"Never mind, me and you will just have to go out and play another time" Harry spoke with a sympathetic smile, having seen the look of disappointment on Justin's face upon being told that extra hours wasn't an option. Truth be told she'd love to get out there and rack up some more hours but orders were orders and she didn't want to cause any trouble just yet "Come on, let go and take a look at those fighters" Harry said with a cheerful smile as she followed Justin through the door.

---> Hangar Dec

In reply to Harriet Lynch (msg # 32):

Justin slautes Captain Morris, then motioned for Harry to exit the shed. After you


To the Hangar deck
This message was last edited by the player at 22:01, Tue 10 Oct 2017.

<<<<<<<<<<.. Shadow  from Hanger dec

  .. Captain Morris?  You need me?

    There was a soft Chuckle as he pointed to the Coffee pot,..I  wanted to see you...LC... The Fleet needs you.. big difference...

 Shadow's half smile    appeared as he put the  wad of clothes on the desk and  Fixed a Cup of  Coffee...

  ..Draw  2.. LC.. you and  I like it the same... as he waited on the coffee he was flicking trough the  rosters of the pilots.. he absent mindly  said.....so?... The Brawl... seems as though the Hermes  people and  Delta fleet offciers, held up their end?


 ..If you mean..kicked thier asses?.. Aye  Sir... he Placed Morris's Cup on his Desk....

 ..Shade  waded in like kamakzi ..I hope he is well?

 ..hard to tell?..  the way his skin color shifts... i could see  some welts and such... then someone gave him a beer and he crashed...

 Morris's soft chuckle echoed into his cup as he  took a sip......well..just becareful in this silly Duel... make sure Penilli doesn't  try to do  any lasting injury... Hmmm?

 ...yeah?  Well..  it shouldn't  take long... I'm not in the mood to mess around with him...not after this  last Op...

 Morris held up  a hand,..you keep SEC ...in  SEC...

 Taking a sip of his own  coffee as he nodded....so?  what do you need?

  we have some pilots  coming an going...Got  a new one.....putting her in your  Flight...

 Another  sip, with a shrug,..hope she lasts longer then the others....Which Bird?

 ....well?.. we  still have  The Bee on board?...or?  should  could get a DArt if you lose a pilot to transfer.. he  taps  his  mouse a few times.....If  Blok transfers.... we can Move Macen to Steele's  Flight and Give her  the 116 Dart.. if he stays..there are  two other names in the pipe line..but Blok's  paper was in first...If she takes the Bee..well she has the Bee...

 Shadow studied the   flights,..sounds good.... Musette seems to be coming along... Let her MAke  the choice.. we'll deal with the transfers as they happen..Not often we get to offer a choice...

   The Captain clicked the mouse a few times,..Kase is showing her around... I can send Blok off as soon as she makes her  choice..but i won't leave a short a fighter...

  ..yeah.....  he thought for a moment,..any news  on Lady V's  Viper   Fleet?


  ..nothing that stands out... reports here  and there... can't be the fleet unles she  has enough ships  to split up.....if its   as big as a  Station fleet?.. should be hard to hide... and she  can't have a  fleet  as big as the Delta  Fleet...


  ..Unless the EDT is cranking out ships somewhere... or the Empire  gave her  some..or?.. both..but?.. what the 9 hells do we care?... if she gets into a flight  with ESN or APF warships..she's not going to outsmart anyone?

 ..she doesn't have to. There are enough Humans who crossed over that would love the chance to  defeat ESN ships...and if she is getting Empire Vessels, then  she'll have officers   coming with the Ships...

 Shadow finished  his  Coffee, washed out the  Mug and   hung it of  the rack... Morris Gave him his  mug for a refill. After fixing it,and setting it down, Kray  nodded,..well..no matter who is building or giving her ships... they  can't build  Officers... they'll still be  second best to  ESN.. unless   they fill the ships  with Empire Vets who have been fighting all these years...

 ..indeed... but remember the old saying..." better to take the enemy seriously, and laugh at them later... then  to allow them to laugh at you..."

  Yeah..Academy tactics 101... he grinned  as he  gave Morris an easy salute, then gathered his bundle  and  walked out of the shed.

 Morris  followed him out, Cup in one hand, Cane  in the other.

 The Stood   outside  the Shed. watching    crews with Hover Jacks Moving around. There was no one in the Mech Station..the of  collect of   mechs and only 2  riders, made it unsurprising.

   Harry ( and Justin?) could see Morris sipping his coffee while  a Dark Haired fellow, who looked like he  had a rough time of it.. stood there in  bloodied Dress white pants,  and a  Hermes T-shirt and  Holding a bundle of  clothes under his  arm The younger man was only  an ich or two taller the  Morris.

---> Hangar Dec

It was just as Harry was nearing the Shed that Captain Morris and a young, dark haired officer who looked as if he'd just gone a few rounds in a boxing ring stepped outside, with the young officer having no doubt just received a reprimand for fighting from the Captain, not that that was any of her concern.

Stopping in front of Captain Morris, Harry would salute the two men before addressing the Captain in her posh English accent "Captain Morris, I wondered if I could ask you a favour and leave my kit bag here whilst Ensign Kase shows me around the ship? Also...I'd like to put my name forward to fly the Bee, it just feels like too good of an opportunity to pass up...I promise I'll come up with a more compelling argument when I finally get to meet the LC" she said, finishing with a nervous laugh, figuring that she had nothing to lose by making the request. If the LC said no then so be it, she'd be just as happy to fly a Dart or even a Hammer, just so long as she was actually flying this time around "I just hope he's in a good mood when I meet him, I'd hate to make a bad first impression"

  Morris  took a sip of his coffee and looked at the   officer, who looked at  Harry, then back to Morris.  He turned back to look at Harry And Justin  As Morris spoke.

  ..Well, Ensign Lynch... you may put yu kit here... but when Ensign Kase shows you  to your quarters, your  name  should be on the light up box outside the door... you'll be able to enter and set your pass word... be aware.. should SEC feel the need to enter your quarters.. you will be COMed ans they will over  right the door lock....other then  that? only you may get in, with out an ESN over ride.

   The officer  smiled a  bit as his eyebrow went up a bit.

  ..If you are certain  you want to  Fly the be.. i'll set it up on the board.... I would advise you to got to the Sims and run some passes there to get used to the controls... we'll be shipping  out   the day after  tomorrow  which is really... he looks at the ship's clock, 38 hours from now.....38 hours.... and.. where ever  we are going, there is going to be  combat.. Once  we cast off. we might be able to get you in the air for a bit... but I wouldn't count on just that...

 ..As for, if the LC will be in a good mood?  why don't you ask him...LC   Shadow?... This  is   Ensign Harriet Lynch....'Harry"... he hid his smile in his coffee mug.

 ..Welcome  Aboard  Ensign.... hope you last longer the most new pilots...some tend to ship  out right away..others... well....  he shifted his bundle and offers his  hand.

Justin hovered near the entry as he saluted both the Captain and LC.

Harry could feel the blood draining from her face as the battered young officer before her was revealed to be her commanding Officer; LC Shadow.

With her mind in a mild state of panic it was all she could do to shake his hand before responding in a rather faint voice "a pleasure to be on board sir" Don't pass out! Whatever you do don't pass out! a tiny voice in the back of her mind quietly spoke to her over and over again. Ok...so this wasn't ideal, but it wasn't like she'd insulted the guy, and he hadn't been wearing his jacket so she could be forgiven in not knowing his rank.

It was with these thoughts in mind that Harry was able to recover some measure of control, nervously clearing her throat before speaking in far calmer voice than she'd managed before "Apologies I was expecting someone a little...um...older" she said, praying that he really was in a good mood and would accept her excuse for not recognising him before carrying on "38 hours? Best I find my quarters and get on the simulator then...see how many hours I can cram in before we arrive" so much for a good first impression!

  The LC's  half smile  grew  just a bit,..relax Ensign Lynch Every one is new , when they first get here.... how new you want to stay.. is up to you...

 Before he  could say anymore a few Pilots were passing through.. some  gave an easy salute, some  Snapped to. More for Morris , then  the LC.

  One of the had a  dress uniform on that was only slightly mussed,  a darkhaird  woman, whose hair was  well past her shoulders  and 'see through' blue eyes. Her  EMS dress whites  were kind of messy as well.

  The  Male stopped and grinned,Hey, Shadow... They  do a number on you?

  With a Chuckle, the  LC replies,....they had  numbers..  Me, Roy and Lyri held line untilo  Rivets. Kase and the others arrived...

 is eyes  looked over two,..looks like you bumped into a waiter..... Raven, looks like she  traded a few punches...

  I think Steele  hit someone, once.... i lost track when i dove in...I saw Shade  dive in.... tough kid....

  Ensign Lynch?  This is  LT Steele he has C  flight..Hmammer  Va s. This   Lady here is  LT  Raven from the EMS Harvester .. The  Harvester has been with us , since   the Hermes left earth.

 ..Hey...LC.. this duel thing with  that Captian....um...

 ..Penilli...Raven  offered.

 ..Yeah..him?  It worth betting on?

 Shadow  Chuckled,..if you fight some one   Dumb enough to bet on him..do it.... The SGT  Maj accepted on my behalf.... it' going to be a fist fight...of sorts...

 Doesn't he have  some kind of fancy  kick fighting thing?

 ..yeah.. he ried  that whne he started the fight... only  got to hit hi once  before i was jumped and he ran away..so..yeah.. i owe him a few hits....

 Steele  grinned,..well?..don'[t  end it too quick?... i might be able to  make a few extra  creds on tis....

 ..put me  down for 500 on myself.... i'll settle up  after the  fight...

 They went off  and  Steele caught up to the other pilots  and was   spreading the word.

    Shadow Just realized who was there,..Sorry... Ensign Lynch... but your   ex-captain is a bit of  a dick...

  Morris cleared his  throat...

  .. i'm sorry.. i mean a big...

 ENOUGH.... Morris  said  firmly, yet  softly...i think what happens to the ....captain... will be more then enough punishment?

  Aye, sir... I  best  hit  the sack   I wanna be there  around 9:30...  Shadow game Morris a respectful salute and nodded  to the others...

It would appear that she'd gotten away with it, though whatever Shadow had been about to say was soon forgotten as a group of pilot's came walking by with Lieutenant’s Steele and Raven stopping to talk with the LC "A pleasure to meet you both" Harry said with a easy smile and a salute as she was introduced to the pair.

It was at this point that the conversation on moved to that of a duel that would be taking place between Shadow and... An Etna Captain?

Listening as the three of them talked and joked about the brawl and its resulting duel and the wagers that would take place, Harry couldn’t help but feel a small measure of dread as she put two and two together with it being later confirmed by Shadow himself.

With the LC set to leave Harry would quickly speak up so as to catch his attention "LC Shadow some advice from someone who sadly knows the Captain all too well" she said, taking a step towards him and lowering her voice to a near whisper "Captain Penelli doesn't like to lose and hates being made a fool of, that I know from personal experience...don't turn your back on him even for a second, and more importantly don't linger anywhere his friends might find you" being a girl had bought her a small measure of protection from such treachery but Shadow would find no such luck on that front.

Stepping back to a more comfortable distance and returning her voice to its usual volume, Harry would salute the LC before continuing to speak in a cheerful voice "Best of luck sir, Ensign Kase would you be kind enough to show a girl to her quarters?...I have a hot date with a simulator"

   Kay smiled  a actual  smile,..Thanks you for that,   Ensign... he vainished  like  a Mull meatball after i hit  him the first time.., he tried some  ...kick-thing.. i'm sure he has better then that>,, he's just not used to getting hit  back?.... I'm going to make feel every hit.... Spencer's got  my back and we'll be in my house this  time....

 .... Rec Dec is the place to hang out.. its  right by the field... The Pulse is  across the way, Nect to the occicer's  club.. good place  to go for  ..quiet.. dinners...

  He  strode off towards the Elevator  .. A Muti colored haired  woman came out   of the SEC and was  headed towards the elevator  as well.

Flex Time

At Shadow's mention of The Pulse being a good place for "Quiet Dinners" and amused smile would appear on the blonde Ensigns face "Thank you sir, I will bare that in mind should I ever find someone to share a quiet meal with" she responded before bidding him farewell and rejoining Ensign Kase for her tour of the ship "well I'm ready when you are, lead on"

---> Officers Quarters
This message was last edited by the player at 17:26, Tue 17 Oct 2017.

In reply to Harriet Lynch (msg # 44):

It will be a pleasure to provide a tour of the ship after You're squared away

<<<<<<<<<<  Alex  from Hanger Dec #7

   the Entered the Shed, it wasn't  fancy..Sheetmetal throw together  for Morris  to stay close to the   Hanger Dec.

 with a Motion to  the fridge, and a tea pot,..help your  self.. soft drinks  in the fridge, as wel as milk , if you want to  use the water to Make Tea....or  Coco.. you want Coffee.. you'll have to see the Pilots   bersths, thier  crews  have pots out there..or ..get some when you go to the Rec dec.

 He  holds his hand  out for the Disc  again...your  rating says heavy Gunner? Is that right?

In reply to Alex (msg # 46):

Alexander hands the disk over to Captain Morris as he stands near the door. Alexander then says to the Captain "Yes Sir, Qualified and trained as a Heavy Gunner. Learnt at the Academy before being transferred to the Alexander Graham Bell."

 Morris   smiled  as he  ran  the disc into his   desk top. It began to  Copy the Disc,

 ..The Admiral..That si to Say, Admiral Hack is Busy right now, he is also with  SGT Major Spencer... The SM  is in charge of the Aaway teams, so he will be your Direct  Commander, more or less.... we have three styles of the heavy weapons.... The  Heavy Pulse gun... works off power Cells , as you know... easier to carry an extra  Power cell then an Ammo box.

 ... we have the  Belt  fed  , Hard Ammo weapons... 30  and 60 cals for  troopers... 50 calls mounted  on  the   Duce , assault shuttles

 ..then?  there is the  encaspulated  Pulse rounds...  the burn of the puse , with the projectile  flight  and aimign factor....

 ..The SM, will let gunner  pick thier  own weapons when they go out...we have   3 Heavy Gunners.. it wil be nice to be able to baleance out teams with another one here..

 He looked out the Little window as  a tall BArrel chested  Officer  was shouting orders to the orange suited   Dec  crew... we have  another day  in Etna , before  we cast off... we'll be headed to the  Free Station Anzio... we  expect.... opposition ... so?   I suspect you should be ready.

 now?.. ESN Regs  say you have to have a sidearm  and someform of bootknife at all times, in case of boarding... if you have any questions, now is the time to ask.

In reply to Alex (msg # 48):

"I have no questions, Sir. I guess that I should head over to the quartermaster's to collect my new sidearm and boot knife." Alexander says to the captain as he begins to leave. However before he leaves, he turns back and says without a trace of sarcasm "Just got to say this, sir. It is going to be an honour serving on board the Hermes. I also just realized that I might want to know where the quartermaster is." Alexander has a slightly sheepish look, the kind that most people get when they realize that they made a minor mistake.

 ...well?.. I take you there, then you can  see  about your quarters and The Rec dec.

 walkignout the  door of the Shed,  Morris points  with his  cane  Up a  ramp that has  some arrow s on,..You see up that way  is Med Tech...SEC and Bio-Tech.. the Elevators   take you to all 5 decks of the ship... you'll learn your way around...

 As  they pass the Flight lines again, Morris  waves  his cane to the port side of the HAnger Bay..

 ..That's the    Mech Shop... they have 4 machines, but only  2 riders, at the Moment..they are a bit   ,,,limited as far as  action goes...but provide  a good service when needed.

  as  they move  forward..Alex  Sees the 'Duces'.. 3  assault shuttles   with  Bubble  guns.. each has  a Card on the  nose.. the  2 of Clubs...2 of  Diamond  and 2 of Spades.

 Alex to QM >>>>>>>>>>>>>

< from Hanger Dec  7 , Teela

 Once they were  in the shed, he, again offered   tea and  softdrinks.. as he  fixed a tea  fro himself.

 He then  asked for her Disc once more  as he loaded up the information...now then, Ensign?... what  is it you think youc an do  for the Hermes....  we saw the  reports..but i want to hear from you?

"Thank you, sir." She said as she accepted the repast. She closed her eyes as she sipped the tea. "I never thought I would take such a liking to tea."

Her eyes opened and hardened. "I think you can see my scores there, Captain. Top of my class at the Academy, fast tracked to the Blue Angels, Double Ace in a Day, Infiltration, scores high enough to win me a slot in what you call Sniper School. You can walk from Terra to Luna across the Demon bodies I've dropped."

In anyone else such comments would seem mere braggadocio but she says them in as matter a fact a tone as can be used.

"And then there are these," She indicated the wings. "I'm attempting to put together a new type of warfare, a new paradigm in ground fighting, sir. What can I do for the Hermes? I can kill Demons. Over and over. I'm a Double Ace and at my age only bound to get better. I'm a Scout-Sniper, pilot, forward observer, and I make a mean pasta which I took a liking to in the Academy. You give me a chance to do what I do best, Sir, and I'll pile up more Demon bodies and destroy more Demon ships."

She smiled. "Plus I'd love to learn how to fly this massive ship. Capital Ship Piloting is one of my dreams, Sir."

   Morris  smiled  as he watched the  screen while he handed the disc back.

  ... alas, Good   Enisgn?... Your     Kills are not   offical ... as theyhave not been confirmed BY ESN/APF.... YOu'll have to work on a new  tally...Hmmm?

 ..now?... 200 some years puts you around an Old  earth  20 year old... or  ..Post angel food   25...

 ..Your  winf commander  will be LC Shadow..he's ..rather busy at the Moment.... for  the rgound  ops... you commander will be SGT  Maj  Spencer.

"I'm happy to work on a new tally, Sir. This war has gone on long enough and if I can help end it than I'll do so, happily."

She nodded. "LC Shadow and SGT. Major Spencer. Understood, Sir." She took another sip of her tea and sighed in appreciation which a bite of cookie only added to. "If you keep feeding me like this I may never leave your office, Captain."

   MOrris chuckles  a  bit  as he   straightens  His tunic,...well.... Let me Give you the Rundown of operations here. Now..  you cannot be in  two places  at one time, so, I will assume   The LC and  I will get together to find a Ride for you...and the SM will have his uses  for you.... Some of our  more....dark...missions  may not be able to use you, outright, But you might be able to aid in some way?

  ... Once you get settled  in your  quarters,  we may have to  have you try  out    the seats in a  Dart or HAmmer Va. See  if those  wings   will fit , or..if  we can customize the   seat,,,

"I have yet to learn the art of being in two places at once but it is on my 'to do' list, sir. I'll inform you if I achieve mastery." Teela replied with a small smile.

"I'm able to, with some pain and effort, to shrink the wings down so as to not limit my effectiveness as a combat pilot, sir. I just need to spread them to their normal resting state afterwards lest they cause cramping in my back and shoulders."