..(( for when  we    go down to the surface ))

  Sun was  just coming up for Uden, sparkles in the  sky as the Light flashed of the   Hundreds of ships of the  Delta Fleet and the  support Vessels.

   Lilit  was still in armor  as she looked over the MAssive  Center Hall of  , The Palace of the One Tree.

 at the North   end, a think tree, perhaps 50  foot around and  towers  over  100 feet into the  air, was part of the   Building'' structure.. the tree was free to Grow as it will , as the structure  helped  support it.

 ..what are the Reports...

 A fellow   dressed as an Undenese MArine officer   said,Warlord... The Admiral was right...we have  taken over  200 Verians  who wish to go back and  fight  for vera... They are loaded in a captured  Transport.It is parked in Orbit  above  Calimite  with another transport of Verians  who  surrendered to our  people , before  The  APF got to them.

  She looked  disgusted...send out orders.. any Verians who fought for us, that wish to return to Vera.. should be put  on  that transport, or  fill another one... and Verians that  raised  arms against us..Kill out right... we have no need to fight them twice.

 The Officer  Bowed and left

 The Major Domo  arrived.My Lady?... are we sure we want the Humans in the great Hall?

 Lilit  smiled,.. The  Ball should be one of the most memorable   we have   in a long  time...... You got the Vid Box , contraption?

 Yes . My Lady..rther Vulgar  bgit of machine....

I have watched the Humans use it to great success and shooting  juice into parties.... I do not want a 'state  affair"...I want a Celebration!

 there was a sigh,.As you say. My Lady....but i have heard..some of the Humans  Get....rowdy?

 Indeed..if that happens. we will  be able to see  whom we need to remove and  thsoe whom we  may count on..

  The Palace of The One Tree was starting to Light up... the   Road way  was  cleared between  the palace  and the LAnding Area  for the shuttles  of the Fleet. Three such landing spots  were set up, shuttles  would hand.. people disembark , then the shuttles   would move off to a nearby  airfield until needed.

 The Exception were the  Hermes assault shuttle, they would park at their designated landing spot   on the  airfield , in case   the Hermes  needed someone to go up in a hurry.

<<<< from the Hanger Dec Uden Ball.

 In the Adnmiral's Shuttle ...  Stoly Let his  copilot  take the controls  as he came  back waving  the Admiral and   Roy over to him. Ok..excuse me Admiral?... But   we had  some.... rough parts back at the   Hanger?.... Seems that   LT Lag... promised to take   Dana to the   Ball, then left her on the Hanger to  go with Pike?....  The LC got   Dana on his shuttle now...... and?.. it  seems   Lag got the third  shuttle pilot to button up... and   Shadow Got  Lucky and a few others on board his   shuttles as well.... Supe  COMed me... said... that  'Shadow is going to have a Talk with Lag "... I think he would have wanted you both to know....

 Stoly went  back to the cockpit   Just as the shuttles   started to hit  Atmo..

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

 Aboard   Shadow's   shuttle,   The LC  said out loud.we land  at the airfield... we get to the Limo...thing..they have. It will be  easy to see.... when we get to the Palace.. I want Roll and   Haley out  first.. then Jax  and  Sneak.. you guys stay close  to them  until we get into the palace.... everyone  else who has  an escort..get out   as you  wish..make it look like you are at an awards  thing or something.. when  all the Couples get out... all the single Ladies and Guys  exit, I'm the LAst one out......do what you ant.. wave..sign stuff.. if   reporters ask stupid  questions , give them stupid   answers.....if they get on your case  real bad..direct  them to me... that's why I'm here.

 You all have  Fun.. there  some  stuff gonna  happen..its   part of the party....'cept Lag... I'll take care of LAg...

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

 In the third  shuttles  the Black Dots   and  a few other   pilots and thier escorts where  singing party songs as were  Crewman who  didn't have escorts.

Zob looked over and overheard the last part about Lag holding up Dana and Shadow was gonna have a talk with him which meant things would get messy, "I wonder if they will try and pull a weapon on another person again like last time... they draw a weapon ill put them down for good"
This message was last edited by the player at 02:44, Mon 24 Feb 2020.

Roy keyed his comm, with a message for Supe.  Watch Shadow's back.  Lag's an asshole, but he just might be stupid enough to try and blindside Shadow thinking that the formality of the occasion will have Shadow off-guard.  I know Shadow wants his 'talk', but if you feel the occasion warrants it, feel free to have your own heart to heart with Lag...and don't be afraid to make it VERY personal.

He sent the message, then looked over at Hack.  "I'm not in the habit of making personnel recommendations, Admiral, but given what we just went through with Dixie, I'd say send Lag to Delta...to finish his sentence as a prisoner, not as a guard.  The man smells like a bad cesspool to me, and it's only a matter of time before he goes off and gets shit all over everyone around him.  Sir."

  Hack  frowned a bit  as he looked around.. Si cast  a glance  at them  from time to  time . but otherwise chatted  with the  rest of the Board  and thier escorts.

 I believe  i might have a chat with   the 'new  flight opersations Manager ' on Fugi  when we get there... its not  a bad  idea to get people to fight  rather then  use them as labor...but  this  group wasn't vetted.

  Meari stayed with Dana, to keep her calm and be a friend to her, what that bastard did to her, oh if Meari had her way he would no longer be male. Meari was nervous but also happy, she was going home as a member of the Hermes. She saw Roll and Haley and they where amazing and they looked so good.

 Meari looked at Haley and Niiki, she said to Haley," You look amazing young princess, and your companion is very handsome, if you have any problems please ask me this is my home, if you need something or can't find anything just ask okay. Just have a great time and enjoy yourself Haley." Meari smiled at Haley turned to Nikki and whispered I will keep an eye on them."

 When Shadow mentioned Lag she so wanted to tell him she would love to help but she gave him a look telling him if he needed her she was ready.

  The Shuttles began to  land..there was enough room  for  5 'assault  sized'  shuttles   at the end of the  filed.. Hover Limos  and massive and wide, tracked   Vehicles  would  Pull up.

 The Admiral and his  people  got into a very long Limo, that was as  wide as a Mantis  was long seats  went around the perimeter of the vehicle  with a few  seats  dotting the Middle

 As the Car Pulled    hovered  away.. The Admiral  stood, he was  smiling,  LArry was lying in the  Middle  by Roy.

 We are going to Mess  with the   Press a  bit..when we  arrive.. Shade  and Orria, and thier Body Guards  get out  first .Everyone else, follow.. doesn't matter  how you do it..no ceremony here... But   Roy and   Larry will get out
 next to Last, Then Nil and I will follow... this should keep the Press  back a bit, and they'll all converge of  The Lc's   vehicle..he seems to have a   better hand   , at  handling the Press

 ..if you are caught  for an interview?..say what you  want... Vera knows  we're  coming, if it wasn't  for Ordnance , we'd be there now... we are using the celebration  as a  repair, refit   stop over..other then that...no secrets  to give away..so have  fun..

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

   As Shadow's people  began to  step out of their  shuttle, an 8 wheeled 'people mover'  rolled up to  their area  of  the  tarmac...

 Supe says,..look at this  thing!..The  transport bases  need these things!

 Shadow Just stared  up  at the Monster...yeah?.. but you know  what? a few 37MM rounds..or  a salvo  from  Captain Nilsson's  machines, and there are alot of dead troopers.

   a big  ram  cam   down on each side...the inside  had   rows of seats  with  small back on them., this one  was   carpeted  and  had soft lighting inside. Undenese  troopers   stood  at the very back, where the main ramp as.. on  guard  each ,,across from each other  for the side   ramps  An Udenese LT, about 3 inches  shorter then Meari  approached  Shadow

 The  Man saluted  Shadow  and Held out his hand to shake, which  they did in  the warriors  grip of wrists.

 ..LC Shadow? I know you from the Vids  and Interviews, I am Captain Sumel..you are quite the Hero here... With Lady being the Mod of your  offspring.. This is   a Undenese People  Mover..., it has been modified  for   VIPs... there is normally a  second floor, but it has  been removed  to make it 'less military'..There is   another  one, that is   not painted  as nicely for your 3rd shuttle...

  Shadow  smiled  a bit  as Lady's Name  was mentioned...Nice to meet you  Captain, lets get this show on the road....

  Standing at the ramp as the others  got on board.. Frans  stopped  and pointed. There was  Lag  with   Pike all dressed up..most of the Black Dots  had...Black Dot escorts ..Vesper  Somm and Lou  Owen were together  , Wanda  McFie and Stan Jonnes  were together  Brant Wilson had  a Groundscrew   Chief with him Hoppy Smith  had  a Rec Dec women and Of Course, Sticking out  were  Higgins and  Abby as they followed the Black Dots in,  the others   had to wait until they were all aboard..there were a few other  pilots who were  paired, but they stayed well back, of  The Black Dots.

  Lag walked  up the Ram with Pike he looked over  and Gave Shadow a 'comic' salute  and  entered their people  mover.

 well?.... we'll see how things go... but  I'm not going to ruin this party...i..will..however, Make sure to discuss  etiquette  with the Good LT   Lag...

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

once inside   Shadow     went  from person to person as he told them to have a Good time, and  made sure they  know  when they were to disembark.  Stopping  at  Lizzy and Izzy, he  spoke more to Lizzy then Izzy, but his eyes  did  shift to here  as he spoke, to make sure  she  heard/understood...right?.. now?  we're in a bit of  crossroads here  for  Ensign Sakura...If i know the press..your  Bosses  are gonna want pics... If you want to exit  together.. you're gonna miss the  Pics..you  send  your little  round buddy out to get the Pics..but  i have to know  so Roll and Haley  can   leave the  machine
 and have thier Moment in the sun....If You want to  be 'out there... I'll get the
 troopers to let you out the Back and  you can swing  around... Lucky  will go with you, to make sure they understand you are Hermes, and get you into  the  walkway  so you can do your thing...Just let me know before  we get there.  I Got a COM Text from Wendy..so i know there is going to be a  Feeding Frenzy...

 Eckles   looked over  as  Shadow was standing,..didn't  you and her have  something  in San Diego...

 Shadow  chuckled,..She was  early ESN   Combat Services... her and a dozen others  were 'practicing ' ..interviews   with us when  we landed from wargames...it was as  about as real as you could get... if you were 'shot  down' you flew to Area  51  and had to stay there until the 'war' was over..and  the reporters  had  to get info from us  , for two reasons... one... he nodded to Izzy,..was because it was thier  Job...  and  2..because  they wanted to see what pilots  would  give up too much info....

 yeah , but you two were a thing..?

 ..never  a thing.. a couple nights in a motel?.. a movie or two..she's nice  enough..but  don't let that fool you..she'll gut you on live vids, just to get her ratings..
.
  he  gave  Izzy  a nod  and went to talk with others

...........

 Moving up to the front more, stopping at Will and Harry...you guys look good... remember  to have fun tonight....now?  speaking of  fun..... Abby has been hanging with Higgins... I thought  Higgins  might be coming  around?... But he started hanging  with the Black Dots... there are a couple of those  folks who are going to be  alright.. we'll be finding out for certain in a day or so...But... Abby is   not doing herself any favors hanging with  Lag?..Vesper  and Owen seem ok... Wanda  and Stan   might make it.. the rest... I don't know..and   .... his head  tilted in the Direction of Dana  who seemed  to be 'all better' as she  chatted  with Frans and Meari.

 ..I don't know what  Lag's  Game is..but Some time tonight  me and him are going outside  the palace  for a chat... if Lag is planning something stupid...and? If
 he's planning it...it is stupid...It might  be very wise   for Higgins  and  Abby ..NOT...to join in  on 'his' side...better to  stake out the punch bowl and  eat goodies..right? Then he holds  a  finger  up , just short of shaking it at   Harry...don't let  this   mess up your  night. I'm just giving you a heads  up....you can talk to  Abby about all this tomorrow.

his eyes shift to Will , Will nods  and holds  Harry's  hand.. then Just like that  the smile  grew on  Shadow's  face as he moved towards the side ramp..

 .. OK  Roll..remember  the sword thing..right....

 Roll nodded his  head    really fast. As he did  this, Shadow  motioned Nikki and Mitch Up...

 ..Now?... Roll is   going to  Take a Step out.. he's gonna   bring Out his sword   and  salute  the  Crowd....   then Haley?  You come out  and  Take his arm.. when you do this?..  Roll  puts his sword  away and you guts follow the crowd up the  walk way behind the  Admiral's  people..right?

 ..Sneak and Jax are next.. stay close to the little ones..but not too  close... Nikki  and Mitch.. you  go right after  them.. That gives the Kids     back up.... keep the Press off them as far  as Mics go, until they   can get into  The Palace, then   we'll be able  to   'help them'  if  some  one shoves a  Mic in thier  face

 Standing up, he  says to everyone..all other  couple   go after  Nikki and Mitch.... then everyone who is going with  me, we'll   funnel out

 Dana Looked up...what?.. Your  going  with  us...

 Flores  and Beth    came up on either  side,..you're one of us.... you're   coming out with us..then   we'll see  about  'going on the hunt ' once the   beginning  stuff is out of the way..

 The  COMs  in all three vehicles   sounded....5 Minutes  before  we  disembark!

In reply to getting ready (msg # 3):

Sarah merely sighed at the announcement of more of Lag's shenanigans. She'd been surprised so far at the lack of explicit interference in her own efforts on Bura, but that might mean she needed to look harder or the enemy didn't think them important enough yet to warrant too much attention. Lost in a bit of thought she waited for her cue to disembark and show her face.

In reply to getting ready (msg # 3):

Hawkeye was nearly seething. "I warned the idiot." She groused. She seemed a bit aggravated by the whole thing. "I didn't bring a big enough medkit for all the extracurricular activities that are suddenly popping up."  She says leaning on Rolf a little. "Don't exactly have decent pockets on this dress and my purse doesn't hold much either. As advanced as we are these days you'd think they'd have figured out big pockets on women's dresses."

In reply to getting ready (msg # 3):

Melia was surprised at the announcement, the way she say it Lag seemed to be the shittiest member of the black dots and should either be in a cell permanently or walking back to where he came from, but it wasn't her choice.  "What an ass." She mutters under her breath.

Then they landed and took the limo/people mover to the ball, Orria walked out next to Shade very proud of her own Angel Silk dress. Behind her an Shade a few step Melia was (with Zob)

    Shade  and Orria  stepped out   Followed  by  Melia  and Zob,  the  Mix of people stepping out  first  was hard to ignore, Adding to the  image of the  Delta  Fleet and The Hermes , as a melting pot  for the  APF.

 Wendy was   chattering in her COMs  to get  camera  Men in the right  spot, while she   Tried to get   Shade to say something, He Just waved her off and  kept walking.

 Hennings Grinned,..he's his father's son...

   Rivets  and  the QM  got up with thier  escorts...  Henry Followed with Val and Mila   as  everyone   left  Until Lyri and   Roy  went out  with Larry...

 And  Hack  exited with Captain Si behind them.

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

 When the    Limo  Pulled away     the  People  Mover  pulled up..  Shadow  made the Trooper  wait a few  moments to build the Entrance.....Ok Kids... Show them what you got...
 the ramp came  down...  and Roll   stepped  out,   Pulling His  Sword  from  its   sheath and    Saluted the Crowd.. and they Cheered..  Roll had a big  wide  Smile on his face...

 he (struggled )   put away his  sword  and Held  out  his  arm for Haley..  and the  two walked  down the  Ramp  with Flashes   from Pics    and cheers of the  crowd..  JAx  and   Sneak were   next with   Sneak beaming like  a princess herself.

   Shadow stood  witha   bit of  a smile   as Nikki and Micth went  and the  other   Couples   lined up to  follow.

 Lizzy decided there was a fourth option Izzy does her reporter job and get up close,and personal pics and maybe a few interviews the other reporters would never get.

 Lizzy held Izzy's hand, have her a quick kiss and said, You go get some amazing pics of Roll and Haley, and do your reporter job, I will be fine. I have a feeling with this,dress and no formal escort I will get plenty of guys,asking for a dance. After all the hoopla we can dance plus,we have tonight my love, go kick that bitches ass. Lizzy smiled and had a look that she was fine with this, and wanted Izzy to do well, Also Izzy you are the only reporter I will talk too about my Dad, don't worry about that. Love you Izzy.

Haley then came out and walked next to Roll.  She froze for a moment then curtailed to the crowd, rising with a smile then turned a bit to Roll and curtailed, rose up and as Shadow wanted took Rolls arm.
Nikki almost facepalmed when it looked like Haley forgot or froze up.  With a sigh of relief she took Mitchs arm to dis embark.
And the Parade starts.

---> Hangar Dec

It was as Izzy was running through the possible options, and not really liking any of them, that Shadow would stop in front of them and make  the offer to let her out the back way so that she could get the necessary footage of them all descending the ramp. As much as she hated it, she had to admit that he was right; she couldn't get the pictures and interviews that she needed to keep her boss happy if she stayed with Lizzy, who went on to suggest that Izzy took the LC's offer and that they would see each other when it was all over "Ok, I'll go and talk with Shadow...just don't attract too much attention ok?" she said before leaning in to give her a long and lingering kiss "I'll see you tonight if not before and we'll call my mom in the morning, ok?" she softly whispered to Lizzy, waiting long enough for her to reply before getting out of her seat and approaching Shadow "OK LC, let me out the back way when we land, also I...um...have a bit of a favour to ask of you" Izzy said, nervously biting her bottom lip before continuing "...can you keep an eye on Lizzy for me please? I mean...I know she's not a delicate flower that needs looking after, I just don't want her to end up spending the entire evening alone because I have to work" she quietly said, hoping that what people had said about him looking out for his pilots was true.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:08, Mon 24 Feb 2020.

   The Admiral  and   Ci  waited a  few moments  to watch   Roll and Haley...sometimes  the  LC  has   good ideas?

  ..he has many good   ideas... it is his sense , that  does not always come out  good.

...........

Before he  let the Ramp down, Shadow listened  to  Izzy  , he nodded to Lucky who   went out  with her. Before Izzy took off, he said...Lizzy  has  never  'been alone"..before you came on board. People  seem to be ready to talk with her....bance with her... some of  it might be, because of her   problem?  but  she'll either  beat the addiction...or   be overcome by it... the important thing?  She doesn't let her  affect her job  or her  crewmates... Now?..Go out there  and get pics...and make sure you are  ready for the Undenese LAdies, and our   LAdies response..none outside the palace  know.

---> Hangar Dec

Harry would spend the majority of the flight sitting next to Will with her head resting upon his shoulder as he put his arm around her, perfectly content to just be with him. With the arrival of Shadow she would smile as he said that they looked good and should enjoy themselves "Thank you LC, My man scrubs up very well, don't you think?" she said with a giggle before going on to listen as Shadow outlined the problem with Abby and her new boyfriend deciding to hang out with Lag and the Black dots, along with his suspicions that the former captain was probably planing on doing something stupid "I'll try and talk some sense into her, Higgins too, he's a complete numptie but I didn't go to the effort of keeping him alive just so he could get himself executed" she responded wondering why Abby had to take after her and hang with the wrong crowd.

With the shuttle touching down, Harry would get out of her seat and after smoothing out her dress would take Will's arm and join the procession of well dressed pilots down the ramp and towards the waiting transport, with her trying her best to ignore the waiting reporters.

      Lucky  and   Izzy  get out to the    walkway.. Lucky  points at thier    Ship's  Patch  and they  Let her  through the   ropes..Lucky stays  near her, like a body guard.

  The Ramp came  down as  Roll came out  and  did his little salute. Followed  by  Haley    then the     pairs  started   comign out of the People Mover, like  some form of  Noah's  Arc...

 Wendy didn't  see   Lizzy on the other  side of the walk way, as she  directed  her three Camera  man with her Head  set and Held her   mic for  her  Vid recorder..

 She tries  to slow up Roll and Haley   but the 'little larg master' waved her off  like a bad servant, causing the   crowd to  laugh a bit.

 .......

 Inside, as the pairs  went  down the ramp, Shadow  waved  Dana  up  with him,you've  done this before...

 yeah but  all those people. its  never like this on a station...

 we're getting ready to play  a Game, Dana.... we have   different unifroms on..but this  isn't any different the coming out of the tunnel....now,  Smile, keep that head up  and show the Black Dots  what a Hermite  looks like


 Supe and Hodden  walked out last , of all the pairs. then  the singles   gathered
 around .... ..Ok?.. Unless she  made some Good  time,  Izzy should  to to our right , as we walk down the ramp..  if you see her..make sure she gets    a good   'wave shot"... keep moving until we   reach the stairs  to the  Palace

   Beth Fixed her  Bangs a bit.. Eckles  moved in  close to the otherside.....My turn to  be close!

  Flores  Grinned,..Go ahead.. I'll have that side tonight...

 eckles  frowned.....so unfair...

 ..Best look ladies and Gents.. lots of  lonely  people out there  that will think they have a shot because   you're  all  'on your own'... let them think that..

  and the Group cascaded  down the ramp Like a team  coming out of the tunnel, except...they walked...

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

 Not far  away, the  third   people mover  let out the other  Hermes  folks  ... for the most part, no one bothered, as they didn't bother with out Limos  with other officers  and thier  Bridge officers

 This was the Hermes  Show... and..while   Admiral  Hack might be the Ring MAster. Shadow    was   his main attraction.

  Music  drifted  from the  Palace.  Where as Bura's Palace was 'hidden' by the lush greens of the  Burian  forests. The Palace of the  One Tree,  was  enhanced by  thier  natural wonders..

 A massive tree could see at least 50 or more feet above the    Palace,  with  the   architecture , built  with the  trees and such to   support the   Tree.. even  at this time of  day, small hover  carts were  buzzing  around the tree. picking the fruits, so none would be wasted.

  Undenese men in   Silver-grey uniforms   Undenese  women in  Natvie    dress,  one shoulder   uncovered  and   slits up the   side  of  the dresses, all in the colors  of  earth and forests.

   The Board   along  with   the others  entered, the steps going  down into the   surface of Unden. Making the    'One tree' , even more massive.

 Stopping at the  Doors,  Lilit,  and   Dusk   watching from the  bottom of the stairs   as they greeted  the   people along with other   Officers  and  Council members.

 When Roll and  Haley reached  the entrance, they could see  a  ring around the    Palace Hall.. Alabaster stone  about  20 yards  wide.. and    100s  of people alreadu on the   floor before them.

  Hack said in a Very Official Voice.....LArg MAster  Roll?.... If You and The Lady Haley would be so  Kind as to lead   The Captain and Myself  to greet the Warlord?

 Roll's eyes  were  wide....he never  saw  anything like this...ever...Yes...sir.....Mr  Admiral....

Jax   Bent  down and whispered soemthing.

 I..I mean..Already Done, Sir...  and the two wee ones    stepped   down the  stairs    infront of 100's of officers and dignitaries  as they Lead the Most Powerful  Military Officer in  The Black , to  a Massive party..That  the  two little ones  could not have ever  imagined,,,

 Sam and Howe walked out right after Harry and Will, Sam was impressed with Bura but wow this place was amazing, she waved to Izzy, and smiled at her drone Tali, as she walked by. Sam smiled at everyone as she followed the train into the Palace of the One Tree. She could see Roll and Haley in front of them leading the Admiral and Captain into the Ball. Sam stayed close to Howe and she walked proud knowing her back and her scars where in complete view. She whispers to Howe," Wow, I thought Bura was amazing, this place is wow, is this your first time to Uden?"

Roy walked next to Larry, Lyri on the larg's other side, creating the illusion of a barrier of sorts between the crowds and media, and Larry, as they followed the other officers off the shuttle.  He stopped to look back and watch as Admiral Hack disembarked, and as Shadow's shuttle unloaded, a fond grin on his face as Roll and Haley led them out.

"Y'know," he observed to Lyri, leaning slightly on Larry's shoulder to get close enough to speak in a lower voice, "that kid's gonna go far.  If you had put me in front of a crowd this size when I was his age, I'd have wet myself and run for cover."  From his tone, it wasn't clear whether he was actually joking as he said it.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:06, Tue 25 Feb 2020.

With a look on her face that said she was just as worried about Lizzy attracting too much attention as she was of her spending the evening alone, Izzy would nod her head in understanding. Lizzy was a big girl and could take care of herself, Izzy just wished she could have spent the evening with her.

With Shadow giving her the heads up about some kind of event involving the Udenese and Hermes ladies, Izzy would give Shadow a grateful smile ”Thanks LC, I’ll be sure to keep an eye out for that” before following Lucky out the back way.

After carefully descending a set of metal steps and a brisk walk, Izzy would quickly get herself into position, where after smoothing out her dress would silently signal for Tali to start filming as she spoke in her characteristically cheerful voice ”Good evening, This is Izzy Sakura and I am live from Uden where members of the ESN 351 Hermes are here to attend a ball at the Palace of the One Tree, in the wake of their victory against dissident Verians” She said as Tali, whose paintwork had been freshly buffed so that it shone, homed in on the top of the ramp in time to see young Roll do his salute ”...And here we can see the adorable Roll and Haley, who are representing the civilians living on the Hermes tonight, with Haley’s guardian Ensign Rutledge keeping them company” She said before proceeding to name the couple’s as they descended the ramp, returning the smiles and waves as they passed her. When Shadow came into view with the single ladies she would cheerfully call ”LC Shadow! Which of these lovely ladies are you with tonight?” playing along with his party boy persona.

 Meari went and stood with the others, she looked at them and said," I just follow you LC Shadow, well most likely non will meet my criteria, I will not bed a man until that man can beat me in hand to hand combat, and so far I have not met that man." Meari looked very serious (as usual), she will look out and see anyone she knows, she hasn't been to Uden in a while, she was on the Uden's Promise and then on Calimite, then she went to the Hermes. Meari towered over most of the people on the people mover, this was strange she was use too working with other Udenese and they are all between 6' and 7' tall. Meari took small steps for her so she would stay with the group as they headed into the Palace of the One Tree, to Meari this was home.

 Meari gave Izzy a smile and a wave as she walked by her, the other reporter she completely ignored, as she walked the familiar road to see her Grandmod Lilit. When Izzy spoke to Shadow Meari decided to have some fun, well she hoped it would be taken that way," Well if he is lucky it will be me." Meari nods to Izzy and gives her another smile.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:40, Mon 24 Feb 2020.

  Lyri   chuckled  as they walked,.. The  Kid   spent his life  wondering if he'd wake up inside  a Stem Rat.. This has  to be  fun for him and her..

..........

 Howe  chuckled as he looked up trying to see the top of  The One Tree...I didn't even Know there was  an Uden  until the Warlord  came on Board...  She  tested  us too....not  Just the Admiral.. but Shadow..I think she wanted to make sure  Humans  were 'worth the trouble"..  Bura is  very Nice.. its comfortable.... This place is   what Bura  will be in 100 years  or  so, since they don't have to worry about   fighting  Invaders every day.

 .............

   Shadow  heard    and Saw   Izzy,  he gave her the barest wink  as he   Held Out his arms ..  Beth   and Eckles     leaned into him while Flores  , Frans  and Mara  Mugged  for the shit , with Dana , smak  in front of them all..

  You know me!... I'm with all of them!!!  they Ladies cheered  and they   moved On Wendy waving  to  Shadow trying to get him to step  out of the walk way for a brief  talk, but   he waved her off   as they   moved to  'catch up'  to the others.

 Lizzy wanted to walk with Izzy and be with her the whole night but she understood and she knew they would see each other later, when Izzy took Shadow's offer to go out early, Lizzy smiled, gave her a quick kiss and waved to her. She saw Izzy and Shadow talking, she couldn't hear what they said but Lizzy thought it was good they where being civil.

 Then everything began, Lizzy fixed her dress to make sure she looked her best, that was part of Shadow's show. She then said to Shadow, " Sir I hope you don't mind me hanging with your group, and thank you Sir. Also we never got to dance on my Birthday I was hoping since Izzy will be busy most of the night if we could have a dance later Sir?"

 Then they headed out of the people mover Lizzy would come out in her scandalous dress, she would smile as she came out when she went by Izzy she smiled, waved, and blew a kiss to Tali. If Wendy even came near her she would completely and utterly ignore her. She walked with the others, she stayed close to Meari since this was her home if Lizzy had any questions she was the best to ask. Lizzy did sex it up a bit as she walked into the Palace of the One Tree.

   The Crowd  at the Palace  murmured   and    shouted    some tiems  as    a Member of the 'guests of  Honor'  arrived

 Nivarians  mummered a bit  as  they  recognized  the Patch  on   Roll's   shoulder.They didn't look , overly happy, especially with  the  edict  that  was sent through the fleet  about  Larg  training.

  Roll  Bowed  to   The Warloard  as he  Took off his Hat..he  did drop it  as he tried to  put it under his  arm and hurried to pick it up.

 ..Welcome, LArg Master... and to  Theb Lovely Lady Haley  , I hope you enjoy the     Party...

 Shade  and Orria   stood   a bit away  as   Shade  GAve them a Thumbs up..

 Dusk   whispered to Haley and Roll..... the table with the    Ice   scupture of a bird?.. has   desserts! she  winked  and stod up, ready to Greet the Admiral and The Captain.

 Larry  looked at  Roy and Lyri  as he walked a  few paces away.

 ..Thank you for opening you Palace and your world to the Delta Fleet, Warlord Lilit...This should be a  a wonderful party.

 the   couples  were coming  down the stairs... with Much  commotion   near the doors   as Shadow's  group began to Enter.

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

As Shadow posed with the ladies and gave the answer she thought he would, as well as Meari adding a reply of her own, Izzy would laugh as she wryly shook her head like she was dealing with a mischievous but lovable child before looking straight at Tali "and there you have it ladies and gentlemen, the one and only LC Shadow up to his usual tricks" she said with cheerful smile as she waved to the group as they continued on their way, with her noting that Lizzy was a part of that particular group causing Izzy's cheerful facade momentarily cracking as she gave her girlfriend a genuine smile as she returned her wave.

With most of the guests having passed her Izzy would turn to look at Tali once again as she addressed the little drone and by extension the audience back home in a conversational tone of "ok, now we're going to take walk down to the Palace of the One Tree where the crew will be greeted by the Udenese delegation" she said holding out her arm for Lucky to take as she started heading towards the palace. Partly as a calculated move to throw people off the scent of who her real date was and also partly to stop the poor guy from feeling like the hired help "I would like you all to meet my friend Lucky here, who has been nice enough to get me through all of the barriers and red tape, Tell me Lucky is this your first time attending an event such as this?" she asked as they walked towards the palaces main entrance at a brisk pace, with Izzy knowing that that was where the action be taking place with her not wanting to miss a thing.

 Sam walked with Howe and after his comment she said," Oh she came aboard and tested the crew, well I guess she liked the Hermes she even sent her Granddaughter Meari to be part of the Hermes that must say a lot of how she feels about the Hermes. Have you met the very tall Meari yet, you can't miss her with all those lovely much shorter ladies."  Sam was a little intimidated by a woman who was so tall, but everyone was tall on Uden. When Sam stood next to Meari earlier in the Captain's quarters, she was barely above the tall woman's waist.

  Lucky  looked shocked   as he    tried to collect himself   as he said,..Yes  ..Ma'am..I mean..I was on Bura  but i was in the Villages  ..I didn't get to go to the Palace... I never saw a real palce  this close up... I can't  wait to see inside... Can i say hi to my Mom and Dad  on  Anzio?...

     Shadow   'posed'  for a Pic with   Eckles  in His arms  for a  couple of   people who had  thier Vidboards out, he took that v   moment  to   make eye contact with Izzy  and  Jerked  his head to the    entrance  as   Roll and Haley drew  near...

  ......

 Howe    smiled   softly at  Sam question.....she is very Nice?.. but not  my type...a woman that much taller then me?..I don't have the self  confidence  for that... a Man's gotta  know his limitations...

Roy waited for the Captain and Admiral to finish exchanging their greetings before stepping up, gesturing for Larry to come with him.  "Warlord," he greeted Lilit, just on the pleasant side of formal.  He turned to Dusk.  "Looking good, Captain," he said, bowing again, but the formality easing out of his voice a bit.

"I wanted to be sure you met one of our unsung heroes, here...Larry.  I long ago stopped counting the number of troops we would have lost without his timely--and highly efficient--interventions."  He rested a hand on Larry's shoulder, the touch conveying far more about his fondness for the larg than he could have ever managed with words.  "He should probably have about twice as many medals as he's currently displaying, but a lot of the actions he's been involved in never officially happened, so..."  He shrugged, with a 'what can you do?' look, and gave Larry's shoulder another pat.

  Dusk rubbed   Larry's head   and he  thumped his tail...Thank You SM.... it is always nice to be thought of  as 'looking good".. the shifts  in he  skin  tones  picks up a  bit of blush  before they  faded.

  ..I liked the   tale  Father  Tells  of    finding Larry  and   fixing him,  Beth played the  SEC  recording  for  me , I laughed  a very long time

 Warlord Lilit   smiled  at  Roy,..he is not like the creature s i fought beside  when we were on  Aqra...even his eyes  seem to  tell you  , he is  a 'thinking  creature"...

 Larry Thumps his  tail  more.

   As Shadow gets  down  to the bottom of the stairs, he goes out of his  way  to introduce  Dana, then the rest of the  single ladies and Guys  that were in his  'posse'.

   Captain Muska  of the Ape  Folk approached  Shadow  and Roy Grasping  them  each by the   forearm..

  ..My Friends!.. It is good to see you again... we will soon be on the ground fighting the verians.. with   Shadow and his people above us!.. It will be a glorious thing!

 ..it  will not be  pretty..I will bet on that...

  the heavy hand     whacks Shadow's  shoudler,   almost  bending  him  down...Have you fought  any more Sanri?

 Um...no?  I think they realize  i'm on thier side  ..

 what about  you  Roy Spencer.. are you and your Scaly dog going to  be ready?

 Larry titled his  head  at the term.

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

With Only stragglers  coming In, Lilit  and Dusk excused themselves...

 Lag     and Pike had  a drink in thier hands   as  Lag's 'posse'   stood  around him... he looked at Dana  who was chatting up a   Marine from the  Remus..  then looked  back and  winked at Shadow.

  Lag  was taken aback   when Shadow  Just grinned  and looked to the Massive clock  on the and mouthed the words, " times running out"

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

 Ladies  and Gentlemen..   I would like to present  a DAnce    our Ladies   do  at  formal parties... The Good Captain Si  said     her ad  the  Ladies of the Hermes  will also    show  us a dance.. then?  we can get this party  started...

  The Music  began with some  40   Undenese Ladies    including  Lilit  and Dusk in the front    their  Bodies  swayed  slowly    with  arm and legs   movements  making them look alot more  supple  then one would think  Udenese  would be....  Undenese   people  clapped  along , the  Music   lasted   about  3 Minutes.. when they were finished  t people Clapped and Cheered.

 Captain Si  gave a    call  and waved the Ladies  who wanted to    Dance.. Dana  was behind   Sneak.. Sneak was next to  Lilit... HAley and Orria  were more then welcome to dance  as well.

 Captain Si sent   Hemsly bover to set up the Vid machine  the various  colors  of the    hermes  Dresses and  collection of   people, Angels, some Felrites

 the Gava  were in the  Hall Arriving witht ehr best of the Hermes  folks..  Some Naragrans were up on the upper    ring

 The  Hermes  Girls  began to  dance, with  people cheering  and shouting


https://www.youtube.com/watch?...o8&start_radio=1

Nikki leaned a bit in as Meari spoke softly "I think a lot of people will have their eyes on both Roll and Haley.  They are too cute not to watch." she smiled.  Haley moved with Roll as they entered looking nearly every place at once.  To Haley it was as if she was entering a real life magical castle.  When Roll would salute Haley would give a curtsy and smile.  When The ladies began to sing and dance it seemed the introduction formalities were over.  Well...all save one atleast.  Haley knew it would come soon.  The official opening dance.  until then Haley would have waved and shaken a few hands of their hosts for this.   party.

Nikki kept an eye on the two especially for vid ops and incase there were questions neither child could answer.  She did make a small plate for both from the food tables including a few treats.  "You don't have to eat all of it.  but atleast take a bite or two to see if you like it."
This message was last edited by the player at 06:47, Tue 25 Feb 2020.

ooc: sorry keyboard was goofed up and would not let me finish.

bic:

The food Nikki handed them she made sure it was not greasy, sticky, super messy, slippery, or such that would get them dirty.  if it did it would be just a few crumbs that could be safely brushed off.  She smiled at both "You two are doing great.  Roll, you look very handsome in your uniform.  Haley you look very much the Princess.  Are both of you excited to be here?" she asked as Mitch stood by them.
"I am.  I think Roll looks very handsome.  Like Prince Charming" she blushed a bit.  Still she took the plate offered "Maybe Mr. Shadow and Mr. Hack will let us take snacks back to the other largs and Gregor"?"

Henry tagged along quite happy for all the attention to be elsewhere. He offered Val an arm so she could be escorted formally. Mila padded along on his other side.

   before the Dance  started...

 Lilit  and  Dusk Greet Henry, Val  and Mila...Doctor  Christie... Lilit   smiles  at Val  Not Knowing her Name..If i understand  it right, the  Fleet will be having shore  leave Until  8:00PM tomorrow   and  will sound Recall, so we may get underway , to  the Vera  attack.... perhaps in those  hours  before recall.. you might  wish to  look around  the  outside of the palace in the daylight?

..........

  Roll and   Haley   sat  down on Cushioned  wooded chairs   as they  tried to eat... Roll looked up at  Nikki... Miss Dusk said, there  are desserts  on that  table  with the  icicle  bird is?

 he pointed   way across the floor.

Roy nodded at Lilt's description.  "Oh, I'm quite certain he's very smart...probably even smarter than I give him credit for, but I haven't the slightest idea how to measure larg intelligence.  I think the whole species may be more intelligent than we've been led to believe...Nivarian training I g methods actively discourage any kind of independence on the largs' part.  We've acquired a couple of largs...their trainers were dumb enough to attack Shadow while Larry was in the area, and...well...we're their trainers, now.  But they've already shown indications of far more intelligence than the Nivarians believed 2as possible."  He gave a grin and a slight shrug, knowing there were formalities still to be handled, and he was in danger of delaying tgem.

"Time will tell, I guess.  I'll find you later for a dance, Captain," he said to Dusk, with a smile.

They moved away, to where Captain Muska found them.  Roy smirked ever so slightly as Muska clapped Shadow on the back and almost knocked him down, but was paying enough attention to catch the question.  "Oh, we're always ready to handle a little trouble.  If you're lucky, you might even get a chance to see Larry working with some other largs down there."  He gave Muska a broad grin.

 Meari walked towards Lilit and Dusk, she bowed in her purple dress, " Captain Dusk, War Lord Lilit the Palace looks amazing, my crewmates will enjoy it quite a bit. The humans are interesting and they have been great to me so far, thank you for the assignment Grandmod, the only thing Grandmod they are all so short." She will actually chuckle.

 Meari watched the Udenese woman dance, she knew the dance well and they did a great job, Meari did go out and dance with the Hermes ladies, she was a little stiff compared to the other ladies but she actually did very well. After the Dance off Meari would wait and see what her Grandmod had next for this party.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:05, Tue 25 Feb 2020.

In reply to arrivaing (msg # 31):

 Sam smiled and said," Oh so a tall woman is not your type, well i am glad to hear that since I am not that tall at all, shall we meet our hosts Lt." Sam will follow Howe to meet Dusk and Lilit, Sam felt very short around the Udenese people.

 When it was dance time Sam jumped up with the other ladies and showed off her moves, Sam was actually very good, and her scars changed colors as she danced and built up sweat.

 Lizzy walked down with Shadow and the other ladies her assets barely covered by her amazing dress. The dance off started shortly after they got into the Palace, Lizzy watched the Udenese and they where great, then when the Hermes ladies danced Lizzy jumped right out there and danced her ass off.

 After she was done dancing she walked over to Dusk and Lilit she would bow and introduce herself," Captain Dusk, War Lord Lilit it is a pleasure to meet you, I am Ensign Lizzy O'Conner fighter pilot on the Hermes,  you have a wonderful Palace, if I may ask War Lord Lilit if the traitor Captain Maris is found I would like to be there, unfortunately he is my Father, my Mother was the Captain of the Neutron."
This message was last edited by the player at 12:02, Tue 25 Feb 2020.

"Hello, Lilit and Dusk. May I introduce Val? She's my senior bio-tech, and my date." He smiled fondly at Val for a moment.

"No plans as yet, but a wander around in daylight sounds fun."

”Bura was a beautiful planet, and I can’t wait to see the Palace of the One Tree myself” she replied as she walked with Lucky towards the main entrance, chuckling as he then asked her if he could say hello to his parents ”of course you can” she said pointing him towards Tali so that he could speak directly into the camera.

Once Lucky had finished his message to his parents Izzy would once again speak directly into the camera as she picked up the pace, having caught Shadow’s gesture that she needed to get moving ”ok now we’re going to take a quick jog down this way because unless I’m very much mistaken something rather special is about to happen” she said as she quickly made her way into the palace in time for the dancing to begin. It was as Tali was circling the dancing women in order get multiple angles that Izzy would lean up and whisper to Lucky ”The footage of the Ball will be on air tomorrow afternoon if you want to give your parents a heads up that you’re on tv” offering the guy a friendly smile before turning her attention back to the dances currently taking place.

  Val went  out to dance  as well. She   flowed very well.

  Shoey  came up Behind  Henry, Hawkes  was with him as  Shoey chewed his   Gum he  said  , quietly, but  Henry and Hawkes  could  here.

 ..She's a really  pretty Lady , Doc. I was gonna take a shot  at her.... But i found out she like  older distinguished  Guys named  Henry..

 Hawkes  Nodded  as he watched the Ladies,..when did you  find that out...

  There was a Pat on the back from Shoey to Henry,..I dunno>,, around the  Time Shade was Hatched....

 Hawkes  grinned at Henry and the two Moved on. Shade  was nearby and looked at  Henry, giving him a thumbs up.

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

 Lilit    took the Mic  from the  Fellow who was running the   Music  and such.... Tonight.... we have  food  on the   out sides  of the room... Our Naragran allies   can  find Servers  for them as well.. do not be  embarrassed  to eat and drink... and dance.... Our  People are  a Happy Race, with a lust for  living...enjoy!.....The party will Last util   The Sun Comes up....Tomorrow  our allies  have   free rein, were to go on our lovely planet!...Enjoy!

 There   was a   soft  slow   song with   Udenese    strings  and   woodwinds .. people moved Out to Dance... Captain Si, fresh from her  'Hermes Ladies' dance   was in his arms   as the  Moved on the Floor.

 Will Looked to Harry to see if she wanted to go

  Dana  was taking the   hand, of LT  NE-CL the Angel Sniper... when Hoppy Smith came over  to put  his  hand on Dana's Shoulder, the  Angel LT looked    with some  anger at  Hoppy.

 ..I think I'll be taking this  dance... Tall one...

 Before   either Dana  Or NE-Cl could say anything, Hoppy's   left arm was behind his back , in a smooth , if not , violent motion.   Shadow's  whisper in  Hoppy's  ear was hear  By Ne-Cl  and Dana...the words  word harsh, coming through gritted  teeth...  You take this warning back to Lag... you guys over stepped..there isn't any coming back from that.... I see..any of you near Dana within the next month..Stefi  will spend   another month trying to put the pieces back together..now..get the 9 hells  away  before i decide to put  Larry in the cock pit, and kill you  right here...right now...

 ...You Talk big.. But Lag says  you won't do  anything stupid here.. this is like your   parents  house  with  Lilit and Dusk  and all that...

  You  think?...  there was a slight  Crack  in the shoulder   as Shadow twisted  the  backwards arm...Hoppy  Gasped...think...really really hard.... if i was to kill, every damn one of you Black Dots... what do you thing the chances of me  getting in trouble would be?... especially, when i gave  my reasons... and.. the Black Dot  Track record on the Hermes  right now...and Tell Lag, some time before the end of  this  Ball.. me and him are going for a walk...

 he  Pushed  Hoppy  away he  fell down near Larry   whose head   turned and snarled..

  Shadow   anger  seeming  vanished  as he  smiled  and Offered  a Hand to Ne-Cl.....I Know you could have  handled this LT. But..he's a Pilot, so i should  make sure i show  him the error  of his ways..

 Ne-Cl smiled  with a Nod, and the two went out  to dance.

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

  A Captain from a Nivarian transport  came over to Roy  one of his   LTs  waved  Roll over to them... the little guy put his plate on his chair ( saving his  seat so no one can sit by Haley)  and he scurried  over to  Roy..Shadow  walked up  behind them but stood a  few feet away as  Hoppy scrambled away from the disgruntled Larg.

 SGT Major...... I here   a Larg Master , two LArg  Handlers  and    the lead larg  were Killed  on the Hermes...and?  that , not  only have   you  refused to return  the Largs...but..The Admiral issued an Edict, that we were Not allowed to train with Pulse wands any longer.... do you know the effect this will have on the Larg forces in battle?

 One of the LTs  pointed to Roll..Yes...  and this?  how dare you award  a child  a Larg Master's  Specialist patch!

 I awarded him the   Patch, Captain...Though  our Spec ops  are under the SM's  command, I am still able to reccomend  people for   rank and such... This  little  fellow carries  a LArg around in his arms.... he has enevr  hit  or abused the creature... and that  Larg   would  rip your  throat out, if you tried to harm him... and.

 Shadow   motioned to Roy,I am most ceretain, Giving   The SM's  permission..Roll could show you how he could  command  Larry....

 Larry growled  at the  Captain.

 ..I will take your Bait  LC...Let us see if this...chilld  can   tell a  grown Larg what to  do.

 as  the party  picked up pace..  more  people  Mingled, Shade  went out  on the Floor  with  Orria

 Jax  and   Sneak   danced together..Sneak had her head on his shoulder  her  eyes  closed  with a tiny smile.

 Wendy was directing her    camermen..One on the top ring... One   near the One Tree.. and one close by her. She  interviewed Steele   who told of  some of the battle, but he   kept looking at the entrance... then  Wendy spied  Shadow  as he stood  behind   the kid in the uniform  and   The SM  with the larg.

 Fitz  asked    Lizzy to  Dance.

  most of the 'single people' were already dancing with  other 'single people'...including Undenese   with   allies of all races... The ape   folk, seemed  to  have  no problem dancing with the Udenese.

 MAria stood  next to Shadow  waiting to get a Dance.. he  smiled and nodded to he r but pointed  at the  nivarian  Captain.

 Lizzy was watching Izzy take her rounds, she looked out at the others,dancing and wish Izzy wasn't busy. She was about to go get a drink when Fitz asked her to dance, Lizzy smiled and said, I would love too dance Master Chief. Lizzy again smiled and went onto the dance floor with Fitz her flight leader. Once they start dancing she will say, The Palace is amazing and the Udenese people are very nice and pretty gorgeous, even in this dress I feel overmatched. Lizzy will dance with Fitz for a few dances.

 Sam was having fun she went to Howe and said,Lt. would you like to dance with little one me? Sam smiled and without waiting for an answer she pulled Howe onto the dance floor smiling all the,way.

"Would you care for a dance?" Henry asked Val. He was still giggling at Shoey's comments.

When it came her tome to descend the ramp, Harry would smile and wave at the crowds as she walked hand in hand with Will, with the tightness of her grip betraying just how nervous she was to be in front of such a large crowd. Thankfully she was nowhere near as popular as the likes of Shadow, Beth and Frans, who drew most of the attention from the reporters assembled around the walkway, though Harry would make a point of cheekily sticking her tongue out at Izzy's drone as she passed.

Once she was inside the palace she would take a moment to admire the opulent splendour that was all around her before turning her attention to the Udenese dancers as they performed their routine. When it came time for the Hermes Ladies to return the favour with a routine of their own Harry would rather nervously join the other women, taking a position next to Lizzy knowing that her friends provocative dress and shapely curves would draw attention away from her as she tried to replicate the dance moves being done by the others. Though she would find her eyes drifting over to look at Sam who was currently dancing up a storm.

When the dance was over she would return to where Will was standing and take his hand with a rather embarrassed look on her face "I hope that doesn't become a regular occurrence, I must have looked a right plonker out there!" she said before looking out at the dance floor as a band started to play, with ehr asking will in a soft voice "Would you like to dance? I seem to do a lot better when I'm with you"

 Meari was socializing seeing friends from the Udenese Commandos, she was enjoying herself when she,saw one of the Black Dots try and force his way to dance with her new friend Dana.

 Meari headed over as she,watched Shadow take care of him, he fell right in front of Larry, Meari smiled at Larry, she liked him. Meari held her hand out to offer Happy a hand up, she would say,Need assistance Sir?

 Val smiled  at Henry  and  took his  arm. as they went out   to the Floor  for the Udenese  slow dances.

  ..I think I like  being the   Warrior Professor's  lady...

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

 Will    went out  onto the  floor   with  Harry...You Guys  did  pretty  well. You have to  figure  , except  for Dusk and   The Warlord, those ladies  have  been practicing ... you guys   Just dove   right  in!..of  course.. with those  dresses on, I'm sure   any moves  you Ladies   made, ...made some one happy!

..........

 Hoppy looked up Meari, he extended his  hand  , giving LArry's  growling  jaw a few Looks..

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

 Fitz  Nodded  as then  moved...you look at Bura and this place?  and  you see the   fancy  stuff, and yet its  all part of thier world?... You look back to earth...and  the 'fancy stuff'' is a blight on our  world.

 Meari took his hand and she squeezed it pretty hard, not hard enough to break his hand but pretty close to it. She will say in her serious cold voice,Oh Sir sorry I forget how frail some of you humans are,  I will let you know Sir I am a friend of Dana's and I protect my friends. Do we have a understanding Sir. Once Hoppy was on his feet, she released his hand, and then with one hand she rubbed Larry's head and smiled at him.

  She looked Hoppy right in the eyes her eyes dark grey and swirling and she said, Sir enjoy your evening and the party my Grandmod is throwing, also I am Sgt. Meari new member of Hermes SEC, I see you are a black dot you are not going to cause any trouble are  you Sir. Meari nods and rubs Larry's head some more. She was only a Non-com so all the black dots out ranked her but she had her ways if they stepped out of line.  She would give a evil smile to Hoppy, and her eyes could cut through steel right now.

In reply to Lizzy O'conner (msg # 27):

Orria stayed near Shade in case she needed to translate or he needed something. She was practically beaming with pride at her angel silk dress. When the reporter tried to talk to Shade she didn't say anything, the wave off was enough. Though as an aide if the press well... pressed, she'd decided to step in and tell them that the Ambassador is not taking any question at the time just like in the holo-movies, and tv shows that adults loved to watch. She could do that.

Melia stayed close to Shade and Orria for the time. While typically she didn't make a point of displaying a weapon for a bit of additional power and official punch. She had opted to carry her standard two angel steel throwing knives in a hidden garter holster on one leg with her small .38 pulse in another hidden garter holster. At her waist she'd tucked her .45 hard ammo sidearm in a ceremonial dress holster. It gave her at least a dozen shots which between guards, and the rest of veteran warfighters should be about 11 more rounds than she'd need.  On the other side of her waist to balance the sidearm was a small med kit much similar to what Hawkeye was sporting though the kit matched and blended. She wished she had armor, and doubted anyone would stop her as she acted in the official capacity of the Uden ambassador's bodyguard.

She glanced over at Zob wondering how he was doing. It was still taking some getting used to just the idea of dating. She kinda wondered if those who hated her were claiming they'd been right all along, that she was in fact just a demon bitch trying to be human. Pushing the thoughts aside she stood tall and proud. Behind Shade and Orria attempting to look good, and protective at the same time.

She smiled at Rolls little salute, and had to repress a chuckle at the Nivarian's apparent aggravation at his Larg Master patch, as the small boy leads them in.

When the opening dances occurred Melia demurred at the opportunity, but Orria was more than willing to participate and rushed out to the dance floor to dance with the Hermes women.

After the opening dances Orria accepts a dance with Shade with a big grin.

In reply to Lizzy O'conner (msg # 27):

Sarah exited the vehicle with Rivets beside her. The angel silk dress was a stunning shimmering display of a blend of the Burian fleet colors, with hints of green in her make up tinging her cheeks and eyes in a way that alluded to the skin pigmentation of the native Burian, and even long term Burian colonists without being overdone. Embroidered into the the wide shoulders were tasteful small rank insignia that appeared more like natural decorations in the dress design than actual rank, subtle yet present.

She followed the procession in with a proud and determined look, with the intent of making the Burian people proud. When Roll moves to lead the Admiral and other Flag Officials into the massive beautiful hall she falls into step as part of the procession staying with Rivets.

She decided to sit out the dance, however when the dance floor opened. She does take the opportunity to take a turn around the dance floor with Rivets.

In reply to Lizzy O'conner (msg # 27):

Hawkeye exited with Rolf having chosen a tropical themed dress for herself that accented her curves, and figure without being too trashy but also gave her a fun party girl kind of look that was a touch on the casual side rather than many of the more formal ball gowns. Under her arm was a small "purse" turned medical kit with a single can of dermafoam, dermaplast, and some bandages and painkillers, as well as a small sharp pair of scissors.

Hawkeye makes sure to stay close to Rolf, enjoying the procession. Part of her wishes they could be part of the big show with Shadow, but all the same it was worth it to see the ballroom first.

Once they had made their way into the ballroom the dancing began she joined the rest of the Hermite women on the dance floor, and despite dancing with the crowd she kept her eyes on Rolf the entire time.

 Lizzy enjoyed dancing with Fitz, she would rather be with Izzy but she understood, the next ball would be theirs hopefully. As she danced she will look for Izzy and her friends hoping they where all having a good time, she would look at Harry, she was having a rough time, and Lizzy wished she knew exactly what happened between her and Will.

 Lizzy looked at Fitz and said," Yes these worlds are so beautiful, and like you said the fancy stuff is a blight on our world, I haven't been to Earth in a long time, from what I hear I don't want to go back. The only reason I would go back would be to kill Ge-Fi for his part in the death of the Neutron, her crew and my Mother, but he missed me didn't he." Lizzy was getting emotional and she didn't want to loose it dancing with her flight leader so she went into fighter pilot mode so she wouldn't loose control at least right now.

 Lizzy tried to lighten the mood and she would say," Well looking at all these beautiful Udenese, I almost feel like an ugly duckling, and I feel so short." She giggles and smiles at Fitz.

Isobel had enjoyed watching the dances, with her eyes practically glued to Lizzy as she danced with the other Hermes ladies, with Izzy sorely wishing that she could be with her instead of having to work. Having told Lucky that she would be fine by herself now and that he could go and enjoy himself, after once again thanking him for his assistance, she would slowly meander through the party allowing Tali to gather footage of the couples dancing together as they went.

Spotting the tall Udenese woman she'd met in Captain Si's quarters talking to another pilot Izzy would slowly make her way over towards her figuring that she would make for a good start as she would hopefully be able to give some insights not only to Udenese culture but to how life in the Udenses military compared to that of the Hermes. She also seemed to recall that she was related to Lilit and by extension Dusk and Shade providing her with a possible in with them.

She would wait patiently until either she had finished talking to the other pilot or an appropriate opportunity presented itself before approaching her with a cheerful smile on her face "Hi, it's Meari right?" she said quietly hoping that she was pronouncing her name correctly "I'm Izzy Sakura we met briefly in Captain Si's quarters, I was wondering if you'd be interested in speaking to me on camera for a bit?" she asked, noting that even in high heels Meari towered almost two feet above her.

   Fitz  smiled   as the Dance  came  to  its  End...Well Lizzy..you are a bit short... This  Udenese  just make us  feel a wee bit shorter..

  Mara     moves up the  the Vid  MAchine. Hemsly tosses  her the Mic..Hey folks!... most of you don't  know me.... My life changed   years  ago..on the Hermes... I found out  what  it 's like to  have someone  watch over you...and to have friends  who will  stand by you..... But  now?..look around  us..right?..  Races   who never knew   any of  us existed...and here  we are.. hanging together..I am Lucky to be Here..so now?..there's lots of us  who fit this  song....

 Frans  stands   by   Shadow  and gives him a gentle  Pat on the back.

 Hemlsy starts the song..

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWbMz_aBlMU

Mara  sings smiling a bit  sadly at times.

 Rolf seemed to be  alright. He picked his drinks  carefully  and never without some kid of  food.

  One of the Black Dots   headed towards  Lizzy, Brant Wilson. he was smiling  slightly, but  he didn't look  cocky...

  Flores stepped in front of Him,Well  what do we have here... You need  a dance partner ?..So do I, Shadow is sooooo busy..you know?..all thse women...people  to kick the crap out of?..It just never  ends  with him...Come On fly boy , let's see what they taught you in dance class...

 She looked to   Shadow  and gave him a Wink.. Shadow gave a Half  smile...

...........

  This dancin' think  don't  normally make me feel good... but i'm thinkin' this is   a nice night fer it... he moved around the floor  with Sarah, when the latest slow dance   stopped , he lead her over to the     tables to get an Udenese Beer and   and some  little ..meat-things...

.........

Izzy  could  see Wendy coming up from behind   Shadow   as  Frans  stood next to him listening to Mara  sing.

 Lizzy smiled and giggled a bit and replied to Fitz," Yeah I am a little short but at least I can see in my fighter right, and yeah the Udenese make most people look short." When the song stops Lizzy smiles at Fitz and says," Thank you for the dance I am going to get a drink and something to eat, plus LC owes me a dance." She hugs Fitz, she will wait for any replies and then head for the drinks and food, she never sees the Brant Wilson heading for her. She will look for her wonderful sexy girlfriend though, she so wished she didn't have to work.

 Then Mara sang her song, it hit Lizzy as well, the Hermes was her home now, and she was happy for it. She got a Udenese beer and some pastry munchies, she ate and then with her glass she heads for Shadow and see if they could get their dance.

Roy grinned a predatory smile, as the Captain made his observations.  "Damned right, Captain...your larg 'master' and his two nitwits got themselves into a disciplinary run around the ship, and were stupid enough to attack LC Shadow.  As the most capable member of the crew present, I sent Larry here to reinforce the LC...and the other largs followed him, and dispatched the threat with the kind of efficiency I expect from my personnel."

As he spoke, Roll turned to look, realizing what was going on, and his eyes going very wide.  Roy recognized the look.  "Don't worry, Roll...nobody got to you in that endzone, and nobody's getting to you now.  Go ahead.  Show them how a Hermes larg master handles his animals."

Roll swallowed nervously and nodded, and then looked around, trying to find some task he thought was appropriate to the situation.  An idea came to him, and he pulled out his 'sword'.  "Okay, Larry...take this to Jax, and then bring him back here."  He held out the bayonet.

Larry gave the Nivarian captain a look, and then almost contemptuously got up, reached out and took the blade carefully in his teeth, and trotted off through the crowd, several people (none of them Hermes personnel) making slight cries of alarm as he moved past.

"What kind of a test is this supposed to be?  He's supposed to be controlling the larg, not just getting it to walk aw..."  The Nivarian's sneer died as Larry scurried back into view, with an alarmed looking Jax carrying the bayonet and moving at a mad dash through the crowd.

Roy's grin stilled the question Jax was about to ask, as he reached out with a pleasant nod and gestured for the bayonet.  "Thank you, Private Jax.  There was some question raised by the Nivarians as to whether or not our larg master could command Larry successfully."  He gave Jax a wink before he turned back around, handing the bayonet back to Roll.

"Here you go, Roll.  Thanks, Larry," he said, glancing over at the larg.  He then focused on the Captain.  "Any of your larg masters have enough control to surrender their weapon to their larg and send them off unsupervised in a crowded formal occasion?" he asked, daring the Captain to top the conditions of the impromptu test.

To further drive home the point, he added, "If you've got any other doubts about it, well...I'm not a larg master, but I'd be willing to bet you could send your lieutenant there to hide anywhere he wants in this crowd...and I could not only get Larry to find him, unsupervised, but could have Larry drag him back here by whichever appendage you'd care to sacrifice for the test...if that's specific enough to remove your doubts as to whether or not our larg master is more qualified than yours.  Now, unless you're willing to bet your lieutenant's arm or leg on the matter, I suggest you go back to enjoying the party...or, at the very least, go sit down and shut up and leave our larg and larg master in peace.  Bad things happen when Larry feels like someone from the Hermes is under attack...and oddly enough, those bad things never happen to the person from the Hermes."  He paused for a moment, then looked at the captain in feigned surprise.

"You're still standing there, Captain?  Do we need to have Roll here tell Larry to carry you over and drop you back at your chair?"

 the  Crowd  claps   as  Mara   comes down, an Udenese   Women Officer ( major  by her  cluster) takes the Mike  and  Hemsly Helps her up to the    stage.

  She  begins  to sing a soft   song  that the woodwinds and  strings carry , very well.  People step out to slow dance.

  ...

 Flores  Dances  with  Wilson,  and she  starts   softly, the   coy smile on her  face  hiding the venom ....Look?  Wilson? You guys  are Black Dots..i get it... but that doesn't mean you have to stay assholes forever..... how much  do you know about Shadow?

 Wilson  takes an involuntary looked towards the LC, and Flores  guides his  eyes  back to her,..I dunno..um..Pink Kid.. Hack felt  sorry for,  bought him a seat at the table in San Diego, and now he's  Hack's Pet...

 and His Kills?... and  those kills are with  Captain Morris  grading them out?

 ..you're gonna get this once?  Right..so Listen. I don't know what Lag's Game is..but he hurt Dana.... Dana is  Shadow's friend  and Teammate... Shadow doesn't like it  when people hurt his friends... so?..look what happened  to Lag since his been on board.. Stabbed with his own Knife.. and  his  nose shoved down his throat  so he could smell himself going to the bathroom...now?.. think of what i just said..what do you think is going to happen to him now...and? what is going to happen to those  who follow him around....Now? when the song ends... I'm out of here... you got your warning......

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

  Jax  smiled   and    pointed in the direction of Sneak, as if  asking if it was ok to go.

 The Captain waved his   LT and a SGT who  were there to go back to  'thier  side' of the room.

 Roll looked up at  Roy,..maybe they were mad, because i'm just a little guy and they are taller?

 LArry   Nudged  Roll   with the  side of his  head, in a form of  cuddle, his tail thumped.

 Meari was enjoying watching Hoppy in pain and the look on his face when her eyes turned dark grey and she looked through him not at him. She was about to say more when the young cute reporter walked up to her and said her name pronouncing it correctly Meari was impressed and turned to greet Izzy . When she did the sniveling little black dot ran for his life back to his friends, she would have to watch that group closely she knew they would be trouble.

 Meari then turned back to Izzy and gave her her full attention, she responded in a lightly warmer voice," Yes it is Meari and you pronounced it correctly, you and the attractive, flamboyant, redhead are very close friends or are you a couple?"  Meari just said it matter of fact, she didn't have any problem with same sex relationships, she had thought of being with a woman but she has had a hard enough time trying to find a man to beat her in hand to hand, it would even be harder to find a female who could do that but who knows.

 Meari bowed and said," Pleasure to meet you Izzy Sakura officially, yes I saw you and the redhead together while we where all getting dressed, I was impressed with you ladies showing little modesty it was a breath of fresh air, I had read humans could be a little, umm I am trying to think of the word prudish maybe." When Izzy asked if she could talk to her on camera she realized Izzy was a reporter who seemed to be stationed on the Hermes, Meari thought it would be good to get herself out there to the rest of the ESN.

 Meari then continued," Yes I think i would like to do that Izzy Sakura, what do I have to do?"

Roy smiled and nodded at Jax, and then knelt down by Roll.  "It's something like that, I think, Roll."  He paused, thinking of a good way to describe it in a context that fit Roll's limited experience.

"Look, when you were back on Etna, I'm sure there were some older kids who always thought that you couldn't do stuff because you were so young, right?"  He put a hand on Roll's shoulder.

"The Nivarians are kind of like that.  They're the old kid.  They've always trained largs a certain way...and while their way gets results, it's not the best way.  But us humans?  We're like the youngest kid in the gang.  And the Nivarians don't believe that the young kids have found a way that's so much better than their old-kid way.  So, it's not just because you're young, and small.  You're human.  You're a really YOUNG human.  They don't think ANY human can train a larg, much less a little kid.  But that's because the only way they know how to train largs is to intimidate them and bully them, so the largs behave out of fear, rather than because they want to work with us.  I'm sure there were kids you knew on Etna that you'd listen to because you knew they'd hurt you...but I know you'd do a lot more for Jax and Sneak, because they cared about you.  The Nivarians don't understand caring the way we do...so we just have to try and demonstrate it for them."

He grinned and chuckled a little bit, checking Roll's uniform and making sure the bayonet was squared away.  "And when they don't respond well to caring, we need to knock 'em down a little bit so they respect us.  We don't beat up on them, so they fear us and won't ever trust us...but we show them that we're tougher than they are, and then we turn around and show them that even though we're tougher, we also care about them.  That's why we didn't bomb Nivar the way we did the Hillite system or the Hyrians, although all of those were before you ever came on board the Hermes...but we hit Hyria and Nivar REALLY hard, hard enough that they got scared to fight us anymore.  And then we turned around and helped them, and they realized that we were good and if they helped us, we'd help them even more and make sure nobody else ever hurt them."

He nodded in the direction of the Nivarian contingent.  "Some of them are a little slower to really understand the lesson.  What that captain did, right here?  It's kind of like if you caught Gregor chewing on something he wasn't supposed to.  What you did with Larry?  That was kind of like giving him a little spank and telling him he was being bad.  And then what I said, about having Larry hunt one of them down?  That was letting him know that we could do a lot worse, and chose not to.  Now he's got to think about it, and decide what to make of that lesson...if he's going to be angry about being told he was wrong, or if he's going to think about why we could do what we did when none of his people would be able to.  And if he decides he's going to be angry about it, next time we'll spank him a little harder...unless he's too angry about it, and then we'll just let Larry eat him and be done with the problem."  He chuckled in a gruesome fashion, reaching out to pat the larg.

"That's a lesson that Admiral Hack is trying to teach our enemies, Roll.  There's only so much we can do to try and get you to get along with us...and if you decide that you really DON'T want to get along with us, that much, then we'll just make sure that you can't hurt us or our friends, ever again.  That's what happened with the larg trainers in the tunnels...they decided they were not interested in helping us fight the Demons, that they'd rather fight us, themselves.  So we made sure they wouldn't be a problem for anyone else, ever.  And you might have to make that decision yourself, sometime.  I can't tell you how to make it...but I hope you'll give them a chance to try and be friends, first."

He gave Roll a pat on the back, and then turned him towards his chair.  "Now, you brought Haley to the ball.  Go spend some time with her, and make sure she has fun."  He gave Roll a gentle nudge in the direction of his seat, with a soft smile.

 Lizzy walks up to Shadow,when a slower song is playing,  she smiles and says," LC Sir I was wondering if you would like to have this dance Sir? Also do you like my dress Sir?"

  Roll  smiled   and nodded  rapidly  ,..yes  sir   Mr SM........ I should have brought Gregor... and they could  see him too..Gregor  was  treated  really mean..but he's nice  now...

  The Rolls   scampered off to his n seat with HAley.

  Steele    looked at his COM  and  waved to   The Admiral.  The Admiral gave his   Drink to  Nil  and  headed to the stage...

  with a Nod  to   Lilit  , the lights   went a bit Low  except  for the  main entrance... all 71 of the HArvester's   remaining Crew  were arrayed  By  an Udenese  official .... Roles  was in a Hover  chair   Lt   Geri Tale   was   behind the Chair,  Raven ( and the Ladies of the HArvester ) dressed in Angel  Silk as well.

 Roles  didn't look bad..he didn't look good. Dermapast on his   left  check and forehead.. left arm in Pasti-wrap   his right leg  was   propped up  , think under  his  Uniform pants , that  spoke of more Plasti-wrap

 Hack stood  on the    stage  the lights   lighting what is left  of the HArvester's people. We  Don't  do this often.... 9 hells!  We never do this... But we are doing this tonight...  The Harvester, Saved the  Hermes...only the gods know  how many of us  would have dies in the hanger Dec..civies  section  and the   Gun crews.... we ran SIMs...10 times.... in all ten Sims the   Hanger dec  and everyone on it would have been killed.... the   civie  section would have  been emptied  to The Black...and the entire  Port side   Gun emplacements  would  have   been wiped out...,  depending on the effect  it would have had on the ammo of those  guns... well....

  I want this understood... That  is about to happen, Is not  just  for the unmatched Bravery and sacrifice of the HArvester....but...a very grateful thanks,  from  Myself and My crew...

 ... for this  act, of not  only sacrifice...but... , with help from the EMS   ships  and the Burian fleet..The HArvester  was  brought to safe  Harbor... though she  is  very badly damaged, she will not  be written off. Warlord  Lilit  will have   crews  working to  restores her, and  refit her her, to make  her, better, then she was.

 he  looked  down a moment, then up   at the HArvester folks who were a little  more , then a bit Uncomfortable.These  are very  poor, 'thank yous'...but   as  Fleet  Admiral  I   have issued these  recommendations ..the board  has  approved ..... All  Harvester   crew who  died  in the battle, will  have pay sent to loved  ones  on their  Files, equal to the next rank up of their  'ending'  rank...... All surviving  Crew  will  move up one rank... With   LT Commander Raven as Wing Commander for the  ESM  ships,  when they  separate from  their Fleet sections ...LT  Geri Tale  will now be  Captain Geri Tale...... and.. Captain  Roles  will  be given his first star to be the First Admiral  of the EMS.....He will Join us on the Hermes   . along with  LC  Raven.. the rest of the
 crew will remain  on  Unden to over see the refit and get  the EMS  flagship ready to return  to battle.

 Now? SGT Hemsly..you have  something to  bring  the  Harvester  Crew   down    to the   party?

  the   Song played   as     the  crew  followed Role s down the stairs....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5LBB5SQaT4

  Shadow held up a hand   for Lizzy to 'hold that thought'  As the Harvester  Crew   arrived

 when the  Admiral Finished  and the  song was Done..  HAck Approached   Roles   and   shook his hand, then ,  removed the  CAptain's  Bars  while pinning on  the star,

  Roles  Motioned  for   Tale to Step forward  , The Admiral  pinned   Role's  captain bars on him.. and TAle   gave  his  LT BArs  to the SEC Ensign who was the last SEC  HArvester  trooper left.

 Raven recieved  her   LC  oak Leaf, and passed hit LT  bars  down to the Ensign with the  next   amount of  kills.

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

 Shadow waited  for the Crowd  around   roles to thin out...  CAptain  Si  bent  down to  Give Roles  a Hug

 As he waited    he  smiled at Lizzy,..Well.  Ensign?  If you have to ask me about the Dress?..perhaps you are wearing the wrong one?

 ..But    You  look wonderful, I haven't seen a  Hermes Lady tonight, who doesn't look great... he motions to  Roles,..I want to   congradutae  My friend..  if you want?  come along and we  can get the  next dance... if not? we'll catch   one some where along the line... he motions  with one hand towards Roles.

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

 Lyri watched Roll head off to Haley as she  said to  Roy....do you  imagine,  what kind of  9 hells  the  Empire is in for.....The  Hermes  lives.. and all of us  who were on that Hanger Dec..are still here..more or less....I wouldn't give a cracked cred for Vera  right now...You Know..Roll and Haley  were with Sneak in the Black Hanger.. QM put them there when the  first wave  hit the hangers.. they would have been blasted into  The Black and
 never know  what happened... but here  they are...

Zob had been kind of in a daze when Melia glanced over yo him he snapped out of it, "You look lovely Meila shall we join them on the dance floor for at least one dance this evening?" He offered to her.

Kira had come in with Morgan it was a really new feeling for her she didint usually go to huge events like this, "Hope you been picking up on those dance moves Morgan cause we're up" she chuckled as she pulled him out to the dance floor.

 Lizzy stopped and the lights went down and they honored the Harvester and her crew, not many where left but what they did, they saved so many people and the Hermes herself. When it was over Shadow waited for the crowd to thin around Admiral Roles. Lizzy giggled and said," Well I guess I woman likes to hear she picked the right one for her sometimes Sir, and thank you, all the Ladies look amazing you are so very right Sir. Yes Sir I will follow I would like to meet Admiral Roles and thank him for what he and his crew did Sir."

 Lizzy will follow Shadow to see Roles, she will stand behind Shadow as she will let him talk to his friend first, it was only right. All Lizzy could see was seeing all those Verian craft heading right for the Hermes and then the Harvester came out of nowhere and took the hits, it was taken all her will power not to cry right now, but this was to honor the ones who survived and remember the brave souls who didn't make it.

  Shadow  smiled  as they walked towards  Roles.   some of the people  Moved  out of Shadow's  way. others     moved  when  he  'nudged  them'

 Roles  turned  and grinned at Shadow   as  the  Admiral  and Captain Si  stepped,well..LC  Shadow!...  Shadow Snapped to  for a solid  salute. and grinned.

 Then  Shadow   Hugged Roles   ,  Roles  Patted  his  back  a few Times,  , Captain Si's  eyes  were  wet.

 You Dumb Bastard.... WTF   were  you trying to  do!...

 ..That's  'Admiral  Dymnb Bastard'  to you  LC!.... and I wouldn't have    had to do that  if you guys would have  knocked   down  a few more of those   Nut  Job!...

 ..you areright there.. I need    6..maybe  7 more  fighters.....or?  they needed   10 less aircraft... we  ... we  were  screwed over,, cost us some aircraft and some pilots.. we  fixed that porblem..but way too late.. the   whole 'barn door   ' thing...

 ..This Lady here  Is  Ensign Lizzy O'Conner....

 Roles Nodded to her, then to   Shadow..Shadow Nodded... Hello... your  Mother?  we  saw the Vids.... when i see  crap like that, I  doubt  if  i'll ever go back to Earth..

 Raven snapped,you sure  won't if you   keep ramming fighter  wings  with your  damn ship...

 Roles  Looked at Hack and   jerked a Thumb at Raven,see what i put up with?...  Get Out Of here  LC Raven..go find your  Boy friend...

   Shadow held out   his arms to Raven and she  Hugged him....Congrates, LC....

 Thanks Shadow.... Don't let him  do  anything stupid... she moved off   as Shadow  said,..TOO LATE!

  How do you feel?

 ..gods be damned, if i thought i was going to live through that? I might have not  done!.. Still hurts like  the 9 hells, they say a got a month!!!..dammit! a Month?... its like   our  med techs  came from a straw hut  somewhere.

  Hack and   Si   Gave  Roles  a Hug and  went out on the   Floor...  Roles looked  back at Tale...Captain Tale.. go out there and show   those women your  new bars... this is a hover  chair..it goes  by iteslf...go!

 the Young Captain   went   into the   throng trying to find some one to dance with.

  Roles  smile  dropped  as he looked around  and  said  ,..The  Kid is a COM tech officer... all he know s about  Helming a ship is from Sims and  watching us on the bridge.... he stayed  on the Bridge  the whole damn time..busted  ribs  and all... never  left..  people brought food up.. he  checked in one  me..slept in the damn chair  by my bed.. he   called out orders he  had  no   real reason of knowing if they were right , because he was all by himself..... Med techs  Juiced  him so he could keep going..but he would crash in that chair.. and be up an hour later..   Sarah helped our asses... The LG   sent    Mechs over... The ship should be dead.. but its not...

 ..sounds  Like   her Captain..oops..Admiral...

 Roels smiled   and held out his  hand  moving his fingers together...

 Shadow rolled his  eyes    and reached into his   tunic    and peeled off  10 , 100 cred  Bills... He looked  at Lizzy,first one to reach Admiral  , the other guy paid  1000 creds...

 ..too be  fair?  I thought i'd  be dead by now!

 Roles  put the Creds  in his tunic.I thought you'd be dead  by now as well!

 Both Men Laughed,the kind  of laugh rarely seen by the LC.

Roy grinned at Lyri.  "Oh, there was already an unholy shitstorm blowing in the Demons' direction before this...now, instead of it falling like sleet, it's gonna fall like grapefruit-sized hailstones.  When all is said and done, it's still gonna stink, but it's gonna be spectacular going down."

He gave Larry a pat, and looked around the room.  "Someone, somewhere, has to have something that would make a good larg-treat, around here.  I'd say Larry's earned it..."

Haley sat and smiled as she ate, she knew Roll would be back because he left his plate.  Nikki had brought them treats from the treat table too, the one with the ice sculpture.  She had joined a few of the ladies from Hermes to dance when they did.  Nikki sat and watched over both children, calmly sitting politely.  She'd shake hands now and then and talked with a few others at points.

Henry returned the smile and then kissed Val gently.

"I like you being my Lady. I... uh... would you like to make it permanent?"

He floundered a bit then took a knee.

"Val, will you be my wife?"

 Lizzy stayed back a bit and just watched and listened, when Shadow introduced her she smiled and moved forward, Roles mentioned her Mother, she smiled again and she said," Admiral Sir I was out there shooting as many of those Bastards as I could, I thought my home, my friends, and the Hermes where dead, then I had to bank hard right and climb as the Harvester came in Sir and took the attack of those fucking cowards Sir. You and your crew are heroes Sir, and it is an honor to meet you." She saluted him, after the salute she continued," Yes Sir Beth O'Conner Maris was my Mother, she and her crew where heroes as well and they all risked everything to save me. Yes why would we wont to go back to Earth with a bastard like Ge-Fi there, I just hope I get the chance to see my bastard of a Father dead Sir, for what he did. Thank you Sir for what you and your crew did, it is a Honor to meet you Sir."

 Lizzy was impressed she got through that without crying, but she was a little emotional but she kept it under control. Lizzy smiled and then listened to the rest of the conversation, and then Shadow gave him creds for being the first to reach Admiral. They both laughed and Lizzy smiled and Lizzy had never seen Shadow laugh like this, or ever heard of him laughing like this, it was good for him to do it.

 When it seemed like they where done Lizzy nodded to Roles, she looked at Shadow and she said, reaching out and taking his hand," Admiral Sir if I could steal the LC here, he has promised me a dance, Admiral Sir it is a honor to meet you. " With that Lizzy would motion for the dance floor as a slow song started up.

 Sam and Howe danced until the lights went down and they did a tribute to the Harvester and now Admiral Roles, she looked at Howe and said," I would like to go talk with the Admiral Steve, lets go." Sam walked over towards Admiral Roles she nods and smiles at Admiral Hack and Captain Si as they walked by them. She saw Shadow and Lizzy talking with Roles, once they where done and headed to the dance floor Sam walks up to Roles," Admiral Sir, Lt. Samantha Robertson N2 of the Burian Fleet, it is a honor to meet you Sir, I helped coordinate the efforts of the Burian fleet to help out the Harvester Sir, I wish we could have done more, Tale Sir did a great job helping us do what we could to save the Harvester Sir. I am sorry for the loss of a lot of your crew, but what you and your crew did Sir, thank you." Sam couldn't get the picture of the Harvester flying in and taking the attack meant to destroy the Hermes, she had tears in her beautiful crystal blue eyes.

In reply to Meari (msg # 63):

A relieved smile would appear on Izzy’s face as Meari confirmed that she had pronounced her name correctly before going on to ask whether she and Lizzy were a couple. Hesitating for a moment in indecision Izzy would nod her head before quietly replying “yes, we’re a couple, though we’re trying to keep it quiet until I’ve had chance to speak with my mother” hoping that she would understand that she didn’t want it spreading around just yet. On the subject of their perceived lack of modesty, Izzy would blush as she replied in an embarrassed voice ”um...that was more down to a lack of changing rooms and there only being women present...had there been male crewmen around we wouldn’t have been quite as willing to disrobe” she explained knowing that had Lizzy not been with her that she wouldn’t have stripped off quite so eagerly.

It was just as she was about to explain what she wanted Meari to do that the lights would go down. Silently gesturing for Meari to hold that thought she would send Tali out to film the Admiral as he addressed the heroism of Harvesters crew, who were currently entering the room. Once the speeches had been made and the Harvesters crew had dispersed, Izzy would bring Tali back, offering Meari an apologetic smile ”sorry about that, so all I need you to do is speak to me normally and at your own pace, don’t look at Tali and if you want to stop the interview at anytime please let me know...ok?”

 Meari nodded and replied,Oh I am sorry, I will tell no one about that, of course you should have the chance to inform your Mother Izzy Sakura.

 Meari smiled still not like a real smile but she was getting better.Ahhh I understand see I use to change with men and women so it did not bother me, but I have to say all you ladies are very beautiful.

 Then the lights went down and they honored the Harvester, her crew and her Captain. Meari bowed her head said some words in most likely Udenese that Izzy did not understand.

 After it was done Meari said, No problem Izzy Sakura it is good to honor your heroes, and what the Harvester and her crew did was very brave.

 Meari than stood tall and said, Very well that sounds good, you may start when you are ready Izzy Sakura.

  There was a Look of Shock on Val's  face.. her legs looked like they were about to give out.

  Supe  and   Tucker  were   having a drink Near by as they Looked at what Henry was  doing...  Hodden and Minute  and  went off to the Ladies  room.

 Stefi  stood  with Hennings   as Emmie talked with the Udenese  official in charge  of trade, outlining   Transport lanes and   such.The Undenese woamn looked very shocked   at the way  Emmie was just laying out the  plans off the top of her  head.

 well... that's something you don;t  see  at every ball?

 Stefi   gave a short  giggle,..I don't have smelling salts....

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

 Larry  was  more then  happy to  fine  LArg treats  as he Looked up at Roy  and to the tables a few times.

 ..Comeon..before  we have   loet him eat one of the Nivarians...

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

   Returning to his plate  and seat. Roll became to   finish  eating.....Mr Spencer had me show  how I am a larg Master... I don't know if i can do that with the new ones.... I think only with Larry and gregor...maybe..not Gregor..he might have  come back with a  sandwich.

 ..i guess.. after  we  finish this stuff.. we   should  dance ?.. you like fat dance  or the standing around dance? he looked at Haley as  he    finsihed his 'good stuff' and started on a dessert.

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

 Shadow    waved   to Roles  as he and  Lizzy went out  for a slow  dance...I'm better  at  these..Flores and Beth helped me at the academy..me  and Shade  have practiced   some other dances  when we were on ops.... Shade practices all the time now?  I think he  feels  he has to know how to dance  since he's an Ambassador

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

  Shade  and Orria   were  dancing  as well... of  course, Shade  was leading them closer to the dessert Tables....and there it was....an Officals ESN  REC DEC   icecream Machine... brand  spanking new.. with a Human tending it...

 There was bleeping and whirls as he  gave a green-eyed  nod to the tables.

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

 Wendy was tracking  the 'notables'. She noticed   Roles  was   relaxed, with a drink brought to him by  one of the Hermes Officers... she  started to close in on him , like a shark.

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

  Flores    released  Wilson who came back , a little shaken... Smith   was near Lag ,who did not look real  happy, right about now.

 Higgins  and Abby were close  by.. far enough that it didn't look like they were part of the 'posse'..but close  enough  to  be viewed as such, by the 'right ' people.

 Pike  Looked at Wilson,..you lwet a woman, stop you!

 Wilson  shrugged,That's Flores?.. look  what frans  did  to you.. and   She's the  'delicate one'!

 Lag shook his head,..gods be damned....how  are  we  gonna  get out of here, if you guys are afraid   of  a couple pilots...

 Hoppy Smith, looked over at    Lag, he  was  rubbing his left shoulder......You heard  what i told you..Shadow's  coming  for  you before the end of the  Night....

 Vesper  looked at  Lou.....fuck it.. I'm out....

 what?...

 ..look?  we have  these  damn Black Dots, because it  was our  fault.... Shadow says    we  can get rid of them....If  we win this  war... I want to be in good standing... if  we lose.. I want to go out   in honor... this...this   is  just..stupid...

 Owen nodded..she's  right.... There's no way in the 9 hells you'd get away with this  anyway....but i want that Dot  taken off  my record and my uniform... I'm  done too....

 vesper and   Lou  walked  away headed to the far side  of the room where the food, Sanri  and  some other  fleet people  were hanging out.

 what about you two?....  we don't need them..they want to stay..its on them...but  we're gonna need you two to make this work.

 Abby nodded... Higgins Looked away...

Mila could feel the emotions jumbling up in Her Human's mind: Love. Hope. Fear. Happiness. Expectation. Panic. Uncertainty.

She waited with baited breath to hear Val's answer, tail swishing gently behind her.

  Val.. swayed  a  Bit  and  fell to her  Knees... she held   Henry's   hands  with hers..  she  was  trying  not to cry.

  he eyes looked  with  fright  and  confusion.....are..are you sure?.... I...I...  YES!!!!

 Tucker  and Supe raised thier  Glasses to them..

 Eckles  was  Dancing with Waggle s  and   smiled  as  they   drew near.

Henry clasped Val close, the tears beginning to flow.

"I love you to the stars and back..."

Mila lost it completely. Her Human was broadcasting joy, fit to burst, and she in her turn broadcast her delight. Even those as telepathic as the average housebrick could pick it up!

She capered around the kneeling pair, her tail wagging so hard it was a blur, yapping.

"Yip! Yip! Yip!"

  The Admiral  and  Captain Si  stopped in thier  Talk with   a Sanri  and Occui  ambassador as they watched     Mila Prance  around.. at  First , they were worried.

 Until  Si gently grabbed    Hack's   arm and smiled.

Henry got up and helped Val to her feet.

"Oh dear, I seem to have made a bit of an exhibition of myself. And set Mila off. Calm down girl, good dog! But... thank you Val. You've made me very happy."

He was bright red and grinning like a madman.

Mila sat down abruptly, tongue lolling, tail still wagging.

    Val laid her  head on  Henry's shoulder.. she  was  smiling and crying  at the  same time.

   ...I..I was so Uprepared....

   .............

 The Party continued, those    nearest  Henry and VAl  gave  smiles  and nods.. others    weren't sure  what happened.

...........

  the others  moved  about, dancing

 Vesper  and Owen    stood  at the food  and drinks  table   eating some  meat-things   and Drinking  a  Lt-green   wine.

"Yeah it's amazing what you can get away with whilst in a pretty dress" Harry replied to Will with a grin and giggle before heading out onto the dance floor. The pair of them would dance within each others arms right up until the lights were dimmed at which point they would move to one side in order to watch as Admiral Hack thanked the crew of the Harvester for their heroism, with Harry squeezing Will's hand at his mention of the suicide attack that would have killed everyone on the hangar dec. Once the Admiral had finished handing out promotions and the lights had been turned back on she would notice Abby sitting with Lag and the other Black Dots. Recalling what Shadow had said about her sister not wanting to be involved in any stupid stunt that Lag might have in mind, she would give a weary sigh before leaning in to whisper to Will "I'll be right back baby, I need to have a word with my baby sister" before walking over to where Abby and Higgins were sitting "Hey Abby, come and dance with your sister will you" she said with a look in her icy blue eyes that said we need to talk.

Haley smiled as Roll returned.  "I am good with ether or, Roll.  maybe we can do one of both.  Nikki said just be herself.  if you don't wanna dance It's okay too" she smiled and ate one of the small cookies.
Nikki, sitting on the other side of Haley grinned at them.  "Roll, they seem bright enough.  not nearly as mean as you'd think.  the girl largs is very protective, and the boy largs seemed to understand Mr. Shadow.  All animal need kindness and treated with respect...and you got that" she smiled at Roll.
To Nikkis surprise an Udenese officer in grey came and asked Nikki to dance and offered a hand to help her from her seat.  "Yes..  please." she agreed and stood to go dance for the first time of the night.

Zob stopped in his tracks when he saw doc Henry purpose to Val, 'braver man then I am that's for sure...' he thought to himself it was them his eyes drifted to the black dots and a odd feeling came over him, "Meila will have to hold off on that dance for a bit... I wanna keep a eye on that group something ain't right here"

Zob slowly made his way over to where Owen was and came along side of him, "So how you enjoying the ball?" He asked him wanting to start up some small talk to break the ice.

 Vesper and Lou   Looked up at  Zob.....Hi SGT...  I think will be liking it  more  now....

 Owne  said,..never  got to  do much stuff like this... when that  MAris   guy was in charge, only high rankers and the  top 1% of the academy got to go to dances... needless to say..we were  in the top 1%... we  would have smalle rparties, but  nothing like this...

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

 Abby  gave    Harry a Glare , but  smiled  as Higgens  stood up  when HArry came, then sat  back  down  as they   went out onto the Floor... Lag and Pike  watched them.

 now what!..Look! I haven't been  any where near Shadow... I got some friends to hang out with..

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

   Roll  put his empty   dish on the   nearest table  and  wiped his  hands  with a napkin....They are playing    the slow thing now?  so we  will do that.... When i watch Captain Lighting..everybody   is dancing  so... i guess we should too?..and you can show off  your  pretty dress...

Zob took a glass of wine from the tray and positioned to make it look like just small talk he didint wanna tip others off, "I'm glad to hear that" he said in reference to Vesper he then took a drink of the green wine, "Well that Maris is now our enemy so I trust you know what to do when the time comes" he then spoke quietly so only Owen heard, "I saw the comottion over by Lag wanna tell what's going on, conflict of interests?"

She would give Higgens a cold look in response to him standing up as she arrived, not really caring whether he had been intending to tell her to back off or say hi, though she was happy that he had sense enough to sit back down as the last thing she wanted was a scene.

Walking out onto the dance floor Harry would smile as she danced with her sister though she would quickly cut her off mid sentence in a low voice "Abby you need to listen and listen close, Lag is a dead man, so you and your boyfriend need to stay the fuck away from him because you know as well as I do that Shadow does not fuck around" she said, just about managing to keep the smile on her face as she does so, not wanting to tip off the other Black Dots that she was trying to warn off her sister "...if you want to hang with Higgens and the other Black Dots, fine but stay the hell away from Lag because at best you'll lose your career at worst he'll get you all killed and I am actually rather fond of you and Higgens, yes even Higgens! He's a twerp but a likeable twerp and you could do a lot worse than him...so ditch the walking corpse, take Higgens dancing and tell father you've met someone nice, he'd like that" she said just as the song was coming to an end "...so that's it, from this point on whatever happens, happens...Enjoy the party sis" she said leaning in to give her a quick peck on the cheek before turning and heading back to rejoin Will. Leaving Abby to decide what to do next.

With Meari telling her that she thought Izzy and the other Hermes were very beautiful, a slight flush would come to her cheeks in response to the unexpected compliment "Oh thank you, that's so sweet of you to say so, you look lovely as well, that dress really suits you, and please call me Izzy, there's no need to be so formal" she replied with a cheerful smile, in an attempt to make her feel more at ease.

With Meari confirming that she was ready to start when she was, Izzy would give a nod of her head before counting them in "This is Izzy and I am live from the ball at the Palace of the One Tree on Uden, where I am joined By Meari who is...now let me get this right...you are the cousin of LC Shadow's children; Shade and Dusk is that correct?" she asked, leading in with a nice easy question that would explain who she was to the viewers back home. After giving Meari enough time to answer the question with as much or as little detail as she chose Izzy would move on to her next question "...Now we briefly met prior to the ball and you told me that you've recently transferred to the Hermes, what prompted your decision to leave the Udenese military in favour of a position upon the Hermes?"

 Vesper   looked at Lou , Lou  shrugged.

 ..Look?  That Kase guy  came into Fuji to  take charge of  training..I mean?  the guy has  100 kills  right?..., he has  the new  guys  flying every other  day..Tagging each other   with some   kind of  merit  system for those who do the best....

  Owen nodded,..MAris   sent us pout   with  a handful of  hours..  we were lucky  that we  got Hime defense... gave us  time to clock up some more?... But  this Kase  guy thinls the Fleet needs    people who  have been out for  a while.. so he sent  SEC  folks to look  for  Black Dot  piltos..and here we are....

 ..Lag  don't like Shadow?  Don't know why.. he said  before  we  even got off the   shuttle he didn't like him and was  gonna show  who was  boss..he...wants to do something
 else.. he doesn't trust us  since  we didn't fight, and we got  rides right  away

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

 Abby   looked   a cross  between  annoyed   and    worried,what do you  Bloody mean..'dead man'..why?..because  he  won't  jump through  the LC's Hoops?

  .................

Zob listened he fished in his pocket and slowly pulled out a 100 credit bill, "Why don't you tell me what's he's planning or what you know of it..." he asked quietly.

  The  two pilots  looked at each other, then to Zob.we're Ensigns! You can't  bribe us!

 Lou  Owen   smiled  slightly,..Look?   SGT?... Here is what i know?... If  we  do good, and the LC signs off on us, and  Captain Morris  approves?  Then those Black Dots  Go away....

  his  eyes shift  to  where Lag and the others  are,..breaking away?... and stealign   ESN fighters?... that's  not a smart thing to do, no matter where you think you are going.

Zob took a sip of wine and finished it off before grabbing another, "The first thing I learned a long time ago is everyone has a price even if they don't admit it nobody is inoccent in the black"

He then desecretly hands the 100 credit bill to Owen, "You have been very cooperative I'll make sure to add my personal recommendation to the LC enjoy the rest of the ball"

He then begins to walk away and begins to type out a private text com to Shadow and Roy, *Urgent! I just uncovered information that Lag is planning to break away from the party and attempt to steal ESN fighters possibly to join with EDT forces*

The smile had remained on Harry's face but there was a clear flash of annoyance in her eyes as Abby got the wrong impression as to what was going on "No Abby, the guy is going out of his way to provoke Shadow, that is stupid...and stupid people don't live long out here, you saw what Shadow did to those Larg Handlers, you saw what he did to Higgens, Nine hells Abby he killed a pair of Sanri in unarmed combat! Are you seriously telling me you want to fuck with him?" she said with a hint of exasperation entering her voice. Why couldn't she see what the hell was going on!? Because she's just like you...she thinks she knows everything and is drawn to bad guys "seriously Abby, go and get Higgens, grab a drink, go dancing, hell find a quiet corner and fuck for all I care! Just steer clear of Lag until this is all over...trust me he's not going to survive the night" because if you won't see sense and get the hell away form him I'm going to kill him! Harry silently added with the smile on her face becoming just a little fixed.

 Lizzy dances with Shadow finally, it was a nice sloe dance and Lizzy responds," Oh you are fine and slow dances are also my favorite Sir, I just wish someone didn't have to work during this and we could spend more time together. I know you and Izzy got off on the wrong foot but Sir her heart is in the right place and she wants to help us win this war, I find her truly amazing and maybe I can be a one person woman. It has been a rough week Sir and I will be honest with you if it wasn't for Izzy I might not be here ready to fight Sir, I might be drunk in my bed, dead, or locked away because I completely lost it."

 Lizzy continued to dance with Shadow then as the song was ending she would add," I am so glad I stayed on the Hermes he almost had me willing to go, thank you for everything Sir, you can be harsh, a little rough but there is one thing I know about you Sir you care about Hermes pilots, and her people. Also Sir one last thing before I let the other girls get a chance, has anyone told Roll about Viktor yet and I was the one who shot him down?"

In reply to Isobel Sakura (msg # 95):

 Meari tried to smile at Izzy again just a little off, she will reply, " Well thank you Izzy, actually this is the first time I have ever worn a dress, I usually wear fatigues or my combat armor, so dressing up like this is very new to me, and thank you I am glad I picked out the right dress, I can still fight in it and conceal my weapons. Sorry about that Izzy, in the Udenese Commandos it was very formal all the time, it kept discipline and wthout discipline you would die." Meari was trying to be nice and warm but it was just not her, at least not yet.

 Once the interview started she got very serious, even more than normal, and she replied to Izzy's first very easy question," Yes Captain Dusk and Ambassador Shade are my cousins, War Lord Lilit is my Grandmod. I have actually never met Ambassador Shade in person I will actually do that after we are done here." She said it matter of factly.

 Meari actually giggles at that question, she then replies," Yes I arrived on the Hermes yesterday after your send off from the Battle of Uden, I was told after the battle by War Lord Lilit I was being transferred to the Hermes SEC. I saw this as a great honor that I was chosen to serve on the Hermes, I did plenty of research of the Hermes and her crew before I arrived. Also as War Lord Lilit put it, she wants me to work with humans more to be able to show my lighter side and not always be so ready for combat, to also what is your term relax and smell the roses."

  Shadow Looked at   his COM  and chuckled, he sent  a  COM Text back.well.. we don't have any down here.. he sure isn't getting them off the HAnger Dec...besides,  by the end of the night, he  won;t be  able to do much of  anything..Thanks  for the Head's up.. won't  hurt to keep an extra  eye on hi and his  buddies.

........

 Abby looked like a frustrated Teenager, as she  turned  back . Higgins  stood   as she   walked over and  began to  whisper-chat with him.

 Lag  watched her  walk over,  and eyed  Harry  all the way  until  she  vanished into the throng.

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

 Shadow  said to Lizzy... he had  a slight  smile on his  face, and there may have been a bit of humor...everyone has their Own Demons  to  fight, as well as the Empire Demons... but... I will not allow  anyone who has issues up in the air, I have lost too many people in this  war, to the enemy, I'll be damned  if we lose  too many to friends...

 He gave the Briefest looks to Wendy  as he saw her  By  Roles...your  reporter  friend  has   made mistakes... messin' with Beth?..good way to  find your  way to reproting the    weather  in the Deltas....as far as me?.. I don't  care.. I gave her that disc..and she gave  me attitude..so i walked... cost her a story?... that's the way it  goes... Tonight?  we're on the same  side... Just like a Jump off..How she does  can go a long way to winning folks over.

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

 Wendy smiled at Roles.....Henry Roles... The hero of  The Battle of Uden...

 Roles looked up  at her  as he sipped his  beer.Wendy?... Shadow's  out there somewhere... he pointed  with his  mug to the floor.

..I came  to talk with you... You're the Hero.. I can talk to  the over sexed  Pilot  any time...

 Roles looked up at her  with  a Wry smile,..ask your  questions Wendy...

 do yo think you would have had to sacrifice your ship , If Shadow  was a Better  Commander  in the air?..Maybe?  if he was behind a Vidboard calling the shots?

 ..yeah.. we're  done here.... WTF  you trying to  do?.... did you see  any footage..or are you   Media  Bastards  working for the EDT  now?..

 Wendy  gave a   fake  ..'hurt' look...I Understand...he's your Best friend  and...

 YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND A DAMN THING......people in the area  Jumped.  Wendy  stepped back. Tell you what Maxie.. You go ask  The Admiral... tell him you want to sit  in the Jump seat with Shadow, while he's tearing  through   the   Battle, Killing thing,, trying not to get killed by things... and   during that whole time?  Trying to make sure His  people  aren't getting killed.... Until then...SHUT THE FUCK UP...

  Captain Tale  was on the  way over,  Shoey  and   The  Lone Harvester SEC  person   drew up beside  Roles..Problem...Admiral?

 It took  Roles  a second  to realize  'Admiral'  was him...he chuckled,..I think Miss Mazie  needs a drink..show her  were the tables are...

 Shoey reached out his hand, he wasn't  chewing his gum, and he wasn't smiling.

 She beat aside  Shoey's hand... I think i will go see the Admiral!

 about  3  people  asked  " which one"..and she  stromed off to try and Find Hack.

Meari's answers were very matter of fact and lacking in warmth though it was clear that she was trying to be friendly, with Izzy finding it rather unsurprising that she had been sent to the Hermes to loosen up a little "so this will be your first time socialising with humans then? How are you finding it so far?" she asked taking a moment to indicate the dancing couples all around them before going on to ask "...You said part of the reason you were transferred to the Hermes was so that you could relax? Do you feel that being related to people as revered as Lilit, Dusk and Shade has resulted in you pushing yourself too hard in order escape their collective shadows, even at the expense of your own happiness?"

  Before   Wendy came over...


  Roles  smiled   sadly at Sam...  we  had to help..Right? And we  aren't the first ship to sacrifice themselves... The ESN Mica  was blown apart trying to save a  Passenger Liner from the Birds and the Demons... That's how  LT  Foster   ended up on the Hermes  his  fighters  were all that was  left..they were  fighting  a Hopeless  cause   until we  arrived...we  we're much of a fleet back then... but.. The Empire paid   for that attack... I ..Um.. don't  want to Bump around in this damn thing too much..and  I'm only supposed  to  walk a bit at a time... so  If You see  Sarah  running around, send her over.. I need to give her  my thanks...

..........

 Rolf  greeted  Cat when she  came when she  came  back,..get yerself a drink, and lets  see  about  me takin' you out on the floor... Can't be the Only Captain  not  dancin'!

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

 Morgan   and Kira  Moved   as she   said softly.....gonna be a  bit  different in a day or so.... be like the last couple  invasions..'cept  these  people are bigger and stronger then most of the folks  we  fought.

 Meari actually smiled a real smile and replied," I am finding it very interesting and very eye opening, the Ladies look amazing in their dresses, and the men very handsome in their dress uniforms."

 Meari kept her real smile and then listened to Izzy's next question, Meari would answer it saying," Well Izzy I was never really in their shadows,the only thing on my mind was pleasing War Lord Lilit and she never mad eit easy for me or gave me any favoritism. From a young age I trained in hand to hand combat, knives, swords, and Martial Arts. Maybe I pushed myself to please War Lord Lilit but a lot of Udenese do that for the War Lord. Izzy also I am very happy being an accomplished swordswoman and Udenese Commando, as far as a personal life I will not sleep with anyone who can not best me in hand to hand combat. Combat is my life Izzy, but War Lord Lilit wants me to expand my horizons and be more than just a great warrior, she wanted me to be the best person I can be." Meari smiled again and seemed very happy to talk about combat and her skills.

 Sam smiled at Roles and after he finished Sam said," Yes very true but what you and your crew did was brave as hell Sir, and it has been a honor to meet you Admiral Roles. Of course Sir I will look for her and send her over Sir, she was amazing Sir, she never gave it another thought to send all the resources she could." Sam smiled and started to walk away when Wendy a reporter walked over and it got heated quickly, as the altercation went on Sam got out her PDA and started searching for anything on Wendy, and see what she could possibly do to make her evening as miserable as possible, she then thought maybe she could screw with her camera men. Sam's mind went swirling around as she checked out all the information she could gather, no one talks to a hero like that under her watch.

Zob read the message but didint respond to it he made his way back over to Melia, "I'm really sorry about that was just something o needed to take care of, so how about that dance if you are up for it that is"

He then glanced over to Henry and Val and smirked slightly, "Looks like those two are gonna be bonded"

Roy glanced at Zob's comm message, then sighed and showed it to Lyri.  "Well, at least now we know what he plans to try..."  He typed out a quick message to Zob...Thanks, got someone keeping an eye on him already but we'll make some additional plans to be sure.

He sent another message, this one back to the Hermes, adding extra watches to the hangars and giving a standing order that any of the Black Dots...or anyone accompanying them...who approached any craft unauthorized--even their own--were to be detained and held for questioning, as there was a report of a planned desertion.  As he sent it, he gave a satisfied nod and grunt...it wasn't guaranteed to stop Lag's plans...but it would certainly make them a whole lot more difficult, and with Security warned in advance that some might be trying to desert, they would be more prepared for trouble.

He was just about to ask one of the servers about getting a haunch of whatever beast they were carving up for the dinner to give to Larry when there was a commotion over by Roles, and Roy glanced over to spot the other reporter storming away, with Shoemaker right there by now-Admiral Roles.  He grinned a little and nodded in that direction.

"Guess Lag isn't the only one finding his evening getting a little more complicated than he'd originally planned..."  The thought wormed in his mind a little bit, and he sent Supe another message...Sounds like Lag is planning to desert, and steal a fighter with as many people as he can get to follow him.  Keep an eye on him, and if he leaves the ball, notify the Verians IMMEDIATELY.  He may try to steal one of theirs, here on the ground, rather than take his chances with everyone on the Hermes watching him..."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:56, Thu 27 Feb 2020.

In reply to party (msg # 58):

Once off the dance floor Hawkeye snagged a martini, and took a swig off it. She was in a surprisingly better mood than she'd been in recently and shaking off the funk was what the Doctor ordered.

Hawkeye cheered when she say Val accept the offer. "ALRIGHT SOMEONE BRING SOME CHAMPAGNE! NOW ITS REALLY A PARTY!"  she calls out moving towards the two to congratulate them.

Ah come on lets see that they get something to celebrate with, and then let's dance. She added with a grin flagging a waiter and having them send a fine bottle of bubbles to Henry and Val with instructions that she was going to pay for it.

Sarah smiled graciously. "It is nice to have a little fun with out having to really demonstrate my rank, much of the time I feel like the only captain who's a fleet commander, among the admirals and generals and have to prove my pedigree or at least my qualifications for the opportunity I've been given."

She's cut off as Henry proposes suddenly, then she grins. "It's moments like this that make the fight worth it. Let them have the spot light, what say we go say our hellos to the newly minted Admiral over there. She says with a tilt of her head towards Roles before starting in that direction.

She arrived as Wendy was plying the new Admiral for dirt on Shadow, "How's it feel Admiral? She says with a big grin, "It's good to see you up and moving.
I would have welded my flag ship to the Harvester if it meant getting you all back in safely."

In reply to Roy Spencer (msg # 109):

Orria was having fun with Shade and all for drifting towards the table with the desserts.

Melia on the other hand accepted Zob's offer to dance. As the slow dance came on she danced close to him.

Of course as the song ended Henry proposed, which naturally put a pause on most things right near there.

"Well look at that, I didn't even realize they were dating..." She said softly, smiling a little, but then tension on the other side of the room as the black dots seemed to draw Zob's attention, she nodded and as he drifted towards Owens, she drifted towards Shade and Orria.

Haley rose with Rolls help "We'll figure this out" she said with a smile.  She was happy to get to dance, even as she blushed a bit when he spoke about her dress.  They began to dance in an area where not a lot of people were at so they would not get stepped on or pushed about.

 Lizzy smiled at Shadow and said," Thank you Sir I will be fine, and yes we do not want to loose friends but this war sucks. Yes she has and we have talked about it, the Hermes is nothing like anywhere else, lets just hope she figures it out, yes we will see how she handles it and thank you for giving her that chance Sir." She gives him a hug and says," I need to go see Haley she is so beautiful in her dress, and Roll looks amazing, thank you for the dance Sir."  She then heads off towards Roll and Haley after any comments from Shadow.

When Zob returned from talking with Owen he approached Melia, "We may have to take care of a problem later but will see" he then smiled as he watched orria and shade dance.

Melia subtly inclined her head towards the black dots, "New kids still not playing well with others than?" She asks casually watching Shade and Orria for a few moments longer, "Well if there's no immediate threat, then I'll still take that dance." She says with a happy smile.

Zob chuckled, "Pretty much sums it up" he then offered her his hand to lead her out to the dance floor, "These events still take some getting used to but i see the necessity of them"

With his immediate concerns taken care of, Roy turned back to the server.  "Do you have a thick steak-cut of whatever that is...or a haunch, or leg, or something?  I promised the larg a treat for behaving and he's earned it..."  He gestured to Larry, whose eyes raised just above the table's surface to get a really good look at the meat they were shaving slices off of to provide meals for the guests.

 Supe  Text  Roy Back,..didn't see any fighters  at the airfield  we came  down in..i mean?  they have to have some..right...?

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

 Role s   smiled  as the others Come around,..Forgive   me  for not  standing , Commodore.... ..   Captain Tale told  me  of the assistance  you gave us.. The LG   people helped  too.. we lost  10 of  our 12  'med tech'  wounded...almost  all the   survivors  were hurt except for the pilots,  I hat to think what would have happened  if the fighters would have been in the barn. Analytics  says , two more  enemy fighters  or  one more  shuttle  would have ended us  for good...

There is a rueful shake of his head,..I don't know what happened  after the   blast.... I remember saying i wasn't leaving the ship... then i woke up with some 'field dressing' and TAle  sleeping in the chair...He  jury  rigged  a  Vid board  so i could see the work goign on..I think the poor kid slept  like  2 hours, until  the Admiral made us leave the ship.

...........

 Kat, Ellen and SImms  were sitting , not   far The Balck Dots... Kat  didn't even hid the fact she was watching them

...........

 Wendy approached  the  Admiral pointing in the direction of Roles. Then  The Admiral and The CAptain began to laugh... Wendy looked  very angry and snapped something...

 The   Hack  got  a very stern look on His  Face... He   took her   COM out of her hand , Punched  something in  and she looked at him when she  gave it  back.. she walked away slowly, looking at the COM.. her  face a cross between anger  and worry... while  Captain  Si's  hands were  going in the air  as she   berated    The Admiral for something, but he just stared  hard  at the  retreating reporter.

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

 The    guy who was  cutting the   Meat nodded  To Roy,  i can give  him  some cuts?.. we have    bones    behind  us here  with alot of meat and Fat on, that are just going to go  to the Palace   watch animals ..  can he  eat Bone?.. or  do you  just want the Meat Cuts?

   with a Lull in the Music, Dusk  went up  to the   Mic  and  said.

   ..Hello... Lt  Frans  and her  friends, said  we have to embarrass my Father, or the partyb does not  count?.. So..this is a big  party for us..so  we Must Make it  Count...  Shade  and I  picked the song out... Father     Has to sing it....

 Hemsly leans in,..so that  means  the bloody  drink servers better   be  ready !  She  waved   Shadow  Up..

 Shadow   was  about  to see if there was  someone who wanted to dance.. But  beth   and Flores   pushed him towards    the   stage...

  Hemsly was grinning..   until the people   began to laugh , until he saw  Shadow staring   at him, in a  comic-anger   way.. and he   slipped of to the Vid  Machine, causing more laughter.

   Dusk  Gave Shadow a Hug  and handed him  the    name of the  song.. Shade    had moved to the  front and gave him a Thumbs Up.

 well?  Can't  say they picked a bad  Song....  But i want all you out there..even the Undenses  to join in... this  is a  song that sorta   fits the APF!....

 He Motioned to the Lighting Guy   towards  Henry and Val.....before i start... Lets have a round of  Congratulations to    Doc Henry  and Val?.. seems   he asked her  for her  hand tonight and she gave him the whole thing!

 Poeple laughed as the light  shifted to Henry and Val,

 Ok..now?  let me get this out of the way, so   I can go hide in the arms of more beautiful women!....

 as Hemsly got the machine ready Shadow  smiled  and  Looked in the  direction of the Black Dots that stayed  around Lag...Some folks out there.. believe  in me  enough, that this song will make sense...others... seem to have to  learn the hard way..

 Hemsly nods  and the  song began to Play...  Shadow did  his  best..not too bad... and he   would point at the  crowd  when he  wanted to   crowd  to  join in in as  well


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfl9MuN_bN8

 The Hermes  folks    were the frist to  join in, some others  joined it  with them as they  hear the words...

 " Hey Ho, Rising up, we're not afraid of  fighting"

 Shadow  really  seemed to get into the line,

 " silence the Voices in my head,I picked  my poison now i'll drink it to the Bitter  end.."

 Udenese  seemed to be taken  by the song.. 'finding the darkness  by  myself'

 When The Song  was done     People whooped   , Dusk Hugged Him again,   Hemsly  Came   Out   and  Have  Him a  'Bro Hugged, nodding  with a big grin

Roy laughed.  "Hell, I'm not sure there's anything out there that he CAN'T eat, to be honest.  But I've never seen bones slow him down any.  Probably good for his teeth, too..."

He glanced down at his comm, grunted softly, and keyed in a response.  We don't need to know where the fighters are...we just need to know if Lag goes looking for them.  The Udenese can protect their own fighters, I'm sure, they just need a heads up that they need to.  Keep an eye on him...if he comes up missing, let me know ASAP.

He glanced back up at the server, and smiled.  "We'll take what you've got.  He may be burning off some of it later tonight, anyway."  He glanced down at Larry and added, "You just be sure you chew those bones up really well...Stefi will have my hide nailed to the Med Tech wall if she has to go digging through your gullet to pull bone shards out..."

  Larry thumped his   tail, his  tongue  licked  out  as he looked   from Roy to the server guy.

   turning  to the  Back, he  pulled up  a bone that looked  like a horm. Skinny at one  end , about  2 inched  around, flaring  out to  12 inches  at the  'top' the inside   was  'hollow' and  filled with a   'marrow  like'  substance.

 ..this  is from the  Granda  Bird.... it is  very  fast..very  vicious...  the legs  are sometimes used  for  war Horns.. The   Marrow  is used to make  Puddings  and such, that are ematy and   well, filling... I am sure the   LArg will enjoy it.. there  is  some meat  left on as well, we do not line to   cut to close to the  bone.

..there  are three back here now?..I am certain their  will be more  before the end of the party.

After one song had come and gone Nikki thanked her Udenese partner graciously then returned to her seat.  She had looked about for Mitch but not long after arriving he had seemed to of disappeared.  His friggin' loss she thought to herself.  She then continued to watch over Haley and Roll, allowing Jax and Sneak some time alone.

Roy grinned at the size of the bone.  "Let's start with the one, for now...otherwise, he's going to knock someone over carrying them around..."  He reached out to take the bone from the server, and held it down for Larry to grab, without even watching to make sure his own hand was safe.

"If the marrow makes a filling pudding, this might be exactly what we're looking for.  Trying to satiate him is like trying to fill up a black hole..." he said to the server, as Larry reached out to take the bone.

   Making his  way over the The Black Dots, Shadow   stopped   about a  foot  away from  Lag...hey?  this is  a party?  Gotta make sure mY  Pilots  are having a good time.

 he doesn't look  over,Right Abnster?   Shouldn't  you and Higgins  be   mingling with your Crew mates..

 ..I'm Fine  right   am  am , LC...

 Again, never taking his eyes off Lag's  eyes.. Lags   jaw muscles  worked...Right then.. just remember when things  go south, its   a wee  bit too late  to   change sides...

 ..Comon, PIke... lets  DAnce.....

 Pike  laughed,..I'd  die  before  i danced  with  you....

 Shadow   smile,..funny you should  say that....

   See that clock up there , Lag.... 6:00AM the party is done... you can leave  any time  you want... Big planet out there... of course.. you have to make  sure you make it to Muster.... 'cause you'd   really be   in a bad  way if the Udenese hunter squads  went lookint for you.... Shouldn't come to that , Right?..... But i'm giving you this... eat... drink and be merry.. because the next time I come over.. me  ..you.. and as  many  of your posse who wants to  come  are going out that back  door there... it  elads  to some kinda  exercise  place.... and when its  all over?... I walk  back in...alone...

 ..you POS... you think you can take on  everyone  who will follow Lag out that door?

 ..on the Hanger Dec?.. I had to be nice, just in case  any of you  might be a real Pilot.... I let frans   have some fun, just so folks  know  she's not afraid to get her hands  dirty.... and the SM.. well... I could have sat  and watched.... he could have sat and  watched me..but there's no damn fun in that.. so we got to play.....You Fucked up LaG.. the Black Dot thing is bad..but i know  how   Law  folks are.. so? i gave you a chance.. we had to  clean your clocks..... then the Rec dec... i had to smash  that nose all over your face.... Then the  thing with the    Shuttle  ramp?.. and  leaving Dana... now.. i have no clue  why you'd do that to a woman like  her, I dunno.. maybe you're just used to the   Whores you   fuck around with...

 Pike  went to slap him   but he  caught her  hand    while he stared   at   Lag.. squeezing her  wrist until she dropped to her knees.

 ... I have  been waiting  for this   Shadow.. there's alot of people here  who would love to see you get your ass  kicked...

 ..you're not  wrong..... but they'll be disappointed....again..... and You?  well..you won't know.... enjoy what's left of  your night...I'll be  back...sometime....

 he    pivoted, Pike  was Holding her    arm.. Abby    Knelt  down  trying to help her.

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

  Mitch  came over  with  4 torpedo  Pilots   from different ships..... Here!.. This  is  Nikki..she's  a Hermes  fighter Pilot now.. used to be a bus driver...

 the Pilots  smiled  and   nodded to her.....so...  this is why you  transferred!...  no  damn wonder...!

 the other pilots  looked  like they had been hitting the  bar  pretty heavy...Mitch looked like he was   feeling good. but, otherwise, under control.


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

   Ellen left the  table   she was at with Simms  and Kat.  she  made her  way to the  drinks   table  while when she  got the    drinks , she    stopped  near  Will and   Harry...Hiya...  um.... Shadow  was just  by the Black Dots... he sorta  had   a onesided  conversation, with Lag.... he said the next time he   goes over to them, he's taking Lag and whom ever  wants to help   him out , out that back door   on the east side?..... anyone going on there, isn't coming back in, if they aren't there   for Shadow.  then she  went back to her 'post'

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

  Larry thumped his n  tail  rapidly as he   took  the Bone, waiting  fro Roy to   lead him to a eating spot.

Roy looked around for a moment...and spied the Black Dots clustered around Lag.  "Let's go give someone a little lesson, okay, Larry?" he asked.  "You're welcome to come along if you want, Master Chief, but I wouldn't want you to miss out on the party..."  He gave Lyri a smile and a nod, then turned and headed over in Lag's direction, shortly after Shadow had walked away.

"Hope you all don't mind...Larry hasn't eaten in a while, and...well, none of you looked like you were really doing much celebrating, so I figured you'd be the least likely to be disturbed by a little extra noise."  He gave Larry a thump on the shoulder.

"Okay, Larry.  I think you can eat here..."  He was curious to see just how quickly the larg could dispose of the bone...and whether any of the Black Dots realized that he could put them away just as easily...

"He's gotta eat every so often...has a stupid-fast metabolism.  I mean, he ate like, half a case of steaks on the Rec Deck last night and was looking for more when they walked out to go to Doctor Christie's lab...I'm not sure his belly actually has a 'full' setting..."  He spoke pleasantly enough...there was no implied threat in his tone, just casual observation.  He'd let the words and the visual of the bone being destroyed be the threat.  He didn't think anything more was warranted.

To say Nikki was a bit confused was an understatement, but she showed the stone face of a seasoned poker player.  As they nodded she just smiled and nodded back.  About this time Roll and Haley finished their dance and began returning to their seats.  Nikki glanced up at Mitch with just a curious look.  Haley had seen it before.  She leaned over to Roll and whispered to him "I think Mitch is in trouble with Nikki." she then sighed slightly, "I think she's mad that he hasn't asked her to dance or anything.  He asked if she would come with him, but after we got here he went off somewhere"

Henry gazed at his beloved.

"It took me by surprise, too. I mean, I know I love you but I hadn't planned on proposing right now... it just kind of popped out. I mean, I haven't even got you a ring. We'll have to go shopping tomorrow. At least you will be able to choose what you'd like."

  Val  smiles   as she  leans on  Henry,..maybe  we should go and get something to eat and  drink, and then  we may dance  some  more... I am still..overly    shaky

  She will let Henry lead her so  she dosn't   do something foolish, like stumble.

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

 Nikki lookd as  The LT  among the Group of  torpedo Pilots  smiles   at   Nikki,its nice to   meet you...maybe  you know  some  nice Hermes  LAdies  who would like to  dance with some dashing ship killers?

 Roll nodded    once,..maybe   he owed the   creds.... i used ta  see   grown up move off all the time to pay people.. he said , sagely.

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

  Larry  Dropped the  Bone   down, it sounded like practice  dummy hitting the  floor  in Hand to hand  training. With one more looks to give   Roy a 'chance' to stop him, Larry  started on the Bone at the Narrow   end.. There was  an odd mixture  of cracking  and Crunching, as well as the  slurping   sound  of  marrow  being  sucked through a very odd straw.

 Brant  Moved   to the other  side of Lag.. Wanda   said,..you know what?.. I'm  going to get a drink....

 .. Why?  SM...... THe  LC was just here  a moment  ago, more or less  telling   me   i was going to have to   be 'taken to the woodshed'  next time  he  came over.... and?  he  more or less threatened  by  friends here...

 Abby was  helping Pike Up..P

 Higgins  was off to the side looking  a bit  uncomfortable

 ..you know? I hear Largs  can be shot,  just like any other  creature... Lag looked  down  and the bone-crunching  Larry. LArry  stopped crunching, Just   enough  to have his legs  look up at Lag... Then  went  back  to crunching and slurping.

 ..though i  find it hard to believe  he  has 'real friends"...  i hear you  might   be one of them...so..between you me  and my friends?   You might  want to  warn Shadow  off of  taking be outside   along with  my companions...Be a damn shame  for the Fleet to loose
 thier  'WC" at a party.

...........

 Will,  slipped   a 'watermelon-like ' sliver of fruit  into his mouth as he said to  Harry,..Ok?  ...Lag's a dick..right?..you gotta figure the other   Black Dots  were his buddies  , 'cause he was a captain  and they were in the  stockade.... ..but between you and me?... I'd   have  2nd  , 3rd and 4th  thoughts of going against the LC in my boarding Armor....The Big Question is  , why Abby  thought it was a good  idea  to hang with them... Look at Higgins... he doesn't want to be there... I think he's trying to help  Abby?... or...I dunno?..maybe he's just hoping  to share  her room tonight? But  they already did  that on The Hermes.

.....

  Shadow face   had a smile, he  was stopped  every now  and again by  Officers  from   other  ships... Ground Officers  who thanked him for  aircover, which he deflected , by pointing at everyone with  wings.

 He  saw  Izzy,  and moved over to her   as  she finished her    interview.  Nodding with a Pleasant  smile  to  The WC of the Eris  who   wanted to ask  about the up coming  attack, Shadow   smiled  and said,..I know were going to kill verians... how many is  up to them...  The WC  laughed  and  went on his merry way.

 Outside of  any  surprises , there shouldn't be  any   'game breaking' news the rest of the night,  Though as the Night goes on, you might be able to catch  happy folks   for   some CAM  time... what i will say, if you  are alert enough, that a certain  group of  rogue  pilots  might end the   night...very badly...the reasons, of course will be subject to discussion , by many of the people here...and? whether  you you wanted to waste   time on what many  might consider a drunken Brawl, or  good old  donnybrook ?.. The message would be clear ...I will leave that, to you? I am not an expert  on what,or who is news  worthy.

 Lizzy walked around after leaving Shadow, then the song came on and it was powerful and he did a pretty good job. When it was all over Lizzy got a Udenese wine and headed to look for Haley, Roll and Nikki. Lizzy walked up to them as they where taking their seats. " Hi Haley, you look amazing, I hope you are having a great time. Hello Roll you look dashing this evening, is this everything you thought it would be Haley?" Lizzy loved Haley and she cared about Roll but she killed Viktor and she didn't know if he could tell him it was her.

 She smiled at Nikki and said," Hey Nikki how are you doing, if you want to go dance, I can keep this amazing couple company." She gave Mitch an elbow to basically ask her to dance.

 As Sam was looking for anything to screw with Wendy with on her PDA, Sarah came over and talked to Roles, Sam was happy Sarah deserved the praise she got, she did amazing after the Harvester was attacked. Sam would wait till something popped up and then she headed back to find Howe. Once she found him after Shadow's song she said," Hello Lt. would you care to dance some more? Unless you would like to dance with a taller Udenese woman?"

Henry took Val's elbow and led her over to a table, then organised some nibbles and a glass of wine for her.

"We can dance again once you have your composure back."

For that matter, he wasn't sure that he had his back either!

Mila, seeing that Her Human's attention was focussed on his mate, trotted off to the serving tables to find something to eat for herslf.

  Roll looked up and  smiled  at Lizzy...I here they have  an Ice cream machine, just like the Hermes has!

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

 Howe  chuckled  as he finished his  drink,..no thanks?  I don't  want to dance with  anyone who might  make me look like a kid  dancing with his mother!

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

 Beth  Saw Mila, looking  around she  shrugged   and   ask  for  two  cuts   of meat and   gravy, and  a  Disposable bowl .

 ..Here you go ?.. this  look  good?..smell good?  But  i'm not a dog..

 You certainly aren't that!...  Beth looked up as  she  stood  with a   Pet  to Mila's noggin.

 ..Thanks..I guess?.. she  peers at the name   bar,LT  L. Rodgers...

 ..Lance   Rodgers... Gunnery Captain,  ESN F007 Nenesis..um..Port side...

  Beth     Gave Mila  a look then   looked back  at the LT,ooohhhhh.. you are   in charge of  all those  Guns.... on the ports side, where the Hanger  Dec is... Very impressive...

 ..You dress   doesn't have a name  tag..nor? a place to put one..so..help me  out?

 She  flicked her   hair  back, and said,LT, Beth Morrow, SEC COM   Chief, ESN  351 Hermes... nice to meet you.

 oh...gosh..I'm... I should have  kinown by the hair?...  I'm... I.. well i..

 ..you were going to  ask me if    i wanted to dance?.. but now you're afraid  of what?...

  what?  No... Its  just.. I..well...

  Comon  , Sailor, lets dance... there's a good chance no one  will  kill you  tom=night  for fancing with me.... well?  Unless I ask them to..

 The Hapless offcier  went out  on the  floor  with Beth

 Sam giggles at Howe, smiles, gives him a kiss and they head to the dance floor, if her PDA finds anything it will beep.

 While dancing Sam says, Yeah I think on some of the men I am slightly taller than their waist, that is a little intimidating.  Meari the new SEC member seems nice. I am so glad the Burian Fleet is here so I get to see and dance with you Lt. . Shall we show these Udenese how us short people dance.

Roy snorted softly.  "Yeah, largs can be shot.  Larry's been shot lots of times.  Thing is, you never get time for a second shot, so if you miss on the first, it's all over for you."  He looked up from Larry as he spoke, giving Lag an even gaze.  "That assumes you're fast enough to even get your weapon out in time to shoot.  Seen a lot of people get their gun-arm bitten right off...a few of them actually had enough arm left to have a stump...or would have, if they'd survived."  He shrugged.  "Depended on the conditions...some of them bled out from the wound...a few of them...when the battlefield wasn't full of additional threats...Larry came back around and just ate.  Lucky for them, largs take really big bites, so the experience didn't last long."

His expression tightened into something that was not quite a grin.  "Now, Shadow, on the other hand...well, he doesn't eat his prey, so they tend to suffer a lot longer.  But, yeah...if you're lucky, you might get one shot at him...and if you don't kill him with it, you won't get another.  Better people than you have tried, Lag.  Smarter people than you have tried, which is exactly why you're still thinking about it even after Shadow's been kind enough to leave you all your limbs twice, now.  Whose ass did you kiss to ever become a captain?  Because you're way too stupid...and really piss-poor at threat assessment...to have ever earned it on your own merits."  He didn't look away from Lag, his words being punctuated by the crunching and slurping of Larry working on the bone.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:34, Thu 27 Feb 2020.

  As   Roy talked  about  Larry and Shadow, the Larg's  tail  thumped  rapidly.

 Lag looked  right back at Roy,..I earned  my  way  up Spencer... I didn't have a   sugar daddy and Sugar Mommy to  get me where  i'm at.... some folks didn't like  me ,c ause   of where  i came from..which is  why i have to  wear this... he pointed  at the  Black dot on his collar.

  there is a  deep  chuckle  from him ( which led  to a  chest  growl from Larry )..your  LC  thinks  either of you could have taken the Lot of  us on the flight dec?... well.. we'll see  , sometime tonight your   LC is  supposed to take us out side.. 'teach me a lesson' for   ditching the whore of a  waitress..

 Abby  looked at Roy,why doesn't he leave them alone!... they  didn't ask for the Black  Dots....

 Wanda  had Vanished.. she was  now  , nearing   Vesper  and  Owen.

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

  Howe  nodded,..yeah, Lets  go... maybe  we can find a lollipop and that Yellow brickroad?

Mila wagged her tail and licked Beth's hand, then investigated the bowl that had been placed before her.

Yum!

(Even Henry heard that, penetrating his mental fog)

In reply to Palace (msg # 119):

"Agreed, it's not so much removed from feeling put on display at a zoo." She says accepting the dance. "You know, if you have some of those smokewood cigars perhaps if things look to get too heated we could step out and share one. You know to enjoy the outdoors and well... put ourselves strategically in case things get out of hand.  The ambassador and Orria are safe enough in here." She explains quietly as they dance. It seems the group of black dots were putting a dampener on the event, and she for one wasn't willing to miss out on the fun later, or to put a stop to any, dirty underhanded tricks.

In reply to Palace (msg # 119):

Hawkeye had taken another round on the dance floor with Rolf, but something about the party seemed off. The new black dots had isolated themselves, and had taken the new Higgins and newish Abby into their orbit as well. Shadow had drifted over, and she'd caught the tension nearly boiling over as Shadow caught one of the female black dot pilots arm as she tried to slap him.  "Hey, sweetie I'm sure SEC is on it already, but keep an eye on Shadow and those black dots. I'm pretty sure things will get ugly later. Call it a gut instinct." She says softly to Rolf as they dance closely.

As the drift around she catches Higgins eye and subtly but clearly shakes her head no, with a warning look. With any luck he'd at least heeded some of her earlier advice, he'd do it again, since Lag seemed incapable of demonstrating anything in the way of good sense.

As the dance ended they wound up near Harry and Will, Hawkeye made a point of locking eyes with Harry tilting her head towards Abby then raising an eyebrow as if to question if Harry was aware of her relatives proximity to the brewing storm.

In reply to Palace (msg # 119):

Sarah nods, "no apology necessary, and we made sure the Tale slept. I seem to recall reading a report of one of our medtechs threatening to tranq him if he didn't get some rest. You're only helpful up to a point when completely exhausted, after that you're more a danger than an asset, and the poor kid was definitely pushing that range. I'm just glad we were able to save as many of your people as we did, and keep the Harvester together until it got here to Uden. If you or yours need anything let us know." She adds at the end, snagging a couple snacks off a passing tray and offering one to Roles.

  Roles  took a sip of his beer , nodding  to Sarah's  words.One thing... The Empire   was  outmatched..the   support Fleets  couldn't have even be thought of..and  ;boom' there you folks  were..  I would have loved to  here the words of  those    Empire support folks  when they  realized, they were Just part of the sandwich..instead of the  sandwich...  The delta fleet in the Middle.. Support fleets on the outside?.. that had  to be  a scary moment for them

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

 Rolfe  had a  disgusted  look on his  face...don't  make  to bleedin'  sense  ta me?... ye have a chance to get rid of that Black Dot..an' you try to be  a bloody wee shite...

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

  Wendy was on her   COM  chatting  wildly and waving her  arms  around.

With her sister still resolutely sitting with the Black Dots despite the warning she'd given her Harry would stand beside Will, looking more than a little on edge. With Will pointing out that he wouldn't want to take on Shadow in full kit let alone dress uniform and that he couldn't figure out why Abby was with them Harry would offer him a defeated look before quietly replying "I've seen guys like Shadow before...the only way to kill them is to walk right up to them on a crowded street and stick them when they're not expecting it, because if they even so much as suspect you're not friendly, you're dead" she quietly explained, knowing that Lag and anyone dumb enough to stand with him would die because like she'd told Abby, Shadow didn't fuck around "...as for Abby...I don't know, I told her to get the hell out of there and she's seen what Shadow can do...I...just don't get it" she said, before catching Cat's look and head gesture and giving her a rather bleak nod of the head as if to say "I know, I've already tried" as she took Will's hand in her own.

 Will   squeezed her hand,..maybe?  Get Higgins  to   say somehting? He doesn't look  really happy to be there... and Shadow worked him over too?..ecept it  'took' with him...

The more Izzy spoke to Meari, the more she came to realise that she didn't seem t have a life outside of the military with everything she did up to and including her sex life, assuming that she had one, being geared towards warfare "that's an interesting practice you have there, and not one many would be able to follow" she said in response to her comment about not sleeping with anyone that couldn't beat her in a fight "...well I'm going to let you get back to the party but as a final question; if you could do anything, what would you do when the war is over?" she asked curious to see how Meari would answer, or if she had even considered the possibility of the war coming to an end. Once she had given her reply Izzy would smile and thank her for her time before signalling for Tali to stop filming.

Having caught sight of Shadow standing off to one side she would turn to face him once the camera's had safely stopped rolling "my, my LC if you keep talking to me people are going to start thinking you like me" she said with a mischievous gleam in her eyes before quietly listening to what he had to say. Having caught the rather obvious hint he'd dropped on her she would giggle before giving a wry shake of her head "oh Shadow I know how you fly boys like to unwind, trust me I won't be wasting any of Tali's hard drive on anything as trivial as that!" she said hoping that Shadow would catch her own rather obvious hint "...though perhaps you could introduce me to your friend Admiral Roles? I would very much like to thank him for what he did though after Wendy's rather clumsy attempt I feel he'd tell me to get lost" she said with a hint of frustration leaking into her voice. With people like her blundering around was it any wonder they all hated reporters!?

Zob was constantly getting distracted by events going on with the black dots and it was starting to irritate him, "yeah let's step outside and have a smoke, get some fresh air and all that... take care of business" when she was ready he would head on outside to enjoy a smoke and get a better view of the buildings layout.

Roy snorted softly.  "Oh, I'm sure you earned your rank...just not sure you earned it as a pilot.  I mean, hookers earn their paychecks, too.  And I know damn well Shadow could have taken the lot of you on the Hangar deck.  See the thing you can't wrap that lump of sandstone 9n your shoulders around is, Shadow's probably got more kills on the ground than in the cockpit...and that's including all the 'maybe' kills that Morris wouldn't sign off.  He's had more hand-to-hand combat in the past year than you've probably had in your entire life...but his wasn't usually for practice, it was the real thing.  If you're stupid enough to buy into the pop-media image of him being a flying playboy who can't hold his own, after having your own ass handed to you twice, you deserve the beating you're gonna get."

He glanced down at Larry.  "You finished?" he asked the larg, the looked back up at Lag.  "Oh, and for the record?  Ever call Dana a whore again in my hearing, and you'll be shitting your own teeth for a week.  Of course, by the time Shadow's done with you, you might not have any teeth...might not even have much of a face left.  I'd normally be there 5o tell him enough is enough...but you're the dipshit that not only didn't learn from the first two beating he got, you then decided to drag his friends into it.  You asked for what you're gonna get...and since I'm quite certain you're not man enough to take your lumps on your own, and will have cronies ready to try and jump Shadow when you think he's focused on you, they'll earn the beating they get, as well."

He looked to the larg again.  "C'mon, Larry, let's go do something that's actually productive."  He turned and walked away, waiting until he was out of earshot before saying, "If he cheats and hurts Shadow, you can eat him."  He thumped the larg's shoulder reassuringly.  He was quite certain the only way Lag could even lay a hand on Shadow would be by cheating...but he was also pretty sure that Shadow would lay Lag out or even kill him outright if that happened, unless Lag managed to somehow hurt him so badly he couldn't fight.

As Will gave her hand a reassuring squeeze, it was clear that she was unconvinced that speaking with Higgins would achieve anything, however with no other viable idea's coming to mind she decided that it was worth a shot.

With Lag and the other Black dots currently focused on Roy, or more accurately Larry as he crunched his way through an exceeding large bone, she would lock eyes with Higgins and beckon him over to join her, with it clear by the look in her eyes that if he didn't come over that she would come and get him and very bad things would follow.

In reply to Palace (msg # 142):

Sarah nodded, "yeah well on the other hand I would have liked to have gotten two more ships and a squadron of fighters into the center of the fray. The added fire power would have save us, and you specifically hundreds of lives. Unfortunately, that's in the past. We'll do what we can for now. At the very least we managed to win, and even come away with captures. Best of luck to you Admiral, I'm going to continue to do the meet and greet aspect of this job. Enjoy your time out here." She says shaking Roles hand, and moving on towards some of the Uden high command and leadership.

    Sarah Could See  Lilit  and a few others  talking  about    the Planet and some of thier customs.

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

   ..well?..  don't make him   mad..and  don't be fake... you'll be  fine... shadow  Led   Izzy over to  Roles.

  Admiral  Roles... he grinned, this  is   Ensign Sakura, She is  an Embedded  Reporter on the Hermes ..and she was on the Hanger  Dec  when
 the Harvester took the Bullet...

 ............

 Higgins  came over, he did not look like he was having a good time.

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

   Lag   gave  Roy a nod...we'll see  SM.. its   a long  night...

 Meari nodded and said," A girl has to have her requirements, I guess that is why I have never had sex, well Izzy I am a woman of great resolve when it happens that person will have earned it." She actually smiles and then listens to Izzy's last question. Meari looked at Izzy like she had 5 heads, she was very confused and she said," Umm I will keep fighting but I feel Izzy this War or another War will start and we will have to keep fighting for our right to live in this Universe, if there is no War, I actually have no Idea what I would do Izzy, maybe that is why my Grandmod sent me here."  Meari smiled at Izzy and waited till Izzy was done talking to Shadow.

 She heard Shadow talking about the black dots and what will be happening later, Meari would look at Shadow and say," Sir if I may, I would like to join you in dealing with the Black Dots I do not think they will fight honorably and wish to be your backup Sir, I just wish I wore my swords with this dress Sir." Meari said that in her cold calm voice, and she hoped Shadow would let her cover his back, and she could always borrow a sword from one of the Commandos she knew at the Ball. " Also Sir I really liked Dana and she is a very nice woman and she should not be treated like that, they are bad apples and you of all people know what Udenese do with bad apples Sir, we core them." She actually smiles and gives a very unnerving laugh, that would send chills down a normal person's spine.

 Sam smiled and laughed as they walked onto the dance floor she sang under her breath," Where off to see the wizard the wonderful wizard of Oz." She continued to giggle as they went onto the dance floor, she would add," I am probably not that much taller than those Munchins Lt., as they always say great things come in small packages correct Lt." She held him close and gave him a kiss after saying that.

As Higgins reluctantly came over to see her, Harry would give a despairing shake of her head "Higgins, remember that time on the hangar dec when I gave you some advice? Did I or Did I not tell you not to listen to my baby sister because she would get you killed?" she asked arching a questioning eyebrow at him as she spoke in a calm voice "Now tell me, what exactly has my baby sister got you involved in? Because I can tell just by looking at you that you're not buying Lag's bullshit, and unlike her you know this won't end well" though that was certainly an understatement considering what Shadow would do to them all, when he finally got his hands on them.

"Sure, I can do that" Izzy replied to Shadow's advice as he lead her over and then introduced her Admiral Roles. For the first time in a very long while Izzy would drop the bubbly, cheerful smile and attitude she used whilst working and would instead offer him a far more genuine look as she spoke to him "Admiral Roles, I just wanted to say thank you for...for saving my life...Like Shadow said, I was on the hangar dec that day I...I felt the entire ship shudder when the Harvester scraped alongside us, it scared the hell out of me!" she said with a nervous laugh before continuing "...it was only afterwards, when I saw the footage that I realised how close to...um...dying...I had come and what the Harvester had sacrificed....I honestly can't imagine what it must been like to make such a decision, truth be told I'm not sure I could have done what you did....anyway...what I'm trying to say is...thank you, you're a true hero Admiral Roles and I'm never going to forget what you did for us" she softly said before cautiously extending her hand for him to shake knowing that even if he didn't wish to say anything to her that at least she'd got the chance to say thank you.

  Roles  Looked at Shadow   who shrugged  as he  turned to watch the goings  on  at the party.

  ..you  sure  she's a reporter ?

  Shadow  chuckled   and nodded,  Roles took her  Hand with a firm, if not  Gentle  shake...I hope  not   to  have to repeat the  performance  , when i get a Dec  under me again.

 Shadow Told Meari,we'll see/... I can see them giving me   much trouble, but they could always get lucky..right?

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

  Higgins  looked at HArry and then to Will...its   down right nuts.. Abby things  Lag is    'the  New Shadow' and  wants to be on the rgound floor of his  move to 'rise to power"..9 hells   Vesper, Low  and Wand  are bailing..and they  were in the stockade with him!

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

  Mitch  watched  the other Torpedo  pilots  Fuss over  Nikki, and  woindered what he was going to do.

 Meari nodded to Shadow and said," Sir you are the Father of my Cousins, you need me and I will be there Sir, I would like to finish hurting Hoppy a little more honestly Sir, Sir if he has friends shouldn't you, but I would only act if you asked, there is no honor in what they are doing, and you know how Udenese perceive honor Sir." She holds her arm out for a warriors hand grip.

 Meari will wait for Shadow's response and then turn towards Admiral Roles and do a full bow, " Admiral Sir, Sgt Meari new SEC member of the Hermes, what you did Sir showed true leadership and the heart of a warrior, you showed great Honor, you Sir have the heart of a Udenese, it is my honor to meet a leader such as yourself, and to all your crew for staying by their Captain's side." She will hold her arm out for a warriors grip.

 Shadow  gave Meari the warrior's  grasp,  then   pulled a chair up  By  Roles  to  sit  down.

  Roles shook Meari's  hand   as   Shadow asked for a soda  from a passing  waitress.

 ..so?  no delta  Night?

 Shadow's lips pursed, as he  shook his head,no?..Not official..just one of my own...

  how many?

 they are showing 5 of thiers.. 3  walked.. 2 of mine are there...one of them looks   jumpy..

 ..you know there's  more..right?

 ..Yeah?  that's  why i told him where we  were going.. figured   he'd  load the Box.. and I'd  Go deep...

 ..you know  i'd  help you..

 .. yeah.. bit if  i need it..i'll have  it..Roy,  Supe's been trying to watch me.. Flores... That Kid  Jax?... if  he knows he'll come.. LArry?...  Unless he has a squad  of  tanks  hiding back there.. i  would only need LArry... See  Zob?   he'll be there, so will the  chick with him.. That Undenese  chick.. Shade?... Yeah..its  covered.

 ..so  why not  walk in there  with your Lizard  dog   and your Buddies behind you..

 ..that's just mine against his then...and , if he's gathering people..it will help recruit them...besides... This is personal... He  fucked over Dana?.. Dana..you know  Dana?... she gives half her  damn tips away to  the ladies who have kids..she  tries to make   people feel at home, and  he   treated like    street trash....

 ..so?.. He's not walking back through that door....

 ..lots of them aren't

 ..when?

 He sips from his soda...3 AM, i should think..seems like the perfect time..

 Roles    tiled his  bottle of   beer towards   shadow and they  clicked  drinks...

 Meari nodded to Roles and Shadow and headed towards Shade and Orria, Meari was smiling as she went towards Shade to see what he was doing she wanted to finally meet her cousin the Ambassador.

  Shade   had  'deftly'  led   Orria  to teh dessert table  and     Pointed to the MAchine   whirling  and  Bleeping at the  machine  and the 'shake'  cups. , then Pointed to Orria  and Himnself.

 Meari walked up to Shade at the shake machine, she smiled and bowed to Shde, and she said," It is an honor to finally meet you Ambassador Shade, Sgt. Meari Udenese Commandos, I was just transferred to SEC on board the Hermes by War Lord Lilit my Grandmod, you are my cousin Ambassador." She will also bow towards Orria and say," You must be Orria the offical translater of Ambassabdor Shade, it is a pleasure to meet you." Meari really smiles at them both.

  Shade Bowed  a  bit, then pointed at the Machine   and   Meari as well.. Then Gave Meari  a thumbs up.

   There is a  series  of   bleeps  , brinds  and    whirls  , his  eyes  shading a bit darker

 Meari listens and then looks at Shade, before Orria could translate she says," Ambassador what are you bummed at, may I ask? Does the machine not work?"

In reply to Lizzy O'conner (msg # 130):

"Thank you Miz Lizzy.  This place is soo big, but Roll and me are having fun.  We both just wish Gregor could have come down." she said picking up her plate that was on her seat to sit down.  She gave a little kids squirming scoot up in to the chair.  She looked at the men who came over with Mitch "Who's them guys?" she asked of Lizzy.
Nikki chimed in "Some friends of Mitch's" she hadn't mean for it but the phrase almost came out a bit different.  "Lizzy...these torpedomen pilots are looking for a few good Hermes ladies to dance with.  Any ideas as to who?" she did gesture to one table that had a few Hermes ladies seated near by.  When Lizzy had 'nudged' Mitch she glanced at him "I might dance.  we'll see how the night goes on"
About this time Haley realized Roll said something important....Ice Cream.  "Ice cream sounds like a good idea.  Nikki could Roll and me get some?"
"Of course, just try not to get any on your clothes.  But iffen you do,  well....we'll figure something out" she gave them both a smile and let them scoot off.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:37, Fri 28 Feb 2020.

  Mitch looked more then a little  embarrassed ,..Yeah Guys?... Its  been great...but   I Should be gettign back to the party thing.

 The  Torpedo man from the Blizzard  said,..all good for you!.. we have to try and  find some strays who don't have  anyone attached!

 Roll and Haley  went together  for thier ice  cream,maybe  we should ge  milkshakes like Shade is doin' so we  don't  drop any   on our party clothes.

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

 Hack, The Captain,  and Lilit  stood there  as  the folks they talked to went on thie r way to  mingle.

 Captain Si asked,..I understood, that  Uden had a  Verian  population as well?

 Lilit's eyes  darken,... We  do?  We  did... Last census  had us at 100,000..roughly..Verians... Most of those  Mated into Udenese famlies... we opened the door  for those who  wish to return to Vera  to  fight  for thier  home world..... some 30,000 are in transports waiting for   , after  our next battle.. should we  win, we will allow them to return to Vera and pick up the pieces.. should we lose..well...

 ..I thought   I saw  some here, when we  entered? his eyes  searched the     massive  ball room as he sipped from his  beer.

 ..there  were  20 or so of the Verian Officers who  would  fight  for Uden?.... seems  they moved on..perhaps  they did not  wish to cause conflict with  the Fleet?

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

 Mila  was happily , halfway, through her   steak and Gravey.

 As  Beth made sure the DAnce  didn';t take them too far  from  sight of Mila.

Rather belatedly, Henry looked round for Mila. The feelings he was getting from her suggested that she was contented, probably eating. Good! Someone had looked after her. He worried about neglecting her when he was swept up in the moment.

He turned back to Val.

"Do you want to dance? Or are you happy eating? I'd better check on Mila. She's wandered off, I think she has found food."

He stood up to look around the room, then spotted the white fur over near the serving tables. Beth was nearby, her hair as unmistakable as Mila's fur.

"Ah, good, she's safe."

He sat down again.

"Back home I'd go see the chaplain at college, but I don't know how such things are handled in the black. How does one get married in space? Do you know?"

 Lizzy smiled at the kids, it lifted her heart seeing them having so much fun. " That is great to hear you two are having fun, and yes this place is big, it has too be because the Udenese are so tall." Lizzy laughs and then adds," Yes sorry Gregor couldn't come down, but Larry is here. He saved my life on Bura."

 Lizzy had no clue who the guys where with Mitch, she was about to say something when Nikki said they where friends of his. Lizzy looked at the table and said," Yes gentleman head over to that table there those lovely ladies would definitely be interested in dancing with fine pilots like yourselves." Lizzy smiled and when the kids said they wanted icecream Lizzy smiled and said," Nikki I will go with them Izzy is working so I would love to spend time with these two amazing heroes."

 Lizzy smiled at Roll and Haley, and said," Lets go shall we, I feel honored to be escorting you two to the icecream machine, actually Roll that sounds like a great idea, lets all go get milk shakes shall we." Lizzy was having a blast walking with the kids she loved it and it kept her mind off of not being able to be with Izzy.


 They got to the machine, Shade, Orria and Meari where all there, she looked at Roll and Haley and said," So what kind of milkshakes do you want, lets see what flavors they have shall we." Lizzy had a huge smile on her face. She saw Izzy near Admiral Roles she waved and smiled at her as her and the kids waited in line at the icecream machine.

In reply to Palace (msg # 155):

Upon learning the reasons for Abby joining up with Lag from Higgins, Harry would growl in frustration over the stupidity of it all ”Gods damn it Abby!” shaking her head in despair ”you know Lag isn’t going to survive the night right? Because if Shadow doesn’t kill him, I’m going to” she said with a murderous gleam in her eyes. That asshole had caused enough trouble and she wasn’t going to endure having another Dixie around, though it was also becoming very clear that her sister needed a serious talking to ”ok Higgins I know you’ve hooked up with my baby sister so you need to tell her that that this is a stupid idea and that you’re bailing, I’m hoping she’ll listen to you because she sure as hell isn’t listening to me!” She said hoping that if he bailed that she would follow him. If not then at least she could take some small comfort in the fact that she saved someone’s life.

Quietly giggling at Roles comment as to whether she was a reporter she would shake Roles hand ”Please, combat cam, I get my boots dirty...unlike you fly boys” she jokingly said, waiting until Shadow had finished speaking to him, with her taking the opportunity to return Lizzy’s smile, before asking Roles ”would you be willing to speak to me on camera Admiral? I’d like the opportunity to prove we’re not all opportunistic bitches” taking the opportunity to stick the knife into Wendy who was currently still on her comms to someone she really didn’t want to speak to.

  Roles  Looked at  Shadow, The LC   Got up and   waved to the chair  for Izzy. Have  fun.. I'm going to  Dance  with  some Ladies..and   take a look around...

  Is that what you call that?... I thought you were having  seizures  from getting hit  going across the middle... Roles Laughed  as Shadow  did  an Eye  toll...like  finishing in a well stocked  pond, as Soon as   Shadow stepped on the  floor  a few ladeis    zipped over to him  for   dances.

 well?  lets  do this before   another wave  of  well-wishers   surges  over...

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

  Lucky   was Looking around   as he  went through the  crowd.. They  he saw Larry's   Tail... then Larry attached to it.. he  moved  even  faster, trying not to  bump folks  with drinks, or who were dancing on the fringe.

 SM Sir!....  MAster   Chief . Ma'am...

 Lyri was   moving towards   Roy...  as they stopped  to look  at the Anxious  crewman.

 Lucky started    low   so  not  all folks  could hear.....Yeah?.. Hey... um... I was  playing , 'flip the creds' we were playing against the  wall there.. I did  pretty Good.. I can show you...

 ..LUCKY!...focus!Lyri  said in a stern Voice..

 ..right..sorry... he began to  shove    the  cred coins back into his pocket...well?.. PO  Supe?  he   says to watch out  for odd things..you know..something about  Black Dot guys doing  something ... but... while we were playing. I tossed   a perfect Cred.. it  hit the wall  Hit the  floor  and came up right next to the  crease!..I mean  I  pulled in 20 creds  Just on that toss...

 ...Lucky.....

 ..Oh>  Yeah.. anyway.. the Little Occui officer that was  running the game.. he  gets   mad  and throws   5 more creds at the wall and walks  away.. I start gathering the creds  and see  one    rolling  towards that door  over there on the side.. its where we were playing , 'cause it was out of the way.... anyway.. These   Three verians   walked in the  door... A forth one   picked up  My  Cred  and  sneered at me  and  followed his buddies   through the door.. I  wanted my cred.. but...he didn't seem too nice... But there was a  Marine there.. a  two striper?.. i think his patch said he was from the Medusa...he told  me  to 'find another place to be"

 ..Supe  said  odd looking stuff.. that was odd...I thought?.. why are verians  going through that door, and why would a Human not  want me to go in?

 ......................

  Higgins looked at   Harry,..Look?... I'll...i'll try..but she thinks this is it..you know?  this is her  big chance to 'make it big'... his voice lowered......Lag once us  to  break off  during the  battle.. and    come back  to the Hermes  with out Mantis, so he and Pike  can  take off in them  and lead the fliers away  .. there  are supposed to be troopers    one the CAps ships  that will desert  and rally at  a place where  a  shuttle  pilot  will  take  them, and the whole group will take off   for the asteroid Belt..he  said  we can  catch up  the next time we go out....

 he looks    around  as he  slips  behind  a  group of  people from three different ships to hide  from Abby's line of sight...i think i would have to   Knock her out.... She's mad  at Shadow  for  the 'Dixie ' thing...she's mad  at him for  'the way she is treated'..and Lag is offering her the  world, as far  as a fighter pilot goes!

 Then?.. Knock her out.... wait until  you see Shadow headed for that  Door?  and You deck her ass.... its better then being Dead..or worse....if they  try to kill Shadow in there... if any come out  alive.. they'll be taking the long walk... Will looks at Harry, as  does Higgins...
.................

    Shade and Orria , with Meari  are about to get thier  shakes handed to them. and Udense   , white coated  server is watching the  Human as he makes them.

 The  Human looked to Lizzy, Roll and Haley... Hey folks?...  here is our Gift to the Udenese... Ice Cream!... you can have  cones..sundeas  or shakes  right now... chocolate.... Vanillia .. some  Kind of  Berry from here..and  a Honey-flaovered  fruit?

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

 Val   smiles,we should Dance..  right?..Celebrate?

"Sounds good to me," said Henry, who was still smiling widely. He got up and held out a hand.

"Come on..."

  As Val and Henry danced, Val said,we   will have to  find General Bale?... I do not know if APF  Law  and ESN  law   carries  over  as  far as marraige, and  we are both from Earth, but.. we'll have  to cross that bridge  when we come to it...

Nikki smiled and nodded as Roll and Haley were led off by Lizzy in search of 'the perfect milkshake'.  A few of Mitches friends went in search of the single ladies that came from Hermes at the table that was pointed out to them.
Mitch was standing there near her.  She noticed he was a bit flustered.  She looked up calmly for a few moments.  Then the slight smiled she had seemed to disappear, she reached and seemed to flick an invisible crumb or piece of lint near the knee area of her dress.

In reply to Palace (msg # 164):

Sarah drifts over toward Lilit, Hack and Si. "Good evening. This is quite the party. It almost meets all of the Delta Fleet traditions so far." she says with a genuine smile and an offered hand to Lilit acknowledging their host first.

Roy's eyes narrowed slightly.  It was odd, yes...the presence of Verians could be explained easily enough, as it was no secret there were Verians on Uden, and some even served aboard Lilit's flagship.  But there was no good reason a Marine from the Fleet should be guarding their door.  "Show me," he said to Lucky.  It could have been a case of a Marine's disdain for someone non-infantry, or a corporal eager to wield what powere was available from that second stripe...but there was a fast way to find out for sure.

Hawkeye had danced around and made it back near Harry, and Higgins and the crowded they'd gathered. Catching Will's comment about decking Abby and knocking her out she slips over. I'd not normally condone this but how about this. She pulls out one of the couple pill form painkillers. Offering it to Higgins. "These are great for pain. Terrible with booze, basically tasteless in the form medlabs get. Crush it and slip it in her drink. About 20min after it hits her belly she'll come down with about a "12hr case of food poisoning" and be too busy in the head to join the festivities." She explains casually,

that said already actively conspiring like this is easily a trip to the brig at its lightest and at worst a walk through the static field. I'd rather it not come to either if at all possivle " she winks at Higgins and Harry. Snagging another martini

In reply to Meari (msg # 162):

Yes, Ms. SGT Meari. I am Orria I help Shade and Ms. Beth. My mommy is Melia." Orria replies correctly pronouncing Meari's name easily.

Orria listened to Shade, "Shade is unhappy because Adem is one of his grandmod. He wants to know if Adem your grandmod for you too?" she explains to Meari.

Melia kept an eye on things for the moment. "Let's give it a little more time before we disappear outside to enjoy the evening. I dont want us to be gone too long and cause concern." she explains and then realizes there might be more than that assumption and quickly blushes bright red.

  Mitch finishes his drink.  , then looks left  and right and  says,ummmm... do you wanna   dance..maybe?

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

  Shadow  Found Dana   talking to  some of the other Hermes  Ladies, and   asked if she wanted to Dance.

 The Captain of  the  Nymph  and His escort  approached them.. The woman was in a very nice  dress ( not angel silk ).

  I say?... LC Shadow  right.. I was hoping i could Introduce   Thelma to you... I told her stories   of  watching your  people clean the  skies ..

  Captain Plank?  I haven't seen you since Aqra... This is  Dana... she one of  my friends  and a teammate of the Hermes football team.

 The  Woman  smiled  at Dana.....Very Nice   Dress.. Ms  Dana... what department   are you  in...

 Dana  smiled,I am  a waitress on the rec Dec?...

 Thelma looked at the dress.. Dana smiled,The Tips  are good...

Dana and a few of  her workmates  volunteer  on the  Hanger Dec when we  have a Jump Off...making sure  people have  something to  eat and drink... she's seen as much boarding action as some troopers.

 Captain Plank  smiled,..you were there  during the Boarding... and the Harvester thing.

 Yes  Sir, it was a bit hectic  to say the least.. when we were boarded,  we had to make sure  no one knocked over the Coffee machines, or  we would have had to call Time Out!

 The Captain Laughed ,..Plunky Lass!... I think i will ask our  Civies about  tending to the Hanger Dec... we only have some   barrels of water and  such.

 It is  kinda  nice Sir?  The grounds crew are up getting the   aircraft and shuttles  ready  while the Pilots and troops  get themselves  ready.. so when   they Jump off,  we get a chance to serve them some hot   food  and drink..or ice cold  sodas  and the like...

 ..Nice to see you again , Lad... and  Nice meeting you, Ms   Dana... I see a Nivarian over there...I think  we'll go and aggravate  him a bit....

 they left, the woman cast a  longing look at  Dana's  dress...

  and the  two Hermites  went out onto the   floor as another slow  song came on.

   Shade Nods  to  Orria    and hands Meari and Orria a shake first, before getting his own.

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

  ..you..... want me to  drug her? Higgins looked at   The captain..then  Cat..then  Will, then  Harry...

  I'd lean towards  punching her out?... But that's just me... drugging her    is less noticicble...  he  shrugs.

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

  Lucky    nods  rapidly.. Lyri  follows    behind  a   bit  with LArry.. people  parting  aways ..of guys  veering off from asking her  to dance  , when they see the big Lizard dog.

 getting to the  east side of the room , Lucky  stopped   there is a Corporal  and Now a Nivarian seaman  chatting as they stood  near the  door...that Yellow  guy wasn't there before...he musta  just came? we  were throwing  creds  about  5 yards  to the north of them  where that  potted plant is.

..........

 Lilit   took Sarah's hand,..it  seems  a bit ...fancy..as  my granmod  says? But  we needed soemthing   like this for our first Ball....  If all  goes  well in the upcoming battle.. we  shall have a  party on Calimite, so they can share in the   victory, it will be more....rustic?

With both Will and Higgins turning to look at her Harry would give an exasperated sigh "What are you looking at me for? If you want to knock my sister out go for it, I'm about ready to break her arm!" she replied in an irritable voice, thoroughly pissed off by her sisters stupidity and wondering if Nikki was right about putting her in a shuttle until learned to play with others.

Upon hearing Cat's suggestion that they simply drug Abby and take her out of the equation that way an evil smile would appear on Harry's face "Cat how many of those pills have you got on you? Only if we're going to drug one person we may as well drug all of them and finish this here and now" she said. After all if they were all puking their guts up then none of them would be fighting Shadow, and Harry could cut Lag's throat at her leisure.

Chuckling softly as the pair of old friends tormented one another Izzy would take Shadow's recently vacated seat with Tali moving to get them both in shot "Ok Admiral just answer the questions at your own pace and try not to look at Tali" she said, already knowing that he would have no problems at all with stopping the interview "ok, in three...two...one...Hi, I have been joined now by Admiral Roles of the Harvester, hero of the Battle of Uden, First of all I feel I should congratulate you on you recent promotion even if it wasn't earned through the happiest of circumstances...but tell me, after the damage suffered as a result of that truly horrific attack, what does the future hold for you and the Harvester? Will she ever sail the Black again?" she asked, thankful that already knew from Admiral Hacks speech that the Harvester would be repaired but wanting Roles to deliver the good news himself along with any other information he may be willing to share.

Roy gave Lucky a pat on the shoulder.  "Good man," he said, with a reassuring smile.  "Niw, go wait over past the Master Chief...if something's wrong and corporal sees you with me, it'll tip him off."

With Lucky clearing the area, Roy walked forward casually, as if he was just meandering around the outskirts of the party.  He gave the corporal a nod and a slight grin as he approached, in no hurry.

"That's a lot of bodies out there, and way more formal protocol than I'll ever be comfortable with," he commented, jerking his head toward the center of the ballroom.  "You taking a break, too, Corporal?" he asked, unconcerned and even sounding legitimately relieved to be away from the center of festivities.

 Lizzy smiled and said," Okay Roll, Haley what flavor would you two like, I will try the Honey Fruit one, thank you very much." Lizzy smiled and waited for the kids to pick their flavors, once they got their milk shakes, Lizzy would say," Okay do you want to walk around some or head back to your seats to drink your milkshakes?"

 Lizzy was having a great time with the kids it made her really want a child of her own, she hoped if things went really well with izzy and they both stayed alive during this war, maybe they could start a family together. Lizzy still saw Izzy with Admiral Roles so it looked like she was getting a good interview she was very happy for her, she hoped she could impress people with her heart and soul and see in her what Lizzy did. Lizzy did smile at Orria, Meari and Shade as they got milkshakes as well.

 Roles   smiled  a Bit,..well , thank you for that, But    I'm not the Hero,  my crew are the Heroes.. they knew what was going to happen as sure as i did...but no one cpmplained... there was no chance for  a ' let's try this"... we had  one shot and we took it... Quick work  by  the Other EMS ships and , The Burian support fleet  saved us... the  LG ship send  some   mech over to  Help try to hold her  together. With otu any of that, she  would  have tore herself apart..maybe  ruptured the Powercells?...

 71  crewmen left out  of 1500 isn't  a nice  equation.  we are lucky that EMS ships  are built to be emergency  colonies...Like ESN  Cap ships..we would have lost , whatever   Civies  , that would have been aboard.

 he nodded  slowly  and looked out to the  crowd. Then looked back at  Izzy, Can't  say i regret the   move though.... we saved better  people then me... and   the heart of the Delta  Fleet. We all signed up for this? You expect  to die in battle....

...........

 The Corp and The  Nivarian PV looked at   Roy...Yeah..lots  of  brass hats.... I'm surprised  we  even  got to come in here.  the Corp said.

 The Nivarian   looked,..you are   the SGT MAJ....

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

   Higgins   worked on the  pill and     dropped the   dust into the   drink and  swirled it  around....I just know I'm getting in trouble for this....

 he   heads out  across the room with his  drink in his  hand   taking a sip,   As Abby gives him  the 'where the 9 hells did you go"  look
This message was last edited by the player at 04:06, Sat 29 Feb 2020.

 Meari smiles at Shade, she takes the milkshake Shade handed her and then replied," Ambassabor I do not know who my other Grandmod is, I only know War Lord Lilit, she never told me my other Grandmod so it could be Ambassador. I know it might be a little awkward but after we finish our milkshakes would you care to dance Ambassador?" Meari respected Shade greatly, anyone who would risk their own life to save their sister was brave and honorable in her military mind.

  Shade    whirled and Gave a thumbs up,  as he  and Orria    sipped thier   shakes.

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

 Roll was happy!.. Milkshakes, it was  like being home on The Hermes!

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

Haley looked an then asked "Could I get just a plain honey one?" she batted her eyes a bit.  the kind that would let her get any thing because she was a child kind of batting eyes.  and sure enough the man operating the machine had a plain honey one for her.  handing it to her she replied with a "thank you sir"

Across the dance floor Nikki looked up at Mitch "I'd like to dance...yes.  But if you don't really want too, that's fine.  I'm not going to force you."  Her voice was calm, almost a bit melancholy.  true he did ask her, but to Nikki's ears it came out as if he was being forced to.  Lizzy meant well, but...well what was done was done.  Mitch could also have danced one dance before disappearing on her.  this night was great for Haley, so far a bust for her.  If he didn't want to dance with her she was letting him gently off the hook.

  Mitch looked a  a bit sad,well, yeah  I wanna  dance  with you?  You  didn't see me  askin' anyone else  to dance..right? I just ran into the guys when i went  to get drinks for us.. we're all that's  left of my  torpedo Pilot Class... there sued to  be 50 of us...

 ..I brought them over to meet you...

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

  There was a Lull in the  Music as  a Very Stern looking    Admiral HAck   went up and  grabbed the Mic off off Hemsly, in such a way that  hemsly  nearly   fell off the stage.

 .. I  am making  this  announcement   now... why?.. because  i don't want it to be scuttlebutt..... I will  say this...The  Media  decided to  try to  turn a talk with  Admiral  Roles into an Attack on LC Shadow..... The Admiral, to his credit.. waved her  away with a challenge of  sorts  .... The Reporter....must have  no thought processes  working, because  she  came straight to me  and CAptain Si....

  His   shoulder   heaved  a bit  as he tried to keep his anger  to a Minimum ,..one thing... you do not  do...as an outsider to  The Fleet, is Try to make a name  for yourself off the  good name  of Members of The Delta Fleet...

  alot of the  crowd  Cheered... Wendy stood  with a CAmera Man  tears  coming out of her  eyes  as she Glared  at HAck.

  CAptain Si is totally against this... and she won't be the only one..but gods  be Damned.... its  about time  those who hide behind a mic got a wake up call....

 He looked  down at Wendy  , then  his eyes searched the   massive  crowd ,when we Jump off  for  Vera.. some 30 hours from  now... Wendy Maxie, is going to be in the Jump seat of   LC Shadow's  fighter... so she can see... 'what the LC does  during  an Jump off!..

  from the   east side of the  Crowd  Shadow shouted...NO FUCKIng WAY!...SIR...

  He  turned to    Shadow  and snapped   right back..YES!..FUCKING  WAY..LC... I DON'T ASK YOU  TO GO ABOVE  AND BEYOND  TOO OFTEN.. YOU DO IT ON YOUR OWN!... BUT BY GODS  SHE  GOING TO LEARN...  he cleared  his   throat and said,..enjoy the rest of the night.... he  handed   Hemsly the Mic  back  with , what must have been an Apology to the Scot   who nodded and gave a knuckle salute.

   Shadow  gave Dana  a  hug and thanked her for the  Dance  then strode  with purpose to the   drinks  table.

 beth was petting  Mila    and Flores  came over   wiht a look of horror  on  her  face...... If Lag is  smart.. he runs for the hills ..now... and I don't mean the  Hermes... i mean the  Hills  way to the South..right here on this planet..cause...that's  not a Happy Shadow...

Nikki looked at Mitch as she stood.  She was close so she could speak softly and not bother anyone else "I can understand that, but you delivery was ...bad.  You're friends came over with you with a bit too much un them.  They really did not say hello to me as just ask me to introduce them to some of the other gals.  as well you introduction was 'well here she is'.  Made me feel like a new model hover car on a lot to be purchased." she began.  There was no malice or anger in her tone.  Just a straight forwardness as she continued "It came across as like an afterthought to ask me to dance when Lizzy elbowed you.  Then when you did ask it was with a lame 'maybe' after it.  That did not lead me to believe you wanted to dance... or at least dance with me" her eyes were a bit glassy, but clear "so I was trying to let you back out gracefully if you wanted.  I can understand seeing old friends and I'm not gonna begrudge that.  After Vera there might be fewer."


Haley happily followed Roll and Lizzy about with her milkshake, smiling and waving

 Lizzy smiled at Roll and Haley when they got their milkshakes and then they headed back to their seats, when the Admiral made his announcement, oh my Lizzy thought Shadow was pissed. Hey that was a bitch reporter that was making hard for Izzy to be a real reporter. Hey she would understand a little bit more of what we did in the black that is for sure. She took a sip of her milkshake as she shook her head when they got back to the table. She also noticed Nikki and Mitch where still there they where not on the dance floor.

   Mitch  looked  away a minute then looked  at her,.. I can say I'm sorry? But that doesn't  make it   any better..right?

  ..so?  you wanna  go on the  floor and see if  it  can get better... or  Do you want me to walk away....

Roy nodded at the Nivarian.  "That I am, yes.  And I'd be about a thousand times more comfortable out in the bush, in a ghillie suit with a good rifle, knowing that the enemy was anyone 'over there', than standing around here in a party suit and wondering who the next asshole that's defected to the EDT is going to wind up being..."  He turned and looked over the crowd, pointedly NOT looking at the corporal or his Nivarian counterpart.

"Never have felt comfortable at one of these things, even back before some chickenshit Demon decided I warranted a bounty.  Lucky for me, people are so busy looking to collect on Shadow that they forget I'm in the room, too..."  He gave a sigh, and shrugged, as if showing that being on guard all the time was tiring.  If the two were planning to defect...as he suspected...there were two likely reasons.  And if theirs was NOT because they were fed up with Shadow being considered the Hero of the APF, he was waving himself as bait right under their noses...and counting heavily on Larry watching over him from a distance to make sure he didn't get blindsided.

He glanced sidelong at the Corporal.  "You get a chance to get out there and dance with anyone?" he asked.  "Don't imagine there's too many occasions to get close to someone in an Angelsilk gown on the Medusa..."

Mila relished the fuss Beth was giving her, rubbing her head against Beth's hand and licking her fingers, her tail wagging all the time.

Some ice cream would be nice about now she thought, hoping Her Human might pick up on the thought, even though he was with his mate.

Henry was enjoying the feel of his beloved in his arms as they danced together. He nuzz;ed her neck.

"It would be nice to make it official. Not sure I recall anyone actually holding a formal wedding, though, although there are several established partnerships as well as those who are, ah, a bit more free with their affections. But I want to make that commitment to you..."

He broke off as Mila thrust thoughts of ice cream longings into his mind.

"Uh, would you like some ice cream, Val? Mila wants some, she's asking me. I'm sorry, it's getting a bit weird. Mila is so much a part of me, it's just as well that you like her too."

   The Corp looked a  bit uneasy when  the Nivarian  mentioned  'The SGT MAJ"..  it was  then he  noticed the  hardware on  Roy's   chest.

  ,NO  Sir , SM... we   don't even  quite have   the same  facilities  an  Earth-Made  Cap ship  does... so we  only have smaller  goings on?.. never  seen Angel silk, 'cept on the Vids. They sure look nice though...

 The Nivarian    crumbled  something and  went towards the  food  tables. The Corp relaxed a bit  and  said..in a  lingering  question kinda way..

  SM?.. you ever get tired of  some of these Heroes?.. I mean?..Just now?.. what would hapen if you told a Captain...much less... The Fleet Admiral to fuck off?.. Don't you get tired of it...All these  'heroes'..when guys like us   are dropped on the dirt and have to do the real fighting...

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

 Val smiled,..yes, let's see what they have. I  imagine  The Fleet made sure  they would have a machine here... seems to be a Delta Fleet staple!

 After the Admirals little speach and Shadow's reaction to it, Meari shook her head, she knew the Black Dots didn't have a chance against a mad Shadow. Also being upset might make him sloppy so she would watch his back, when she was done with her milksahke and it looked like Shade was done with his, she held out her hand and said," Ambassador would you like to dance with your cousin?"

   Shade   finished  his   shake   and   deposited the    paper-like  cup in the  receptacle, then  Bowed to Orria,   whirling and Bleeping  about   finding her  after the Dance.

 Then  he    held  out...er...up his  arm  for    Meari to take.

 .....................

  Flores  looked at Beth who was  petting  Mila  while watching   Shadow and those  around him. The LC asked for two  drinks.. one, a Shot of  , whatever passed  for whiskey here... and a  Soda. He  set them down in front of himself  and stared  at them.

 ..I would Flip a cred  with you, to see who goes over  and Talks to him...if  i could  fit a  cred in this  dress...

 Beth  slowly shook her  head,..no?  I think we  wait... see if anyone  else gets there....be nice to find out how the 9 hells this happened.


 .......

 The Admiral  Gave a looked  towards the LC, but  did  not   move towards  the drinks  table... Captain Si  was , more then a little  angry  but   no one could be sure if  it was at    The Admiral, Or  Wendy...Wendy  was  trying to get control of herself... as  far as she was  concerned , she was being sent off to die..

 Meari smiled and took Shade's hand, yes the height difference was very large with Shadw only being 4'6" and Meari being 6'8", but Meari didn't care, she held great honor for what Shade did and has done in his service to the ESN and the Hermes. Dusk and Lilit have told her all about his escapades, well most of them.

 Meari brought them out onto the dance floor, she knew some Udenese didn't think Shade was worthy or even a true being but Meari did, and the courage it took to do what he did for another that is a true hero, if other Udenese thought less of her for dancing with him she didn't care. Meari danced with Shade and she said," It is good to finally meet you Ambassador I have heard so much about you, it will be great to serve with you in battle, and I have to admit that milkshake was pretty amazing." Meari knows it would be hard to understand him, but she would open her mind and try to open her heart to understand him better when he replied to her. That Meari thought was the real reason her Grandmod sent her to the Hermes to open her heart to others and fine her emotional side, life isn't all about combat and killing.

Henry led Val in the direction of the ice-cream machine, calling mentally to Mila as he went.

"Mila likes plain vanilla, unadventurous hound that she is, but she enjoys it - just watch her."

He ordered a vanilla cone. Mila came running up, and sat down in front of it. Henry took a knee and held the cone out...

Izzy would quietly sit and listen as Roles pushed aside her comment of him being the Hero of Uden and placed the acclamation upon his crew who had followed his orders unquestioning despite knowing that it was putting their lives on the line "With the Harvester being repaired as we speak, what, if any, role will you and your crew be playing for the remainder of the Vera campaign? I imagine there are captain's out there that would be very happy to accept veteran crew as courageous as yours upon their ships?"

Her Human summoned Mila with echoing thoughts of ice cream and when she ran over to him, there he was holding out a cone... her favourite, vanilla!

Mila sat, extended her neck and started to lick daintily at the ice cream, relishing every tongue-full.

BLISS!!!

  Shade  tried to straighten up as much as he was able. He   shuffled  along  as  most folks were doing. Shade would Bleep and whirl a bit.

 Most Undenese  Couples did  a few  slow dances of  tradition, but most folks  shuffled  along. some, Like the Admiral  new some 'ball room' things from the Academy.

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

 frans  danced  with an Officer  from the  'Blur Sky'.

 The Naragrans     had  eaten  and  tried to communicate  with   some of the More  'daring' officials , who allowed thier  'spindle arms' to hold thier heads   and  'think' to each other.

 For the Most part, the Naragrans  went outside to explore the grounds.

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

 Roll was stopped  by a  few offciers  and  asked  about his uniform. He would   motion to  Haley and say they were civies  who are part of the Hermes, as if that was to say enough

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

 Role shook his head,..the  ship's  crew    except   for my self  and the pilots, will stay   with the HArvester , over seeing her  refit...Raven is going to The Hermes
 as  am I.. the other pilots  are going...by pairs.. to the other Flag ships of the Delta squadrons..when the HArvester  is ready, those pilots who are still alive, will go back , with me..and  bring the 9 hells   back to the fight

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

 Flores  and    Beth watched   Mila get  a cone.....some ladies have better  taste, then others...

 Beth giggled.

 Lizzy was smiling walking around with Roll and Haley, when Roll was approached by other Officer's about his uniform, Lizzy would also say that Roll and Haley where representatives of the Civies of the Hermes, and that it was LC Shadow's idea. Lizzy would be nice but if they got testy so would she, and she would just point to or say go talk to LC Shadow which was probably not a good idea right now since he was extremely pissed off right now.

 Lizzy would stay with and walk with Roll and Haley and she was having a great time with them. She would say," Do you too want to dance again or maybe sit down and relax a bit, it is up to you two." Lizzy smiled and was so happy to be spending some wonderful time with Roll and Haley and they looked amazing. She also would watch Izzy interviewing Roles which seemed to being a lot better than when Wendy interviewed him. She was hoping people would start to warm up too Izzy and see the wonderful ,amazing woman behind the reporter.

"a day, I can assure you that we are all eagerly awaiting Admiral, the Black just isn't the same without the Harvester" Izzy said with a friendly smile before deciding to draw things to a close with her not wanting to monopolise too much of the Admiral's time "now before I let you get back to the party, I understand that you and LC Shadow are good friends from way back when, any embarrassing stories about our beloved LC you wish to share with us? Baring in mind we're on live inter-galactic TV and little ears may be listening" she asked with a mischievous gleam in her eyes and a smile on her lips.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:56, Sat 29 Feb 2020.

In reply to nikki (msg # 190):

"I would like too.  I...I just want to be sure you want to and not because some one else suggested it....even if that some ones me" she looked a bit up at him and hoped he'd take her hand to dance, but she was not going to force him.

   Roll  looked at Haley,You want to  dance..or   go sit  at  our chairs  for  a bit?..

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

  Mitch  smiles a bit,well?  Lets   go out there and  have  some fun.. there's enough  people  here  , that care,that Roll  and Haley will be  safe...

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

  Roles   looks  at   Izzy  and chuckles,..we   did alot of stupid stuff  as kids.. The Admiral  and Captain Si  can verify  that...but    we were a  poor school in New York.. , there were a couple   , just like ours..well..  the schools   merged   some of the sports  Programs   so we  ran track and played football  with some of the same  people?... So..   I go up to the School.. same one   Beth   went to?... anyway..I asked this   chick to the Prom.. she  says, she'll go with me, if   Her  friend   could get hooked up  with Shadow?.... she was nice..didn't seem like a jerk, so i said yeah... next day at track practice3. I tell Shadow?  turns out he asked  two  chicks at our  school, but the trade off was    I had to take her  friend!..and both Proms were the same  day... ..we're  trying to  figure all this pout... and  'LT" Hack  says  we  can use his Car  and 'Lt' Si's car..he gave us this grin and said , 'the rest  we had to figure out'... Prom time came.. and   we had it  down....   Shadow took  his   two chicks   to   our school  and I took my two checiks  to   The other schools.. we looked really, realy good walkijg in to the schools   with  2  chicks!..of  course, the mothers and fathers  weren't too cool with it..but..that's the way it goes ..right... the After  party was really fun..  his eyebrows  went up and down.

In reply to Palace (msg # 177):

Hawkeye nodded, "It'd keep you from having to slug her, and give you a little deniability. Did you drug her or did she just have some bad food?"

Haweye raised an eyebrow at Harry, unfortunately I believe that wouldn't solve the problem, and rather would just kick it down the road. I'm not SEC, but if what Higgins is saying is true then there's likely enough to detain them purely on the grounds of planning desertion, and conspiracy to aid and abet the enemy. Under the rather draconian fleet regs well, hope they're not opposed to being flash frozen."

She smiled sympathetically at Higgins, "Don't worry kid, it's a tough pill to swallow, but it's good you came to us and came clean. That'll do a lot for you when things get nasty."

 Meari smiled as Shade tried to stand as tall as he could, Meari slouched a little to try and make it closer. It didn't matter she danced with Shade and they had a great dance, even with the difference in height Meari enjoyed it immensely. When the dance was over Meari smiled and said," Thank you very much Ambassador, tomorrow we take Vera it will be a tough battle but this is what I have been training for my whole life Ambassador." She will walk with Shade back to Orria so she could translate. Meari will wait for Shade's response and Orria's translation but Meari will listen and watch closely to try and understand Shade.

  Higgins   went off . more then a little   unsure.. when he reached   Abby, she took the drink  and  drank half of   drink as she  listen to Lag and Pike  talking  to the  the Black Dots .

    Lag   was   watching  Shadow as he talked  to the Black Dots that remained . He smiled  as Shadow was staring  at the two  drink on  the table.

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

  Shade  Bleeped  and whirled   as they  came back by Orria .  A Young Ensign came over  and Asked  Orria  If she wanted to Dance...Shade  gave Orria  a  thumbs up.

 ...................
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:51, Sun 01 Mar 2020.

 Meari smiled at Shade she could make out enough and replied," You are very welcome Ambassador, and it is okay you may be short but you a tall in my eyes cousin." She bends down and gives him a kiss on his cheek, Meari will look at the young Ensign in a way if he hurts her he will feel Meari's wrath. Meari now will make her way over to the drink table and meander over towards the Black Dots too keep an eye on them, she smiles at Hoppy Smith as she takes a sip of her Udenese juice, non-alcoholic of course.

”Don’t worry about it mate, like Cat says she probably won’t even realise it was you... and if she does tell her, her bitch sister made you” Harry said, rolling her eyes before watching Higgins nervously returning the Black Dots table with the spiked drink. It was as Abby was taking her first mouthful that Cat would point out that drugging them all would only delay the inevitable ”True...but it would give us chance to quietly deal with Lag and Pike...theres no need for them all to die” Harry replied darkly, with the look in her eyes more than implying how she would deal with Lag.

Isobel listened as Roles recounted his tale of high school shenanigans with an amused smile on her face, quietly giggling when he reached the punchline ”and on that note I’ll bid you good night” she said with a grin and a despairing shake of her head. After shaking Roles hand and bidding him a good night she would get up and beckon for Tali to follow her as she walked through the crowd of people ”Ok let’s see who else we can find” she said as Tali continued to film her as she went, with Izzy hoping that she would be able find someone willing to talk to her after Admiral Hack’s announcement bloody Wendy! Talk about one step forward two steps back! she silently grouched as she walked ”ok let’s see...over there we have Lt Beth Morrow and Lt Candy Flores” she said in a conversational tone of voice, cheerfully waving to the pair of women as she passed them  ...and over there is Haley and Roll who we saw at the start of the ceremony, accompanied by ensign Lizzy O’Conner” she said smiling and waving at the pair of children before turning head away from the camera just enough so that she could mouth Love you at Lizzy, wishing she could put her arms around her and kiss her but knowing that for now at least that she couldn’t do so. It was then that she would spot Dr Christie by the ice cream machine with his new fiancé and his cute little doggie.

With a cheerful smile on her face she she would approach Henry and Val ”Dr Christie, hi I’m Ensign Izzy Sakura and I’d just like to congratulate you and your fiancé on your very recent engagement, I don’t suppose you’d be willing to speak with me on air?”

Roy gave the corporal a long, searching look, before saying, "Look...let me tell you a story.  I can't get into too many details, because some of 'em are classified...but early on, I was on an op with the Master Chief, and things went ugly...I mean, bent over the table with no lube ugly.  Mullins is wounded, we've got about a thousand Largrans trying to run us down in a jungle so thick we can barely move, and our extraction APC can only bust through the brush far enough to get within about a hundred yards of us.  Some jackass pilot takes his plane, goes into a hover over the APC, and starts hosing the jungle, knowing damn good and well that he's turning himself into the primary target for EVERYTHING in that jungle that wants us dead.  And he stayed there, laying down cover fire, until I can drag Mullins to the APC and get her wounds foamed enough to move without killing her."  He shrugged, and added, "Seems pretty damned heroic to me."

He gave a bitter chuckle, and added, "Same asshole realizes, on some planet whose name I don't even remember anymore, that our entire infantry force is in danger of being over-run by a swarm of really pissed-off Demon tanks.  He doesn't even strafe the Demons...he flies through their formation so low that his landing skids are cutting 'em off at waist high, and his wings are decapitating even more...I mean, he's so close to the ground that if he sneezed, he'd nose in and buy it, and this is REALLY uneven terrain."

He gestured at Shadow, out on the dance floor.  "That asshole, right there.  So, no...I don't get tired of the heroes, because I've lost count of the number of times I'd be dead if he wasn't so damned good at what he does.  Don't be dumb enough to buy the media hype, Corporal...there's a handful of people in this fleet that I'd be afraid to tangle with on the ground, and Shadow's right there at the top of the list.  You look out there and see a hot-shot swaggering around...I look out there and see one of the scariest walking weapons I've ever encountered.  And I'm damned happy he's on my side."  He shrugged, and looked back at the Corporal.

"Do I get tired of him?  Yeah.  He's impulsive, a loose cannon, and he's got no sense at all when it comes to keeping his mouth shut.  Would I change any of that?  Not a chance in hell...because that's part of what makes him good at what he does...and what he does has saved my life so many times I stopped counting years ago.  Sure, he's up there and we're down on the ground...but he's killing the guys that would be down killing me if he wasn't there...and because he's always shooting his mouth off, any time we go into combined operations, the bad guys are busy trying to shut him up and forget about us until it's too damned late for them."

He shrugged again, and gave a tired sigh.  "I didn't come out here to get famous, or to win medals, or to make friends.  I came out here to fight the enemy.  And as long as someone else is willing to fight the enemy, I'll overlook a lot.  If they're really good at fighting the enemy, I'll forgive even more."  He gave the Corporal a piercing look, and added, "About the only thing I don't forgive is helping the enemy...and someone whose ego means more to them than winning the war is helping the enemy.  It's all about knowing why you're here...if you hate the Demons, and they hate the Demons, the rest of it is bullshit that doesn't matter."  He clapped the Corporal on the shoulder, reassuringly.

"You think about that...make sure you understand which war you're fighting.  You get your head squared with that, you'll know what you want to do."  He jerked his head in the direction of the party.  "In the meantime, there's a whole lotta lovely ladies over there looking for someone to dance with.  I'm gonna go remind myself of some of the reasons I keep fighting..."  He gave the Corporal a grin and a wink and started walking back toward the party...not directly to Lyri and Larry, but close past them.

In reply to Palace (msg # 177):

Orria gives Shade a thumbs up back and works on her shake after nodding that Shade should dance with Meari while she finishes her shake.

After they danced and came back she translates for Shade, "Shade is sorry he is short, but thank you for dancing with him and he thinks he is growing more."

She nodded to Shade, and went to dance with the Ensign.

Melia was hanging out near Zob, though she'd definitely started paying more close attention to the black dots group uncertain about them actually pulling any more stunts on the night, and not wanting to be caught blindsided.

In reply to Palace (msg # 177):

"Naturally, all the same we would never turn down the hospitality of allies and friends we are fighting for." Sarah says gratefully, "One of the best parts of all this is getting to see all the different planets, and the unique beauty of each culture and people." She explains.

In reply to Harriet Lynch (msg # 210):

Hawkeye shrugged, "yeah well Higgins seems to be under the impression there's a bigger group than just Lag and Pike. Best guess is he's right, and they've been sympathetic but without leadership until he showed up.  If that's correct it'd be better to capture as many as possible in one fell swoop. Lag and Pike are just another head on the boil, we need to excise as much of the infection as possible now that we can see it all.  With some luck only the ring leaders will face death the others might find themselves tucked away where they can't be a problem any more."  She snags another drink, casually watching the collective of black dots and their hangers on.

  The Corp  listens..his   eye  shift around,  he looks at the form Of  shadow. seeming to  'stare  down' two  glasses  of  drinks.

 When Roy is done and walks  away.... The guy gets on his  COM..   and then  walks  into the crowd.... a heart beat Later, two other  Guys  come out, they where  different patches but were  MArines    from different ships, they Break off  and go in  two different   directions

 Larry  thumps  his   tail  watching Roy, but  doesn't  move  from Lyri.

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

  Lag  looked over  at  Shadow.. it  was 1:00AM,  Shadow    looked over his  shoulder... and Lag pointed to the  Door... Shadow   waved   him on  and  Pointed at the clock.. and   held up 3  fingers.. then  turned away..   Abby had  finished her drink... and  wasn't  looking to  well.

  Pike  Pushed  her into a  chair,..you're no  good  to us  ..just make sure  we have thos e fighters...

   The Black Dots, Lag, Pike Stan Jonnes..Hoppy Smith went     towards the door. .. Wanda   and Brant Wislon    were closer to    Versper  and  Owen  now..

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

 Lilit   nodded  as she looked over the party   with   Folks  dancing.....we have a very nice planet... when i was first on Earth..It was a very nice planet as well..but  the Humans...have not been kind to thier world.

Roy noticed Shadow...and decided it might be a good time for a little moral support.  He angled in that direction, walking up just late enough to have missed the little hand signals between Shadow and Lag.

"So...who's winning tonight?" he asked, in a tone conversational enough to not feel like he was chiding Shadow for even considering the option.  And he had an ace up his sleeve to play if Shadow decided tonight was the time to jump off the wagon...

In reply to Palace (msg # 216):

Noticing the shift but not the hand gesture from Shadow she casually touches Zobs arm and looks towards a second door leading out to the same area indicating probably not a bad idea to go for a smoke.

  Shadow  gave   Roy a Genuine smile ,...it was close..  Soda is winnign  so far....Damn crap  with teh reporter..I might have  to knock her  out  once  we   Jump off , just so i can concentrate

 he  truned  from the  drinks a  moment, and said,..I figure  3:00 I'm going through that door. Pike and   a few of the Black Dots  went in there.. saw some   ESN types  go there too... don't  know  what  eles he has...... out there... I have  one surprsie... Did you know.. that if a  ESN Pilot's  helmet is taken care of, you  can use the COM  in side  to  talk to them?....now?  If the Mic  is  Gone..  they can't  talk back..but you can  still  talk to them... and , the power cells  charges  with   sunlight, Just like a  sirarm power  cell....othert  then than?..  don't  know how much he has   out there... bnut  there's on;y one  way out , and that's  that door?... and the walls  are  some..12-13  feet high..so?   I don't think they have  people  to jump that high...

Nikki gave a soft smile and nodded.  She let her hand move slightly.  Her head came up as he took her hand.  After the Admirals speech would they move to the dance floor.  She hoped it would be a slow one.


Haley enjoyed her shake as the walked about.  Mentioning dancing, Haley was all for it.  "Should we finish our shakes first?" she asked.

 Roll shrugged,..if   we drink it all now, we  will have  an excuse to get another one, 'cause n we  wanted a drink 'cause  we danced? he looked at her  to see if that made  sense.

 Mitch   held Nikki a bit close   as  they Moved...well?  this isn't so bad, as lonbg   as  it stays  slow.... i have to work  on all that jumping around

...........

 The Ensign talked to Orria  and complimented her on her  dress, and asked  how well she knew  Shade  and  the rest of the Hermes  folks

Roy nodded at Shadow's explanation.  "Yeah, I think I just talked with a Marine who was going to be in on it...maybe with a few buddies.  I reminded him that we're out here to fight the Demons...and anyone else who is really good at killing Demons should, at the very least, be tolerated."  He chuckled softly, and added, "I'm not gonna try and tell them to respect you...if they're not smart enough to figure that one out on their own, nothing I say is gonna help there.  But I think I might have gotten through to him...made him realize that he's got a choice between fighting the Demons with other people who want to fight Demons, or fighting you with a jackass who's trying to stroke his own ego on the entire fleet.  Those are terms most Marines identify pretty clearly...we're not generally the types who like someone jerking off all over us."

He gave a nod at the glasses.  "Good to know I'm not gonna have to slap that out of your hand before you can get it to your mouth, too.  Can't have you going out there to put Lag down with your wits impaired.  I mean, you've got precious few of 'em as it is, after all..."  He laughed again, then got serious.

"You need anyone around to make sure it's not a grotesquely unfair fight?  I know you can handle Lag, and probably as many of the Black Dots as are stupid enough to follow him...but not knowing who else might be out there...?"  He shrugged, letting the thought hang.

  Shadow  Chuckled,..yeah... well Its good  to know    that  glass  wouldn't have  made it to my mouth...  he  sips  the Soda  and Looks at the Clock.

 ..you know... I was  going to wait until  3:00, but no use on wasting the   last part of the party  on him.. he take s a   deep sip[ of his   soda , Crunching up some  ice  as  he   opens  the COM.....Hey Lag.... I Change d My Mind?.. There are some very  nice Ladies  out here, that  want  me to dance?.. so?.. I'm gonna   Come Kill you now..ok? Tell all your  Buddies... Last chance... they don't leave   before  I step throug the  door. they ain't leaving...least ways..not walking..

 Sure, Sure, Comon asshole.... bring some friends...... I have  enough  folks  to  entertain .. see you soon...Loser...

 He looked  Incredulously at Roy,that bastard?  Did you here what he called  me?... He called me a Loser.. well?  that  won't  do..not  at all

 Punching in another  Number, hey Buddy?... Don't know if you're  busy?.. but, waht we talked  about, you wanna have some   fun... you know were to go?.. But  let them strike  first...

 so>,,SM? How would you  like to  give  an advanced  training lesson to a  Tennis court, or what ever the 9 hells they have out there...full of  dumbasses?

 Finishing his  Soda, the Corp   came up to them..  the guy handed  Roy a  slip of  paper,SM... that's  my  COM number and   name...In case you have to call me  in, for whatever  it is you guys  are Gonna  do..

 Shadow grabbed the Glass of Whiskey  and Handed   it to the  guy...stay as  far from that Door as you can, until   you see us  walk out....

 He   Looked  at Lucky and waved  him to  follow them to wards the  door...

Beth and Flores  began to  walk after them.

  Lilit  went to  either head them off, or  Join them, it was  Unclear. Captain Si's   hand snaked out  and grabbed  the Warlprd's  wrist... Lilit  was surprised  by her grip... Si was surprised   that she almost couldn't hold her..

 warlord?.. You have  a damn nice party going here...I do not think you  should leave your guests...

 Lyri waled to the Door..Larry was  with  her.....you're not  going through that  door, Lyri.

 Damn right  i'm not.. no  damn way   i'm getting  blood  and what ever  the   9 hells you knock out  of them, on this dress!

  Shadow  took off his    Tunic   and  sword Belt...MR  Lucky?.. You will be  so kind  as to  keep  my jacket   Clean, until i come back out...I really don't want to replace  another set of decorations.

 ..Larry's  going  in  with you..or you guys  aren't going in... Take a look around, notice  anything?

 Yeah?..I haven't seen ..not one ugly  woman?..none!..they must have good  genes here...

 Beth ad    Flores    arrived  in 'clip clop'  style.

 No?...there are no pure  Bred verians ... there were at least 20  when we  came through the door..now?  there isn't even one..

   Shadow Nodded.....yeah..well.. that's  sorta good...get them off the board  before the invasion


 Supe arrived with Tucker... Hey?.... I hear tell there is some kinda  Exercise  place  out there?... we wanna play...  Supe and Tucker handed thier  Tunics to  Lucky as well... Tucker  , though muscled up..looks  like a pipe  cleaner next to  Supe

 Shoey  started  walking  over as  well. Hawkes coming from another Direction...

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

 Will Looked at   Harry.....you know i gonna go too , right ?

 Higgins  stood  a bit  away from them  Lookign at the door to the  Ladies  room...   Abby was  coming out holding her Belly, as she  saw   people moving through the crowd  with a Purpose.

 Sneak Gave  Jax  a  kiss  and she handed he rhis  tunci  and  scurried    towards the     gathering  group.

 Shade    came over in a hurry..  he handed    Shadow his   (2nd) shake. and Bleeped.

 what?.. No?  I'm not going to  drink  any of it... he took off his  tunic  and    Verian Blade, he used  for a sword , adding it to the growing Pile  on Lucky.

 who said  you're going out there?

  Shade Bleeped  as he took his shake back,..no!..you're supposed top be  entertaining.. you are ..i dunno.. the bridge  guy between  the races...

 More Bleeps  and whirls,....Ok..ok... wise  guy..but if you get hurt.. No rec dec  food  for a week..

 Dana appeared,..that's ok ? I'll smuggle you   some...

 Shade   Beamed  a  big smile  at   Shadow.

 ..none of us ladies can  go out there, with these  dresses...

 ..That's for  damn sure.. the only thing i take better  care of  then  these dresses is  my fighter!

..But  we  can make sure    everything is covered out here.... Maria, ellen, Cora, some of the Fighter  chicks. we'll make sure  The Admiral and everyone  are ok..just?.. don't  take long..there's alot more dancing that needs to be done...

 Hemlsy was stopped   from leaving the stage, by the Admiral  who insisted on him playing  some loud  , fast party Music..

 Shadow shook his head,..not the way i had it   planned?..But, My Mom said i should always  share...Ready? he reached for the   door.

 Meari followed Shade and walked right up to the door and said," LC Sir I would like to join you as well, hopefully Captain Si can clean my dress if it gets messed up Sir. Plus Sir the Ambassador could use an Udenese escort Sir." Meari was ready to kick some ass even wearing the beautiful Angel Silk dress.

Roy snorted as he peeled off his dress tunic.  "The Ambassador is just fine...I've seen him fight on top of a pile of bodies deeper than he is tall, all of them Aqrans he killed.  You want to come, do it on your own, but don't try and even imply Shade can't handle himself in a furball."  While Shade was the Udenese ambassador, he was also part of Roy's boarding crews and Roy wasn't about to let anyone downplay Shade's utility in a fight.

He laid his tunic on the growing pile, then took a moment to remove Larry's harness.  "If we're trying to protect our dress unis, better take care of yours, too."

He stood up, laying the harness on top of his own jacket, then raised a finger to indicate they should wait, as he keyed a message into his comm...but didn't hit send.  "A little insurance policy, just in case..." he offered by way of explanation, and then nodded that he was ready for the door to open.

 Meari nodded to Roy and said," SM I was not implying Ambassador Shade could not fight, and was not a force to recon with. I wish to fight by his side, I apologize if it came out that way SM. Yes I wish to join on my own then ." Meari stood there ready to fight.

Harry would nod her head in understanding to Cat's comment about there being more to this than just Lag and Pike, though unlike the good doctor she very much doubted any of them would be surviving the ordeal "I know what you're saying, but it just seems a waste of good pilots...we don't have many as it is!" she said frustrated that half their replacements were going be killed because they were stupid enough to be taken in by Lag's lies.

As if one some silent signal, the pieces started to move as members of the crew causally made their way towards the door just like every other gang fight she'd ever seen, even down to them dumping their jackets with one of the junior members. It was amidst the drawing of unspoken battle lines that Will would tell her that he intended to join Shadow and the others outside, prompting Harry to caress his cheek in a tender manner "oh good, that means I won't have to sneak away from you to join the fun" she said with a throaty chuckle before casually heading towards the door. Pausing in front of Wanda and Brant, Harry would hike up her already short dress in order to remove the boot knife she'd had strapped to the inside of her thigh "You know I hear the ice cream is really good...perhaps you guys should go and check it out?" she casually suggested, rearranging her dress with one hand whilst skilfully flipping the knife end over end in her other. She'd have preferred to have done this with either her trench knife or Sanri Combat Knife but unfortunately they were too large to comfortably hide in her current outfit.

Upon reaching Lucky, Harry would quickly slip off her high heeled shoes and place them atop of the pile of jackets before walking barefoot towards the door.

Henry noticed all the movement and the growing pile of uniform jackets.

"Val, it looks like things are going to get a bit... frisky. Do you want to leave now? Or should Mila and I provide some backup?"

He looked round for Mila.

Mila had also noticed what was going on (OK, she'd alerted Her Human...) and trotted over to Larry to see if he wanted company.

Unsure as to whether Henry hadn't heard due to all of the activity going on around them, not to mention having Val with him, or whether he was ignoring her as a result of Hack's speech condemning the media and that he wanted nothing to do with her, Izzy would hesitate for a few moments before speaking up again "Excuse me, Dr Christie can I have a moment of you time please?" she asked deciding that if she didn't get a response this time around that she would have to go elsewhere before she made herself look like an idiot.

 Lizzy walked with Haley and Roll, as they try to decide if they where going too finish their shakes first and then dance or dance first.
Lizzy smiled and said," Well if I where you guys I would finish your milkshakes and then dance, after you dance we could always go get another milkshake for all of us." Lizzy saw Shadow and others heading for a door that the Black Dots where close too. She saw Higgins with Abby and she was doing well it looked like.

 She also saw Harry, Will, SM, Shade, Meari and a few others head towards the door, Lizzy figured Shadow had all the backup he needed. Lizzy decided she would stay close to Haley and Roll just in case this turned into something much bigger. When Roll and Haley finish their milkshakes and head to the dance floor she will watch them closely and she will also keep an eye out for her gorgeous girlfriend Izzy. She saw her head over to Henry and his new Fiance.

Jug and the available Gava for the most part of the party spent it merely shaking hands and wandering about.  She admitted that she herself was not that good a dancer, but had atleast danced the group one with the Hermes ladies, along with Uvulu.  A few times they did gather a plate of foods to eat.  The wore their best tunics and made themselves look as presentable as possible, each carried their spears ceremoniously.  Of course like all Hermites they also had their hidden weapons.  Jug wore her blades, shined up nice and peace bonded.

   Captain Si looked  exasperated,..The are going to  ruin those Dresses

   ...............

 Shadow  knocked on the door...Hello?.. Delevery  of  ass kicking  of a  LT   'dumbass 'Lag..its  already paid  for..  just   needs  to be delivered...

 From Behind the    door the Voice  was Heard....Comon on in Hero?.. see   what we got...

 ..I love it when the   literally  ask  for  It.... he   kicked opened the  door,   and walked in...   Lag, PIke , Jones and Hoppy stood in the middle. there were various  Marines..but the   thing  that stood  out  were  20  Purebred Verian  officers

 don't think you brought  enough people   Hero..... and these Verians  well....

 I got   two Verians  here?.. that  should be enough... and..I have a LArg...

 A Verian CAptain stepped up nest to Lag...let me shut this  corrupter s   mouth..he soils  out  Blood  lines  with his mating...

 ..was like that , Tin MAn... i never  knew   Lady used  my DNA...but you know what?... The  two   'mods' that came up..are better then your  whole  line  of  wind up  ancestors..

 ..and Lag?.. I gotta  tell you?.. 'pure Bred'  Verians?.... means they  are  as they were... no tinkering... no fixing... all they are, ..... are Undenese who didn't make the cut..they are Second     class  citizens...and they   get hurt, just like  everyone  else...

 Pike looked at Lag..Lag  looked shocked....The Verian  took  a Step towards  Shadow   and   Shadow Met him in the Middle of the  Court.. and Punched Him right in the face...

  The  CAptain     flew  Back  , his   nose   bent   as   purplish  Blood   oozed out  from his  mouth and nose.....hurts more though, when you punch  them...

 Supe looked,..that hurt you ?

 NO!..them..it  hurts them  more.. thier nerves   are superconductive?.. Now Shade.. Dusk... they don't have that weakness...

 The CAptain was  trying to get up,  the 'bad  guys' had   pulled   daggers  and   knives.

 ..you still  don't  have  enough..just let us go... you don't need us  anyway.. we  can meet some time later in the Black.. you see? I have made  some  friends while i was  on Fuji...

 ..First.....  you never  leave a live enemy behind you..that's..just dumb...2nd... I made  My Share  of  friends  as  well....

  Shadow hit  his COM.. and  from somewhere  above, they could here Shadow's  Voice.....you can join the   Fun if you like..

   two    flashes  of a Grey white  substance  came out  from each  side of the  court... a Pilot from the     Eris  was  pulled up into the air   screaming..but  not  for Long... on the right  side a  medium  sized Naragran, with Shadow's  Helmet still webbed to its  back    landed  as it  pulled  a Marin  into  its   pouch and started to   digest him....

 Pike  screamed  in horror  as the NAragran's  pouch    thrashed  and the   muffled   screams of the marine, who was half drowning..half  dissolving    grew less  and less...

 ..yeah?..Naragrans like me too...

 Lag  Looked scared now.. the verians   stepped  up.. the CAptain was  squinting trying to see in the semi-darkness..

 ..your  Call Lag... You..Mike  and  your two Buddies  are going to the Brig.. Morris and BAle with  take it  from there... Your Verians  Buddies, will be going to a prison ships.. these    Fleet folks  will be held  in a  prison on Uden , until the Admiral decides  what to  do with   them..you fucked up Lag... i think its  funny, that all this came to light, because  you hurt  one of our  friends... a good  hearted  waitress..who has  more  guts   then  that whole  side of this  exercise  court....

  Lag    looked away a Moment    then brought up  a  pulse pistol and Fired, Hitting Shadow   in  the     heft  Shoulder.... Then... the 9 hells  broke loose

  LArry launched himself  forward, a green scaled  torpedo... Lag only  saw the massive  Jaws  as  they closed  around his head.

 Shade  screamed   and   Barrel into  two Verian    Officers..  one    went   down   with Shade's   Blade in  its  belly... the  other  Shade  was  on top  of  pounding his  face.

 A  women MArine  Jumped on  will   and Stabbed   him in the thigh, His  elbow   caught her in the face  and   his Blade went up  into her   Jaw, twisted ,and  came back out.
 Jaz  Tackled    a MArine , almost   as   Big as  Supe from behind as he moved in on HArry... a   quick thrust  of his   K-bar to the side of the throat and   Jax  was looking for more.

 a Vwerian   came barreling  down on HArry..

 Meari  saw  Verians pushing to the Middle   as shadow   stood  up, his  trench    knife  ready..LArry   flung his head  back  and   forth, , much like the  tunnels, until his teeth  sawed through     the upper  chest  of Lag  and the Body  flew off towards  the   back wall... Pike, in her Dress  was standing there  screaming mindlessly

 Tucker  was on the  Ground,, with a  MArine . punching   each other  , almost as if they were taking turns.

 Hawkes  was on the ground  By the  door, two MArines were kicking Him   as he fended off thier  blades  with  his.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:09, Sun 01 Mar 2020.

"Sorry, Isobel, what can I do for you?"

Henry was looking rather distracted.

 Meari drew her Udenese blade, she smiled at Shadow and said," Shall we kick some Verian ass Sir." Meari knew the Verians where still stronger, but they where slower. Meari moved quickly towards the nearest Verian and with skill and accuracy try and take out the closest Verian to her as fast as possible and then quickly move onto the next one. There was no fear in Meari's eyes only determination, calm and combat awareness. She will stand with Shade and keep fighting either until the Verians where done or she was.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:25, Sun 01 Mar 2020.

Following Shadow and the rest of his posse into the courtyard, Harry would drop into a knife fighters stance with a feral grin on her face as she waited for Shadow to give the order for them to attack. Unfortunately it would appear that he would spend far too long talking and as a result the fight would begin with a pulse shot into Shadow's shoulder.

With the fight rapidly devolving into a chaotic scrum Harry would watch as the Verian came charging towards her like a bull in a china shop. She would wait until he was almost on top of her before quickly sidestepping and then in one graceful motion would send her knife slashing across the back of his legs in order to ham string him. With her initial attack causing the Verian to collapse into a heap, Harry wouldn't waste any time in jumping atop of him and driving her blade repeatedly into his back with several quick thrusts. With target dead she would search the scrum for her next victim.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:27, Sun 01 Mar 2020.

With a rather distracted Henry turning to greet her, Izzy would smile and hold out her hand for him and Val to shake "Hi yes, I wanted to congratulate the two of you on your recent engagement, also I was wondering if you would be willing to speak to me on camera? Introduce the world to the fabled Warrior professor" she asked with a cheerful smile, knowing that it would make for a nice change of pace to talk to someone that wasn't either a marine or a pilot.

  Shadows   teeth  were gritted in  pain and down right bloodlust.. He  just   gave Meari  a  quick   Nod  ,   spinning into  the Inside   Guard of a  Verian, to Drive his   blade Into its  Belly  and  Jerk  up with a motion, that caused  more  damage  and  released his  Blade
...........
 Sneak   stood  near the door  with  Lyri, Beth   , Flores and  Maria.. the   all sorta  Jumped  when the Pusle  weapon  was   fired....The   Music  seemed to have  covered  most of the ball room .

.......

 Harry's,  Blade   did, indeed , cut the verian, but  she  saw the   skin was a bit thicker then Most  folks, The Verians  did  fall, and   as she stabbed him she learned two things... ..Stabbing  wound  did  alot of  damage  as the punched through the skin... and  the purplish  blood  that  splashes  all over her, smelled  like old oil and  rotten stew.
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:56, Mon 02 Mar 2020.

 Meari smiled at Shadow and looked the next Verian in the eye as she tried to avoid it's attack and tried to shove her blade deep into his throat. It was good being about the same height as the Verians she could get to the more vulnerable parts easier.

Roy pounced on one of 5he Marines after Hawkes, punching the man in the back of the skull, right above the top of his spine, before spinning to kick the back of the knee of the other, throwing the Marine off balance.  Before he could recover, Roy had reversed directions, the angle of the kick doubling as a wind-up for a forearm smash that took the stumbling Marine on the outside edge of the eye socket.  The punched Marine dropped like a ragdoll, as the blow jarred his skull hard enough to do massive nerve damage, possibly even severing the spine.  The second Marine went down as his face imploded for a grotesque crunch...he wasn't dead, but blood streamed from the ruined eyesocket and his nose and his intact eye glazed over in shock from the traumatic concussion.

Roy slowed just long enough to verify Hawkes was okay, then spun to face anyone else that might be coming at him, drawing the kukri as he moved.

Zob looked at his suit and sighed a bit, "This suit is expensive to..." he said before running forward and climbing up over the wall to join the fight as he landed in the courtyard he took out his demon steel mace that had metal rounded spikes on it and quickly swung into a Verians midsection that were attacking causing them to heave over as as their internal organs were turned into scrambled eggs by the kinetic force then following it up with a finishing blow to the head which sent blood and bone splattering all over his suit a little bit of the blood touched his lips as he tasted it It was not a very pleasant taste.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:49, Sun 01 Mar 2020.

 Shade got up, his   hands  covered in Blood , the verian  twitching at his  feet, he  drew  the  Blade from the other  Verian  who was  trying to escape.,

  Shade   said  something to the   verian  as he Pulled out his   Blade,  the Verian looked  at him in anger, But Shade  drove the Blade  into  his  forehead.

  The Naragran  with the Helmet  spun some  webbing    around a Marine  who  fell to the Ground, screaming    as he thought  he was going to be pulled into the 'spider-gator's'  maw.

   Roy  heard the  shot, then  Felt it... the pulse   burn in his  right  thigh,...Hoppy Smith had  pulled his   sidearm, in a wild eyed  attempt to flee  through the doors.

 Supe      hit  a Sailor    with a  shoulder  Block  staggering him towards  Zob.

 Jax   froze  for a Moment  as  a Verian   pulled out  a side arm  and aimed at his head.

   The  Verian Captain with the Smashed Face  Grabbed   Shadow  By the throat.... he   put his  weapon into   the LC's   Belly... but  his  eyes  widened  , as he looked  at  the Blade, that  Shadow  was  twisting   under the  verians  armpit.... ,the   weapon fell from the nerveless   hand  as shadow said,..never  bring a gun, to a knife fight...

 Meari felt    a Blade  go into her  right thigh, as  a MArine    drove his   trench knife  into  the upper  thigh..  he grinned  as the  tried to pull it out..feeling  the blade against the Bone

    Larry pounced on  one of the Verians in the back, who have decided it was time to use side arms..., the   Ripping of the  verians  Limbs  made  the sound of someone popping a soda  can.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:53, Mon 02 Mar 2020.

Seeing and hearing commotion Jug and the other Gava came running.  If anything they would protect non combatants.  Jugs 'peace bonded' blades were easily freed and readied as they ran.  Many at the ball moved out of their path.  The other Gava readied spears.

Zob braced for a second as the sailor stumbled towards him he smashed his skull into a bloody pulp with a single swing of his mace, he then quickly drew his DT5 and shot a round directly into the side of the Verian that had a gun trained on Jax.

 Meari winched as the trench knife went into her thigh, her light purple blood flowed down her leg, Meari saw the grin as she went to shove her blade into his mouth, if it worked she would pull the trench knife from her leg and then wield both knives for her next victim.

 Meari would look for the next target and move in for a double knife strike she was moving slower but she would deal with that later, she pushed through the pain to protect her allies and shipmates.She saw Hoppy heading for the door, she move move to intercept and strike at him to disarm him with her Udenese knife and then make him pay with trying to impale the trench knife into his back or side.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:38, Sun 01 Mar 2020.

In reply to Palace (msg # 216):

Melia had slipped outside with Zob and was enjoying a smokewood cigar when the traitorous elements decided to take the party outside for their showdown with Shadow.

----

Orria finished the dance with  the Ensign and explained that she'd known Shade almost his entire life, and she wanted to be his friend. She mentioned helping Beth during ops and that she was friends with most of the Hermes people. She answered a little shyly, but also asked the Ensign about what he did.

---
 From their corner of the court Melia eyed the gathering of dissidents and agitators, she fingered the clasp on the holster on her belt, then left the sidearm be.

It wasn't long before there was knock on the door and Lag and the gathered rebellious faction including about 20 Verians seemed to get excited about the idea of beating the pulp out of Shadow. Allowing the Nagaran's to help her over the wall she also dropped into the brawl.

Shadow came in and then the brawl was on, knives and daggers came out. Then Lag shot Shadow and all pandemonium broke out. One of Melia's throwing knives whispered through the air towards one of the defectors who was pulling a sidearm. Then she drew her other throwing knife and waded in coming in at one of the marine defectors dodging a jab of his knife, she steps into his guard and slashes the blade of her throwing knife across his neck in a spray. Gashing him open, hooking her foot behind him and using his rapidly failing momentum to pivot the body and throw him into another attacking Marine as she works her way into further into the fray slashing and hacking at anyone she didn't recognize working towards Pike. She had the idea to take Pike out but leave her alive give the court someone to run up a flag pole, but for now the first order was staying a live.

In reply to Palace (msg # 216):

Hawkeye watched as both the agitators and Shadow's crew made for the door. It wasn't a mad rush but it was about as close to one as it could be with everyone trying to be discrete about the whole mess. She smiled satisfied as she say Abby coming out of the bathroom, poor stupid girl. All the same, it gave Harry a chance to work on her sister and perhaps after the fallout of all this it might scare her straight.

She tilted her head at Higgins as if to say, "go take care of her." She shifted her attention back to Harry, "Better to have fewer good loyal pilots, than a bunch of potential traitors flying with you despite how good they are." As the group breaks up for the festivities she calls to Harry, "Let me know if you anything after the party." And returns to her drink, and Rolf unless he decides to join the fun.  Then she reverses course, and heads over to Lilit. "A thought, you might want a medlab standing by and some techs. If what we all know is happening is happening, you're gonna have a fair bit of people to put back together. There's at least 30 people are out there, it's probably one hell of a brawl." She says with a shrug, before heading towards Abby.

    Most of the people  on the west  side of the massive  ballroom. had no idea  anything was taking place. Those  nearer  the   east   side, though there maybe  be   some gunshots.. some one screaming?

 there  were some  Hermes   Ladies standing  near the  door to the  exercise  court., they didn't seem   too concerned.. Some Gava   were there. they looked  as if they were showing off thier  skills for the LAdies.

 ..........

 Lilit  smiled and  even smile,..i do not know how many will need put together.....I would have to assume  there may not ne any, unless so,me of your people  get hurt..the others..should be dead.

 Higgins  had  a  tight  Grip on the  buckled-over   Abby...bloody  'ells ..they'll all get killed...

 Higgins  just said . matter of factly ....I don't think there's a doubt...

 Roll Looked   across the  way  and looked at   Lizzy,..i wonder if i should go?.. Sneak is over there  and  Jax  went in that door with Mr  Shadow and a bunch of  other people... and Larry?.. shouldn't  i be there to   Master  larry?

 .............

 The ensign smiled at Orria.well.. I  do  star plots  for the   Athena... Captain Bornberry is my commanding Officer..I have to make sure the   charts and the plots
 are   right.. they won't let me  do any combat yet I..um..lied  about my age  to  get into
  ESN boot camp... they were ready to toss me , until they saw  my computer skills, I got on the   Athena the last time the Fleet was  at Fuji

 Lizzy knew what was going on over there and she knew it was not a good idea for Roll to be there, but how was she going to explain it nicely to Roll. Lizzy smiled at Roll and said," Well LC Shadow and SM Spencer are both over there, Larry listens to them very well, I think they both wanted you to enjoy yourself and of course entertain Haley as you both are the civilian representatives of the Hermes."

 She smiles at Roll and adds," Well Roll I think it is best you stay here with Haley and me okay, if LC Shadow needed you he would have asked don't you think?" She was trying to word it so as not to make Roll feel inferior just that it was important to be here at this time.

 Roll looked up at Lizzy.. his hand rested on his  'sword'. much like an officer. I helped  with bad  buys  in the stem....


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

 Morris  and   The Admiral  made their way over to Roles.. they  all tried  not to look at the east door way... the Hermes  women that were there  , were causing  enough people to stare in that  direction.

 ..I say..Admiral..s   This could be a bit sticky, no matter  how it turns out...

  Hack  nodded  and shrugged, taking a sip of his  beer.Always is, Washington...always is...

 ..so?  this about  a   ex-jailbird  who  insulted a waitress?

 ..from what i gather?  Lag wanted to  make sure  Shadow   knew who was  top dog...

 Roles almost choke don his  beer, , Morris   whacking him on the back...

   hack had a  small smile,..Lag  made two trips  to med tech screwing with Shadow... The waitress was  just the icing on the cake..so-to-speak

 there's no damn way  any of them are coming out of there.. you know that..right?

 Shadow has his ways of  'vetting' people.. He amde a mistake once.. Let a Red Bird  live  because one of the  pilots   thought it  would be a good idea... she did  pretty well too... until this last  battle... She failed to save a Pilot..who would have knocked  down at least two more  bad  guys..., caused  another  to Bail out, sand she would have   knocked down another  2?..... then?   when Shadow  made his first  run at the suicide  aircraft... that would have been  at least 2..maybe   4 less... and on the trip back?.. another  2 or 4... which means

 Morris  said,conseveritive sims  shows  at least 9 less    aircraft  hit   the Harvester....there is  an outside  chance  as many was  14 less, as two other pilots who died, might have been saved  by those  two..who the Red Bird allowed to get shot  down...

 Roles shook his  head,we wouldn't have been any worse off   then if we  got hit  by a Heavy Pulse  a coupletimes.....

  Hack nodded as he looked towards the door...they might not even have  tried  the suicide run, with  that many  aircraft missing..alot of people are going to pay for    'the mistake',  Shadow  feels  he  made...

 Morris   puffed on his pipe  as he swirled the wine in his glass,..I believe  the   saying is.. 'his bottle is full.."

Haley listened and kinda understood and prepared to dive under a table if she had too.  She remembered something Nikki once said "Maybe they need us out here so others can rally.  Look Gava got the door covered but not going in.  Theyer protectin' the rest of us.  we can help with that if the bad guys get out.  re...re..um...re something.  If the first line falls they come in"

Near by Nikki and Mitch continued dancing, figuring out their relationship.

The pulse burn should have hobbled him, but the adrenaline was pumping hard and the injury hardly slowed him down.  Seeing someone else had taken down Smith, he waded into the fray,  his left hand lashing out in punches and strikes, while the kukri in his right hand bit deeply, lopping off arms and even a leg or two.  The strikes seemed random...but each was carefully calculated, aimed at body parts that wouldn't provide enough resistance to actually stop the heavy blade.  And he wasn't worried about finishing any of them off...just ruining their ability to fight back...leaving a trail of severed gun-hands and limbs gushing blood in his wake.

Jug and the Gava formed an arc in front of the dor from which the fight was in.  The stood ready to defend those at the party from the unwanted combatants with in.

  The  Battle seemed , to the combatants , to last for an Hour. But  it  couldn't have been longer then 15 minutes.

  The Verians  , who had no real  battle field  experience , were over whelmed by the savagery of the   Delta  people.

 The  Delta   people who were  with the Verians ( or ..perhaps  should be said...The verians  were with) , stood a better  chance, except  of  Demons  and Naragrans   dropping off the walls  and  a LArg  crunching bones.

 Zob's  weapon Fired  the   Verian's weapon went off  and  the round sailed   6 inches over Jax's head and  into the   wall..The Verians  dropped...Jac   Grinned at Zob  then  finished the  verians off..just in case..

 Harry Turned  to   See   a Marine  Marine   charging  at her with a  heavy Blade, much like Roy's.., in her position, she  couldn't  Move in time... ..a Bloody Will  slammed into the   Man, who  tried  to  Keep, his balance, But lost it  when Tucker  Cut his  left leg  off  with a Verian Blade.

 Supe stood  next to  Zob  as they  both watched  Melia hit  Pike in the  face  with the same hand that held her  weapon. Pike  dropped  like   a sack of Burian Tubers.

  Shadow  finished  pulling  His Blade out of   the last Verian  who tried to kill him.

  Hoppy  Died   inches  from the   door , Meari  didn't see any one else to kill...  .  and  all was  quiet, save for   some  sobs  are   screams from wounded . a Few thrusts  here and then , and  the  sounds  stopped..

  SHadow  with Up to the Naragran  who had his  helmet, still webbed to  his shell.. the  Naragran  held  his  head with Both Spindle  arms, as Shadow layed  a   thankful hand on the  snout of the 'spider-gator'.

 The other , young Naragran popped   Jonnes  into  its  mouth for one last 'snack' before the two Naragrans   went back over the   wall.

 ..alright  folks... if there is  anyone still alive, but not  wounded... take them outside with us..anyone  wounded..finish off.. we are not wasting Med tech on  traitors...

    As melia    picked up   Pike, and Supe picked up the    web-wrapped  marine.. Shadow led them out  of the courtyard...

......

 When they  came  Out , there were some  surprised  Screams,  Shadow Held up a HandAll is well.. just a Minor disagreement  on whose  Football team is the best...

  ..Lucky?   Take  that pile  of  stuff over to the drinks  table.. I think every one  earned  some.. and?..maybe   Call a Med tech or two...

 More  screams   as the Nivarian who was  at the    doors   with the corporal before had his side arm  raised  at Shadow...

..I will be remembered for this!

 Shouts  Of   'what is he doing!"  sprang Up... then the  Nivarian   Jecked a Moment... a Confused  look on his faces  as the   yellow-pink  blood   oozed out of a  hole in the middle of  his chest..... a  shiny, pointed  blade    pulled  back.. and the   Nivarian  fell forward...

  Behind the   nivarian   stood  Roll with his 'sword' straight out... He looked at   Shadow  and then Spencer.....he was bad.... Mr Shadow said i could use it on someone bad...

 Sneak  ran over to   Roll    and  got  down on her knees , hugging him.. Roll looked at  Roy and Shadow with a worried, questioning   look.

Henry smiled.

"Thank you very much. It was sudden, but delightful. I doubt I have anything interesting to say to anyone who's not a xenobiologist, but yes of course I'll talk to you."

He glanced over and relaxed somewhat.

"Looks like that brawl is calming down."

He was a bit surprised a reporter wasn't paying attention to that rather than talking to him.

Realising the nature of the brawl, Mila hung back. She saw no reason to fight. She turned and trotted back towards Her Human, who was talking to a strange female.

(Flex kind of)

 Lizzy smiled at Roll and Haley and said," Yes Haley we can be re-enforcements, come Roll, Haley we will head to the door and you can back up Mr. Shadow, how does that sound Roll." Lizzy will escort the kids towards the door but will try to keep them to the side out of the way for now.

 After Roll kills the Nivarian, Lizzy was so happy she moved the kids closer, she looked at everyone and smiled and said to Roll, " Great job Roll now you can lower your sword." Lizzy was very impressed as she held Haley's hand.

 Meari pulled the trench knife out of Hoppy's dead body, she cuts a piece of his uniform off and uses it as pressure on her thigh wound. She walks out with the others and then the Nivarian tries to take out Shadow, but Roll the civilian with Haley stabbed him in the back and killed him. Meari was very impressed, she looked at Roll smiled and nodded, he would make an exceptional warrior some day.

 Meari headed for the drink table holding Hoppy's uniform against her leg as her blood was running down her leg. She got to the bar and she said," Udenese whiskey please, the good stuff."

 Sam and Howe had been dancing when the fight first started but when they returned Sam looked over as Roll killed the Nivarian. Sam said to Howe," Should we go over and see what is up, that boy just killed a Nivarian that was impressive."

In reply to Henry Christie (msg # 255):

With Henry agreeing to talk with her, Izzy was about to launch into her usual spiel when Henry pointed out that the brawl had apparently finished. She would turn to watch as the battered and bleeding Hermes crew would re-emerge, with her visibly wincing when the young boy killed the Nivarian trooper ”Tali delete any footage you have of what just happened, yes I’m sure! Traitor or not I’m not showing a kid stabbing someone!” she said to the little drone before turning back to Henry with an apologetic smile ” I’m sorry about that Shadow warned me that there would be brawl and it was just pilots blowing off steam and not to worry about it” she explained, tipping the professor a quick wink to show she knew better before continuing ”ok Dr Christie, just answer the questions at your own pace, try to ignore Tali and if at any point you wish to stop the interview just say so” she quickly explained with her waiting for Henry to acknowledge that he was ready before counting them into the interview ”three...two...one...this is Izzy Sakura live from the ball in Uden where I have been joined by Dr Christie; the Hermes’ fabled Warrior Professor, now tell me what made you want to join the Hermes? Was it your intention to have a combat role or did that come later?” she asked in a cheerful voice, genuinely curious about Henry and what had brought him here.

 Some Med tech officers were there from thier  ships.. Pike  and  the MArine who was  still wrapped in Naragran silk   were  Dumped  against the wall.  Med techs  started to work on the   wounded.

  three Udenese SEC  came  and took the  pair  away.

  Abby stared  in Horror as only Hermes  folk  came back in from the exercise   area...Blood of humans  and Verians  on them

 Roll  followed    Roy and  Shadow  , waving for Haley to come along ( and get another shake!)

 Larry's looked a bit  distressed  with  Verian Blood  on his  snout  and  head., he didn't like the smell.

 The Nivarian Captain came over.....one of my people are dead!

  Shadow   took a  deep  drink of his soda  and Nodded,..That's a fact, Sir..and if   any of your people, ever pulls  a weapon  on any of mine again.. I'll  COM the Cavet and tell her  she needs to replace  the  Nivarian Officer  corps out here..and they we'll have  you all walk back home...now?.. that   fellow there?.... get rid of the body, or  I'll have   Larry do it..

 The CAptain turned  in anger..bee-lining for  The Admiral.

  Shadow  chuckled  as he looked at Roy,well?.. I'll only need   a new pair of dress pants this  time, saved the tunic and the decorations....

Zob had a considerable amount of blood on him after he finished killing off the Verian traitors and humans, when all threats were eliminated he huffed in disappointment, "Absolutely pathetic" he then put the mace back at his side and went back inside with the rest of the group.

Once inside he was ready to draw b is weapon once again but the little Rolls had killed the traitor who was gonna try and kill Shadow, "Good job Rolls" he the. Turned to Jax he had a more serious look on his face as he said, "You must never hesitate" with that he made his way over to the drink table and got himself the biggest mug of green wine he could fine and found a quiet corner to sit down and enjoy it.

In reply to back to the party (msg # 254):

Melia retrieves her first throwing knife and then sets to Man-handling the knocked out Pike up onto her shoulder after a quick, thorough and perhaps slightly invasive check for any other weapons. It's then that she notices the spray of blood all down the front of her dress and a small scratch on high on her outer hip likely from scrambling over the wall, matched by a much larger tear in the dress that exposes skin typically covered by undergarments, but also isnt indecent. Already the scratch was rapidly healing.

When the Nivarian attempts to kill Shadow and Roll manages to help by killing the traitor first she sighs, "They always make so much noise." she laments then smiles at Roll. You did good kiddo. Your Largs couldn't have done better there. she says with a wink at the small boy.

Finding some passably empty wall space the still unconcious Pike is tossed against the wall like an errant sack of potatoes and Melia turns to start addressing the casualties. She looks over towards Meari and Shadow to start. "LC don't you go get a shake yet.  You're injured, you know Stefi will have a fit if you don't get that treated. Sgt Maj, you too. With luck I can patch you up or we can grab Hawkeye, if you're not interested in Stefi's gentle hands. Shadow if you resist I'll get Si and Beth enlisted in seeing you healthy." she says in a no-nonsense tone, fully anticipating Shadow to blow off treatment as per usual and go get a shake and a snack before being coerced back to get his injury taken care of.

She glanced at Zob sitting tight with his mug of wine wistfully, but as a medic she still had work to do.

Hawkeye sighed as she saw the group coming back in, she debated a moment before heading towards the group, <red>"alright who wants to go first?"</royalred> she says eyeballing the various injuries none of which currently appear life threatening

Haley stayed with Lizzy, not realizing Roll disappeared.  Seeing everyone covered in various bloods and wounds she turned her head a bit away "Ick!"  and making a 'just sucked a bad lemon' look.  she held Lizzy's hand as she followed, but got Lizzys attention and had her lean down to whisper to her "Miss Lizzy I need a bathroom.. All the ookie stuff is making me feel sick" she had seen blood before, but this was a bit fresh, and made her tummy queasy.

When the doors opened Nikki took notice and lifted her head of Mitches chest, immediately looking for Haley.  A startled look on her face for a moment until she saw her with Lizzy.

 Lizzy looked,at Haley and said, Of course Haley let's go to the bathroom just in case, and we can make sure you feel okay,  cant have you get your dressed covered can we. Lizzy would make her way with Haley, holding her hand. Lizzy would wave to Nikki giving Nikki a thumbs up that she has Haley and heading to the ladies room.

 Meari downed the shot and headed over towards the nearest med tech who happened to be Hawkeye. Meari says,  Trench knife kind of deep it hit the bone,  I put pressure on it, patch me up I will be fine.
Her light purple blood was filling up Hoppy's ripped uniform pretty well though.

After repeatedly stabbing the now very dead Verian, Harry wouldn't even notice that she was now covered in foul smelling gore as she leapt off of the dead Verian and went in search of another victim.

She would briefly dance with another Verian marine; leaning out of the way of the pair of clumsy swipes he'd made at her before slashing her blade across his chest in a Z shape before slamming the blade into the side of his neck, the entire thing taking place in the blink of an eye. However it was as she was wrenching the knife free of the Verian's neck that that she would hear the sound of running feet, with her turning just in time to see another Verian charging at her with what looked to be some kind of machete. With her weapon still lodged within the vocal cords of a rapidly dying Verian, Harry simply stood transfixed as the harbinger of her own death drew back it's arm ready to deliver the fatal swipe, only for him to be tackled to the ground and then dispatched by Will and Tucker. And then just like that the fight was over.

Abandoning her boot knife in the dead Verian's neck Harry would throw her arms about Will and start kissing him with a passion brought about by a combination of eternal gratitude for him saving her life yet again and the fact that violence always made her randy. With the others currently filing out of the courtyard and back into the main building it would become very clear to Will that Harry had no intention of following them and would take full advantage of the privacy their absence would give them if he didn't stop her.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:19, Mon 02 Mar 2020.

  Will  returned  the kisses... but    held her off  as he  waved to the  door. He had a  Bad   Hip and   was slightly bent over  now that the fight was   done.

 Tucker  picked up a Verian  Blade and the sheath to go with it  as  he followed   others  out the door.

Udenese  SEC, looking    through the bodies.. stacking  them and   scanning them.

 ...........

 Jax  Nodded to  Zob,..I never  saw the Gun, until it was too late... I didn't thing anyone  was using  guns  Until the LC  was  shot... I never  saw a Naragran  until  tonight!..I mean  for real?... They are pretty  neat.

..........

 Roll looked at   all the bloodied up people..Shadow  had  the  Pulse  would burn in his  shoulder and a  Slice across his ribs...does that hurt alot, Mr Shadow.. i never been shotted ..but i was stabbed sometimes...stabbing hurts too..

 yes it does , little buddy...but  if you're hurting? that means you're  still alive....all those  folks out there?  they aren't hurting at all...

   Shadow handed  Roll  his milkshake, and Looked to Melia...do the knife would first, that's where my   armor  will rub in the cockpit?... I want that ready to ngo.. the shoudler, isn't too bad.

 Stefi   came over   , her  arms  crossed  as she looked over the group..She  went  to Roy  , and  Wave a  Med Tech over with a   Kit...maybe? we're  fighting this war  all wrong... maybe... we should just have a party everywhere  we want to attack, and cut  down on troopers  dying?

  Mitch shook his head  as he watched the others,guess i missed ut again!...too bad...you know how eager i am to  get   cut up and shot up and beat up...

 Shade   was no worse  for wear.  Most like, people didn't see, or worry about him.  He  recived a shake  as well. As Dusk  came over and looked at them.

 ..... you are   all relatively well?

 ..You  need to tell Lilit , that  Verians have to be checked... there were 20 purebloods in there...all of them Udenese  officers.. there is a chance there are 1000's of Loyalists  in    the Udenese  forces.. you can't go to war like that.. you have to have them Vetted..tonight...and any you think will fight  for Uden.. you put on the front lines...just in case...

 Dusk  Looked troubled  and  took  off   for Lilit.