Roy gave a grunt, almost subvocally, to Forthe's response.  "I meant, can we evacuate atmosphere between sections...force them to keep their troops stationed in locations they can lock off, like the Bridge or Observation Deck?  Figured it wouldn't be as simple as dumping atmo, or you'd have done that already and wouldn't still be fighting to hold your own.  But if we can create isolated pockets, where they can't move around and reinforce each other...that gives us the edge, especially when the Hermes fighters start blasting their shuttles off your hull."  He didn't wait for a response before adding, "And just how fast are they bringing in more troops?  If you've got no air support and only half your guns are accessible, why haven't they just overrun your position already?  They stampede across a hundred miles of open terrain on Astra, with artillery chewing away at them the entire time, and STILL had almost enough troops to stomp us into the mud, so it's not likely any kind of concern about loss of life..."

     Shadow entered the    room without a knock.  Shade looked up and   bleeped.

   Admiral.....

 LC  looked alittle angry,..LC?  This is not the Time.....

 Aye . Ma'am..it is..... he looks at   For the.....tell them....

 ..I have  no idea....

  TELL THEM!.... then  he almost composes himself,..or  by all the gods that ever  roma the Black... I'll make you tell them...

 LC! ...

 Hennings looked to Hack..Hack  stared  at Sgadow for a second, then turned to  For the...

 .... you'er Pilot is   a Madman.....

 Agreed..... but.. you will tell  us ...what he  is getting at..or.. i will indeed  alllow him the chance to make you...

 Forthe  Stood......The   Shuttle people......

  Nodded  as he walked the rest  of the way into the room,..I had to... persuade them.....

  ..they will pay for  this..indiscretion...

  ..you best hope  not... This changes the whole Ball game....if something happens to them.. i will hunt you down and anyone who had a hand it it.. and kill you..

 ..HOW DARE YOU!

 HAck was getting angry,..its part of his job.. people die  around him..now....tell us what this is  about..and  tell  us  now!

 Forthe looked around at the room... Shadow  made a low moaning sound.....Shade  already has it figured out too...

 Forthe lloked at Shade  with disgust, then   said.. softly.....MAtterhorn, has  all but fallen....

  WHAT!!!........HOW!..........all the gods  be  damned....

 ..Shuttle  Jocks   call  them ..Parasite Shuttles.. they  ram ships  with their  noses.. and  an Impact charge goes off... if it blows the whole way  through   they pour out thier troops  trhrough a tunnel  behindthe charge under the cockpit...  if the charge   isn't enough.. they cut the rest of the way through... then send in UEs...  My guess?... the   shuttle  is packed to the Brim and the pour out... the only  regular  Creshains would be the cutting team...

 The Captain sits  down, Shadow continues.. there is  more then venom in his words........  The only thing they have  control of..is the Uppers Hangers... to  quote the  Shuttle  jock?    Matterhorn looks like a cactus  with are the parasite shuttles  attacked.. his best guess... 2 months, maybe  3...

 ... six.....

 ..why didn't  Admiral Richards  send  for help?....

 ..The Delta Fleet was too far away...  Fuji sent  transport troops, but  couldn't  spare CAp  ships.... Etna  could spare CAp ships.. but wouldn't  send them.. none of these destroyers reached us.....

 Admiral Richards   .... she is not handling this  ...well....she see vids  from the Etna Sec CAms.... there are pockets of   troopers and civies  fighting...but the station is infested...she thinks   we can save the station... but I don't see how...

 Hack  shook his  head  and poured a  whiskey... he took a sip and set the bottle  by Forthe. He  rubbed his  forehead  shaking his head  as he did,... Dr  Largersson  talked to Doc Henry...  there should be a shuttle  arriving  in a few hours..... he was  working on  an Bug bomb.. he calls it..but there isn't much... and well have to spread it through the fleet for  thier Techs  to  Synthesize it....but  even on that  scale.. we   can't   count on it to 'take care of things'....

 ..Shadow?... You'll have to talk to your people... we'll get a picture of the station as soon as we can... but  your  aircraft are going to have to blow each and every parasite off the HUll... while  making sure..no more reach it.... I can only assume.. the shuttles are Funnels for UEs...  with  regular Creshians popping in from time to time....they may have already set up breeding areas... and you know  they have set larders up...

 ..She should have sent  for help..regardless of how far away we were.....right now?. we have to invade our own damn station...

 ..and you weren't going to tell us..until we got there.....

  The Look on the CAptain's  face said it all.....the fleet would have went there.. expecting to hell a few ships out?.. maybe trade a few broadsides?.. and we would have been hung out to dry...


 ..Admiral Richards... she...made a mistake.. and now the station is paying for it...she was afraid she would lose here station...

 ..what was  the mistake a scout  craft spotted   two parasite  shuttles on the  bottom of the lowers... they wanted  to destroy them.... but  The Admiral thought we could capture them.. and  learn how to make out own.. what she didn't  know.. ws  they were feeding in the UEs....by the time Civies reported them in the tunnels?.. it was too late..gods  only know how many died before   we knew...

 Shadow   just stared  at  Forthe,..I'll get with my people after  we cast off tomorrow... no use  ruining what down  time they have left...Shade?..  lets get out of here... I'm going back to the Rec Dec...

 The  little  guy hopped off the chair   and   followed  as fast as he could.. Forthe   still gave the 'creature  a  Sneer

 ..Roy... I'm Calling   Captain MUska and his people..they will be the first from the Delta fleet to hiut the station.... we will still have to get  Ewald  back... Captain  Forthe is still leading  the Sanri Shuttle in.. we can't  really hit the station until  we  clean off the parasites... Muska  and His people   can go in from the  Uppers Hangers...They....like ...fighting the Creashins..they like the way they taste...

 That's it everyone.... We are not going to Let Admiral Richards know.... we know..  we'll approach  then  break off  was   Matterhorn  comes into effect  range  to launch fighters..... Once there...  I  will give the Commands  until   we have  an inquiry  of   Admiral Richards...now?.. as  Shadow suggested.. everyone get some down time... we're gonna get read busy in about a day or so...

Roy's face had gone hard when it came out that Forthe was being dishonest with them.  "I'd still like answers to my last questions, Captain...how fast are the Creshians sending in additional shuttles?  And just what kinds of Creshians are aboard your ship right now?"

He looked around at the various board members that were still present.  "I'm sending troops in with strategy based on reports from a man that we just learned has been misleading us.  If this turns out to be a suicide mission, Dereliction of Duty is the least of the charges he should face."

He looked back at the captain.  "How many Creshians, captain?  And what kinds?  How fast are their shuttles getting in and off-loading?  Are we going to get there and discover they've finally steam-rolled your crew into oblivion?"  His anger was audible, barely contained.

"I just sent a man to Med-Tech, who might not survive, because some half-assed excuse for an admiral decided it was more important to avoid risking troops than it was to fight the war.  My patience for officers failing to do their jobs is at an all-time low, at the moment.  So, with all due respect, captain, stop bullshitting me and tell me what I need to know to send in a team that can save your ship and what's left of your crew."

    the others stopped  as they began to Move. Except   Hack who was sipping on his  whiskey...UEs... and  the   'standard Creshian  troops.... anything else? he looked  at Forthe.

 ...from   timne to time.. they feed more  UEs into  the parasite  shuttles...like... pouring beads into a bottle , using  a funnel...... from what i have seen.. humaniod  troops  enter through the Bridge and OB  Deck... they send   shuttles to the Hanger  dec  from time to time.. but they cannot  get a foothold there... thus far, the flame throwers  have  been keeping the UEs  at bay... One of the Trooper Captains   started  opening the static  fields  to  'flush' the bugs   if they   are behind the shuttle barriers... but.. we lose   humans   sometimes as well..

 Shadow stands  at the  Door.. Shade plops on the  floor  waiting for him to move...  Hack Looks at Shadow,

 ..what is your thoughts?

  what?.. suddenly they matter?

 Hack and Si both  frown...

 ..sorry Sir... but   if i hadn't  leaned on those  shuttle jocks? they would have  kept thier  word to thier Admiral..... Right now... If it were me?... I'd have  troops   getting the Civies to the CArgo bay and  getting them the  9 hells off the  ship... then the troopers... then blow the whole  thing to  9 hells..then his voice  lowered......we may have to  do that to Matterhorn itself.. once we get a look inside...

 Forthe  stood  again,..you are out of your mind! There   are  hundreds of thousands of people   on that station..

 ..you mean.. there were....

 Hennings looked down at the  dec.... Bale  studied  his  drink glass... Si looked at Shadow with a mix of horror and understanding.

 .. alright..  SM?  figure on going in the OB   and Bridge... if the  ship is  full of UE we can use it as a testing grounds  for   Largersson's  Bug Bombs..... Etna gets a reprieve ... we'll finish cleaning her out when we come back..Shadow's  people  will clean  the  parasite craft off the hull...without knowing for certain where troop pockets are.. we'll leave the  life support and such alone for now... But   Captain Forthe?... I will tell you this..loud  and clear. if the ship cannot be saved.. we will get off  as many people as we are able.. then  we'll light it up...we can't have a captured ESN  vessel floating around, and  we can't let them use it  for a nest...

..and the Station.....


  Only Hack looked at Shadow when he said...... The LC.... may be  right...

 Shadow    nodded  as he left..... Shade getting up trotting after.

 ..my word!.. to lose  a whole station?.. that many people?

 Everyone here.. save  Captain Forthe, has  seen the UEs... have seen or heard of the nests  under Astra.. as cold  blooded  as it sounds...there may not  be  that many humans to lose... we won't know until we send people in....but... the option is on the table.. we cannot have a 'nesting world' this close  to the   AP boarders..and that's what Matterhorn  may have become...

  Forthe ran his  hands   through his hair  as his head was  down  ,what would you have done.....
 there was only a  small bit of hate, in the  question.

  Frist off?..patrols  should have seen  the first bug that scuttled  around the tunnels... that's  why you have SEC..... I would have called out to  any and all AP  forces to aid us....

 But... Captain  Forthe... my people would have  cleaned off the parasite craft...MY PEOPLE.. would have  made sure  every   parasite craft would   be in the foundries  right now... and... Captain Forthe... MY  PEOPLE would  never have been close.. to this Mess


 ..you are so sure?.. then why is  YOUR PEOPLE.. so upset that they didn't know  what they  have been able  do deal with it?

 ..you are missing   my Point, Captain...we might have had a ship or two  have a parasite locked on... but it wouldn't be there long.. and the Bugs..UEs or humaniod..wouldn't be alive long.. I am upset...Captain.. because we should never have to think about scuttling a whole damn station..with   people on it!

 ..the  two men  who questioned aren't   worried  about the enemy we face...but the people we will lose, because  Your Admiral didn't  step up, and allowed  Pride  to let this  get out of hand.....

 Henning s finished his drink,..I think....we overlooked these things  as well.. it  didn't hurt this time because  , it didn't effect our reaction to this  problem... next time this arises. we need make sure we don't  take reports at face value...
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:05, Thu 02 Nov 2017.

Roy looked over at Hennings.  "With all due respect, Sir," and there was, actually, respect in his voice, quite unlike how he sounded when addressing Forthe.  "Why in the world would we have thought to question the reports?  I mean, it wasn't until we arrived at Etna that we received any sort of word that Matterhorn was even in distress, much less in major danger of being completely overrun.  I freely admit, once I saw what Etna's command personnel were like, I had pretty severe misgivings about the situation ANYWHERE within their sphere of influence."

He stopped, raising his hands in a gesture of helplessness, and placed them on the table in front of him.  "But when you're up to your eyeballs in hostile races trying to kill you, taking the time to focus on what isn't being reported on the far side of known space is a dangerous distraction."  He looked at Forthe, an unrelenting gleam in his eye, as he added, "That's why personnel are supposed to report the situation as it truly is, not some glossed-over version of it, especially when the people asking for the sit-rep outrank the person who was afraid to report the truth.  We're not supposed to have to second-guess whether our own people are telling us the truth...they're ESN, they're supposed to tell it, bad or good.  I never took a commissioning oath...but this kind of thing is flying in the face of what officers are supposed to be.  If you don't have the guts to tell the ugly truth to your own people, when they're here to help you, it's no wonder you're getting your butts handed to you by the enemy."

He pushed his chair back from the table.  "I remember the tail end of the Creshian stampede on Astra, Admiral," he said, addressing Hack.  "Without a definite ETA on the shipment from Dr. Largerson...and also keeping in mind that this would be a field test, and we don't know just how effective it will be...I've got to come up with some adjustments to our standard load-outs to cut down on the chances that we'll wind up being the smears on the decks, and not the bugs.  Excuse me, Sirs..."  He rose, heading for the door.

   Placing his glass in the  tub for the  used glasses, Admiral HAck Nodded...I am  at fault as  anyone here...Admiral Hiamoto of Fuji, was not one of  my best friends.. but he has been one to support us  the most...loyaly , sine the Fleet  formed, and Grew....AdmilralEvert has proven to be...less-then-co-orperative.....Admiral St Gaul turned Everest into an Elitist playground....Admiral Sevente was my Best friend until we   were sent to our postings....Etna was truned into a male dominated lech strongehold... and Admiral Richards? whom I respect more then any other  Station Commander,  has allowed her   Ego to cause... gods ... who knows  how bad it is there..I should have known to question Captain For the here harder...

 The CAptain looked up.. distress on his face...

 ...Shadow  did..... Hennings  said.

  ..and  we  admonsihed the  lad for it... sent him from the room, like one  would  a disruptive  student...

 Hack took his  glass  back out and  poured  some  Sanri Brady sending the bottle  towards the   Sanri and Occui  ambassadors,Aye.... He nodded to Roy as he   reached the door,..and the SGT Major... Largersson's shipment should be here just before.. or just after CAst off..we'll have  alot of bean counting to do with those when they arrive... CArry On.. Roy...

 Then he looked at Si.. who was feeling a bit  bad about herself as well,..Call Beth through  the SEC  channels... Tell her to Contact Commander McKeon... Tell her she has a job and  she needs to be gone in as little  as  3  hours...have her Contact me directly...

 Si   began to send the  message to  Beth.

Roy nodded, a quick salute turning him back from the door.  "Aye aye, Sir..."  There was no mistaking the respect in his voice as he acknowledged Hack's words to him.

And then he was gone, stepping out the door with his mind a whirl of prospective scenarios and possible responses, envisioning the kinds of attacks the bugs would try and what might be the best response for each.  He vaguely acknowledged any greetings from the bridge personnel...but he was lost in thought.  One point that kept coming to mind...he had to see the quartermaster...

To QM's Area...

( after   Sevente execution..arrival of  Verians and Hyrians)

 Hack and others  from Hanger Dec.

  The   chairs  were set up. Food and Drink arrived from the steward...making sure the  'right' food was available   for the Verians.

 Shade  and Dusk both  took soda's  Adam  frowned, Full blood  Verians  cannot  drink too much of that.....

 ... That is Your  Weakness..not ours... High Lord... Dusk said, taking a deeper  drink from her, in spite.

 The Older  Hyrian sat in the chair..Cupping a  warm drink.. he spoke.. in a husky voice.. his breath was drawn and whistles   sounded   from his lungs  as he breathed out.

 ...before  we begin..Admiral Hack.... i made it my choice ...to come here... to ...to thank you for the  anti-vac... for the   sickness that roams our  planet.....our people are trying  to reproduce it now... it will save...Millions of  Hyrians....

 Hack Bowed his head  as he took a cup of coffee,..your people had shown good intent.. those who went to the Colonies  are working hard to make a home... and the troops and ship.. have performed as well as any other  ESN  ship.... once the   transports  of Hyrians arrived.. i gave orders to send the  'cure' as it were.....I will stress... in no short terms... that neither   of the things we unleashed  on Hyria, would have been  needed, had Hyria either Joined the APF...or ..stood  down from aiding the Empire...


 Lyri stood   in one  corner..AP  rounds in a Greasegun, hard ammo weapon  was  held in her  hands  as she watched Adem and Evert...

 Lilit said softly to her  and Roy,.... you will not  need that weapon... if Adem would  attempt to be the Fool he  is  at most times?.. I will strike him down Myself...
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:19, Thu 04 Jan 2018.

  Garrat was walking in with Lirg, "But as the earthlings say, better late than never.  Many of us look foreward to the restoration of your planet and the eventual Comradery of your people." Garrat takes up a position where he can act but far enough back as not to impose on preceedings.

  Lirg  still wrinkles his  Muzzle.My people are a proud people.  The warriors are elite.. the elast of us... should best the likes of your...'Shadow'...it  has left many Hyrians   , shaken, That Admiral Hack bested   our  greatest Admiral, and left him a cripple.... Our Scientists  are not as good... most Hyrians who take to books and studies are the runts of the litter...thier brains stealing the food their Bodies needed!

 It  is Unseemly... For a Hyrian to burden others in thier  infirmed state... most..when the time  comes. bids  farewell to thier pack, and heads to the forest.. where they will die...and  begin thier  next journey in the  wheel of life...

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

 Adem waits until all are  seated,  and/or at least have a drink, or some finger  food.Before  the  full business begins... we have  been up dated  by the Blockade fleets  in the Hillite  System, that  some Hillites are now  Joining the  APF?... we  wish  to know what the stance  is . with the Hillites... how can they be trusted...The Nivarians have succumbed to your  battering... and the Hyrians  have been Cowed....

 there are Grrrrrsssss  from all Hyrians , even  Lirg.

 ..It is true..is it not?..  Your planet is suffering in much the way  the Hillites  are?

 One of the  Hyrians who wore the MArk of a  1 star General says,..we are  fighting Illness... radiation and the destruction of our main power sources.... The ESN/APF has given us a cure....somewhat , for the Illness... once or  powerplants  are  on line, we can deal with the radition... we have  found.. the radiation  was not quite as harmful as we were lead to believe.. the water is being filtered alot   easier.. and   the farmland s  are  shifting  soils and adding  de- toxification .. we should only be a season behind in crops...But we will have to trade heavy for that...

 A one star Admiral on the other side of the 'old one' adds,we are here because of the  aid that was given...though the ...promise was made  to let us die....Perhaps  By showing our change.. we will garner more aid...

Roy gave Lilit a curt nod.  "I appreciate your assurances.  That said, we're responsible for the security of our ship, and it is much easier to keep something secure when you're armed.  Just because we carry them doesn't mean we plan to use them...but we don't surrender that option lightly, and it will take much more than the assurances of a dignitary I have no experience with before I order my people to surrender arms."  He spoke plainly, no anger or suspicion in his tone...one warrior explaining tactics to another.

He suppressed a grin at Dusk's minor display of defiance of Adem, but said nothing.  That didn't stop him from rolling his eyes in Lyri's direction when Adem asked about the trustworthiness of Hillites that were joining APF forces.

  Hack  shook his head...first off?  The Hillites are being put into  Hillite Transportbases.  Shoulf they prove to be loyal, able  fighters.. we  may beging to both...loosen the blockade and allow them  to have Cap Ships of thier own, once more.. this would also free up Sanri and Occui warships, to search and destroy around the Asteroid field there... should they prove false?.. well... Three more Colony worlds  won't hurt us any..

  He Bows to the elder  Hyrian,. Grol,  Pack leader of the PAck leaders.... I know your   journy here was not kind.... It speaks  Volumes for the Hyrians, that youa re here.


 Lirg straightens a bit more his chest out

 and you are right  about the radition.. we used ....stale...components... indeed.. the blasts were massive...and the  fallout  can..and will  kill, perhaps  for a few years to come...but  what we did was to Hamstring you..enough  of the APF felt your people  might stray from the Empire to Join the APF... and thus , did not want us to destroy  you home world.... so instead.. we beat the 9 hells out of it...

 he looked over all those  present,..That is something, Hel will not get from me.... when we reach the demon home world.. you will have a  problem finding enough  bacteria  to catch a cold...


 ..Now?...  please tell  me why were  were....graced... with the arrival of  two races who normal  kill each other... yet shared   a convoy and  are now, sharing  drinks with Us?

 The MAle Sanri Ambassador  and the Female Occui stood to watch as well..

 Adem started off slowly..  Evert moved to his side... Lilit Crossed her  arms  under her breasts holding  a hlaf  empty  cup of wine.

 we did not  come here...because of the  fighte with the Creshians... we came because of your threats to the Roussians.. we came to try to stop you from attacking the Roussians on the other side of the Gamma quad

 Commander Si laughed. but said nothing else.

 Gorl said in his horse voice,.. we have  come... to support your attacks on the Roussians....

 Hack looked in disbelief ,..You do know , what the Roussians  tried to do, when we subjugated Nivar?.. what it cost us?.. in People...and..personaly ?.. The  Roussians  will get less favored treatment then the Hillites  or  the Nivarians.. at least they, did not pretend to ..help. Then turn out  to be  enemies...   

   Commander  Si face held a deep look of rage, but she managed to control it as she said..oldly,Tell me  why... the 'great' Adem would wish us to spare the Roussians the fate they deserve.

 Adem  straightened his massive shoulders and said,..They are important allies in trade. Then are able to get is supplies  and things  we cannot   grow or make on our own homeworlds of colonies...

 Gorl  speaks up.....they are allied  with the Empire.. most of thier goods  come from  cargo pirated from other races... if you crushed the Hillites  and Nivar for this?.. you cannot spare the Roussians...

 Evert speaks up....... the goods  we need.. help keep  us alive..... if trade would stop with them.. we would have to....

 Dusk snaps,...do it yourself?.... Make it ..yourself..... send  ships out to trade..yourself..... what you  saying.. is the  Verians  are parasites, and  you'll look the other way to other racers suffering, as long  as you get your  goods!

 Adam   snaps back,..Shut up you little Fool or....

 Lilit's hand   smashed  down on the stand next to her, the  thing crumbled under the force of the blow,...or what?  Adem? Would you try to shut up your Grandspring?.. or will you replace  her with another...made to fit your needs... as her  arm  swung to point at  Evert.. who stepped back in shock and anger herself.

    Dusk's  eyes  were blazing  red.. as   were Shade's  Shade  snapped out  some  blares and bleeps... Ducks Nodded,..Yes.. Lilit was right.. Father  would have  ended this...

 Bale  stood.. somewhat slowly  and  shouted..ENOUGH!.. As Provost General..  i will have civil discussions. or we will transport those  who think other wise...to the Brig..

 ..you think you could do that to me! Adem snapped.

 Hennings  grinned,..if  we can't ..  we'll call in the people who can..but?  it will happen...

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

there was  quiet.. The Commander said,..if i have a say.... the roussians  will suffer...and i will not even blink...

 Gorl  nods to his Admiral who hands  HAck a  folded papers..w ith a  wax seal......that..is the  Hyrian Council of PAcks... orders to all Hyrian Vessels... as  for 3 days ago.. they are to report to the home world... The Delta Fleet.. or the Nearest ESN Carrierstation as members of the    APF.....

 The General then handed  HAck another    folded  paper with the same seal...that..is the petion fro Hyria and all its colonies  to gain Entrance  to the APF... it was not sent.. I wanted to deliver it..in person....If the APF will have us.. we will be your  extra sword.

 Hack handed the papers to   Bale  who opened them with  respect.. he had  to use his Vidboard to read the Hyrian   words...well.. we wil have to have a meeting with  the Occui, and Sanri and the  Angels  and Burian reps.... but?  with your pledge of vessels  .. I see  no one objecting.. Nivar and   the Hillites  cannot   vote   until they have had a full year in the APF..

 Grol nodded,..I thank you in advance...when the official   vote is handed down.. I will relay it by Vid to my people...

 Adem  says harshly,..do we not have a Vote?.. Have a say?

  HAck points to   Shade,..There..is the Verian  Rep. He has been since you with drew from the APF...and?..since you have withdrawn.. you have no vote as to whom we accept....even if you were to  rejoin...right now.. You would have to wait the  full year..so..NO... you have to say..except that  from Shade...

  Adem   waves his hand at Disgust at Shade,..the  broken bit of scrap?... I do not thing its even possible to fix ..that...let alone have it be our...

 His voice stopped... two heavy footsteps brought  the Iron grip of a Human/verian hand on his throat.. the  handed  tightened.. as Lilit said in a slow manner,... you will  shut up....now... You will not  do to them... what you have done to me....  the Grip tightened on   Adem's  throat  as  both hands gripped Lilit's arm...

 Evert ahd  reached  for   her  weapon, But  Mann and Waggstaff hand thier  weapons up..Lyri hand hers pointed at Adems  legs...
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:21, Thu 04 Jan 2018.

   When the hyrian was speaking and mentioned being a sword for the ESN, Garrat shook his head "No, you will not be another sword.  You will be a member of a stronger pack.  You have not been cowed by us.  That was where you were with the demmons.  You simply realized you were part of a bigger comunity and to find dominance in that comunity you had to grow.  Lirg has taught us much of the pride and power of your people.  I for one look foreward to fighting besides you."

   When Evert reached for her weapon Garrat's Milled Occui pistol was at her temple. No warning shots this time He says quietly.

Roy's hand rested on the butt of his machine pistol...but he didn't draw it, seeing as his troopers had more than enough weapons in play at this point.  He looked over at Hack.  "Admiral...I find myself in a conflicted position, Sir.  As Security Chief, I am responsible for the welfare of all aboard...but this situation appears to be an internal Verian matter, and as they are not currently members of the APF, I feel I have no authority to intervene...unless you would wish otherwise, Sir."  He spoke plainly...no subtle emphasis or slurred words...it was almost as if he was describing a math problem and asking a tutor for some assistance.

Except his eyes returned quickly to where Lilit was choking Adem, as he spoke...and didn't look away.  He also made not even the slightest motion to intercede.  He did look at Evert and add, "Pretty sure, even without the sergeant's sidearm at your head, you'd be dead before you hit the floor if you raised that weapon.  You'd like to think you're a warrior...and physically, you could probably best any one of us in this room...except her.  She's the real deal, not a politician who occasionally resorts to combat.  But, please...push your luck...and his."

  The  Hyrian Admirla  put himself  between  Adme and Evert and  Hack... The  General    stood   in front of Gorl.

  Lyri's eyes stared  at  Adem who despite his mass, could not Budge  the grip or  arm of  Lilit... the latter's eyes  were retrunign to  Green , but her  smile was cold as The Black.

  Shade   whirled  and   Bleeped...

 Lilit threw back her ehad   and laughed like a man women.. the  metallic , yet musical  sound   made   Commander Si take a step back......  Ambassador..Shadow.. wants to know if I can Fix Adem...

 Dusk  said in a bitter  metal tone,... that scrap cannot be fixed..... I...I am ashamed to be of his Blood...

  There  was  a smile as she gripped Adem a bit   tighter... creases were showing in his   neck.. and his eyes   turned   grey....I am  Glad to hear your say that... Dusk  Shadow.... because....

 ...NO!!!.. YOu cannot! Evert shouted...

  Lilit  pulled Adem close   and looked into his eyes  that were grey.. his  struggles  agaist her  grip  slowed.... then she Pushed Him hard away  , the bulk  fell onto  a chair, crushiung it.. he reached for his throat   as if he was having trouble with breath...

 ...Because... Dusk Shjadow.... and Shade.. I am  your Grandmodder..... Lady was  ..MY  daughter..... and she too..held  Human DNA , though..not  as much as i would have liked... These two.. thought to raise her  as her own.. while i fought the hordes... but I am back.. To Join this Fight... and to lead the Verians who will follow.....and?.. I am short one ship's captain...

 Hack Looked at Spencer...well... Sevente is right.. because.. I'll be damned....

 Gorl looks  around,...no wonder  the Delta fleet is  so fierce....you have harder fights in your  warroom, then most races have in battle!...  the Hyrian  laughed , a dry coughing laugh...
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:02, Fri 05 Jan 2018.

   Garrat Nods at Spencer's assessment and removes his gun from Evert's head.  He walks over and offers a hand to help Adem up.  In a calm quiet voice he says: "Adem, our chief medical officer has closely examined Shade and his Genetics and come to the conclusion that your foster Daughter, the one we know as Lady, has designed him specifically to grow and develop as he has.  There is no mistake.  If you ever loved her as your daughter you will understand that Shade represents everything she wants him to be in this stage of development.  If you wish to examine these findings I'm sure an agreement can be reached to transfer these findings to you.  Until then, it is unwise to insult Shade.  His very being is Lady's final wish.  A wish she spent all of her years since flying with shadow crafting carefully in the core of her being."  He steps back.  "This is the creature you raised.  Take wisdom from her courage, and pride in her actions."

Roy's smile took an odd twist.  "Oh, Sevente was right...he was just after the fact.  We've already been through Hell.  A few times."  He snorted softly, adding, "Doesn't make much sense to try and curse a man with what he's been living for the past few years.  But, then, Sevente wouldn't understand that, since he was so adept at avoiding combat and letting someone else resolve his conflicts for him."

He turned his grin to Lilit, and then to Evert.  "I revise my estimate, Evert.  She's Lady's mother?  You'd have been dead before your weapon cleared the holster."  He stepped over to Lilit, with an empty hand extended.  "A true pleasure to meet you.  Your daughter saved my life on more than a few occasions...or, more accurately, let Shadow help her save my life, I guess."  He shrugged, and added, "We didn't realize she was anything more than a simple AI until Shadow upgraded planes and she stayed behind on Bura to help the fight there.  Didn't realize she was more than a really complex AI until her death...so I don't know how much autonomy she had in operation.  I just know that every time I needed her, she was there."  He faltered a bit, swallowed hard, and met her gaze.

"My sincerest condolences.  Her loss is still mourned."

  Evert looked down  as  Adem was helped up... she turned her  head a bit as Roy spoke.

  Lilit Smiled as she  took Roy's  HAnd.  The grip was  strong, but there was  no intent in the grip.. the hand..warm, still held a metallic like   quality ..... Why... thank you SGT Major...Spencer?  Right... he could envision  the pupil-less slipping towards his name   bar.

 ... though, I have been away.. i still saw the Vids... I saw her  fly twice at the  Moons... but  we could not get  much closer  as we dealt with Qarl.... The Admiral's policy of  sending out Vids  allowed me seem more of her actions..though... briefly as  they  flew around  like the  forest Bats of Bura...

  the  beautiful face lost a bit of the  smile, her grip tightened a  bit, but caught herself as she het go of the hand when she said...... Shadow's Destruction of her Killer...was....was..Magnificent... a bit of  irony. The coward had killed the  highest form of Mechbeing he had ever hoped to meet... and  died  by the weapon  Man has used since they first walked the grasses of your homeworld...

   Dusk  and Shade looked up at her, both thier  eyes , Blusish Green... Shade bleeped  softly as he looked up....

   Lilit  gave Roy a soft touch his arm as she turned   and kneeled..her hand   gently touched Shade's face......NOOOOOO... little one... there is nothing to fix!.. The  large man  said it close to the best... Lady wished to have  offspring she could be proud of..but refused...sooo..many suitors. her head titled  as she held out the other arm to  Dusk who took quick steps to be enfolded in that arm.. Shade   Hugged her tight...

  ..Verians  can mate  until thier  servos fall off.... any and all races they meet.... but... when  a verian truly wishes  an offspring to carry on her being.. she will mod with one she loves.....

..there is no...'fixing' for that....to  ..her  head turned briefly at Adem, the  green eyes  flashed  red for a second,  but she turned back to her Grandspring....to try and  change that? Is to try to change the color of  The Black.... Dusk?  Your  changes are not what they did... it was merely Accelerated... pershaps?..10 years?  and Shade?... You hatched.. too early? Do you know  why?


 Shade    Just shook his head  against her  armored shoulder..... you knew  Evert was  coming... you felt it..in your being.... so.. you hatched.... YOU... hatched yourself... forced yourself into being... to save your sister from a threat.. that you could not have known..save for the warning in  your heart... You sacrificed much in that.... YOur.... growth will be slower...too much human in you..perhaps..not enough in Dusk... but you both carry your parents....and Dusk has  shown she  can fight....

 ... you  have never seen Shade wade into a fight...odds don't matter to him....

  Lilit looked up and  Lyri..who still hand  her   weapon ready to shoot the legs off Adem.....Is that true?.... she  stroked his head  gently,..i wonder where you got that from...Hmmmm?

 Evert  was looking at the ground... Lilit's head  turned back to   Roy , Hack and the Board,.... i'm sure  everyone understands  why i did not think it was wise  for  The Human Shadow to be here..at this moment...

 Shade beeped into her shoulder, The  armored Verian    smiled,..yes...  He has a name... I meant no slight...

 Shade  beeped  and rubbed her back  and she   giggled... an odd sound coming from the  'woman' that tossed Adem across the  room.

 ..Now?  Commander Si.... Your Home system has what is called the Blue Angels, those who have signed  to Join the  APF  and ESN...

 ... yes.. Warlord ?...why do you ask?

 ..there is a planet... not  far from   Vera..it  is in disputed   space between  the Roussians and   Vera.... Roussians blockade us... but they are no match  for Verian Pilots...TRUE...verian pilots... the planet is called  Uden..it is very ..'earth-like'.. we have much to offer the APF... but we need aid in stopping the roussian  raids...In return, we seek to aid  you in the destruction of Hel itself... our numbers  will not be great... perhaps  5 Cap ships... maybe 4 transportbases...... the rest will be needed to guard against the roussians and   the other  Empire races that await you..... but.... every  verian trooper  will fight like 100  empire troops....

 Gorl  coughs  as he says in a horse voice,what the  Warlord  says is  true.. I was  no better then a Whelp when i  fought my first action against   Verians  from Uden...  we had to retreat..  we were beaten soundly..by a force half our size.. and it did not matter  how many of them fell.. others   stepped up to fight, until we could not sustain the fight  any longer... I can no longer join a fight... but.. if  i were able... I would stand  side  by side with  the Verians of Uden..

  Lilit seemed content to hold her grandspring as she continued,... I would like the Name... Blue Verians? As  both a tribute to  your  people, Commander  who fought so long  against thier own homewold's lack of courage....and... It would be good  to symbolize  our  new colors of ESN Blue?

  Adem  coughed.. his voice  sounded  like a gate that needed oil,..you are a fool.... you will throw  your people away...they will die  fighting for races that would just as easy..kill you...

 Dusk lifted her head and looked at  Adem  with  redeyed  glare,... maybe you are right.... but better that, then cower in our own droppings when the Empire  looked too hard in our direction?  Vera should have  been a shining gem in The Black..instead.. it is  a smoldering  coal...

 ..it was a foolish thing  i did... giving your mother  to that bastard of a Human....

 Shade started to scramble towards Adem But  Lilit held him tight,..ease... little one.... You are... how do humans say?..Fiesty? Adem is still your GrandMod..... but..that does not give him...any leave...in any way... to run his mouth as he does....he should be  aware of this.... I am most certain, that.... she looked at her  two  grandspring,..Shadow.. will only be pushed  so far, before Adem becomes  plates  for his next fighter...

Adem made what could pass for a snorting sound.

 Lilit  stood   and  turned to look at those who  were gathered....you have heard our  reasons...  and what we can rightful, promise... I shall go seek out  Shadow... YOu may COM  me with your  decision... Adem?... If I were you  i would seek to leave the ship? When  the news  reaches  Shadow ears.. he may...wish to .....talk... to you both...Evert in particular... but Adem, i think out of pure..fun?

    Garrat scratches his beard. "That explains something I never understood.  When he first hatched, Shade grabbed Dusk and tried to escape the room the hatchlings were in.  He went up through the air ducts and killed two rodents while trying to seek freedom.  We would have lost him ih that section of the ship weren't rigged to be closed off, and probably would have found his way through that if I hadn't talked him down.  He has a hand tool that can creat a flame that may be hot enough to cut metal and latter learned to weaponize it to shoot a bolt.  The thing I don't understand is how Lady Evert can fire a similar energy bolt as, I heard, could Lady.  This was suposed to be a rare and hereditory trait."

 Dusk looks at Garrat,... we all have somne form of defesne?....  My father said Lady has  'antirodent deterant ' and  could  Zap  people..things when she was left alone, if he turned on her  auto protect.... I can  cast a small energy ball..it was....bigger..before i was 'fixed'.... Shade has   Fire.. none know why?... Evert has    lighting-like charges...Adem... as a force push?...

   Lilit  shrugs,..I had  Mine  protections  removed....when i would not  blindlu succome  to Adem's  wishes... but through the  decades, i amanged to pick up Stremghts... and  Speed..... I was   a fighter once.... for about a year.. but the Fooll who flew me, did not deserve me... so i left the  fighters.. and Bonded to a new  Body.. i am...pleased with it..

  Garrat stops and turns, "Wait, you can bond to new bodies?  Do they have to be mechanical or can they be organic?  Is there a point of no return? is That why Lady couldn't stay with shadow?"

   Lilit  looked  sad, her  eyes   turning a bit  purple...... verians get to a stage.. where they  chose. Humanoid   of Bonding.... If the choice to be a Humanoid is made... then they grow.. and such as any other   Race...... for machine bonding..  you are , that machine... but there is a draw back.... as  the longer you stay.. the more , apart of the machine you become..until you can No longer leave that Machine... very few Verians  take it that far.... I fear Lady did not  wish to leave Shadow, and  stayed ....too long.... but.. knew the  Newer fighters  would be better  for him and , instead, went on to help the Burians..... for me?.. I did not like control,, so  I  Bonded to another verian Body that was no longer in use..Adem...made sure i could not  regain my Old  Body when  he cast  me out Of Uden...but?..as you see..Uden is now mine....

   "As well Uden should be.  I've been pondering how to avoid the Lady situation but have never known enough to come up with more than theories of keeping the Verian life form in a plug in module that can be transferred between craft.  Then again I've only known of one person so dedicated to his craft to be worthy of such a pairing."

   Litil laughs  again,...  we do...get downloaded , in a sense, and  can be recrived that way?... but once  we begin to take hold we cannot leave..... Dusk and   Shade will not be able to do this, ebcause of thier  Human DNA, that has..more or less..taken over...odd, that it is so..aggressive.

    "Dr. christy would call it Darwinism.  Earth human genetics are very competetive with eachother because of strong variences between the culture, and being derived from a hostile physical environment then eventually a hostile social environment.  The weak don't reproduce.  So you can't bond with a smaller machine that plugs into a bigger one?"

  Garrat looks around a little embarassed. "I'm sorry.  Building new machines was a favorite past time of mine when traveling between missions.  I'm taking your time.  I apologize."