Roy gave Dana an affirmative nods, laughing softly at Larry's reaction.  "Seems you'll eat damn near anything...you certainly run fast enough to work it off if he gives you too much fat..."

He listened to Shoemaker's story...and then the story he told after Dana left...with a thoughtful grin.  "I suspect there's more than a few hidey-holes around Anzio full of Vampics right now.  If they're smart, they'll stay down there until things cool down a bit, and then surrender...if they try and sneak off the station, they're likely to get picked off, assuming APF SEC on Anzio isn't all gone dirty.  And if they have, well...the Vampics might still end up picked off, and the dirty SEC troopers will likely be right beside them." He didn't mention Shadow's turned-target from the previous night, but he certainly thought of the man.

"Sounds like you had as much fun out there as anyone had here.  Some new fighter-jock-wannabe got transferred in, thought he'd try and talk Shadow out of his fighter number...turns out, the guy's family was responsible for a fair bit of the hard times Shadow endured as a kid.  Things went downhill from there.  Shadow hit him, Kat hit him...he got sent to Sec by the Admiral to get a refresher course on just who's fighting for which side in this war, so I wouldn't be surprised if he's been hit again..."

He looked up and gave a thankful nod as the steak arrived, along with a raw steak and a platter of miscellaneous bits and pieces for Larry, and started in on it eagerly, speaking as he cut.  "There's more...but I shouldn't talk about it here.  The wrong ears could hear about it.  After I eat, we'll head down to Sec...Beth can bring you up to speed."

  ..hey.. Dana?  how about a couple hot dogs and a beer?

  Dana   said,..no thanks.. I  ate   a bit ago... she started to walks  away and Shoey looked at Roy.

 ..just kidding  trooper boy.. be  right back..

 Larry   was    slurping up the   trimmings  saving his steak for last.

 ..man?  he can eat....maybe  we should  just start dropign  Shuttle loads of Largs on palnets  and wait a day... go back and Pick up a  bunch of  fat ones  and   take the  planet over?

Roy grinned.  "You know...I'd considered that as an option...until we had the Nivarians helping us on Aqra.  Then I noticed that Larry's not just another larg...he's smarter than the ones they had.  I can give him really specific instructions in a situation and just let him go, and damned if he doesn't follow those instructions to the finest details.  The Nivarians had to stay right on top of their largs to keep them in hand.  One of their handlers tried to tell me Larry was inferior, just a runt...but you saw what he did to their top stud...and you notice he was getting chewed up until Shadow told him how to win...and he won by doing exactly what Shadow said."

He made no effort to keep the words quiet...and he watched Larry out of the corner of his eye as he spoke.  The explanation was interrupted, here and there, with pauses for Roy to put a new piece of steak in his mouth...and a lot of it was muffled as he spoke around the piece he was chewing.  But he cut them smaller than normal, so as to allow for faster chewing and easier speaking.  He was too hungry to talk, and then eat.

His comm chimed, and he looked at it.  "Huh...well, whaddaya know...the Admiral's decided Besserman's had enough time to review all the vids, and is down there to decide the guy's fate."  He cut his steak into a couple of large chunks.  "Never thought I'd be saying this, Larry, but eat faster...Admiral's waiting on us..."  He shoved a big chunk of steak in his mouth, and waited for Dana to get back with Shoemaker's hot dogs.

  Larry  ate his    steak 'nice'..  but when   Roy mentioned  about  the fight   and  how he  won. He looked back and thumped his tail   rapidly..looking like he was smiling again.

 Dana  was   returning with the hot Dogs and beer. She  reached the table  , just in time to see half of the steak  flip in the  air  and  Into  larry's  Mouth  and  , his throat move  a few times..followed by  more tail thumps.


 ..gods....

 she put    Shoey's Hotdogs  down and he  paid her  with PAper creds..

"I need a take-out box...Admiral's waiting for me in Security..." Roy managed to mumble around the wad of beef in his mouth.  He chewed a few more times, finally grinding the steak down to a size which he could swallow, if only just barely.

"And unlike Larry, I can't swallow the whole steak in one shot.  And I sure's hell am not wasting the potatoes and vegetables."

  Dana Laughed... and   scurried  away  to Get the Box. Shoey  already had  one dog half  eaten.. he said    with  a mouth full,..You want me to come with?

 Larry's  head tilted  as he  watched   Shoey and the Hot dog, wonder  why  the   food  was shaped like it was...

Roy shrugged.  "Probably don't need you to...but you're gonna spend a lot of time playing catch-up if you don't.  Your call..."  He noticed Larry's curiosity and snorted softly.  "It's all the stuff you were just eating, Larry, just ground up and stuffed in a little tube.  You're better off eating the unprocessed form..."  He grinned at Shoemaker.

When Dana returned, he unceremoniously scooped everything left on his plate into the box with a couple of sweeps of his fork.  "Thanks, Dana," he said with a grin, leaving a fistful of creds on the table (more than was needed, even with the tip figured in), and stood up.

"C'mon, Larry...let's go find out if you're gonna eat Besserman," he said...not entirely sure of how much of the statement was a joke...  With or without Shoemaker, he headed for Security.

  Shoey  Nodded,.I'll go..enevr know   if i have to be on a firing squad or soemthing...

 with a Flick of  His   second Bun  the Hotdog  flew out, he made a fake  gesture of his hand to his mouth,..oh?..darn.. i guess Larry will ahe  to eat it....

 Larry Looked at the hot dog, then at Shoey,..go ahead....

  Larry's   tongue  darted   out  and  coiled  around the Hot   dog and brought it in...

 Shoey shook his   head as he ate his 'ketchup bun"   and followed  Roy..

 To SEC>>>>>>>>>>>>

[From her Quarters and the QM]


Teela had a pleasurable warmth in her belly and set a languid pace as she walked the RecDec. She didn't have a particular destination in mind but was hoping to see a certain Marine who wasn't obviously present. She decided that she wanted the nice warmth to continue so she sat down and waved one of the waitresses over. "Blue Moon Firewine, please." She ordered.

<=== from Officers Quarters

She let Haley push the buttons in the elevator.  Soon she and Haley arrived on the recdec level.  Walking out Haley was all but skipping and jumping.  Nikki let her to the food court area and both went and sat at a table where a few others were  "Evening all.  This is Haley"
Haley said hi to all the ones at the table.  Soon one of the waitresses came by to which Nikki ordered dinner of a porkchop and mashed potatoes with a glass of milk and green beans, another with iced tea and cauliflower.  Also if there was a banana as well.
A few other kids were playing in a bit of an open area nearby, over by some trash bins.
"Nikki?  can I play til dinner arrives?" she pointed to the other kids.
Nikki looked "Sure but keep me in sight so I can call you okay...and remember our talk" she watched Haley begin to take off "Don't knock anyone over either"
Haley looked and nodded.  Then she ran off to play.  It looked as if the kids were playing tag, or a version of it atleast.
Nikki listened to the others as she tuned her guitar.  Then she began to play her favorite tune.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5DB51awn2U
This message was last edited by the player at 05:05, Fri 26 Oct 2018.

  As the last echoes fade another guitar strikes up a tune behind her.  Joseph sits there giving his heart to the strings.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_kw8_ac1ptI

Turning she watched him play.  After a few chords she joined in, keeping up with his beat.  She smiled brightly "Ah...John Clark.  Nice choice".  and moved to sit on the table she began tapping with her foot for the beat of a new song when his was done.  A friendly and fun battle of the guitars.  After 3 taps she began

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ow6RE5L4U6Q
This message was last edited by the player at 06:07, Fri 26 Oct 2018.

Haley was playing with about 4 other kids.  As the music began she managed to corral them into a 'ring around the rosie' dance.

  "Oh, that's a hard one to top."  Joseph says coming around in front of her  "Let's see if this works out."

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YzgTMh21zhI

"Nice choice" she said joining in.  she played in sync with him for the tune "Okay...got one, this one is a duet...most definitely" she played the first chord "Feel Good Inc" she was enjoying this.  Even as her and Haleys dinner arrived.  She gave a call out while still playing for Haley, who bounded over and even danced to all the tunes.  She showed off her new outfit to Joseph before sitting to eat.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6_HlOqy2C0

   Lilit , Dusk and Shade  arrive on the Rec Dec.. They Greet   folks  with nods  or  waves...

    walking  acoss to teh port holes, they settle into   some seats.

  ..I do not  know  why, we could not have stayed  in the Ambassador's rooms, we have the Admirals  Mess 30 yards from us?

 Shade   whiles  and Beeps.

 ..he is right  Granmod,The rec Dec  Milkshakes   are the Best.. though, Mr Arnie makes good  ones as well..

 a waitress takes  and  order  for three shakes and  a Pizza, and heads back to the stalls.

 ..I checked, Father is  sleeping... he must be trying to recharge?

 some more Noises...

 ...yes.. I am sure he is alone.

    "Oh, I've got your back on that one."  Joseph says.  "Some classics are essential"


   He turns to the Verians "Hello Ladies and gentleman, I've always wondered what the music traditions of your people were.  I've noticed Shades sense of rhythm predispositions him to percussion."

  Lilit   smiles  at  Joe  Mac  and    Nikki,...our  Music  is  more  haunting, with alot  more    music then words..... I am afraid  that Shade  has  been to one...too many..After parties  and is   Picking  Up  bad   habits  from his  mod...

 .. I enjoy earth Music...  well some of it.... Dusk  added..


 Shade stood   Up and  did the    hip sway with his hand On his   belly and the other hand  in the  air   humming  " the  natural"

 ..see... what i mean?

"All music is good.  Promoting the feelings behind it.  Some  requiring more than one voice.  It canbe an icebreaker and make one feel better about themselves, others, a situation, or even thoughts of the past like a dream" she smiled trying to pick up Shades humming.  "By the way Shade ..we still have a dance to finish" from the one on Anzio that was interrupted.
Haley was not too sure of the aliens, but if they were talking and not fighting they must be friendly she thought. She waved to them all with her cheeks a bit rounded as her mouth was full with a fork full of mashed potatoes.  She gave an extra wave at Shade who was just about her size.
Nikki stopped a moment "Dang it...Sorry, I'm being rude.  Shade this is my ward Haley McGaha.  Haley This is Ambassador Shade.  I believe and I apologize if I am incorrect here...This is his sister Dusk and mother Lilit" She gestured to each "They are Verian"
Haley had not really met a friendly alien.  Still she used a napkin and wiped her mouth and cheek then got up from her seat.  "Hello" she began, her accent as thick as Nikkis own.  Not knowing if it was proper or not but she went with the Earth custom "Very nice to meet you" She looked up at the taller two ladies, who at her size towered over her "Boy...you two are pretty" she remembered something her true mother said to her 'say something nice to people you meet, it is polite'.  she then looked at Shade "I saw you here the other day.  you talked with the big man over at that table" gesturing to the table Shadow usually sat at with the others.  She waited to see if her hand shake was returned.
Nikki was happy Haley was being brave and showing such diplomacy.

  Lilit    laughed the Metallic  Laugh,..I am thier  Grandmod... their  Mod  Is Shadow...  thier .mother'  was ...Lady... he  smile faded a bit,..she  was    Shadow's fighter.. and..friend... she was killed  by a traitor... they paid  a price.. for that...,

   she   looked  a bit  angry as her eyes  truned  a bit  red..That ws the reason for the 'song' the   Vampics  had played at the    party...again..  they are paying a debt  for that...

   Lilit  coruched  down By  HAlet   as  Shade  shook her hand, and Bleeped a  few times.

 ..Thank You,  You are  quite pretty as well...Shade  says  he is gald to meet you....

 Dusk   smiles   as well,..Thank You Haley and reached to take her hand  as well......My Mod...Father.. is  a fighter Pilot... he is   a very good one..

  Shade  whirled  a  few times,

 Litil  chucked   deep in her chest,..Shade says Shadow is ... aggressive.... there are  many other  words   people  apply to him.. but.. that is not the worst.

 Dusk loked at Nikki..... what is a ward?

  Joseph is retuning his guitar "It means she is acting as a mother for a time.  Lady Lilit, do you think you could show us some of your music? would you be able to play i on a key board or  guitar?

 Lilit   Looks at  Joe Mac,...I... was  never good  with instruments  that did not kill things?... I do...sing.. But that is  the   best I can  say... If  Done right..our voice s    blend with the   tinkling of the   sounds.... Good singers  on Uden.. are heroes  there....

 Shade whirled a bit.

  Lilit  patted  Shade on the head,... No   Shade.. Your  Mod  would not be a singing Hero on Uden... but.. he would be a warhero...

 Shade's eyes  glowed  green and  he gave a thumbs up.

Nikki smiled as Haley blushed a bit "I know some use singing as a way to keep their past and heritage alive.  To tell tales to the next generation.  Earth had Bards, and entertainers, as well as ..I think they called them 'skalds' in some areas that would sing of heroes long past and about their troubles and times"
Haley was not sure what an alien would feel like, but she was brave about it.  After shaking hands, she smiled.  They were not at all slimy or sticky as her siblings once told her.  "I was taken from Earth by some bad peoples.  They wanted to eat me.  Nikki and some others rescued me"
Nikki finished "They were found when we took the New York.  Actually I was playing here when she heard my guitar and singing and found me.  I knew her family back on Earth and so I became her caretaker" explaining how they came to be.  she gave Haley a shoulder hug.
Haley then continued to give a smile and turned back to her meal before it got cold.

Teela stood when she saw the Verians walk in and waited for a lull in the conversation. "Excuse me, Dusk? I wish to apologise for my actions at the Ball. They resulted in you suffering a grievous wound. Causing a shipmate to be harmed was never my intention, has never been my intention and will not happen again. Lady Lilit, Ambassador Shade, I extend my apology to you as well."

She spread her wings and dropped into a deep curtsy with her head bowed and did not move until given leave to do so.

   Lilit   nodded at the Mention of the New York,there was mention that they may  have  been  comignin to  Meet with  the Vampic. Using Anzio  as  a meeting place.. they counted on   Aqra  to keep the   Fleet busy  for a month or so...

 Dusk  Giggled  a  metallic  Giggle,... they  did not  count on  the  resolve, of Admiral  Hack.. Aqra.. I think.. got  of  rather  Lucky.. I venture to say..  if it  was not for thier  water... they would have  been a testing ground  for  what is in storm  for Hel, when we get there.

 Shade  was approached    By Hemsly.. Hemlsy's  eyes looked  a little blood shot, perhaps  a few   Bottle  of   Rum  to many.

 ..'eh..Laddie.. we're  yer  Da?
  Shade  rattled off   sounds  and pointed to the elevator.

 The  scott looked  at Dusk and  Liit,..he  said Shadow is   sleeping in his  Quarters,  Colour  SGT...

 ..ack..  right then.. I'll leave the LAd to 'is  rest... just got  me a  new  Idea.. Me , Brooks  and KArson.. we  gotta  new  playtoy to blow  Up   Empire  types.. it'll keep...

 He gave a Knuckle  salute to them  and     went  off  to the elevators.

   They Turn to  Teela   when Teela  was done.. Lilit     waved her   hand,..Oh..do get up!..  do you think me  a Pompus ass, Like  Adem   or  his Doxy Everet?.... It  was a wound, to be sure?... But no being out here, may serious  thing they will not suffer such!

 ... It was a wound  worth Taking?...    Either  Admiral or the Commander may have died... it is a small exchange.. i should think?

  Shade  Pointed  at Teela   and  rattled off  noises,

 ..Yes.. Shade.. she is  indeed the one who  saved you.. soemthing that  Neither  I...  The Admiral, Nor the Commander  will soon forget... to Mention    The LC would be insulting, that i would need mention his thoughts...

 Dusk pointed to    Nikki  , Haley and Joe Mac...we  were conversing with   the small human   and  Miki and the..um...other small human?