"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.