(( pick up shore leave ect ect))

Roy looked down at Larry as they climbed onto the APV.  "Well, I was planning to get you some exercise, anyway...just as well that you got it yourself.  Did you at least eat enough that you aren't going to act like you're starving anytime someone walks past with a plate of food?"  He grinned at the larg.

Larry looks up his tail thumps a bit more rapidly. he nest;es   down on the floor of trhe APV.

..I don't even want to know, who or what, he  ate.

Henry smiles.

"Running off suggests they are up to no good. Nina, would Gorgo like to fly after them, see what they are up to or at least, where they are going?"

Kira reached into her pocket and fished out a pair of glasses and slipped them on, "You have no idea" she said to the guard before looking over to Morgan and Morris, "I suppose we should suit up and see what this is all about then" she wasn't to thrilled with having her date time with Morgan interrupted either.

”My family were just dirt poor” Izzy quietly replied, not really wanting to talk about her poverty stricken upbringing, or at least not with someone she’d only just met, even if they were nice. With Sam mentioning that she would have more than enough time to investigate the local shops as she was to be stationed with the Burian fleet, Izzy would frown, partly because she was jealous that Sam would be able to make the most of the local shops and partly because her new friend wouldn’t be coming with her when the fleet departed ”I’ll have to get your comm number before we leave...so what is it you do with the Burian fleet?”

 Sam smiled and said,I understand about being poor Izzy.

 Sam then added,Of course I would love that, wish you guys,wherent leaving. Sam almost cries but this is a time for fun and memories.

 Sam will smile at Howe and hold his hand not wanting him to go tomorrow.

 Then Izzy asked what she was doing for the Burian Fleet. Oh Izzy I am the new N 2 position in Captain McKeon's command staff, I will run the communications and Information gathering for the Burian Fleet. 

    The sensors picked up Joseph approaching the ship and Garrat got him on camera. "Okay I'm droping us in the water a bit so that little white haired freak doesn't splatter himself on the hull.  Stow his bike and get him here ASAP. 

    To Clark "If you can do it, do it.  If not then we have to move this baby quickly to land so we can use land resources to deal with it."

    His crew members lead Joe to the bridge.  sensory and communications station has one screen and limited comtrols.  The sensors are sophisticated but have to be actively monitored and can only show one aspect at a time.

  Howe   smiles    slightly   as Sam said she wished thwy weren't leaving.Admiral's  settign the Table?  We know  we have  Fuji, and we  know  we have Bura... and right now... Etna is more like Fuji, then  the other  Stations..But he  setting up?  whether its  supply routes..or fall-back points.. you'd have to ask him...

 the   woman brings  the  food, she  scans   Howe's wrist   as another woman brings out the drinks.

 when they leave,Howe look at Izzy...if you have anything to do with the Night life tonight?... we all should   eat and drink..we have about an hour to get back to the palace.

...............…................

  Morris  frowns as he realized he  was  distracted by steak,..SGT  Wolfrim?  Our   Mechs  we have  down here.. aren't  suited  for submerging... he looked at the  two  Mech  Riders  to  make certain he was correct... Morgan nodded.

 what i need to know... do  we have them rife there own to protect people, or do they try your...um..cobbled  mechs...

 .......................

 Gorgo takes to the   air  as Nina   looked up at him in the trees... Val  stood  close to  Herny with her   sidearm

 some  5  Minutes later  the Feathered snake landed  on   Nina's  shoulder  as she fussed over him...

 Gorgo has  seen the  banditos..they got into small armored  vehicle..and   drove..the road...…she closes her  eyes   , her teeth in a grimaces  as she tries to sort out images.

 ,, Gorgo saw.. the  road  is  narrow..over grown...but  Boes  to the North  and  east around  the palace... he saw..barely...another   large building or  such to the east... bigger  roads..like  we use now..go from airfield to place.. and from Palace to  that area..it must be the City?

 Gorgo Nuzzles   her   when she is  done.

    "Good question sir, We have a satillite of unknown make, not Burean, Largan, Esn, not likely any of the primary Empire species as they would just show up in ships.  it is 20 to 25 meters long with tow large solar panels and multiple arms, some damaged beyond use.  It is Functional but likely sleeping but light from our vehicles was enough to start charging it's power supply.  It is presumed that once it reaches a certain charge it will activate and attempt to achieve it's primary objective.  As we don't know what that is it poses both a threat and an opportunity.  I'm trying to figure out how to reduce the threat while maintaining the opportunity. 

    "My first thought is to cut it's power supply and activate it in controlled environment but I am told that may not be a viable solution.  We could swap out an engineering are from a CB mech to an aquatic mech and use that to cut the panels off rather than shoot it off but I don't have confidence in that working underwater."

    Garrat manouvers the Imigrants song over the wreakage, "It seems to be surprisingly intact with little atmospheric damage so it's made of some advanced materials and it has been down here for some time.  I'm sending you pictures right now so your burean freinds might be able to give us an Idea of how long it has been down here from the debris that has acumulated on it.  That would be important information in the decision making."

    "Clark, you are the mech driver on site, what is your opinion? Should Ambermoon stick with the mech she knows above the surface or take up the mech she doesn't know below?"

    Joeseph bustles in and sits down at the counsel and looks at it a moment, almost in shock.  "Oi, this is not good."  He glances at Garrat, "I expected better than this from you Asgard."

    His hands fly across the board getting used to the controls. "We definitely need a more interactive command system.  Tying communications and sensors into a single screen station is like trying to fly the Hermes from a lap top.  Beth could probably do it but no one else has a prayer".

    He looks under the counsel "What panel do I have to  remove to see how the information comes into the controls?"

   The Gray Largan looks over at Joseph, “Our apologies little human.” The reptile said  “The military demands we give them good sensors then has no concept of how to utilize them.  We have been focusing on making the ship work on the inside and have neglected the outside.”

    Garrat snorts “That’s an understatement, we were just getting to the bridge.  I haven’t had the money to get a new CPU for the com-sensory station.  I did rig the sensory input cables with standard ESN data plugs so you should not have any trouble running the data through an outside processor.  I'll radio down to engineering and have them jury rig one of their performance touch screens for you but you will need your owm processor to make the display interactive.”

     “Ambermoon, assessment on the fish Mechs.  They have a sturdy agile infrastructure and there armor is adequate but not heavy.  Their guns are not very powerful but are efficient, and they are capable of floating and moving like a sub as well as walking along the bottom.  We have two Mechs with scrappers in them we can bring to you if you like.”
This message was last edited by the player at 16:49, Thu 17 Oct 2019.

Harry's eyes would gradually flutter open to look upon Will from where she was snuggled up against him. Enjoying the feel of her bare skin against his she would start kissing his cheek so as to get his attention before gently turning his head so as to give him a single, long and lingering kiss upon his lips "as nice as this is, we should probably think about finding something to eat...especially if we want to be involved in the Delta night" she whispered with her lips softly brushing against his ear as she did so. It had been awhile since she'd last taken part in a Delta night and so was more than happy to take part...assuming of course that they had a mission suitable of her particular skill set that is.

  Will  frowns  , he is a bit bleary eyed  from the  warm sleep...yeah?.. time is  running down... best  get some food  and head  back..or just head back and see what the palace has.. and  we can get suited up.

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

  Clark  is   swearing under his breath,ok?  the only way to pretend to do this  right..is to  get on top the    damn thing  and   see if i can snap off the   arm..or something?... I'd  say have  Kira and Morgan be in the armed   ESN Mechs..

 he starts  up the slope  until the top of the machine is a few  feet below the  water... he moves  to  step on the   cylinder  stomping hard   with his  first step to see the  reaction..

 ..its bending  a bit..have to  say its hollow, or..has  an outside shell....
 Morgan and Kira sprinted to the  Big Ugly in the hanger , that held  the mechs.

With the arrival of the food Izzy would take a sip of her beer, finding it to be just deliciously moreish as she remembered it to be, before helping herself to a slice of pizza "I think I'm only there to observe this time around" Izzy replied when Howe asked whether she was involved in the Delta night. To be fair she wasn't all too sure what they wanted her to do, because although she had military training she was nowhere near skilled enough for such work, and it wasn't like she could release any footage of the event either. The only thing that did come to mind was that they wanted her to help with the cover up and return Delta Night to it's previously mysterious origins, a difficult task considering how well known it had become in recent months.

With Sam seemingly trying to keep it altogether as a result of losing all of her friends, and in the case of Howe more than a friend, Izzy would offer the poor girl a sympathetic smile as she reached over and gave her hand a quick squeeze "It's ok, we can still swap messages with one another if you like, and depending on how long Delta night takes there's nothing to say we couldn't hang out with one another tonight when it's finished" she suggested, figuring that they could have one last drink together at the very least...assuming of course that Sam wouldn't rather have a little alone time with Howe. Which if that was the case Izzy couldn't blame her, after all she knew what she'd rather spend her last night doing.

Flex

"It'd be a shame not to see the town" Harry quietly mused before adding with a giggle "...besides, I thought you wanted to see me in one of those low cut Burian dresses like off of Captain Lightning?" giving him one final kiss before getting up and changed into her uniform. Although the dress would be nice food was most certainly top of her agenda with her not having eaten since this morning "come on lets go and get something to eat, I'm starving" she said whilst waiting for Will to  finish getting changed before heading down the track that would lead to the airfield and the waiting transports.

   Garrat radios to engineering, and requests the screen.  Shortly the white Largan comes up and works with an adult from the LG to set it up for Joe.

   In the men time Garrat contacts the other amphibious mechs: Edmund, Benjamin, be on the ready.  If Clark causes a response the satelite might have a means of attacking him.  At clarks word your weapons go green and you need to subdue the mechanism it uses.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:22, Thu 17 Oct 2019.

    Joseph uses his multi instrument feed port to feed the comunications array and the different sensors through his computer.  His fingers fly across the keys as he puts each sensor onto an audio visualizer so the energy waves are measured by the same system that he uses to measure soundwaves. "Okay, three screens : much better."  The original screen measures communication and the new big screen has multiple lines monitoring the sensors with squares of imaging sensors across the top and lines for wave lengths across the bottom.  He hits a key and all signals go to real time. "Okay I'm monitoring, us, the Mechs, the fish transport and yest there is light activity from the Un Identified object, hense forth refferred as the U.I.O."

  Clark took a second step...then a third ,  the  metal buckled  a bit  with  each step.


  about  10 yards  from the  solar panels.. the  damn arm looks  like its  a good  3  inches  around,   no wires   sticking  out, so it has to  be  contained inside?

  Morgan and Kira  are leaving the hanger in the   mechs they used for the   attack.

 Sam smiles at both of them and when the food shows up she digs in and takes a sip of her wine, and it was so good. She looks at Howe and says," Well I just hope you come back my way again for supplies and some fun time Lt."

 She will give him a kiss and then turn to Izzy, and say," Oh that will be fun, I will be working on Comms and most likely doing some hacking, I will be in the command center you can stay near me if that is where you will be Izzy."

 Sam smiled when Izzy took her hand and after she spoke Sam responded," Oh yes we can definitely keep in touch with Comms and Vids, I hope both of you will do that." She smiles at Izzy and then Howe. " Yes depending on when Delta night is completed we can spend some time together Izzy, but need to leave some time for a little fun." She smiles and leans in to whisper the rest to Izzy," If you know what I mean Izzy, he is so hot."

   Garrat turns to Teela who had landed and come aboard shortly before he moved the ship.  "Does this look like angel tech to you?"

   <Aqua> "Clark, when you reach the connection,  can you put your weapon on the pipe and fire point blank to sever it?  We can always use the salvage grapples to tear it off but I don't want to rip up the insides by ripping out the power cables."
</Aqua>
    Joseph, are you getting anything?
This message was last edited by the player at 01:30, Fri 18 Oct 2019.

   Clark  made it to the  Solar  Panel arm. he looked at it.I'm by the arm... I can't   break this.. I  mean.. i could grab it  and  hand  from it.. the weight might do it?..but who knows  what will happen...?

 Joe make is only getting  some faint   signals going out..nothing coming in..

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

  ..well.... Let us  do  something  with it..aye? the area  is cleared ..if  it isn't  a Bloomin  nuke..we should be  alright if it goes off.... Moris  says

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


 Howe    is on a second  slice of pizza,..well..  I hate to be the bad  guy here... but we go  about  30 minutes  before  we should head  back.... he   take this  slice  from the vegie  part......i don't   think the Burians know how to make bad food?

Haley laughed at being thumped by Gregors tail.
Nikki looked over as she handed out the food, passing some to Mitch to help with and helping him see how even Haley was getting along with the baby larg.  "Could be Roll.  Some say that such beings came to Earth a very long time ago and became known by other names.  I am sure Toni's dad does not hate or dislike you, he just does not know you very well.  Sometimes people are like that, they judge you without really knowing you.  He also works on the farm and works with animals much like Haley and myself,  so he has trouble finding a balance that works.  Now....I have a question for you, why the long face?  you do seem sad in a way and I want you to have fun.  What can we do to see you smile?" she asked.

 Roll looked  around, he still pet  Gregor  who still thumped his  tail...I don't know?  I miss my mommie?... I don't get to be  with my new mommie much, cause  people are trying to kill  us all the time?

 He looked at  Nikki,..Mr  Shadow said  i was good?  But if  i'm good.. why is everything  bad  all the time? his  eyes  were wet.

   he looked   down the way were  Lifter  and Dice  were playign  with their  'new' mommies  and Daddies .

  Mitch cleared his throat a bit,..that's the bad   thing out here , Roll?.. we   are trying to change that... its  hard for you to understand..but   we are trying to make   The Balck safe..for every one... bunches of  'Rolls' all over the black.. Sanri Rolls... Occui  Rolls..

 Roll nodded slowly, he  kept petting the happy little larg.

  Jax  and Sneak   where coming back  from Town.. they saw   Haley and  Roll  and came over...Hey!..Roll...  how  come you're  not  running around?

  Roll looked up  his  eyes   Got  big  and he   jumped   up ( flopping  a very surpired LArg onto   Haley's lap!)

 ..Did You Come to play!

 well?.... I was Just on...  Sneak elbowed him,my way to  ..um Tell   the SGT MAjor   where I am..., so yeah.. Let's play..soon as  i send him a COM  Jax  sends  a  COM to Roy,  he puts  down the bags   that they   got  and  Sneak grabbed  Haley and the four of them   went  Runnign    towards the  lake... with  Gregory   shooting  out  after them...

 Roll  was laughing  anf Gigglign  as    Jax  'missed'  trying to  tackle  Him..then  Laughed More   as   Gregory  Jumped on  Jax.

 Lizzy and Karl get out of the transport near the lake, Lizzy thanks the drivers and then heads out to the lake. " Wow this is amazing Captain, lets go find a nice secluded spot shall we and enjoy the sun, water and the company." Lizzy will look at the shoreline and decide to head in one direction looking for a good spot.

"Good work, Gorgo. We can pass that on to SEC."

Henry smiled at Nina and the feathered serpent.

"Anyway now they're gone we can enjoy the rest of our nature walk. It's not quite time to go back yet!"

 whether it was  the  peopel whop ran.. or the presence of the  3 humans  and thier animals.

 the   wildlife  became a bit scarce.   they saw  same , bird like things with  fish hanging off thier  pointed bills, land  by 'beehive' like nests and  stick the fish inside.

 they did  get to  see. what appears to be a tree, reach out  and  snag a small furry    creature  with  its  'vinelike' arms . the  little creature  squealed  and  was  dropped into the maw , that opened like a  giant knothole. then  closed, looking like bark, once more.

 as the looked over the area, they saw a few of those 'trees' about. one  smaller then Mila  that  was  trapping  bugs and  such.

  "We're getting DBU's but not enough to get anywhere.  I'm working on analyzing the signal to see if it is a repeating pattern or a data stream.  I'm also analyzing the frequency, pattern, and bandwidth to see if fleet intelligence has any matches.  But I'll need Morris' okay toget them to look at it."

(Flexed)

After getting suited up they took off towards the lake with due haste it would be a little bit until they got there but they were indeed coming, "Sgt Garrat i am in route will be there ASAP"

  “Roger that CPO, trying to cancel or hold off any action till you get here.”  Garrat waits to see if they can sever the panels.  “Captain Morris, Any way you can okay a fleet intelligence review of the signals being sent out by the artifact?”

Karl followed Lizzy, enjoying the scenery as well as the 'scenery'.  "I think it's been close to a decade since I swam in anything other than a pool," he commented, as they walked along the shoreline.  "Been with the Fleet for close to five years, now, another year in transit time from Earth, since we couldn't exactly arrange a direct transfer with Ge-Fi locking down the Sol System...before that, I was flying at a proving grounds in the high desert...not a whole lot of beach-front property there."

 Lizzy smiled and she knew Karl was checking her out and she loved it. Of course her stuck in the mud Captain Father wouldn't like it but oh well, your daughter us,all grown up.

 Yes it is so beautiful,  I haven't been swimming in a lake in a long time as well. Oh that spot looks nice. Lizzy saw a little secluded cove hidden by trees and rocks. She entered the area and it was almost perfect, just no waterfalls. Lizzy would put her bag down, then get out two large towels and lay them down.

 Then Lizzy would remove her tank top and shorts and she was just wearing her tiny string bikini. There was barely enough material to cover what absolutely had to be covered. Once changed she smiles at Karl then turns 360 around and says,Well Captain what do you think of the cove and the scenery, and of course my new bikini? it is a little tiny bit hey I am not the modest type.

Nikki waved them on over.  Haley suddenly found the excited little large licking her face "You tickle" she giggled.
"Jax, Sneak, come join us.  We are having a picnic.  Ithis is Lt Mitch Regal, just coming aboard the Hermes.  Mitch this is Jax and Sneak" she made hand gestures between them "We were waiting for Morticia and Victor, but apparently they've been tied up some where.  My guess is with Hack and some other business" she did not mention 'Delta Night'.  she was happy for Roll to smile a bit.

  Morris  sent back a COM,..If  possible   store  what you can for the  feeds...  our..COM people are  either on shore leave, or ..um..getting ready for night life... so... this  will have to be handle here  and now.

 Clark  COMed....I'm'  right next to the  solar arm?... its  a damn think conduit, i guess?..   Solar panels  as  attached to the top with  some  shiny collars..Brass?..copper?  I dunno.. not  greenish  so maybe not  copper.

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

  Jax and Sneak barely had   time to smile a dn   nod to Mitch  as they all took off  running about the   Grass... about  500 yards   or  so to the  south was  the gathering of  Garrtat's  folks  and the mechs   standing near  Morris...The CAptain was not dressed for  duty

  "Alright, as there has been no response I'm running the tow cables we use for scrapping to you.  Lets get those panels disconected so we can tie it off and carry it to shore."

  Clark looked at the  Panels and shrugged inside his  Mech.  ok?   send  them  down....but.... if  we take away the panels?... doesn't that sorta  kill this thing?

Karl grinned slightly at the question.  He'd already given his opinion, back at the palace, but he was willing to play along with the tease.  "Bet it doesn't cause much drag when you're swimming..."  In all likelihood, unless the strings were deceptively strong, it probably wouldn't hold together through a full-on dive into the water, but he was smart enough to know negative commentary wasn't appropriate to the situation.

"Does it shrink if it gets wet?" he asked, laughter in his eyes.

   "Niko said it was charging up to a higher level with his spot light. Whatever it's purpose it has to have batteries to function when it goes into the shadow of a heavenly object.  When the time comes I can manually rig it to the Immigrant's song battery banks when we want to activate it. That way we can shut off power if it registers as a threat."

 

   Hooking  up the  cables,   Clark  says,<Gray>ok..its hooked up... I'm going up on sure..no way i'll be in the water when that  think comes off...</Gray

  Moving up the shore,, he  turns  as he  watches  what will happen..

Haley looked at Nikki "Can I go play with them too?" she gave a hopeful grin
"Of course.  If they let you, if not you can come back here and we can play too,  just don't get into trouble" She gave Haley a nose boop before letting her run off.  "So Lt. Regal, that just leaves the two of us on the blanket,  care to watch some clouds with me?" that eyebrow went  up in an arch again as she smiled that crooked Elvis grin.

    "Joseph, tell me if there is any change in what it is signaling while I'm doing this."

   Garrat lifts the immigrant's song out of the water slowly and carefully lifting the sattelite over the beach and gently setting it down before landing the Transport next to the foreign technology.

 Lizzy smiles and says," Yeah there isn't much to cause drag is there, I know I asked you in the room how it looked but now we are at the beach where I should wear it. I don't know if it shrinks, it is brand new, if it does I hope you don't mind what it reveals."

 With that Lizzy will run towards the water and jump in and swim a little ways out, " The water is a little cool but it feels great, come on Captain come join me." Lizzy will notice when she jumped, dived in her top moved some to expose a rather excited part as the water was cold. Lizzy will adjust her top to cover the problem but she will keep smiling and wait for Karl to join her.

Karl shed his shirt, dropping the towel and jacket on a dry spot of raised stone along the shore, before wading out up to his waist.  The water was cold, but nothing compared to the stuff he'd had to deal in Basic Training.  With a grin, he did a shallow surface dive, skimming the bottom of the lake towards Lizzy, until he surfaced quietly only a couple of feet in front of her.

"You don't get to do that in a pool," he said with a grin.  Slipping over and around the uneven lake bed was a far cry beyond swimming along the bottom of a perfectly-maintained pool.  He gave a kick, turning onto his side as he floated up to rest against Lizzy.

"Well, the water's not that cold...so I guess you're happy to see me," he joked, before giving her a kiss.

Flex

Giggling softly at Sam’s comment that she wanted to spend a little time with Howe before they left, Izzy would fully understand the sentiment ”I don’t blame you, I’d be doing the same if I had someone to spend the time with” she said just a little envious of the fact that Sam had managed to hook up and she hadn’t.

With Howe pointing out that they would soon have to head back to the palace to get ready for tonight, Izzy would briefly pout, not wanting to cut short her only social interaction of the day, before nodding her head in understanding. Grabbing another slice of pizza she had to agree with Howe’s comment that the Burian’s  didn’t know how to make bad food, weird yes, but never out and out bad ” I’m kind of curious to see what a Delta night involves...and what kind of role they have in mind for me” Izzy said between dainty mouthfuls, looking to Howe for any answers he may have.

 Lizzy laughed when he came up and said you can't do that in a pool. When he said she was glad to see him, she knew he was talking about what the cold did to her nipples. She smiled, then kiss her backed, and then she said," Captain I am always glad to see you, but the water is cold enough for that." She laughs and then she will give him an amazing kiss and then lean back and float on the water on her back.

 Lizzy just floated on her back wondering what Karl would do, she hoped something really fun.

 Sam smiled and could see the look Izzy had, Sam wish she had found someone as well. Quietly she would say," Well when you go back to the Hermes see if Howe can help you find a good man, or woman to have fun with Izzy."

 She would eat another piece of pizza and finish her drink, she didn't want this to end but they would hopefully have time after Delta night.

 When Izzy asked about Delta Night, she would say," This will be my first Delta Night and I will be the Overwatch  at the Command Center, not sure what they will have you doing, maybe watching me?"

 Sam would turn to Howe," Thank you for the food Lt., yeah we should start heading back, but we can all meet up after Delta Night please."

Flex

At the suggestion that she asked Howe to help her hook up with someone when they returned to the Hermes, Izzy's cheeks would flush bright pink with her taking a rather large mouthful of her drink in order to try and hide the fact. Thankfully the conversation would turn away from her love life to that of the impending Delta night with neither her or Izzy all that sure what the reporter would doing.

Finishing their drinks and the pizza, Izzy would reluctantly get up and follow Sam and Howe back to the transports so that they could return to the palace and get ready for the Delta night, with Izzy more than a little curious as to what it entailed.

---> Bura Mission

 the satilite is  set on the  grass. ..  the  sun  cases  the   solar panels  to  begin to light the   craft up.

  there was another   arm, slightly bent  under the  craft. but muck  is all over the  panels.. the smell of the   thick muck  is strong.

 lights  were  lighting  up.. a signal pulsed  a bit  stronger.. the  intervals  were strong and certain.

 there  was no  insignia , that they could see.

Haley ran with Roll and Gregor to catch up with Jax and Sneak.  She laughed as she ran through the grasses, happy as a clam.

 Sam got up with Izzy and smiled at Howe and took his arm, and headed for the transport back to the Palace. Sam would smile at Izzy, " Yes I have to change into my duty uniform and then I will meet you at the briefing Izzy."

 Sam couldn't keep her eyes off of Howe she wanted to soak in every minute she spent with him, he had to be back to the Hermes by 08:00 tomorrow morning.Sam got into the transport with Izzy and Howe and headed back to the Palace.

 Sam once they got to the Palace, she would take a quick shower spend a few minutes having fun with Howe, but she gets dressed and heads for Delta Night.

--------------->>>>>>>>>>>> to Bura (Palace) ( Delta night)

FLEX

Karl slipped beneath the surface again, quietly...Lizzy felt fingers caressing up her back, under the water...then a light tug at the knots holding her top...Karl held it for ransom, but it was a price he was pretty sure Lizzy wouldn't object to.

The game of keep-away wasn't long...but the aftermath lasted long enough that they needed to head back to the palace to get ready for the pre-game for the Delta night activities.

Flex:

 Lizzy yelped when Karl untied her tiny top, and during the game of keep away, Lizzy would try to act mad but she was having fun. Lizzy would then return the favor and then it got interesting in the water and on the towels on the beach. They had a great time, and they lost track of time while enjoying themselves on the beach as the sun set, it was so beautiful.

 After their amazing fun Lizzy, naked now sat on the beach and said," This is amazing and thank you for this getaway, wish we had more time, I wanted to hit the shops, but this was amazing Karl."

 Lizzy than said," We need to pack up and head back need to get ready for Delta nights." After that Lizzy and Karl picked up their stuff and headed back to the Palace, to get ready for Delta Nights and then head to the meeting place for Delta Nights.

--------------->>>>>>>>>>>>>>> To Bura Missions.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:49, Sun 20 Oct 2019.

Garrat climbs out of his ship.  This didn’t quite go as planned.    Joseph, any change in the signal content?.

Garrat assesses the situation ...  “Niko, do you think you can flood your passenger compartment and use it to rinse the satellite off?  We need this cleaned up before we will be able too work on it.”

     Garrat starts going over the machine for access port.  In the off chance it has a voice recognition and a translator he starts talking to it.  “My name is Garrat Wolfrim, you have been retrieved from the bottom of a lake on a planet we call Bura.  Please communicate your primary objective to us in the event that we may be able to help you achieve it without endangering our people.” 

  Niko    COMs,I have no  idea?..  I'm just getting  used to floating around out here

 Garrat looks at the Object , Joe  just gets  repeating signals   going into   deep space

  All Garrat  can see is a PAnel with  circuits, blinking lights, and  some odd  writing  that he  would not recognize, but some earthers might.

In reply to lake (msg # 54):

    He squints at it, “um, any body recognize these runes.  They don’t seem to be powered like Asgard but they aren’t the ones I’ve seen from around here.”

  Morris    hobbles  down  to take a look, he   is  taken back  by the smell of the muck.

  ..That's  Chinese.. Pre  ESN  chinese.... he  gives the  the think a tap with his   cane,

 ..this is   cobbled  together.. this  isn't  made from a Tech shop....

   “Well however they did it, they must have done a fairly good job to get it out this far.  I guess we can step down from (how do you earthers say) defcon 2.  Garrat looks at the scrapper “okay, those who want to help, let’s rinse this baby off and get her ready for the museum.  Something tells me this is going to be part of Burean history.  I’ll work with you till I have a party to go to tonight 

 Morris  smiles pleasantly  at  the Burians   as they   begin to dismiss... then says to Garrat, in a low  tone,

 ..this is  earth make....but it  didn't  come from earth..not  in the shape its in..This was built  from  scrap..if you have a palce to store it  down here... it  should be cleaned off...but keep it active. After tonight's  sight seeing, we'll have the chairmen and The Board  take a look.... if you got a tech... see if they are  capable   enough to  record  the transmissions....if  we have a new  friend...or a new foe..it would be good to find them, regardless of   , if they find us as well...

    "As you wish but I'm setting up a jamming a field around my ship.  Damage may have been done but then again..."  He waivers his hand>

    Garrat coms Joseph and asks him to set up a jamming signal then contacts the Bureans requesting a place near the air field where localized jamming won't interfer with operations.

   Garra turns back to Morris, "Captain, I would never ever want to see what the Hermese would be like without you, but somewhere there's a ship that's missing a Damn fine commander."

     Garrat gets in his CB mech and empties out a 50 gallon scrap barrel to bail water over the satellite and can be seen scrubbing the surface later [maybe even with a tooth brush before cleanin up and heading to the palace.  If given a landing site he will move the artifact there

  Morris   smiles   slightly at the Comment,./.thank you SGT. But  i know where i am needed the most. I don't know that i could  function  anywhere else...

 His COMs  beep  and he  Listens to the   other  end,..Aye, Admiral..Already  done...

 ..The  Burians  what the  thing to stay where it is.. they will cordon off the area... For my part, i would like it in a Big Ugly in orbit..but, this isn't my world..CArry on SGT, seems i must get ready to  view tonight's  action.

Nikki sat off and on with Mitch on the blanket.  When not she taught the kids some Earth games.  Leap frog, tag, airplane spins, duck duck goose, etc.

  the   kids   running about  with  Jax,  Sneak , Niki and  Mitch... Gregor  scampered  around   zipping in  and out of  people.

  Jax  would sit a bit  and check his  COM,  then  get up  and   run around some more.

    "You are where you'r needed the most, I just shudder to think how many good men like you are not utilized as well as you have been in this military.  Hack ain't half bad but other fleets don't seem to have the sense the old ones gave a eurochs."

    Garrat, sitting in his mech withh the canopy up and talking to Morris, looks at the sattilite "I can get it ready for orbit again if we can access it's programming and find what it's for. This is too primitive to be empire or demon sympathizers so  There is a strong possibility getting it up and flying again and sending a message with it's standard signal can support a good first contact.  I'll see what we can do to support that and draft a proposal if i don't have an accident tonight.  Looks like The immigrants song is staying here tonight."

    Garrat gives off orders to support the satellite on ships power and repair the artifact using esn tech so the arms and solar array can be folded to the side for safe transport.  He hopes the Bureans won't mind signing off on the added labor, but he'd fin d a way to pay it back if he had to.

    He also takes samples of the sediment on the satellite close to the metal surface in the hopes they could use it to tell them how long it was there and Sends a text to Dr. christy and Burean scientists in charge of that type of thing to see how long the Satellite had been down there.  He also collects the fishing tackle it had collected.  That might also provide a clue pending on the age of the lures.

Nikki looked at Mitch a moment as everyone was running everywhere.  Kids laughing and having fun, a few chasing some wild drone, others just playing around   The large puppy...being a puppy "I don't know about you, but this reminds me of home and my totally dysfunctional family"

   Mitch shrugged  with a smile, don't know  about all of that,but its   a bit odd to say the  least? I eman that kid?.. he has  Vampic  step parents?.. and a larg Puppy..its not gonna stay a Puppy for long and i saw a few largs in action on aqra..... what do you do if it gets to  be  like one of the bigger ones?

  Roll was  Happy  that  Sneak stayed... he  frowned   when JAx  had  to go.. but HAley was there, as  well a   Nikki and Mitch, Gregor  stayed close to them as it   got darker.

 Teh Burians    had a   giant cook out, along the  lines  of Argentina, with   Burian Cows  splayed over    stakes   as they   were barbeques  and slathered in   sauces.....  far off in the   distance. past 'Delta LAke ' there were  flashes   of   weapons  fire and the Dull thumps of  distant explosions.

 soem Burian LAdies  traveled through the 'night time picnickers  with    drinks and   confections..

 One looked out    at the   far off battle...the elders say.. this  will not be the last battle... but it might be the last, fought on our soil...

Having spent most of the day with the kids, Mitch, and Larg puppy it was soon getting dark.  She made sure Haley, Roll, ...and Gregor had naps.  enjoying the sunand seeing a true sunset.  She asked Haley and Roll if there was anything they wanted to do.  Shop explore, walk around the town, play.
Haley just wanted to see some flowers, the bright pretty kind, see if they smelled as nice as they looked.  She also asked Sneak as well.

    for Nikki and Mitch the  day, into the night  went well.

   Sneak gave  Nikki  and Mitch a look , saying she   could take the kids  enar the lake , where  most of the flowers were... Gregor  pranced through the   high grass, his  head held high, as if he were trying  not to drown.

 whether it was because of maintenance, or because of the damage  down by  the battles  fought there. HArdly any flowers  grew   areound the air base.

 Sneak did mention lots of  flowers   near the town

"And what about you Roll?  Anything you want to do orsee?" she asked him with a smile.  She wanted to see him smile. "Something you want to see, do, buy, try?"

  Roll did  seem a bit  happier  runnign about  with Sneak , Haley and Gregor..Gregor looked like all he  wanted  to do was eat, but   he    would   take off in bursts running around the   kids.. Jumping on  anyone who fell, thumping his tail up and  down.

  Roll looked   at Nikki  a bit shy,..I don't know?.. My knew  mommy bough me lotsa  action figures  and some other stuff..I don't know what they have  here?  that  i would like?.. I liked  seeing the  amm'ls  but   they  might all be goign to sleep now, that its  getting dark.

 He looked at the barbeque that was goign on, the  smell of the sauce  being  lathered on the meat... Vegetables    cooking in big pots....The green guy  says the  food is  free for ESN  people... do I count as an ESN  people? he  played  with his hands   as he held them close in front of him.

 Toni and her Dad  came up to them Toni   smiled  at  Sneak...  her  dad, didn't  give her the  same type of  smile.Ensign Rutledge?.. I had planned on going back to the ship... but the  Burians  are providing  Tents   for  us to 'camp out'  and enjoy the   night outside the ship?.... The thing is.. we have room  for  the   4 of us...  I should think  that   young Roll might need to be sent off to The Hermes?

  Sneak shook her head,Roll and Gregor..  they will stay with me, we'll get a tent..or?  we  won't.. we stayed in worse places  then grass, where we came  from...

 ..well... Ma'am... I'll let you make the  decision , you are the Adult   here.....  Mitch  stood up, he was slightly taller then Toni's Dad.well...that's very Kind of you, to think of the Burians  so much, that you did not want to ask for an extra Tent?....As  for Adults?   I am leaning to the  observation, that  Ms Sneak, is   in the ball park of years.. for an 'adult'...but she   is well past that, in experience.

 Gregor  loked at  Toni's  day  as his head  tilted 90 degrees.

"Yes you are ESN, You are a member of the Hermes, should they ask.  So is Haley, Gregor, and Sneak, and Jax.  If they give you trouble just tell them your mother is Lt. Blackthorne, or give them mine and if they have a problem they can talk to me" she smiled and let him know.  As Toni and her father came up explaining the tents.  As Mitch and Sneak spoke and knowing that Tonis father did not like Gregor, she counted on her fingers silently (counting each person).  "Camping out and barbecuing does sound fun....I don't mind sharing a tent, camped out back home many times, Haley has as well..  I count 7...ooops 8, forgot to include myself, so two tents we can work out.  Thank you for the information and bringing Haley, Roll, and Gregor down.  The children have not been on a real planet other than Earth and this is a real treat for them" her voice was calm and sweet.  "Perhaps we should pack up get a couple of tents and some barbecue....that alright with you all?  Perhaps set them up near where some flowers are for Haley and see if there are any animals that come out at night for you all to see?"
"Like lightnin' bugs?" Haley asked.
"I don't know sweetie...but we'll find out" She smiled again and reached a hand out to shake Toni's dads hand "Thank you for letting us know about the tents" her 'diplomatic' turn to keep him satisfied and saving face of not wanting Roll or Gregor about, while making it sound fun for everyone "Know what would be good..." she turned to Mitch and the others "Marshmellows and a campfire"
Haleys eyes lit up brighter than nearby floodlights "YESSS!!!!" as she made an arm pump motion like she just scored a million creds at a slot machine.
She looked back at Toni and her father "If I can get a hold of it...you are more than welcome to come by"

 Toni's  Dad nodded ,..Toni  can come over if she wishes  for a bit, but she has  to  be  back  at  our tent  for sleeping..

 he  nods  then and goes back to where they will be setting up thier Tents.

 when they  walked away, Sneak   smiled a angry smile,we've been around floks like that.. Me and Roll. They're  nice  enough, btu they don't really want us around... we're....not them...

When Toni and her father were out of earshot she turned to Sneak "He's scared.  Aaannddd...a bit protective of Toni.  He is a good man, even if a bit gruff" she gave Sneak a more calm and gentle smile "Now here is what I am thinking..... We can set up a couple of tents kinda facing each other, perhaps a fire pit between.  We can set up a few dividers  for privacy sake.  Mitch and I, Motricia and her beau  in one,  You and Jax, along with Haley Roll, and Gregor in the other.  We'll see if we can find skewers and marshmallows to roast, tell some spooky stories, or sing a bit.  talk and play a few games, see if any animals come out at nigh and watch stars and ships in the night sky and just...relax" to her it was like going home.  "Mitch, Roll,  you good with that?  I know Haley is."

   Sneak nodded, it was always the same. The  normal folk always  ha d 'reasons'. But Stem folks  didn't have anything.

  ..Well Jax   went to help LT Howe.... The  Vampics.. I think  Rolls   Mom  is   out  on the mission... I don't know where the guy went? So?  its  Just us  until then...

 Roll  smiles  up a Sneak...I rather stay with  sneak then  that huy  who don't lime me and Gregor...Gregor's only little...he don't know where his mommy is either..maybe...she got eated too?

  Gregor    just   looks  back and forth at the others .

 Mitch smiles,all i know?  is  we get   free  food  tonight and  get to camp out?..Now me? I don't like camping.. but after  4 years in space.. this  is gonna feel good...  I'll go see about Tents

She smile all set then "Sneak would you take Roll and Haley to look for flowers, and any animals.  I'll scrounge up some thing we can make a campfire with and some marshmallows.  Mitch will get us some tents.  We'll all meet say …" she looked about "Over there.  If we see Jax, or Morticia and Viktor we'll bring them along.  If anyone gives you grief Sneak...send the my way.  Oh and Gregor can go with you.  Just remember some areas might like to have him on a leash, just in case" She bent down and scritched him "Not for being a larg...but a puppy.  He might have an accident in the wrong place.  "We'll bring your things with us"

 Sneak nodded,..Lets go  Kids, we'll take a look by those flowers  near the water  we saw before...   Don't knwow hat  kid  of bugs  might be here?..

 Roll    follows  with  Gregor on his leash.....i hope they don't have those bugs  who eat people!

 Mitch went off to the  Hangers when he saw  the place where  Burians  were  happily handing out  Tents.

Nikki went to the food vendors to see if 'Marshmallows' could be found or made, as well as something to be used for a firepit.  She explained to the Burians and a few vendors from the Hermes about what she was going to do.  Between 4-5 of them she found a fire heater that was portable and some skewers, and marshmallows.  Loading them into a box along with some other foods like popcorn to make and drinks for all.  She asked if the pot she picked out was okay to use, which was a yes.  She paid them all for time, effort, and help.

  Mitch  had    two tents.  He  had one up  already.  Sneak  was  trying   down  the  ropes that were meant , incase the  wind  kicked up

   I asked   them  for  two bigger ones?... They  sat   4   and sleep in, Nice work  twoo..   you opening up..  grab a pole,  push it  up the middle  and   lock the   4 supports.. has   a  canvas  floor.. I figure  you , me  and HAely in one.. Sneaks  and   Roll and the   creature  in the other?..or..if Haley wants to have a  sleep over she  can sleep   with them .. unless you have other  ideas.. If  anyone shows  up, I'll just  sleep outside  if  you have to move stuff  around?

  The  moon was  slowly rising. it  light   catching on the bellies  of some of  the lower Cap ships  the   sky was  darker... stars  fought  with   twinkling lights of shuttles  and  fighters .

 Roll  and Haley came over  Haley had  found  thing that looked  like  Rock with legs..  it  had  two beady  black eyes  and  tried to hind in the  'rock' like a turtle.

..you gonna make a fire  for eating?..  Sneak make s good  secret fires , so's no one can see us...

 Mitch smiles,..Comon  Roll.. us men folks  will go hunt us  barbeque  and fixings....

 Sneak started  to tie  down the  other tent, she   looks at Nikki  , then back  down to the stakes,..he seems nice. Ma'am... I think he might like you...

 Gregor plopped  down  in the grass,, eyeing up the rock-turtle thing.

"I got us some food and drinks and ...wait for it...marshmallows!" She said hauling it to their site "And I got us a small portable fire pit to use, as well as a few skewers" she smiled setting the box down.  She helped them set up the tents.  As Roll and Mitch went to gather more food, she winked "Incase of guests.  We'll finish setting up here"
Haley showed Nikki what she found "He was in the mud by the lake,  there were some real pretty flowers there, was gonna sniff them...but then I saw one eat a fishie"
"Glad it was not your nose" Nikki booped it.
As Sneak spoke she nodded "I was thinking that too.  He's just been transferred to the Hermes.  so we'll get to see more of each other.  We'll see if we can stand each other for a longer time." she gave Sneak a hug "You all see any other creatures?" she asked setting up cots and some camping beddings.

  Sneak shook her head. Its getting dark now? so only  hunters and scavanegers  will be out now?  At least that's  what they told us in the Stem..... did  see  some glowy fish  out  further in the  lake..they weren't like the oens on Fuji?.. they were long.. and swam in pairs  or by themselves,,,pretty though.

 with the Moon peeking mor e and more, Roll and  Mitch were coming back, they had   two paper  boxes  and Mitch had case of some drinks. Both of them had  some sauce on thier  chins.

 ..well they let us taste differant  sauces?... The green sauce is a bit sweet..almost like relish... the darker  red is m ore  like our barbeque sauce.....

 Sneak looks at Roll , because she has no clue..,.I liked them  both.. i bet you would like the green stuff...

 there were two Boxes of  meat in small strips one from each color. and a loaf  of  bread. Roll had  , what would pass for Coleslaw, and  another  of  sliced  potatoes-like things  that where   covered in some kind of breading.

 then  Mitch  put  down the case of drinks.. ..They let us  mix  and match... so i have   6 bottles  of  blue beer.. and 6  soft drink bottles.. Roll  picked those out..

"Cool.  Thank you Roll.  And you of course."  She gave him a kiss for including Roll in his food hunt.  "Dang I wish I brought my guitar.  Well, we'll just sing acapella tonight" she smiled as she set up the small camp fire stove.  The cool night air coming in the fire helped light the area and keep them warm.  the live crackle of fire making shadowy outlines.  "There...hows that?"
"Cool! Shadow puppets!" Haley called out letting the turtle creature lay on some grass as she jumped up and made like a dog head shadow on the side of the tent.

  Roll sat  down watching.....that doesn't  look  like Mr  Shadow?... That looks like  Mila....

 Mitch  chuckled  as he began handing out  paper-ish plates  to  everyone with one strip of each  meat and  some potato things  and  slaw..

  he tosses  Gregor  a plain piece, and the little  LArg begins  to gnaw thumping his tail  wildly

 Sneak thanks him for her  plate   and  looks to where the  flashes of weapons  fire  is, off in the distance..

Nicole looked over as well.  "As long as it is over there and not here we should be okay...whatever they are doing" she took a plate and sat for a moment opening a drink "Shadow puppets is an old old ...very old way the people on Earth would tell stories Roll.  Sort of like watching a movie or vid on a big screen.  You shine a light onto a surface, and back then the only light was by fire, and use your hands and arms to make images.  Like Haley just did a dog head.  that may have told hunters wolves were about, or ..." she stretched a bit and with both hands made a bird and moving her fingers made it look like it was flying "This would have said flying birds...which could have meant ducks or buzzards to them.  this might have meant a wooly mammoth" she made what would look like an elephant head with tusks.  "The other hunters watching might have heard or shown a tale of going hunting and following wolves to a place with circling buzzards, leading to a wooly mammoth dying.  so their tribe would have meat that night to eat."

 Roll listened  as he  took a bit of   coleslaw  and  munched on a strip of green sauced  meat.

 ..they should have  just went  down to the Village and  ask for barbeque... save lots of time..and its  good..


 Mitch smiles,..he's not wrong.. rather go up to a stall then   hunt somehting  down in the trees..

 Sneak smiled, Roll  was our big hunter.. he   would    find a way into  the stores  and  get us   packaged  food... we never   did it much.. but sometimes you had to do what you had to!

    The atmosphere around the “Immigrants Song”. Seemed festive.  Shuttles had taken most of the gear back to the LG and the other support ships.  Children  climbed on the engines and looked out over the lake.  The satellite had been jacked up and cleaned with much of the same mischief as a fund raiser car wash and even now technicians worked to repair the damaged parts like a bunch of guys in a garage restoring a vintage car.

    On th bridge however things were much more somber.  Missy had been listening in on what transmissions she could pick up.  She knew that one mech was down,  but she didn’t know that the driver was lost, or who it was.  Most exchanges were encrypted so the words came through garbled.  The rage in Garrat’s voice However was palpable and it didn’t take long for Missy’s sharp mind to figure things out.

   She could only wait and see as She sat at Joseph’s refurbished station.  She didn’t pretend to understand all the systems the old musician had cobbled together but she knew competence when she saw it.  She would have to ask for his help making this a workable station.

"Well...I did say 'a long time ago'.  Before Humans went to the moon for the first time, or even flew in aircraft.  Talking about when we wore animal skins to keep warm, because that is what there was.  no houses really, maybe a straw hut or living in a cave time.  No fancy languages...I mean real old times" she tried to get them to understand.  which kind of confused her since she learned about cavemen and Neanderthals back in school.  Not a lot, but enough to know it was a very serious long time ago.

 Rolls looked up an  Sneak who was  trying to be 'dainty' eating the barbque, she shrugged. and said to  Nikki,  we didn't get to learn  alot.. I learned how to pick locks.. short out powercells..we had  one lady  Ganger..she  taught us  to read and write , but she  was killed about  a year ago.. Me and Jax   kept  teaching  what we learned.. we'd  get newspapers  and practice  reading... we don't know anything about cavemen and such.. are they like Demons or Largrans?

  Roll  turned and looked at Nikki as  he   smacked his lips  as he waited for her  answer .. Gregor was   happily  chewing   the   meat  Mitch gave him


 Roll   nodded  as he  was ready to take  a spoon fule of slaw.....i can use a vidboard though.

"Well...cave men..or Neanderthals if I remember correctly were our ancestors.  I mean older than your great grandparents great grandparents.  Way old.  we knew aobut angels and demons, but not like we do now.  Over generations we learned how to do things we know now.  Like there is life other than on Earth, how to build ships to go through space, how to create a language, learn what it takes to create a vidboard. They have to be made, you don't just find them.  Someone figured out how to make one part, someone else another.  then another person had to get a bright idea to put the parts together.  That all takes time sometimes a very long time.  but if you didn't have it you have to improvise, so knowing how they did something a long time ago, can be useful to know.  Like I know how to farm pretty good and can ride a horse, and I can swim quite well.  Out here it can be useful, but not always needed.  Ships don't have pools or lakes, but knowing how to swim, can be useful if you did fall in a lake on a planet.  Still an ancestor had to figure out how to swim then teach others" she was a bit long winded on that little speech, but she hoped it would help understand "Teaching someone to read is a great gift, Sneak.  It opens up imagination, and with that, anything is possible" to Roll she spoke "And keep learning.  Soon you might be as good at Lt Morrow.  It can show you many things and all you have to do is think how to apply it as you grow older.  like how to make a fire, and when or when not to do so.  That way if you get lost, you can signal for help, keep warm, warn of bad critters, cook your own dinner,  or even learn how to make weapons like say a spear head.  Help you survive."

  Roll   was looking up  at her  as he  chewed, he waited  till he swallowed  ( most of it).

  I  want to make Vid games.. theya re fun.. Mr  Shade  made some we played when  we   were at the   hotel place on  Fuji..I like Fuji... it was  fun not being in the stem...

 Sneak smiled at  Roll  and looked at the  grown ups ,we got to  be like  rich folks then..

"Not fun being poor anywhere, Roll.  But being kind, and conciderate no mater your status or wealth is more important than all the creds there are.  You can earn money, learn knowledge...but being a good person and caring about others besides yourself....that is something from your soul.  no one can give or take from you" she reminded him she looked at Mitch a moment "Damn, now I'm sounding like my big brother Marshall" she grinned.
"I like Marshall he always gave me candy when I was real little" Haley said as she tried to figure out how Nikki made the elephant.

   The   night was  growing longer.. Mitch closed  up the   food  boxes, to keep  bugs out  and the  heat in.

 ..ok?..Look, I closed  yp the boxes to keep the food  warm .  don't be shy?..you want more,  help yourself  or ask?.. these eats for al of us..so lets not  let it got  to waste.... he  hands   Sneak, Roll and HAley a  soda.

 we're gonna  relax, enjoy the  night, and see what itn looks like  when the sun comes up on this planet.

"That and...one last thing for the evening....." before he closed up the box she dug out the marshmallows and skewers.  popping 2 on the ends and handing the first to Haley, and then to sneak and Roll. and finally one for Mitch and herself.  "If you want another that is good too.  now I like mine burnt,  and charcoally.  I know it's not for all.  just hold them close to the fire  like so, and turn slowly." after a moment they watched the white fluff turn a golden brown.  "That is how to toast them...I like mine kinda burnt"she let hers go in a bit deeper and it caught fire and blackened.  before it got too large and out of control she blew it out like a candle on a cake.  Then let it cool a moment and crunchily took it off the end of the skewer.
"I like mine toasty..but sometimes It catches and well...I get what I get" she held it where it would lightly toast.  She was afraid it would catch fire.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:10, Mon 28 Oct 2019.

  Roll  looked at Sneak...she shrugged   and held hers  over the  fire... She  quit on hers  went it  was  light  brown.. Roll  didn't know what to   do, and his   caught   fire  and Melted  off...

 ..i..didn't know they would do that....

"We got more and you can keep trying.  ....how about we hold it up a bit like this as you turn it.  Slow." she helped show him how.
Haleys was nearly done when it poof alight she blew it out quick though.  So only a small bit was burnt.
After a few moments Rolls was brown and bubbly for a moment as Nikki helped get it safely out.
Looked like Mitch liked his dark too but not burnt.  She waited for Roll to start eating his as she then ate hers.

  Roll   tried to pop it in his mouth, it  squished on his hands  but he got some in his mouth..

 ..It is good.. but  i like chocolate better..my mommy would  give  me chocolate if i was good... he had a  sad  look,..I miss  when my Mommy gave  me chocolate...

 Sneak  rubbed his back,..remember?  at the ebach party?  You figured out you were  'good'..?

 he nodded   quickly   but said,..yeah... but  ...i miss  my mommy giving it to me... i remember her smile then.. that's all i can remember...

 Sneak put the   arm around him,well... we are in a better place now.. right?...

"Roll...you are very good.  Since I have met you you have not been anything but good.  If someone else thinks your bad then they don't have a brain in thier head" Nikki smiled at him "This was a treat when I was going up, and thought you might like it.  I do have some chocolate if you like and you are welcome to it.  I just thought you would, and Sneak as well, try some things from Earth and may not have tried before.  Let you try them" she pulled out the chocolate bar "As you and Haley grow up your going to discover things you like, dislike, love and hate.  I know Haley likes Purple and pink colors and growing things.  She does not like being frightened and hates hot peppers."
at 'hot peppers' Haley rankled her nose.

  Roll  nodded, I will wait  for the chocolate?  maybe..i will try a stickything again?  he   watched  Gregor  , about half  way through his  green sauced  meat..



 Sneak looked out over the LAke  again,well? it looks  like the    fighting is  dying  down.. but there are some fires  out that way..

 the Rock- thing  was peering out at them, but  seemed afraid to move.

"Here....try this one and you can put your marshmallow on it.  If we had graham crackers it would be better, but out here that might be a luxury.  Haley where did you find your little friend?" she didn't know what it was exactly, and it also might be a young what ever.  It looked like a non meat eater, but one never knew.  she sat down a piece of meat before it and some lettuce stuff from the hot dogs.  Let it choose what it liked.  "It belongs here, to be happy and grow, I would think.  We can either shar finding it with Dr. Henry or let it back loose with others of it's kind.  what do you think?"
Haley wasn't sure.  It wasn't a farm animal or a pet like Gregor.  she didn't know what it ate.  Also might be a youngster, might not, maybe it should be free to be with its own kind.  "It was by the lake.  It's dark now.  Will you go with me to take it back?"
"Of course I will sweetie.  He does not seem to be in distress at the moment, just a bit scared.  We'll finish here first then take him back to his family"

  Roll looked at the wee beastie  with a  sad  smile. in an almost  non-existant voice......he  can find his  mommy...

  Sneak   just  rubbed his back  trying to cheer him up from his thoughts. he smiled  back at her.

 Mitch  whispers ,..they are just fine without graham crackers...  they are  a terrible thing to inflict  on good chocolate... but? chocolate  and MArshmellows ..that's good! he winks at  Roll.

 the rock  think  sniffs the      food , but pops  back into the rock

 Gregor      was almost done with his   meat.. thumping his tail   rapidly as he  ate.

(From Delta night mission)

Kira arrived back by shuttle at the airfield a little while after she was given the all clear at the mansion, she took her mech and parked it back in the big ugly she got it out from before taking a seat in a empty chair she glanced down at the wad of credit bills in her pack she had from her cut of one of the EDT money cases and smiled, 'Looks like the drinks are on me' she then commed Clark and Morgan, "Guys when you get back in come and see me i got something for you both"
This message was last edited by the player at 21:27, Wed 30 Oct 2019.

 should be landing in 5.., then  wash  down these babies  and  see what  we have to do.. Morgan COMed

 ..I have to see   out Mechs  are loaded and loacked  down, then the Burian  OIC will  wtach over the hanger.

"Understood see you in 5 Ambermoon out" she then went about cleaning her mech it was covered in all kinds of grim and dirt.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:43, Wed 30 Oct 2019.

  Stoly landed,  Clark and Morgan  got off.. clinking towards  the hanger.. Stoly asked the   OIC to have the shuttle washed  down , in case he had to  take  the brass up to the  Hermes

  He   Gave the OIC  folding Creds to get the crews  something to drink while the  cleaned the  forest off his   shuttle.

 when they stopped, and Got out. Morgan looked  Tired.. ..gonna need  ne w cockpit Glass... Those troops   out there  were using  real weapons...  Good Thing  the Morningstar was around.. we  might have been over run.

 Clark looked at  his machine he   just laid his head  against it,.mannnnnn... its gonna  take hour s to get  mud  dirt  and  guts off this  thing..

 two rounds.. went ..THROUGH... my back armor.. made  a i inch hole  going  in.. and a  3 inch hole going out... If they have those weapons  all  the  time.. I'm wearing a light boarding suit under this in the Black.

Kira took the time while they were talking to sort out the stuff in her pack, "These are scout mechs after all while fairly well armored its not like the other model we passed on" she said as she separated the credits in her pack evenly, "Morgan and Clark come over here and close your eyes got something for you guys"
This message was last edited by the player at 23:15, Wed 30 Oct 2019.

  Morgan looked at Clark, the two  shrugged  and put thie r thing s down , walking over.

  Clark frowned, looking from  Kira to  Morgan,Man?  I don't know..Last woman who sid that to be, hit me with a bottle  and left  with my creds and my unifrom!

 Morgan chuckle with his eyes  closed..  Clark  made an exasperated face  and did as well...

Kira then produced two wrapped packages handing one to each of them each containing 33 thousand paper credits, "Here you go guys your cut of the spoils tonight" she smiled brightly.

 Morgan opened up the pack....gods be damned!... where did you egt this!..this is..like8 months? wages..maybe 10?

   Clark  almost fell down..he  sat on  a crate.. he  flicked through the   creds.....can we get shot  for this?... i think we can get shot  for this.. Morgan?..CAn we get shot for this?

 they both looked at Kira.

Kira got a bit more serious, "The mansion site was loaded with credits from EDT operatives our group split them between us all, spoils of war and the like... you guys came to help and i figure it was only fair to cut you in as well" she said nonchalantly as she turned her attention to a cup of coffee.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:56, Thu 31 Oct 2019.

 Clark looked at the Creds.. got   up and Hugged  Kira, with a bit nof  sloshed  coffee.Thanks!..when i  get back tot he ship I'm lockign thsi  down.. maybe use it on Fuji or somtheing..and slip a little extra  in my account from time to time to get that intrest!

 Morgan  chuckles,..not very often you come back  from shore leave, with more  Creds then you left with! Thanks Kira.

   Sneak  sat but, she seemed a bit mor relaxed that there   was very little flashes  towards  the  Capital .

  Roll was  munching on his marshmello chocolate, as was Mitch..Gregor   got a bit nearer  the   heat and curled up. It was a long day for the little larg.

  ..the  sky..look differant then in a Station... and look at all the stars.. don't look like the same stars...

 Mitch ,  talking   around his   snack,Well?   Stations only have the glass on one  side of the  Uppers  and the Lowers, That way   they can have   day and night  as the  Station spins..

 now out here..you have a whole big planet  that spins and it   hides alot more sunlight, so you can see more stars.... Here... do this...  Mitch  laid  down  and   Made  a triangle with his arms over his head,..that's   wahjt you would see  from a carrier station...but a planet, doesn't have  any walls  aroudn it.. so  we can see the whole way around...

 Roll  did it  too.. and  he said,Yeah!... 'cept  i  normallu had to look out   from behind trash cans  when  we   sneaked  around..cause Etna   SEC  didn't like stray kids. I thought it was  neat when we  were on the beach at Mr Shadow's party./. we got to sit there, an' no  one bothered us...

 Mitch chuckled,..If it was  Mr Shadow's  beach party.. thenh no one would bother you...'casue they would have to  deal with  Him... The  Admiral.. Captian SI  and all of Shadow's  Friends..

 Sneak   spoke up softly,..he let us all stay at his Condo on Etna even  had the Ned tech  Lady fix  me   and Jax  up... gave us food... Some of the ladies   went and got us brand new clohtes....so?  In a way.. we  must be his friends  too!

 Roll smile d at that..his eye s were getting heavy  now that he had  laid  down.

"You are.  and even better ...Family.  Families are not just who you are blood related to but who you make them to be.  Haley and I go back to when she was just a baby only a few days old.  I sat her brothers and sisters as well.  I look on her family as part of mine.  noway would I let her be scared again.  Love her that much.  And all of you are family too" she said.
Haley had her eyes wet up and she went and hugged Nikki
"Does it mean we all get along?  No,  but we look out for each other and rely on each other.  Sometimes you have to say no, or pull away to let someone you love find thier own wings.  But you watch and if it goes bad, be there to catch them and help them find thier footing" Nikki hugged Haley back.  She also hugged Sneak and Roll.  "It's hard work...being part of a family."

 Nikki  Goy a COM  Text... it  said.. "  COM  when yhou are alone....Blue Chip "

   Sneak saw  APVs   coming in from the East... Some    smiling, tired  Troops  were getting off, heading into the hanger to pack up their gear

 som eof the  troops  are here..I don't  see Jax...

It takes a bit to get the fire started and everything set up but eventually its ready. Sarah's sweating lightly from the work, though light in nature it was just enough physical activity to warm the core despite the cool evening. Finally settling on the blanket she pulls out a small case of 4 glasses two liquor glasses, 2 wine glasses.

"What should we have?" Indicating the booze as she sets the little basket of snacks between their knees.

   Rivets took off his  crumpled hat. laying it on the blanket... I dun know about what drinks go with what?.. I  just get the food, and see what  drink  I like?.. So's you might have to  learn me on that LAss..

 he looked around ,none too many folks on this side of the lake.. i see a wee camp fire   to the North  a bit.... most folks are  across the lake by the airfield , where them tents and such are set up.

 with the  moon sliding  behind the  hills... the deep bark was showing many..many  more  stars.. and some of the cap ships could be seen with the  naked eye  lookign as  big a a bobby pin.

She looked at the message, and understood the meaning.  When Sneak spoke she looked over at her."He's smart and quick.   I'm sure He's okay." she smiled and stood for a moment and stretched.  With her back to Roll she made a motion to Sneak and gesturing to Roll and her comm.  Basically she was gonna call and see where they were and not worry Roll. "Be right back...too much sodas" knowing No one could help her with that problem.  With that and scooting to the other side of one tent she text commend Roy being contacted.  no surprise.  wants to chat.  keeping busy.

In reply to Mechs (msg # 109):

Kira accepted the hug giving Clark a gentle pat on the back, "No don't go blowing it all on booze and women now" she chuckled before looking to Morgan, "Now lets get these things cleaned up... you and me Morgan have unfinished business"

  Morgan  grinned and went back to work he made  certain the  the  machine's  boot  were cleaned ..so there would be no dirt on Rivets's  dec when they went back home

 Clark Happily  cleaned away at his  machine..feeling like he   found gold.

After texting Roy she thought about Nathan McGaha.  He used to be a good guy, family man.  How he could turn out to be such ..such...such a mayonnaise stain.
She rechecked his text message to figure the comm link.  she knew he was probably gonna be looking for an out.  She commed him.  "Nathan..."she commed forcing her voice to be calm.

   There is  some  fuzz  for a bit, as  if the COM  was open, but   no one speaking..then the Voice came back,..hey.... Nikki..look....The Fleet has gone of the rails... not long ago..I saw that Pilot and  some of his friends  Gun down a bunch of people..some of them  were my friends!... we're getting off  planet now.. those green folks  are hunting   us  down like animals... those  damn Cat people too!... Look?... If you can get  a car.. or something.. Bring Haley to the  far  end of  the small late  by the town   on the other side of the Airfield... there  is an aircraft there that is hidden.. Bring Haley.. if you want  to come..you can too!,,But I have to have Haley!

"Green people?" she asked curiously.  she was thinking maybe the Gava.  Cat people?  She had no idea where they were and then tried to figure 'lake side town, hidden airfield'.  Worst was thinking of how he might know of Haley being here "Shit ...hide will do what I can"

..good, we'll   be  waiting..Bring  Haley.. you can come if you want..thanks!

Joseph was actually still there, trying to figure out how to make the bridge design more competent.  He notes her concern with some sympathy.

  "Lass, whether your a combatant or not.  If your in delta fleet.  Your taking a risk.  The boy found something to live and die for.  That's more than many people get in their lives even if they die of old age.  If needed, I will play his eulogy and make a song in his honor.  His memory deserves to live on."

Joe’s last post was a response to this one.

'Keep him talking.  Burian forces are closing the noose on all the Dusters on the ground, and Security is rounding up any still on any of the transports.  Unless he's got some secret way off planet and past the Fleet, he's not going anywhere...but the longer you stall him, the more likely our forces are to catch up to him quickly.'

She looked at Roys text.  taking a moment responded 'He knows about Haley.  Do not think Haleys knows about him.  He is talking about 'cats'.  He wants me to bring her to the far side of a lake near the town (gives coordinates) to hand her over.  He says there is an airfield nearby.  Thinking we'll evac here and take shuttle in Make him come to me if he wants her.  Not giving her up that easily'
She stopped and looked about a moment then returned to the camp.
"We are leaving for safety...all of us" she began taking the tent down "Haley...stay close to me.  Sneak, you and Roll come with us too.  Some Dusters are running about" She took a moment and used an empty box to make some wet muddy soil and grass and put Haleys pet in it.  Haley went and picked it up "We'll take him to Doc Henry and see if he is okay to keep.  If not we'll bring him back here when its safe"
Haley sensing a bit of urgency held onto the small box to keep the creature safe.  "Mitch..keep your weapon handy." she was keeping her own handy as well.  Just in case she and they were being spied upon she kept an eye out ready to drop a Duster or worse.

  Sneak    made sure  Rolls was    in front of her  as she looked around Dusters?... we're at the airfield... most of the   enlisted  people are  staying here..or  partying here?.

 Mitch Looked  around  as he    worked on teh other Tent,... I'm not sure  a few stray dusters  are going to  come  here?

"Trust me...We need to get out of the area.  And now." She kept Haley walking towards the vendors quickly but calmly.  "For safety we need to get to the Palace"

they Moved  along.. a rather Unhappy Little LArg burbling along on his leash. Roll didn't seem to mind.. Sneak was there.

 Mitch  frowned a bit, casting a look at   Nikki from time to time, but didn't want to ask anything  witht eh Kids  about.

 he carried the  two tents

Roy's comm response was brief...

Don't give her up at all.  Not trusting a guy who works for the Demons with a kid, no matter his relationship to her.  If he wants to see her, he can surrender.  Relaying coordinates to Hermes, the Fleet will have fighters waiting to intercept anything lifting off from that location.

Nikki wanted Mitch to understand and surrepticiously showed him Roys comm, keeping it from being seen by the kids.  "Palace I think.  I know Henry is there I believe." they returned the tents and portable fire pit (which had been turned off and secured.  Then they made thier way to shuttles going to the Palace area.

  Garrat managed to fly the private shuttle back to the Immigrants song.  He had trouble focusing so his landing was pretty rough but it didn't damage the landing gear so it couldn't have been too bad.  He walked through the darkness towards the festivities, his heart heavy.  As he approached he noticed many of the Burean  mechanics were with them.  He searched through the crowd for a specific Person.

  Mitch    Nodded  as they turned the Tents  in, he gave the  Food he had  to  Dice  and Lifter to  share  with others...

  Roll  looked aroudn  as they headed to the APVs,we goin' to the palace!..I never saw a real palce..just some on those vids  we watched  at the condo...

 Sneak smiled,Its nice..i was only there    for a  minute or so...


>>>>>  Nikki to Bura

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

 There  were some of the Burians   dancing Gypsie dances   while some of the LG  crew  and some Fleet folk sat around  with  helpings of   barbeque

   Missy had watched the shuttle land from the bridge.  She scrambled down the main Ladder/stairway [really was like a terran U-boat] and ran out, stopping dead in her trackswhen she saw the sad look on Garrats face as he scanned the Burean groups.  She knew what was going on.  Her knees weakened but she managed.  She walked over and tugged at Garrat's armor then walked to the fire Thara's parent's sat at.

   "Was it quick?"
This message was last edited by the player at 20:31, Tue 05 Nov 2019.

  Garrat shook his head,  "It was horrible.  I wouldn't wish death like that on my enemy.  But we can't let them know."  He kneeled down nest to Thara's parents.  Her mother looked at him and her face went ashen white.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:32, Tue 05 Nov 2019.

   Garrat simply bowed his head and said nothing.

   "No" The woman said, then looked at the bonfire where her Daughter danced "We'd found a place for him to stay.  My daughter dances the Soldat Onorat until he comes back victorious to join her."

   With his head down. "He will not be joining her.  But he insured our victory.  We were betrayed.  There were units in the woods waiting to attack.   His group won free and he was with them as they retreated but..." Garrat opens his hand an the black Eightball throttle knob was in his palm.  Garrat had not made the connection between the 8-ball and the old game of billiards.  He only knew that that throttle knob was always a Feature of LG frame 08 since Amos came to work with it.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:53, Tue 05 Nov 2019.

    Missy is not enjoying this, "I now that he asked to be part of your family, and the loss hurts but you are going to need to be strong for Thara."  Missy looks out at the bonfire.

 The   Burian Gyspies  were  enjoying thier  DAnce ..the  food  smells  filled the air.. people joked and Laughed.. some Fleet folks were  trying to get  Burians  interested  enough to 'go for a walk'


 but near  Garrat..it was  quiet

  APVs  were going  strong... shuttling people back and forth..

 Shadow went into the   'barracks' and  Gave a trooper   10 creeds of  a clean pair of   ESN Gymshorts. He  changed  in there , comign  out  with  his  other stuff in a small duffle that he  took to the   lake.

 he played  a towel  down  ,  Laying in the  sun  and relaxing.

 Beth and  Orria  had  tank tops on and shorts , settling down  a bit  down from him.

 ..No shade or Larry?

 Shade is in the city, with Lilit  and  Dusk... Larry is  with Roy, I guess, we'll find out   if  Burians  start getting eaten some where..

  The   lake, again, was being  set up  with sail boats  and  such people  were either  learning  how to  fish with Bura, 'pop casters'  a rod that  shot  the lure or  bait out ,  like a rifle, then you reeled in, while  earthers show them how  to fish  if   'fishing rods  and reels' , most have to be brought down to Bura ( and sold to burians  for a hefty sum!) off to the  broth end of the  arifils  with tagets  hear  the battered  Building that  was   still being  rebult , the   'hiss and thunk ' of  bows  send  arrows towards   targets , as   all forms of   people  either practiced  or  tried thier hand  a the bow..

 Shadow   rolled over  to get  some  sun on his  BAck.  Orria   was   doing the  same  near beth as she   studied her Vid board.

 Beth asked,..why don't yhou give   the bow some chances? She asked Shadow.

 ..I get practice on the Boat... and    i want to  rest   the shoulder... those  folks are having  fun, they don't need  me   to disrupt  stuff...

 Beth Giggles,and?.. You'r e way to lazy...

 yep....

 Two Burians, lookign some what worse  for   wear approached   Shadow,..Hey!...  LC.. we   found  what you were lookign   for...  its  in that hover Van.. the TAil  fin of the  Demon Leader  Scorch.... 

 Shadow sat up, pulling  out a wad  of creds  from his  duffle bag,  ..Here... 500 for you and You.... and 500 to split with anyone else  with you... There is a Big Ugly in the hanger, with Mechs in... have them load it onto that.

 The Happy Burians Thanked Shadow and  ran off to the van

 ..That's alot of Creds  for a  shot up Tail fin..

 ..they deserve it..  went out intop the forest to find the  damn thing... any way?.. Thats;   creds  from some of the  folks we iced in the    Tower...so?  foind   Cred.. go to a good cause.

  Will   is walkign over   towards  them  with his shirt off and a pair  of  work out  shorts.. he also has  a 6 pack of beer ( burian)  and  a   six pack of  soda... he  sets them  down between Beth and Shadow..

 ..Gonna hang out  with  you guys.. Harry went of   with the  ladies to buy stuff..

 Beth  Chuckles,..I don't blame you ?    for me.. I Find  something.. buy it..come home....There is  'no thrill of the hunt' when it comes to  clothes  or shoes for me!.

  She Takes a  Soda  and hands it to Orria  who thanks  Will

   Will set his   towel  down so he  was crossways  between them  and the  hangers... the  drinks in the   Middle , he  tosses another Towel over the   drinks  to help keep them Cool, no beer  LC?

 Comon  Will?.. Maybe a soda  later.. if  not   i can wait  until  i hit the stalls over there...Right now.. I just want the nice warm sun...

 Beth smiles  at the closed   eyes  , LC...him and Roles  used to  drink.. Shadow liked it more then he should.. so he stopped..and took it one step further.. he'll take a drink for a send off  and such.. but he won't  drink any more..lets his Demons  battle  it out..

 ..That's nuts , LC? what if you fall off the wagon?

 ..Then, Will , my friend,  I don't deserve to  be the WC of the ESN 351 Hermes...
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:01, Fri 15 Nov 2019.

    another APV  pulls up,  The Admiral and Captain Si  get out. The Admiral  has   swim trunks on  and   a  Towel  around his neck. CAptain Si   has a   daring 2 piece, ,  the only flaw on her is a  scar near he r  right  hip  at extend  to her  belly.. The scar is well healed  but it is there.

  They walk towards the    lake   and waves    at the LC  and his  little  group. The Admiral Stops..Will offers  them  a Drink.. The Admiral   smiles  and   waves it off.. Captain Si takes a soft drink.

 we  wanted to swim in some real water.. thjat   pool is great, at the  Palace?  and its heated , but... I have  swum in  'real' water  for ..heck?..6-7 years?

 ..I tried it... not  bad.. its a tad chilly  but the sun is warm..kee3p in mind there are fish things  and stuff in there...

  They two officers  laugh,well.. enjoy the rest of the  day..  after  we have   our  swim, we're  headed back to the palace to get  cleaned up.. have some  dinner, and head back to the ship..

 Aye, Sir...Already done...

 the  two  walked off  with Si  drinking from the soda with her  hair  tiled back, her  shoudler lenghted hair   shifting, like an odd  commerical.

Will  asked  Shadow,Ok..LC?  I mean..Angel Ladies... right....?    Now..if the   Vids are to be believed... I mean.. why don't you have one?... weren't there a  few...

 Orria  Blinked, then  went back to he r Vid Board... Beth   giggled.

 ..First off, Will, my friend...I am not  'Angel Material '   AZ-EL..maybe.. she's more    'human friendly', but the rest?   I am too...ummm..ummm...

 ..Pedestrian ?

 ..that's a nice way to say it... There are alot of Angel LAdies out their. NO-CAis very nice.. and doesn't seem to have  an 'Angel chip' on her shoudler... But..in the  end?  I'm  Just  a New York Kid from the  docks...

 Beth smiles,..nothing  wrong  with that!

 so?.. how  did   The Admiral  end Up  with the daughter of  the Guy who  has  control of Earth ?

 Beth Giggles,..She liked  'bad boys'...

    Shadow still had his eyes  closed   and grinned,..MAybe.. but you  all keep in mind, she's like  my Mom..ok?...  and we have a Vidboard Munckin  here..

 Orria looked up...

   Shadow   sat up, the air  was  cooling  a bit. Commander  Si and   The Admiral  were   Racing up to   them , both were laughing like  teenagers.

    were going  back to the  Palace, and then  head up to the ship..

 ..yeah.. I was thinking of  goign up as well. I wanted to take  Dusk and  Shade to see that Gypsie  Village  me  an Kase visited... but.. they are  with Lilit, i didn't want to  cut into her  time.

  Hack frowned a bit,..yeah?   But it would have been good for them to see something  else besides   cities  and such.. next land fall we  make, make sure to take them out  somewhere.

  Moving off to the   APV, Will tossed  Hack a Beer, and ge grinned   popping it  as they walked.

 .. Comon Sparkles, we  ,may as  well go to the palace too, get washed up and changed.... see if  your Mom is ready to go up..or what...  Orria  Nodded, she had   got  some  sun, and  packed up he r  Vid  board,  Beth  Gave   Shadow  a    big hug   and the Girls  went to catch up  to The Admiral.

 what  about you?

 Will shrugged,..Burians  are nice to us   an' all, but  i don't think they want a  2  striper  running around thier    palace.

 I'll Hang with you an hour or so.. then  I'm gongn up on the  next shuttle

 so?..LC?  why not you  and   Beth..or Flores..or   a few dozen others?

 there is a soft chuckle,, Beth  , Flroes  and a  coupel others  have  had some time... will  again , i suppose.. Just no use  in too  tight of a deal..right?... I mean.. we have a night or two, that's  great..but folks don't know  who..what and all that... This way , if i get torched, no one can go after 'Shadow's Girl".. they are still.. themselevs..

 ..you used to have one..right?..

 Yep.. Good   person... great shipmate..but.. I'm not an easy guy to take..and.. well..Macon made sure to tell me  that she moved on, far down  the road... I just  hope Hunter    tweaks some of the Missions  to keep her  from getting snuffed, she has  a family now.. wouldn't  be good to  die on earth  and  have to leave family behind.

 so.. why do you do the whole  'hot shot ' routine"..

 Another chuckle  as  Shadow  reach for one of the two remaining Sodas.I'm a   hot shot?... I like it... I like, that  my enemies  either  fear me, or  want to knock me off mu high horse.... they  find out , too late, that horse is alot higher then they think... you think  the   dumbasses they send out her to bother me is an accident?....the good thing, for me, is   every one  of them  come to me, and , more often then not, I get to end them... I feel real damn bad  about  Besserman..I thought Kase  would handle it..but he folded up... that cost  a civie   her life..send  another one to the Colonies  and   got   Xy killed...

  Will  drank his  beer  as he watched the Sun dipping down,..yeah.. I'm  glad  i'm a   2 striper..don't have to worry about that..

 sure you do?.. remember    Captain Zonia?.. and the Angel Elite.. rogue   lights out  agent....EVOLs?...

 ..Man? why can't  we  do crap like that to them?

 I'm sure there are deep cover folks out there..But in the end?..  The Admiral isn't wasting  any one on  getting into the EDT..its  easy just to kill them.

 They  Clicked  drinks  and  watched the sun.

  Shadow  looked at this COM...hey?.. You ever  seen a Gypsie  Village?

 ..naw... saw  some  of them running around here.. but that's it..

Comon...  we have  time.... they got  up, Shadow  grabbed his  stuff..  Will pull don his  shirt and  grabbed the  drinks... He   went over to the flight  line   he  wave at the  Chief,..hey, i wanna  take that #19 craft for   one last spin.. show this   ground pounder   the Burian  Villages?

 The  Burian took off his soft Cover,..I dunno LC..I mean..   none of these is suppsoed to be in the Air  , until after you  folks leave?

  Shadow  smiled  an easy smile,..look?  You know who i am  , right? so..  You know i won't  do anything  stupid...

 Will looked at him...

 well... not Really stupid.... he shrugged.

 well..OK  LC... But please  don't  wreck it?... I'll get in all kinds of  trouble..

  they ehaded over  to the  fighter,, Shadow  took the    drinks from  Will and HAnded them to  the Chief...there were still 3  beers  and  one soda  left.

 we'll get stuff to drink at the Village... maybe you can   enjoy these?

 Will wiggled into the Jump seat.. Shadow  sat in the pilot's  seat and began to flick on switches,  he  put    the Helmet on and said.....LC  Shadow  of the  351   Hermes.. taking Burian   MAntis  #19 for one last ride.....

 ..LC  Shadow.. be advised.. No fighters  are supposed to be in the air, unless they are fleet fighters....

 Indeed... I am a fleet  fighter... Shadow..out...

  Giving the  worried  Chief a  Salute, he lifted  straight up with   taxi thrusters,  then shot forwards  in  an Air cracking Sonic  boom, heading to the west..

 Will swore in the back  as he was  slammed up against the seat. some  5  minutes  later, they  where droppign slowly  down  upon a Village.. a  bone fire was going.. there   were signs  of  buring  Huts  as well...

 when they LAnded ,  20 or so Gypsies   approached them with   weapons  ready...Hey!... ease Up.... I'm  from the  Delta Fleet...

 the two got out of the aircraft.. Will a little  shaky  at the speed  that Shadow  had  'crackled' across the   landscape.

  an Older  Gypsie  approached them them....we were  attacked  by  Empire scum, last night.. we killed  many.. they killed  some...they headed to the   sea.. to the west...

  SHadow  held Up a  Finger as he Pulled Up  his COM.....LC  Shadow  of the   351 Hermes.. I am at a Gypsie  Village  to the  west...north west of the  Airfied... some... 20 miles  or so from the western Sea... They were  attacked  and   have eliminated   Empire troops , some are heading to the Sea.. send    fighters  to see if there are Evac vehicles in  or  around the seas... Use  my COM   mark  to  search.

 The  Gypsies seemed  to relax.....Thank you.. we called for aid... but the answers  were slow...

 With a Bit of a Smile, the LC  said few eyars ago..i was here... with another pilot..  This   guy here?  Is a Hermes  Trooper.. he wanted to see  see a Gypsie Village... Maybe this isn't the right..

 The Older  man smiled,..No!..Come.. we have a Victory party  going on.... and have  Empire  bodies  Burning in the field to the North...we claimed many weapons from them...if there is a  'next time"..they will fill a fiercer bite!

 walkign  down a path  about  50 yards form the Village  they  could hear flutes, and   small drums  and  string  instruments ..they were Given Drinks  and Food  was layed out    before them as the others   had...

 Shadow    Held up his drink,..To Bura  and the ESN..may the Empire  soil themselves in fear!


 The Gypsies  laughed     and joined in the toast..  two pairs  of    Burian woman   sat  by   the two Hermes crewman,  leaning on them  nibbling at thier necks.

 ..Tell us on the Big battle that  took the mountain away....

 Shadow  began , he slipped an arm around one of the ladies  as he   leaned a bit forward, telling the tail   as one would at a camp fire...  looking to Will who seemed a bit awkward, but  non-the-less , enjoyed the  attentions of the ladies... Will would add  parts  of the story from his point of view ( leaving out being  locked in a rat trap )

 The Gypsies  seemed to hand on every word,  and  when  they two were  done... Shadow said,Now?.. yuou ahvbe a tale  to tell of the  battle... You owe us some?... Tell us   tales  of  your Village   fights...

 and the Gypsies  eagerly  agreed.. tell  stories  of  one on one battles in the forests.. or   bigger  fights   for  villages

  The two  Hermites  listens , drank  and ate.. while the   women   snuggled  and smiled.

   Shadow looked at his COM.....My friends?.. I think you for  showing  My  shipmate, that i did not , overly boast of the kindness of the Burian Gypsies... Next we come.. I will  seek you out  , earlier..Until them..  enjoy your planet..and   kill Empire folks!

 the Girls  pouted  as the  two men   stood, the elder and a few other shook   the hermits  arms in warrior fashion.. and  escorted them back to the fighter..once they managed to climb in..they rose into the air, and took off..less fast..

 …………..

 ..LC?  that stuff we  drank... I'm a bit woozie...

 ..yeah.. its  strong stuff.. that's  why i ate..whatever  kind of  vegetable that was   we had ...supposed to help soak up the   stuff in your belly... needless to say... I won't  be cracking  the sky  on the way back..

 ..doesn't this  break your   drinking rule?

 Shadow  shrugged,..in black and white it does... but... for  real?.. These  folks fought  a damn big battle for them....and no one sent Help... they won..mostly, because the Empire  types  were on the run...they are as Much Burians..  as I was a New Yorker?  And the fought  for thier own turf.. you heard  some od those stories.. and you can bet the stories  where fluffed up a bit...but they are true..as far as them  laying thier lives on the line....so?.. if they wanted to   have thier own 'after party" who am I  to make them feel, like i am 'too good for them"

 what about them ladies that were all over us?

 Shadow chuckled,..damn nice..right?... and.. if you wanted to bed  one  , or both of them.. they would have  did it with a smile, sicne we are visiting warriors ...  But they had  two  Jobs...One?  was to keep us    warm and  give us attention....

 ..what was the other?

 ..to slit our throats, had   we not been who we said we are...Gypsies  don't fuck around..

 Will was  quiet for a bit, then asked.....you're not going to wreck...are you?

 ..I sur ehope  not Will... I sure hope not...

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

 Cross talk on the   fighter's COMs   had  Burian fighters from the  Fleet shooting    dow two Shuttle s that were  trying to   escape, by runnign dark.. two more  went into the   Support ship 'cloud'.. and they lost track... a drop  Burian  drop ship ( ground based)..landed on the shores  of the sea  and were  cleaning Up Empire  type they found   trying to escape.

  the fighter  came into a  smooth, if not  fancy landing. The   chief  was overly happy the machine was in one piece .

  ..Thanks Chief,  next time we come back, I'll Buy you a drink..or 4...

  the two   Hermites   headed to the hanger to get there stuff..Comon.. I'll take you back to the palace with me.. we'll get something to eat , to off set that  Gypsie  drink and you can wait on   Harry there...

 He  nodded with a grin.what was that we were eating?

 Last time i was there.. we ha d some kind of   'deer thing'...  Judging by the bones  by the cook fire.. I'd  say it was   some kind of  boar..or  giant Rodent.

  Rodent!..Gods  be damned...

  Now  now.... Shadow shifted his  pack to his shoulders , Will picked up his duffle...Ask  Jax, or Sneak  about  cooked Stem rat?.. at least  ..whatever that was , fed off  forest stuff..

    Shadow  whistle to hold  an APV and the two jogged up the ramp  before it closed.. they had to stand   as it was  full of  Pilots  and   Burians   retrunign to the palace..or.. as a way point  to head back to the city.

  Chatty Smith smiled  at them,..You guys smell like a Camp fire!.. Did ya have fun?

 Shadow   smiled  and nodded,..Aye,  took Will to  see  a Buran Gypsie Village..Real Nice  folks, if they know you aren't trying to hurt them.

 Shadow ..Will   to Palace>>>>>>>>>>>>

---morning after fleet departure---

Sarah stood out on the tarmac or what substituted for it on Bura. It was nearly 2hrs before the meeting in her hand she had a vid board that had lists upon lists on it, even lists of lists on it. There was still plenty of time before her staff arrived.

They had several key things to establish today. The first was clean up any EDT and Dusters. The delta folk had cracked everything open but it was time to pick up the pieces.

Next up was a reorganization of the Burian Navy into an Admiralty structure which given the Burian government structure Sarah suspected would suit the Navy well.

The Admiralty Board would include herself, Chief of Training and Doctrine (TraDoc), and Chief of the Bureau of Ships and Personnel (ShipPers) all commissioned officers. Then the Burian military chair person and two others appointed by them. Hung board decisions would be decided by the Burian High Chairman.

Under the Board were the three branch commanders in a pyramidal structure. Fleet Commander (herself) then her two deputies Chief TraDoc and Chief ShipPers. Each of them would have their own planet side activities. TraDoc would likely be located Primarily at the Air Base and training locations. Ships and Personnel would be split with command likely at the palace but branches at the ship yard and air field. The final commander was the home defense squadron commander who would in be charged with static defenses and the small squadron that would remain at Bura as an Auxiliary force and defensive force for the planet.

She checked the numbers again, and the names. It was going to be a long ride to get all the pieces together. Most of the ships in the fleet needed more dock time to complete refit and crew training but she didnt have that time. Then there was the issue of rank structure. She'd recently been elevated to Captain and as senior captain on the force it was becoming clear she'd need to consider using the old naval title of Commodore to differentiate her position from her junior captains. She sighed wishing for a cup of hot chocolate. Before turning to head into her office to complete the work she was doing.

Sam walked into the hanger and headed for Sarah's office, she was wearing a Burian/APF colored duty uniform, they had it ready for her this morning. Sam walked towards Sarah's office and then she would knock and say," Good Morning Ma'am, sorry for the time of the message but I relayed it as soon as I received it Ma'am."

 Sam will stand at the door until Sarah invites her in, she had her tablet with her of course.

Sarah nods, "come in, be at ease." she marks a few more things then looks up.

no apologies necessary. It's part of the job. Sometimes we have to react to the information when we get it. Hopefully we'll have more intell this morning. Though as Fleet Chief of Information in the future I will be expecting the communique along with any existing intell dossiers and any additional information we have to help me make my decisions.

She holds up a hand before Sam gets a chance to reply. You will need to develop your own information networks to collect information. Cpt McFust may be the scalpel in the dark but as N2 you are my eyes ears and mouth, and you can tell me if you havent been successful in collecting intell on leads we get from external sources.

She watches Sam to see how she accepts the feedback, a good Captain needs less information than a squadron leader and as a planetary Naval/Fleet level commander she needed as much intelligence and information as possible to make the best decision possible.

 Sam listens to Sarah intently, Sam was not upset she loved constructive criticism. Sarah wanted things done a certain way and Sam was going to do that for her, Sam knew this job would greatly test her skills but she will do her best, and Sarah was right she should have had intel with it as well, she will do better next time.

 When Sarah held up her hand she listened and when she was completed Sam would say," Yes Ma'am I have programs running now once I get any information on any Dusters remaining you will be the first to know Ma'am."

 Sam paused and then said," Yes I will need to get contacts all over Bura and in other Fleets and in this Sector I will start that today Ma'am. Of course Captain I will inform you of everything I will not hide anything from you Captain no matter how it makes me look, you can only make good decisions with all the information I can get for you."

 Sam then smiles and says," We have some time before the meeting starts, request permission to go check my programs Ma'am?" Sam was hoping they would find something, she needed to do some checking and do her job to help Sarah build a great Fleet.

Sarah nods, you should have an office on this hall of there's not one marked claim one. Also for the sake of clarity within the command structure I'm going to resurrect the archaic title of Commodore. Please use that appropriately.  Dismissed. she say going back to her forms and sheets.

 Sam smiled and then said," Yes ma'am I will find a office, very well Ma'am i will send out messages of your new Title Commodore McKeon. Yes Ma'am." Sam would leave her office and look for hers she finds it two doors down, she would go in set it up and set her laptop up.

 She would send the Change to Commodore everywhere it needs to be sent. Then Sam would check her programs and also begin a hard search on any information she can get for this meeting at 9.

Sarah went over her notes and then frowned... grabbing her comm she sent a message to the Burian High Chairman's office. Noting that she'd not received word on whom was replacing Frad officially.  Additionally she invited CU-DL and the new  Defense Military Chair to her first staff meeting indicating that she wished to present a revised organization for the Burian Naval forces.

She then sends messages to Sam informing her that any of the Burian fleet Captains that cannot make the staff meeting need to have a link set up so they can attend over vid.

 Sam was checking her programs, and was checking survailence and communications throughout Bura and the System. Sarah send her a message, Sam sends back " Already done Ma'am." Sam then sent word to all the Burian Fleet Captains saying if you can't make the Staff meeting please have a link set up so they can attend over Vid.

 Once that was sent out she sent to Sarah that it was complete. Sam would keep trying to dig things up with her programs, trying to get as much info she can for this Staff meeting.

It was time for the staff meeting, Sarah waited in her office which 'conveniently' had a door to the conference room where the meeting would take place. She'd already logged out, and had managed to flag the High Chairwoman in time and had her waiting with her.  It made sense for the brass to enter together. She would be presenting, and well the High Chairwoman was commander in chief, as well as leader of the planet so she easily out ranked Sarah.

For the moment it was waiting the last final moments until it was time to enter.

 Sam went into the Conference room and got everyone ready for the Conference, Sam check any of her hacks to see if she had any useful information for this meeting.

 Once it was time Sam got everyone ready, and she sent a quick beep on her Comm to Sarah which was the signal they where ready to start.

  CU-DL  and   LA-DS  greeted  Sarah. they had thie rown Vidboard    and were waiting  to enter with her.

 ..This will be ne w for us?.. Frad never   updated   us  on anyhting he  did?... We  seem to know  why now

"Frad was a traitor, I will be transparent with you always. We win the fight together." Sarah explained. "I am proposing a structural reorganization of the Burian navy and really its armed forces. What I saw Frad had set up was incredibly disorganized. I want to put us in a position to provide the troops the ESN has to offer to the Delta fleet, while maintaining a fleet of equivalent quality here on Bura as well. It's going to be incredibly difficult High Chairwoman." She wasn't ready to give up the whole organization restructure just yet, but she hit a few keys on her vid board, sending the slide decks to both CU-DL and LA-DS with only about two minutes to spare. "I've just sent you the presentation to follow along with. It is about time..."

She moves to the separating door. Reaching for the knob, she nodded to the two before opening the door and stepping into the room.


Inside the conference room, CSM MacDoona sharp as ever already standing barked out, "COMMODORE AHN DECK!" Followed by the room rising to its feet and snapping to attention.

Sarah rounds the table to just to the side of the head of the table. "Ladies and Gentleman, <spoiler>High Chairman CU-DL"

She waits on the High Chairwoman to take her position, and singal the room to relax.

  The   two Chairwomen   sat  as  did those  aroudn them.

  There were looks  on faces from everything   from Excitement.. to confusion, and maybe  a bit  of  doubt.

 Sam of course stood right away and went to attention, when the rest sat down and Sarah relaxed she did as well. Then Sam got the presentation ready to start as she sat back down. Sam just looked at Sarah and waited for her next orders.

Sarah remained standing as the leadership and her subordinates took their seats. "After many hours, much study, and some serious soul searching I have developed a plan to reorganize the Burian fleet and Naval structure that takes into account Bura's unique position in the quad as well as incorporating aspects of what makes both the Delta fleet so successful as well as historical military forces."

She pauses to look around the room, and ensuring even her Captains are paying attention.

The new Burian Naval structure will be based on the old Admiralty structure found on Earth. Chairman CU-DL you will serve as the Chief Executive of the Admiralty and the tie breaking vote in board decisions. In decisions made by the board all members will have an equal vote regardless of their position in the chain of command.

The rest of the board will include myself as Fleet Commander, and my two deputies commanders Captain Dorf Commander of the Training and Doctrine Command aka TRADOC, and Captain Mary Barron Commander of the Ships and Personnel Command aka SHIPPERS. Additionally the incoming Burian Defense Chair and two other Civilian appointees will sit on the board."

As she talks she indicates each different Commander for the assembled staff to identify.

"On my personal staff and serving as heads of their respective fields for the fleet, and where necessary are the following:

The fleet N1 also known as the Adjutant General and Chief of Personnel is Lt Connie Brownstone, an earth native from the Mississippi area of the former United States of America. Her duties will be to coordinate with SHIPPERS to ensure proper manning of the fleet, as well as serving as primary uniformed legal council for the fleet.

the fleet N2 or Chief of Information will be Lt Samantha Roberston. As N2 she will be over all communications operations as well as intelligence operations.  Her mission is both internally and externally facing as she will coordinate with other allied fleets, to relay timely intelligence needed for our efforts and passing information to allies to aid their efforts. Some of you may have seen her in action during the recent operations while the delta fleet was present.

fleet N3 or Chief of Plans and Information will be LC Jacob Feeken. His job will be to coordinate in battle tactics, optimize firing solutions, develop a body of knowledge and lessons learned from previous engagements as well as work on strategic plans and standard operating procedures.

N4 or the Chief of Logistics and Fielding, LT Finna Roxa, will serve as the commander and head of all sustainment efforts. In old days that was beans and bullets, today its power, armor, food, ammunition, as well as coordinating with the ship yards to get us new ships in a timely manner, and current ships scheduled for refit when needed. Without her we don't get off the ground.

The position of N5 or Chief Surgeon of the Navy will be held by LT AN-DLS, her role will be to serve as the primary administrator of the Burian naval medical corps which includes combat medtechs, medtechs, and guardians.

N6 is the Burian homeland defense commander. This position will be held by CDR Karst. They will command the home defense systems from air wings assigned to the planet and ship yards to planet side guns and other defenses.

The Burian Wing Commander position will be filled by LT Benjamin Mayhew, and the Chief of SEC will be CSM Ian MacDoona."

She glances around the room again.

For those that are new our fleet Captains are as follows:


BC 100  Cold Stone HC   Captain Vigor  m-B

BC 101 Deadly Song HC  Captain LA-TS  F GA

BC 102 Bone Raider C    Commander   Ed Listie

BC 103 Dark Carn C  Commander   Lillie  Gronier

BC 104   Moonlight  Destroyer  LT    Culle

BC 105  Chill Grip  Destroyer  LT  Zigger

BC 106 LonG Sleep  Destroyer  LT Mappe

BC 107 Cold Claw   Sloop  Lt Amy Dovalin

BC 108 Sharp Tail (largran) Destroyer  LT  Bester

BC 109 Gloved  Claw (largran ) Destroyer  LT  Spark
This message was last edited by the player at 22:57, Wed 18 Dec 2019.

 Sam was typing away recording everything Sarah said, she still had her hecks going, she had gotten some information which was good, but she was trying to get even more before it was her turn to speak.

---Time Jump up to current with Delta Fleet---

Sarah was in her conference room waiting for the meeting to start. She'd set the projector so that all her officers in the room could see the image, but the Hermes could only see her until she changed the camera view. She checked over some notes and ensured that her uniform was presentable. Today she'd chosen a working class C uniform, typically reserved for field operations and the like. It was significant in that it was a visual representation of the work the Burian fleet was undertaking in its reforging.

Captain's Dorf and Barron were both already present each with an aide sitting behind them against the wall.

 Sam had gotten everything ready for the conference call, and when they where ready she turned everything on and linked everything up. She sent Beth a private Comms, " All set here Lt. Morrow, also on a secure channel and this is being coded and scrambled. We are ready to begin, I will cue the Commodore Lt."

 When Sam was all set and Beth had linked them into the feed, Samm looked at Sarah and said," Ma'am we are good to go, they can see and hear you Commodore McKeon."

Soon enough everyone had arrived shortly before the start of the meeting. Once all were assembled she nods to Sam to start the feed. Dropping her into the meeting.

(For the sake of response to the meeting double posting will happen here and in the Hanger thread)

The thirty minutes between the meeting with Hack and the start of her General Staff Meeting were hectic to say the least. Things were moving rapidly, they'd still not undergone any fleet wide training but to say the least the Burian vessels were all fully refitted and ready for combat with full complements of fighters. Still the personnel were settling into new commands and positions as things had shifted around. It was a hell of a time for a maiden voyage, but sometimes the gods didn't allow you the optimal choices.  The dry docks were full with new hulls the one Hermes sized Burian god class cruiser which was months away still from completion, two heavy cruisers, and then 3 destroyers all of which were underway, but staggered and not ready for delivery any time soon.

Sarah had gone over her small but formidable fleet several times and was ready for deployment orders. Around the table sat her fleet officers. Signalling for everyone to be seated she pauses to ensure that Sam has all of her ship commanders on the line and patched in.

 Sam got to the meeting a few minutes early, she had just enough time to get everything set up , and got all the ship commanders on line and patched in. Sam also kept an eye on her ongoing hacks for information and searching for anyone trying to compromise their comms.

 Once Sam was all set and the ship Commanders where all visible, she nodded to Sarah and said," Commodore we are all set, ready when you are Ma'am." Sam sat with her rather amazing laptop close to Sarah.

(( during   Shore league on Bura  after  E-1 E-2))

------>>>>> Bura #3

After a reasonably short wait, Justin and Alison were picked up in front of the hotel, by a local whose services she had found online.   The man had done contractual work with the ESN, and was considered trustworthy and reliable.

The general plan, was to stick to the most well-established roads, while en route to the villages.   Particularly those nearest to the Burian Naval HQ.

Now seated in the back of their guide's jeep, Alison glanced out at the morning sun that lit the land. Noting how the light differed in color and quality, compared to the sun back home.

She smiled "Of course, I'm going to want to take some pictures.  I think I mentioned my love of travel photos?" 

Some 40 minutes later, a Burian village came into view, situated off the western side of the road.  On first impression, there was a sense of order and harmony about the place, in spite of the low-tech construction.   Or, maybe even because of it-?

The design of the place displayed a sense of aesthetics, coupled with respect for the surrounding environment.   And, while Alison wasn't one who'd relinquish the conveniences and comforts of modern living, she didn't doubt that life out here had its pluses and payoffs.

Parking on a stretch of land where there were several other vehicles, she disembarked from the the jeep after their guide had.   The scents of hay, wildflowers, and more exotic flora she couldn't name hit her nose as soon as she did.

She smiled, glancing to Justin, to see his impression of the place.  And then said to their guide:    "Horses...or horse like animals.  Whoever we need to see about renting some, that's who we want to meet."   

In reply to Dr. Alison Verault (msg # 168):

Justin chambered from the Jeep and moved beside Alison. Glancing from the guide to Alison, Justin absently gave his chin a rub. OK then can I get some pointers on how to ride one of these creatures?
This message was last edited by the player at 02:05, Sun 23 Oct 2022.

  The  village  was  one of the closer  settlements  to the Town  and Capital . There  were sma;  machines  going through rows  of    plants    as   farmers  worked the   fields,

  The Guide  pointed to the  Settlement  as a  older Burian  man  walked towards them. he wore  a   'cowboy' hat, but the   sides  where down, the  back of the  rip straight back  and the front of the   rim bent up. a  human woman,  about two inches taller  followed him she had a   pulse rifle, and  dressed in leather pants  and Vest, her hat was similar.

 what brings you to  our   village, travelers

 The Guide   waved his  hand at the Hermites,Good Morn, Town Watcher . These   two came  to   see our  planet, and , mayhaps  rides  Steedles?

The Human woman chuckled. she  had the   greenish tones  of someone who had been on the planet for a while.

 well... you   can take a look, see if you can  handle one.. we have a dozen for  gawkers to ride, that  are pretty tame..

"Yes, I'll do my best with that," she assured Justin.  "Assuming most of what works with a Terran horse will work with these critters too."   

She smiled in greeting at the villagers. "Greetings back to you, and thanks for being available to do this. I'm Alison, and my companion is Justin.  Sure;  let's see the available animals.  Those you feel would be suitable."

  all the   Steedles  were  green-brown-black mottled.  their differences  were  in the   faces,  some rare opens had   white  markings..  or  deep green  or  black and white stripes or  spots.

 these are easy to ride... the one with the green  ears...he's a bit more  spirited.

Alison appraised the collection of Burian equines, with the eye of someone who knew horses fairly well, if far from an expert.  In particular, she looked at the legs, which told much of the truth as to what degree of care a horse (or approximate animal) was receiving.   And, there was nothing to suggest these weren’t in the hands of those who took their care seriously.   As she expected would be the case.

"He looks spirited, doesn't he?" she smiled, asking Justin. "Just look at the glint in those eyes!" Turning back to their hosts, she asked:

"What's his name?"   
This message was last edited by the player at 18:04, Sat 22 Oct 2022.

 his name is Grit? he was  ridden by a human mercenary on leave a month ago..he ...had a hard time  controlling   the Steedle

  He shrugs,I do not think  Grit liked him... Bura  animals seem more atuned to  people  then most.

"It's okay to be selective, Grit," she spoke softly to the steedle, "it sounds like you've got good intuition."

She moved closer, approaching at an angle, rather than straight on, as was the preference of most Earth equines.  "So how about it?  You up for a little exercise this morning?"

Alison awaited to see if there was any reaction that could be gauged.  Unless Grit responded negatively, she had already made up her mind, here...

In reply to Dr. Alison Verault (msg # 173):

Justin peered at Grit's face; looking for the glint Alison mentioned. Mam or Sir, would any of these mounts be a trickster?
This message was last edited by the player at 02:34, Sun 23 Oct 2022.

 Grit  gave a snort, and a few stomps of  its   paws

 The Fellow looked at Justin, and blinked abit.....I...do not know what you mean, sir?

In reply to al-ju (msg # 177):

I watched a pod where a fellow was saddling his mount he put a small blanket on then turned to pick up the saddle.The horse pulled the blanket off and dropped it on the ground. When thefellow turnedaroundhe noticed the blanket and returnedthe saddle to its rack. This happened twice befor he noticed what the trickster was doing.

In reply to al-ju (msg # 177):

I watched a pod where a fellow was saddling his mount.  He put a small blanket on it , then turned to pick up the saddle. The horse pulled the blanket off, and dropped it on the ground. When thefellow turned around he noticed the blanket and returned the saddle to its rack. This happened twice before he noticed what the trickster was doing.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 03:13, Sun 23 Oct 2022.

The Fellow looked at his wife, who shrugged... We belive our  animals  are  smart, Sir?  But...i feel you may  wtch   odd shows?

In reply to al-ju (msg # 180):

Justin chuckled Either that or I've spent far, far too long in the Black.

"Well," put in Alison, "Out in the black, it can be a valuable lesson to remember that species with developed intelligence aren't always humanoid or biped. But, as for Grit here, I think he's plenty smart, but not a trickster, per se.  He just needs a rider who works with him, instead of treating him like an organic ATV."   

"Alright -- so it's me and Grit, then.  We need to find you a cohort, now," she said to Justin.

"How about this lovely girl, here," Alison indicated a long-legged, steedling mare, with a high tail and bright eyes.  "You can charm the shoes right off her, just like you did with me.  Remember how you dove right into the salsa dancing?  You'll be just as good at partnering with this mare, I'm sure!"   

Justin gave Alison an hesitant smile, he'd had several Dance and Deportment lessons at the Academy, the closest thing to riding they provided was with Ducati 1515. In for a Penny... he stated.

 Mimicking Alison's approach of Grit, Justin glanced at the ranch owners What's this beauties name?
This message was last edited by the player at 00:06, Mon 24 Oct 2022.

   The  Fellow   chuckled softly.closest human word for her  name , is 'Flower"..she is  quiet, we  found her  after the  battle  when you were here last  time..farm burned.. we took her in.

"Aw, that's so sweet!  She must be so happy to have a new home.  Have the steedlings had their breakfast? We'll wait till they've been fed, if not.  But otherwise, I'm ready just as soon as they are."   

She looked to Justin.  "And I'll teach you the right way to mount up."   

 yes, they are ready, we  just need to saddle  them. If you need  further  aid? The  Gentleman can watch the  Vid  box , on how to mount.. she and his  wife  moved into the   paddock to begin to saddle the mounts.

In reply to al-ju (msg # 186):

Justin thought they'd benefit from viewing the how to mount on vid box. It may provide
some techniques that apply to these native equines.

Alison nodded once Justin voiced that thought, or otherwise came to the same conclusion on her own.   There could be quirks, or differences, compared to the horses of Earth.

"C'mon, yeah, let's watch this thing.  After we grab some popcorn and soda," she joked.

In reply to Dr. Alison Verault (msg # 188):

Justin glances around the area checking for any snacks. None were obvious Sorry Honey, I should have planned this outing better. motioning to a couple of adjacent seats. Justin waited for Alison to get comfortable and joined her to view the lesson.

She laughed at that, "No worries.  I kind of sprung this on you.  It wasn't like you had much time to prepare!  Thanks for being accommodating," she smiled, rubbing his arm.

"The last guy I dated told me I needed to get some more 'usual' kinds of interests.  We didn't last too long," she winked.

After the vid concluded, it was time.   Alison approached the now-saddled Grit, and mounted up in the way the demo had shown.  Really, it was similar to a standard horse;  beginning with standing near the steedle's front leg, on a mounting block, and gently taking the reins in hand.

After which she shifted her body weight onto her mounting foot, then swung her other leg over top of the steedle. Grasping the saddle horn with her free hand.   It required some muscle control to land gently in the saddle, avoiding a harder landing, which horses didn't like, or might even be hurt by, with a heavy enough rider.

"Like that," she said to Justin, from atop Grit's back.   "Your turn now!"
This message was last edited by the player at 20:07, Tue 25 Oct 2022.

Justin attempted to combine what he'd watched with Alison's demonstration. Once on the mount he settled into the saddle and gave flower a gentle rub. Eating forward Hello Flower I hope I'm not too heavy for you and we get along well; if this isn't the case I understand your misgivings. he whispers
This message was last edited by the player at 20:23, Wed 26 Oct 2022.

"Such a gentleman!  She's going to fall for you too, without a doubt!"

Once introduction and orientation were concluded, there was no more ado to stop them from riding out.   And, so...

There were soon trotting down a road that wound between that village and the next one nearest. Having had a little time to compare the steedle to an Earther horse, she found there was something different about its gait.   A different rhythm, for lack of a better way of putting it.

Turing to Justin, she said "See?  Much easier than the tunnels, right?  Your trusty mount is doing the work.   Although, once we're done, you'll find you've used some muscles that you usually don't.   Because, they will be sore."

"Are the villages mostly self reliant?" she asked their guide, at some point. "Do they trade with the city much, or not really?"

   The fellow  watched with a measured look as the mounted up.The Bigger Cities have the Industry under them, it provides   energy, heat and all of that. The Power Cell buildings  do   al that for us, the sun charges  them, every now and the  the City sends out a team  to check the cells , maybe bring  new ones in...touch job with power cells  as big as a barn door,

 he motions towards the thick forests  off in the distance, There are  smaller    'native;  Villages. They use  small power cells   for some devices and such, but they are more or  less primitive .. The  fight  with Bows and Blades. The Council, after we were freed
 from  the Empire. had them Chipped so they have income. and   each  village  has  2- 6
 Burian  Troopers stationed their. Alot of our  Mountain troops comes from those Villages,
 You whenever seen a more comical sight then a  Full sized  demon  trying to  fight or
 three or   four Burian's  with Hunting knives.

 holding up a hand in warning.if you travel  and  stop at a Village, do not refuse  any kindness they may offer. It is a grave  insult... we have seen  Largrans  refuse  a gesture, because they saw it a puny?   and the Largrans did not  come back from that. Sadly, if you refuse   something. because you don't want to take  what the  from the village..it is still an insult.. Better to barter, if you feel you are 'getting too much'

In reply to al-ju (msg # 193):

Justin appreciated the Guides advice and council. Better to be aware of the social processes than to cause unintentional insult. Thank you esteemed Guide for your wise council. acknowledged Would there be any groups, organisations or such who provide aid to Orphans, Widows/Widowers; Sole Parents or such who seek sponsors?
This message was last edited by the player at 04:46, Thu 27 Oct 2022.

"Yes, thanks for letting us know.  I'll for certain keep that in mind."

At first, she was surprised by Justin's question. But then remembered his past connection with an orphanage, and understood.   If it was for the reason she suspected, then it was a warm gesture on his part...

  The   Guide shook his head,we mostly take care of our  own, check on neighbors  and such.

his wife took off her hat, ran her   fingers through her   hair as she said.the Capitol is the place to ask?  I know there are agencies   that  help move children around if they lose parents.  We take influx of orphans  and Stem kids, to try to infuse some  young blood  back into this world. The Empire....is  fond of   young ones, when it comes time for thier feasts.

In reply to al-ju (msg # 196):

Justin nodded then focused on trying not to fall off the mount. Occasionally glancing at the surrounding area or Alison.

Justin considered Alison's jest about Flower, giving a shrug he tried as best as he could not to fall of the mount as the trio headed to the Village. Approaching its outskirts Justin assessed its layout. Would now be as good a time as any to let us in on why we are headed to this place?

"Well, here's more than one part to that answer.    First:  It's been too long since I last did any riding, and I wanted an excuse.  Second:  the city seems awesome, but I wanted to see Bura, without a high-tech metropolis in the way.  Third: heading off into the thick of the Wilds seemed like a bad idea.  So, I decided to stay to the more settled area, that being the villages.   The roads between make for a pleasant trail ride, don't you think-?"

In reply to Dr. Alison Verault (msg # 199):

Justin gave Alison a nod in agreement. So this Village is a random choice, or rather first accessible in this direction. I guess I've been exosed to hidden agenda's for far too long.

"I do understand.  I've had to deal with some of those, myself."   A slightly darker expression was on her features, but it was fleeting, and swiftly gone.

"Grit, you're such a good boy, and a gentleman," she soothed to her steedle.  "That merc you didn't get along with just didn't treat you right, I'm sure."     After riding in silence, enjoying the fresh air and scenery, she asked of Al-ju:

"So, tell us some more about the villages.    Are they unified with a single culture, pretty much?   Or are there things about each that make them more distinct?" 

Justin appreciated Alison's understanding and disclosure about hidden agenda's. Justin had found the shortcoming about societies is there was always some arsehole that said one thing; when they meant something different. Giving a shrug Justin waited expectantly to the Guides response.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:39, Tue 01 Nov 2022.

After they listened to whatever answer was provided, Alison decided to pick up the pace a little bit.

She moved her hands forward, above her steed's withers, then squeezed her legs, gently, into his body.  Urging Grit to increase his speed from a trot, to the controlled three-beat gait of a canter...

 The Guide   gave a  shrug looking up into the air.. there weren't  as many 'high fliers' right now, with all the fleet shuttles    and  Braian fighters   zipping around.

 The Captital is for all of Bura... we have a   forest area  in the southern Hemisphere, that  is  deep Jungle, there  are Gava and Naragrans  living in  an ara  designated to them, to tun into thier own colony. But they are still under the Council Of Three.

Alison's mount speed up Justin spurred his to catch up to her. When Flower galloped forward Justin lost his grip and tumbled to the ground like a sack of potatoes. Rolling with the fall he ended up in a leafy shrub.
Chambering from the native breakfall Justin brushed the twigs and leaves off himself. 'What's next' he thought to himself

Alison's brows shot up, her mouth opened, when she heard the noise from behind.

Applying the reins to Grit, she slowed, halted, turned him about and rode back to Justin, figuring the others could retrieve Flower, if need be.

"My god!  I'm so sorry!  I just thought I'd pull ahead, for a bit!  I didn't expect you to try and match me!   Are you alright?"     She dismounted, and began looking him over with a doctor's trained eye.

 The Guide  pushed his   hat up with one hand and gave his head a shake.You can ride in all the space ship you want?..But  steedles  don't have  backrests  or  seatbelts..

In reply to Dr. Alison Verault (msg # 206):

Nothing serious; a few corkers, these should heal.

In reply to al-ju (msg # 207):

Thing is with Starcraft their thrusters aren't self starting.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:19, Thu 03 Nov 2022.

Clambering onto his assigned mount Justin settled back into the saddle. Giving Flower a pat then nudging it forward, they headed towards the Village Alison wanted to visit.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:28, Sat 05 Nov 2022.

Eventually, with no further mishaps along the road, said village hove into sight up ahead.

As they trotted into the periphery of the place, Alison greeted any guards according to Burian custom.

"Let's get the steeds to the proper parking spot, first. And then, if they've got a wine maker, a clothing shop, someone who makes ornaments or jewelry -- I'm interested in any of those, to start."     

In reply to Dr. Alison Verault (msg # 210):

Justin gave a nod, then scanned that immediate area for a parking spot. When the mounts were secured he glanced about for signs of Jeweller's, Spirits Outlet and Clothes Store.

  The Village  was  quiet, , perhaps, have the  size of the town, which was small.

    Building were made of  wood and stone, some of the Homes  were build  with living  trees  as  support.

 There  were  some shops  that made  hand crafted   jewelry . Leather    work..wood work and  leather clothing, as well as a Burian fabric that was light, yet  tough.

 the couple  taverns they have were relatively busy, and  there was a shop at the end  where   beer  and  wines   and  distilled drinks  were made

In reply to al-ju (msg # 212):

Justin pointed out the various buildings for Alison to decide which to visit and the order she preferred to do so. Are you looking for anything specific? he asked Alison.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:12, Sun 06 Nov 2022.

"Yes," she nodded.  "Let's start right here."   With that, Alison made her way into the nearby jewelry shop.

"Hello," she greeted the shop keep. "Yes, we're off-world tourists," she added with a smile. "Hopefully not the obnoxious sort."   Getting down to business:

"There's two things I'm especially interested in. Well, kind of the same, in a way...any sort of jewelry that connects to an interesting Burian myth, or fable.  Or one of the constellations, or stars, seen in your sky."   

   The    older  Burian looks  at her.... we have   belts, necklaces , earhangings,  rings, and headbands  that have   the  'Seed of life

 ..... The  seeds  are stones . a certain  mineral  we can shape, it is   Green, but  once polished, sun light makes it glow?. from inside. It is  said to  protect you as  Mother Bura protect us all.

"That sounds perfect." Then began thinking what, specifically, as to the design.

"Back on Earth, there's a bird called a swan. Do you have those here?  Do you think you could manage that shape, for a necklace?"   Alison tried to depict the outline shape of the bird, if they weren't familiar.


She turned to Justin, "I think you should have something made, too.  A belt?  A ring?  It's my gift, if you can think of one you'd like." 

  The   Man  took her  too a  wall board that  had   dozens of  styles, none were a swan, but there  was a crature  with a Long   neck and its   whings  spread in flight.

 I could  fashion one, that you  describe, it  would take an hour  or so?

She considered.   The swan-like creature was close.  But, this was a very particular symbol for her, and thus she decided:

"Yes, please, do so.  We'll be here for over an hour, easy, checking out other shops and things. No rush."   

 The  Man Nodded,I will do my best..... he  went  to  a wall of little  drawers  and   sorted trough  stones  and  such to begin his carving/

In reply to al-ju (msg # 219):

While Alison was talking to the shopkeeper Justin scanned the items on display.

"Anything catch your eye?"  she asked, while he browsed.

Having assessed the available stock Justin gives a shrug. Nothing to Write home about. he quietly answered Alison. Justin then meyandered towards the exit; pausing for a sweeping glance for potential items of interest the immediate area.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:34, Wed 09 Nov 2022.

"Well c'mon, let's go visit the wine merchant, then.  As an educational lesson, to see if Burian wine is much different from Earth.  We can pick up a bottle for this evening.  Drinking before our ride back is not a good idea," she smiled, taking his hand.

In reply to Dr. Alison Verault (msg # 223):

Justin gave Alison's hand a gentle squeeze, as he thanked the shopkeeper for their assistance. Would I be cortect to assume you're a Wine connisour?
This message was last edited by the player at 11:44, Fri 11 Nov 2022.

In reply to Dr. Alison Verault (msg # 223):

Justin gave Alison's hand a gentle squeeze, as he thanked the shopkeeper for their assistance. Would I be cortect to assume you're a Wine Connisour?

"That would be stretching it a little.   But, I do know my grapes pretty good.   Back on Earth, after my freshman year at Uni, I vacationed in Tuscany, and made a friend who's family owns a vineyard.  I did learn a fair bit from her, and the wine tasting events I've been too," she answered, as they continued to walk toward the merchant.

"Insofar as alcohol, do you have a favorite drink?"

In reply to Dr. Alison Verault (msg # 226):

Before my Serendipitous meeting, with a certain DDG MedTec hottie, I was partial to Hot Cocoa.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:30, Thu 10 Nov 2022.

"That's fully adorable.   Change of plans:   let's see first if we can get a mug of cocoa.  I have to wonder if Burian cocoa is green?  Or maybe the marshmallows?"   

Alison began looking for something like an eatery, or a place that sold confections, or even a chocolate or candy shop; striving to get for Mr. Kase the thing he liked most...

In reply to Dr. Alison Verault (msg # 228):

You've some vivid thoughts Doc. Mind you I've a notion that green Cocoa would be called Sweet Pea's or Kiwi fruit or Grapes. he chuckled. Let's try that place. he suggested pointing at a shop with a large cup & saucer illustration on its windows.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:42, Fri 11 Nov 2022.

"Well that's rather metropolitan looking for a village," she observed, as they made their way inside.

It turned out that Burian cocoa wasn't entirely different, color or otherwise, from that of Earth.   They did however recommend a locally grown spice, that Alison deiced to try, and found to be rather ginger like.

Once Justin had his beverage as well, she sat with him and offered a toast, "To alien worlds, happy trails, and hot cocoa!  I'm just sorry it all has to come to an end today."   

In reply to Dr. Alison Verault (msg # 230):

Justin clinked Alison's mug with his own. May the course ahead be smooth and filled with memories

“The memories are a given.  Smooth course...” she grinned, “No guarantee for those.    But some bumps and hiccups are often important parts of those memories, too.” 

After finishing, they walked the village again, seeing what other shops there were to peruse, with Alison having shunted the visit to the wine merchant to being the second-to-final agenda. After she picked up her finished necklace.

She urged Justin to a halt in front of a clothiers.    "You need a hat!   Anything you like...sombrero, bolero, bycocket -- you know, the Robin Hood cap -- or maybe a coonskin?  Whatever they've got, and whatever you like.  I want to take some selfies of us, and we should both be wearing hats," she tapped the brim of her straw, boho cowgirl hat.

"Just because, you know, that's a thing," she nodded sagely.

Justin chuckled at a thought, being to selecting a bearskin. I suspect a few of the crew envisage I already have one. Which is part of the baggy pants, multi coloured vest & long shoes ensemble.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:45, Sun 13 Nov 2022.

<<<<<<<<  Shadow and friends from bura

 The  Van was  coming  down..there was a  'road' now that lead   to the norther  east. there were  some powercell Lights  , but other wise  it was  still quaint.  as the  Van  settled  down.

  there were several  warriors  there with Bows  and green  or mottled buckskin,  there were   2 Burian regulars  with  Pulse guns.

  Shadow Got  out   Roy, the other  side , Dusk and   Shade  coming around...somewhere a  young voice  said..."DARKSHADOW!" 8 or so  small green kinds  dresed in a mix of   green buckskin and   'manufactured' clothes, Shadow    took a  knee  as the  little ones  swarmed  him , Hugging   them ahd  fussing with them. An Olde  Man who was the Chief of the clam   came  up, he had a  spear like  weapon, but a sidearm  had been added to his    belt.

 we were hoping you would come see us!

 Shadow stood and Shook hands,would have  been here  sooner , but  we had a couple issues  to clean up This  Is  SGT Major   Spencer... and this is  my Daughter, Captain Duisk Shadow of the  Undenflag ship 'Lady's Revenge'  and my Son , Ambassdor Shade Shadow.. thought he speaks for   Unden, he is really a Hermite  by Birth.

 The   Chief  shook their hands..Yes..I remember from last time when you  hand  training run here.., You must See our  lady   tribute..then we have  food  and danci  and song  and you tell us of great adventures

 they went through the Villaige, Young grils  ran up and gave them  Bura berry  cold  drinks as they walked. at the  west  end of the  Village  was aan area  that had been cleared  ...a 'statue'm of sorts of Lady was there. purely made   from plants,  with  trimmign  and  some cast off  metaglass   where the  cockpit  would  be. white bark was used   for  the  #19 on the   tail fin.

 gods!... how  do you do this? It looks like it  could fly

 we  trim it, and train it  to  grow  how  we  wish... you like?

 Dusk   walked over   with her mouth opened in awe..It is a Hammer  IV!.... it is   a living statue of Mother...

   Shade's eyes were bright  green as he walked around it

The Chief , looked at  Roy..I am chief   SO-LN..I am green  Angel.. i have only been  Chief  for a year.. last chief  was killed  by stary Largrans..but we  found thier nest.  The forest says you have killed  many largrans  and  some  people who have turned thier colors..it is good to here  of such deaths,... you do not have the wings on your chest, Like Darkshadow? do you not  fly? Did you  know Lady... lady  is much revered here. for  battle of  the first time... The  battle of the second time.. we helped as much as we were able.. some   scouts  watched  Darkshadow kill the  man who killed lady..it was..satisfing...like  watching a predator  take down  a parasite.

Later, Alison was able to pick up her necklace from the jeweler.   For an effort by someone who'd never seen a swan, the accuracy of the result more than pleased her.

"I love it," she assured the artisan, smiling before making the agreed upon payment.   She removed her hat, then slipped the fine-link chain over her head, with the swam coming to rest over her bosom. As the artisan had said, the Seed stone was a deep, vibrant green color.

Although it wasn't a color she would've picked as a first choice, it was nonetheless lovely.   For her, the relative neutrality of it was important, too.   While a white swan symbolized such attributes as grace, beauty, love and purity, a black swan had a wholly different meaning.   The bird represented both sides equally, in her world.   The one did not exist without the other...

After they exited the shop, Alison noted a trio of children playing nearby, giving she and Justin curious glances, obviously spotting them as outsiders.    She gave a friendly wave.

"Hey -- we're going to take a short vid, some holo-pics, to remember the village by, after we leave.  Would you like to be in them?"    The young ones nodded cheerfully, and jogged over to them.

"I'm Alison and he's Justin," she introduced.  At which the children likewise gave their names.

"You're really tall," said the smallest of the three, in lilting Burian accent, looking upward at Justin.    "Are you really strong, too-?" 

In reply to Dr. Alison Verault (msg # 235):

When Alison introduced him Justin gave the childred a smile an small wave. Taking a knee Justin looked into the smallest child's eyes. When I was about your age I was quite strong. Would you like to show me how strong you are. demonstrating with an elbow flexion
This message was last edited by the player at 23:06, Sun 13 Nov 2022.

Naturally, the boy was only too eager to participate.     Pushing up the sleeve of his tunic, he revealed the faintly green-tinted skin of a native, and then did his very best Hercules.

For his age, he was strong, in the wiry way that some kids were.   As he flexed, he put his arm near Justin's to compare.

Another child, a girl, the tallest of them, said something in Burian, and laughed.  It sounded humorous, not mean spirited, but the boy looked at her with outrage, all the same.

"I am strong!" he asserted.  "What can I do to grow up as tall as you?" he asked Justin, seeming very serious.

Meanwhile, Alison went about capturing some vids and holos of this...

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.