  way around...I'm thinking..they are laying low until the Delta's get the  9 hells out of here...

In reply to Sarah (msg # 27):

Sarah sips her wine, and considers the question. "Not as much as I could, aside from tactical considerations that a strategist has to take into account regarding it and taking the attack to the demon. I'd assume that it's mineral rich as well, but that's about it. Though I must admit economics and business are... not my strongest skills." She says glancing out at the view.

In reply to Melia (msg # 28):

Orria practically jumped out of her skin when the alarms blow, and the lights flash. Though when the Lonnox plushy drops in Orria shrieks in joy shouting, "COOOKIE!!!!!" Giving it a big hug looking at Melia as if she expects to be told she can't have it. Melia smiles at Orria and rolls her eyes a little. She glances at the beverage selection, and sees the standard selection and a few options that may be specific to Everest. Melia looks at the girl and points to a local soda pop deciding to treat Orria and herself indicating to bring a pitcher of that.

  The  fellow smiles a bit..Sarah's Order  comes. The waitress is setting her  plates  down and looks  from the man to her, as if to see if things  are ok...

 Meanwhile, the fellow  doesn't even acknowledge the waitress. Once  she leaves he  continues, his  voice, clear, yet soft, as if he is worried that someone may hear,..der  astroid field, es von of  some concerned, to both sides uf  dis  var. Empire ships haf died there...thier merchant ships  are raided...the  creatures  whom liff in der  field..they do..favor the Empire..but... he holds up one finger,

 ..only to der  point uff helpign themselves.... I haf heard, they are not  happy mitt the Delta Fleet, as they have captured  a Tarading Post, und haf destroyed  some mining investment...which the Fleet now is fortifying fer use of its own......

 ..i can still make a profit , fer me und mine people..if i can get a small Delta fleet ship to...drop a package or two?

 People are extra happy now , a free pitcher of drink..kids  were playing .

 the waitress brings out their food and drinks..there is also a cardboard 'helmet' that can be made into an ESN trooper's Helmet..or a Pirate helmet...some kids  are wearing theirs as they run about..others  'save them' to take home.

  The Lonnox   was well made, not  cheap by any stretch ... some say the lonnox mirrors  Captain Lighting's Lonnox....some say the lonnox became Captain Lighting's after seeing   Cookie on vids.....

In reply to Jesse (msg # 34):

Jesse chuckles at both of them.  I'm sure there is a first for everything.

She looks between them and nods.  Its not like I haven't been food or pleasure for someone before.  Im sure it wont be the last.

With a heavy sigh she takes one more puff and hands it back.  Now can any of you gimme a name, street name obviously, and point me in the direction of these hi-fliers.  I've got some money to make.

  The  woman shook her ehad, and didn't appear to want to say a word.

  The Voice in the back said,..every 300 feet or so... there are stairs..of  sorts... on the outside  of the railigns, against the Hull of the Stem... take one of those  down to the Stem street level...and?..Just look for a compound that  has lights...but..don't expect folks to be friendly down there....They ain't been treated to well..by Straight Ups....

Jesse nodded and gave a sobering smile.  Thanks, she said.  When i make some more creds, I'll return the favor.

She turns and heads into the bar to grab zsome grub and drink before making her way in the direction that the guy had stated.

  The Bar isn't the cleanest place she has seen, but its not like they didn't  try. Its Just a Beat up  'STemmer' bar, that has been here since the station was being built.

 The food is simple... burgers..soups..frieds of various  types made from anything, from Potatoes to Burian 'potatoes' ( yeah..they are green, like most  Verian  things)

Jesse grabs a quick bite to eat and heads towards the Stem where the guy had mentioned.  If they were still there when she left she gave a nod goodbye.

She followed the railing and took the next exit towards the compounds and one with minimal amount of lights.

  coming out of the bar, she sees a new couple  folks sitting around , they are  talking  snugged up in hooded  coats..as the Stem seems a bit  colder then either  the Uppers or Lowers.

  a few  yards  down the way, towards the Lowers, Jesse sees  the   narrow  steps that lead  down to the  Stem Street level. she is  a bit  further past the middle , on the lowers  side.

  the buildings  don't look any different here, then the past stations she has been on. some soild  looking building s with lights  and  barricades..other  buildings  resemble a war zone. a few blocks she reaches the  'main street.. from here she can see the sparse street lights ... some  brighter lights can  be seen scattered around.

Jesse continues on and looks for a more well reserved, heavily guarded warehouse than just a building.  If the warehouse wasn't guarded, she was certain they had security cameras of one type or another.  She kept her side arms well shielded as she moved along and quietly looked around as she walked onwards.

  There were some groups..anywhere from 2 -6 people, off in the distance  as the walked across  streets, or stood  by burning trash barrels.

   Some  watched the lone  figure, others...at least...seemed, like they didn't  care.

  Heading   in the direction of the Lowers.. there was a decently lit building, on the  Hull side of the street. Beat up air  cars have  been laid on thier sides and  stacked  2 High. Metal Bands   were  welded or Melded into the  cars  to  form walls.. two Metal doors,that were made from, what looks  like walls from a transport ship, stood  Closed.

 In the 'towers  at each corner, and  one on either side of the gate, were  Guards  with weapons.

 a pair of  battered Vans  sat out, about  20 yards  from the gates.  some  guards on foot walked around  near them, The VAns looked like they have seen their fair share of  weapons  impacts.

Sarah looks at the Baron, "the fleets are not a delivery service. If it is in the fleets interest we may carry a package to a place we are already traveling too. What specifically would the packeages contain. I have morals, Baron and will not see them violated for a powerplay, as well as the careers of my crew in my hands.  It would be ideology irresponsible to gamble with their lives and careers for profit. Why would delivering these packages be in the best interest of the delta fleet, and what would they accomplish other than aiding you?" She asks directly, knowing full well that transporting unknown cargo was a good way to either get your ship blown out from under you by an demon sympathizer or even aid the enemy by smuggling illicit goods around/through the fleet.

In reply to Melia (msg # 38):

Orria decides she wants to wear her trooper helmet and after a little uncertainty eventually joins the yelling and screaming children playing the games.  It was a small fight to convince Orria to leave the stuffed animal at the table but once she was playing it was forgotten in the interim.  Melia sits back watching,  keeping a close eye on Orria from her seat waiting on their food to arrive.

In reply to Jesse (msg # 46):

Well, here's the place, she thought to herself.  She made note of the guards and sentries.  This was not going to be an easy task.

She'd been in tougher spots and worse situations.  This was no different.  Go in and make the most of it.

She looked for a lit firecan closeby that had possible hires standing there.

   Oswald's  face make s a ...somewhat embarrassed , if not , small smile. He has to wait Until the waitress drops off his meal, and refreshes drinks, before he continues.

  ..Vat ess imprtant... si to make a profit, despite , both der fleet...und der Empire.... I vill start at your  Level.


 ...your pay, vould be ..hard creds. No von could trace...it vould der hard credits,der Contacts  had off..at the Drop...Mine own creds, vould  come by Scans...if  they try to stop, or withhold payment...then  there vould be a reckoning ,und  they know this to be true.

 he has one hand   left out  flat, then his  other hand  is place above it...Der Fleet, vill not make much profit, unless it is from Salvage , from those, who vould  vish to stop  our commerce....

 both hands  Move away in an 'explosion' pantomime ,..der Empire looses, as people can make runs through the  quad, rather  then der Empire  side of the  Astroid  field?...und? it vould garner  some good vill from der denizens uf  der  Astroid  field...


 He  takes  a  forkful of gravey covered noodles and swallows, dabbing his lips with a napkin. Sipping a bit of wine. then gets ready for another  forkful of Noddles. Just before  slipping it in his mouth he adds,..Der Packages ess Blue and Silver Ampules from Paradise herself...the cred price..cannot  be guessed..as  each shipment...der price grows...... he  adds  as he moves the  food a bit in his mouth....ve had a goot  system, until a...most unfortunate  fire...happened  in der Uppers.. killing some  of our  key people...now?.. for the next few months... it is up to me...to try and make  our business survive...  then he dabs his lips and slightly bows his ehad, as if to apologize  for taking with  a bite.

  Arriving  with their  Food, a waitress, dressed somewhat like a Piratte , but her dress was a bit longer. After  setting the food  down she remains   bent over to say to Melia.

 Just a tip... The  play area games  and such are free... the games outside  the pay area, require tokens, and you get tickets, depending on score  , of course...now?  the  Older games pay out more, since  they are harder to score... you may also add real creds to your  tickets, should you not have enough tickets.

 she straightens up, holding her  tray in front of her,..if you need something?..press the green button, on top the   Vid Screen...if you have an accident , of some type..press the red...

..........

  as she walks  away Melia tracks  orria , who is running about, sometimes  kids  say something to her, and she answers..other times she  just shakes a head or laughs.

 The Play area is  built like a Pirate ship, with the 'hold' being the   floating ball area., the rest of the ship has   hatches, ladders on the inside  and out, and a pair of  slides...one slide, ends in the   'hold'.

 As she watches  Orria.. she notes something, not sure  at first..until the third time she did it... anytime  the 'red  lights  flashed on  on the pirate ships 'hull'.. kids would run to get into the ship... Orria would always hold the hatchway open for   any kids who were close to her, no matter  how old they were..and then shut the hatch...she would then climb up into the cockpit and sit there a pit  pushing buttons...most kids  didn't mess with the cockpit too much, it hads some Buttons, and there was a Vid  of   bad  guy space ships on the windscreen... if you pressed the right buttons..you could shoot the bad  guys...after  a bit..Orria  would  climb down and  enter the ship and do the other  things, Until she  eventually ended up in the hold..and it would start all over.

  nearing the  warehouse, she was motioned to move across the street by a guard who was sitting in the van with a pulse rifle , barely sticking out of the battered   side window.

 if you'er lookin' fer hand outs?.. go across the street by them folks  there....otherwise..keep walkin'

 across the street were  three people one sat on the curb holding his head in his  hands, to others stood close to the fire and talked softly.

Sarah set her fork down, "so you tell me the only one who'd profit would be me unless I split my take with my crew, and why not sell the ampules to the fleet?" She knows of the ampules but only in passing. The entent of her knowledge ends at they are able to greatly aughtment healing. As to their production and distribution she hadn't pursued much knowledge on that topic. "I'd wager the fleets would pay a pretty penny to see our people kept alive longer to stand against the demon threat." She adds calmly.  She doubts the Baron will fill her in on how he comes by the ampules,  she tries a different track.  Signaling another glass of wine, "So you're telling me your people make these ampules, and your distribution network was destroyed in the... fire. You need a secure way to ship the goods to your buyer, in the asteroid belt. Is this correct? She asks choosing get words carefully hoping that the Baron will slip up and reveal any ill intents while he corrects her for stating, incoreectly, that his people make the two serums. She sips her fresh glass of wine and signals for the dessert menu.

In reply to Melia (msg # 51):

Melia nods her thanks to the woman with a small smile, keeping her eye on Orria. It occurs to her that had she not adopted/claimed Orria it was very possible she'd still be spending every leave in her quarters away from people fearing the unknown. She'd pushed herself outside her comfort zone in what had been a surprising move to, she suspected everyone.  She now had a daughter, a nice place to live with John though he'd been busy recently, and had a special assignment as the wetworks medic on board the Hermes. Things were getting better, though the improvement would never truly get her past her paranioa. She was curious about the older games, but fear that something would happen to Orria kept her nearby.

As Melia began to notice Orria's pattern she began to watch it more closely.  When the alarms went off she treated them as if it were the emergency alarms aboard the ship, and helped others to safety.  Then she went to the bridge and piloted the ship against the enemy before moving about doing what could be considered daily chores or shipboard assignments.  Curious she continued to watch trying to determine if any other children eventually joined in.

In reply to Jesse (msg # 52):

Jesse stopped to look at the guy and at the direction that he had motioned.

Never said I was looking for hand outs, bub, she said firmly.  Actually, looking for work. 

She lifted up her hood so she could show some of her facial features but not all.

Then again, guess it's hard to get work with the likens of you.

  The  Fellow   gives a  laugh,..you can look around the streets...sure  someone could  find something  fer ya  to do.....might even pay you!

 ..that's  the corner you wanna  hang at tough..sometiems  the boss  will look for runners and such...