Roy nodded at Morris' assessment.  "The captain's correct...we have more than enough people available for missions like that, without compromising operations.  We're still in a hot combat zone and I'd be derelict in my duty to pull a fighter pilot off the line for a job that I can give to any grunt with the intellect to understand and follow directions."

He grimaced slightly, and added, "I can neither confirm nor deny what the items in question are, but with regards to your notion of trying to grow the Angel flowers we use for some of our more advanced medications?  We're already doing that, everywhere we find terrain that will actually grow them and personnel that will keep them safe.  But it takes time to grow them to maturity, and more time to process them...that's never going to be a fast operation, and our best hope is increasing the scale and scope of it to the point where there's always someone finishing another batch of it.  It's a good idea...but better minds than mine have already come up with it."

He finished the explanation as Morris finished passing on his instructions for Beth to relay to the captured Angel ships, noting that the Captain had neglected to underscore the potential danger involved in mishandling the stuff.  Mentally, he shrugged...it would only happen once, if it happened.  He'd been treated with it, himself, and only the fact that he'd been in safety restraints had kept him from injuring himself severely with the convulsions the medication had induced.  They'd either be careful because they were following orders...or because one unlucky bastard hadn't been careful and horrific stories of what happened to him would spread.

"I think I explained, carefully enough, in the Admiral's meeting, what needs to happen with the dropships on the next assault," he said to Captain Morris.  "I could probably tell Colonel Cummings directly, but I think it's better for the sense of overall fleet cohesion if word comes through channels from you, Captain.  Makes it feel more like a Fleet tactic and less like the Marines are going rogue and starting their own operations, yes?"

"Whichever is decided I can adapt as needed.  Thank you again for the tea Capt. Morris" she smiled as she then slipped out of the shed "SM.  I am going to repair what I can on my skeeter" she let the door close for their privacy.

===> hangar Dec

(( After second  Jump off in Paradise Space. ))

 Shadow gave  Beth a gentle hug , and   nudged her towards  med tech. He Then Knocked on the  door, the  guard  was  sleeping  by  come barrels  and Crates. Shadow knocked.

 Comon in Lade.. The Guard  refused to  leave me , so i had him eat a sandwich and gave him a cup of hot  tea,,he'll sleep for a bit
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:26, Fri 14 Apr 2023.

Rip  and Morris from hanger dec>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

 there was  a sheetmetal  shed  with two  windows, one face the Bow the other the walkway where they came from.. one guard stayed  at the  door.

 Those two boards  are more or less for the Pilots.. one is the  flight rosters... the other  is the Kill list.. mechs are on there somewhere.. leave you bag , by the door


help yourself, there is a coffee  pot  and one for hotwater for  tea,, tea bags   and coffee  fixing on the shelf, fridge has  soft drinks  and  milk...

 it will be up to the SM of  course. But yiu could be seconded  to mechs  or AI...if
 not,  we can always use  heavy weapons Popel, Supe  is  the  main  fellow there... they are good the ones  we have..

   he pours himself a tea... Aliens... on this ship we have a unit of Gava..we have   various  Angels..Moon Angels,  Green Angels an a few from paradsie... we have  some Burians..  half bred  humains , we half   an Adpefolk, a Hyiran, an Occui an Sanri, a few Undenese , Nivarrian,  largs and a dog... The LC  brought a bear thing bach, Doc chritie  has it..
 and   a couple  other  anaimsl....our demob has  a pet Pyrloc.. what  our peole called
 Dragons  , back in the day

 The LC  has  two kids  on the ship..One is a captain in the Undenese Navy, but stayed here to fight  Paradise..she is  samrt, and toug..her  brother...had  some issues when he ws hatched.. he  looks like a  robot. our  translators cannot   understand hi, The LC and his daughter  are able to.. We have a verian  here, she can underatand him and a little hma  girl we saved  works with Lt  Morrow, she can  undersatnd , at elast. most of what he is saying... Please....don't  call   Shade a robot

any questions?

----------> From hanger dec

Rip stepped into the Shed but quickly declined any beverage.  His thoughts on the comments about children.  "Ain't goona get any trouble with me'p and kids.  I got a niece heading Earth-side with mey Sis. She means everything to'peme.  I just be wanting to serve.  Civies, aliens, anyone a'tope' this vessel get no trouble'p from me.". Try as he might, the broken words and slang from his former life sprang forth.  He hoped most would look past that.

He stood almost stock still inside the Shed.  Eyes narrowing at the mention of Angels.  He reminded himself they must be good ones if they were aboard the Hermes.  But the thought of animals and pets were more alien to him then actual aliens.  The mining colony he came from had no room for that.

"I be sure to check with him.  Don't know what the PR stin-  errr... office said.  I be here to serve.  Be that I'po goona clean the SM's boots first be'thore'p they let me shoot a gun.  So be it.  Either unit works for'tp me Sir.  I know I like me Mechs... but AI... ohhhh, smashing hard shells be plenty fun up close.  Or gip me a big ol'gun.  I be happy eating."

He gave Cap'n Morris a wide mouth teeth showing grin.  "I keep'tp my self.  So no one get stink off me'p or twisp words.  I bet I might be a funny sight to them as well.  The Hermes crew get a respect outta me.  Back at the Colony, reports of this here'p Ship and her mightying crew gav'p hope to us."

A roll of his neck and shoulders, muscles flexing, bones popping, he nodded.  "So no much asking from me'p.  Just point the SM out so I show in."

In an odd show of character, Rip offered his hand.  Odd if the Captain knew anything of Rip's past, and where he got the nickname Rip.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 02:26, Fri 21 July 2023.

 handing  Rip his updated  disc, he put a copy in  a filed  with 100's of such discs.Go to the rec dc, yiu'll see some  crew there.. take this chip, free meal and  drink as a welome aboard.. We have a Ball we must  attend, i almost rather    face another  boarding party, but  it must be done, The SM and LC  must go as well,, I will  COM text yiou  the  address of the LC  Condo.. you may o may not be intersted in a side job..but there will be food  and Ladies.. The Admiral  has his condo across the roof..its  set up like that everywhere. if not? You might  wish to  take  a look at the    Blue  Moons offerings... there wil be a beach party   tomorrow, and the 3rd  day is free..

 holding up a  finger he adds,,,we have a few Captains on Board..  Nil Si.. is  THE  Captain, this is her  Boat, she is the Admirl's wife..she is  an Angel.. Captain Rivets  O'Rielly is the Dec  Captain.. don't EVER, smoke   on hgis  dec  unless  yiu are standing  right next toithe static  field.. yiu get   caugh droping a but, or on spit of  tobacco on his dec.. you'll be couning  spot  weld on the Hull, with out a  suyit.. have a few more.. But those  yiu need to watch out  for.

 Your quarters  will be ready in an Hour.. look at the maps by the lift buttons.

Rip had meant to shake Morris's hand, but took back his orders disc and nodded.  And then the chip.  A ball?  The fancy dresses and dancing? Wasn't a scene he was use to.  He would be Right behind the Cap'n.  A side job?  Hhmmm, he might need one.  He'll have to look into that.  Not that he can fall back on his... Old style of getting credits.  But what would he do around all the glitz and glittering.  Beach party?  Rip shook his head.

His eyes did twitch at the mention of the Captain Nil Si being an Angel.  He knew he had to get past that... Dislike sooner or later.  Irrational as it was.  She was another Chel' liked.

His lips twitched in further response about Captain O'Reilly's dislike of smoke.  The coffin (pack of cigarettes) in his pocket calling for a drag.  He will need to search for a place to enjoy his nails (cigarettes).

Rip came to his best attempt at attention as he assumed he was being dismissed.  Does he salute?

Realising he hadn't dropped in on Captain O'reilly, to ask if he could be of any assistance; Justin strolled across the deck towards the shed. Giving the Marine guard a friendly smile Justin chined towards the shed in a Ist the Captain overly busy. manner
This message was last updated by the player at 04:27, Fri 21 July 2023.

 Rip was  coming out, as  Captain Morris    gave him some last minute tips.

Rip gave off a poor if well intended salute to Captain Morris.

"Thank you sir." He growled out.

   The Caption Salutes  back in a sharp manner..welcome aboard Trooper Charles.. Do find  comfort The LC says   the Pizza  on the Rec dec  is good.. I prefer  burgers

Rip nodded.  Turned and carrying his duffel bag on his shoulder, walked out.


On the way out he stopped in front of the Shed, in an attempt to get his bearings.

"Busy as normal Sir." The guard informed as the Marine trooper emerged from the shed. Glancing at the Marine Justin noticed he appeared to be checking the environment. Welcome aboard the 351, Trooper Charles. Justin greeted.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 09:09, Fri 21 July 2023.

Rip pulled his eyes away from taking in the length of the hanger dec, resting them on the person in front of him.

"Call me'p Rip."  Rip grunted gravely, in return.  His eyes sizing the other man up.  "Witch way to the nearest Eatery?"  Rip asked in a more level tone.
This message was last edited by the player at 10:11, Fri 21 July 2023.

In reply to Nate (Rip) Charles (msg # 545):

Extending his arm to the lifts That's one level up, it's accessible via the elevators aft of here. I can give you a ships tour if you'd like.

Rip thought for a good 5 count.  Looking in the direction the other wss pointing.  "Why not.  You know the ship.". Rip glanced at the other, indicating for his name by unspoken head tilt.

In reply to Nate (Rip) Charles (msg # 547):

Justin nodded. Excellent I'm Justin Tiberius Kase. he introduced thumbing the surname over his jacket pocket. First thing would be to stow your gear. May I be permitted to accompany you to the Crew/OR Deck?
This message was last edited by the player at 00:13, Sat 22 July 2023.

Using his free hand, Rip pointed with his thumb over his shoulder back towards the shed.  "Cap'n said me room be read'ty in a span."  Tossing the duffel bag on his other shoulder, looking small against his broad body.  "I be't good lugging me'p stuff."

In reply to Nate (Rip) Charles (msg # 549):

Taking Nates reply to be, no need to stow the Marine's gear Justin gave a shrug Rec Deck it is then. leading the way to the elevator Justin poked the up button. Doors on the elevators opened  allowing them to step inside.

Rip follows Justin to the elevator, and inside. Eyeing the patches on his jacket, and the style of it.  "You a'p Flyer?" Rip getting use to ins and outs of the ship's unit patches would take some time.

Rips eyes shoot up when the squawk.  "Heard there be glitz and dancing.  You'p not into the'p fancy randy?"
This message was last edited by the player at 04:45, Sat 22 July 2023.

In reply to Nate (Rip) Charles (msg # 551):

Pilot Yes, the other stuff's a by-product war. Have you reported to the LC or SM?

Rip shakes his head.  "Nope.  Cap'n Morris said they be comm'ing me LC's address.  'Sus they be getting all posh'lish up'd for the Ball."  His free hand reaches into his pocket and pulled a pack of cigarettes out.  A pound on his chest to loosen it, he holds the pack towards Justin.  The words Coffin Dark written across the pack.

"Care for a Nail?". Rip offers.

In reply to Nate (Rip) Charles (msg # 553):

Referring to cigarettes as nails prompted a chuckle from Justin. Thanks but Flying my own perspective Coffin there's no need to push the boundaries much further. he confided, thumbing in the direction of the rows of Skeeter's

Rip turned to glance at the row of craft, Skeeters, and the distance made him feel a bit unnerved.  He put a cigarette between his lips.  Mumbling with the cigarette between his lips, "I ain't never goona understand how there are yous that can stape such open places, like space.  Gimme the tight confines of a tunnel anyday."

His free hand began padding his pockets for his lighter.

In reply to Nate (Rip) Charles (msg # 555):

Justin nodded. There's quite a few similarities between both. The darkness, sniffling air and confines for a start. he compared. Has anyone cautioned you about leaving anything laying about the Flight Deck?