Hearing Nic speak Harry would pause with the gyros halfway to her mouth so as to give him a baffled look, with her wondering how he didn't know the answer to that particular question "you really don't know? Nic it's because you're one of the few people that has been genuinely nice to me and has actually taken the time to ask me about...well...me, and then you will actually listen to what I say without judging me, or preaching at me or trying to force help upon me...everyone else here just assumes they know all about me, also this is really nice" she replied before continuing to eat her meal while it was still warm, determined to get him to cook for her again if this was anything to go by "...I've tried confiding in people but so many times it just seems to result in me getting kicked in the teeth, and once that has happened a few times you don't feel so keen to do it again" she continued, with more people having lost her trust as of late than gaining it, though there was still a small circle of people that she trusted.

When asked how her day in SEC had gone, there would be a slight shrugging of her shoulders as she bleakly replied "About as well as I thought it would...they dumped me in the corner to file things on the computer using a system I didn't understand, got mad when I got it wrong, then sent me to patrol the hold with the Gava" she said finding the idea of doing that for the rest of her life to be depressing to say the least.

<=== Hangar Dec

Nikki and Haley walked to their quarters.  There Nikki showered quickly.  Not othering with her hair  since she did wash it this morning.  She had Haley strip off her pants and shoes to atleast wash the lake water and mud off so she would not itch.  She could wear her pants she wore down to Bura or another pair.  Nikki changed out because her set was sweat stained and a bit stinky.  she opted for a lighter off duty set, Haley rewore her earlier pants.  Nikki cleaned up a bit putting stuff to be cleaned wiped down gear and set up for easy grabbing and readiness.  Gave Haley her backpack to hang up.  She grabbed the Roussian instrument.  Then both now ready headed to the Rec Dec.

Rec Dec =====>

He took a bite of the gyro and chewed on it, studying from from across the counter and considering her words. "Isn't that how people are suppose to talk?" The puzzled tone in his voice made him sound a little confused over it all. "I'd listen to anyone that needs to talk. I'm not babying you, just pointing out things you could change. And judging you for your past? That is a little cruel. We all make mistakes. Having those mistakes rubbed into your face seems to defeat the purpose of actually trying to make up for them. I don't wonder why you are... whats the word...? I think someone said sullen?"

He took another bite and chewed slowly, giving her a thoughtful look. "Don't confide in them then. Talk to them like normal people. If you need to rant, I am here to listen." He gave her a smile and then set his gyro down so he could get a drink, coming back with a bottle of water. That he opened and took a sip.

At the way she responded to his question about how her day when, well he had to furrow his brows up a little and then leaned on the counter, reaching out across it to lightly tap her nose. "Did you think to ask them for help with that, Harry? I mean if they refuse to help you after you ask, then that's on them, not you. You tried." He grinned and chuckled. "Treló korítsi," he murmured fondly. "What you need to do right now, and this is only a suggestion, you need to ignore the negative attitudes and try to do what you are assigned to do."

He waved a hand around a moment before picking up the half eaten gyro and taking another bite. "All this doesn't matter. What matters is that you try to show them that you are not who they think you are. I don't doubt it will be hard, Harry, but I am here if you need a shoulder to cry on or a hug or anything else."

”Oh no Tali can get into enough trouble without being made smarter, besides Sam and Beth have enough work to do without me bothering them...besides I think it would be good for Orria to have a project” also she suspected it would take a direct order from the SM to get Beth to help her with it and Sam was in an entirely different military and didn’t want to keep asking her for favours.

It was as Izzy was making them both some French toast, with them not having eaten on Bura, that a bubbly Lizzy would start outlining her ideas ”Well Chief Posts runs the field, and didn’t Captain Si get someone from the OC to make that cake? We may need to speak with someone on the rec dec about the catering too” she said as she cooked, pausing every now and again to admire Lizzy’s nightie ”either way I think it’s going to take more than just the two of us to organise” she then said as she plated up their food and set it on the breakfast bar for them to enjoy.

There would be a bit of hand gesture to show she'd thought that too but was apparently mistaken, with her also thinking that it would be rather obvious why someone in her position wouldn't be the life and soul of the party, full of vim and vigour and raring to go but apparently that wasn't the case either.

As he tapped her on the nose, she would frown a little before awkwardly shifting like a child that had been caught misbehaving "no...I thought If I did that they'd just humiliate me even more than I already am" she replied in a sullen voice, though she would reluctantly admit that he may have a point about her ignoring them and simply getting on with the job at hand, after all it wasn't like she had any other options "I guess so..." she softly sighed looking just a little down about it all.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:20, Fri 16 Apr 2021.

 Lizzy smiled and replied," Yes very true, and Orria is amazing as well. Yeah true we dont need Tali any smarter."  As Izzy cooked, Lizzy checked on their fish, and fed them.

  Then Izzy talked about her plans," Yes we can talk to Chief Post, yes I think your right she got it from the OC, and yes actually Nikki said she would help and there is another person I need to ask." Lizzy hoped this would work and that they would both be professionals about it. Lizzy added," Well Zob wanted the LC to help in the planning of the party, thats what Melia told me so I will ask him and see what he would add for Zob." Lizzy wondered how Izzy would react to asking the LC for suggestions and help.

He gave her a look, part frown and part concern. "Harry," he said softly. "I am not here to hurt you or make you feel bad. I am just giving you suggestions on how to change things about yourself." He sighed softly and moved around the counter to her and slipped his arms around her. "Look, they think badly of you right now. That I get. You need to not let them make you think badly about yourself. Shit happens. You can't let it effect you like this."

She really needed to get out of that mindset of being humiliated. And that was a problem he wasn't sure he could answer for her. Letting go, he reached and dragged his plate over to finish the rest of the gyro and then sipped at his water. "I just hate seeing you like this Harry when I know if you would just make the effort things would get easier. It wouldn't be a fast process but it would get easier. Some will never forgive and that's ok, others are going to 'Well, she's shown she can change and she's doing her best. Maybe we are wrong?'"

He gave her a wry smile to that and chuckled. "Never know what will happen."

At the mention of the LC being a candidate for a possible volunteer, Izzy would visibly hesitate as she fought back the urge to grimace before cautiously replying "um...ok...if you want to just...um...be careful getting him to help, because if he starts flashing his cash and pulling favours he'll end up taking over and it will end up being his party for Zob and Melia" she cautioned as she continued to eat. Personally she wouldn't even invite him but she knew that wouldn't happen, that and she wasn't that spiteful, so if Lizzy wanted his help so be it. Just so long as she was aware that things were liable to very frosty between them if they were forced to work together "So other than music and a cake, have you any other idea's of things you'd like to have?"

As he put his arms around her, Harry's head would naturally move to nestle into the side of Nic's neck and shoulder as he softly spoke to her "I know...but it's just so damn hard! I already know I'm a horrible person without everyone constantly getting at me and pointing it out to me" she said in a miserable voice. She'd already spent the better part of a year as a pariah on Etna and here she was right back where she'd started from without even a glimmer of hope on the horizon.

With Nic gently releasing his embrace in order to finish eating his meal, Harry would reluctantly nod as he pointed out that it would be a long, slow process that would require a lot of effort on her part before she was viewed as anything other than a headcase, which did little to improve her bleak mood as she stared down into what little remained of her cup of tea.

 Lizzy looked at Izzy and said," Well I will just ask a few ideas, Zob wanted him involved and I have too at least try. Yeah I want this from Us and Nikki, I need to talk to her about ideas as well."

 When Izzy asked what else, Lizzy spurted out," Well we could do a ceremony first then the party, but we need flowers, and need to find a great dress for Melia, oh did they get rings, they need rings, maybe we could mark a shuttle with just married and give them a few days to relax on a pleasure ship with their special wine.  I dont know I want them to have everything the perfect wedding party."

"So your a horrible person? Are you or is that what everyone says? Harry, you are making yourself unhappy because you think they are right. Are they? As far as I knew, you were the type to dig your heels in when someone said to do something and told them to fuck off. That is not what you are doing now. You're giving up," he pointed out, voice calm and even. He didn't know what else to say to her because she was so bound and determined that she was going to be just what everyone else seemed to think about her.

That sort of made him unhappy. He wasn't sure what to do and after that he set his plate in the sink to clean up in a bit.

"Harry?" He waited a moment for her to look at him. "I don't want something to happen to you because you cant get with the program. Please, just try?"

Her tea had gone cold quite some time ago, but she would continue to stare down into it as Nic spoke trying her best to digest what he said as the same dark thoughts that had lead her to sit on the wing of her fighter with a loaded gun circled around her head once again. She'd tried standing her ground and giving the world the middle finger but that had seemingly just made things worse, and it was hard to feel good about yourself and move on when everyone was so determined to stick the boot in.

Hearing Nic calling her name she would cautiously look up at him, with her hesitating for all of a heartbeat before replying "ok...I'll try" with her pausing a few more minutes before continuing in a quiet voice "I'm not feeling too good at the moment...I think I' like to go to bed now please" with her hoping that a good nights sleep would help her have a better day tomorrow or at the very least get her through her appointment with Stefi without completely falling to pieces "I'm sorry Nic, I don't mean to be such a mess...I know this isn't what you signed up for, I will try to be better...I promise"

Nic picked up her plate and the mug and set them in the sink after she spoke, feeling a little lost because she seemed to not understand what he was getting at. The simple fact was, he couldn't demand she act a different way. He couldn't make others treat her differently. He was having issues even getting her to see that she had to change first and show others that she was able to work with them without them fearing she would turn on them like a rabid dog. She had said she would try but... he hated doubting it.

Sighing, he nodded softly. "Sure. You know where the bathroom is to change." There was hesitation as she spoke about being sorry and he gave her a slight smile. "Harry you were a mess long before we met. I am just trying to help you untangle everything. Don't be sorry... you just have to let me help you."

He nodded towards the bathroom door and picked up her back and pressed it into her hands. "Go change. I promise I don't sleep naked," he teased and grinned at her before walking into the bedroom area and pulling out a pair of sweat pants. While she was changing, he would quickly get ready for bed and slip into it, waiting on her.

After finishing their little "midnight snack" Izzy would clear the plates away as Lizzy continued to excitedly outline her idea's that included everything from flowers to dresses and rings and even a honeymoon "ok well just a few observations; the whole honeymoon thing is kind of way above our paygrade so we'd probably be better of forgetting that and leaving it to the Admiral to decide whether he wants to do that, and I'd probably keep the ceremony as short as possible after all it's supposed to be a party and they are already married" she said trying to keep Lizzy from biting off more than she could chew, especially with the honeymoon idea "also...Liz, the reason my bracelet is so special is because you gave it to me, it wouldn’t be the same if someone else had given them to us so I think we need to let them choose their own rings" she softly said as she came around the breakfast bar and interlaced her fingers with Lizzy's so that the matching bracelets they wore were side by side with the tiny Asian girl giving them an adoring look "...that being said there's nothing to say we couldn't have a little chat with Zob and drop the hint, also I feel a chat with Captain Si may be in order especially where dresses are concerned" she said suspecting that the Captain would have the contacts Lizzy would need to pull off her ideal party.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:39, Sun 18 Apr 2021.

 Lizzy listened and then responded," Yes very true Izzy, I dont I could afford even a day on a pleasure ship. Yeah I was debating the ceremony part since they are already technically married." Lizzy thought maybe if she got a deal, or if the Admiral or maybe the LC could pay for that and that would be his part? Lizzy's mind was racing she just wanted to do something special for her dear friends. After Izzy talked about their bracelets and their rings Lizzy replied more calmly," Yes that is very true I understand that completely. Yes we can talk with Zob and give hints , and yes I do feel I should start with Captain Si, then Nikki then the LC tomorrow morning. Hopefully after seeing and talking to those three we can get a better feel for the party, I just want to do something special for my two good friends."

There was a bit of a weak smile in response to his comment about not sleeping naked, with her knowing that he was only trying to lighten the mood but she was feeling so perfectly wretched about herself and the situation she was in that it was all she could do not to burst into tears.

Disappearing into the bathroom, Harry would shut the door behind her before stripping out of her clothes and into her nightie. With her clothes neatly folded by the sink with her bag she would brush her teeth using the time to try and compose herself because after all she was about to climb into bed with a cute guy and even though they weren't planning on having sex tonight the last thing he wanted was some depressed chick sobbing into his shoulder all night. And so she would quietly pace around the tiny bathroom, the tiles cold against her bare feet, silently coaching herself until she felt reasonably sure that she could manage a natural looking smile and speak in a steady voice. In short she wanted him struggling to keep his hands off her not counting down the minutes until he could get rid of the moody cow he'd been lumbered with and ruin things between them before it had even started.

Stepping out of the bathroom, she would shyly smile as she saw him waiting in the bed for her. Had she been in a better mood she may have been tempted to try and put a sway in her hip and a sultry smile on her lips, instead she would cross the distance with a couple of quick light steps and slip under the covers. Without even a hint of hesitation on her part Harry would lightly kiss Nic upon the lips before slipping her arms around him, giving him a taste of what she expected from her men as she moved in close and pressed her body against his and her head upon his chest. After a little bit of wriggling around as she made herself comfortable she would settle down for the night, softly whispering as she does so "Hold me as tightly as you like and don't worry about putting your hands in the wrong place, I won't begrudge a guy a quick feel, especially one I've got the hots for" she said smiling within the darkness as she felt her fears and anxiety slowly melting away.

”I know you do Liz, and I’m certain it will be a memorable evening” Izzy kindly said, hoping that Lizzy wouldn’t get herself too worked up if something didn’t quite go to plan “...anyway it’s time we went to bed, also I want to know where you’ve been hiding that nightie, it’s gorgeous...you know it’s times like these that I wish I could borrow your clothes” Izzy said giving Lizzy’s nightie another admiring glance, though whether it would look as good on her as it did Lizzy was debatable. Lizzy had the right kind of curves to make things like that look good whereas Izzy feared she’d simply look like a kid wearing her mother’s clothes ”...I guess I’ll just have to content myself with peeling yours off” she said with an impish grin as she sauntered off to the bedroom.

 Lizzy smiled and said," Yeah no doubt it will be a memorable no matter what Izzy."  Lizzy smiled and then Izzy said it was bed time and where she got this nightie, and then she said she wish you could borrow her clothes. Lizzy smiled and replied," Yes it is bed time, oh yes this was one of the Udenese lingerie sets I got, I wore it for you tonight. Oh Izzy you can wear whatever of mine you want too, you know I dont mind except I doubt you would wear my Angel Silk dresses."  Lizzy giggled after Izzy's comment and headed for the bedroom for a fun, sensual, loving evening together.

 After their amazing fun, Lizzy would hold Izzy close from behind on their sides. Lizzy would say," Love you Izzy, and thank you for helping with the party, your right I will need all the help I can get." Lizzy kisses Izzy and then lays down to get some rest after a long day.

By the time Lizzy was finished with her, Izzy who had already been weary after two runs through the forest and a few hours of shopping was exhausted and already half asleep by the time Lizzy slipped her arms around her from behind and held her close. As enjoyable as it had been to slowly remove the nightie from Lizzy's delightfully curvy body it had perhaps not been the best of idea's to make love to her girlfriend when she only had one working arm, with her injuries protesting rather vocally on several occasions during the night, though despite this it had been a lot of fun "Love you too Liz" Izzy softly murmured as she continued to steadily drift off to sleep.

Nic wasn't sure how he felt but at the same time he wasn't looking for anything more than them sharing his bed that night. His thoughts went over how Harry responded towards his suggestions and the way she had looked, like she was lost. Before long he realized she still hadn't come out of the bathroom and he wondered if she was regretting the choice she had made. That made him frown a little because he had never quite expected how things might have gone the way they did. Eyes flickered towards the closed door, concerned. He could hear the water running now and relaxed a little, laying down in the bed.

He finally heard the door open and turned his attention towards it to see her standing there and giving him that smile. She didn't even make it a production but just walked over and got into the bed then closed in on him and gave him that kiss which he returned in kind before she snuggled up to his side. For him this was a entirely new experience. She wiggled a little and then settled and he reached out to turn the lights off as his arm curled around her, chuckling at her words.

"If that happens it would be entirely unintentional and subconscious," he said and then kissed the top of her head. He felt her relax though and his arm tightened just a bit more as he closed his eyes and slowly drifted off.

<<<<<< Shadow from Rec dec

the elevator doors opened  as   Shadow  stepped out. He  saw the new Guards  who jumped to salute, he gave them an easy salute back.

 Relax  Guys?.... what are your names?

Sonny Hippler, PFC, Velta Nimrod ,PFC Velta  said.

 Well Guys..here's the thing?.. Youc an salute and such, don't  show any disrespect , and protect the  area ....other then  that, relax, Unless you see a Captain or  higher  come through, but the mostly stay on the other  side of the elevator..Good Night   gi=uys..and remember, its not  too far a step from guard to  assault craft

 Shadow   gave them a wink  , and moved  down the hall whistling the  'Wolf Totem song until he  entered his  Quarters.

(( after cast off  from Bura, the next day))

  Shadow and Shade  came out of   thier  Quarters m Shade  carried  two  comes of  coffee made they way 'they' like it. Shade handed  the  two cups to the  Young Guards..

 Thank You Ambassador... Velta said then looked at  the LC,we're off in another hour though?

Sonny smiled and took a sip, and looked  at Shadow.

 we like cream and sugar... if you don't like it, its OK..Shade  just wanted to give you somehting  hot  for the Morning.

 Sonny  nodded  rapidly,Its Good LC..thank you...  The Pair  entered the  elevator   at 5:45 to get something on the Rec dec.

Shadow , Shade, Rec dec.>>>>>>>>>>>>>

<=== still flexed from RecDec

Getting to their quarters Nikki got both ready for bed.  Haleys schoolwork was rechecked and her backpack prepared.  things put away and all.  She even commed Roll to make sure he was okay she left her comm on in case.  She set her alarm and both went to bed.

(end flex)

Come morning Nikki got ready just before her alarm went off.  washing and getting dressed, she then woke Haley and let her get ready as she laid out some purple tights with small yellow and white daisies along the sides and a yellow over shirt.  Everything laid out.  She then called Roll to see how his night went and if he needed help.  Unless there was a pressing action needed she would be over and make them the pancakes she promised she said.  Soon she had Haley ready for school.  It was early and she walked Haley over to Rolls, then she would go to school on a full tummy.

There would be a small contented noise at the back of Harry’s throat as Nic tenderly kissed the top of her head followed by her fondly whispering ”Boy Scout” in response to his assurances that he wouldn’t cop a feel during the night with her once again feeling that strange combination of reassurance and frustration. It would be nice to say that Harry fell into a deep and dreamless sleep but sadly that wasn’t the case, with Nic having fallen asleep long before she did, though at least she wasn’t plagued by any of the nightmares that she’d been having as of late meaning that when she did finally drift off that she was out for the count.

The morning came around far too early for Harry’s liking as she was awoken by the sound of Nic’s alarm ”No, please...just ten more minutes” Harry said in an anguished moan as she tried to hide her face in Nic’s chest. There were two unalterable facts about sharing a bed with Harry; one) she liked to cuddle, and two) she would always ask for ten minutes more... and then another...and another. It wasn’t that she was lazy or anything, in fact she usually had no problems in getting up when sleeping alone, it was simply the fact that she didn’t wish to leave the comfort and warmth of her partners embrace.

Regardless of whether or not Nic allowed her to have the extra time in bed or not, Harry would lean up to give him a gently kiss before murmuring in a voice heavy with sleep ”Morning Nic...mind if I use the shower?” she asked, absently sliding one of the straps of her nightie back over her shoulder with it presumably fallen off during the night ”also thank you for letting me do this Nic I really do appreciate it, even if you do get to see me with bed hair” She continued with a sleepy looking smile. Reaching over to the nightstand she would check her comms unit to find that she still had plenty of time before she needed to be in med tech for her appointment meaning that there was no need for her to rush just yet.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 21:35, Tue 20 Apr 2021.

 Lizzy woke up first there was no message for a tunnel run she was excited, she would have more time for the three most important things to her, hit the Simms again, spend time with Izzy and plan Zob and Melia's wedding party. Lizzy looked at the time it was time to get up and get the day going and get some things accomplished. Lizzy kissed Izzy on her cheek and said," Ok sleepy head time to get up, and sweetie do you need help or special requirements washing your bear wound?"

 Lizzy would walk to the kitchenette and get the coffee going as she headed for the shower, smiling and excited to have a whole day to plan their party.