start  here  'school let out'

Viktor stood from the bench-table where he had been sitting, catching up on a human history book on naval warfare on his vidboard. He had heard the horn announcing school was out, and he looked for Roll. Spotting him, he waved and beckoned him to come over. Opening the cooler, he pulled out the juice box and opened the backpack to withdraw some orange colored peanut butter crackers. He smiled as Roll approached and spoke, “I have a snack for you, if you’d like. I figured we could wait until your mom got off-duty to eat dinner. How was your first full day at school?”

 Roll    hustled over      he told HAley to come  along. His little  legs  trying desperatly to  run which Holding his  back pack to his  chest.

  ..This  is  Haley.. you 'member her?...  Her Mom flies the  big people   ships...'shuttles?".. she helped me to day?... I broke a  crayon.. he looked   sad, then brightened,..But   no one Hit  Me!

 Lifter  came  runnign  by   and gave him a pat on the  back and waved to   Haley as Lifter  ran to her  new home.

Haley skipped along and played, helping Roll with school and playing.  Just having fun.  After school Haley tagged with Roll until  Toni would join.  "Hi.  We had lots of fun.  we also learned some numbers.  and our left and rights. " she held her arms out and watched Roll do af well and hold up fingers in L shapes "The one that looks like an L is left.  the other is the right"  soon Toni appeared "Okay I gotta go.  Toni gets to watch me for a bit.  We're gonna fo help on the farms"

Viktor gave a nod and smile to Haley, “Of course, nice to see you Haley. Your mom and I had training together earlier in fact. Thank you very much for being a friend to Roll, today. Take care of yourself.”

He then regarded Roll, inwardly sad that Roll was happy about not being physically struck but he smiled none-the-less, “Well, no one will be hitting you here. If anyone does you tell your mother and I. That’s not acceptable ok?”As he spoke, he took hold of Roll’s bag, sitting it on the table to help the boy. “I’m happy that you had a good first day. Do you have homework?.”

 They waved to HAley....

 ... Roll looked up.....no..i guess not..  the helper teacher  said  for me  to practice   shapes?... I  KNow a circle.. I know a  square?..the  rest..i get mixed up.... She liked the way I did Vid boards    though

Viktor poked a hole in the juice box with the straw and sat it down in front of Roll, “That’s wonderful, Roll, about the vidboard. Maybe you’re a future computer scientist or an engineer to make better vidboards. If you’d like tonight we can go over the shapes. I think it might be helpful if you drew them, if you can draw a shape you can remember it’s name easy.”

  he  siped   from the  Juic e and smiled,  we  can do that.....it  might be  fun.... then i can surprise the treachers  how smart i am...

 ..I heard some Kids  talking   at  play time?.. they said   we might stop  at  Bura ..they say  its  really really  green there.. even the people!

“You are very smart, son, smarter than I was at your age,” Viktor said sincerely. “Say, do you want to take your juice box and walk down to the rec dec? Get a small ice cream cone? As a first day treat? Or would rather sit here and play vidboard?

   Roll   gave  a shrug  as she   was finishing his Juice. we can go to the Rec Dec.. if  you  have  creds?.... Stall people don't like   people with no  creds... On Etna  they would throw things at us.... 'cept one LAdy..she was Nice.. her   Dad  didn't like us..i think he was her dad..he was older  then her  by bunches.... any way  she would throw  a back of Rolls  or a Loaf  of bread.. and  we would    catch it  and run.

 he  looked aorund,..they must like poor  people here.. I never  see  any one gettign food thrown at them

Orria finished her assignments and asked the teacher, "Miss, why do we learn about history? Its already done, and can I do the new modules now?"

 The teacher   said   well... its like a dog?  YUou see a Dog.. you know   it  can  bite..or  be  freindly?.. but if you don't know  why... you can get bit? Also..people should know  about  brave folks who fought bad  folks..or brave people  that explored places... so that you know  who they are  and what they did...

 She smiles, Maybe?  some little  Girl   will read  about Orria , some day...

Viktor chuckled deeply at Roll’s question, the boy was endearing in his earnestness, “Yes, I have creds. Your mother and I receive money from the military in exchange for serving.” Viktor packed up, picking up the cooler, and slinging his backpack on one shoulder with Roll’s pack on the other side leaving the young one to carry only his vidboard and his juice box. “People are treated better here, Roll. You grew up in a mean society, Mortica and I will make sure that does not happen to you again.”

As they walked towards the rec dec, Viktor asked, “So tell me, what do you want to see on Bura?”

   Roll loked   up as the  walked  , sipping  from his    Juice, Score   was entering his   house  and  waved   at  them.  Roll waved back.

 ..I want to see  Green?   we  some patches of Green.... we saw Blue  of the seas?.. Never seen a whole bunch of Green... I see some of those  shorter humans  who ar Green..and those  Green Angels.. but.. i wanna  see lots of green..... bushes  and  lots and lots of trees... I don't  even know if they have that many trees  to grow  out there.

“I do not know how many trees they have on Bura. But if you want to see them then when we get there we’ll go on a picnic in the forest. To tell you the truth, Roll, I’ve not seen many worlds even in my long life. At least not up close. Besides my homeworld- I spent much of my life in space in ships as part of fleets. The only time I saw foreign lands was when I was flying above them. It will be nice to see them up close with my family.” Viktor looked down, returning Roll’s glance. It was remarkable, not long ago he didn’t know Roll existed, now he would do anything to see him have a good life, to be safe.

In reply to Orria (msg # 12):

Orria followed along the best she could. "We learn about history because it is remembering that things hurt, and that people did good and bad things?" She asks paraphrasing in her own way.

As the day ends she walks herself home, as the distance is short and all of the other kids and their parents are about. In her hand she has the Occui level #2 language module.

--Home-->

At her home she let herself in and Cookie out. The Lonnox was over joyed to see her and ran about excitedly before doing its business. Finding a nice bench across the street at the park she allowed Cookie to run about, and plugged in the disk to her vidboard to start learning the next level.

((  Civie  stores )) < Lizzt fro  Rec Dec.

 There were a   few  stroes along the   balcpny  that  went over the field to the   ramp way that lead  down to the   Civie ( and FArm) section.

 Abby looked  around, there  were shorts  and   tops  and sneakers  things , as well  as 'dress up'  for the  when  Civie s ha d   parties, or something on the Rec Dec. or the field , that pasted  for a   big party.

 Lizzy will look around at the dress up section for a dress that would show off her chest but also fit her small slim body.

 Lizzy will say, " Abby see anything good?" Lizzy kept looking at the dresses and then she will say to Abby, " Sorry you had to hear all that with my dad, as you could tell he doesn't want me here on the Hermes."

Lizzy will look at a couple of dresses, and hold them over her body and say," How does this look Abby it might be too low cut, I might show too much cleavage. Should I try it on?" Lizzy will laugh and smile and wait for Abby's reaction to the red dress she picked out.

 Abby  shrugs,..I  dunno?  I got me uniforms  an' one or  two outfits  from  FUJI..... Don't Know about Dressing up an' such....

 She looks at the Dress  and smiles   knowingly,..Depends on how  fast you wanna get laid , i guess.. the more you show..the faster  you'll go... Old ESN  sayin'..

 Lizzy will laugh at the more you show the quicker you get laid, Lizzy wil say," I use to dress up a lot going to fancy dinners with my Dad, that was a lot of fun."  Lizzy thought of the good times she had with her dad, she so wished he would except I am not  a little girl anymore and I want to fight and fly.

 Lizzy smiles and adds," Yes very true so then I guess I should show a lot then." She laughs even more and then adds, " I am going to try this one on okay give me your honest opinion okay Abby."

 Lizzy will find a fitting room and try on the red dress, it had spaghetti straps, it was very low cut showing a lot of cleavage and some of her bra, she would have to get a bra that was lower and covered less of her chest if she was going to wear this dress. It was curve hugging in all the right places and it was about 2" above the knee, short but not too short.

 Once dressed Lizzy would come out in the sexy red dress. " So how do I look Abby?"

  Abby shakes her  head,..you wouldn't have to b uy any drinks  on Fuji..that's for sure.. don't know what the Blokes  are like  here  yet...

 Lizzy smiles and says," So it looks good, shows off everything well. Would be nice not to buy drinks anymore." Lizzy laughs and then says, " I might get it, just need to check the price."

 Lizzy would then smile and head back to the fitting room and change out of the amazing sexy dress, she will then look at the price, she hoped it wasn't too expensive she really liked this dress.

 Lizzy checked the price, Lizzy saw 100 creds, Lizzy thought about it for a second and decided yes it is worth it , about a month of free drinks would pay for it. She laughed to herself and then she finished getting back into her duty uniform.

 She would then head out of the fitting room and then go pay for the dress and head back to Abby. " I got it only 100 credits not bad for a sexy dress like that. You find anything?"

  Abby  shakes her head,there was  some   things  that were nice?..  I'll wait a bit , Till i  wear my stuff  i have from Fuji...no one has  seen thos e yet... I can't believe  we  have to go on another  Run.. that's three  in three days.. I don't think i can make it the bwhole way around?>. Then You see that Lizard Dog thing  flyign around..and Shadows....um..kid?...  runnign.. its not like you can  say..'i quit'.. you'd  look like a fool!

Orria sat on the bench sounding out a new Occui word as the Lonnox raced around the park chasing everything that would run from it, a serious case of the zoomies. It started started chasing a younger child until Orria yelled at it, "COOKIE NO CHASING!" It paused to look appropriately apologetic and shamed, looking for forgiveness. Pulling a treat out of her bag she instructs it, "Play nice!" and gives it the treat. It sets off again terrorizing the small creatures of the park.

Lizzy smiles and says," Well maybe next time, yeah you want to try out those first Abby,thank you for coming with me."

 Lizzy will lead the store and head back to the Rec Dec. She will say,"Yeah this will be my second and a run like that hurts for sure. We will make it, and yeah that does make it hard to just quit."

 Lizzy will then head to the Rec Dec.

 Smithson was  waling   as he saw Orria. He stood  by the Bench...ok... now you make sure that thing  doesn't  bite anyone..or  we'll see if   Doc  Henry can use   it to feed  something in his  zoo...

Orria made a face at Smithson, "Dr. Christie would never do that. Cookie just wants to play. When he saw you running he thought you wanted him to chase you." You can say hi to him, she calls out to the Lonnox, "COOKIE come say hi. Be nice please.

 The  Mound  of  Fur with legs   came over.  Looking  up at Orria   and   waggign a tail somewhere in the   back of the  furry haystack.

 Smithson  nodded  as he looked   down at the beastie...well... he seems  harmless  enough..but you have to  watch..some of these  kids  are used to animals   attacking them.

<<END FLEX>>

"I know, that's I told Cookie to stop. He should get to have fun too." Orria explains. She moves to tab the next lesson.

Melia arrives around that time putting an end to the study time, and calling the Lonnox.

Returning to their home she prepares a small dinner, taking the time after to put Orria to bed and turn in herself.

<<<NEXT MORNING>>>

Following her regular morning routine, Melia rises early and prepares for the day. She sends a comm text to Dr. Christie seeing if he is available to tutor Orria for the day on Math, Science in History.

With the alert sounding Orria rises early, and quickly dresses, as she walks out of her room she is trying to securely attach her gun belt to her hip as she'd been shown, tiredness shows on her face evidence of the early and abrupt wake up she'd received.

Melia quickly straps into her light boarding armor, "honey on the counter is comm unit. That one is yours. You can use it to comm Shade, or take it with you to school you get to choose."

Orria nods solemnly and reaches for the comm and dials Shade...

Melia quickly taps out an 'already done' and sends it to SEC as she clips and straps the last of her items onto her gear and waits for Orria to get her response from Shade.

Having been at the school early when the alert happened She went and found a few other students and parents and lined up to go to the shelter.  She had her backpack on and followed.  When other civvies came out she found Toni and followed her into the safety of the bunker.
This message was last updated by the player at 03:46, Fri 12 July 2019.

About half way into the bunker Haley found Roll.  "Roll...wanna come sit with Toni and me?" she didn't see his dad or mom anywhere and thought they might be off with Nikki.  "I gots a colorin' book and crayons" she held up a Captain Lightning coloring book. She thought maybe it would help both of them be less scared with all the noises.

 Roll  walked  down  in the Bunker, he  carried his  Vidboard  Shade  gave him and his backpack.

 ..This  isn't real scary... it isn't scary  until the  bad people  come and try to take us...

 Lifter   wasn't  far from them, she said,..no   bad people are  getting   us in here.. this is  better  then Under the Lowers   where the wall meets the  sea?...

 He Plopped  down  by  Haley as he looked around  clutching the Vid board and the backpack.. his friends  from the  Stem were with  a Mommy or  Daddy , some of them both... Sneak and Jax  we're even here...he  just sighed.

Haley put the coloring book down so they could all color.  Yes, she was a bit scared but she was with friends so, it made it less frightening.  She knew Nikki and Rolls mommy and daddy would keep them safe.  She pulled out a green crayon and began to color part of a weird looking tree.  in the tree was a hamster.  with Captain lightning standing next to it, looking heroic.  The other had his 'love interest' holding a large flower.  Haley thought it looked like a big head of cauliflower or broccoli.  Oh well.

  The Civie  Bunker  was  semi dark.. enough light to see. but not overly  bright.

 The   PA  COM    came   as the ship shifted.. the   shutter  of the  Guns..the shake of the   torpedoes .. and the  impact of the rounds  on the   enemy Vessel..
  some kids   and  people  screamed as the ship lurched...

 Roll     grabbed   Haley's color s   so they wouldn't get lost.. he looked around watching   parents  Hug   kids. and Just looked  down   at the Colors and  gave them to  Haley .  The lady  in charge of  weapons  was  standing by  the  case....

Haley put one hand on her coloring book and one hand on Roll as he caught the crayons.  one did escape and was stepped on a bit but it was mostly retrieved.  Haley was afraid of losing a friend, it was kind of like being on the New York in a way to her.  She didn't cry but it was easy to see her eyes get shiny and she was shaking a bit.  Toni was next to her dad could see Haley getting nervous just put her arms about her.

   The warnings   came  and  the Bells   rang.... and a few heartbeats   late r the  Ship  was Hit.

  Smithson  was shouting Order   for the  weapons to be handed out in the  Bunker... and    the  sound of  Puls e fire  and    hard  ammo could be heard...

 then the  eerie  Voices of the  Vampics  shouting '..THEIR BLOOD  IS OURS!

 a  woman screamed    and  another slapped her.Shut up you  fool! you'll let them know we are here!

 Roll looked  around.. he  began to shiver.....the  Bad  people.... the  bad  people...

Haleys eyes were wide and her heart was beating fast.  in a quiet voice she spoke "Roll..we'll stay together" she nodded to him and kept quiet.  She watched weapons being passed around.

  Roll looked  around.. Lifter  and Score looked   around, they  had things in thier  hands , that they could use as  weapons .

  Sitting  there , Roll just looked  sad..in his little  Voice  the eyes shifted  to  Haley,..I wish  Jax and Sneak were here... they saved me  from bad people... he looked   around  too. but  all he could  find is  crayons ...

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

 Outside  the  bunker   a battle  raged.. Smithson sent one of the Teenagers  to the Hold to meet  the Troops.

 This was differant  then thier   'training'  one  Vampic  shuttle     crashed through the   Hull at the   'rec dec'  end of the   Civic  section..  destroying   two apartments... the   2nd  One  was  down   at the    Civie  side of the   Hold, had the VAmpics had  better luck, they  would have crashed into the Civie  Bunker.

   The Teenager   One of Sneak's  new   friends  waved to the  Troopers,  they were    splitting their  forces. Half  going to the  Hanger  Dec direction..Half    going to the 'other side  ' of the Hold to meet those  invaders.

 As she  lead the  Troops    up to the   ramp way. they  split.. the   Half   entering the  FArm door and    hitting  the    VAmpics  there..... other  squads.. ran throught eh  farm heading to the ramp that would take them to the   'town'.

 the  other HAlf  Split  as they  ran Up the ramp  at the Bow  to the  Rec Dec..so they    could reach the    elevator to the HAnger  Dec.

  Somewhere in the    fighting   a Little  teenage  Girl  lay against the wall.. her  eyes  closed, and a VAmpic  Pulse  Burn through her back.

"can you use a knife?" she asked quietly.  She knew it wasn't much and Nikki had not given her a lot of lessons yet.  Still she decided this was not a play act.  She pulled up her neck chain and took the handle part off like she had been shown.  Then she carefully opened it up to ready the short blade.  "Nikki been teaching me, but I hadn't got too many lessons yet" she wondered if Roll might know more than her on handling it.

  .. I ..i never  ha d a real knife.. we   used sharp pointed  metal.. and poppers?... i.. i never got to stab  anything...

"I not stab anyone eidder." she said in a low cracked voice."Maybe if dey got in...we both attack the same one.  Nikki sed it hard fightin' two on one"
This message was last edited by the player at 23:33, Wed 17 July 2019.

   Josephs shop was closed down and loocked.  He like the other members of the Malitia, he had waited and trained for this moment.  He positioned himself quietly in the rafters up and hidden out of sight.  Making a stand against superior forces was suicide but gaurilla warfare was easy when you knew the place and they didn't.  They would have to cross huge open spaces to secure the deck and the malitia was waiting.

  the  VAmpic s  came out   of thier  boarding  rap    as   the  Militai  ha d to    change  thier  defesne  postions,..not prparted  for the   shuttle  ram.

 4 Civie s died    where the   'barricade'  was  set.. right   before    Drop Ship   troopers

   charged up from the farm.

……………………….

 half of the drop ship troopers from the spine  were  on there  way  from the rec dec   Ramp..it  would be   4 minutes  before the first of them  arrived.

  The Vampics  spread  like  a  flood they were intend   on  killing...they   Found   a cat from the   farm that  someone had near thier home  and  stomped  it to mush...

  a well armored   officer  shouted orders as he picked up one of the   Dead  Civies  , looked it over  and tossed it  away.

 Milita   folks  tried to    keep them away  from the park, but the VAmpics   started  breaking into   doors  lookign for prey

  The VAmpics   spread out.. a  'Vee' movign towards the     Civie s who stood   at the  barricade while   others went  down each side of the  street, Kicking in doors  and  entering, in search of   captives.

 Smoke  Militia  were set up in the  park,  to keep the VAmpics   focused on them  and thier  weapons  fire   to cover  any chance  of   noise below.

 more VAmpics  were falling. but then again, there  weren't  that many  Militia...
………………………………..

 Inside  they heard the Gun  fire... the  adults who ha d weapons     set up to  face the   opening, incase the park  started  to open.

   some 'normal' kids  were crying..  they were being hushed by parents..  the stem Kids   had   armed themselves with 'every day' weapons, like a metal bottle  or a   pencil...  Bug, who was   9..managed to  'steal"  the boot  knife  from a   civie  woman, and she   held it    low  as she crouched, having  done this in the Stem

  Score  and Lifter , only about a year younger..  had  Fashion d   slingshots and would  use balls of    play  putty covered  with flour.. to  aim at  anyone who stuck thier heads in

 Dice  was  hidden  by the door,,,he had  a baseball bat

 Canny  sat down by Roll and Haley.. she  broke  a candy bar into  3  parts   one bit for each.. she had  sharped a ruler , into a knife.

 Roll looked very sad, more then he was  scared...

Haley forces a light smile understanding the gesture.  in a low quiet voice she spoke"Iffen we have too...we can run to the farm...there sum things we can use there and places to hide.  these people are bad.  If we gang up might be better."
She was tired of being scared.  Yeah she knew she was little and didn't know a lot.  "I gots an idea...I think" She looked to the others from the stem "the ones wif the slink shots...I gonna point a targit out youse boff starts hitten him in day head and neck.  Iff we can blind him weeze can gang up on him.  Weeze can hits him with da pencils and knifes and things.  Roll weezecan den sneak behins and trips him.  and keeps beatin til he not move enny more." it was long but if 2 on one was good...4 or 5 on one was better. she said all that quietly.  there were lots of grown ups, so hopefully in the confusion her plan might work.  what ever went on she would face it with friends.

   Josephs position across from the parks entrance allowed him to shoot the Vampics who were bottle nacking against the Malitia in the back whittling away their reserves.  Clip after clip he emptied his pistols on them for a dozen shots then shifted to a slightly different position to repeat the process to reduce the chances of his being targeted.

  Nikki  wiggled into the elevator   with  6  heavy armoered  drop ship troopers...You Lost, Ma'am.... the Hanger  Dec   is   the way you came from...

  COPMs  came over  the  headsets...we have them... the first shuttle   has  been cast  away... no  survivors.....  with you folks comign   down  and  us  comign out.. the only thing they can do , is  kill as many of us   as they can before the  die.. lets make that list short.... No prisoners..they   entered our Flagship... you don't  come back from that...


 one of the troopers looked at Nikki,..like  we were taking   prisoners?.... not when they do this crap...

...………………...………...…….

 it was only a matter of time, or luck. that a vampic  would be lookign up  as   Joe Mac  did  his  Damage.. with a shout.. Vampic  RPGs   hissed   up  to  hit   near him...

 By  now the   drop ship troops from the Farm were    wheeling around the  Corner.. the   sounds of  heave  boots  from the rec  dec signaled the end of the Vampics.  The  flowed passed the  wounded   and Dying militia   firing at the Vampics  in the Open as they crossed to the shuttle..  every other  trooper  entered the  shuttle  and began to shoot  Vampics where they stood or sat..  4 of the Vampics  dropped thier  weapons  and were torn to bits... The   Fellow in the Fancy armor   was hit   in the chest  with  the butt  of  a SGT's  pulse.....you're in luck.. You get to go see   The Admiral...if you're  real   lucky.. you get to see the LC..he really likes  talking to bad guys..  Niki was  entering  with the troopers  from  the recDec  ramp as she  witnessed  Joe Mac  sandwiched between  two  explosions,, and the  SGT  decking    the Vampic  officer .. some   Civie bodie s  lay on the   park.. others   were fighting.. The Vampic  troopers   who seemed out matched  against drop ship troopers.. didn't seem to worried  about  civies.

===> from hangar dec
"Not going to the Hangar...I am going for blood if any civilian in the shelter is harmed." As soon as she saw the door open and explosions she darted out of the elevator to take some cover behind a trash bin.  Pulling her rifle up she steadied it on the bin and began firing at the vampics.  She dropped one right quick, not giving him a chance to surrender.  She could see Joseph and hoped he would be okay.  One near the bunker pulled a grenade.  What type didn't matter to her he was not getting a chance to throw it.  She shot him, sending 3 rounds into his upper chest area.  A few looked to be going to hide for cover.  Nikki was not going to have it.  These cretins she would hunt down like vermin.  Moving after the explosions she moved to get a better advantage along the raised area near the lift.  It allowed her a bit more of an advantage for visual sight, but on the flip it made her a bit more of a target.  Still with the other troopers she came with, they would have trouble for that as it would expose them more for another to shoot at.  She found a fresh target, she plucked him off with a head shot.  The fact he fell over a civilian ta=hat was already dead didn't hurt her none.  Several shots pinged near her though, recoiling a moment she looked for the source.  A ricochet did clip her in the thigh, but not enough to seriously slow her down, stung like hell though.  "Okay...someones gonna pay"
This message was last edited by the player at 03:35, Sat 20 July 2019.

  The explosions   went off    around    around  Joe Mac.

 weapons fired  started  to thin out the  Vampics, until there  were only a few.. two tried to fight to the last... and were Gunned  down.. the last on , A wounded Smithson  shot in the head.

 Only the Officer   remained alive

She carefully looked about to see if anymore were there "Get him secured.  get injured to the med dec" she gave an order.  The civvies in the bunker would be okay for the moment.  She ran over to where Joseph was.  practically jumping from the elevated area she was at.  being careful just in case, with her weapon at the ready.  "Any troopers left check the farm area and sweep the civvie area for intruders and wounded." She made pretty good time to Josephs side.  She looked for any serious wounds to dermafoam and keep him alive.  "Joseph?  You good?


in the bunker so far Haley could hear the combat noises lessen "I hope it means the good guys won" she said in a low and rather shaky voice.

  The 'lead' woman in the bucke rstood there  with a Pulse  Pistol.

  ..Right!..get ready... eithe r   the  Militia  is gonna open the door.. or the Bloodsuckers.. If you see  one of them..shoot them..

 Roll has    a tear rolling  down his Cheek......i want Jax  and Sneak..... he was shivering.. the other  Stem  kid s closed  around him. leaving   thie r'new Mommies  or daddies'  to be near him and Haley

Looked like Joseph was out cold but pretty much okay.  He might have some ringing in the ears from the explosions, but he wasn't going to die.  Nikki knocked hard on the bunker door before the others opened it when she moved over to it.  Just to be on the safe side she let the banging she did go through the metal in rythem.  Proof that even in the future and far from home the beat of 'shave and a haircut...two bits', can be of use.

Eventually secured Nikki had some troopers helping Joseph and others wounded when the bunker was secure enough to open.  Nikki practically bellowed into the bunker.  "Civvie Bunker ..Secured.  Place is a mess though" she said into her comm "A few wounded being taken to med area" she smiled as she saw Haley and Roll.
Haley calmed a bit when she heard the shave and haircut tune.  only an Earther would probably know it.  She looked at Roll "It's Nikki!" she smiled at him "Good Guys won!" She put her little knife away as a few of the adults began to move out The crayons and coloring book got dumped into the backpack at random.  With Roll she began to move towards Nikki who was telling the civvies to not wander about to far and be advised of fallen enemy, etc.  Crews would be there to clean up, etc.  After a moment she spotted Roll and Haley.  Both ere still shaking, but unharmed.  "Some how I knew you two would be together" She bent to a knee with her weapon shouldered and hugged both "Your Momma and Daddy are fine Roll" she said to him. She squeezed them both for a moment.

   As the Med techs   took a look at Joe Mach  and the others.   The Miliia  scanned the vampics      and  tossed them into a Pile  where the Nose of the  shuttle stuck through the Buildings . At least three  apartments  where    ruined … 6  civies  were  dead 5 wounded , including  Joe Mac  and   Smithson.

   There were  cries  of Anguish  when  some of those   from the bunker  found out thier loved ones had  died.

  Through it all... the Stem kids  were stoic.. they have seen  worse..

 Roll looked  at   Nikki.....i want Jax  and   Sneak...

"Okay...but they may be busy.  Stick with me for now.  You as well Haley" she said.  She walked with them back to the hangar dec.  Keeping a wary eye out as well.  She knew where Sneak was atleast and her thought was to leave them with her if she was amiable.  She got into the lift as they were bringing up Joseph.



===> Hangar Dec

Joseph limped over, his armor had taken the brunt of the damage but he had been slammed against a steel pipe and ribs were bruised if not cracked.



   Joseph claims two vampic pistols if he can.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:52, Mon 22 July 2019.

   Joe Mac  sees  there  are plenty  of  weapons  aorund..Though Smithson is   making sure they  will either be added to the   Civic militia  armory (  a  Metal shed  behind the school)..or sent to the   QM... he is  'looking the other way'  for  those who fought to claim weapons.

   He gets the guns and then visits the med deck, as I'm behind I won't RP it out unless asked by the GM.  Returning he rests in his apartment.

Melia had just gotten Orria ready for bed, when her comm starts buzzing with the SEC alert for the Officer Deck. From her current position she's about as far away from the alert as possible. She sends a comm text to the SEC channel, "Melia location civie deck.  Able to assist. Should I make my way up?" She quickly pulls on her standard pants and more suitable shirt clipping on her gun belt tossing on a comfortable pair of running shoes. Getting dressed in seconds.

  Nagy Voice  comes through the COMs...,,make your  way to the Rec Dec  El;evator..if  we need mor e ehlp you'll be the first one  in.. tell the Lift guards to  come up with you. if  we ping you

Sending a quick already done< she slips into Orria's room checking on her daughter, who has passed out from exhaustion. On Orria's nightstand is her sidearm. Melia looks at Cookie, "keep her safe" She says slipping out the door, and heading to the rec dec lift pulling a light armor vest on over her shirt.

Seeing the two lift guards she nods to them, "got some kind of disturbance happening on the Officers deck. We're to standby here, If I get a comm to come up we'll need you as well." She pats her medical pouch ensuring its secured, and then checks each of her two side arms that they're loaded and ready to go.

In many ways impatience got the best of Melia as she looked at the two troopers. "Stay alert the situation has passed but we dont know that the threat is completely eliminated. I'm going up. she says heading up the lift.

---Officers quarters--->

---Officers Quarters-->

Melia had gotten back from the incident and after a second on deliberation stripped out of her pants, boots, and bra and just slept in the clothes she'd been wearing.

Her alarm goes off too early. But she rises quickly and gets moving. Years of forced early rising and deliberate decisions regardless of sleep Melia would be up before 0630. She makes some quick on the go breakfast food as she let's Orria sleep. Taking a little extra time she preps a ESN uniform style dress and blouse  that has a place for her office insignia as official assistant and translator to Ambassador Shade.

Once complete there Melia starts going over and pressing and making any final adjustments to her marine uniform.

Wrapping up the prep she quietly wakes the Lonnox and takes it out to do its business before waking Orria up and sending her to shower and get ready.

Cleaned and ready Melia and Orria sit down to eat in their underwear/pjs to avoid making a mess on their send off attire.

---Melia from Obs Deck--->
--- Orria from Rec Deck--->

Melia and Orria both arrived home about the same time. Melia found she felt a lot better about the whole situation after talking with both Roy and Lizzy, but on the flip side still worried about what would happen between her and Zob, if everyone else had noticed it was likely he had as well. Plus she wasn't very sure where she even wanted her new connection/closer proximity to end up.

Orria was still a bit frustrated working through the problem that Beth had created on her vidboard but dutifully allowed Melia to get her ready for bed, and put the vidboard away for the night.

Once Orria was in bed Melia turned in herself.

---Next Morning---

Melia slept terribly, dreams nightmares absurd and otherwise plagued her sleep. They ranged from fears of her own feelings, fears of being close with Zob, then Lizzy and the others. Abandonment, hope, kindness followed by pain had all been part of her past. She woke up exhausted, telling herself as she splashed water on her face that her fears were unfounded. She'd been here long enough to know her Hermes family wouldn't abandon her she looks at the dark circles under her eyes and groans.

She still never did makeup. For balls and parties she got someone to do it for her. She pulls out a small dusty makeup kit. All cheap and poor quality, she tries a little concealer and some eye shadow, but doesn't really accomplish much other than making it clear she's wearing make up. Deciding its better than nothing at the moment. She gently wakes Orria, to get her ready for the day.

Deciding its a good day to get breakfast on the rec deck, she and Orria head up to the REC deck for breakfast. Terrible make up job and all.

--REC DEC--->
This message was last edited by the player at 22:45, Tue 13 Aug 2019.

<<<<<<< from party

  Shade  walks  Orria  Home.. they sit outside  the   apartment  ans   Shade    uses  his Vid Board, to show Orria examples  of  the types on connections   the COMs  need to make during  a battle.

Continuing with school and for the moment being watched by Toni and her family Haley continued to play, color, and learn.  She was worried about Nikki and all.  Through some small vids and comms of older kid, and Roll she could see how pretty Bura was.  she wanted to see the pretty flowers and all the green trees and things.  She hoped she would get to.

Still at the school Haley sat with Roll and a few others eating lunch.  After they would be allowed some time to play in the small playground there.  Chicken chunks with rice and broccoli, along with milk and some chopped up fruit and they got some ice cream too.  someone said they had some left over from a party.

 Roll looked  around a bit  as he  nibbled,some of the etachers  were talking... they said tomorrow.. we get to see grass and trees.. and animals... they  have it all with  no glass!

   Score and Lifter  were close,yeah?  Planets   don't need  glass and steels.. they have    sly to hold thier    stuff together..

Haley was eating half a chicken piece as she listened "Back on Earth we gots lotsa trees and aminals and things, Lotsa dirt, flowers, crops and stuff.  I hope they let us git to play and climb on them.  some better than jungle jims" she took another bit of the nugget thing and chewed it, then drank some milk.  "Nikki and Tonis papa helped me git some plants growin' on the farm below.  some purple melon things, and stuff.  Nikki says if my daddy can git here that I have some stuff to start a farm at one of the colon...col..?" she tried to remember the word "Oooooo...call...oh...knees" she pronounced it out.

  there is  a nod  as Roll keeps lookign around,..I have a new mommy , sort of.. the   vampic peole... they are nice to me... the little lizard thing is  funny.... I don't  know what  i would do if i saw my real mommy?..I don't even remember what she looked  like..Jax  and Sneak  were like  our  Mommy and Daddy...

 Lifter   giggles,..no..they were light  big brother  and sister.... I remeber  Sneak getting beaten because i lost  all the  creds i stole  from  that rich  guy..she  told the ganger that she  dropped  it in the tunnels... he made her  take   him into the tunnel... she  came back the next day.. the   ganger didn't... i think he got losted.

She ate some rice "Well...we are all here now.  Nikki I know gots lots of brothers and sisters.  Only gots her daddy back on Earth right now.  She says that family is who you care about.  Lots of folk lost parents and kids.  But, if you care aobut someone you got a family." she sipped some milk "So...Nikki is my family now, and sow are you guys" she gave them a kind of 'an there ain't nothin' you can do about it look'.

  Roll  munched on the last bit of his  food.well..if    we  go by that.. i got lots of brothers  and sister.... with Score, and Lifter  and Canny And Dice  and  Sneak and Jax....and.... you...

 and   Gregor?  he seems like he likes me...

 Dice came over  with Bug, he said,we  snuck  a look  at the Vids.. big battle going on  down  there... something about   the lizard guys  and Demons  and   bunch of  beetle things....

 Bug nods as she adds,... not very good   vids though.. too much  smoke..got to see   some stuff blow up though...Then the teachers  chased us away...

"Well, We ain't in the bunker and hadn't heard of any shuttle coming in in a hurry.  ThinK our family is winning?" she used the word family singular. She looked over at Bug and a few other older ones there.  She noticed one of the RedDec ladies came by with bowls of ice cream with different toppings, some a bit odd but smelled and tasted good.  She heard a mention that it was from a big party on Bura the night before.  Haley got one with some green syrup on it that had what looked like little seeds.  tasting a tad first it was yummy, tasted like cinnamon apples.

  Roll  took his  Bowl  and stared  down  at it, then up at the lady.

  go ahead?  that  red  stuff  is a bit  like cherry?.. but has another   sweet   taste  to it as well... we're supposed to get some of the Berries  that made that syrup, before  we lave Bura.

 Roll  took a taste,..it is good?   Thank you...this is way better then the Stem...

"Roll....you can try some of mine.  It tastes like apples and cinnamon" She was willing to trade if he liked "I guess Bura has lots of yummy things ta eat.  Maybe that's why a lot of farmers are going there" she thought.  She smiled at Roll and held her ice cream so he could taste.

   Roll  looked at hers,Ok?.. you taste mine  and I'll taste yours.. see which one we like  better..

 Lifter  Giggles,..I like them all.. we never had  any of this stuff..sometimes  we  might get  a melted  bowl of  reuglar Icecream from the  trash...

Haley continued with her schooling for the day, along side Roll and the other kids.  After school was done for the day many kids hung out on the playground.  Haley went with Toni to the farm.  before leaving she bit her lip a bit and since she hadn't seen Rolls new mommy and daddy she worked up some courage and asked if he would like to come with her and see the farm.  She knew he had never been there.  she could show him how to play and catch chickens and things.

 Roll  noded  a bit,I will  put  my Back  pack by our steps, Gregor  is  in the house..i don't  think we shoudl take him, he might  eat some animals  with out   Mortica to stop him..

 he puts his   thigns    by the door  and    is ready to follow  Haley to the  farm place

"Okay" she skips with Toni and follow her to the farm.  They wait a moment for Gregor to be made okay with food and water.  Haley asks if Toni can leave a note for Rolls momma and daddy.

<from farm.

  During the   night  Roll got up  and  sneaked a bit , to go out  and  scamper  down the street to   his  place .. he  opened the door  with the  key pad.. and  went it  to a happy  Gregor.

 he   went to the kitchen and  got  some of  the 'larg food"..he put it in the gamma wave  oven like he was Mortica  do... then  put the warm   meats and such  in a bowl for Greggor.. while Gregor ate, the little guy   climbed the stairs   to get clothes  for tomorrow  to take down. he had  his knife that Jax  had  gave him, clipping it on his belt.

when he came  down stairs.. he  put his bag by the door.. and crawled up on the couch..a little bit later  a  happy  LArg  came over   and  curled up  by him,,and started to  doze...as did Roll.

---hanger deck--->

From the hanger deck Melia got Orria ready for bed. The girl was assured she'd still get to do missions with Beth, but only if her grades stayed up in all subjects.

Once Orria was finally in bed and settled it was close to the two hours Zob had indicated maybe a little less but if she was gonna pull off the look in the mostly shear negligee it was probably better to do it while still arguably sane.

She pulls on a nice dress not too fancy after discovering that pants and the negligee didn't really work. She puts on just a bit of makeup, just a little foundation not really knowing what to add.

Satisfied she makes a few final adjustments and heads off to Zobs quarters wondering what he has in mind for dinner.

((after  Bura.. and  the next day ))

    Sneak stayed with Roll and Gregor over   night  at Roll's Place.  Jax, not  wanting to mess with  the people's  food,  brought  some  Rec Dec  Chicken and fries   with  some  reddish berry  pie...


  Roll was  happy, he   ate  got   cleaned up  and went to  bed.. Gregor    following him up the steps.

  Jax  left an hour later to go to his  quarters,  Sneak  stayed on the couch. With Mortica  on duty..somewhere.. and  The Vampic  pilot  missing. Sneak was  worried  about  Roll.

<=== Officers Quarters

With Haley and Morticia with her Nikki led them back to the civvie section, general chit chatting along the way.  Nikki told Morticia how The very clever Roll ran the tunnels and beat a snobby newbie in a hover chair.  It did cost him a bit but most of it was already replaced save for cookies, which Nikki promised to replace with some homemade cookies.  Talking Morticia offered the use of their kitchen and Nikki offered to show her how to make the Toffeedoodles.  That way anytime Roll or her would like the sweet, she could make them.  Their first stop would be the largest civilian store, the local grocery store.  Way smaller than those on Earth Nikki thought, but they only had so much room.  You were not going to find 30 brands of peanut butter, just two varieties - smooth or crunchy.  No butcher, but there was an area that had packaged meats.  To Nikki it was just a large Bodega style store, but it did fit the bill.  A handbasket of items later they were checking out, plus a small treat for Haley of an extra chocolate bar.  "Now that we know where this is Haley...we can get a few other things for midnight snacks and such" she said to the girl.  She paid for the ingredients and supplies.
Haley smiled and just thought of the chocolate bar.
The trio then began making their way to Morticias.

In the kitchen of Morticas apartment, which was rather spacious compared to how She and Haley lived, but being from rather poor and large families it is what was.  Nikki talked with Morticia on how to make the cookies and all.  She let Haley sit and watch a vid on one of Morticas desktops while eating her candybar.  They talked of things a human boy would need and how he was doing.  one thing Nikki suggested as she cracked an egg was telling him bed time stories.  She explained sometimes getting a youngster of Rolls age to sleep can be difficult.  A good tactic to use was singing a soft song or reading a story.  Of course one of Haleys favorites was 'Stony the Pony', and living on a farm with his friends.  They laughed a bit as some flour wafted up like a mini volcanic cloud from the mixing bowl.  She had Morticia chop the candy into smaller pieces as Nikki added the spices.  Each ingredient Nikki recorded for her incase they wanted to make more for Roll.  There was a lull where Morticia admitted her worry about Viktor.  Nikki talked her though that to being less melancholy, and told her that if there were problems she would be happy to look after Roll and Gregor too.  Of how both kids seemed to have taken a shine to each other.  Or perhaps if needing a sitter talking to Sneak.  She was of an age she was when she began babysitting.  Soon the cookies were made and baking in the oven.  Both Nikki and Morticia were in the kitchen sipping warm teas and talking of caring for the kids.  As they spoke Morticia received a call to talk with someone in SEC.  Moments later she would leave for that.  The baked cookies and Haley went with Nikki.  On a few plates were most of the cookies, a few more were cooling on Morticas table.  Nikki said she would give Roll a big kiss when she saw him.  Right now he was probably on the Hangar dec with Jax and Shadow.  Later they would be on the RecDec and give him the cookies.  Going their separate ways Mortica going hers and Nikki and Haley going back to their billet.

===> Officers Quarters

The day had been very long, Melia for her part hadn't realized how much work it was to shuttle around an kid Orria's age, on top of her normal duties all while "training" her daughter. It'd been rough but Melia had done it.

Now with her kit prepped and ready, and her daughter outfitted for the next day they were working in the house ensuring everything was put away and secure, as was the SOP for approaching a new planet. Especially where they were rumors of fleet action and a jump off. There was setting up to board Cookie the Lonnox in Dr. Christie's lab with a technician that had gone well enough. The lonnox was enough of a well known face in the labs that he was nearly always welcome. There was ensuring the dishes were done, and put away. Toys were cleaned up, and containers were sealed. No one wanted to come back to a destroyed or flooded house if they could help it.

Melia could tell Orria was flagging and running out of juice but the little girl kept pushing on.

Finally they were done, it was late. Melia sighed as she sat down and ordered some Chinese food to be delivered from the Rec Deck, and even paid a double tip before the order arrived.

It didn't take long but in that time Orria had been showered and readied for bed.

Sitting down to eat Melia smiled at her daughter. "Orria sweetie, you did good today. You can help Beth when missions happen. I don't want any more of this nonsense from you about fighting at school. So tell me when is it okay to fight?"

Orria smiled tiredly. "Only if someone hurts me or is hurting others, or if we are fighting bad guys." She replies, and then takes a bite.

With a semi-full mouth she adds, "Can get purple hair, and be like Ms Beth? I wanted skin like Shades, but I saw on my vidboard you either have to be from Uden, or have lots of tattoos done, and I don't like needles..."

Melia chuckles a little, "Maybe, I'll tell you what. If you a super helpful to Beth the next time you help her I'll talk to her and see if she thinks the work you've done is worth special hair."

Finally when the meal is done Melia tosses out the trash and sees Orria off to bed, "Mommy, are you going to see Mr. Zob tonight?" Orria asks as she's being tucked in. Apparently Melia hadn't been quite as sneaky as she'd thought.

"I don't know baby, it's been a long day and I'm tired. Plus I don't know if he's busy right now... why do you ask?" Melia replies...

"I like Mr. Zob, he's nice. I think he makes you happy... Are you going to marry him, and make him.... my daddy... Ithinnnwanta....brrru.thrr...." Orria responds her drowsiness getting the best of her as she slips off to sleep.

A whirlwind of strange feelings washes over Melia, fear, a weird fuzzy happiness, terror, uncertainty.... She leans over and kisses Orria's head saying nothing as she heads down to the kitchen and the coffee maker.

She taps out a quick messsage on her comms not selecting a recipient.... her finger hovers over Zob's name... then shifts and taps Lizzy's...

Help I need someone I'm at my home..."  She takes a cup of coffee and sits sipping on it staring out a window with her comm in front of her in a daze.

Melia continues to sit and sip coffee. She didn't know how to think about the questions Orria had asked, she didn't know how to answer her daughter.

She had enjoyed the relationship so far. It'd been... a lot more physical than she'd ever been with a man, woman, or anyone else for that matter since she was a young adult setting off to see all of earth.

A few years ago if asked if she wanted kids she'd have frozen up and likely collapsed or fled in terror. Now She had a daughter. She'd thought she'd never get close to a man, but then there was Hunter who put cracks in that wall, and now Zob.

Could she marry someone. Zob had mentioned possibly going back to Hel or leading the Demon remnant after the war.... Was that something she could do... she didn't know...

Kids... that was a doozy, she wasn't sure that she could have kids... At the lab on earth when the med techs and Doctors were poking and prodding her they'd determined that she wasn't compatible with human DNA anymore... She'd been unable to become pregnant via demon before that... but the universe was strange... at the moment the thoughts of being used as a human incubator in the lab surfaced and she shuddered.

It'd be a lot longer before she decided to get pregnant if it was even possible biologically at all for her, she was for all intents and purposes a lab built genetic Frankenstein's monster...

She didn't notice her coffee had gotten cold as a few confused tears rolled down her cheek.

Zob had been all comfy in bed and didint wanna get up until a Lonnox started pawing at him in a attempt to wake him up, "Alright, alright I'm getting up..." he gave the creature a pat on the head and got up to get cleaned up and get his dress suit in order he didint wanna be late after all.

The trio and larg pup made it.  As Roll changed Nikki corrected a few things on her uniform.
Once dressed, with a bit of help they made way to the hangar for a send off

In reply to Zobaich (msg # 89):

Melia had curled up close to Zob snuggling him, the extra body heat felt good on the new tight tissue from the dermafoam. Things were definitely feeling better. She groaned as Zob climbed out of bed, not in any sort of pain, but rather just expressing her disapproval of losing the body heat and the comfort of snuggling. Still it was as good a time as any, plus Orria needed to get up as well. She stretched a little feeling the hint of tightness of the new tissue, she was better, but she'd still likely get yelled at for working out or hitting the tunnels, but send off was okay, as  was shore leave.

---Medlab--->

Hawkeye wandered in from her quarters with Rolf, there was something she wanted to look into, finding one of the civies she asks who is in charge of renting out space of a non-residential variety in the section. She's intent on starting her hobby up, but is trying to keep it out of her small quarters, and to give time away from the medlab.

 Smithson..who was..more or leas the  'mayor' of the civiue section was pointed out to them.. one of the building that was damaged when the Vampics  rammed them the  last time, was only  rebuilt, in aprt.. with one  floor  and the 'basement'.. the top of the   1st floor  was eleved  off  and used    as a Calfe'  for preople  to sit  and   eat and  drink, though the first floor  would  be  rented out.

Hawkeye looked over the building, "I just need water, power and climate control and a little storage space. The building itself doesn't need any fancy finishes or anything like that. I plan on mainly using the space as a hobby workshop that might produce a little income, how much does it rent for?" She asks through explanation.

 Smithson  shrugs,..because of the  table s and stuff  , abover the  first floor.. and the fact there  are  only the three  rooms  downstairs and the basement..or sorts... it  goes  for  300 Creds a month... If you would   sub let.. that's  up to you..aslong  as I get the 300 creds every month... hal;f  goes to the ship..half  goes the  the Civiesection.

Hawkeye nods, I can pay the first two months now if you'd prefer." She says ready to offer her wrist to be scanned if Smithson agrees to the payment.

  Smithson got out his  Vidboard, and  had her  sign the  Vid Board, before he scanned  ger  wrist.

  ..if you change  your  mind, you'll get  a bit  back from whatever month you quit in?...

"Thanks, though with a little luck I won't have to stop." She says with a small grin signing the pad and allowing the scan to happen to pay. Going over in her head what she needs to start things off. She knew how to build both a simple tower still, good for simple grain alcohol that can be in turn made into gin or vodka and a pot still wouldn't be that difficult to build either. Her grandfather had liked to tinker with stills and had taught her how to build them, before he'd died. She'd put the knowledge to good use while overseas on earth as a medical resident on the battle field in the middle east. Turns out the oil lords might have shunned alcohol consumption, but having something that could make vodka, gin, the base for liqueurs and when tuned right also a pure alcohol for antiseptic uses was really handy.

The trick now would be to procure the parts to make what her granddaddy had called a hybrid still. A still that blended the best of both the traditional pot stills, and the more recent tower stills. It wasn't quite as good as either individually but it'd give her something to play with that had a range of capabilities. Other than that would be procuring grain and the other ingredients necessary.  For the grains she had an idea for a starting point. About 100lbs of grain should do the trick and barring any mistakes should allow her to make maybe 10 bottles to start, though really anticipating failure she was already supposing she'd only end up with about 5 bottles. Still time would tell.

With everything completed she decided it was time to head down planet side, see what should acquire there.

---Calamite--->

----> From Calimite and Hanger Dec

After spending most of the day out with Hoke having a good time getting to know his loader he decided it was time to head on back home to relax upon entering the home he shot a message to Melia letting her know he went back home and was greeted by the Lynox creature which he gave a gentle pat on the head before dropping his stuff off in the bedroom and getting clothes together for a shower.

After a good while of getting cleaned up he got dressed and made his way out to the living room and turned on the vid screen and caught the news cast of that Wendy woman which prompted a disgusted shake of his head before turning the vid screen off it wouldn't suprise him any if she was a EDT sympathiser but that was out of his hands as far as he was concerned, instead he  decided to spend his time more productively enjoying a smokewood cigar and cleaning the DT5 which he was glad to have as the trusty sidearm has served him well ever since picking it up on Fuji.

---Calamite--->

Melia arrived back while Zob was cleaning the DT-5 Orria in tow. She'd grabbed a pizza from the Rec Dec on her way back, sliding it onto the table for Zob and Orria to dig into, and sliding over to Zob to give him a kiss, feeling a little romantic and silly. "I brought some pizza." She said, dropping her bag in it's usual spot. "How was shore leave?" She asks.

Orria looks up from her new vid board, "It was fun. I went with Shade and Mr. Shadow and Mr. SGT MAJ Spencer to a fancy food place. The food was tasty, then Shade and I walked around and looked at stuff. He got me this new Vid board, it's really good. I'll be able to help Ms. Beth a lot with it." She says showing them the vid board where she currently has the settings open and is fiddling with the different features on the board, configuring it the way she wants.

Zob stopped cleaning for a moment and returned her kiss before assembling the parts back together, "My shore leave was rather uneventful tried to spend some time getting to know my new loader but hes very pessimistic and does not think he will live past the next mission... and with that attitude i'm inclined to agree" he said rather bluntly knowing full well he did what he could.

Zob then moved the handgun back to its holster and went for a slice of pizza as he responded to Orria, "A lot smarter then me thats for damn certain, i know how to change the channel on the vid screen and thats about it" he laughs a bit.

With the joke aside he turned to Melia, "So what did you do?"

I wound up going with Harry, and Billie that new pilot and a few others to see the Dra Dra races, then we grabbed food and did a bit of shopping. Really didn't see anything I was interested in buy. Well maybe if he makes the next one the mental anesthesia we all develop will kick in, and he'll come around." She says summing up her leave adventures.

After finishing off another slice of pizza he shrugged slightly, "We can only hope... Heard Harry got into a little trouble the other day with Sec don't know what about but it seems the situation has resolved itself?" he said with a slight shrug, "Also what is a Dra Dra?"

"Yeah, I don't know. She didn't really talk about it and I didn't pry. All I know is I suspect that Abby had something to do with it, something happened, and that's about it. I was curious but now I'm not sure I want to know." She says with a slight sigh reaching for another slice of the pizza.

"Orria sweetie, bedtime. Log off for the night please." She says to Orria who'd stopped eating pizza and had gone back to the new vidboard. Orria frowned disappointed but eventually closed down her vidboard and put it away and headed to clean up for bed.

(Next day)

Zob despite his best efforts was having trouble getting out of bed he was just so comfortable but as he turned and notices the yellow light come on he got up rather quickly, "Ship just went into alert... we need to get up" he then began to get dressed and gather his equipment.

Melia had likewise had been lounging comfortably. She had been mostly asleep, just drifting until Zob made the announcement snapping her to full consciousness. "Never a dull day in paradise." She comments just a little bit wryly as she notes the yellow marker also on her comm. Opening her comm she also sees the ALCON message from the SGT MAJ. It was a good thing, and might finally do some good across the fleets as far as the Largs were concerned.

Message read she slipped out of bed to wake Orria. "I'll start some coffee," she said as she heads down the hall.

Zob chuckled as he sat on the edge of the bed pulling his pants on, "only Angels live in paradise" he said jokingly as he slipped on his shirt and put on his weapon belt, "I'll be out there to help you set up breakfast, it's good to see that Largs will get out of the hands of those stupid Nivarians"

"Yeah that's a big relief. I'm glad to see the change getting made. Larry's got a lot going for him, changing how his species interacts with people." She says coming out with a slightly groggy Orria who finds a spot at the table and sits down.

"Dishes please Orria." She says reaching for a pair of coffee mugs, and the pot of fresh coffee. Then moves to preparing a glass of juice for Orria, who'd unhappily moved to set plates and silverware on the table.

Working rather quickly Melia sets to work preparing food for the three of them. Eggs, Toast are quickly started as well.

---Lightly Flexed---
---From Medlab--->
Having received the 2 large spare pressure cookers and with all the other materials she needed on hand Hawkeye set to work measuring and drilling the correct holes and fitting the piping together for first the tower still. Figuring she'd give Nikki a chance to chime in on the pot still. Some old ducting serves as the tower itself and the copper and some other tubing she'd acquired are used to create the various trays. She works carefully to avoid wasting any materials. Really the tower is the easiest to use, she'd used glass fractal distillation towers in school while studying medicine, this was little different only metal and designed to process much larger volumes. With the trays made, and the parts cut she decides to end for the night she sends a text to Nikki, "Hey, I got all the parts in and started working on building the tower for the first still. Got parts to make a pot still if you want to take a crack at it I'll be here all day tomorrow if you want to stop by." She sends before returning to the medlab, Rolf and her bed.

---Medlab--->

Sob set about helping Melia with getting breakfast made he glanced over to Orria, "Still excited about that new vid board?" He asked as he set the orange juice next to her at the table and poured the coffee.

Orria nodded, still a little bit tired. "If we're on alert can I go and help Shade and Ms. Beth?" She asks, with a spark of the energy young children are somehow magically able to muster after much too little sleep, but promised with excitement.

Melia glanced over her shoulder, "Ask Shade if he will need your help first. If he says no then ask Beth. Remember you're Shade's assistant first. If he doesn't know ask Ms. Beth where she thinks you'll be able to help the best okay, and remember she might tell you to sleep some more then come up and then help her. If she does we'll do that it's important to be well rested so you can do the best job possible okay. Also if you're helping Shade and we get into a battle I want you to go where Beth is working. Shade is a SEC trooper and will be doing his job keeping boarders out. You're not big enough yet for that kind of work, and you'll be able to help Shade better if you can help Beth."

Orria nods accepting the ruling and sends a message to Shade, asking if he needs her help and if she should go to his location.  While she sends her message Melia plates the food and sets it on the table. "Alright lets eat, then I'm going to take some time to do a thorough Precombat Check on my gear. Before I head down to check in at the Medlab and SEC."

Orria would recive a COM Text from Shade, saying he is unsure where he will be... He would COM her   as soon as he finds out what his Battle  Station would be.

Shade says, he doesn't know where he'll be so he's going to let me know." Orria says out loud relaying the message she'd received.

Okay then sweetie, go ahead and ask Beth where she thinks you'd be the most helpful and get your stuff together." Melia replies as she works on adding a bit of oil to the bolt and carrier on her carbine, as she works through her gear."

Orria nods in acknowledgement and begins tapping out a message to Beth, the runs to her room and pull out her "battle kit"

----From Hanger Deck--->

Arriving back at their home Melia had managed to magically lose almost all her gear and some of her clothing before the door even closed, and had near climbed up Zob while passionately kissing him her body pressed against his the raw passionate need filling her. To say she was rather.... hot under the collar was an understatement of the highest level.

Orria wasn't likely to come back since she was with Shade and would message with where she was going. So she figured there'd be some warning. Until then all Melia really cared about and needed was a surface of sufficient strength to hold their combined weight, and Zob.

<== Rec Dec

Area was still a bit of a mess but was being cleaned up pretty much.  She went to the small market and found the paper copy of the Hermes newsletter Shadow talked about.  Indeed there was Roll and Haley, both looking like royalty.  Nikki immediately snapped up 4-5 copies and paid for them.  Smiling she walked off with her treasures.

===> Rec Dec

Zob wasted no time embracing her and giving in to his primal desires and after what seemed like a eternity of lovemaking and a broken kitchen table he had collapsed on the couch.

Melia's comm went off announcing that Orria was on her way back, Melia groaned as she woke up quickly having fallen asleep cuddling with Zob in the after glow, completely devoid of clothes. "Shit" Orria's on her way back from the rec deck, she says she's tired. "Hey you, we gotta get up get decent and clean up a bit." She says poking Zob eyeing the broken table warily suddenly becoming aware of how sticky and sweaty she felt after the combination of an invasion and a marathon love making session. The shower could wait, clothes couldn't and neither could clean up. Not knowing how far away Orria was she grabbed most her clothes and gear in her arms and heading for the bedroom where a bathrobe and some shorts awaited her allowing her to clean up.

When Melia got up and told him Orria was on her way back home he cursed to himself as he shot up off the couch and grabbed his stuff and bolted into the bedroom after her where he vastly began to get dressed, "How do we explain the table?" He asked curiously wondering if she had a good excuse.

Melia shrugged, "Uhh we don't unless she asks then say someone tripped and fell on it?" she says, suddenly uncertain.

She managed to get most of the smaller pieces moved off to the side for clean up after the battle, when Orria arrived.

It was still a few hours before the next kickoff and so she got Orria settled for a nap. With little fuss managing to bustle Orria past the table without comment.

Once clean up was complete she also settled in for another short nap.

About an hour before the scheduled time she woke up and took a quick rinse, rousing Orria and ensuring Zob was awake, not that she was worried. She smiled a bit wryly at a few of the hickies, and marks on her body, but wasn't concerned the boarding armor would cover it up. Then she regeared up and ensured Orria was ready before heading down to the hanger deck.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:29, Mon 22 June 2020.

---From Rec Dec--->

Melia arrived at the civie section exhausted, fed and well just kinda done with the day. "Let's just start working out the details tomorrow, heck maybe we just go the long engagement and plan a big shindig in the radioactive ashes of Hel once it's all said and done as a big fuck you to the ghosts of all the assholes who didn't believe we'd make it."

Orria was trudging ahead of Melia and looked back, "Why is it okay if Shade and you say that, but I get in trouble."

Melia sighed, "Sometimes its okay to say words like that. They have meaning, if you say them too much they loose a lot of that meaning. I say them when I have strong feelings about something. Shadow does as well. Shade is Shadow's son and their rules and relationship is different than ours. You're a smart girl, how about this. Each word you want to know you look up its meaning where it comes from, and then how people use it as a bad word, and when it's okay to say it. For each word you do that for I'll let you use it when appropriate. No just saying it to say it, okay."  She was partly motivated by not wanting Orria to swear at everything, but also knew between herself, the fact that Orria lived on a warship, and well the ability of children to rebel, she was likely to be fighting a losing battle. At the very least Orria would know the meaning of the words. If she got excessive then further limits would be set.

She yawned, "Come on you, time for bed, we have a send off tomorrow." She says leading Orria to her room. When she remembers Orria's battlefield promotion to yeoman. At least the QM had her measures from the armor vests and other bits and pieces.

Once Orria was sent to bed she stops by where Zob was doing his thing. "Hey I need to call QM and see if they can whip up a uniform for Orria for tomorrow. She got that battlefield promotion, and needs a uniform, I'll be right back."

Calling up the QM, "Hey QM, I know it's late this is Melia. Any chance you could help me out?"

  PO  rike here..ok?   it says here.. Yeoman... we haven't  had a yeoman since the hermes cast off!..so?.. they are   right unde PO's?... now?  we have a   Tunic for  her  with her Ambassador's   insignia  one with the  crossed feathers.. we can  and the  lighting Bolts
 for COMs..you have to ask the SM about SEC..i'm not touching that!.

Anyway , we can have slacks  ready to go with this tunic.. then work on proper ones    on our way to Everest.

Melia considered it for a moment, "yeah add the comm bolts or if you can run it one feather one lightning bolt showing she's got a joint berth as both an official aide, and as a communications yeoman. We'll not bother with SEC insignia unless the SGT MAJ or Shadow decide to make that a thing." She said hoping to make it easy.

 Rike   answered,..sounds  good..just  don't  let  Orria  gain more the  50 pouns  before  morning.. i won't be able to have her fit then!

Melia chuckled a little, well she is a growing girl, but we'll see about skipping breakfast. Thanks I'll swing by first thing. To pick it up. If I tried to come down now I'd likely fall asleep  on the elevator. I'll see yall bright and early. she says with yawn.

In reply to Melia Kristensen (msg # 120):

(Flex)

Zob chuckled at the statement, "I think it just be best if we start planning things tomorrow then" he then went over and put some of his clothes away but kept the DT5 with him at all time it had become his go to sidearm for just about all situations.

After putting clothes away and Melia done with her chat with the QM he turned to her, "Maris took part in the demon loyalty ceremony... a practice that's strictly forbidden among the old guard for this he will die a death so painful his soul will scream in the nine hells for the rest of existence"

"What an utter bastard. Glad he'll be gone. What about that other demon general, are they going to execute him with Maris?" She asks a bit oblivious to Zob's conenction with the General, and the agreement that was reached at the dinner.

---Jump to Morning---

Melia wakes after way  too little sleep a condition that she'd become used too after years of not sleeping and brews a pot of coffee tossing on PT uniform grabbign her side arm and knife. She runs down and collects Orria's uniform from the QM, and brings it back setting to work getting it pressed and prepped just right. Orria would have to learn about the basics of uniform care eventually but immediately before a send off was not that time.

Once back she grabbed a cup of coffee to keep her company as she got dressed as was her norm she selected the stiff necked Marine Corps uniform with the naval insignia signifying her dual status. Donning a ceremonial belt with her hard ammo .45, and her preferred knife she set her small fancy medical bag and cleaned up carbine next to the door after quick changing the standard retaining strap for bright white one that matched the uniform. While fancy it was all function, and none of the weapons were in any way ceremonial much like a facade covers a functional front of a building.

One ready she sets to work getting Orria into the Navy uniform with her Yeoman's branch insignia showing the feathers and lightning bolts, and her rank showing Yeoman Seaman Recruit (YNSR E-1) rank. For the limited amount of sleep Orria was beaming excitedly, ready to don her sidearm and knife and show off her new official uniform.

Once they were ready to go they joined Zob heading for the Hanger Deck.

----Hanger Deck--->

Hawkeye had grabbed a breakfast burrito to go, and was down in her shop tinkering with the first still. It was nearly complete. She sent off a quick com text Nikki, "Hey working on the last bits of the tower hybrid still, that offer still stands if you wanna try and throw together a pot still. I got all the materials you'll need and a promise to return the tool set to the forge guys some time before the next battle. I figure if things go we'll I'll be ready to start the first batch tonight."

Message sent she sets back to work getting the last pieces together, and ensuring there was no leaks or holes in the piping or equipment.

Though she had run a lot today already she was at a jog now.  To the small coffee shop.  Once there she ordered 2 of her favorite coffee drinks (Coffee mocha latte with a double shot of a nutty syrup from Bura, topped with something called whipped mallow creme brulee and a bit of a chocolate syrup and more of the nutty syrup as well and a small red fruit called a 'marachino').  It had the interesting name 'choco-nut blaster'.  She paid for both with a smile to the waitress behind the counter and left to go back to the RecDec.

With the leak test complete and the Udenese botannicals suitable "dried" out she sets to work mixing the must using the small restaurant sized stove to heat the grain and water mix to the correct temperature necessary for a nice quick pure alcohol.

Nikki walked up "Sorry about that...got hung up" she smiled looking at the work already done.  The set up was nice she thought.  "Depending on the herb grains....might wanna think about making that condensing tube a bit longer.  Give it a chance to 'mellow out' a bit more" She went over the different components "Copper is good, but the first batch you might wanna give a test run first, it could pick up some bitter after notes" All in all she was impressed so far.  She looked for the heating source.  the boiler, making sure it would e stable and not an explosion waiting to happen.  "Looks like your leak test was good, and your heat test too" She noticed the grains and moved to sniff them.  "Now...If I remember my Papaws rules the grain alcohol we need to create boils at 173 farenheit.  To low you get Methanol, to high you get isopropyl alcohol, neither of those is really safe to drink.  Water boils at 212 Farenheit.  So to make it heat to the right temp we need the compressor to help make the water boil quicker" And she noted the compressor and checked it over.  "Other thing we need is to turn the dried herb grains into a suitable mash.  got another large bowl or basin?"

"Not my first rodeo here cowboy." she says with a chuckle. "Save those aromatics first batch is gonna be bathtub gin with a taste of Uden. From there we'll dip into whiskey." she says making some adjustments to the mash. "theres parts for a second pot style still to go with the more heavily tower influenced hybrid. Hoping to get a strong first batch out and set it to be ready before our last night at Everest. From there tweak things and start to make various different things."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:37, Thu 06 Aug 2020.

"Okay...lets get it started" She rubbed her hands together

After a little while the mash was ready to go into the still, the botannical bundle was ready to be placed under the column allowing the vapors to pass through it collecting the flavors, and it was time to let the still do it's work. "Alright, everything looks set. All that's left is a little babysitting, until we're sure it's stable, and then let her rip along. Until we get through the foreshots and heads we'll be onto the main event." She set the "burner" to the correct temperature to prevent producing the wrong alcohols, "So before we hit the 173 sweet spot, a little trick I picked up on my first still is run it at around 168 until it stops producing, usually about 10 minutes. Anything produced there is the foreshots and heads, that way we don't lose anything when we start to get to the good stuff." She says making an adjustment.


"Once we get this going we can start putting that pot still together, for a batch of jet fuel, or your grandfathers recipe whichever you prefer." She says with a grin.

  Mitch sat and  watched. He wasn't  an idiot, he knew what it was...this legal?.... I mean... it would be a hellava way to end a career if it isn't?

 he would help  if they asked him, stay out of the way , when the didn't

Hawkeye grins, "It's not illegal if you don't get caught... She grins conspiratorially, "but yes it's legal so long as we're not abusing it or giving it to kids. If we produce a good enough product it's something that can be sold at the pulse or in the various establishment on ship. It's a hobby that with a little luck can sustain itself and produce something that can be enjoyed by others" She said by way of explanation.

she grinned "Anything worth doing right takes time, but Oh....Makes it so much sweeter"

The run of the still had gone about as planned for a first run. There were adjustments to be made to be sure, but the hearts were drinkable, and even better than that they were good enough to share after an additional round of botannicals and dilution first.

In the end after an early morning bottling they'd come away with 38 bottles of 500ml each. It wasn't the maximum capacity for the still, but a worthwhile start. With a bit more work they'd get the volumue up probably another 7-12 bottles depending on the grains and other factors.

She wiped a little sweat off her brow, as they finished the last bottle of Naval Strength Gin. "Gotta say, this would have been a right chore without the extra set of hands." She counted the bottles one more time, "Alright so we owe three bottles one to forge guys, one to rec dec lead, and one to QM. They set us up with a lot of the materials at a major discount for a taste of the first run. There's definitely gonna be a dress up affair, as well as parties at Shadow and Hacks condos, its a safe bet. I say we bring 5 to whatever ball, and 5 bottles to the parties. Let people try our Udenese Gin. We gift a bottle to Hack, Shadow, and the Everest Station Commander, plus each take 1 personal bottle, for posterity. That's 18 bottles right there. Giving us twenty remaining to decide whatever else to do with them. Whatcha think?" She asks reaching for a rag to dry her hands, looking rather proudly over the finished product.

"Other than that's we need a name, I'm thinking something like "Tip of the Spear Distillery" then we can do liquor lines named after ourselves or others on board. Say like "Screaming Banshee Whiskey," and "Old Doc Potter's Gin," or we could do "Admiral's Naval Strength Gin." Still working on that, a little" she says finishing her thoughts.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:26, Tue 11 Aug 2020.

"Well...If there is not a problem...I'll take one.  I'd like to keep as a momento." she said as she counted the bottles off.  "How about 'Pan's Elixir'?  Being this is Hermes, after a Greek God.  If I recall my mytology ....he had a son named Pan.  And this drink is made from parts of Hermes" Nikki suggested.

----> From Hanger Dec

After arriving home he found the large crate of goods he purchased back on Everest waiting for him, he picked it up and brought it inside sitting it down in the spare bedroom then hopping into the shower to get cleaned up for the upcoming after party.

(A Few minutes later)

After the shower he got dressed in his SEC uniform and took a seat on the couch in the living room where he reached into a drawer next to the lamp and pulled out his pipe and a bit of smokewood and enjoyed a well needed smoke, 'Your days are numbered Qer... I'm coming for you'

----Hanger Deck---->

Melia came in from the Hanger Deck a very sleepy Orria in tow, this after party was just not going to happen for the sleep deprived little girl. Who was doing her best impression of one of the inflatable returning punching bags, bobbing from one side to another as she fought to stay awake. Melia sighed shaking her head. There was no arguing. Orria had been crucial to helping smooth communications between Shade and the team, and for that she'd stayed up long hours and forgone rest. A better solution had to be found, but for now it was time for Orria to rest.

Once she was in bed, and tucked in Melia saw to prying herself out of her armor, down to her jumpsuit which she tied the arms around her waist leaving her in a sweaty tank top on the top. She wanders out into the living area tucking a hair whisp behind her ear, and notes Zob on the couch with his pipe.

She plops into a seat next to him, "Shit hole of a planet Roussia." she says with a sigh reclining into the couch.

Zob leaned back on the couch as he took a long drag from the pipe, "Far as I'm concerned the planet should of been blasted into space dust... guess i can take comfort in knowing that the 'fly' has been thoroughly swatted"

Zob then pointed off towards the spare bedroom, "I picked up a hookah and a bunch of angel herbs as well as smokewood its all in the box in there so feel free to indulge whenever you desire"

"yeah those tar creatures were almost like out of some of those retro horror video games some folks I knew growing up were into. But, on the bright side using them allowed the Roussian leader to build their own funeral pyre's" She said with a tired chuckle at her own pun.

Zob gave her a awkward look, "I don't think I've ever played a video game now that I think about it, so should we head up to the after party or do you wanna just hang out here for the evening?"

Melia shrugged, "Like as not the party is already well and going. Orria's down for the night, I could use a bite so why not. Worst case we grab something to eat, and head back if things are already winding down. Maybe after if we're up for it we test out the hookah." she says with a small smile.

Zob finished what was left in the pipe and set it off to the side before standing up and securing his weapon belt, "Well I'm ready when you are" when she was ready they would head up to the after party.

Melia nods, not bothering to freshen up. She was tired, and after the time on the planet didn't care, everyone had been dirty and gross. At least her uniform she'd been wearing hadn't gotten too slimed.

--Rec Dec-->

----> From Rec Dec

After returning home he smiled at Melia and headed into the spare bedroom and took out a box of smokewood and the beautiful Sanri silver hookah and began to set it up for both of them, once finished however he handed her the hose, "You first" he said his arm wrapped around her as they sat back on the couch.

 Cookie  worked his way down the  steps   and   curled up on the   floor  by them. The Civie  street was gettign quiet as  people settled into their homes... the Bunker stayed open though, just in case.

Back in her class room Haley quietly went through her lessons and practice spelling.  She was happy her teacher was nice and made learning fun. then they had to make a crayon picture.  making lines and passes of waxy bright colors learning what colors made other colors such as red and yellow making orange where they overlapped, which would become purples and greens when they used blue.  but learned orange and purple just made an ugly brown color.  then after all than the colors were covered by all black.  Haley was not sure what this was all about, and unsure.  Then her teacher showed them something marvelous.  they were given a stylus or fancy non-writing pen and told to press a bit hard and draw on the black.  She looked not understanding at first ,but then decided to draw a tree. after a moment or two she smiled, she got it.  the stylus removed the black and left lines of the bright colors come through.  This was so cool she thought.  It took a bit of time but when done her masterpiece was a tree, a fence, and two cows, round blobs as clouds and a sun.  with two stik figures nearby....her and Nikki.

Haley worked on some simple adding and subtracting math.  She did okay, but for some reason the '4's' gave her some trouble.  she tried doing it like Nikki showed her doing her home work, even on word problems.  Like she cared Sally and Billy had apples and oranges anyhow.  She didn't know them so why she care how many they had.  Still she kept working the 20 problems on the screen.  Then they got to go play a bit for a morning recess.  She got to swing for a bit and go down the small slide atleast twice, so was all good.

Haley ate lunch from the rec dec that was delivered.  After lunch there was some history to learn.  This time it was something about a man named Christopher Columbus, a sailor.  After that it was the meaning and how to spell 10 different words.  Soon though the school day was done as the bell rang for her classroom.  She gathered her things and put them into her backpack, then heading out.

<=== Rec Dec
Nikki waited on a bench just off the school playground.  In less than 5 minutes their bell sounded for release.2-3 minutes late the kids came running out.  A few stopped to play for a bit.  A pair of boys started to have a heated discussion.  From what she heard it was about who their mother liked best, and one being adopted.  Eventually Haley skipped out and and saw Nikki.  she waved and headed over.  "Hi Nikki" she said as they hugged.
"Punkin'.  We gotta go see Roll and Doc christie right now" she replied.
"Sumthin' wrong?  Not in trouble am I?"
"No..But Doc Christie wants to talk to you about cat-snakes"
Haley knew both Nikki an Doctor Christie said they were dangerous, so she figured it was to tell her 'don't mess with'.  It made her a bit sad, it would show in her voice.  "Oh.  Okay"
Both began walking to the lift.

===> Dr. Christies lab

<<<< Shadow and Roll from Hanger Dec.

   They walked down the ramp into the Civi sectiom...people were trimmomg yhr   grass and trees of the  park. loading them onto  hover  carts to take down to the Farm  for mulch or  feed..  Kids  were  playign  , Some  stopped  and  stared at Shadow  and Roll as they walked  down the street to Roll's  Home, some of the woamne   brushed   hair  back   of straightedn  a  dress or  shirt, and smiled abit, Shadow  waved at them.

 going up the steps , Roll fished out his key card...when a stern Voice said.....You There!..Roll!.. I have to speak to  your parents...you haven't been in school for a while...

 Go inside Roll?   get a shower and a change of clothing, put  your  dirty stuff in the laundry bins... I'll be  in , in a Minute.

 There a problem , Ma'am?

 I need to see that child's parents..he hasn't been  and school..and if his parents  are not here, he can't be living there alone...

 ..Frist off...Ma;am.. the  kid doesn't have parents, they were  either  eaten or  sold off, or they left the kid  behind. The woman who adopted him, is  on a mission...He has plenty of people watching out for him..so.....just back off that whole line of questions...

 what about school?..He should be learning...

 I agree there?..but...he has to feel like he belongs there....he lived his whole life in The Stem?... could you have  down that until you were   7 or 8?

 She oepned her brief case....when he does  come to school.... look what he draws in art class....

 oh..wow? those  are Damn good largs... this one  is gregor.... this one is  Larry  and..

 don't you see?..he's fixated of these creatures.... he should be drawing other things....

 Like ...what?

 Trees.. Birds...houses....

 the only trees the Stem kids have see is  the ones on a carrier station that are planted to help the  environment, or  on the Mountain..... they have never seen a House..and very few birds....When they went to Bura, it was  like they were transported to a magical world....

 ..now.. as to why he  is fixated  on  Largs?.. His best friend  is a little Larg..aa beat up lab pup, so they had alot  in common.... the Bigger ones?..Larry , Freddie   and tess... treat him like they treat the rest of us... you might want to laugh at that 'cadet Largmaster' on his  tunic..but , that's what he is.

 She looked   taken aback  and   Shadow started  in again...let me take your Kid?... drop her in Everest's Stem..or Etna, and  we'll come back  in a year..how well  would  she adapt?

 So...Ms Teacher Lady?.... why don't you regroup.... take the ruler out of your ass, and figure out how to include  ..ALL..the kids, and let them enjoy thier  strengths , and work on thier weaknesses....because... everytime this Boat is  boarded, and you and the others   are under the park..that little guy is standing guard on the Hanger  Dec, with , whichever largs  are with behind...when you think about that..drawing a damn tree doesn't seem so important...

 She was  shocked, embarrassed and angry...what would you know!..you were a guttersnipe, if the stories  are true...

 damn right i was... My parents struggled after  the company my Mom worked for was  torn down to lay the Hermes Keel.......we struggles.. but  i made it out..So  did Admiral Roles..and   LT Morrow... we all went to the academy..we  all graded out  in the  top 5%...Admiral Role  saved The Hermes... beth has  saved us more times  then anyone on this ship can count...and not a damn person knows.....and me?.. I kill stuff..so? I think i'm doing ok...and you know what?...none of us were ever asked to draw a gods be damned tree at the academy.

 The  woman stomped off..Shadow could  hear some gigglign  coming  from Roll's upstairs room, but pretend  not to hear it  as he  sat on the stomp watchign the kids,, someof the young marrieds   with little ones, some of the older  folks who were trying to 'spruce up ' the place. But he watched the kids.. the older one  who he knew were not Stem kids...they looked at him and  talked between themselves... Stem kids would see  him and wave.., He made sure to wave  back

  Roll Came out the door, free clothes  all washed up, his  backpack with him.

  everything straightened up?.... clothes in the Landry bin?

  Roll  thought for a moment, then ran  back in, and a few minutes later came out..I made sure the bathroom was  cleaned up...

  Ok, Lets go to the Rec dec   and wait for Nikki, then i have to  do some stuff on the hanger Dec,

 Roll Nodded and they began to walk, one of the Older  Kids  came over, Civie  Kid.Hey!  Shadow! why you  hanging with the twerp?

 That's...MR  Shadow, or LC to you...KID., You're in luck? you get to have a Life lesson right now....depending on how much  you learn from it  , could  change your whole life..

  The Kid  gave  Shadow a  smart assed sneer.

 There was the kid in New York... his mom, once a week , takes him to this nice playground, about  10 blocks  form thier   neighborhood...  The  Mom would go to a store there to get  stuff for  them to  eat for  supper, and let her Kid play....some of the Kids there?  they didn't like this  kid..little, older clothes... they would  pick on him, hit  him, push him around...It got to the point where the kid told his Mom, "i don't want to go there"... His Mom says," you need to ..you need to show people you belong.."

 The   kid stood  with his smartassed look, his  Buddies  behind him a few steps  laughing, what they didn't notice  , were 6  or so  'Stem Kids',  closing in on the area.

 ..so this Kid?..he  decides, he's going to make  a difference..right? Some Little girl gets pushed down by the trouble makers..and he  goes  running over and tries to tackle   the kid who pushed her... these bully types?.. were about  5-6 years older then him.. they beat the heck out of the Kid.... Kid's mom sees  him crying , sitting in the mulch, the  little girl  sitting next to him..the little girl tells the Mom what happened.. the Mom  just nods, and they go home.

 The Next time.... the  bullies  are at it  again, another Little  boy is  pushed around, a toy stole from him.. the kid  rushes  in, gets beat up again..The Mom comes back  and see the other  little boy and His Mom , and they tell her what happens

 this goes on for  a month or  so.... and then the  Kid wizens  up....This  time, a little Girl is pushed  around  and is  crying...alot of the Kids looked to this kid, but he doesn't do anything .... not right away. He waits, the bullies  think 'the kid has learned his lesson'..Until one of them  are Up on the Sliding Board, and this    kid runs over   climbs up  and  Pushed Him ff.. then  jumps on him from the top...the bully got a broken leg, and the Kid  still kept punching him...the bullies buddies  tried to help, but all these little kids   swarmed around  them and they  Ran....a policemen came and  called the    ambulance.. no one  said  a thing about what happened....The Bullies  never came to that playground again...

 Then Shadows  eyes  shift to the Stem kids  who had gathered around...You might have lived here for a long time, or think you are  better  then some of the kids, because you have a pair  of parents.....but take a look around.... Those  kids looking at you and your Buddies?...They had to kill people, to save thier friends...or to save thier lives? So..mr wise=assed kid...think about this...This lesson i just gave you? there is only two grades...pass...or fail...and you damn well, don't want to fail.

 The  three  older  kids moved off, Shadow  grinned at the stem Kids...Go ask your parents, if its ok, meet me on the Rec dec...  stem kids took off  in all directions... Roll was laughing..

 Did you know that kid you talked about?

 yeah... he and I  were pretty close...

 Roll  to  REC DEC>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:44, Tue 23 Mar 2021.

<=== from Rec Dec and short stop in Officers Quarters

Haley had some of her things and schoolwork in her backpack, including one of her stuffed toys.  She skipped along with Nikki and Roll back towards his home after stopping at the Bodega grocery store.  Haley thought it was cool.  Apparently it was open nearly all the time so people working odd hours could shop too.  They took a bit of time and got some things Roll could easily make or heat up.  She bought a few things to make breakfast.  Then they headed to Mortica and Rolls place.
Once there roll let them in.  She looked about and the place was rather clean, but could use a bit more.  She knew kids did not always have eyesight for dirt and grime.  She tossed out a few spoiled things.  Nikki explained that eating such could make him sick.  Then began putting the groceries away.  She had Haley sit at the breakfast bar and do her homework.  She helped Roll to and how to make at least nutritious foods, and the hows and whys of what could go in the gamma wave.  She managed to skillfully get Roll to read a few things like 'toast' setting so he could make toast or something else warm.  He had juice and milk and explain expiration dates on things.  She got him peanut butter and bread, some honey.  If anything she explained that he could make toast with peanut butter and honey.  give him protein and some carbs for energy. There was butter and she told him about buttered toast with cinnamon and sugar.  She sat things on the counter or in lower cabinets so he could reach and got down some light weight plates so he didn't have to climb, explaining he could get hurt.  Tomorrow morning instead of the fluffy pancakes she'd show him how to make a monster eye so he could make it by himself or for someone else.  She showed him how to safely clean the bathroom and kitchen, and the difference between 'dirty', 'filthy', and 'messy' was.  She was sure Sneak helped him already know but it never hurt to go over things.  Haley would occasionally ask a question on her homework or about the housework.  Eventually their evening began to wind down.  schoolwork done, cleaning done and groceries away Nikki got them all dressed for bed  They watched a few cartoons as Nikki set up a bed on the couch and a chair.  After cartoons she noticed a few yawns and got them all to bed.  Roll in his own bed and tucked in, and he was nearly out by the time his head was on the pillow.  she kissed his forehead and smiled.  Haley being as small as she was slept in the chair.  It was comfy enough for her as her head was on one arm, feet dangling off the other and her stuffed toy under her arm.  She too got tucked in and a kiss on the cheek good night.  Nikki did a final check and went to bed on the sofa.  Her comm set for the morning to get them up and getting going.  Night was gonna be long.

Nikki had been up and in uniform for a bit and made breakfast.  She'd laid the kids clothes out and made breakfast.  Roll woke up first and had  gotten dressed.  He was smiling as he sat down for breakfast.  Nikki let him make his own..at least part of it.  She woke Haley up and helped get her ready, she asked what she wanted. and the consensus turned to be peanut butter on toast with milk and fruit. they were about half though and Nikki folded up the linen on the couch and chair when Shadows call came across.  "Crap!  Well you two, looks like we gotta eat on the run" the paper towels came out and a very quick clean up.  Grabbing their backpack and duffles they were out the door and at the lift with their breakfasts in less than 5.  Nikkis duffle had her gear and such, having brought it and a change of clothing just in case not being in her quarters.  She checked them in the lift to see that they had everything, plus she dressed as she could.  "When we get there you two scoot towards Sneak, okay?" she said.

===> Hangar dec

  Roll went to bed after  watching   an episode of Captain Lighting.  when he  woke up, he washed up, gathers some things into his back pack.

 he  drank a Glass of  Juice and Loked at the clock, he would wait a  few Minutes  before heading to the lab , to make sure folks were already working there.

A bit before school would start Nikki knocked on Rolls door. "Morning Sunshine.  I came to make you some breakfast before you go.  Won't take long" she aid when he answered "Did you sleep well?" she smiled at him.
 Haley waved.

  he Opened the Door  and  let them in. yeah?  kinda  quiet, but   i fell asleep watching a Captain Lighting  show, I was Just gonna go to the Lab to see what Doc henry wants to do with me an' school?  But i wanna make sure  every one is woked up...

"Well...It's still a bit early.  I'll Make you both a breakfast" she gestured them back into Rolls home, smiling.

Once in she had both sit and they chatted as Nikki made big huge fluffy pancakes and warm syrup.  They were so big and tall one was enough to fill each kid, and even Nikki.  plus she added acrambled eggs and bacon on the side.  Also milk as well.  "Milk is very good for you Roll, helps your bones grow strong"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6rWDnqeKR8
This message was last edited by the player at 17:59, Wed 21 Apr 2021.

  Roll  tried to cut the  pancake, he looked at Nikki.Aren't they supposed ta be flat?  this is  big!... he managed to  tear of a  bit with his  fork and  ate it,  then worked on some of the egs , ebfore trying again.

"They're called souffle pancakes.  big and fluffy.  If you cant them flatter, I can do that too.  same pancakes..just fluffier" She decided to help them with cutting them up so syrup didn't go everywhere.  She sat with them and ate hers then "If you want another I can make you that too.  Make flatter if you like too.  just thought you would enjoy it as a treat"

  he  watched her   cut them , while saying,They are good, just big! We always hadda  eat fast, and its  hard to eat big stuff fast...

  eating the pancake  after it was chopped up a bit, he said,I think Doc henry might try to tech me and Can?..but if he  doesn't wanna, I might try school one more time, Mr Shadow talked  about  bully people and  there's  some of  my pack in school..so..i might be ok..'cept  the pack help with mean teachers...

"Well...I can always help you Roll.  I do for Haley.  and go slow with it to help you understand it better.  plus a few tricks I was taught in school" she smiled  "If there was a problem...I wish you'd have told me sooner.  But we can get a start on it now."
Haley got a bit of syrup on her tights.  "Oops!"
"Nikki to the rescue!" She went and got a damp towel and cleaned up the spot.  Nikki finished her meal and stood up and moved to clean the dirtied dishes and set them to air dry.  "Roll, would you like me to make you some dinner tonight?  I can make a lot of things.  Spaghetti, chicken, chili dogs even.  Whatever you'd like"

  Listening to Nikki, Roll gave a bit of a shrug.,,I don't know?.. I mean, school would be  good, i guess...but then i'd have less time to help with the Largs...but it might be good , so  Doc henry won't be bothered too much...

 ..I will see what time i get done  'Larg training"...but you take care of your  stuff  first?..I can get by on my own?... its safer here , then the  Stem

"I know Roll.  and I know you can take care of your self too.  I just know at times there will be times you will need help" She said as she gathered the kids dishes.  "Okay you want to try school one more time?  I can let Doctor Henry know and if it doesn't work he can make arrangements" she asked Roll.

Roll looked out at the street as if remembering, and said,I guess i could ..find out if  the etacher will be nicer after talkign to Mr Shadow...

"It could not hurt.  Tell you what We'll go to Drop you and Haley at the school...I can let Doctor Henry know.  I have to practice at the SIMs, but what I can do is check in on you both at lunch time.  and if you are not happy I'll take you to Doctor Henry then.  He can arrange to see if you can go to school remotely then... is that alright?" she asked having cleaned up the place a bit.
Haley moved to gather her things after washing her face.  "We can play on the swings and stuff" being little and a girl, swings were always fun.  She had Roll grab his backpack with his things as well and began to usher them off to the school "Make sure you have your card and ID" she reminded him, just in case so he would not be locked out.

  Roll nods,  I have  my stuff in  my 'death' packet that inside by uniform  pocket, 'case i get killed so's  people know who i am...

  Helping clean up , Roll  got his backpack.I have been reading  some of the school books sometimes..mostlt  history and about  space and  aniamls..the math is harder, cause   i don't know if its  right.. I used Jelly-bean things to   count nimbers  with..it seems to work out?  But i don't know  for sure.

Nikki lead both to the school just in time for the warning bell.  Walking in to the room they both shared she found their teacher.  As the room filled she spoke with the teacher about bullying. and what was going to happen if Roll felt unsafe or agitated.  Then she gave both kids a big hug, leaving the woman a bit flabbergasted.  After leaving she commed Doctor Henry about Roll and school.

Haley and Roll were in class when the alarms began .  It was only a warning so they still continued their lessons at the moment working on spelling.  Haley knew things like cat, dog, and many 3-4 letter words.  Longer ones were harder at times.  She looked at the booklet they had.  there was a circle with 2 arrows on it with 'CL_CK'. Next to it was a picture of a chicken with 'CL_CK'.  And 3 sets each of four words to put the correct vowels in, plus 2 more with the same 'CL_CK'. One of an old styled writing pen and another with 2 erasers smacking together.  She could tell Roll wanted to run to be with the largs. She hoped he would stay for a bit atleast perhaps the warning and lights would go away, Still incase they had to run she put what she was not using in her bag.  Many other kids did too if they needed to go to the safety bunker.

 When the Yellow  lights  went on, Roll became visibly  anxious..and lost all thought of  what he was to eb  doing.

 Roll!... you need to  take your seat and do your  work.

 But..i haveta  help get the Largs  ready, the Yellow light is on!

 I am quite  certain the Hermes  can manage  with out one little boy and his pet lizard..

 he's  NOT  a Lizard, he's  a Larg!, an' i havta  help  Dinsa  , Puskie and  Doc henry get them ready...an' i have ta see who is goign to be on the  Hanger Dec with me'cause i have to watch the Largs there!

  marking his page  he  put the book in his backpack  and  stood up.

 sit  down!

 One of the older Bullies said, You heard the teacher.... sit  down..

 Roll  got mad    and    ran towards the  door, the Bully tripped him and he  fell the kids  all laughed, and the  teacher  just watched with a smile...until


 The  little  Guy got up, swung his  back pack and  caught the   bully in the belly, the older  Kid  bent over in pain and  surprise  and Roll Hit him hit the Nose with his head... The teacher  shouted  at Roll as the Bully rolled on the floor  and the little   Stem kid ran for the door, one of the Bully's buddies tried to stop him , but Grip  tackled Him  and  Duck , who was 10 tackled  another one who tried to get out of his  seat.

 The Teacher was calling SEC and Runner opened the door  for Roll then  stood  by the  door   with his back hunched  and ready, his arms  out....Roll has a Job ta do..and  The pack ain't  going to let you stop him..

 Roll ran  with his back pack out of the school heading to the far end of the  Civie section to get to the ramp way leading up.

Haley looked at the confusion going on.  Grabbed her bag and book and moved to follow Roll, kicking the bully in the knee as hard as she could and ran out after Roll.  "Roll, wait up!" she said.

  Roll was   running as best as his legs  could  carry him. The Tunnels  runs, and chasing after largs in fields was  paying Off.

  Runner  Let the  Door op[en  for Haley to   Follow, the Broken nose  kind was crying and holding his face.

 another   regular Civie  Girl  went   and  Hit   Duck to get him of   the Bullies  Buddy, the Buddy ran for the    Door  and Runner    Just slammed into him with his  best shoudler tackle.

 some kids  ran to the back of the room the Teacher  was   calling for SEC  again and again.

Watcher  Hit the Girl who hit  Duck, then hit her again, then once more  until she was on the floor  crying.

 Casey, grip, Catcher, and Parrot stood  by the  Door  , while  Runner  and his  new 'buddy' rolled on the floor, with  Runner  Hitting the kid  3 times for every time the kid hit him once.

 Roll  slowed  down  as he looked  around  as most grow ups  started to run to the school..The Little Larg Master  waved  Haley  to hurry up...

-------> From Rec Dec

Zob wasn't all that concerned to be quite frank it wasn't like anyone running had anywhere to really go but still he made his way down the ramp and glanced around for the runaway kid before spotting what he was certain was Roll, "Larg master Roll stop running we need to talk..." he said trying to be civil about the situation.

  Roll looked  Up at  Zob, he loked at  Harry, then back to Zob.I...I  need to get to the hanger  Dec  and  watch  the largs  when the  jump off starts..

 He  kept lookign behind Him  , Some   Civies were reaching the  school  and Haely was almsoy up to them

Zob nodded and knelled down a bit to be a tad bit more on his level, "It hasn't started yet Roll but will escort you down to the hanger dec in a few moments here... but first you are gonna need to tell me what happened first" Zob was not upset and he respected Roll but he still had a job to do and right now that required getting some answers.

 Roll looked around as Haley  stopped, there were angry voices way down the other ned by the school.

 Well?  we just finished  some kinda  number  test..and the lights  went on. so i know i haveta  get to the  Hanger  Dec  to watch over gregor  and whatever other largs  are left behind to portect the ship.

 So?  I got my  back pack and went to  go, and the  teacher said  'no'..and one of the guys who pick on me tripped me... he got  a bit shakey as his  eyebrows   form a V.......everyone laughed  and  I hit him with my back pack, and busted  his  nose with my head, Then..my Pack  helped  keep the bullies  buddies  away from me so's i could escape..and ..I guess Haley to...

Haley caught up just as Zob caught up she was breathing hard and shaking a bit.  In a shaky quiet voice she said "It's true Mr. Zob.  He's suppozta go to Dr. Christie.  I ran with him after a big bully tried to beat Roll up"
This message was last edited by the player at 02:25, Fri 30 Apr 2021.

Nikki arrived at the school and apparently there was something of a cattiwampus going on.  She finally found Roll and Haleys teacher "What in thunderation is going on?" trying not to swear in front of kids "Where are Roll and Haley?" she demanded.

  Roll Nodded to Zob and began to wal towards the ramp, but turned to say to Zob.Don't  let them punish my pack, they were just helpin' me  get to do my job...

 he waved for Haley to follow

 as they neared the Schol The Stem kids were being lined  up, they looked mad, Only runner had  any marks on him, The two bullies who took the hits, the 'leader' had the broken nose blood  all over his face well his Mom was bitching like a mad woman... the other  kid had two black eyes  and split lips from Runner  beating the 9 hells out of him. His  Dad was Pointing at Runner and   sayign  he should be  tossed off the ship...Runners   adopted  Dad was  trying to get information.

 Mrs Carlowe was ranting  about this being  all  Roll's  fault.

Zob turned back and spoke up loudly, "You can go but only under Lynch's escort, if you leave without one i will have no choice but to detain you both until your guardian arrives... do i make myself clear?" he said making sure Roll and Haley both understood.

He then turned to Harry, "Please escort those two down to the hanger dec to meet up with Dr Christie im gonna go deal with the school house mess"

He then made his way down the street towards the school house.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:50, Fri 30 Apr 2021.

Not able to understand the conversation Nikki hit a very high note until everyone shut up.  quite a few had their hands over their ears.  When they began to quiet down she began speaking as Zob approached "I DON'T KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON, BUT YELLIN' IS NOT GOING TO HELP, NOR ARE THREATS!  SEC WILL TALK WITH EACH IN TURN.  FOLLOW THEIR INSTRUCTIONS.  YOU HAVE A PROBLEM WITH ROLL' ... YOU COME SEE ME!  ASK FOR RUTLEDGE" She stared the one man threatening to toss Roll out an airlock.  Her voice was loud and authoritative like a drill sergeants.  Anyone even moving a mouth to speak was automatically going yo be hit in the lower sternum (if it was a kid it would be their father), she just was not having it right now.

Zob approached and put up his hands for Nikki to calm down, "Ms Rutledge im gonna have to ask you to calm down here and let me do my job, if your looking for Haley and Roll they are being brought down to the hanger dec to meet up with Dr Christie... just please let Sec handle this" he asked her in a calm and collected manner then made a motion to the others that he would be with them in a moment.

 Mrs Carlowe snapped,..that..that Roll child.. he started it, he broke  Young Horce's  nose!

 Runner  snapped,..that's cause he tripped him and  made  fun of him when he fell..

 The  father  pointed at Runner....you busted  up Pete's face!

 Runner snapped  again,..his fault!.. I warned them..no one messes with  one of our pack!.... Roll is gonna be  on the hanger  dec, while  we're all hiding in that hole!.. all of you..Just like us stem kids..hiding in a hole ..

Pete's father took a step towards  Runner,  grip  and  Lifter  stepped up.

Zob stepped up and pushed Pete's Father back in line when it looked like he was about to get aggressive, "You lay a hand on any kid here and ill pound your damn face in... now let me do my gods be damned job"

Zob then turned to Mrs Carlowe, "So let me get this straight, Roll broke the kids nose cause he was defending himself from Horce when he tripped him and humiliated him... then so Runner then rushed to his friends aid and attacked Horce who instigated the fight?" Zob asked giving a slight nod of his head showing he just wasn't buying the bullshit.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:44, Fri 30 Apr 2021.

  Mrs Carlowe  tried to   be stern, That Roll person was leavign , and i was not about to let him go...Horace stood up to help keep him in his chair, and stripped him, that's when   Roll hit him with his backpack and slammed his  head into His Nose... pete tried to stop him, But  Runner  tackled  him and they began to fight, then the rest of the....stem...kids  gathered by the door  so no one  could go after  Young Roll

 Runner  said ..Roll Broke Horace's Nose.. I broke Pete's face...

 The father   took  a step towards   Runner  who didn't look the least worried  a man was   threatening him. None of the  Stem kids   did... Watcher said,..none of them treat us well..but  we get treated better then Roll...maybe Horace  won't mess with roll no more...

Nikki w3as going to leave to catch Roll and Haley when 'Petes' father threatened children.  instead she stepped in front of Lifter and Runner. Her voice was calm, but deadly serious as she stared at him  "Knock it off.  You're not helping anyone or the situation"

Zob nodded, "Mrs Carlowe Roll has explicit permission by the ships security detail during times of urgency to work side by side with Dr Christie in managing the Larg's for combat... neither Horace or Pete here had authority to try and stop Roll. even if Roll wasn't given explicit consent to leave that's your job to enforce it not the children's if he leaves the school house it then becomes our job"

he said harshly before turning his attention to the fathers, "Next time your children start causing problems here, im gonna hold you all personally accountable and assign you all trash detail on the Rec Dec... now take your kids to the med lab quickly and have them slap some derma plast on him and fix his nose then get ready to get in the bunker" he then made a gesture for the fathers and his kids to move along, "Now Runner and the rest of you go and get prepared to enter the bunker, Roll is in good hands"
This message was last edited by the player at 04:45, Fri 30 Apr 2021.

Nikki looked at Zob a second and spoke still looking at Petes dad.  "Sgt. Zob, a bit of information here.  Roll did have permission to leave if he needed to.  Also I was coming to retrieve Roll.  The instructor and these other young boys seem to want to have prevented that" she stated.  She clasped Lifter on the shoulder "Also...Mrs. arlowe should figure out what happened to Haley" from which no one said anything.  she then nodded at Zob and began to leave as she had been instructed to.  stopping only for to pick up the meals on rec dec.

  Mrs Carlowe, frowned at Zob, she tried to hold herself  'high' , but it was clear she was intimidated  by Zob, and a bot  by  Nikki snapping out.

 what do we  do  with these...these..Stem kids....

 Runners    new Dad  pushed through the crowd, ( making sure he  bumped  Pete's dad...)all i know is... every Stem kid that goes to school here is treated differant, then the   regular colonists. and that's not how it should be...I think, when we get to Etna, we  need to  find a new teacher, or at lest ...another ..teacher who will treat the kids  equally . As far as the Bullies? I think they are gettign taught thier lessons...

 Carlowe protested,..you dare!, i treat these kids very well...and we have to remember, the Stem kids might have killed people  before they got here!

 Runner snorts,..that's right....we just might have....

Anyone who was watching could see Zob's facial features begin to shift from the calm demeanor to something far more sinister, "We do... NOTHING!" he shouted the words boomed like a gunshot across the area causing the people around him to visibly recoil and rightly so, "You girl" he pointed to one of the non stem kids, "Does your teacher here treat you differently then the Stem kids? and don't lie" he awaited a response.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:16, Fri 30 Apr 2021.

  The Girl looked  around  some of the other regular Civies  looked at her, parents with frowns or stern looks, A few more of the  Adopted  parents had  showed up, Migrating to  the side of the  grass where the stem kids  are.

 Casey  a 6 year old  stem kid gets  a reassuring arm on her shoulder, Runner's  new Dad  stood next to him.

 The Girl looked at Casey, then to  Carlowe  who was staring, sternly  , at her... Then she said in a small Voice.....yes....if we ask questions, or make  Mistake. Mrs  Carlowe  will help us or Nancy  The helper lady will... If one of the new kids has a problem, she just tels them to 'ask their parents"

 Casey is my friend.... Horace and  his buddies  pick on  Roll,'cause his  mommy  isn't here... They got scared  when  The pilot guy was here...The new kids stick up for each other, and   teacher doesn't like that...

 there where Murmurs  from the  crowd, Casey had  tears    in her eyes  as she loked at Carlowe  who was now, very angry.

 Horace's  dad  speaks up...what about our boys!... they got  hurt!

 Runner snarls,..they started  it... you hurt one of us...  you get back.. you saw what happened  when they had to fight kids   who weren't Little... and Roll gave Horace the   red nose, if you ask me?... Horace  and his  2 buddies might even be EDT!


 Smithson was   walkign as  fast as he could towards  the   crowd, he had been in the farm area   helping secure the  crops  and animals for battle.

 what the 9 hells is going on!
 lots of   grumbles and shouts  both ways  after that.

Zob turned to Horace's dad, "Your kids were hurt cause they instigated a fight and got bested when others didn't back down to their bullying... consider it a lesson and teach your kids some respect"

When Smithson arrived he shook his hand, "Fight broke out here at the school house due to a pair of trouble making boys due to bullying and now about to write up Mrs Carlowe for active discriminatory abuse against the children" he explained to Smithson as a new found parent aboard the ship he couldn't tolerate this.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:42, Fri 30 Apr 2021.

  Smithson looked at Mrs  Carlowe.is this true!..what have you done!

 Carlowe   looked worried,..nothing!.. its these...these....stem..kids.... they have been nothing but  trouble.... That 'Roll' child started it  all, by causing a distrubance as he tried to leave on some, fanciful  story of him being needed on the  Hanger Dec!

 Runner  spoke up once more,..he is needed up there!...You ask    Doc  Henry!, Or  Shadow, or the two yellow guys who work with the Largs!

 Nancy  , meekly   slipped through the  crowd  from her space at the  school steps...The Stem kids, do have it  harder here.... The regular colonists  are treated better, which is odd, concisdering, some of the co,onists  adopted the  stem kids.... Roll, is  quiet, he tires hard,  and   I try to work with  him and the others  when Mrs  Carlowe  is  heping the others...

 you little tramp!.. I'll make sure you never work in a school again!

Zob took note, "He was given permission by security to leave when needed to assist with Dr Henry Christie and you have no authority to stop him, by doing so you are actively interfering with security operations which is grounds for detainment at minimum and now ill see it that you are brought up on charges of discriminatory abuse... against children"

 Smithson looks to Zob, ..i guess the bottom line  to this, is  who deals with this?  SEC or  do  I and the  Civie  council  deal with it

 Carlowe looked surprised,you...you can't  be  seirous!

The Stem  Kids  looked towards Zob and  Smithson.

  Horace's  father  exclaimed ,what about  our kids, they are hurt, and the Stem kids  aren't  even bruised...

 Runner  snapped,..that's because  we are Punk assed... he stoped when his  adopted Dad  elbowed him.

 The Dad said,..these kids have  lived  in tin cans all thier lives..maybe you and yours  should put off   when we get to Etna, find some jobs there...

Zob checked his com unit for a moment before responding, "I leave the long term punishment of the situation in your hands Smithson but at minimum she will no longer teach on this ship again or be in any position that involves children of any race or gender understood?"

  Carlowe said... you can't do that!

 Smithson    looks around at  all the Civies,..if you want, you can take it up with the provosts, but for now..school is over, start to   prepare for   combat....

 SGT, Thank you...  If i have  any problems   i'll call  SEC...

 Runner holds up his hand,..Horace and His   buddies  need to apologize to Roll....

 what!.. he  broke my kid's nose!

 Runner  sneered,so he got his ass kicked by a kid  less then half his age?.... If he didn't pick on him, his nose is  still the same shape, insend of lookign like a Mull!

Zob then moved in and ushered the father to move along, "There will be time for apologizes after, will be entering combat soon now get moving along!" and once the father moved along he turned to Runners father, "You shouldn't have much trouble with this anymore going forward but if you do don't hesitate to call" he then turned to Runner, "Fight just enough to make a point but do not kill anyone if possible unless its our enemy, i don't wanna see you take a walk out the static field understood?"

 Runner nods to Zob,..you bet... but, after the talk  the LC had with Roll and the Bullies? There is no way the Pack is letting them pick on any of us any more... we belong here  as much as they do..we  paid our price to get here.

 Runner's  new  dad clapped him on the shoudler as he said to the Stem kids,find you moms and Dads and get ready...

 Carlowe  was near  to having a breakdown. as  she  reneterted to school to get her  things. Smithson looks at Nancy,..you'll handle the  teaching, Until we  get to Etna  and see if there is a teacher looking to ship out of Etna... I suggest you do some   Vid-classes, so you can move up the ladder.

With the situation resolved Zob headed back home to grab his equipment and suited up after loading up his weapons and making sure everything was in place he began to head back out the door as he reached for the door he stopped and looked at the end table and smiled at the picture of Melia and Orria next to the lamp before heading out the door making his way down to the hanger dec.

-----> To hanger dec

---> Rec Dec

Following Zob down from the rec dec, they would arrive at the school to find Roll and Haley hurrying away with some kind of disturbance taking place as what appeared to be teachers and parents arguing. Truth be told she really didn't give a shit whether Roll was on the hangar dec or not with her viewing the whole Larg Master thing as a joke that had gone too far.

After getting the low down from Roll as to what had happened, Harry would be told to escort Roll and Haley to the hangar dec and left in the care of Dr Christie, with Zob meanwhile going to defuse the situation taking place outside of the school "Sure, because I just love kids" Harry replied with just a hint of sarcasm before signalling for Haley and Roll to follow "Right you two, let's get going and no dawdling" she said in a weary voice before heading in the direction of the hangar.

Harry would wait until they were away form the school before she started to speak to the pair in a calm if firm voice, clearly annoyed by the situation "you know you fuc...messed up right? There's a right way and a wrong way of doing things and what you just did was the wrong thing to do...if you're going to insist in being in the military then you need to learn to follow orders, and yeah I appreciate the irony of me telling you this, and that means doing what your teacher tells you even if you don't like it, is that understood?" she said, just a little pissed off that she was having to give the kid a talk that he should have had from his mother "...next time the lights start going you put your hand up and ask to be excused and if she says no you sit there and you do your work, that way when someone comes to fetch you she's the one that gets in trouble rather that you and your friends, also I'll see about getting you a note" she said, again wondering why nobody had considered something as simple as writing the poor kid a note explaining that he was permitted to leave school to take care of the largs...unless of course it really was just a joke that had gone too far?

When they arrived at the lift Harry would punch in the numbers for the hangar dec and wait for the doors to open before quietly adding "oh and one more thing...good job on breaking that kids nose, I bloody hate bullies" she said flashing him a quick grin before ushering her two charges into the lift.

---> Hangar Dec

 Roll   nodded at Harry   with a bit of a smile  as she mentioned  breaking the kids nose.I learned that from a  Story   Mr Shadow   told  about a kid in new York he knew... is new york another  station ?

 he was  quiet a bit as he thought......did you mess up too?... I guess  lotsa  us mess up...  then he added,..Nikki or Doc henry was  'posed to get me, at lunch time?..but the   lightscame  on, and  i didn't know how soon they would need me.. they don't let us  little guys have COMs.... he looked   as the doors  as the lift began to move down, he still had some of Horace's   blood on his  forehead.

"They's warnin' lights Roll.  That is what Nikki called them.  meaning everyone gots to get ready for somethin' bad and be where they's need to be.  I think Nikki was gonna come git us." her southern drawl kicked in a bit as she put her homework in her bag while they were in the lift "I thought you might wanna leave and didn't wanna be alone, so I ran after you.  And if somethin' bad happened I could get you help" she told Roll "Yourn my best friend and I didn't want you scared and bein' alone an all."

----> From Rec Dec

After arriving back home he entered and locked the door behind him, he then went over to the 3rd bedroom and took out the Sanri silver hookah and a pack of Angel herbs and grinded them down before adding them to the Hookah and lighting it up.

While things were getting set up he went into the bedroom and got changed into a tank top and a pair of cargo shorts but he kept his weapon belt with a holster for his .500 hand cannon revolver, he then returned to the hookah and took a very long drag from it and for the moment he felt a bit at ease helping clear his mind of any fears and doubts.

Zob continued to take long drags from the hose memories from a while back began to surface and for the first time ever in his life he began to cry, 'At the end of the day Zob you are still a monster despised by the whole of the black Hack and them only tolerate you cause you're a vicious warrior... you don't care about the lives of those that fell today... you only care about yourself and your revenge against Qer... when will you learn you have no hope of winning' It took some effort but Zob eventually shook the dark thoughts from his mind and was able to regain his composure.

He snuffed out the Hookah and returned it to its storage space before getting himself a blanket from the bedroom and falling asleep on the couch where he promised himself he would do better if not for the others but for himself.

  Orria  came home..she was   tired.. she may have eaten a bit too much of goodies... the  Hanger Dec was scared and stressful, b3efore that.

 she  saw Zob on the Couch, she  knew melia  was sleepign at the   Med tech to help  with those who were still.'hanging in the balance'

 she  crawled up on the  couch   with Zob, leaned against him  and  was soon asleep..

  Zob's COM  goes off....Hey SGT?  I need a 7th for the  honor  guard..can you be there?..it..requires  full dress though?

Zob heard the com go off and slowly opened his eyes he reached over and grabbed it and responded to the message, "Absolutely ill be there" he then carefully got up making sure not to disturb Orria.

He got cleaned up with a shower and went to the closet to pull out his dress uniform which by this point had a lot of medals on it and got dressed, he adjusted the weapons belt and put the .500 hand cannon in its holster, 'these send offs never get easier no matter how tough you think you are' he thought to himself as he adjusted everything he needed to in the mirror.

Once everything was done it was time to wake up Orria and get her ready as well as she was doing that he would make them both some breakfast until it was near time to go.

------> From Rec Dec

After a bit Zob and Orria arrived home he opened the door and made sure she got to bed before giving Melia a hug and a kiss and getting changed out into his formal wear and heading on back to the rec dec.

--------> To Rec Dec

In the civie section the remaining gava went and did some shopping and noted some shopped like the night club.  They did stop at the Bodega like market to get a few things.

-----> From Hanger Dec

Zob had returned home to get dressed and found the house to be empty Melia and Orria must of went up to the dress fitting thing, he shrugged a bit as he went to the closet in the bedroom and pulled out his pristine dress uniform making sure the very large assortment of medals were in place.

Once that was done Zob went over to the dresser and pulled out the top drawer then opened a hidden compartment that held some of his more valuable things such as weapons and some credits, he then reached in and took out a very beautiful black and gold engraved .500 Smith and Wesson revolver and set it on the bed next to his weapon belt before closing everything up.

He then took a deep breath as he slowly got dressed normally these things wouldn't bother him but he was gonna be surrounded by people that had the potential to be a very big problem for the delta fleet and him in particular while he wasn't concerned about his own capabilities he had to look out for his daughter Orria as well, once he was completely dressed he then secured his weapon belt and a few extra rounds then turned to the mirror letting out a deep sigh, 'lets do this...'

-----> From Hold

After spending time with the Pirloc Zob then returned home taking a longer way then usual he entered the front door and locked it behind him.

He walked into the living room and turned on the lights taking a seat on the couch placing his sidearm on the table and jacket over on the chair, the house was dead quiet and aside from Orria's pet Linnox the home looked like it wasn't used in ages it just wasn't the same without Melia around... he took out a smokewood cigar and lit it up taking a very long drag off of it before exhaling it suppressing the negative thoughts that have been brewing in the back of his mind.

As Zob was about 3/4 of the way through his smokewood Cigar he heard somebody walk in the front door and a small smile came over him as he saw his daughter Orria come into the living room area he stood up and gave her a gentle hug before turning on the vid screen, "Need to ask Beth to get that new computer sent over so we can turn the spare bedroom into your own little command center" he chuckled his mood quickly taking a 180 it wasn't often he got to spend quality time with his daughter given both of their duties.

<<<<<< from Rec dec  before MAtterhorn II

 Shadow, Shade, Roll and Larry   walked   down the  ramp into the  Civi section... already  Wagons   , crates and an odd military issue  barricade  was set up  right at the Intersection  where people went  further down to the Farm, or continued to the  Civi  area.

   Some of the folks  waved to them, others   ignored them..Smithson  walked up to him , he had  some light boarding armor  on and a hard ammo carbine..

 That kid goign down into the Bunker this time?

 before Roll could answer Shadow  said...not sure   where his station will be? he might help guard the  scaffolding..he might help guard the  QM...or he might  be near SEC to  protect  the Bio-Yech and Med tech across the way.... depends were the SM and others  think we need a larg master.

  Look? Shadow..That little  Larg  is ...what?  His pet?.. he can't give orders  that other Largs  will listen to?

 Shadow leaned a bit close,how about..i tell  Roll to order  Larry to chew off your  right leg?.... you want to see if he'll follow that order?

 Larry  tilted his head 90 degrees, and thumped his tail.

 Right... just move along then.. we have work to do....

 Larry burbled a bit.. Smithson stepped back  as the 4  went  down the  'street' to   Roll's  house, Roll  let them in, the place was ion good shape, Shadow   got  shade to help him tidy up  a bit , while  Roll changed.

  when   Roll was  done, he   put his loose  credits  in a box near the  kitchen. He  saw   Shadow look.

 I won't need  any during the battle..and this  way if i get killed or  eaten, Mommy can have  them..

Shadow   chuckled  a sad  chuckle as he   ruffled Roll's hair,nice of you to think about her....but?.. you're not getting  eaten..and if you do?.. that's because there is no Hermes left..

 The  left, some of the other Stem Kids  waved to them and ran over... The   stem kids  adoptive parents, by now, knowing  not  to rein in these kids from a member of their 'pack'

 the  talked  with the   4.. Lifter was petting  Larry  who thumped his tail., but then they had to go...and the Stem kids went back to their  parents, waiting to go down into the bunker..

  Smithson looked at them  and was about to say something about Roll's chest armor, 'sword
 chest armor and backpack ' and back pack...Shadow stopped

  before you say anything, incredibly stupid, to  4 crewman that are going to be  fighting  bad guys  with in the next 2 hours?..Keep this in mind.... not long ago, a pilot  worked  with some folks to assassinate me. The SM, and who knows who else, at a Ball..... after  we  came out of the Ambush, a Nivarian, stepped out of the crowd  at the Ball and leveled  a weapon at me...he  couldn't  have missed had he  wanted to...but...he died, because  someone   stuck their  bayonet sword, right  through his back and out his chest....Now?..who do you see here, who has a bayonet sword?
 Smithso looked at Roll, who just stared  innocently at him..Shade, gave Smithson a thumbs up...


 then the  4  went to Shadow's  quarters

>>>> shadow  ect to Shadow's quarters.

Zob returned home and decided to go and get ready for the ball it was time to take out the big guns, after a long shower he went into his wardrobe and got suited up for his next engagement.

The black trench coat is made from a very fine Burian wool with angel silk lining on the inside, with it features a double breasted button closure, broad lapels, four external pockets and a textured design, the buttons are made from a very fine Astra silver that glistens in the light like moonlight.

The black dress suit itself is made of the finest Astra silk which forms very well over his physique, with this he sports a pair of gold rimmed luxury men sunglasses tying the look together in one impressive display of badassery.

https://media.discordapp.net/a...8d749a0cc10b469e.jpg
This message was last edited by the player at 02:43, Mon 27 Dec 2021.

--- from Rec Dec>>>

Tulliun wandered his way into a store called Joe's. He saw a wide array of hobby items on display.

 One of the Ladies  waved Back.. the spell of  'specialty ' Coffee, and the smell of pastries in the air. a  Civi woamn and her  child  were leaving with a doxed of goods.

 Hi... Joe is away  with  that  Tall SGT Garrat. We run the  store for him while he's away... we have  coffee and goodies, we can whip up sandwiches..but begger  food? you ned to go to the Rec Dec.... and?  of course the Hobby shop is on the first floor.

The memory came into his mind, I remember you saying that, the other day, when you were with Max and Stuffy.

He mulled over the food suggestions, At the risk of getting something that I don't know doesn't agree with me, why don't you tell me what would be a nice combination for a mid morning snack. he smiled at her. He looked about for a seat, and took it.

 she shrugged  and she pointed to the  wall wall...we got some...lunch meats
 and such as well...

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

just so ya folks might know a little more about my coffee and hobby shop.

    We have wood working tools and a couple simple instruments.  Music is not covered in the character sheets so if anyone wants to have it as a hobby, it shouldn't be a problem.  Check with Hack first though.  Joseph learned to play music when he started learning about repairing musical instruments.  Part of his back story.  ask him some time when your kicking back.
    Anyway He can repair most instruments.  He also has order books with stuff you find in for comic book store, hobby store's, models, RC, and books about historical items such as guns and vehicles.

    The Coffee shop is a little more developed but still being built upon.  Here's the menu.

    Standard drinks
    Base drinks, small 1 credit, large 2 credits
  standard espresso one shot, no flavors
  standard mocha, one shot, no flavors
  hot cocoa with whip cream and cherry
  junior drink, espresso or mocha, no shots 2 flavors
  apple cider, cinnamon stick, and a dash of nutmeg
  chia tea
  Italian soda, seltzer water with 2 doses Torani syrup

  add any 3 for 1 credit
  shot of espresso,  1 dose of flavored syrup, 1 pump of caramel syrup, 1 pump of chocolate syrup, hen and chicks [l large and 3 small marshmellows]

  Flavored Syrup types:
  English toffee, salted caramel, pumpkin, cherry, ginger, strawberry, raspberry, blue berry, almond, banana, hazelnut, butter rum, boysenberry, walnut, peppermint, spearmint, orange, sour apple, cinnamon, nutmeg, Irish cream, Baily's [just the flavor] mango, tangerine, and bacon....just kidding.

  pastries 1 credit [x3 for 2 credits]:
  Bear claw [must add cream cheese frosting and almond slivers]
  3 cookies [choc. chip, oatmeal, peanut butter, white choc mac, snowballs, pumpkin]
  bagels [Plain, Blueberry, Onion, rosemary, cheese] with topping [butter, cream cheese, hummus, triple-berry jam]

  Lunch special,
    Toasted Bagel, w-topping, large drink[w upgrade] and 3 cookies for 4 creds


  potential additions...
     nutrient boosts
  stim boost [stim gum in your coffee]
  vita boost [multi vitamin]
  energy boost, [B complexes, Gaurana, Tourine, Gensing]
  Performance boost, [B complexes, Ginko, flax oil etc.]
  Knock out, [supliments that promote deep peacful sleep]
  Metabolism boost,  [green tea extract, tone stimulants]

  Cream compressor...
     A machine that takes a tub of standard vanilla ice cream and mixes it with shots of flavored syrup to make single servings of flavored soft-serv icecream.


     Sorry no steak, but Joe want's to talk to one of the two ladies working with him.  She works on the rec deck and might be convinced to bring things down for an added fee.

Uvuvu walked in "Hello....Looking for my favorite.  Is Joe or Emily here?" she asked.  Not seeing her and that there was another customer in she waited for service.

Tulliun eyed the menu, and was about to start deliberating when the other customer walked in. Oh, I'm sorry. he said to the woman, he looked back to the menu, Um, how about just an onion bagel and a single shot espresso for me, thanks. he finished his transaction at the counter in a quicker manner to get out of the way. Sorry about that. he said to the woman as he stepped off to wait for his product.

Uvuvu nodded acknowledgement of the human male. giving him a grin as one of the ladies came up to the counter, but it was not Emily.  So Uvuvu thought she might be off or still returning from the station, or with Joe.  She went about ordering her drink "Mocha extra shot of coffee, with a shot each of walnut and orange.  whip cream plus ginger and cinnamon on top, please" the larger cup Uvuvu could drink it without making a mess.

----> From QM's locker

After a bit Zob arrived home, after unlocking the door he noticed a large package inside waiting for him, he took it inside and placed it on the living room table and took a peak a small smile coming over his face, it was the latest computer that he had asked Beth's assistance with a few weeks back.

He got on his Com and messaged Orria to return home when she could after sending the message he looked through the various pots and pans before finding himself a good frying pan and began cooking up some of the fish to the best of his ability.

After Uvuvu ordered, Tulliun took the liberty to comment on the beverage she ordered. That's quite the complex order you made there. he mulled for a moment, How'd you come to such a specific combination of flavors?

  Orria  COMed Zob  back, she would be  hom in 15 minutes  as she stopped watch the New fighters  coming in for a bnit.

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

  the women brought the   deserts  and Coffee out to Tullin and Uvuvu . You let is  know if you need  anything else

Uvuvu grinned widely "Joseph had me try them all, then in combos.  I have seen you on RECDEC, a friend of Mearis. I am Uvuvu" she held her hand out to shake.  "I try other flavors too.  This is my favored one I like" She paid for her drink.  "you enjoy time on station?"
.

Tulliun paid for his drink and bagel, thanking the woman. He set the bagel on top of his cup, then extended his hand to Uvuvu. I've been trying new things as well, since I've been here. Maybe I will experiment with coffee next. I do like it here, so far. he smiled.

Even though I have not been here long, Meari has been a good friend. Do you know her well?

"We often work with her.  we train with knives with her." she gestured to a very small table with a couple of chairs.

 Roll and  Gregor  walked  down the 'strret', then mounted the steps to thier  home... Gregor  seemed  eager to go else where, Roll  just oened the  Door and went in, Gregor  followed.

.................
 The street was relatively  quiet, the kids who were on shore eave  , where now at home, unpacking things  and resting, some civies  who chose not to go on shore leave, where out chatting in the park while thier   kids  played  or  did  thigns on Vidboards.

Tulliun walked to the table and sat down. So, how long have you all been on the Hermes? I have only been here a couple of days now. I haven't had a chance to meet most of the crew, it's been a busy couple of days. he smiled, not sure how similar Gava humor was to human.

   three  kids  ran down from the entrance to the ramp way..Casey ran up the stairs  and Knocked on  Roll's  door...

  two other kids  were knocking on doors calling  kids  names, to come out.

Zob continued to cook and surprisingly he did a really really good job on a fried fish meal finishing mere moments after Orria walked on in setting a plate for both her and himself, "Hey i had a long talk with Beth last week and she helped me get you this" he then lead her into the living room area where her new computer was sitting on the dining room table, "I had kinda hoped we could have some food and then set it up together" he smiled doing his best to be a good father for her in the absence of Melia which was not easy at all.

Uvuvu watched the kids "Time for them to play.  It is a good fun time for them" she sipped her drink a bit of the cream left on her upper lip "We gava have learned to eat with our backs to others, you will see on recdec.  It is not meant as disrespect.  We have learned that our eating habits are unpleasant to look at." she wanted to forewarn him.

Tulliun smiled as the kids hurried past. When Uvuvu remarked about the sight of Gava eating, he looked a bit puzzled, but was understanding, Well, I've just got this bagel, why don't I face this way, so you can use the table, and we can both stay here. his tone was asking if this was okay, but he went ahead and turned his seat so he faced away mostly, but still could rest his arm on the table and engage with her.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:36, Thu 24 Feb 2022.

  Roll came out  with a , tail thumping  gregor, its wasn't long  before   'The Pack Kids" , as the civis  started to call them, since  'Stem Kids' was  mostly  derogatory , gathered  at Roll's house.Once every one was accounted for ,the pack, with gregor  ran towards the entrance of the civi section, and  up the ramp towards the rec dec area.

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

 Orria looked at the Box....Its...its New! she was  excited.

Zob moved the plates out to the living room and set one out for Orria, "I don't think mother would mind if we set it up here in the living room here" without Melia here the place was starting to look more like a command center with electronics and gun parts all over the place, he then cleared out a space in the northern part of the living room for her to set it up, "You are gonna have to show me all the cool tricks you can do" he chuckled as he helped her set it up.

"You do not need to.  I am not eating right now" she said

Tulliun smiled, embarrassed at his lapse, I knew that, my mistake.

He took a bite of his bagel, then a sip of his espresso. I was starting to think you always traveled in groups.

"Off Hermes, Jug prefers it.  On duty we pair up.  rest of time we get time alone" she took another sip.

Tulliun nods, he takes a deep sip on his drink, having nearly finished his bagel. So, were you just here for the coffee? I was going to head down into the hobby store once I finished this. he gestured with both hands. Since you know Meari, maybe you could give me some input on something I'm making for her. If you don't have anything to do, that is. I don't want to keep you from your own affairs.

"Well...really just came for coffee, but I could spare time to help.  not sure what brew Joseph has but it better than on station and ladies nicer.  Not ignore gava" She was nearly done with her drink, its warmth making the silver areas of her skin get brighter with against her green and purple skin tones. "I am sure Meari would enjoy a handmade gift"

Tulliun had finished his bagel in the meantime, so one hand was free to wave off her statement, No, I appreciate the gesture, but if you have other plans, I won't impose.

He cocked his head, I must have been raised by some unusual humans. he chuckled at the half jest, I've never seen such rudeness to other races. But, I didn't see a whole lot, honestly, until I left atmo the first time. And even then, I usually dealt with the people directly. Guess I was fortunate.

"Only thing I have to do is meet Jug and others for a meal when the party begins on the RecDec" she grinned and then finished her drink.  She used a napkin to clean her flesh around her mouth free of any excess foam.  "That was good.  I really enjoy the walnut flavoring"

There's another party? Does this ship never sleep? he was half bewildered at the insane amount of partying the Hermes did between ops. Well, if you've got time before your meal, I'd welcome the help.

He killed the drink, then stood and took the empty cup to the counter, and thanked the woman behind the counter again.

He went back to the table, and said to Uvuvu, I'm ready when you are.

Uvuvu cleared her trash to recycle.  "I am ready" she grinned and waved good day to the ladies in the coffee shop.  "Bog likes the hobby shop as well"

Tulliun walked with Uvuvu down to the hobby store. Is Bog another of the Gava? A close friend to you maybe?

He looked around inside the lower level, looking for the section with yarn and it's tools.

He found his way to the shades of purple. He was staring at them intently. I'm looking for, whatever would be called purple, lilac, and lavender. he waved at the small collection of purples, To me, these are all, "light purple", "dark purple", "light purple". he pointed at corresponding shades as he names them.

"He is our number 2.  Aboard Hermes only Jug outranks him. She is only officer we have.  I am 3." Uvuvu taps herself on the chest, being proud to be SGT. and 3rd in charge.  "I have known him for 2-3 years now.  He is very strong for Gava and smart.", she watched as he looked through the colored strings as he looked for certain purples.  Then she noticed each was in different bins, and the bins were labeled.  "Here...this one is written 'Lilac'.", she lifted it out of its bin for him.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 16:36, Sat 26 Feb 2022.

Tulliun slapped his forehead lightly, not even making a sound. Of course. I don't know how I missed that. he shook his head as he reached down and grabbed several skeins of each of the three colors, once he found the correct ones.

Are you normally deployed with the regular fighters during combat? I didn't see where you were during the last battle. he moved to the section that had the tool he needed.

'Oh yes.  Or we help in hangar defense.  Most recent we took a hive nest out.  Big sucker" She held her arms out for dramatization.  "Often they pair us with Felrites and Hyrians"

Orria  couldn't wait, she started on the Box, going back and forth between the  food and the Box.

  This  is  goign to be good.. its brand  new.. i can set up mu own files, and get the  defesnes up..and  we can pull in  Vids from  places we can't get on the normal Vid screens!

Tulliun smiled as he browsed the selection of tools for his project,I took out a hive ship the other day. Well, I helped. We used big missiles.

"We managed to land on it and took it over from the inside.  We shut down their engines and power.  What are you looking for?" she was curious

That's very impressive. he said honestly.

Actually, he grabbed one of the tools, one of these. he held up a straight, black, metal rod, about 6 inches long and no more than an eighth of an inch at it's widest. The item ended in a small hook at one end. This is the tool I need to make the gift for Meari.

"What do you do with those?" she was curious.  She was all ways inquisitive about new things, often getting into trouble.

Tulliun smiled, This tool is used to, basically, weave this yarn into various shapes. In this instance, it'll make a small blanket. It'll have a design using all three of these colors. he explained as he headed to the sales counter to pay for the items, setting them down as he talked about each item.

Meari I think will like.  Hand made and her favorite color..Purpul" Uvuvu said and grinned.  Her com went off.  "The squad is meeting on RecDec.  Lunch.  I should join them.  Care to come with?  Meari is sure to be there"

Tulliun thought about it as he paid and picked up the items. Maybe I will join you all in a bit. I need to go to my quarters for something first.

"Very well...I will introduce my teammates on the Gava squad" She began to step away "I will see you soon at the lunch meal"


===> Red Dec

Tulliun waved as they went separate ways from the shop, I'll see you there.

---- to Officer's Quarters>>>>

After finishing up lunch he helped her set up the computer with mostly her doing the work on what had to go where, "What kind of vids are we talking about?" he asked curiously not 100% sure the extent of her meaning after all this was out of his element.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:52, Thu 03 Mar 2022.

  Orria   looked at  Zob,well?...The ESC worlds and AP)F worlds have thier own net, we can get a few of the APF  channels...APF and get a few of ours, But now, we'll be able to tap into   all of them

Zob nodded, "That sounds very promising heck we should just turn this whole living room into your own private command center... at least until mom gets back and tells us to clean it up" if she wanted to do that Zob was all on board for it.

 Orria,  looks at him...we would ahve  to talk to beth for that...might be too much power out put..but that  won't show up  watching Vids!

Zob chuckled, "Fair enough shall we get started?" he offered to her as he stood watching her set up things on her new computer taking great interest in what she was doing even if he didn't understand it much at all.

as she was setting up her files on the computer Zob was cleaning up the plates from lunch and putting stuff away making sure to put out extra food for the Linnox... once everything was in order he sat down on the couch and began cleaning his SMG making sure it was ready should he need to use it tomorrow or later this evening depending on how stupid somebody gets.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:32, Thu 03 Mar 2022.

< bit of flex >
Nikki left Haley with Roll, pack kids, and a few largs on the field to play.  She decided to help Roll by doing laundry and making sure the payment for Mortica and Rolls place was secured.  She even went and bought a few groceries for Roll and larg food too.  She cleaned up a bit, a few places he could not reach or to his young eyes did not see the dirt.  Made sure he had nice clean sheets and cover on his bed.  All things she did for Haley too.  Finally, after putting groceries away, she made him a late-night snack, and a breakfast in the fridge for him all he had to do was heat them up in the gammawave.  There was a ham and cheese that would melt the cheese and toast the bread cut in half on the plate, as well as 'pigs in blankets' dipped sausages in pancake batter with a partially cooked fried egg on toast (would finish cooking and not be dried out when done).  all that plus some bananas or oranges she brought him.  A couple of bottles of milk chocolate milk, and 4 different juices he was set.  She left a note with instructions and some words to encourage him on the tunnel run tomorrow before leaving.  She knew if Shadow or Roy were on RecDec for dinner he'd be there too.  So would she so Roll would have a nice dinner too.
Nikki then moved to go play a bit with the kids and eventually take Haley home for bed and a chat.

Zob continued walking until he got home he unlocked the door and went inside making sure he locked it behind him he then looked around and noticed Orria wasn't home the house felt lifeless and it grated on him a bit as he turned to see a picture of him and Melia on the side table.

he then picked it up and stared as he tried hard to fight back tears, 'Why did it have to be you?... i wasn't ready for this' the guilt and the overall stress of the situation finally pushed him to breaking point he began to squeeze the picture frame in his large hands until the glass shattered causing his hand to bleed, the slightly glowing blood covering the end table like a faint glow stick.

After a bit of feeling regret he shook off the feeling and sent a com message to Madison asking if they could meet here in the civie quarter tomorrow afternoon to talk about things, before heading off to sleep on the couch.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:28, Thu 28 July 2022.

----> From hanger dec

Zob lead her to the only place that was truly private on this ship his home, he knew Orria wasent home as she was busy with Beth and Sam, he unlocked the door and lead her inside to the living room area, "Please take a seat"

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> From Hangar Dec


Madison entered Zobs cabin in a but of a haze. She was way too anxious about the meeting to really look around. All she could focus on was him, the door and the sofa he pointed to when asking her to sit. Though she didn't look around, she got the feeling it was sparsely decorated and utilitarian. But she wasn't there to help him with his interior decor. He had something to say, and she there was a list of things she was hoping to hear.

Sitting at one end of the couch, Madison was on the edge of the cushion with her back straight, knees together and her hands folded on her lap. She looked straight up at him expectantly.

"Go ahead."

Zob took a deep breathe, "As you have already heard through the pipeline i am a married man... however my marriage has been really poor my wife kinda up and left us the day after our ceremony on Roussia and has been gone a very very long time, i can't go to see her and she never makes any attempt to reach out to me or responds to messages"

he then paced a bit across the living room area as he spoke, "So after this time ive tried my best to move on so to speak and open my options again... but honestly people don't like demons even half breds and i didn't grow up among humans so i don't always pick up well on certain social ques and the like so im sorry if i hurt your feelings if i ignored you, its not intentional and i am working on getting better at it"

Zob then took a seat in his chair, "Why i didn't tell who Orria was because if our enemies knew she was my daughter they could go after her to get to me..."
This message was last edited by the player at 04:19, Mon 01 Aug 2022.

Madison sat in place, unmoving other then the blinking of her eyes. Zob was right. He wasn't good at any of this. It's not that he was being dishonest. She didn't sense anything like that. It was just that he dumped everything on her at once, each thing a shocking bit of revelation itself.

He was married. She understood that. The neglected spouse story wasn't unusual. Sometimes it was even true. Candy did tell Madison that Zob's wife was away on a Med ship. That she would just ignore his communications was strange, but if that was true, she wouldn't blame Zob for moving on. In fact, she could even be completely selfish about it. Zob's marital status was none of her concern. If he was moving on and enjoyed spending time with her, she could be totally fine with it. A legal agreement can't bind the the heart, although she would suggest he get that nullified as well.

His excuse for ignoring her was lame. Not picking up on social cues? What in the Hells was that? How about not waiting for cues and just recognizing the woman he slept with the night before. He was working on it, he said. How? How many women had he slept with and ignored for practice? She doubted there were any, but the snide accusation felt good, even if it was in her own head.

It was so much to process, but she couldn't let it it stew. She had to do something with it. First in order was what any of this meant to her relationship with Zob.

"I appreciate that you explained all of this." She sounded hesitant. "Well, most of it. But before anything else, I need to ask something very basic. Where do we stand, you and I? We had fun. A lot of fun. Honestly, I'd happily do it again even knowing it would take me days to recover. And I'm not asking for some commitment. I don't want one. I just need to know where we stand.. what to expect. Friends with benefits? Just Friends? Occasional hook up partners? A one night stand? Whatever it is, I can handle it. I just need to know what it is."
This message was last edited by the player at 04:33, Mon 01 Aug 2022.

Zob looked at her a stoic expression on his face, "I'm perfectly fine with being the occasional hook up partner i enjoyed the time we shared a lot and i look forward to spending time with you again" he meant what he said and he felt a small sense of relief all things considered knowing things were getting settled.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:42, Mon 01 Aug 2022.

Although it was one of the options in her list, Zob's choice of his and Madison's relationship was not one she really wanted to hear. Was it fair? He didn't owe her anything. They had fun and took it to the ultimate conclusion. Basically it amounted to a one night stand with the possibility of it happening again. She had no right to expect anything more. The way she felt at the moment, the possibility of a repeat was pretty slim.

"I see." Her tone hadn't lost any of its iciness. "I suppose I should thank you for being candid. No harm no foul I guess." But it did still sting. Maybe she was lying to herself about being able to handle whatever he decided, but he did give her a decision like she asked.

"Okay, well apology accepted." She stood, clearly ready to bolt. "If you have nothing to add, I guess I'll head back." She paused. "Just one thing, though. If your wife has really ghosted you. You should probably seek a divorce."

Zob stood up as well what was done was done even if it wasn't what she expected, "Thank you again for agreeing to meet with me Madison, i have nothing more i need to say so i will escort you out if you wish to be on your way" when she was ready he would escort her out so she could be on her way unless she had something else to say.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:14, Mon 01 Aug 2022.

"I guess I do have something else to say. I don't want things to be weird. I really did have a good time. If you want to hang out, don't feel like you can't come to me. And please, just say hi once in a while. Okay?"

Zob gave her a small smile, "As did i, i don't want things to be weird either and i see no reason why they have to be can always come to me as well Madison, i promise i will" as they reached the door he hesitated a bit as he did have something to say after all and he figured it be best to just say it rather then regret it later, "Not sure when will get shore leave again on one of the carrier stations but i figure id ask... but if you are up to it i would like to take you out for a night on the town if you're willing of course?"
This message was last edited by the player at 05:59, Mon 01 Aug 2022.

Madison was a little surprised by Zob's shyness. "Why wouldn't I be willing? That sounds like fun. I keep hearing about those carrier ships. Of course I'd go. But don't feel like we have to wait to go tear it up again. The Pulse is open all the time."

Zob smiled a bit more then usual, "Of course ill have to see what my upcoming duty assignments are though but once that's figured out we can hit up The Pulse again, but i shouldn't keep you Madison if you got places to be"

Madison wondered if Zob was rushing her out or just being thoughtful. "No. I don't have anyplace specific I have to be. But if you need me to go, it's fine. I won't be offended. I guess I'd just go to the Rec Dec to get something to eat."

Zob nodded then looked back to the kitchen, "We can sit down and have a coffee if you wish?"

Madison chuckled. "Sure. Coffee sounds great."

Zob walked back to the kitchen and prepped the pot and after a few moments poured them both coffee pointing to cream and sugar if she wished before taking a seat, "So tell me about yourself Ms Madison" he said taking a sip from the cup.

Madison accepted the coffee with a smile. Sitting across from Zob, she added a cloud of cream and two heaping spoons of sugar before taking a sip. In that deep voice, lower than baritone, he invited her to talk about herself. She liked that voice. Though it was a little spooky, it was also powerful and oddly soothing.

"Well, I'm from Wyoming on Earth. I grew up on a horse ranch out in the great American West. My grandparents raised me after my mom while giving birth to me. I have no idea who my father was. I don't think my grandparents did either, or they would have told me by now. So, I lived in the big country, riding horses and hunting antelope. My first job was as a genuine cowgirl, herding cattle on Alabaster Ranch. It was hard work, but it was also a lot of fun." She looked at her hands as she rubbed her palms. "It was horrible for my hands though. It took a long time and lots of lotion to lose the callouses."

"So, anyway," She sapped out of that momentary spell. "I was just obsessed by staying in motion. Riding, running, biking, cars and motorcycles, if it moved, I rode it. The faster the better. The ultimate, of course, was to fly. I got to do fly some small aircraft, but in college, I went right at aerospace engineering, but a recruiter got to me and I signed up for military service. So, here I am, on my first assignment, living my dream. I've been on exactly one mission and I'm already a decorated Ace."

She sipped the coffee. "The coffee is good, by the way. Thank you."

"Um, so, my birthday is April 27th. I'm a Taurus, but not all that bull headed. I'm a little rough and tumble, and I like to be challenged. My favorite color is green, but autumn colors move me too. As you can guess, I love horses and big dogs, and you know I love to dance. This whole war thing is going to take some getting used to. The violence and the 'live like it's your last day' culture is a bit of a shock. I thought I could be spontaneous before. This is a whole new level."

She took a few moments, sipping coffee as she summoned the memory of her and Zob's night together. "Things sure can turn in unexpected directions."

"So! What else do you want to know?"

Zob listened on quite intrigued, "I know absolutely nothing about Earth aside from where it is in the black" he let out a small chuckle, "You get used to living life on the edge out here, for me it was war against the angels when i was younger now here i am with the humans fighting the empire funny how that all works... but sometimes its best to just take things day by day"

He then sipped the coffee again and gave a nod when she complimented the coffee, "Thanks i try and keep it as fresh as possible, i don't remember my actual exact birthday us demons don't really celebrate namedays unless they are of the higher nobility, so if i did have one question i guess it would be do you see yourself being a career pilot for the rest of your days or did you have some other ambition once the war is over... assuming we survive of course"

Madison raised her eyebrows about Zob never having been to Earth or remembering his birthday. It wasn't that surprising that he hadn't been to Earth, but she never really thought through his origins. If she had, she might have guessed it. But not knowing his birthday? That was surprising. She would have to ask about that after. First she had to answer his question.

"You know what? I actually haven' decided what my long term plans are. I supposed I expected to stay in as a career pilot by default. But since the last jump off, and seeing how precarious or lives are, I'm even less inclined to plan too far ahead. I'm living in the moment. The other night, you and I, that was the first time I've cut loose like that in literally years. I've just been so focused on achievement. you know, just graduating then getting through the academy. I had no time for fun. You helped me make up for that, so thanks."

"So tell me about you. You're half demon. What's the other half and how did you come to join the good guys?"

Zob took another sip as she asked what the other half of him was he set down the cup and responded, "The other half of me is human very nice genetic malleability and near limitless potential" he said with a smirk on his face, "To give the summed up version i was a prisoner aboard a transport ship heading to my execution, the fleet raided that ship in a attack and i lucked out with them not killing me outright and they took me prisoner and from there they gave me a chance thanks to Dr Christie and i proved my worth and here i am"

he then took another sip then refilled his cup, "Obviously the story is a bit more complicated and long but i summed up the recent important parts... its hard to recall every detail that happened over a millennia ago that lead to this point"

Madison's eyebrows popped up. "Are you saying you're over a thousand years old?" She remembered Flores telling her about the angel food prolonging their lives. "How long do you expect to live?"

Zob nodded in response to her asking if he was older then a thousand years old but that was by human standards, "We demons age much differently every year for us is about give or take 20 in human years and I am roughly 220 I'm quite young"

He then sipped the coffee before letting out a bit of a chuckle, "As for how long I expect to live I honestly don't know as most Demons never make it to old age before they die, the oldest I could recall was Hels previous monarch that died at the age of 11,000 demon years old."

Madison shook her head. It was a lot to take in and the translation was a little confusing. Not the math of it, just the mechanics.
"Okay well, I'm 22, so you're literally ten times older than I am." She grinned as she sipped her coffee.

Zob rested his shoulders on the table, "Age these days is mostly bragging rights to a certain extent with Angel food and the like being a thing, you can expect to have a long life ahead of you"

Zob chuckled, "Well I'm young at heart"

Madison laughed. "Well, I can attest that you're young in more ways than just your heart." She stretched both shoulders back, biting her lip. "If anyone cares to ask." She settled into her chair and took another sip of coffee.

"You said that most people don't like demons. That must have been hard, finding acceptance. Do you still see that prejudice? Even here on the Hermes?"

Zob shakes his head, "Sometimes but its very rare now, I'm pretty famous overall from all the vids, action figures and the like and the tons of combat medals ive earned... when i first arrived i spent over 2 months in the brig with a bomb collar attached to my neck and a armed escort everywhere i went with orders to kill if i caused trouble"

"That sounds awful." Madison put a hand on Zob's, squeezing for comfort. "I'm sorry you had to go through that. But, hey, you're an action hero now. Where can I get one of those figures?" She smiled, trying to bring up the mood. "We can get some vids next time we go to the pulse. How many views would that get? Zob, the dancing Demon."

Zob wasent much bothered by the experence far as he was concerned it was justifiable, "I'm sure you could order of the net but would take a long time to get here or pick them up at any toy store on a carrier station"

He then gave a slightly dissapointed smile, "Beth's security protocols would prevent any type of vid upload that wasent approved through her and security more then likely... and the last person you wanna be on the wrong side of is her"

Madison raised her eyebrows at his lament, shaking her head and smirking. "I was kidding. I didn't really have my heart set on promoting your new dancing career. Are you always so serious?"

Zob shrugged a bit it was who he was he, "Yeah kinda, but last night was a welcome change to that i will admit" his left eye glanced over to his smokewood cigar that sat at the edge of the table he thought about lighting it up but refrained from doing so instead keeping focus on his guest as to not be disrespectful.

Madison was glad to hear it. It was gratifying to know Zob had enjoyed the evening, even going so far as to appreciate the change of pace. She smiled, folding her hands on the table, giving him the opportunity to advance the conversation. She nodded. She sipped the coffee. She looked at him expectantly.

Zob inched his hand across the table as to place his hand on hers, "Never got a chance to say it yesterday but you do look absolutely stunning Madison" it was a odd feeling for him letting his guard down like this but it was a risk he was willing to take.

Stunning? Yep. Madison would take stunning. She didn't get many compliments. She never did. Maybe it was because she tended to be closed or reserved. Or maybe she was intimidating in some way. Of course Zob wasn't the sort to be intimidated by anyone. And a compliment was always nice to hear.

"Thank you," Madison smiled. "I don't get a lot of compliments. So what are your duties for the rest of the day?"

Zob was lost in thought for a moment, "Lets see... about a hour i should probably get down to the Rec Dec and make sure the new recruits don't cause trouble for the waitresses when they get their free meal"

"Really?" Madison found that surprising. "That seems like it's below your pay grade. Or is it the intimidation factor they're going for? "

"I'm not sure what I expected when I first came to the Hermes, but I didn't expect to have so much free time. "

Zob checked the time and holy cow had the day sped along it was actually kinda silly, "There is usually always a fight with somebody's inflated ego thinking they are better then others and it turns into some massive brawls, its why i tend to be there to 'clean up' so to speak"

He then stood took his cup to the sink, "Not wanting to come off as rude but i should see you out if you wish we can talk more tomorrow maybe ill show you my pet Rex down at the Zoo"

When Zob suggested it was time to leave, Madison stood. She didn't take offense or think it was at all rude. He had somewhere to go and it was as simple as that. "No problem at all. You have duties to attend."

"What is a pet Rex?" She thought she probably should know, but if she had heard of a Rex, she couldn't recall what it was.

"But sure if you want. You have my number" She let him walk her to the door.

Zob escorted her to the door, "Rex is the name i gave him but hes what you humans call a dragon, ill call you after my duty shift and we can go and see him"

"Did you just say Rex is a Dragon? As in a fire breathing dragon?" Madison shouldn't have been surprised by that. Many mythological creatures had proven to be alien life forms. Dragons being so prominent in the myths of all cultures had to have a basis in fact. But as unsurprised as she should have been, it was still astonishing. "Yeah, I definitely want to see that."

Madison kissed her finger and transferred it to Zob's lips. "See ya soon." She winked.

To Rec Dec

after  Bura  shoreleave  via OB Dec.))

 getting  out of the lifts  at the rec Dec, they saw the crowd  thinning  as it was getting late... Andruss  lead her pass the  stalls to the   ramp that lead to the mezzanine where Civie  shops stood.

 clothes and  other  goods  on this   level, people will watch  games and practices  from here, if they don't  go into the stands?  we had some hard   core...um...'training sessions',, down there for   folks who didn';t take    The LC, SM or Hermes  very seriously...

 The Pulse  was  light up, and the  thumping of music got a bot louder as they walked  past.That's the Pulse// the Night club..Next door is the Officer's club, though  enlisted folks can go in as  guests.. I think, The SM, Lyri  and Kira  can enter without  SEC  turning them away.

 They rounded the Bend  , going down a ramp way a few hundred  yards  the ramp  split... one  section kept going, the other section   wen to the  right.

 That leads down to the Farm and  you can get to the Hold and the  rest of the  lower dec.. this takes  us to the Civie town.. there   around 2000 people at  any one time. mostly families  who  work for pay to help the ship keep running, then they transfer off to a Station or Colony..I think we lose the Most folks to Bura. Some Married  crew have  quarters  down here.. Officers  can always Bunk up, but if there are kids  involved its better they are in the Civie section..Zob  and  Lt Foster  are down here.. I think a couple others.

 they walked to the  outside  wall of the  Hermes , if yiou didn't look up and seet the metal sheeting, you would think you were in a  new York  strret, with a  'park. in the Middle, town houses   rose from the   'road' to the  ceiling , a few were apartmnats, many of them  were seperate  apartments  with  3 or more  rooms.

 That park rasies up about  10 feet at the front? when we are boarded  all the Non combants  go down there, and the park  is sealed..there is a Militia  of  about 100  people who  will fight  to keep boarders away..they had to do it a few times


  and there's the store... Coffee shop is  right next door..... don't be afraid to buy what you need, , I'll help carried it  back, if you need  creds I loan you some, you can pay me back later, if you feel awkward  about  accepting it.
 It was indeed a grocercy store, but had  two levels , so it was rather large, compared to the outside.

----> Obs Dec

After leaving the observation dec, Tarja would walk with Andruss as he gave her a short tour of the Rec-Dec and civilian sectors; pointing out the different clubs and stores along the way before leading her towards a large store that was reminiscent of a large supermarket "I should be ok, I'm only after a few basics for now" Tarja replied to both his offer of a loan and carrying it back to her quarters.

After collecting a basket from the stack by the door Tarja would wander down the aisles in search of what she needed with her mostly sticking to the ESN supplied goods rather than the more expensive items imported from offworld. In the end she would buy; Bread, milk, margarine, cereal, a decent packet of coffee, bacon and eggs "That should cover it, yes?" she said looking to Andruss to see if he could see anything she'd forgotten about as they made their way towards the till.

  Andruss  has a  Basket, and  adds an Orange juice, two bags of pretzels , a  a box of   12  chocolate roll cakes, that have  vanilla  Icing.

  This will be  my welocme  wagon gift for you? You got the important stuff, I got the fun stuff.

With Andruss adding pretzels and cake to the shopping Tarja would chuckle as he described it as a “welcome wagon” gift ”oh you know way to girls heart” she said looking the pack of chocolate cakes.

With the queues being nonexistent due to the late hour Tarja would walk up to the till and place the items in front of the bored young man, who was clearly counting down the hours to the end of his shift, to scan in. Once the items had been scanned and placed in a paper bag Tarja would hold out her wrist to pay before they left to head back to her quarters.

  Andruss  got his  wrist scanned, as well as a Bottle  of Burian Green wine. As they left the  store, and walked back to the lifts.

  Now? we get your  goodies hoem, and  get some rest?  Don['t Know what Kira  will have in store for us.

>>>>>>>>>>>>> Tarja  Non-coms

”Training for AI…maybe mechs join us? Who knows, we will see” Tarja replied as they left the store and started heading back towards her quarters.

——> Non-coms Quarters

With all the down time going on Zob took the time to actually clean up the house that had been neglected over the past month or so once he was done he sent a message for Orria to come join him in the living room they needed to talk about things.

   Orria was spendign some time on the rec Dec, as beth gacve her some Tip on routing and netwroking  signals that 'we're meant' for  the ESN.

 She  Told Orria to go  with Zob, since   Beth had to go to the  SEC  anyway.

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

 Orria  came home  with  a note book and  Vidboard that she was doing studies  with  Beth.

Zob made a motion with his hand for her to sit down before he spoke, "Orria... this isn't a easy thing for me to talk about but your mom has been gone a very long time and i... just don't see it working out between us anymore its not fair to you or me to have to suffer through this so i wanna know how you feel about me and her going our separate ways and have you come with me"

  Orria  was  surprised, to the Point that she stared  into the distance for a Moment., she began slowly.

  I.... I don't Know? I mean? If you stya on the Hermes, I will stay with you...but if you go else  were, Like...mom...did.. I would  rather stay here, and be  by myself. Doc Henry, saved me. Mom....took care of me  for a  while...and Cookie..

 The  little  Furry beast  came out from under the couch  wriggling  and standing on its hind legs.

 Mom...has her job, and they keep takign her  way. even if i went  with her, i wouold be alone . At least on the Hwermes  i have  Beth and Mr Shadow, and the other  kids...and You?... we will keep this place..right?

Zob walked over and sat next to her and put a comforting arm around her, "I would never leave you alone Orria you are my daughter and nothing will ever change that... i maybe a demon but I'm no cruel selfish bastard we wouldn't leave the Hermes" It wasn't a easy conversation but it was one that needed to be had but Zob was set in his convictions he loved the girl even if it wasn't his own blood and would never leave her.

He then looked around the home, "That depends on what they say as this is moms place we may have to get our own here in the district"

 Orria nodded,if she  comes back, we will figure that out. Until then, it is our place..yes?

 I do not want to go to a colony, i want to stay here. and i won't go to someone else. I will stay here...with you, i wil not get sent away.

Zob nodded, "Yes for now it is ours, and you wont be going to a colony or anything you are staying here on the Hermes with me and your friends and if anybody tries otherwise they will have to answer to me... ill send *them* to a colony out the nearest static field"

He then wiped her eyes, "Its gonna be tough for bit while we adjust to the new changes but i promise you everything is gonna be alright... you can have your own office space and everything in the 3rd bedroom" he said to try and cheer her up despite the rather sad situation that had unfolded.

 Orria  nodded as she looked up at him,There is no real change now? we are here, and she is there., when she comes back, is when the changes  will happen?

  I will stay here. on the  Heres,

Zob shakes his head a bit and does his best to explain, "Ill be going down and have a talk with those in charge after bit and they will process the separation request but as far as you and me and our place here that will not change, you will still be my daughter though i will have full custody of you as your father and you will remain here with me on the Hermes"

Zob then stood up after reassuring Orria things would be fine and made his way down to Morris shed.

----> To Morris shed