Roy got an appreciative grin at the mention of 'the forest saying' the few details about their earlier activity.  It was either a colloquial way of referencing 'the grapevine' or rumor mill, or else there was much more to the back woods of Bura than met the eye, but either way, he appreciated it.

"No, I don't fly.  I fight on the ground...fought just over those mountains, in the same battle where Shadow killed the traitor that shot Lady, and several other places around Bura in the other visits we've had here.  The only time I fly into battle is on the way to and from my fighting, unless the enemy tries to bring the fight to me.  But I did know Lady, yes...she and Shadow saved my life more times than I can remember, before she volunteered to stay here to fight for Bura."  He gave a nod in the direction of their monument.

"That is beautiful, and in its way, a far more fitting tribute to her than the monument with her remains.  It depicts her in her life, carrying the battle to the foe, which was one of her defining characteristics."  He nodded again, something akin to reverence in his expression as he looked at the monument.

 The Chief  got a big Grin.we Hoped that Darkshadow  would come  see this, before he is killed. As the saying  goes, You can fire an arrow too many times..

  Shadow   Looked at the   'living statue'.I am Sure Lady is Proud of your efforts to keep her remembered...

  The grin grew  wider...Thank you, Darkshadow..now, you all  must   have party, yes....

 One of the   other   Burians  whistled   and   flames  shot up  in the center of the Village. Drums  began to beat ,and pipes  began to   play.

 Shadow  Pulled his  bent   Trench Knife  from  its  sheath,do you have a  metal worker that  can  fix this...

  The Chief took the Blade,It has  Sanri Blood on it?

 yeah?  some  mercs went rogue, we fixed that. he Nodded to Roy and  Shade

  But Darksshadow.. did we not give you and your  friend the Green metal  swords?

 Yes..  my hangs on the wall of  my quarters, above  a model of  Lady ...it  is a bit  too long for  me to carry   when I am  Darkshadow.... and   it is too short for me to wear  with My dress uniform

  with a slight  bow,It is good to know our gift is in an honored  place. It would have been better   . that it  drank some empire blood he hands the Trenchknife  to  a village   trooper.Take this  to The metal Hut..  is darkshaow's
 blade, it needed to be   fixed as  fast as  Possible.

 The trooper   ran  towards the edge of the  Village.. The Chief  smiled   as the entered the  Village center.. Burian  women stepped  up   to the three men , a Burian Male  led  Dusk..The First dance with our Honored Guests..then we  feast!

 people cheered   and the  drums began to  beat,and Voices    sang sounds, instead of  words

  They followed group tried to Follow the steps of the Dance and  other     entered the center  and  Joined in as well.

 when the   Dance  was finished they sat down. Shadow and  Shade to one side of the Chief.  Dusk and Roy on the other  side.. wonderful smelling   meat with   vegetables   piled around were  sent  before them, as the sat on the Ground..  Berry Juice  was set before them, though  wines  could be asked  for.

 Music played , as dancer   performed for entertainment.

 Darkshadow?  You Killed a Nuska, but  spared its  Cub... the Forest says, you took the Cub with you?

    Shadow used the  sharp  knifed they provided  to cut  the  food  and  stab it , to eat off. as he  ate he said, with a sad shake of his head.I am not proud of that Kill. A Burian SGT   warned us about the Nuskas when we started our training run... The One i Killed rose  from  leaves  and  such, Roaring and   waving its  front   claws?.. I attacked it, because i was told you could not  out  run a Nuska.

 knifes dropped  as  many warriors stared  at   Shadow..

 The  Blade that is  being fixed?.. I used to  Kill the creature..but... the creature  was only warning me off... after it died, i heard the mewling, and  saw the Cub... I was  going to  kill it...but i could not... Had  i known the Mother  would not have attacked me. i would have , just kept  on our  training run. Doc  Herny is going to study it, and see about training it.

 a Younger  Warrior spoke up....you were too  weak to kill a cub, that would die  anyway?

he was  cuffed on the head, by an older warrior.

 no!.  don't do that? He is  entitled to as  questions  and  to Make  Judgements...But..I will tell you this. Our Larg Alpha... he tried to  Kill me, when we
 first met, but fell of a building and was hurt... the people i was sent  to kill, were going to Kill him?  I killed the  those  people, and healed the larg the  best i could  with Derma plast and Foam..about an hour later. he saved my life , but  taking a bullet meant
 for me... and he did it again, about  two hours later   when he  ate  a guy who would have Killed  me and a Crewmate... I Killed the Nuska, because i was under a false impression.. i was not going to kill the  Cub, because  I was  foolish.

The Young warrior pointed  his knife( that had a Potatoe on it)at Roy...You are the Lead   fighter  warrior of the  Hermes, are you not?.. do you  Judge   Darkshadow weak, for  saving the  Nuska Cub's life?


 Shade  bleeped a  bit.. Shadow   just reached over  and  covered Shade's mouth ( and got a bite in return.)
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:27, Tue 15 Nov 2022.

In reply to Dr. Alison Verault (msg # 237):

Justin gave the youth a smile. My, oh my when I was your age I'd was nowhere near as strong. To get this tall and strong I ate lots of healthy fruit, vegetables and meat he encouraged. Do you think your friend is trying to get you to show her how strong you are? he quietly asked.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:39, Mon 14 Nov 2022.

Roy gave the young warrior a look that was filled with the experience of battles on dozens of worlds, and hundreds of people dead by his hand.  "Taking life is easy.  It shows little strength to lash out in ignorance and kill something that can do you no harm.  It takes far more strength to nurture something that could become an enemy, and instead turn it into a friend."

He took a sip of his berry juice, letting the words sink in for a moment before he continued.  "Shadow spoke of the larg he saved, who in turn saved him.  Had he taken the easy path, and just killed the larg, I might very well not be here today, because that larg has saved my life on numerous occasions, and has willingly rushed to the attack against enemies who were prepared to face me, and warriors like me, but not to face a larg.  His bravery and prowess weakened them, so that the rest of us could follow him and carry the battle, where we would have lost many more had we just tried to attack on our own."

He looked around at the young warriors assembled, before focusing on the one who had asked the question.  "No, I don't consider him weak, in any way.  Death comes too easily and too quickly to too many.  Some deserve it.  The entire reason we fight is to prevent death from coming to those who don't.  Killing a defenseless cub?  That would run counter to the entire reason we fight this war.  The only reason he killed the adult was because he'd been told it would chase him down...in much the same way we had been told that all largs were mindless brutes that would kill anyone that didn't keep ruthless control over them.  We learned that the largs are far more than what we'd been told.  Perhaps the nuska are, as well...it will be up to you to find that out, for sure.  But mindlessly killing?  That would make us little better than the Creshians, Avians, or Demons that we fight."

"Yes, for sure she is!" chimed back the lad immediately.    "How should I show her? Can I arm wrestle you?"   he asked Justin.

"Maybe a thumb wrestle's a better idea? I'll be referee," said Alison, still taking the vid.

 Shadow   smiled,do not  get you head full of silly stuff, about   Honor  and  duty and all that... You ahve one Duty, to yourself and your people. Honor is what you make of it... if  you stand  alone  at a tunnel mouth to allow  others to escape. That is Honot and  brave. But what happens when you care Gone... If you can   shut  down that same tunnel, and fight a  runnign  fight, to get  people out. that is better, because you get to Come back  and  do it again , another day.

  Shade bleeped in a  sing song manner.Shade  sings the  old saying ' Those who fight and run away, live to fight another day."

 Dusk  says,We have done that, , regrouped to fight while the enemy was tryign to regroup. It is  foolish to die, when you can  keep eliminating enemies, by staying alive.

 Shadow   nodded. Gut pointed , what looked to be  some alien form of a carrot, that was  cooked, at the Young warrior...You do not run...at the first sign of trouble... and you do not charge in without thinking..one  must be  smart, to keep  your people alive, as well as your self. then he took a bit of the  vegetable

In reply to Dr. Alison Verault (msg # 242):

Justin didn't think a thumb wrestle would work well enough the youths might claim foul or he'd thrown the contest.Perhaps showing her that you can pick her up and carry her about for a short time. he suggested

"No, no, no," the girl intoned, as the boy went straight for her, with a determined grin.   He hefted her up while she slapped lightly at his head and shoulders, laughing and calling him something in Burian, probably along the lines of 'idiot.'  But, she was plainly amused, and not mad.

Satisfied, Alison ended her vid-shoot. "Well, this has been fun!  But, I think it's time we start heading back now. After we pick up that bottle of wine I wanted to get."   

Eventually, after procuring said bottle, she and Justin returned to where Flower and Grit were hitched.    After mounting up, she told him, smiling, "I think we've lost our guides at this point.  But that's alright.  The road was relatively straight, and not confusing.   Also, there is one final thing I want do on the way back, and it's better without the guides." 

And so the pair rode out from the village.   En route, Alison made certain to capture a last set of images; flora, fauna, landscape;  whatever came up that was striking or aesthetic.

There was a lake they'd passed on their way in, within the village's border...and once they reached it, Alison reined Grit to slow, guiding him toward a sturdy tree not far from its shore.

There, she dismounted, securing Grit to that tree, and indicating Justin to do the same with Flower.   With that done, she removed her hat, then her poncho.   And didn't stop there -- removing everything else till she was stripped down to lingerie only.

"Well?  You didn't think this would all be complete without a lake swim, did you?   So, do you want to stay here - maybe take a vid of me swimming? - or do you want to lose the clothes and join me?"      She traced a single finger slowly, down his arm.

In reply to Dr. Alison Verault (msg # 245):

Justin eyed the lake wearily Don't forget to keep your knife on. Never can tell what may be lurking about. stripping down to his shorts Justin strolled into the water.

  Shadow and Dusk's COMs  beeped., they  Looked at each other  and answered at the same time. Lilit's Face  appeared

  Dusk is  to be here for  a Dinner with Important representees of  Bura!..the Dinner is starting now!

Dusk was about to say something, Shadow  just  grinned,we are Havign a  Dinner with an Important  represetive of  Bura,

The Chief leaned  close  and looked at the screen...I am Chief SO-LN of the Village of Darkshadow... we are Entertaining  Darkshadow, His Friend  and  His  offspring..

 WHAT!!... A Village...They...

 Shadow talked over her... They have treated  me very well, since  the attack on Bura , when Jonny Blu dided... they welcome me and mine, everytime  we come.... and you know what they have? They have a Living statue of Lady, grown  brow thick  bush and m it look..like a   Fighter  Craft... it is thier tribute to her..

SO-LN Nods Happily...It is important for us. Lady helped  us  years ago... she came to fight for Bura.. and she died for Bura... she will be remembered by my people.

she looked  at a Loss,  Shadow  had  Dusk turn her screen to  Roy as  Shadow grinned.what do i say to those who ask?

 That's easy. You say  my kids  came with me and Roy to see a Village that is out  friend. If any have issues  of my kids spending  some time with me, tell them to look me up.

Knife belted obligingly at her hip, Alison took Justin's hand and they walked out into the lake, to the part where there was sufficient depth to swim.

And they spent a bit of time doing that;  having a little race, doing the backstroke, and diving down.   The water was invigorating and crystalline pure.   And though Alison couldn't put her finger on it, there was something subtly different about it, compared to the water of Earth.

They came back up, breaking the surface to engage in a kiss.   A moment she wished might on forever -- and fully hating that they couldn't have an entire week on Bura.

But all things have their end, and some sooner rather than later.  They swam back for the shore, standing to walk as they approached the shallows.  Talking, laughing, as they came out of the water, she fell silent suddenly, spotting something in her peripheral vision, in front of a small stand of trees.

Something that made her gasp, and point: "Oh my god!  Look!  He's just like the lion I won at the shooting range!"   

Indeed:  the silvery fur and mane, the tufted tail, the small pair of antennae protruding from the brow were near identical.   Far more surprising, the size was almost comparable.   The real animal was maybe fifteen percent bigger than the stuffed toy.

The cat observed them with emerald eyes, seeming more curious than anything. The antennae twitched, almost as though inspecting the two humans, in some way.

"Oh wow, I've gotta get a vid!"  She went to her belongings, hoping Leo would hang out long enough.   Perhaps it was foolish...he might have a family, a bigger parent. Yet, somehow, she could just sense this creature wasn't any trouble.

Once Alison had her camera, she said "That's it, that's right, sweet kitty! Let mama get a good image of your adorable self!"     

Roy made a face as soon as he heard Lilit's voice, although he schooled his expression before the comm was turned to face him.  "If that doesn't sit right with you," he said, after Shadow's suggestion for how she should explain Dusk's absence, "you can always tell them that she is broadening Uden's contacts on Bura, with an eye to greater cultural exchanges after the war is over.  That sounds nice and officious..."  The choice of the final word was deliberate, even though it could easily be taken as being intended to be 'official'.

Without waiting for the comm to be disconnected, he looked over at Dusk.  "Did she tell you anything about this dinner?  Or is she just assuming that you're somehow either telepathic or clairvoyant and know about it without being advised of the event?"  The question, itself, displayed a significant disregard for any respect that Lilit might be expecting, due to her position...but if there was any doubt, the scathing edge to his voice made it clear that any reverence he once had for Uden's Warlord had long since faded to insignificance.

  Dusk smiled  as she   turned the COM  back to her. I am sorry Granmod, I am not  dressed for that type of Dinner, and we only have  a little over an hour before recall. I will spend it  with Roy, Shade and Father.

 Tell the Admiral I will see him on the  ship And  Lilit?  Maybe ...undunno? unbotton some of your tuic  buttons, and  smile. That might get you a few more creds you are looking for...  He  cut off his COM. slapign it back on his belt.

SO-LN Loked   worried..You are to be at  big Dinner? With Important People?  You should Go.

 Shadow  chuckled, reached  for  the bottle of Berry juice that was  cooling in a bucket of cold water...He refilled   everyone's  cup around the   his fire  and then stood.

 People Mistake. Much too often. That people are important, because  of the stacks of creds they have, or the Businesses  they  run. Perhaps there is  importune on having
 Creds  to add to the running of this war. But i have never seen a cred take  down
 an Empire   trooper yet.

 Looking around at the people, even the younger warrior who spoke out before.The Burian people have never  stopped  fighting ,Even when Empire troops   roamed your  world... I have heard tales on the rec Dec, of  swarms of Native Burians  attacking   Demons and largans, with much the same tactics  as Gava...I have seen green angels  stand up  to Angel Elite...knowing those  Angel Elites  had  more  weaponry and tech...but never backed down. My Home  on Earth is gone...no one i know lives in that area  any longer... The Hermes is my home.... But here... he spreads out his arms , looking at the people.

 ..here i have a Home. People ...WANT..me to come visit , and treat us  like were are Admiral Hack himself...The People of Darkshadow, and on Villages like it.. as  ..IMPORTANT PEOPLE... here is to the People of Darkshadow!

 people  stood  and shouted the little Village's  name...all told? Maybe   100 people , counting kids..

  SO-NL was  smiling, nodding his head  at everyone...One of the  older   woman  came  and  took Shado's  hand, as did some younger ones  take  Shade  and Roy to the center,, and  Dusk  followed  a Male..

 One more Dance  with Honored Guests!...The Forest says, the time of your leaving  approaches... so we  finish meal aft  dance, tell a few more stories, and you must go

 the  music  was a bit  faster, the  leg motions were more like some exercises  Shadow did for football..but he did his best to  follow the Older  Burian's  movements, Dusk  and Shade  seemed to have  less  problems

As Alison continued to video the feline, smitten by how cute it was, she failed to note its antennae quivering.    She did, however, note when the animal's gaze grew unnaturally intent, and focused utterly on herself.

There was abruptly a pain behind her eyes, in her head and neck.  Like a tension headache.  "Uhh," she lowered the camera, put her fingers to her temple.  Was the cat responsible--?

"Uhh!"   It intensified, making her clench her jaw, and lower her head.

A memory assailed her -- one of her worst, regarding her father.  One of the absolute worst, from that dreadful, final year at the house in Austin.   After her brother had gone, after her mother's accident, when her father was left with only herself to target.  That twistedly cold expression on his face, the things he said, and what he tried to do after...her recollection was so vivid, it was as though she relieved it.

And then it was gone.   She knew there'd been some crappy memory about her father, but it wasn't there, anymore.  In its place was another:

Sitting by the lake, sunlight glittering on its surface, and warming her body.  Rolling contentedly, reveling in perfect spring weather.   Eying a pair of tasty looking birds in a nearby tree, but not hungry enough to make the attempt...

It was the cat's memory.  Somehow, it had traded it with hers. She should be alarmed, she knew that; but the act felt so profoundly compassionate.

The feline pivoted then, sprinting off into the trees.   Leaving behind a somewhat confused, lightly dazed, but unharmed doctor to wonder what that was, and how and why it happened...

"Okay.  Well that was different," she said to Justin, explaining briefly what took place.  "Let's get dressed, and go home?  I've really got something to research now."

 Justin watched the wildcat, his hand ready to bring a into action if the beast chose to get nasty. When it ran off he relaxed slightly. Listening casually as Alison related her thoughts and feelings Justin gave his chin a rub. Do you think that creature is common?
This message was last edited by the player at 20:13, Thu 17 Nov 2022.

Roy stifled a laugh when SO-LN expressed concern that they might be missing an important event.  "If it were that important for us to be there, we'd have been told about it before now.  I'm sure there are people there who would love to get a chance to see us...or, in some cases, give us a piece of their mind..."  He shot a cheese-eating grin at Shadow, before he continued.

"But we're operators, not policy makers."  He paused, and scowled slightly as he looked at Shade, then added, "Well...Shade kind of falls into both categories, actually, but he's spent his entire life on the Hermes.  People look to someone else to represent that star system in their negotiations.  So, really, there's no reason for us to be there, except to be shiny objects for people to fawn over.  This is a much more important function...connecting with our allies on a more direct level and getting a proper measure of their overall morale."

By that time, Shadow had finished pouring the drinks, and Roy joined in the toast to the village.  He managed to not make a fool of himself with the dancing...he was reasonably agile, but by no means a skilled dancer, although as the steps began to repeat and build into a pattern, he was able to let muscle memory start to take over and he improved.  It was motion that he'd never had much use for, so muscles were moving in unfamiliar ways, and muscles he rarely used were getting worked out.

But the enthusiasm of the villagers was infectious and sustaining, and no matter how tired parts of his legs might have felt, he was determined that he was not going to be the reason anyone felt it was time to cut the celebration short.  Besides, they had a deadline to return to the Hermes, and the dancing was not going to last long enough to wear him out...they'd have to leave to get back well before he was spent.

  The Dance  was finished, all, including the  Burians  were laughing  as they were  out of breath, and returned for  more of the Juice  and some  nibbling of  the  feast. While they Danced, SO-LN had  set  one of the older men who  wore   green-brown robes, away,

  There was the sound of  of  pounding  feet, in their  soft, yet think footwear, The metal workers, who had Smudges on his  face,  had his hands behind his  back, his  eyes  darted between   The Chief  and  LC.

 SO-LN....Darkshadow... I...I  well.. here... he handed a Bundle to  Shadow. The LC popped  a bit of  roast bird-thing in his mouth and opened the  sooted  cloth. His  blade was there, it was bent  even more!, there was a fissure  in the blade near the Hilt.

 Shadow's hand trembled for a  bit, ,  the freehand popped a few berries  in his mouth as he  regain composure ,,,so?  Um... You....couldn't  fix  it then?

The metal worker  shook his head,no? Darkshadow? I..I must confess, i have not  worked on inferior metal such as this, since  i Frist  picked up  the hammer.

 This is Shefield  steel!

 he loked at  Roy and the Chief , then to Shadow.This fellow  Shefield? he would have  many dead Burians   on his ehad, if they went out  to fight  with this  terrible  grade of metal..

 Then He  Produced another  Cloth, this one cleaner, Shadow  Un wrapped it, the blade inside was  the twin  of his  damaged  blade, save it had the Green  steel, and the leather    wrap was  textured for grip, the  Knuckles  on the  hand guard  were of Green steel  sent in Normal, Burian steel..

 A girl  stood  behind  The Metal worker, she  had a box  with a cloth over top.

 Motag? what does your daughter have  there? SO-LN asked.  The Girl was  streaked with soot  as well, she  smiled a little as she dared at their  visitors.

 Motag  motioned the girl forward, she was close to 8? maybe  9...though  aliens  were hard to figure ages.

 At my failure.. I have ..brought these for   gifts... One for each of your firneds, and You keep My Blade...

  There were  there  straight edge  daggers, with blades  about 8 inches long, made with green steel  and  hand  poits on the side of the  hand guard, the grips  were textured...

  The Gril handed one each to Roy, Dusk and Shade...

 Shade Bleeped a bit.He thanks you for your Gift, and your  weapon is grand?  I wil use it to bring down many enemies..

 takign the   scaner from his belt, that he used on the dead occui..he  scanned his wrist, then scanned  Motag's... Montag   said..NO!..I canot take payment  for the  weapon..I failed to  repair yours...

Shadow  just waved it off...I am paying for your time, and yoru care of your craft. Not the weapons, the weapons , we  accept as gifts.

 He hands his old blade to  SO-LN.Place this with your   tribute to  Lady, you will then, always have a bit of me here.

 The Little girl loked at the  fod,  Dusk  nudged   Shadow.

 Please.. sit and   finish the feast with us, You and your  daughter... you must not have  had a chance to  take part?

 Motag was goign torefuse, but he saw the Look   in his daughters  eyes  and  he agreed.

At that time the Robed  fellow  came back, handing SO-LN a Metal  box that  made the noise of  plastic inside. He opened the box...since you have spent  time with us, and may have  missed  out on Credits for the fleet... I offer you our  Villages  funds... there is...... The  robed fellow whispered, SO-LN smiled proudly,There is   almost 5,000 creds in the box, to help you fight the Empire.

Shadow   looked at them, they all looked  eager, Proud.I could accept this?, But  could i ask a bigger  gift instead?

 they lookked taken aback...SO-LN says,..you have , but to ask, Dark Shadow., if it is possible..it will be done!

 We have  Burian Ghost tropers on our ship, I have a close friends  who is  almost as good with a Bow, as a Burian Archer.  Would you be able to  provide us with  Burian  Arrows .  They have used up the arrows they broaught on board, and my firend has only fired  human made  shafts?

There were gasps   all around,This...This  we can do Darkshadow,, we  will provide you with  many  arrows  for  the  Ghost troopers  as well as your friend.

He looked down the way a Fellow with a green leather   cap on his head, and a cloak around him as he ate.we can gift...right now...1500 arrows, and not leave us empty.

 Shadow smiled,That, is more import then Creds. with our  archers, that means 1500 dead emopire  troops, and even more, if we recover the arrows...  I will accept that, you keep your creds to  use for   your Village as they were meant to...and we take the arrows  to kill Empire troops, as those arrows were meant to..

SO=LN Grinned  and  they shook  arms Clasping  wrist  firmly..Holding his cup of juice   high he says,tonight...The Village of Darkshadow is honored to  help fight the  Empire on far off worlds!... Music played  as  an older warrior stood, he had  green metal  breast plate, Baldes on his  belt and a  Burian  side  arm on a weapons belt  slung across his shoulder.

 Darkshadow.. I am Captain ZE-LE. I have  a  most important boon to ask of  you an  SM Roy. This, is my eldest Son..

 the lad   wiped his hands on his  leathers  and  stood, nodding his head to the visitors.

This  is Yger..his  is  son of mine, and   wife who passed on. He wishes to fight the Empire...he is good with Bow, but needs  more training, he is good with  Blade, and  is does  very well with it, he...is not so go with weapon that fire bullets.. it is his wish to  join the Hemres, to  fight  with Darkshadow and his crewmates..

The lad  loked fit  enough, reminding the hermites of   Jumpig Lion.Yger? as honor among warriors? Is this what you wish, would you not rather protect your Home?

 The LAd loked at Roy as he spoke to Shadow, Darkshadow, we have many  warriors here, we have killed many empire   enemies, brought down , many big beasts. But none of us   has steeped into the stars. I wish to be the first , to fight  Empire troops, who have yet to stain our  world

Shadow   sent a COM  somewhere... he looked at Roy,Your call, SM? He'll be a trooper. we have   the Young Guns  runnign around  anyway?

To,SO-LN he asks,how many people in your Village...

 we have... 205  as i speak,,,,

 send  word for  all of them to  gather in the  filed to the west...a BU is  coming... You are all going to see the stars, and Bura, as you never have, Then  we must be going...

...........

 with in 10 Minutes  the BU was  landing in the field, Shadow  and friends  lead the  Village people to the  filed, the gasped in awe of the BU...

 " it is so big!' a women called out. Shadow just grinned.when they were all on board, Shadow   opened the door to the pilots and told them where he wanted to go. then the   craft began to take off.. some  kids   and even adults gasped  or cried out, they wobbled  a bit  as   they went   through the Atmo....

 The first sight the  went to  was The Hermes dock.. the   ramp  camp down with the static  field activated.

 don't  go out that shimmering  wall? you will die, there is no air to breath, you must have   suits on to survive.

 Then the people saw The Hermes and Gasped  at its  size.. The Giant  'winged  foot" at the  Bow , the  dorsal  surface, and at the rear, They saw other ships docked as well.and could not get over it, when they saw   fighters  that looked  like  bugs compared to the Hermes.

 the  Craft Pulled around, with the  ramp way facing Bura,And there is your world....  the people  moved  to the   static filed gasping as their minds tried to wrap around the  Breen Blue, with some mottled yellow.. tears streamed down many of their faces.. " Its...Its. Beautiful!"

It is.. and  look here... he  grabbed a Lazer pointer from the rack by the  controls.. he  placed it near a dark green spot  in the  northern hemisphere.,That is where you home is, just about...

The Pilot  beeped Shadow..we have to go back now,  My friends  and I must get back to our own BU  and  gather up  things to take bake to the Hermes.

The Burian regulars that were stationed  at the Village smiled, they had  seen it before, but  none of the others were able to go to space.

 the ramp had to close  as they entered atmo, the shaking   still  caused   some  cries of alarm, but, for the most part, the people  were talking excitedly.

Though it was   dark, the  feast fires  still burned, the  ramp opened   so the people could see their  Village from the air, then it Landed.   Shadow thanked the pilots   after all the People disembarked..  , Chattering of  excitement, as them headed to their Village, with a whole new view of their  world

 returning to the Village, SO-LN  sent people for the arrows. they were Bundled and wrapped with  care, and stacked into the  van, leaving  barely room form  Shade  and Dusk  in the back.

 the  4  stood there,   Shaking hands as Yger  waited to see if  Roy would accept him as a recruit , his meager  belonging  with him in a   homemade duffle. his bow in his hand.

Roy watched the boy carefully as it became apparent that he was volunteering for service, and then as they made the flight up to buzz past the Hermes and then return to the planet, weighing his demeanor and reactions.

"So, Yger...is it that you lack training with firearms?  Or is it that you don't like them?  Because we have limited space in the troopers, and most of what we do doesn't allow for the use of a bow very often.  If you come with us, you will need to learn to shoot a variety of weapons, and probably learn to use your bow with very different gear, as well.  And there is no knowing how long it may be before you get a chance to visit forests and mountains again...and when we do, there may not be time to relax and enjoy them."  He watched the boy's face carefully...they could always use volunteers, especially coming in without the baggage of heavy preconceptions about how good they are compared to the Hermes crew, and he didn't want to discourage Yger, or set a precedent that could discourage others from following in his path.

But he also didn't want the boy to join the crew expecting it to be similar to what he'd experienced in life thus far.  If Yger wanted to be on the front lines, Roy would help him...but only if Yger could be trained to the point of being a legitimate asset to the team he was with.  A gung-ho bowhunter would be in serious trouble in a gun battle...

"If you're willing to learn the additional skills you need, and if you are prepared to leave the forests and mountains behind, possibly for the rest of your life, we would be honored to have you join our troops." He smiled, giving a slight nod as he added, "That's a lot to ask, I know.  And if it's more than you're ready to do, I understand.  We can arrange alternatives for you that would suit you better, and still get you into the fight...but they won't be the point of the spear.  The choice is yours."

 Yger looked at Roy, He looked to his father, he last look was  at  Shadow, Shadow smiled and  gave a  shrug.

 The Young  Burian looked at  Roy, there was a bit of worry in his eyes.SM  Roy, I am able to learn things. The  Burian regulars , who help guard our  Village, they  teach us  some  about the  firing weapons. I am not  fool enough to think i know everything, I am sure the Ghost troopers  will aid me in becoming  a  true  Hermes  warrior? As far as not  seeing trees and Moutnains and grass. It is indeed, a big sadness for me. But it cannot be   any worse the sadness, other  feel.

 There  is something  you must understand  as well,,Yger . Just because you step on the Dec Of the hermes, does not mean  you are thrown out into the first Jump off. You will have to train on the ship, you will have duties  to perform and you will have to do many 'lesser tasks', we all do.

 Shade  grabbed    Dusk  arm and Puled  her  to Roy and bleeped  softly.

 Dusk whispers  to  Roy,My brother  says, he could  come on for a 'tour of  duty' , and be   released back  to Bura, next we  arrive, if,he does not work out. For my own thoughts? he  could train in the  Burian Navy as a Ghost Trooper. However we should take into account, the Honor of this young Burian is trying to gain for his  Village. Even  if  he sails with us, he gains  a lot of  pride for his people. Being on the Hermes, does not mean jumping into battle. Coming home in an ESN Unifrom, with newly learned skills is something he  would be proud of, and  His Village to boast to those other Villages, who tend to only worry about their own  area?  I have  had Little training, when Evert placed me on the  bridge.

   Shade rattles off  some noises,Shade  says he  knew  only the bit of training, and he  went   in Delta  Nights.

 Yger  and His father looked  worried   as they Saw   Roy  talk the   younger Shadows. SO-LN asked   Shadow,you have  shiney things on your  Collar. Can you not  intervein ?

 Shadow shook his head,Lets say were  were out  in the plains where the farmland was. and a Burian farmer   told me how well his  son could fly a  crop duster, or the   hover truck that took goods to market.and the lad  wanted to be a pilot? I would have to think long and hard. and he would have to go to the academy , then learn even more from  My pilots and Myself

 Yger  could  train on the Hermes, we have  done it with  a few other young ones. But he must understand two things, If Roy says yes, there will be alot of hard   work, before he ever sees a Jump off. And if  Roy says no, he..and the Village Must understand , it is not because  we do not want him, it is because  fighting in the black, is much differant, then fighting in the forest

 SO-NL looked sad, The boy has looked for many  turns of the sun, for the next time you came to see us. The whole of the Village is proud of his  skills, and the though of  one of our Village  on The Hermes

 Shadow   gave a smile and clapped a hand on SO-LN's shoulder.Roy will  make his choice, I will agree. If he comes with us, you know  he will be doing hard work and getting hones as a good blade. If  he stays behind,  he can work with  the troopers here, on firing weapons, for the next time we come back.

 Then , clasping wrists   with SO-LN and  the others,Make your  choice  SM, we need to get back

 Shadow   moved to the Van, Dusk and Shade looked at Roy, Yger looked at  roy and 204  Village Burians looked at Roy

After a refreshing swim, and a reinvigorating interlude, they returned to the Village. The bustle and activity resulting from the fleets preparations to depart were apparent. Returning the mounts to their owner Justin thanked the Burians for their generosity and kindness. Justin also asked the locals about the Antlered Feline creature.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:04, Fri 18 Nov 2022.

In asking around, they eventually met an elderly Burian lady, who seemed something like a wise-woman for the village.   Stately and silver-haired, her tone was solemn, but she smiled as she answered:

"Ah, yes; the nyrie-veth, sometime called a soothe, or a swap-cat.  They are rare, few in number, but hold a special place in our history and folklore.   They're naturally psychic, in a way both subtle and profound.    They seem to recognize when someone has a deep wound of the heart, or soul, and will trade out one of their memories for it.  Rather than keep it, the cat is able to burn off the negative energy to enhance its speed or ferocity, when the need arises.  Most curious little creatures, sacred to us, and banned from being hunted.   Some believe that feeding or aiding one will bring a full lunar cycle of good luck."

It supplied Alison the general picture.  But she still planned to learn more about how the cat did what it did, in her spare time, back aboard the Hermes.

She too thanked the villagers for their hospitality, and openness toward curious strangers. Before long, it was finally time to head back.

"Thanks for all of this, for coming with me," she said to Justin, giving him a kiss.  "Bura was everything I hoped for. Even more. If any place could tempt me into going AWOL, it's probably this world."  She smiled. "But I'm too much a career woman for that, and I've got a ton of work waiting, when I get back."

Come now Granmot Cethay.. Don, be spinning tales bout the horned Felex to the gentle folk... the strapper states as he's removing a saddle. Sorry bout tha folks, Granmot do take on somewhat dramatic at times. The Horned Felex aren't so rare. Some of the Villagers enjoy saying they can steel distressing thoughts. Thing is they put suff in the water tha addles the mind somewhat.

Thank you kindly that was quite informative. Justin stated as he eyed the Strapper then the elderly woman.

Giving a shrug he glanced at Alison Let's be off then; we'll soon be on the Hermes.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:23, Sat 19 Nov 2022.

Roy had already made up his mind, as soon as he heard Yger's response, but he listened attentively to what Shade and Dusk had to add on the subject, returning to the father and son who stood next to Shadow just in time to get Shadow's notice that they needed to leave.

"Get whatever gear you need or want to bring with you.  If you're back here and ready to go before we take off, you're welcome to come with us, and if we don't see you, I'll pass word along to Commodore McKeon that she's got a recruit waiting to be picked up here."  He smiled as he spoke, even though he also realized that taking the boy aboard could very likely be a death sentence for him.  War didn't spare the pure in heart...

He made a gesture, as if shooing Yger along to his home to grab whatever he intended to bring with him.  It would be the final test of just how dedicated the boy--no, he corrected himself...the young man was to the notion of joining the Hermes crew.

   Hefting his   homemade duffle  and his  bow, a  quiver of   Burian  arrows  and a  green metal  dagger on his  belt.

  I  have everything I need here, Roy SM.

 Shadow looked at Roy and shrugged,Squeeze into the back... ZE-LE, SO-LN... we will see you again, next time  we dock... Maybe? I will bring  something special back, form where we next fight.

 Enterign the   Van, Shadow  looked at the Clock. on the dash,I suppose  we'll just  got to the airfield and   go up in one of our   shuttles..  My stuff went up  with the Largs,   You want to send a COM for  Dusk, Shade, and Your  things to be sent up? Or do you wnat to fetch them?

 Shadow shuts the  cargo  door  , the  Canvas Bundles of  arrows, wrapped as if they were precious  jewels  would provide  more then enough  insulation with the Door Closed  as  Shadow  spoke  softly.

  The kid  should get along with the Young  Guns. It will help him  feel a bit more comfortable.. he can always help guard   Beth on the Hanger Dec, and still feel a'part' of the Hermes.  Roll does it..heck..Roll was down there shooting   people  during that  whole Nivarian Larg master thing... who the  9 hells  gave him a  weapon?

Shadow and Friends to airfield  Bura   >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:30, Sat 19 Nov 2022.

:: Bura Finis (until next time...) To Airfield (Bura)------->>>>
This message was last edited by the player at 16:35, Sat 19 Nov 2022.