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.