(( Coninue  here))

 It took a  good  20 Minutes to get everyone accounted  for.  Larry and  Gregor  Flanked  the   horde  as Mila was Up front  with henry and Val

 The Big Ugly sat down on the coast road,  SEC troopers from the  aircraft  stopped out  to  signal hover  cares  to Go around, or   , well over"  the  craft.

 Not  far  away, a Herems  Assault shuttle  Landed  with  a Bunch of largs   piling  out  as well more troop sec  Troopers.

 By the Time  the Horde from the hotel arrived,  they saw the 200 some kids,, all dressed in beachwear with thier own towels  and  hats, , some med techs  from the fleet volunteered to hlp watch over the group  as well.. it was plain to see some of the kids  were still limping around , from thier  treatment at the hands of the slavers, But no one of them  wasn't smiling... standing on the Grass, casting glances towards the  water, the  kids  eagerly awaited the word to go...  Shadow  Leaped up on the nose of the Big Ugly scrambling like a Naragran until he reached the top.. some ooohhhhs from the kids  as  they watched Him.. they linked  his com to the  BU's  PA horns...

 Hello!... I am  LC Kray Shadow.. you all can just call me LC!..i will call out names  of people and they will raise thier  hands.. you all have to know these people, and listen to them, or?  we'll have to take you back to the ship  , for your own safety!...

 Kids started to Listen

 Admiral Hack..Admiral  Hennings, Captain Si, SM Spencer..Ambassador Shade.. Master Chief  Mullins...LT  Murrow...Doc Henry Chief Med tech  Stefi..,,if something goes  wrong..or you need help..you come see us.... if you can see any of us..just go to the nearest Adult  on the beach..they are all 'our people' even if they might be from another ship

 Now?  Rules.... there were groans from the kids.

 NO!!!.. You need Rules...Rules will keep you safe, and help you to have  fun?.. You will all be here..all day, until around 9:00PM, then everyone  goes back to where they came from..and  ...you'll all do it again tomorrow!

 Cheers.....

 Now? look up and down the  Beach.. You will see   Red Lights on temporary Fences... no kids  can go past that...why?.. because  we have  a little over a Mile of the ebach to oursleves.. we don't need to hog  anymore!..and?..if some one comes in side that fence, that wasn't invited.. we can deal with them...

  The Largs.... they are friendly to us...not so much to bad guys... if some one  comes to try to give you trouble, and you can't  find an adult.. you run towards the nearest Larg...or?  Mila.. she may look  cuddlier then the Largs..but  bad guys  are afraid of her too!

 all of you sued to belong to Packs...and?  I understand  that... I grew up in a palce  were there  were street punks and Gangs  and  Bad guys with weapons.... but right now?.. Your Pack is   everyone you see here.. You are part of the 'ESN' pack... and , When Commadore  McKeon takes you to Bura.. you will be  on  the greenest, bluest planet you have ever seen, and you will belong to the Bura Pack!  And..still, be a Member of the ESN pack!...

 Now... when I say go.. you may all run  down to the beach... put you towels  and hats  and  stuff somewhere , where you can find it.. don't  go past the Blue  bobbers in the water...There  are stalls  set up with  food  and drinks.... you can have food or drinks..whenever you want...but here is the  Big Rules.... 1...you can take what you want..but eat what you take..... rule two..put the garbage in the Bins...and  three?.. not one of you..NONE!... go digging in the bins... those  days  are over.. you get real food, that you pick out

 he smiled  as the Kids  Grinned....GO!

 the Kids     cheered  and  ran towards the   beach  spreading towels  and hats   and shoes in a pile to come back to later..

 Hack Laughed..... That invasion would put the Drop ship troopers to shame!

 Shadow slid  down the  Bow of the Big Ugly  gettign his towel and thigns from Shade.. ..Can was  walkign slow...

  hey?.. what's  wrong Little Buddy?

..no one really wants to  play with me...I was 'serted  by my pack...

     Shadow looked over  at Roll... Roll came over....Roll was a Bit   shy too..but now he has  all kinds of buddies.... and?.. lets get you caught up to the Others...
 Shadow  dropped his stuff, Picked  Can  up  and  Held him high  in the air   and sprinted to the beach.. Can  squealed and  Started to Giggle   as they reached   the wave of Kids ..

   when they reached the beach  , Shadow didn't stop until they were a yard or so from the water.. he  put the giggling   Can   down and  some of the kids from the  BU  came over  and started to talk  with him.. Shadow fuzzed his ehad  and Can smiled  as he began to talk with the  other kids.. some of the older kids  were splashing in the water..other  kids  were  digging in the sand.. Music  started to play , from a certain Vid-J  who just got his stuff back from SEC..

 Shade  gave   Shadow a thumbs  up and handed him his stuff.. all the adults  , more or less  clustered  around  the Middle ... some  folks on leave  went to the far end to relax, and  let the kids  have the secyion of  beach they claimed,

 largs    dove into the   water  , swimming like  green-blue  torpedoes ..

 Thor  and  Tess  sat near the  edge of the water, Thor  getting   knocked  down as  waves hit  from passing boats  and the 'wave machine' the seas used to  keep a 'current' moving along with the  endless  cycling of water through the station's systems.

 Disna  and Puskie  sat in the sat  Near  Tess to help  keep watch on Thor. thier Godlen skins getting   darker   as the sun hit them

Nikki waited for the other ladies for their 'spa day'.  Nikki so wanted a pedicure.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:02, Sun 11 Oct 2020.

She smiled between bites as Arnie said that his arm was stiff. “Good. Mine was pretty stiff this morning when I got up but now? I…am probably sore now but couldn’t tell you…had to use some of that lime green shit because…you know…spa day…I should probably find Stefi as well before we head out.” When she finished eating, she leaned over and gave Arnie a kiss on the cheek, before busing her dishes and Arnie’s if he is done. With that taken care of, she headed back to him and sat beside him when she received Lizzy’s COM and sighed. “I kind of want to get out of this…but I won’t. Need to make more friends and all that fun stuff…” she chuckled as Arnie stood up. Wrapping her arms around him, she gave him a deep, lingering kiss. “See you at the beach…”

Managing to pull herself from Arnie, Billie went off to find Stefi really quick to check out her graze wound before going to wherever the other girls were.

Roy stepped forward when Shadow called out his name, with a wink at the kids he'd been chatting with during breakfast.  He let them charge down the beach, taking a more leisurely approach (and casting a critical eye around the area, looking for positions he'd occupy were he a sniper assigned a target at the beach, and looking for anything that might indicate someone was in those positions.

He did, of course, see some other sights as he surveyed the landscape...and while he could appreciate the 'finer points' of the female troopers and pilots he served with, Dusk definitely caught his eye.  He made his way over, with a saucy grin on his face.  "Oh, your dad must have absolutely LOVED this," he said, with a nod to her.  His tone conveyed that he was quite certain that quite the opposite was true.

 Meari smiled at Lilit and replied, " Thank you Granmod it is perfect, cousin yes you are a Captain but Grandmod Lilit worries about all of her Greandmods except me I have never been with a man cant find one to beat me in hand to hand yet." Meari smiles at her cousin, and gives her a little wink, when Lilt can not see her do it.

 Meari smiles and says," Shall we catch up to everyone else and join them on the beach." Meari then used a beach robe and carried a beach bag, with a towel, her side arm, combat knife, and some bottled water.

----->>>> To Beach Thread

 Sam smiled and replied," You are very welcome, others helped me deal with my many scars, I can certainly help you my friend." Sam smiled as they released the hug and she saw Izzy try to hide her face as Harry walks up to them.

 Sam smiled and replied," Hello Harry nice to see you again, so glad you could join us we all need a day of relaxing and pampering." Sam gave her a sweet innocent smile and then turned to Lizzy and Izzy," So how many are coming?"

 Lizzy sat close to Lizzy noticing her fiddling with her hair, and the big hug with Sam. She was so happy Izzy had Sam as a friend. Lizzy smiled at Izzy and held her hand tight.

 Lizzy got the comm message from Gia that she wouldnt be attending. Then Harry walked and said hi, Lizzy smiled and replied," Hi Harry, yes I am looking forward to this, and yes so glad you are joining us."

 Then Sam asked how many where coming, Lizzy replied," Well us 4, I saw Nikki she should be coming, Billie is over with Arnie she should be coming, Gia said she couldnt, haven't heard from Melia or umm Sarah. So 6 possibly 8 coming Sam."

"Me too, a bit of pampering would be nice, though at the moment I'd settle for a fully working hip...getting shot seriously sucks" Harry said returning Lizzy and Sam's greetings, With Izzy meanwhile seemingly more intent on hiding behind Lizzy. Not that she was overly worried, she had nothing against the girl but they weren't exactly friends either.

Already aware of the fact that Gia wasn't joining them, Harry would listen to the other names mentioned, happy to hear that that Nikki, Billie and Melia were able to join them with her hoping that whoever this Sarah chick was that she'd be fun to hang out with "Alright, well lets get this show on the road then" she said before turning to face the main part of the room  as she placed her fingers in her mouth in order to produce a piercing whistle so as to draw the attentions of Billie and Nikki whom she'd seen earlier "Hey Nikki! Billie Girl! Let's get this show on the road!" she called with a grin clearly eager to get things started. She was a little uncertain where the other two were but figured they could always comm them the address and meet them there if needs be "So Liz have we got a cab booked? Or is one of us driving?"

"Ah...hey Fly-girls" she smiled and waved at them approaching "So glad that waste of effort CE-VA ain't here.   Happy she got to wear my tea though" Letting in the secret that it was on purpose.  She saw Harry limping "Maybe a heavy massage on it could help" she suggested.  She knew she could use one along with the pedicure.

”You threw your tea over her?” Izzy asked Nikki in a quiet voice with a hint of a smile appearing on her face at the thought of little miss perfect walking around with a tea stain on her shirt. She’d never really liked the Angel reporter or how everyone had taken to her almost as quickly as they had turned against her well she’s welcome to it as far as I care” she silently added as she held Lizzy’s hand, with her other hand continuing to play with her hair in an obsessive manner. Looking up at Lizzy with an anxious look she would softly ask ”should I call a cab tor us?” with it clear that she was seeking her girlfriend’s permission to do so.

Stefi   looked at Billie's  arm.well//its ok... should  had the plast reset when you came in... you're going to have a bit of a burn scar. Its  hard,  to  seal burns...

"Yeah...I know I should have. Arnie said the same thing. It slipped my mind mainly because I can't really feel it so yeah...sorry. Scars don't bother me though." She gave Stefi a sheepish smile, glad that she didn't get in trouble too much. Once Stefi was done, Billie headed over to where the girls were assembling. "Hey Ladies. Sorry had to see Stefi really quick..."

”That’s the best way to see Stefi, Billie girl I find long visits tend to get painful” Harry replied as Billie came to join them mere minutes after Nikki came to join them with the suggestion of a deep massage for her hip ”yeah that might not be a bad idea, that and I could do with some work to make me half way pretty for tonight” she said pulling a face at the thought of having to attend the ball tonight.

"Oh I was worried that she was going to get on me for not seeing her last night for this," she pointed to her grazed shoulder and mild burns. "She said they would leave a scar but that doesn't bother me. What happened to you?"

”Some bastard put a pair of holes in me” Harry replied to Billies question, smiling as she unbuckled her belt and pulled her jeans down just far enough to show off the still healing bullet wound in her hip, seemingly unworried that her knickers were also on display ”Hard ammo, Stefi’s had to go fishing for the bullet for this one, the other one was through and through” she explained before pulling her jeans back up and re-buckling her belt as she scanned the room for any sign of Melia and this Sarah chick.

"Ow..." Billie said as she looked, not the least bit bothered by what was revealed. "Arnie got wounded too." She reached up and pulled her hair back into a ponytail, using the hairtie that was around her wrist. "I suppose while we are out, I should get a suit too..."

"Yeah...I know, that entire OP was a disaster from start to finish" Harry replied in a guilty voice, with the fact that Arnie had been hurt only reinforcing last night's decision to call it a day on the whole wet works thing before she made things any worse.

Hearing Billie's final comment about a suit Harry would quirk an eyebrow at the other pilot before replying "Why do you want a suit? You do realise Captain Si is giving out Angel silk dresses later today right? and even I look pretty good in one of those"

"Yeah he said it was very...unmanned." It didn't bother Billie that Arnie was hurt on Harry's watch. While the idea of him getting really hurt or dying was always there, ultimately, he made his own choices. Billie laughed at Harry's question. "Swim suit...for the beach. Don't have one though I am looking for something particular to contain the girls...two piece and kind of...sporty. My parents would kill me." She mused.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:27, Sun 11 Oct 2020.

"You should see my bathing suit....very one of a kind" She winked at Harry and the others about it.  she smiled brightly.

In reply to Isobel Sakura (msg # 11):

 Lizzy smiled when Nikki came over and told her about what she did to Ce-Va and she really liked it. Everyone was showing up, she held Izzy's hand telling Izzy she was with her. Then she asked if she should call a cab after Harry had asked if they had a ride figured out yet.

 Lizzy said," Yeah we are ready, yes Izzy could you call a cab for us and send Sarah and Melia the address so they can meet us there." She smiles at Izzy and gives her a kiss on her good cheek.

 Then she looks at everyone," Ok ladies Izzy is calling us a cab shall we head down and get ready to get pampered, Oh does everyone Know Sam Izzy's friend, she is amazing and so damn smart."

 Sam smiled at Harry when she came over and said hi, Sam nodded at her and when Lizzy introduced her she smiled and said," Yes I am Sam communications Officer for the Burian Fleet nice to meet all of you." Sam looked at Izzy with her fussing with her face as she was about to call them a cab. Sam went to Izzy and whispered to her," Izzy my friend, you need to embrace your scars, you are alive and have people who care for you and love you, you dont have to hide your wound show it off, be proud you survived." Sam gives her a quick hug and then waits for everyone to get going.

Harry would wince a bit upon hearing Arnie's opinion of the OP but listening as Billie elaborated that it was a swim suit she was after along with the fact that she was after one that would upset her parents. Chuckling in response to that Harry would give a wry shake of her head before responding "Well seeing as I once went out wearing only a pair of Daisy Duke's and four strips of electrical tape I think my parents would say that my one piece was rather reserved" she said with a wicked grin before turning to smile at Nikki as she recalled what Nikki had been wearing on the beach that time "...and yes I've certainly seen your bathing suit Nikki, I just wish I had the figure to pull it off"

Izzy would return her friends hug, however as much as she appreciated the advice and knew that she was right and should just accept them, she was having a hard time doing so. After all when all was said and done Sam could wear a long sleeved blouse whenever she wanted to keep her scars away from prying eyes, unlike the ones currently adorning Izzy's face and neck. Despite this she would make an effort to stop playing with her hair as she put a call through to the cab company followed by another to Melia and Sarah telling them when and where the cab would be picking them all up and the Spa's address if they weren't able to make the pick up "Ok the cab's arriving at the front entrance in around five minutes" Izzy said in a nervous voice to the assembled ladies as she tried her best not to play with her hair.

As soon as Lizzy was ready to go she would head downstairs with her to where the condo's main entrance was, holding her hand as they stood and waited for the cab and / or the rest of their party to arrive.
This message was last updated by the player at 18:36, Mon 12 Oct 2020.

 Lizzy watched as Sam hugged her and whispered something into Izzy's ear, if anyone could help Izzy deal with her scars Sam and Melia where top on her list, because of what they both went through and survived. She had the utmost respect for both Melia and Sam for getting through very tough times and Sam was so young.

 Lizzy held Izzy's hand as she said the cab would be downstairs in 5 minutes, Lizzy then said to the group of ladies," Hi everyone, today rank and position our not involved we are all ladies going to get some much needed pampering done and it will help us look great for the Ball, now I know I am getting a pedicure for sure. Ok lets head down hopefully Sarah and Melia will meet us either at the cab or at the Spa, ok Ladies we are on a time schedule we have to be at Captain Si's Condo at 1 for Ball dressing, lets go have fun and bond ladies shall we." Lizzy smiled at everyone held Izzy close and lead the group of interesting Ladies to where they where going to meet the cab.

 Sam smiled and knew Izzy heard her but it hadnt set in yet, Sam would have to keep it up it will be a long road back especially if the surgery goes bad, but Sam did not care, her scars held her back for years. Sam did realize one thing scars on the face you can not hide.

 Sam listened to Lizzy and got a little fired up and excited about the Spa day now, she needed it. There was one other she thought needed even more, she had been pushing herself a lot lately and that was Sarah. Sam really hoped she could make it. She was about to comm Sarah when Lizzy said they where informed where to go. Sam smiled and followed everyone downstairs to catch the cab to the Spa.

She grinned over at Harry "Hey...I work with what I got.  Most of my clothes growing up were my big sister Sherry's hand-me-downs...Sometimes Marshalls.  Still it got Mitch to turn his head"  She looked over at Billie "I cut up a pair of jeans into country girl bikini bottoms and a t-shirt  into a bikini top.  Used excess fabric to make a bathing suit for Haley.  She is growing like a weed now and out grew that already so bought her a real suit this time" She followed the other girls to the cab.

Billie laughed. "I think I was really little the last time I was at a beach...as I got older...the stricter my parents became. I always had to cover up, especially when these developed," she pointed to her ample bosom clad in her bra and tanktop. "They would flip if they heard I was dating and...yeah..." she broke into a grin as she walked with the rest of the girls.

”Well luckily for you they’re not here Billie Girl, I am, and I’m a bad influence” Harry said with a wicked gleam in her eyes as she started walking towards the front entrance to meet the taxi ”...stick with us Billie, and between us we’ll find you a bikini the size of a pair of hankies held together with string” she said in a gleeful voice, more than happy to help her friend find something saucy to wear.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:48, Tue 13 Oct 2020.

Standing outside the condo’s main entrance, Izzy would gently rest her head against Lizzy’s shoulder as she listened to three of the girls discussing bikinis, feeling just a little too shy to try and join in at the moment. That and she was rather comfortable where she was at the moment finding Lizzy’s company to be soothing after spending so long terrified out of her mind that the beautiful redhead would want nothing to do with her now that her face was marred with hideous scars. Interlacing her fingers with Lizzy’s she would take a moment to admire the matching bracelets on their wrists with a tiny smile coming to her face.

Within a few minutes of them all arriving downstairs the minibus Izzy had hired would make an appearance, and once Izzy had confirmed that they were the “Sakura party” they would get in the back, with Izzy taking one last look to make sure neither Melia or Sarah were coming before asking the driver to take them to the spa.

After a relatively short drive through the early morning traffic, throughout which Izzy would sit beside Lizzy and look out the window at the passing scenery, they would pull up in front of a broad gravel drive lined with fir trees that lead up to large, glass fronted timber building that looked reminiscent of a log cabin and would no doubt offer excellent views of the mountain from certain angles. Upon entering via a set of large French doors the attractive half-Angel woman manning the front desk would offer them a dazzling smile before speaking to them in a vaguely Scandinavian accent ”Hi there, you must be the Sakura party, I can spot fleet ladies a mile off, if you’d like to follow me I will show you ladies to the changing rooms”

 Lizzy giggled at Harry's description of a bathing suit, Lizzy replied, " Hey I have a suit that fits that description, three pieces of tiny cloth and string. Hey if I could swim naked I would, I bet everyone would hate to see that." Lizzy giggles, she does not stop holding Izzy's hand, she liked the fact Izzy leaned on her shoulder as they waited. Lizzy knew Izzy thought she would leave her because of the scars on her face, yes Lizzy thought Izzy was beautiful, and to her she still is no matter how her wound heals. Plus Lizzy loves all of Izzy not just her beautiful face, and especially her heart. Lizzy saw Izzy look at their matching bracelets and she makes sure they touch and make a little metal to metal sound.

 When the minibus Izzy ordered showed she said," Ok ladies lets go shall we, it is pampering time." Lizzy was her bubbly self today, she was happy Izzy was ok, maybe her and Harry might be able to patch things up, and she was really looking forward to being pampered. Lizzy looked for Melia and Sarah, and when she didnt see them, she got into the back sitting between Izzy and Harry.

 Lizzy smiled as they rode towards the Spa, it was a quick trip and then they went inside, Lizzy smiled at Harry as she got out of the Minibus and walked with Izzy holding her hand as they went into the amazing looking Spa. Once inside Lizzy looked around and it was amazing, she saw the half angel woman at the desk.

 Lizzy replies," Thank you yes we are, that would be great, thank you." Lizzy would look at the menu of services and the prices, she looked for a package deal that everyone might like, it had to have a pedicure in the package though. Lizzy followed the woman as she walked with Izzy.

 Sam went downstairs and waited for the minibus with everyone, once it appeared she got in and sat across from Izzy. Sam smiled and replied to the swim suit discussion, " Umm I have a very conservative one piece, but now I dont mind showing my back maybe I will get a skimpy bikini, do you ladies think I will look good in one?"

 They all got in she looked for Sarah and hoped she could make it, Sam really knew she needed to relax and unwind it had been a rough few weeks. She sat quietly as they headed to the Spa.

 Once they got there Sam got out and followed everyone in, it was beautiful and amazing.Sam walked in as saw the woman at the counter, and she was going to show them where to change. Sam looked at the price board and replied," Hey everyone they have a works special,  manicure..Pedicure..massage..use of  steam bath... 'wax jobs" and facials ..300 credits a piece, why dont we all just get that Ladies, any objections?"

 Sam walked up to the woman and said," How long will the works take we have to all get ready for the ball at 1 pm at the condo we are staying at ma'am." Once she gets an answer from the woman she will wait to see if everyone wants the works.

"Works for me.   So long as there is no 'herbal branch' therapy." she smiled.  The decor seemed subdued and calming.

She laughed. "No nothing super skimpy...I'd like it to be a little more athletic yet still sexy I suppose." To her, big boobs were overrated. Finding cute bras were damn near impossible let alone one that gives proper support...

"The works? I mean...sure...sounds great," Billie smiled. A waxing? Good thing she couldn't feel anything...

One of the helpers pointed to some of  the  rooms,I understand the 'fitting' is at One  o'clock  and the Ball is a few hours later... we should have you Ladies out  By 12:30  or  so.

(Gonna do a blanket post here for all three)

Melia, Sarah, and Hawkeye all joined the ladies at the Spa luxuriating in the treatments.

"sounds good to me...we can even get a small snack too"  Sometimes she felt like she had a tape worm with her appetite.  She looked over their 'menu of services'  "Apricot and tea tree oil extract scrub with Burian Kava herbal wrap.  sounds interesting"
This message was last edited by the player at 02:51, Wed 14 Oct 2020.

”Lizzy love, I’d be shocked if you didn’t own the world’s tiniest bikini” Harry replied with a laugh, recalling the pretty redhead’s penchant for racy clothing that Izzy no doubt enjoyed seeing as much as she had ”...and for the record I’m totally fine with you swimming naked, and can’t see little Izzy objecting either” she then added mischievous smile, giving Izzy a saucy wink as she does so. It was then that Sam enquired as to whether she would look good in a skimpy bathing suit "Hmm perhaps not as skimpy as what Lizzy prefers, but I think you would look very nice in a bikini" Harry replied with a smile thinking not for the first time that the tiny blonde communications officer was more than a little cute and that she wouldn't object to seeing more of her petite figure if given the opportunity.

Upon their arrival at the spa, Harry would take a moment to admire the décor listening as Sam suggested a treatment package that the pretty half-Angel confirming that they would be ready for their dress fitting back at the condo ”Sure that sounds good to me” she replied with a shrug that betrayed the fact that she wasn’t one hundred percent sure what it was she was agreeing to, though she would look just a little nervous when waxing was mentioned. With a treatment plan agreed she would follow the other women into the changing rooms in order to get ready.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:00, Wed 14 Oct 2020.

"Good thing I can't really feel anything," Billie snickered as she headed towards the changing rooms with the other ladies to get ready.

  One of the   Spa Techs  knocked on the  door  and entered, ....Just lock yout thinks up  in the  lockers  and  scn your wrist, the locker  won't  open unless you wrist is scanned  again, or we  Call EverSec...There is  a  room with connected  Steam  on the  east  side and  connected hot  tub on the west... we have the  Tables and chairs   set up waiting for you..Blue  door.. right  to the  north, on the  west wall.

 Lizzy smiled and said," Oh yes that sounds great Sam, I would love that." Lizzy walks tot he changing rooms and she sees Sarah and Melia with Price. She was so happy to see Melia. Lizzy then walked with Izzy t o the changing area and got undressed and stored her clothes in the locker.

 Lizzy smiled as the woman spoke of the steam and hot tub both of those sounded so good right now. Lizzy wrapped a towel around herself loosely and headed for where they where suppose to go.

”yeah...I’d be fine with that” Izzy quietly replied with an embarrassed flush to Harry’s comment about Lizzy swimming naked, with her having also seen her girlfriend’s string bikini in the drawer if not on Lizzy herself ”I don’t think I actually own anything racy...I guess I’m just a little boring” she quietly added with a bit of a frown, though up until recently she hadn’t seen much call for any clothes like that.

With her hair covering the side of her face, which she would often turn away should anyone look at her, Izzy would listen as Sam suggested The Works package which the other women were more than happy to go with ”sounds good to me, though I might see if someone could look at my hair it’s a little...um...scorched” Izzy said as she followed the others into the changing area. She would listen as the doors were pointed out to her before stepping behind one of the partitions and stripping down to her underwear before pulling on a fluffy white dressing gown and slippers, with her casting sidelong glances at Lizzy as she did likewise. Once they were both ready Izzy would shyly look up at Lizzy before quietly asking ”shall we go and get our nails done first?”

 Sam smiled as everyone said they wanted the works package, she told the people they all wanted the works package and added Sarah, Melia and Hawkeye to the list making it 9 ladies. Sam went to the Lady and said quietly." I will pay for all them please  swipe now and just tell them it is paid for ,thank you."

 Sam then saw Sarah show up, she smiled and said," So glad you could make it Sarah, I know you need some relaxing time." Sam was going to make an effort to treat Sarah like any other lady today.  Sam then went and got changed and everyone got to see the full look of her horrible back scars, some looked so painful.  Sam then covered up and followed the others. She said to Izzy, " Yes we can ask if someone can look at your hair Izzy." Sam smiled at her and added," Your not boring just had no reason until now right Izzy." Sam was trying her best to bring her friend's spirits up.

In reply to Nicole Rutledge (msg # 37):

Melia had brought a not really skimpy bikini for wear, she was a bit nervous about the other ladies seeing her belly and other scars, there were some women who had stretch marks and the like her scars looked like rips and claw and bite marks. Despite her scars being widely on display she still tightly ties up her robe up tightly, though she notices Sam's scars again.

With her stuff locked up Melia asks "everyone ready?" Holding her robe across her belly so it's hidden.

In reply to Nicole Rutledge (msg # 37):

Sarah had opted for a more traditional one piece athletic swimsuit she wasn't a spa girl typically, but figured she could make it work.

Changing quickly Sarah prepared to join the others wrapping herself in a robe, "Yes it's nice to get away for a bit." She says regretting looking at herself in the mirror, and falling into the trap of comparing her body to the other women. The only other woman in the changing room she came close to in breast size was Harry, and even then she was a good head and shoulders over the smaller pilot. Add to that Sarah had what was generously called a swimmers build, slightly broader shoulders than the other women towering over most of them.

Safely tucked into the cocoon of the robe she nods to Izzy noting the fresh scars and wounds, and then winks in a conspiratorial or even sympathetic manner which from Sarah looks unnatural with her cheek muscles lagging a visible bit behind the rest of her face and her left eye looks.... almost right... but off.

In reply to Nicole Rutledge (msg # 37):

Hawkeye was sipping on a refreshing spritzer, "So we skinny dipping then? I'm in sounds like a good time!" She'd brought a decent enough bikini but she was also down for whatever. With her strings tied up robe on but open she was ready to roll.

Billie wasn't one to compare herself to the others, instead she found a lot of pride in her body having worked hard to get it nicely toned like it was but also generously blessed in the chest region as well. Scars didn't bother her but she noted that it seemed to bother others. With a shrug, she slipped her robe on and tied it off but the top was a little loose, revealing a little but not too much. "I'm ready..." Billie smiled.

"Any time to relax... I'll take it" Nikki said as she came out in the robe and slippers. 
she walked over to the table with the essential oils and scents.  picking one up she sniffed it "Oooo....that one is nice 'Ylang Ylang and midnight blue orchid....sexy" she smiled putting it back.

 Lizzy smiled at Izzy and said," Yes that sounds great, lets get our nails done first, then we have to do the pedicure I am in dire need of one." Lizzy took Izzy's hand and went to the stations they had set up for nails.

  Techs   had the tables set up. It was apparent it was 'all hands on dec' for the Spa  , witht eh Ball comign up, and  fleet  women looking for   a way to fill more   like a lady, and less like a weapon.

  Stations  were set up. There were men  and  women   ready to handle the massages . teas , Coffee  and several wines  were  available  as well as  fruit  , some  'human' looking, some  from Bura, Aqra  and some recent imports from Calimate  and Uden

 Some  screens  showed   dramas.. some had  sports talk shows on, and some had news, that showed a very Happy looking CE-VA interviewing  .VERY  happy Stem kids   and  showing Cam footage  of folks dancing and  eating..now and  they the blur of a Larg  would   zip past  as she   scanned the water  or looked up the Beach.

 The Fleet  is  relaxing  and  as we can see between   football, Volleyball and dancing, as  well as swimming antics..the  fleet plays   as hard  as it fights... They day was marred by Streeters attacking some of the  younger  Fleet Members, we have heard thier bodies  have been shipped off to EverSEC  Morgue... Stay tuned to the APF  network  for updates  at The Ball.

  An 'older' woman came in, she  was smilign brightly as she gave a clap or two of her hands  for attention..Welcome to 'Everlasting", the premier  spa  of the Uppers, and , indeed the whole station... One  of your Number  has  paid   for 'the works" for the group.... Now?... If there are things you  do not like , by all means you can  wave it off....but it would be  a shame, since it has been paid for... if there is anything special you would like, Just  ask any tech...and  please?  if you enjoy yourselves, Mention us to your friends!

--------> From Beaches

It took a bit via traffic etc but Zob arrived in the shopping district of the lowers he found a good spot to park the bike before heading off to find a tobacco shop and a gun store if there was one, 'May as well see what interesting stuff they are selling its gonna be a while before we get a chance to restock' He wasn't expecting trouble but he was armed just in case as was fleet shore leave protocol.

"It all sounds good...tub soak first please for me.  can't really remember the last time I soaked in a gentle jetted tub with soft sexy scented bubbles. and all" she began to disrobe (but keep the robe near by) and slip in.  "Kinda makes you feel like your in a giant clothes washer" She managed to find her a perfect spot to sit and relax with the bubbles.  She swayed slightly as it would begin to work magic
As scenes from the beach showed up she caught CE-VA "Dang....she had to change clothes.  Wonder how clumsy the drink to night will make me" she tsked at the woman trying to look perfect on the screen.  She did catch Haley and Roll building a sand castle with Tess and Thor near them.

After entering the comfortable looking changing rooms Harry would start pulling off her clothes to reveal physique that although lacking the curves of most of the other women, with even tiny little Izzy sporting a larger bust than her!? was made up of toned muscles that were seemingly only improved by the handful of scars and the sleeve of gang Tatts she sported. Despite this she would try not to look at the other women and run the risk of comparing them to herself knowing that that way her only lead to madness, though she was relieved to see that Sarah had a similar athletic build as her own, albeit one that towered over the other women.

With Nikki heading for the hot tubs first Harry would decide to join her, with the last time she’d had a good soak being Bura ”Sounds good to me, kind of reminds me of our stay on Bura...just without the friskiness” she said with a grin as she slipped off her robe and quickly climbed in with a slight flush to her cheeks. Looking up at the vid screen in time to see Ce-Va, Harry would offer the screen a disgusted look before adding to Nikki’s statement ”she reminds me why I fucking hate reporters, here’s hoping she has enough sense to stay away from me” she said before settling back and allowing the water to do it’s magic.

She would offer Sam an appreciative smile as she said that getting someone to look at her hair wouldn't be a problem as she took Lizzy's hand and started heading over to where the stations were set up, hoping that a set of pretty nails would help cheer her up a little.

It was as they were on their way there that she would see Sarah giving her a bit of a smile and a wink in a way that said she understood what she was going through having sustained very similar injuries herself from what the med tech had told her "Would you like to join us? we're getting our nails done" Izzy softly asked Sarah, partly because she wanted to talk to her about what she was going through and what to expect when they sent her off for further treatment, and partly because she looked a little lost compared to the other women with Izzy guessing that she didn't do this kind of thing very often.

Moving over to one of the stations, Izzy would take a seat so that she could get a manicure and pedicure from one of the technician's, with her wondering what colour she should get them painted, not wanting them to clash with her dress when it can time for the ball.

"She wanted to interview me just after I took down that one gal leader ...what's her name? Oh yeah...Evert.  She never followed up." she shrugged as she warm bath felt good on her skin.  whisps of scented steam wafting up.  "At least Izzy is trying to fit in and is beginning to understand why and how we do things.  Ce-Va just wants to make a splash and hopes her good looks will get her an 'anchor' job.  Izzy wants to truly get information out" she looked to Harry "Looks like your bruises are going away as is mine" she pointed to her eye.

 Sam smiled at Izzy and hoped she would have a good time and this would cheer her up as well. Sam then followed Nikki and Harry to the hot tubs, she smiled at them both and dropped her robe and slid into the hot water. They both could see her scars easily but she was not trying to hide them anymore.

 She looks at Nikki and Harry as she slides into the hot tub and says," Hello I am Sam , nice to meet you again Harry, and you are Nikki Lizzy's wing woman I believe. Pleasure to officially meet you Nikki." She smiled at them both not even worried she wasnt wearing any clothes under her robe.

   Zob finds a  Tobacco store near the    far end of the beach, about a block  from the  last house  at the west end of the Beach.. there are still  Eversec   cars  parked there as  SEC   are getting bodies of the ebach and some areas of the rgass.

  walking into the   store ' Ember's Glow'..  two windows  face the beach the  west wall is lined with piprs, hookas, and   various alien  pipes, tubes  and cans with hoses.

 the  east wall   has Tins of scores of   tobacco, herbs  and oils..

 the back of the shop has    glass cases with  very facy pipes  and  'special' herbs  and leaves. a Nivarian  female   is behind the counter.

"Yep...that's me" she said in her southern accent "The fury to her fire" she gave a laugh "Nice to meet ya.  Yeah, I think I have seen ya about now and then.  Usually I got a munchkin or two hanging about me.  I think they will be at the ball tonight too."

 Lizzy walked with Izzy towards the nail stations they had set up. See watched as the ladies scattered going to different things so they could take care of all 9 of them at once. When Izzy invited Sarah to join them in getting their nails done she smiled and said," Yes Sarah please join us, time for a much needed mani-pedi."

 Lizzy smiled and took a seat looking at the colors to see which one she wanted, smiling at Izzy the whole time.

In reply to Nicole Rutledge (msg # 58):

 Sam smiled at Nikki and replied,"  Yes Izzy told me about you two being Fire and Fury I like that alot.  Ahh yes you are the Gaurdian of Haley I have heard so much about, Lizzy loves Haley so much you can tell, she loves all kids I think."

 Sam smiled at Harry checking out her tattoos, Sam did not try and hide her scars she displayed them with pride. Sam was a petite woman and her chest was no where as big as some of the other ladies but she thought she was proportional. She kept herself fit but she was not a pilot or ground pounder she was a comms officer, she didnt get to many workouts on the job except mental ones of course. She smiled and thought to herself she should work out more and get mores toned.

"Yeah she tried asking me about that Time Brivet was dumb enough to jump in front of the enemies guns of all things, I told her no comment and she seemed to get the hint...and yeah my bruises are healing up nicely, thanks for asking" Harry replied with a friendly smile as Nikki bad mouthed the reporter currently smiling on the screen above them, with her then going on to compare her to Izzy. Truth be told other than a solitary interview she hadn't had much to do with the young reporter though even she seemed to have gained a bit of a bad reputation amongst the rest of the crew "Hmm maybe, Nikki is it me or does Izzy seem very shy for a reporter? I mean she's barely said anything since getting here and that's including to her girl" Harry asked curious to see if she was the only one to notice this. Admittedly she was sporting some rather nasty scars but even before then she hadn't exactly been very out going.

As Sam stepped into the tub to join them, Harry would offer the petite blonde a smile as she introduced herself, with Harry taking the opportunity to admire the girl's figure, scars and all, as she stepped into the water "Likewise" Harry said as she watched the other woman admiring her ink "One day I'm going to get around to sorting out the blacked out sections, unfortunately tracking down a good tattoo artist in two days is rather tricky" Harry said lifting her arm out of the water and twisting it so that Sam could get the full effect before letting it drop beneath the surface once again "So, how do you and little Izzy know each other then?"
This message was last edited by the player at 18:05, Fri 16 Oct 2020.

"Seems to me being quiet as a reporter can be a good thing.  Means you are listening to what is being said, mot twisting them to what you think people want to hear.  And I think she is a bit 'self-conscious' with the face wounds.  I know I was skittish and hid my scars for a while.  Least til I became comfortable with them." she reached over and traces one of the longer ones  on her forearm with her opposite hand.  "In time most of it will fade to a bad memory.  She is alive, and that is a good thing.  One thing I learned about having scars and tattoos is that they help us become who we are.  They give us character and strength of our own well being" she looked up the ladies in the water with her and any others (including Izzy) in ear shot, a light smile on her lips.  Looking at Harry a moment she laughed "If I get a tattoo....I want one right here.." she pointed to where her heart was closest to her sternum "...and I want it to say 'try CPR one more time'" she laughed again.

 Sam smiled at Harry, and she looked at her arm when she lifted it out, Sam replied," Blacked out sections, I assume you didnt want those anymore. Someone told me once I should try tattoos to cover my scars, maybe my wrists but the back is a lost cause it is all scar tissue dont think anyone can tattoo over that." She smiles and enjoys the hot water over her tired muscles, she didnt know how many hours straight she did duty on the bridge but this was very welcomed.

 When Harry asked how Izzy and Sam knew each she smiled and replied," We met on Bura when I accepted the job as Sarah's Comm Officer for the Burian Fleet. I met Lt. Howe and he actually introduced Izzy and I and we hit it off and have been friends ever since." Quietly she added," She is having a rough time with her injury, her being a reporter, but I think she needs a change of job, she needs to find something she has a passion for, I love breaking codes, and of course computer hacking." Sam smiled at Harry, she was having a good time she was normally shy but Steve had opened her up and she was enjoying it.

 After Nikki spoke Sam smiled and said," So what do my scars tell you of me Nikki, Harry? That is a really cool tattoo idea Nikki."

Nikki looked close.  From where the scars were and the number branded on her it was easy to tell of enslavement "You did time as POW, and slave to the Empire.  The marks on your back I'd say not as a 'breeder'.  You were most likely known to try and escape, so much that you wore heavy shackles and endured punishment for the attempts.  Where you were held probably did not have access to much medical care" she stated a bit somberly "Did I get close?"

"Yeah I've gotta admit, having wounds like that would probably knock the wind out of my sails too" Harry admitted with her feeling kind of sorry for the poor girl, before then chuckling at Nikki's tattoo idea having seen similar on other people. The subject turning to that of tattoos, or more accurately the blacked out sections on her arms "Let's just say they're a part of my life I don't want to go back to...that and if certain people caught me with them they'd have burnt them off with a blow torch" she said before giving an understanding nod as Sam pointed out that despite what other people had suggested that covering over her all of her scars with tattoos would be next to impossible "Yeah that amount of scar tissue would be a challenge, also to tattoo your entire back would take forever even on someone as tiny as you" she said , giving the problem a little thought before then adding "...though there's nothing to stop you from tattooing around them, I mean I'm almost certain that a good enough artist would be able to work them into a design if you really wanted to" she said though yet again it would mean tracking down a suitably skilled artist and finding the time to do it during shore leave.

It was as she was luxuriating within the soothing water that Sam would quietly suggest that Izzy perhaps needed a career change for something she truly loved, and Nikki hypothesised about Sam's past using only her scars and serial number to go by. Personally Harry didn't think Nikki would be too far off the mark but wasn't about to make any guesses of her own.

In reply to Zob (msg # 57):

Zob takes a glance at the beach for a moment before heading on in the store where he feels like a fat kid in a candy store, "Look at all this..." he said out loud to nobody in particular as he looked over the wares before heading up to the counter where the Nivarian woman was standing, "I want your finest Hookah you have here, also what special herbs do you sell here I'm looking to stock up"

  The  Nivairan woman is typical of  the  'golden Race'..she is   almost as  tall as  Zob, but  alot  thinner.. She smiles  as she  says,

 ..it depends what you mean 'finest'. We have  Sanri Silver Hookas, that may out last your granchildren? The artisans there   are precise

 .. there are the Stone-hewn Hookas made by the Mulls, the stone helps to  seal in  stray flavor to the smoke?.. and there are many inbetween..we even have some Human made

 we have been keeping , what folks call 'wet leaves' from  Aqra. They burn slower and   are infused  with  poils to  give it taste... some are  wrapped into  cigar form

 we have Angel Herbs.. some  for sleeping.. some for Meditation ..so to chase away depression.

 her hands  sweep to the counter and the  walls... Zob Notcies  , Small cans not much bigger the soda  cans   cost between  500 and 100 creds  in the case... the  walls  are seperated  by 'race'..with cheaper   tuins  to the bottom and high end...up high.. these  tins  are like coffeee cans.

Zob thinks it over before speaking, "Can you have them boxed up and shipped to the ESN 351 Hermes?

If she says yes he would continue with his purchase, "I want 2 Sanri Silver Hookah's and just about all of your Angel herbs for meditation, all your big tins id say around... 10 tins if you have that many?"

Zob then thought about something, "Just in the off chance do you have any smokewood or tobacco from empire space?" it was very unlikely but he figured he would ask anyways.

 The Woman smiled, Pleased , of course,..the Hookas  are 1500 creds..but you are dealta fleet, so they will cost you  1100 each... The  Angel Tins ...

 she buzzes  someone  and a   Tired looking Human kid , about   15 or 16  come sin...Please see hom many tins of  Angel Herbs for Meditation we have..

  the  kid  nodded and went into the back.

 we do have  a few boxes of   Demonic  Smokeweed.. we cannot trade for it, of course..but when a ship is taken by patrols, we can bid on the merchendise...

 There  are  3 Boxes of  Smokeweed cigars,,,36  to a boix..500 creds...450 for you....and two tins of  loose tobacco..300 creds  250 to you?

 The  Boy comes back with a  list...there  are( 6 )..1 pound cans  ( 4 ) 8 once cans  and   (2 ) 4 once cans...  and..the one in the glass?

 Thank you, please wait untilt he gentleman makes his choices...The  1lb  cans  are 300 creds,, 250 to you....the  8 ounce   are 150.. 125 to you...and the  4  once  are 75...60  to you

Zob nodded his head, "I want all of it, so have it packaged up and sent out as soon as possible" he then held out his wrist to get scanned the 6170 Credits he owed the woman.

He then turned to the boy who was standing off to the side tired he fished in his coat and handed him x2 100 credit bills, "Package it nice for me will you?" he grinned at him as he turned his attention back to the woman.

Billie was really undecided on where to go or what to do first. This was something that she had never done before though ultimately, after the game and then the Delta Nights…she knew it would help her body even if she couldn’t feel the soreness, bruises, or anything else. The hot tub seemed inviting but at the same time, so did the massage tables. With a shrug, she headed over to the tables. She listened to the conversation going on, not necessarily agreeing about tattoos or scars helping shape who people were. If anything, from what she had seen, people used them as a means to hide behind…and therefore became their scars instead of the other way around, but this didn’t apply to everyone. With a slight shake of her head, she chose a table where a guy stood, waiting to do his job.

 Sam smiled at Nikki and replied," Not sure if I was born in captivity or taken as a meal as a baby. They didnt kill me I went to this special ship because of my blood and DNA suitable for more Orange Demons. I was a different form of breeder. They whipped me twice a week because they enjoyed it they healed me but never try to help the scars. They kept me in the irons to tell me i was nothing more then livestock, I was rescued when I was 8. I do not know my real parents or birth name."

 She smiled and relaxed more and then when Harry brought out her blacked out tattoos and she nodded, then she brought up tattooing around the scars. Sam then said," Now that sounds pretty amazing what do you think there is enough room to try something?" She stands up naked in front of Harry and shows her back scars up close. Her scars are bad, whip marks all over her back, her whole back was nothing but scars, really painful bad scars up close.

  the fellow used   some kind of  Burian oil on  Billie  as he started  at her  feet. The Vid screens played, showing the  Pyramid that was knocked  down my the  little LArg, with CE-VA promising more updates.

 one screen showed  a slide show of the LAst time the Fleet  came in for a ball, with couples pictured   and scenes from the Ball.

  The woman  seemed to be taken aback...but the good thing about  scannign chips?  the creds were there , or they weren't. no one could 'bounce' a wrist!

  Indeed, Melvin  will make certain to get these  to   the docks to be sent to  the The Hermes.

 Melvin looked at the two creds  bills and his mouth hung open...Th..Thank you...
,handing it to  Melvin..Add that to his  purchase, please.... Turning to Zob,that one is free..no use having it on display , with out  having it in stock.... Thank you for your  patronage
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:58, Sat 17 Oct 2020.

As she laid back in the chair Izzy would feel herself begin to relax for the first time since setting foot on the IS as a pair of women worked on her nails. After a little thought she would eventually settle on a bright scarlet varnish with one of the women skilfully painting a delicate bamboo motif in gold on the nails of her ring fingers "Do you know what colour dress you're planning on wearing tonight?" Izzy softly asked her girlfriend as she herself tried to pick a colour "...I'm planning on red if that helps" she said so that Lizzy could decide as to whether she wanted to pick a contrasting colour or dress to match her and by extension narrow down the range of varnishes and designs.

It was just as the finishing touches were being applied to her nails that an older almost matronly woman would approach Izzy "Oh you poor thing, they told me you'd been in the wars" the woman said in a kindly voice that vaguely reminded Izzy of her grandmother "...why don't you come with me and we'll see if we can't get you feeling a little better, and give your lady friend a surprise" she continued with Izzy then nervously nodding her head before allowing herself to be ushered away so that the woman could style her hair.

 Lizzy relaxed as well as the ladies worked on her nails, and the pedicure was heavenly. Lizzy smiled when Izzy asked what color dress, Lizzy said," Hmmm either red to go with my hair or green with my eyes, which one would be better and hmmm nail color I think a deep Red."

 Lizzy smiled at Izzy and relaxed, then the older lady came in and was going to fix Izzy's burnt hair. Lizzy called after Izzy, " I will be heading to the massage table after this ok Izzy." Once Lizzy was done with her nails she would make her way towards the massage tables.

"Well....just in case I brought my older one I had.  I'm not embarrassed to have to wear the same dress twice if need be." she was thinking about it though on another level "I loved that cream and purple number we managed for Haley, she loves it too.  I'd like her to be in a newer dress though that is not so 'fae oriented'.  Something more like 'I get to be a bridesmaid, not a flower girl' look"  She began to raise from the soaking tub "Pedicure time for me" robing up she moved to a chair that had a big tub of bubbling jets.  A younger apprentice came in with a table with oils, pumice stones, a scraper, and other instruments of beauty torture.  immediately soaking her feet the woman dropped in a few drops of mandarin essence and a Udenese night blooming orchid like flower.  The fragrance was light and reminded Nikki of being on a relaxing beach.

With Sam suddenly standing up in front of her, Harry’s eyes would go wide with surprise as her cheeks slowly turned pink, with her getting a very clear view of the other woman’s naked body ”I...um...yeah....I think so...” Harry stammered, gingerly reaching out to gently trace a finger along some of the more pronounced scars, mentally breaking up the girls back into geometric shapes in an attempt to drive out the dirty thoughts that had come to the forefront of her mind ”I’m no artist but I might be able to sketch something” Harry suggested.

With Nikki getting up to get her nails done Harry would take it as her cue to extricate herself from the awkward, if rather enjoyable, situation she’d found herself in ”yeah I think I might look at getting a massage, see if they can get my leg in working order again” she said as she got out of the tub and pulled on her robe, finding her eyes once again being drawn towards the tiny blonde.

Using the walk to the massage tables to compose herself, Harry would smile at Billie as she passed her ”Having fun Billie girl?” she asked before getting on the next table, which was currently being manned by a rather strapping young man ”Think you can get my leg working again?” she asked the masseuse with an impish smile as she made herself comfortable.

 Sam smiled at harry and said," Ok great now maybe we can find a tattoo artist then. Thank you Harry, maybe when I go you could come along if I am around, not sure what the Burian Fleet will do now."

 Sam sat for a few minutes after Harry quickly left, Sam thought she might have been to open but this was the new her now. Sam then looked on the list and headed for the Facial area she would take a seat with a Half-Angel female ready to give her a facial.

In reply to Harriet Lynch (msg # 53):

Sarah smiled, "sure, I've had my nails done in ages." A glance would show well kept but plain nails, that were trimmed short. She sat there kinda dumbly as the lady did her nails, choosing a more professional look as was her more prerogative. She glanced over at Izzy when the lady came over watching closely.

In reply to Harriet Lynch (msg # 53):

Hawkeye glanced at her nails and then the warm water. It beckoned in a way the nails didn't she likewise headed for the warm soothing waters. If you want the scars to go, we can nip and tuck some of the worst scar tissue and I can stich it back up easy so you'll barely notice. It'd be purely elective so it'd have to get approved by the queen of medieval medicine herself, but it's doable and could minimize some of the scars. As Nikki rose she added, I had a crate of the gin sent to the bar at the ball location, it makes a rather unique if not delicious aviator."

In reply to Nicole Rutledge (msg # 37):

Melia put little thought into Ce-Va as she also joined in the soak in the spa, feeling the hot water on her quickly healing wounds deciding to start by joining Harry and Nicole.

"They're probably partying it up on the beach with all the stem kids that got rescued, Orria too who's current business is being too big for her own good." She says leaning back.

"I've only got the one tattoo, and it's small. The rest, well that's just a by product of naturally scarring done in a weird ass lab environment. She points to a few scars, that looks surgical in nature yet crude. "That one was when my liver was replaced, I think that one was to rebuild my rib cage.... that one was from open heart surgery." She continues drifting off, "I'm basically the demon version of Frankenstein's monster at this point, well to a small degree."

Billie smiled when Harry came to join her at the massage tables. "This is definitely interesting...never done anything like this before and it's nice to get to know the girls a little better. Thanks for inviting me to tag along." She let out a sigh, trusting that her body had relaxed thanks to the man's hands.

When she heard Melia's comment about being Frankenstein, Billie snorted. "You are much better looking than Frankenstein, Melia," she said with a smile.

  The  fellow working on  Billie, said to her, but loud  enough for others to here...you ladies in The Fleet... you put alot  out there on the line.... we had a woman from  the Freya, she had  Lost an arm and  her  friends  brought her in to cheer her up?... it took a bit , before  she started to relaxed ....I think they said the Med tech ships would
 be tryign a new 'Bio  replacement?  something to  do with   a regrowth using  plant and
 animals cocktail...

"You're welcome Billie girl, though to be fair this was Izzy and Lizzy's idea" she said idly gesturing towards Lizzy as the finishing touches were done to her nails. Meanwhile the masseuse would begin to massage her back and shoulders, working the scented oils into her skin as he worked out all of the knots and tension from her muscles "It's nice to do something girly every now and again and not be thought of as one of the guys" she said to Billie in a relaxed voice, though she suspected that Billie didn't have that particular problem with the figure she had.

Overhearing Melia's comment from where she sat within the tubs, with the masseuse currently working on Billie telling them of a woman on the Freya that had lost an arm, Harry couldn't help but feel that she'd got off kind of lucky with the scars she'd got so far. Most of them were only visible on the rare occasions she wore a dress and none of them had caused her any lasting damage "What can I say...we're in a dangerous business...and Billie's right, you're being too hard on yourself Melia, you still look incredibly hot regardless of your scars, and Zob is a very lucky guy...speaking of which have you lovebirds set a date yet?"

Slight Flex

With Sarah coming to join her and Lizzy in getting a much needed manicure and pedicure, Izzy would glance across at Sarah, with her quietly studying the side of the other woman's face and eye before asking in a quiet voice that betrayed how nervous she was feeling "C-can I a-ask you a question? Your...um...eye, w-what is it like?" she stammered, hoping that she wouldn't offend the other woman by asking such a personal question with her hurriedly going on to explain the reasoning behind her "...only I...I can't see too well and I...I'm sc-scared they're going to take mine when I get taken to a medical ship" she said having tried to keep that little piece of information quiet up until now, with her girlfriend probably not realising that comfort wasn't the only reason she'd been holding her hand for most of the day.

 As Izzy went with the woman she began talking to Sarah, Lizzy didnt hear their conversation as she made her way to the massage tables with Harry and Billie. Lizzy smiled drops her robe, and naked she slides on the massage table next to Harry and Billie, she smiles at the female about to massage her and then says," Hi Harry, Billie I hope you are having a great time, isnt this wonderful. I am very glad you two have joined us I am so glad everyone did."

 Lizzy heard Melia's comments and replied," Well Melia you are gorgeous to me we actually look pretty similar actually." Lizzy smiled and then watched Izzy and Sarah talk as Izzy was heading to get her hair fixed. Lizzy added, " It is good to see Sarah here, Sam's boss she invited her here to relax she needs pampering as well."

 Sam takes a seat and just listens to the conversations as she gets a nice cleansing facial. She was so happy she agreed to come, she was having a great time.

Nikki relaxed as her feet were being scrubbed and softened "Think people back on Earth will get to see this?  The Ball I mean." she wondered "I don't always get to send messages back home as often as I would like, let alone images.  I am hoping that the media feed will get to Earth now and then.  So my family can see how I'm doing"

”Hey thanks for inviting me, it’s like I was just saying to Billie here; it’s nice to be treated like a girl every now and again” Harry replied with a smile as she watched Lizzy slipping out of her robe and climbing onto the table next to her seemingly uninterested in the naked redhead unlike the tiny blonde that had been getting her all hot under collar, so to speak, mere minutes ago. As far as Harry was concerned Lizzy was her ex and she’d managed to get those particular desires out of her system...well...most of them anyway ”I’ve got to say I was kind of surprised you invited the top brass along but she seems alright” Harry added with a slight shrug in response to Lizzy’s comment about Sarah needing to relax too.

Softly sighing as the masseuse finally started to work his magic on her leg and hip, Harry would look across at Lizzy and softly ask ”So how’s she doing?” knowing that Lizzy would know who she was talking about.

 Lizzy's masseuse worked on her and it felt good,Lizzy replied to Harry," Well this was all Izzy's idea actually she is the one that set all of this up. I just gave her more names to invite, yes we all need pampering every now and then. " Lizzy smiled at Harry and she noticed Harry did not look at her the way she use too, that part of their relationship was gone. Lizzy was happy they seem to be friends at least but not as close as they use to be, and who knows if they ever would. She was very happy Sam was having fun and Sarah had joined them.

 Lizzy smiled at Harry and replied, " Well actually, Sam invited her she thought her boss needed some girly girl time. I am very glad she came plus from the rumors she has gone through what Izzy just did Sarah might be able to help Izzy out."

 When Harry asked how Izzy was doing she replied quietly," She is afraid the surgeries wont work and she will be scared and I will leave her because of it. She hasnt said it but I can tell she keeps her injured side of her face away from me, trying to spare me from looking at it. She says she is taking time off from work but as far as I know she hasnt called anyone yet. I mean someone who uses their looks to get stories but I am not sure being a reporter is her true calling but I will stand by her the scars dont bother me." She decided to give Harry the chance to be a close friend by saying very intimate thoughts and she wondered how Harry was going to react, this will tell Lizzy how close her and Harry will become again.

"Being hurt like that...It's still raw on her.   Many are like that until they realize they are alive and that it is not the end of something, but a beginning.  I think she will find that more people will respect her knowing she went through this rather than looking at a 'pretty face doing a fluff piece like Ce-Va" she gestured to the screen in which she is talking to Larry the larg and Gregor.  "If I was the editor or manager, whatever, I'd send Izzy to more important assignments knowing she could handle herself and get the real crux of the story than sending Ce-Va who thinks having her boobs jiggle will get her the truth" she waved Ce-Va off a bit as a nevermind.  "Science and med tech are doing amazing things.  Even if not perfect, Izzy is still looking good and has friends to help her with any depression as most of us have been there.  She is gonna be on top."

In reply to Nicole Rutledge (msg # 89):

"There's a lot of folks I miss back home, most of all my dad. I'm sure he's bumming around in Texas doing his best to avoid talk of politics and treating people of their various ailments. I write him letters frequently half I don't bother to send as they'll never make it anyways." She says in reply to Nikki, "One day I hope to get a call into him. Hell or even see him. Other than that I just hope he catches the feeds when he can." She replies wistfully, be nice to see him again, just to know he's alright. She sighs and climbs out forgoing the towel and heading towards the massage tables.

"Alright ladies, oil me up! I got a hot date tonight with a Scotsman tonight!" She says the cheery demeanor back as she grins at the masseuse

In reply to Billie Morrisson (msg # 83):

Sarah shrugs a little, "I'm sure you heard the stories, they've got a life of their own. I took a pulse round to the face. What saved me was my helmet and the fact that I'd turned my head right before it hit. My eye was completely gone. Cooked, facial nerves wreck. It was a long recovery for me. The tech is right, you'll likely get a bio-replacement if you like it's a pretty quick procedure. Or if you want you can get a synthetic eye. Like I've got. I didn't get a choice. Between the nerve grafts and the bio replacement attempt something went wrong and my body rejected the bio-replacement. It was so bad my nerves on this side and my eye are all artificial or prosthetic. It's why it looks funny sometimes." She explains getting to the point straight away. "Between the two the bio-eye is more natural, and it looks more natural. The prosthetics though can do some pretty unique and special things. After some training and therapy I can magnify my left eye up to around five times which has its uses, though the first few weeks of accidentally magnifying something and your brain reacting badly can be mentally painful. You're a reporter. It might be a stretch but you might be-able to work out some sort of limited recording capability. So both have their benefits. Also don't rule out some genius surgeon on the hospital ship managing to save it entirely."

She watched the tech work quickly at her nails, there was little trimming to be done and the tech was already applying paint a dark almost black green, that would have Additional Burian accents.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:29, Mon 19 Oct 2020.

Melia grinned relaxing feeling comfortable around the other women, "I may be shy about my body, and looks and I appreciate the compliments. I am however Dr. Frankenstein's Monster. Half my organs are barely my own the fact that I survived, multiple organ replacements, some of which actually kept me alive after failing to produce a viable half demon offspring when by all accounts I'd should have been dead. Others were just to see if they could make a human woman more durable so they could produce more than a few half breed demons. In the end, I'm some weird biological hybrid, I'm not sure if the traits are genetic now or just grafted on. I don't know enough about what was specifically done. It's hard to ask questions while getting sliced open on an operating table." She explains.

"Now as to Zob, no idea why he's attracted to me or loves me. From my perspective I'm marrying up, and no we don't have a date set yet. I need to chat with Lizzy, and Zob's gonna talk with Shadow. It'll probably come together quick once things get moving since we're thinking of keeping things more simple."

Billie smiled. “I mean…sure doing something girly can be fun…but I suppose I don’t really have an opinion either way…never had many friends and never really gone out much…though I did sneak out a few times to go dance at the clubs…” Her gaze darted over to Lizzy. “I am having fun so far…” She said with a smile. “I am pretty sure my parents would flip their shit…again, if they heard what I have been up to…the war…football…Arnie…” she chuckled, responding to Nikki.

"Last chat with anyone back home was...with my big bro Marshall.  He told me my papaw was gettin' hitched a'gin.  I think this is wife number 4...no, 5 I think" she actually had to think about it "A big tall red head named Vonda or Rhonda?  Anyhow, all I know of her is she is or was a waitress at his favorite diner.  Guess he likes her pies" she sorta laughed.  "They're probably divorced by now.  All us kids ...all 8 of us, mostly have different mamaws.  Papaws a randy ole beast." she laughed slightly

Izzy would quietly listen as Sarah told her about the incident that had resulted in her injuries, as well as talking her through her options should the specialist decide that her eye was beyond repair ”I...I think I’d prefer a bio replacement if they can’t...um...fix it” Izzy softly replied in an anxious voice, wanting to avoid having a synthetic eye if she could, even if it did bring potential benefits beyond those of an ordinary eye ”W-what about the...um...burns...do they take long to heal?” she then asked, gesturing at the side of her face currently covered in dermaplast, with her more wondering when it would stop hurting rather than if it would scar. The way she saw it there was no avoiding that particular fate, it was more a case of how bad it got.

With the arrival of the older woman she would quietly thank Sarah for her help before lead away so that she could get her charred hair cut and styled into a better state than it was currently in.

"Well...I guess that's understandable...I mean an injury like that is bound to mess a girl up, also something tells me she hasn't been in many serious relationships" Harry quietly spoke, with it sounding like the poor girl was in downward spiral from what Lizzy was telling her. After all Harry should know, she'd been in enough of them herself over the years! "...As soon as she realises that you're there for her and you're not going to run out on her over a few scars she'll pull herself together...plus it'll give you the chance to enjoy the novelty of having somebody crying on your shoulder for a change" Harry said with a friendly chuckle as she gave her friend and former lover a knowing look before turning her head to look at Melia as she spoke of Zob and their upcoming wedding, with her seemingly unable to figure out why Zob liked her so much, despite some of it seeming fairly obvious to her "I know the feeling, I haven't a clue what Will see's in me either...I just kind of figured that I must have done something right to deserve a guy like him...oh and Billie, if you're parents flip out over playing American football, a spa day and a respectable boyfriend I'd hate to see what would happen if they heard about some of the stuff I got up to!"

 Lizzy smiled and replied to Harry, " Yes it has messed her up some but I think talking with Sarah will help from the rumors she went through something similar. No we are both brand new with serious relationships."  Lizzy listened to Harry, she giggled and replied," Oh I keep telling her, I am going nowhere and to have her look directly at me, but it will take time, lets see how the surgery goes and we can go from there, but I dont care about scars, I will still love Izzy even with scars, I love her all of her. Oh it will be very different for sure."

 Lizzy giggles again and says," Well Harry trust me there is plenty, you need to stop putting yourself down and be the person I know you can be Harry." She gave Harry a caring smile, then said to Billie," Or Billie if they saw my Ball dresses now that is something parents flip out about." She giggles but then thinks of her Mom and her face got somber quickly, Harry knew about her parents but she didnt know if Billie knew everything about her parents, most knew Captain/Admiral Maris was her Father she watch executed for his crimes.

In reply to Harriet Lynch (msg # 99):

Melia sighed, "yeah who knows, maybe the universe has a sense of humor. I'm sure there's a commentator somewhere blabbing about me and Stockholm syndrome, and loving demons. They can get bent. Lizzy's right though Harry, I can see it. You put a lot of stock in what others think of you. Not that different from me, perhaps for different reasons. It's a survival trait. Specially in people who've suffered, betcha hundred creds Sam over there has her own version of it. It's an instinct. I've filled journals with my dread and anxiety. Stefi got me some help. There's some stuff she's got, helps with the brain chemistry. Helps you fight the demons in your head.  It's not the only ways and you gotta choose your own path so I'll leave it at this there's a lot more to you than the monsters in your head, don't let them win." She grabs a towel wrapping up as she comes out of the water and heads to the massage table, despite knowing her back will be on display for the others to see.

In reply to Isobel Sakura (msg # 98):

Depends on how deep they are and if your nerves can be repaired. I was missing a chunk of my face. There were nerve grafts, skin grafts, and the like. You're here with dermaplast on. You didn't lose a lot of flesh, you'll heal faster, and outside any genetic anomalies means you have a really good chance of a successful bio replacement. Though that'd be something the Doc's more qualified to answer than I am. Burns will go away quick. Scarring is unavoidable they can control how bad it is, you just might have a light patch on your face if you get too much sun. The pain goes away couple of days maximum Sarah explained, nails done she moves to the massage table, still in her rather prudish one piece swim suit.

In reply to Billie Morrisson (msg # 96):

"Enjoy it, I've been out here a long time my dad's a widower too, though last I checked he was married to his work. Liked being a Doctor better than having a wife. Wasn't a bad dad, just had to realize his work is his life and you're second to it. Soon as I realized that as a kid things got easier. I think the happiest day in his life was when I graduated med school followed closely by the day I got in." She says groaning as the masseuse hits a knot in her back, "Don't skimp on my hamstrings and glutes, I told ya I got a date with a Scot tonight I'm gonna need all my flexibility if things go well." She says with a bit of a raunchy chuckle

“They probably would have locked you in the basement, Harry,” Billie laughed. “I don’t know why but they were just...ridiculously overprotective of me. I remember they always ran tests when I was little and then...they just kind of slowly stopped as I got older." She shrugged. "They were really upset when I stole that fighter and they sent me to the Academy..."

 Sam got her facial complete, and put on her robe and headed for the massage tables . It seemed to be a large area and they where gathering almost. Sam smiled at Melia and walked with her to the massage tables and she dropped her robe showing her back scars and she smiles at Melia and gets on the table. Sam says," Dont take that bet she will win. I usually just keep people at a distance but then when I came to Bura met Sarah, then I met a wonderful Pilot Steve Howe, then Izzy, then everyone on the Hermes. Now I know what I have been missing I love having friends that arent computers or a comms system." Sam smiled at let the masseuse do her work.

Nikki listened for a bit, dang near in dreamland as her feet were tended to.  By now her hands and nails were being worked on too.  "As for being injured I am glad we all managed to survive that flying plasma ghost....still wondering about that" she said as another lady laid something that looked like cucumbers over her eyes.  The woman explained it would help brighten her skin and reduce puffiness around her eyes.

(at the Condo)

  The   guest wing  was emptierd , except  for those of the hermes.. The Admiral's  wing  was left alone, except   for the  men were told they couldn't  come into the   Condo until the ladies  were   done.

  The  men's  Tuxes and Uniforms  were delivered and Hun  on racks outside Shadow's   Condo.Smart money had   guys  goign to Shadow's  Condo to get ready, as  the Ladies would  , more then likely, have a photo Finish  with being  ready at  leave time.

 a couple of the  Orderlies, helped  set the   Dresses up..almost in a  'rainbow ' so ladies   could  co to the Colors  and then pick a style.

  The SGT, who didn't look old, but was certainly not  in her  20's asked The CAptain,Pardon me, Ma'am?..but  why bring  all these here, why not have  the ladies go to the Hermes as  always?

 an amused smile and soft , Angel-voiced  answer,This is a bit  differant, is it not?... we are on shore leave and attending the party, not  coming from the ship to the party?...and?.. the beauty of  Angelsilk, is that one size, can fit...almost all. The  QM techs are here  to adjust whatever is needed..and the Ladies  get together  and bond  a bit...well?  most bond, but the stubborn ones  just hurt themselves? and..at moments  like this, they are not my concern. The MAin concern, is to reward these ladies , no matter what postion they are in, to have a  good night, and  , what some  consider  a 'fancy dress"

 ..You don't consider them 'fancy'?

 Si looks over the racks  of  scores pf  dresses...I am an Angel, foe  almost 800 years, i lived in a palace,  or  very fine homes, on The Mother ship, it was not much differant then being  at a palace. When i started workign  with Oliver, we were both only LTs  in the ESN...i began to see things through  'human eyes'. I saw  how  corrupt  people  who's lives were filled with credits  could be, and how some people who had nothign at all to give, gave  everything they have...one might say , Oliver  'converted me'...I began to see  altercations that i dismissed in my mind, between  Angels  who thought they were better then Humans..I helped  with Shadow and Roles  growth  as  'people' once Oliver took them under his wing...

 she smiles once more   as   shoe  boxes were beign laid out   in all manner of  color.Oliver said once, That, if a person cannot  help  another person in need, one should not  expect  help when theya re in need?...He more or less went against that  slogan when he  took the Fleet to Paradise...He helped  my people?... and olny the moons joined the APF, while the Homeworld still stands on its own?...I am very ashamed of the Homeworld, I am very proud of the Moons...

 ... do you  pay for all these dresses yourself?

 Si gives a  soft smile,..for Most?.. i would be lying if i said   it was all my Creds.. I  recieve a healthy sum of  creds into a slush fund...someone started through Mull  brokers?..every 2  weeks  creds flow in.. They won't tell  me who is sending the creds..they cannot because of thier  Laws and such... I asked   Beth to try and hack in to see who was sending the  Creds, she   simply says 'she can't get in'...i am pretty sure that boarders on a lie... but i don't press it. The creds  are helping make life a Tiny bit better
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:56, Tue 20 Oct 2020.

With both Lizzy and Melia telling her to stop putting herself down and that she had plenty of good points, Harry would offer the pair a sheepish look, quietly agreeing that perhaps she did care a little too much about how people saw her, only to burst out laughing when Billie made her comment about her parents locking Harry in the basement ”yeah I have that effect on some people, and Lizzy babe, some of those dresses I’ve seen you wearing have less fabric in them than the average nightie” she said with a grin before turning her attention back to Billie ”...you’re not an IVF kid perchance? Because that would explain a certain level of overprotectiveness, not to mention the tests” She asked hoping that it might hold a possible reason behind her childhood.

She looked at Harry on the table "You've hogged the table long enough ...get over here and try this absolutely wonderful medi-pedi.  I'll get a back rub then" she winked at Harry.  "Makes the combat boots bearable"  Nikkis nails came out from under the light dryer.  A pretty pearlesence over a hypercolor nail polish.  She held them up and moved her hand slightly showing the nails shifted in colors, their deep tones softened by the pearl tone over it.  The effect was a soft mother of pearl effect with the pearl changing color.  "Think this will be different?"

With the stylist having finished with her hair Izzy would cautiously make her way across the room to where Lizzy and most of the other girls were currently having massages, with her raising left hand anytime she came near anything in her path. By the time the stylist had finished trimming away the scorched bits Izzy's hair would be decidedly shorter than it had been before with the added bonus / detriment that she was no longer able to comb it over the left hand side of her face.

Upon reaching Lizzy's table she would offer her an anxious smile, angling her face away from her once again as she softly spoke to her "Hey Lizzy, I'm finished getting my hair done...um...do you like it?" she asked with it clear that Lizzy's opinion was really important to her and that she was more than a little scared over how she would react to her shorter if still rather cute hairstyle.

"Alright! I'll take the hint" Harry responded with a laugh as Nikki called for her to come and get her nails done "...though I may have to bring this guy home with me, or at the very least get him to teach Will" she said tipping the masseuse a wink as she climbed off of the table, suspecting that it wouldn't be the first time he'd received such an offer.

It was as she was belting up her robe and walking over to where the manicures were being done that she would notice Izzy had returned from having her hair re-styled. Although it was still a fair bit longer than her own hair it was clear that Izzy wouldn't be sporting pigtails anytime soon. Offering her a friendly smile Harry would carry on walking so as not to interrupt her conversation with Lizzy, with the poor girl looking very nervous as she stood in front of her girlfriend.

 Lizzy giggles at Harry's comment on her dresses, and replies," Three postage stamps and strings works for me." Lizzy smiled at Harry, she had replied very well and maybe they could be close again but who knows. She was enjoying her massage, then Nikki told Harry to get her nails done. Lizzy was just finishing up her massage when Izzy came over to her and asked her if she liked her new hair style.

 Lizzy smiled at Izzy as she got off the table, she turned Izzy's face carefully towards her and replied," Izzy I love it, you look great. Also please Izzy dont move your face away I love looking into your eyes." Lizzy was all smiles and she loved Izzy's new hair style, she would then look her girlfriend in her eyes and say," Isnt this so much nicer, now your turn hop on up she is amazing."

Nikki climbed onto the table for her turn.  She smiled at Harry, then over at Izzy "Izzy, you look lovely." she said honestly. She smiled at the woman returning with her that created Izzys new look.  The woman did an outstanding job.  She then moved to lay on her stomach.  The masseuse began his session with Nikki.  almost immediately her eyes rolled a bit back and damn near made her cross eyed.  "I vote we kidnap him" she said to Harry.

Sarah really didn't have anything else to add and laid on her chest her swimsuit top peeled down to her waist for the massage.

In reply to Billie Morrisson (msg # 104):

Hawkeye snorted you'll need a bit more than 3 stamps if we're gonna send you first class Lizzy."

She looked over at Izzy's new updo. "Izzy you look ready to tear up the dance floor. Even the angels are gonna be jealous of you."

In reply to Billie Morrisson (msg # 104):

Melia was enjoying the nail painting. "So Lizzy what do you think. Zob and I are going simple. Big bash reception thing, really  I need help picking dress and stuff, I don't really know what else I've never planned a wedding."

Billie gave her a quizzical look at the masseuse finished up. “I…don’t think so. Honestly, I never thought to ask my parents why they are the way they are. Maybe I should…” she gave a shrug and moved to get a facial. “Would that explain the crazy sensitive nervous system and severe light sensitivity?”

Her face was down, but there was a cut out to look through (easier on the nose) Nikki spoke "Only need 5 things for a good wedding" she held a hand up and stuck one finger up at a time "One...The bride and groom, two...An officiator.  Captain of the ship or a priest usually.  Number three.." by now her third finger went up "A dress.  don't have to be white....but something special.  Four...pair of rings that signify that you two are banded by love.  and the fifth is witnesses.  everything else is gravy.  The cake, reception, flowers and all" by now all fingers out including thumb.  "That is from my big brother Marshall and he is a preacher after all"

”You mean that? You really like it?” Izzy asked with a mixture of delight and relief that her girlfriend liked her new hairstyle, with her going on to blush as Cat and Nikki also complimented her new look. She’d been a little nervous as she’d watched more and more of her long dark hair disappearing, but had been rather impressed with the final look which although still rather cute looking with her youthful appearance was perhaps a little more adult in style.

With Lizzy gently scolding her once again for turning her head away, Izzy would sheepishly turn to face her ”maybe a little...I....I can’t see you very well like this” she quietly confessed before lean in to give Lizzy a peck on the lips, a little mindful of the fact that Lizzy wasn’t currently wearing a robe. It was then at Lizzy’s insistence that she would take Lizzy’s place on the massage table with her very carefully and with a bit of assistance from the masseuse climbing on once she had removed her own robe with a blush.

 Lizzy smiled at Hawkeye abd replied, Well some people would say I have no class wearing what I wear. Lizzy giggles then her face lights up when Melia asks her about her wedding. Lizzy replied bubbly,Yes so much to do, the dress, the rings, your wedding party, flowers, who will do the Ceremony,  colors, food, the reception,  yes it will be amazing I will help you as much as I can.

 Then Izzy replied really, Lizzy smiled kissed Izzy back got her robe on as Izzy went on the table. Lizzy replied, Yes I really love it Izzy, you look amazing. Lizzy looked at Izzy and said, Your vision that bad in that eye, well then you can look at me the way that is best for you.  I just love seeing your whole face. Lizzy then smiled as Izzy got her massage.  Lizzy will head for the hot tub to soak. Izzy I will be in the hot tub soaking, love you.

Harry would consider what Billie said before giving a bit of a shrug "probably not, unless there's some genetic thing in your family...I just thought that if your parents had had to put in a lot of work to have a child then it may explain why they're overprotective of you" Harry replied as she was getting off of the massage. Truth be told it was a bit of a shot in the dark, and as for her messed up nervous system she didn't have a clue.

With a clearly ecstatic Nikki taking her place under the masseuses skilled hands Harry would laugh at her suggestion of kidnapping him "now do you see why I didn't want to leave...and I'm totally up for kidnapping him" she said with a grin as she took a seat in order to get her nails done "By the way, what sort of time are we at? Only aren't we supposed to be getting dresses sometime today?"

”Even like this?” Izzy softly asked gesturing to the damaged side of her face as she gently bit her lower lip as he anxiety over her looks resurfaced. With her finding it very hard to believe that anyone could enjoy looking at the mass of scarred and dermaplast covered flesh with her getting her first good view of it herself as she’d had her haircut.

As the other ladies threatened to kidnap a certain male masseuse, the young man in question looking more than a little pleased with himself, Izzy would softly sigh as the female masseuse at her table began working out the knots and tension within her muscles, with Izzy struggling to remember the last time she’d been given a proper massage. As the woman’s skilled hands continued to work their magic on Izzy’s battered and bruised body there would be a couple of low moans from the tiny asian girl before the stress and lack of sleep from the previous night caught up with her and she started to drift off into a light sleep.

 Sam smiled and was on the massage table, the female wasnt bothered by Sam's scars, she did a great job and Sam loved the massage, she would say thank you and then get off the table and answer Harry, " Yes the Dress fitting will be at 1:00 pm we will meet Captain Si and the other Ladies going to the Ball, also not sure if everyone heard, All Ladies are invited not just Officers, so that means Melia can join us. Yes they know and said they would have all of us done by 12:30 and we would have plenty of time getting back for the Dresses." Sam smiled at Harry and looked at her as she put her robe back on after her massage, so Harry got a very good look at Sam's naked body again.

 Sam then took the nail station right next to Harry, she smiled at Harry, Sam got a beautiful blue to match her eyes, Sam looked over at Harry and said quietly so only Harry could hear her, " Umm Harry may I ask what happened between you and Lizzy you seem very different towards each other, she is my friends girlfriend I hope you too become close again you two are good for each other."

 Lizzy looked at Izzy and said," Yes even like this, you look beautiful to me Izzy, I am just sorry you had to go through this. I am done with caring about people just for looks and sex, I care about all of you Izzy, what are a few scars when I have your heart, and you have mine." Lizzy gave her a quick kiss on the lips before she started her massage.

 Lizzy went to the hot tub area, after that amazing massage a nice soak will feel amazing. Lizzy looks to see if anyone will join her, she drops her robe and gets into the hot tub and begins to relax and soak.

With Sam answering her question over how much time they had until their dress fitting, with things having already been arranged with the spa so that they wouldn't miss it, Harry would turn to watch as the petite blonde climbed off of the massage table and pulled on her robe. With the way that she smiled at her as she did so causing Harry to wonder if she was deliberately teasing her, and whether she should try and take things any further should the opportunity arise.

With Sam then joining her at the next door station, Harry would opt for a simple clear varnish on her toes like last time, after all she spent most of her life wearing combat boots, however on her fingernails she would go for a very subtle shade of pink. By the way she acted you could be mistaken for thinking that she was merely allowing the woman to paint her nails in order to keep everyone happy and not to make a scene however anyone that knew her well would be able to tell that she was secretly delighted to be getting pretty nails and that she was nowhere near as adverse to being girly as she made out to be.

It was as this was going on that Sam would ask in a quiet voice what had happened between her and Lizzy and that they didn't seem to be as close as they once were "I don't really want to get into but we had a bit of a falling out" Harry cautiously replied, having not realised that Sam was even aware of how close she and Lizzy had been or that things had changed between them, with her going on to say that she hoped they became friends as they were good for one another "...hmm...yeah...we were perhaps a little too good for one another...either way we've kind of...well...not kissed and made up, more reached an understanding" she said, not really wanting to discuss her relationship with Lizzy, especially seeing as she and Lizzy were yet to discuss it themselves "So, do you have an escort lined up for the ball then? Or are you just going to see what the night brings you?" Harry then asked in an attempt to steer the topic of conversation in a new direction.

In reply to Billie Morrisson (msg # 117):

Sarah allowed the conversation to ebb and flow without interjecting. It was nice to get away from the vidboards, and the reports and the bustle. Even temporarily, still she wasn't quite comfortable chiming in too much. She'd never had too many friends as a kid. She was the only kid for miles in the colony she'd grown up in, and then at the academy she found that her intensity found her at odds with the more social focused cadets. Still it'd served her well, and she was content to let things be.

In reply to Billie Morrisson (msg # 117):

Hawkeye chuckles, "Then perhaps you should wear nothing at all, that would show them. Just imagine, some EDT agent having to tell a demon sympathizer not only was their relative killed in combat it was some chick flying in the buff."

In reply to Billie Morrisson (msg # 117):

Melia giggled, "Well picking the dress is the hard part. Other than that we're keeping it about that simple, and wanting it to be more of a celebration for everyone. Rings should be easy enough to pick out. Colors are easy and difficult. We're kinda shoehorned a bit into colors that go well with red, but other than that..." She shrugs.

"Oh don't worry Sam, I have a standing invite as long as Shade is going. For official events, I'm the Ambassador's bodyguard detail. Its really two fold so I can keep an eye on Orria and keep her safe, while she helps Shade, and it's an extra gun that has the Ambassador's back."

A smile slowly spread across Izzy’s face as she felt her girlfriend’s hands upon her sun back as gently massaged the sun cream into her skin. They had been on the beach enjoying the sunshine together for most of the morning, simply happy to be spending some time together “do you fancy an ice cream, my treat?” Izzy asked once Lizzy had finished “I’d love one” she replied with a smile as the pair of them got up from the blanket they had been lying on and heading towards the small ice cream stall.  Hearing a familiar voice coming from her right Izzy would turn her head just as the ice cream stall exploded...

Jerking awake with start it would take her a few seconds to remember where she was, with an equally startled masseuse asking if she was alright obviously scared that she hurt the scarred young woman she’d been massaging ”No, I’m ok, it was only a dream” she replied feeling more than a little embarrassed, firstly for falling asleep, and then for making a scene when she woke up “It was a very good massage, I haven’t been this relaxed in a very long time, but I think I’ll spend a little time in the hot tub” Izzy softly said as she quickly pulled on her robe looking a little shaken by her nightmare.

With the masseuse giving her an understanding look, Izzy would cautiously walk over to the hot tub and climb in with Lizzy.

Like Harry she did not want to give up the massage table.  Still she moved.  Thanking the masseuse and also tipping all the workers she moved to a reclined chair.  Her robe back on fully and her hair wrapped in a towel she began getting her facial.  Warm, pore opening steam with a floral essence oil in it.  then an exfoliating scrub.  After this was a ver thick cool oil.  once on the peach fuzz hair stood up.  With what looked like a bone razor or scraping tool the fuzz and oil was removed.  Then with tweezers stray hairs were removed.  Larger areas hit with the warm honied wax to shape eyebrows upper lip and such.  More sweet warm steam and scrub.  then a pink goopy masque was applied.  its nutrients getting in deep.  A few moments later it gelled a bit.  Pulling and tugging it off her pores were clean.  "That feels tingly clean" she smiled.  After this two tonic rubs were applied.  The woman applying said the first was to prevent pores from over production of normal oils so her face would not be oily.  The other was to prevent her skin from drying out and when removing makeup it would not block pores.

The transfer of credits was successful, "Thank you kindly this should keep me stocked up for a few months" he then took one last glance out the window then turned to the woman and bid farewell, he then got back on his bike and returned to the hotel to get ready for security detail later on tonight at the Ball.

Billie laid there as she got the facial, just doing whatever was asked of her since she couldn’t really feel anything. The others seemed to enjoy it so she just assumed that it must feel good. Billie had to admit that her skin definitely looked better and she was surprised that they had shaped her eyebrows and such. With a nod of approval, she moved on to get a body waxing...again glad that she couldn't really feel it.

 Sam smiled at Harry and replied," Oh I see I am sorry for that." Sam was observant and it didnt take a rocket scientist to see that before Harry and Lizzy where close, now they barely talk it wasnt hard to figure out something changed.  Sam replied," Oh well I am glad you are at least friends, depends on how things go with Izzy's surgery Lizzy might need all the friends she has."

 Sam smiled and said," Yes I have a escort you know him he is a Pilot Lt. Steve Howe."

 Lizzy sat soaking in the hot tub, and it felt good. Lizzy smiled as Izzy came over and got into the tub. Lizzy says to Izzy," Hi how are you doing enjoy the spas day my love?" Lizzy leaned over gave her a kiss on her good cheek and held her hand. " You are beautiful Izzy and it doesnt matter about if you scar you are my sexy girlfriend and no scars will change that."

It was as she was shedding her robe and climbing into the lovely warm water that Lizzy would be able to see that as well as the rather obvious scarring on her face and neck that Izzy was also sporting a large collection of minor scrapes and bruises; mainly down her right hand side from where she'd been thrown into the wall. After carefully lowering herself into the water she would cuddle up to Lizzy, grateful for the kind words she offered her "yes, I like it here and it's nice to relax and unwind every now and again...also the girls have been really lovely to me" Izzy quietly replied as she slipped an arm around Lizzy's waist and rested her head upon her shoulder; trying her best to dispel the dream that had so rudely awoken her mere moments ago.

As she sat within the soothing waters of the hot tub, it was clear that something was on her mind once again, something that she wasn't a hundred percent sure on how to deal with it just yet but was giving it some serious thought ”Do you think SEC would have a use for a drone operator?” she would eventually ask, with the question not seemingly being aimed at anyone in particular.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:17, Fri 23 Oct 2020.

I should have known a chick like her wouldn't be single! Harry silently groaned as she not only revealed that she did indeed have an escort but that it was a flight leader of all things "Oh yeah I know Lt Howe, I've not spoken to him much but he seems a nice guy" she casually said, trying to hide her disappointment as she reconsidered whether hooking up with the cute blonde was really such a good idea, especially seeing as she wasn't single either...just randy and drawn to pretty girls. Putting this rather disappointing news to one side for the time being as Sam continued to speak of her and Lizzy's relationship along with what effect Izzy's injuries were liable to have on her "I wouldn't worry if I was you, Lizzy has plenty of friends to look out for her, and besides by the way they're cuddling up to one another I don't think it's going to be an issue...at least not for Lizzy anyway" she continued with a shrug and a nod in the direction for the pair of lovebirds currently in the hot tub.

 Sam smiles as the nail person finished her hands and began the pedicure, which felt amazing. Sam looks at Harry and says," Yes Steve is very nice, he has helped me so much, deal with my shyness. Not sure what we are, we spend time together when we can, have great sex, we have never said we where exclusive. I guess I like to keep my options open." She giggles, she just realized she was flirting with another woman and it was fun, she liked Harry from what she knew about her.

 When harry talked about Lizzy had plenty of friends, Sam replies," Yes she does and I hope you are one of them, you are a good person Harry even if you dont think so. Very true I agree Izzy's injuries have no effect on how Lizzy feels about her." Sam also saw her friend sitting with her girlfriend in the Hot Tub.

Nikki glanced at the vid screen as everyone was talking.  Again they were at the beach.  She'd hope to get a pic of Haley and Roll.  instead there was an all-out brawl.  "Aw Crap!  Ladies I think Shadow is in it" She gestured to the screen

 Lizzy saw all of Izzy's injuries, and the only thing it did was make Lizzy hope she healed quickly if she scared she did not care, she was happy Izzy was alive, and she would heal. Lizzy replied to Izzy's comment about the spa, " Yes it is nice to get pampered, this does feel nice, and that is great Izzy, now why wouldnt they Izzy we are having a girls spa day, but it is awesome they are Izzy." She says that so only Izzy can hear her.

 Then she could tell Izzy was thinking hard on something then she asked her question. Lizzy smiled and replied," I think they would, for scouting parties, recon, oh yes Izzy that would be awesome." Then Lizzy thought about it SEC, was run by Beth and being drones she might have to work closely with Beth. Lizzy then added," Ummm Izzy you do know working as a drone operator for SEC you would probably be working with or for Beth." Lizzy hoped Izzy would follow through and fix things with Beth to be a drone operator.

Harry would quietly chuckle as Sam spoke of her relationship with Steve Howe and whether or not they were exclusive "This isn't school Sam, you don't have to declare your going steady to the rest of the class, that's entirely up to you and him" she said as the technician finished off her now very pretty nails and moved onto her feet. As for whether she was amongst Lizzy's friend she wasn't sure. Things had changed, and she wasn't sure whether they could go back to how things were not.

Hearing Nikki's comment Harry would turn to look at the screen in time to see Shadow and several other members of the crew brawling on the beach, much to CE-VA's obvious delight "Oh well that's bloody typical isn't it! Why do they always decide to have a brawl when I'm not around!" she huffed in obvious annoyance "...and Will had better not be getting involved in that, because if her gets hurt he's going to be in so much trouble!"

"They've always been more your friends than mine so I wasn't really sure how they would take to me being here" Izzy responded in an uncertain voice that betrayed how scared she'd been that more people than Gia would bail on them simply because she was coming along. She had kind of been hoping to make a good impression amongst the assembled ladies but last nights accident had firmly placed her into the category of poor Lizzy's wounded girlfriend causing her to worry that so much of what had been said was out of pity for her.

It was after she'd spoken aloud her idle musings that Lizzy would answer, pointing out that Beth of all people was liable to end up being her boss, though considering she was an SEC lieutenant there was no way of avoiding that short of becoming a waitress "Could be worse...I could be serving under Shadow" she muttered before lapsing back into a contemplative silence, seemingly unaware of what was taking place on the vid screen overhead.

  in the outside of the Spa, the   owner   talks to a woman,Thank You for Coming, Captain Bornberry... I do  hope  your   Escort is feeling better?

 Yes , he is fine... he  is moving more now  and doesn't use the   cane very often,  You cannot even tell where the burns were any longer... Now, I am Just hoping  for a nice, civil  Ball tonight..

 there is laughter  from a few other Ladies.yea, I know. Someone always has to  try to beard the Lion?... but the lIon always bites the hand off...Thank you for   your  attentions  and Please , Spread this around your Employees...

 Thank you , Captain!..i certainly will!

  Lets  go ladies, time to pick dresses.. and I hope you all are currenat on your  anti-fert shots!

 there  were alot of  Giggles   as the small group left.

With her unable to take full advantage of any of the facial treatments on offer for very obvious reasons Izzy was more than happy to remain in the hot tub relaxing, with her cuddling up to Lizzy during the time she was in the tub with her. After all just because she wasn't able to take full advantage of all of the treatments available to her didn't mean that Lizzy shouldn't so she was more that happy for Lizzy to visit any of the other stations for further treatments.

It was as she was lazing within the luxuriously warm water that Izzy would overhear some of the conversation between Captain Bornberry and the Spa's owner as they made ready to leave for the dress fitting. In fact it would scant minutes after this particular exchange that the Angel woman they'd met within the reception would enter the room "Ok ladies, I am just here to let you all know that we are now approaching half twelve, now we are more than happy for you all stay longer however we wouldn't be able to guarantee that you would arrive at the dress fitting on time...I hope you all have had a good time with us today and we hope to see you all again soon" she said with a cheerful smile.

Once the Angel woman had left Izzy would look over at the other woman before shyly saying "I'm ready to go to the fitting if you are? I'd hate to think how Captain Si would react if we were late" she said before reluctantly climbing out of the hot tub and drying herself off.

Billie heard the Angel speaking and sighed, glad that she had skipped the mani-pedi, instead having taken advantage of the massage, a facial and a waxing. "Are you ladies ready to go?" she asked, donning her robe.

 Lizzy smiled at Izzy and said," Well yes but they like you too and you make me happy that is all they care about is that I am happy Izzy." When she made the Shadow comment she says," Yes that would be bad you too hate each other."

 Lizzy smiled kissed Izzy and went to get her facial and waxing and she hit all the services, when she got back she heard the lady say it was time to go. Lizzy went to help Izzy out of the hot tub and they went to get dressed to head to the condo to get dressed again. Lizzy then replied," Yes I am ready lets go ladies and get our dresses, and show off our pampered bodies hehehehe." Lizzy giggles and heads to the changing area.

By the time the Angel lady had come to inform them that it was time for them leave if they were to arrive at the dress fitting on time, the  technician had finished her pedicure and then given a facial treatment that had left her skin feeling incredibly smooth and without a hint of the fatigue that came from flying regular combat sorties. Much to her obvious relief there hadn’t been time for a waxing though with a pair of bullet wounds in her leg and hip she was a little dubious as to how wise having one would have been ”Sure, I’m ready to go...I should look half way presentable for my man now” Harry said with a smile as she started heading towards the changing rooms, pausing to speak to Izzy along the way ”Hey Izzy love, thanks for inviting me along, this was a lot of fun” she said with a friendly smile before dropping her voice as she continued ...also you need to stop worrying, you’ve already pulled the hot chick and trust me she’s not going anywhere...you’re going to be fine!” with her bit said she would carry on into the changing rooms.

"Thank you all ladies and gentleman.  I know you were all paid but I left a tip to be divided between you all for your wonderful work.... and we are refraining from kidnapping him" she gestured to the back masseuse and smiled.  She went and dressed to meet the others outside in the waiting area.  She kept feeling her face as it felt so baby smooth.

   Inside the Admiral's  Condo, women  had  shown up.. CE-VA was there  with her CAM  making  sure that  there wasn't  anything 'revealed" as  most of the  woman were  undressed  or, various   stages of undress.

 Captain Si moved  around, Frans  and Gia  hand  make up stations set up   Eckles   and Mara were helping with Hair

  The ladies had  went to thier  rooms  or incase of the iron Guard Ladies, used   guest rooms to shower  and them   come to get thier  dresses.

  Music  was being played   and there was a table set up  with  drinks and light   finger food.

"Nice and smooth," Billie snickered as she headed back to the changing room shortly after Harry. "Thanks for inviting me Harry...I wonder what Arnie is going to think. Grant it...no mani or pedi...but I'm glad I got what I did," she said with a grin. She gave a stretch before disrobing and dressing. Once she finished dressing, she joined Nikki outside. "Well that was definitely interesting..."

 Sam had finished everything, and she felt amazing, she went to the Half Angel who seemed to be in charge and gave a 200 credit tip to be spread around to the workers. Sam was very happy everyone enjoyed themselves, she then says," This was awesome I had a great time everyone, this was a great idea Izzy. Yes lets head for our dresses. it was nice getting to know a few of you more and thank you everyone for showing up."

 Sam then went got dressed and got ready to head back to the condo.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:56, Sun 25 Oct 2020.

With some assistance from Lizzy, Izzy would climb out of the hot tub and dry off with a mischievous smile coming to her lips at her girlfriend’s mention of showing off their pampered bodies ”so long as I get to see more than everyone else” she said as she pulled on her robe and turned to head for the changing rooms with her cheek turning bright pink at how forward she had been.

It was just as she was about to start walking away when Harry would stop her so she could thank her for inviting her before then telling her to relax and that she already had the pretty girl ”Thats ok, I thought Lizzy would like it if you joined us, the two of you seemed very close She shyly replied, knowing that although what Harry had said was right, that she was scared about keeping the hot chick.

Heading into the changing rooms Izzy would change back into clothes before calling for the cab to come and pick them up and take them all back to the condo so they could get ready for the ball. Unlike the others she had attended she was actually kind of looking forward to this one as it would be the first ball where she would be able to spend the entire evening with Lizzy as opposed to having to work it, which inevitably meant yet another interview with Shadow. As soon as she and Lizzy had finished getting changed she would go out front and wait for the taxi to come and pick them up.

"True, Lizzy and I were pretty close though to be fair your not too bad yourself" she said to Izzy before continuing into the changing rooms with her being closely followed inside by Billie who was looking to be in a decidedly good mood as she spoke of Arnie's reaction to all the pampering she'd received today "Well...If he's anything like Will he'll either say that you needn't have gone to all the effort as you always look lovely or he won't notice" Harry responded to Billie with a laugh as she was changing "...on the plus side though, you got to meet the rest of the girls and get treated like a princess for a little while, though for the record this was Izzy and Lizzy's idea, I just put your name forward" she continued, making sure that credit was given where it was due. Once she had finished getting dressed, Harry would head out front to wait for the taxi to arrive with the others.

She smiled "At least I know I won't have a 5 o'clock shadow for a bit" towards Billie "Never had a facial scrape before.  The massages and pedis I could get used too" She nodded as the other ladies joined them.  She looked at Harry And you thought they were so girly girly" she smiled and gave a playful snicker.

"Honestly...I liked the waxing...couldn't feel it much but I like the end result," she snickered. "And I will have to make sure to thank Izzy then."

 Lizzy smiled at Harry when she came over and talked to Izzy, she tried not to intrude , she walked with Izzy and then they got changed and then headed out towards the front to wait for the cabs. As she left she would leave a 100 credit tip to be split up.

 Lizzy then went with Izzy up front and waited for the cab, she then said to Izzy," That was awesome, everyone had a great time Izzy and I am so glad you came as well."

In reply to dresses (msg # 148):

---->>> from Beach

 Meari was all smiles seeing Skiffle so happy with her cloth doll. She knows Skiffle will get a good home on Bura, she still wanted to talk to someone to make sure Skiffle, Can and the others got good homes. Meari walked into the condo with her suit still on, she smiles and says,Thank you again Captain Si for allowing all of us to attend. Also Captain who would I talk too about one of the children getting a good home?

 Captain Si smiles,,I am in the Position were, As the Flagship of  the Delta Fleet, we have to   be a bit better then others... that includes  shore leave. And? If I am able to make   somethign special for our Ladies, then i will.

 At the Mention of the Kids,  the smile softened  a bit,Commodore  McKeon,  has  found a Need for the  influx of   children in Bura. Not only has there been devastating loss of life there, over the eyars, before  we came, but the Burians themselves, scaled back having children, because they were  afraid of them ending up on a Larder vessel...

 Those Children, all they have ever  known was  cold  metal , and artificial air and  sunlight  fliltered through 6 feet of Metaglass.. they will be ehaded to a real planet,
 Dirt that was not   farmed in, real water, and wind , rain..trees and grass. And? People who will care for them. Bura is still in a place to be attacked, but the build up of the Burian Fleet will halp counter that, if not  deter it .

 The  smile grows, perhaps a bit  sadly as she looks out the window that faces the streets ( since  Shadow always  gets the condo that faces the beach!)..Imagine  what they will feel, when they get off the   shuttle, for the very first time, and  run in grass, see incects and animals, tall  trees and a deep blue sky? It is something i would  want for my own child, if i had one.

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

 more Ladies   entered, CE-VA talked to  some of them as they entered about  the BAll and   the tradition of  'gearing up'  with the Captain

 Meari smiled at Captain Si,  and replied,  Thank you again Captain,  I will also not worry about the children , it sounds like Bura will take good care of them. Should I talk too Commodore McKeon to get permission to possibly  stay in contact with Skiffle Ma'am? Meari had a caring look as she mentioned Skiffle.

The cab that was called cane and the ladies all piled in to go back to the condo.


-----------

Haley entering with them asked to go to Nikkis room first to put away her things, was escorted and then up to Commander Sis.  There she sat on a big poofy ottoman waiting and looking at all the different dresses.

  The CAptain gave a wave to the door,I am hoping the Commodore  comes to the dress selection? I will leave  those details in her hands. The kids  are going to be embarking on a new  adventure, They may  find  , little  time for  what was left behind?

 CE-VA approached  the   two , she had a glass of wine in her  hand,,..hello!.. I am taking  some  sound bites  for  various slots  on our  programming?, this   will be  a bit in entertainment  and  Fashion....Would you care to  make a statement to the people who will be watching?

 Captain Si smiled  at CE-VA,  and stepped to the side.

They would be collected by the same taxi that had dropped them off, with the driver being sure to compliment the ladies as they climbed aboard and took a seat though whether this was out of general politeness or because he was angling for a tip was debatable. Either way Izzy would once again take a seat next to Lizzy and quietly watch as the scenery rolled by as they made their way back to the condo. Once there it wouldn't take much effort to work out which of the rooms belonged to Captain Si as they watched what appeared to be the entire of the Hermes female population entering, clearly excited to be getting an Angel Silk dress.

Upon walking into the Captain's suite decked out with tables laden with finger food and more importantly racks upon racks of gorgeous dresses, Izzy would take one look at CE-VA as she spoke to Captain Si and steer Lizzy away in the opposite direction clearly wanting to avoid the reporter and her camera "So, is there anything in particular you're looking for? I think I saw some napkins over by the canapes?" Izzy asked her girlfriend in a teasing voice, knowing how she usually went for the most revealing outfit she could find. Izzy meanwhile wanted to find a nice red dress that would go with her new nails, complement her figure and draw people's attention away from her injured face...if such a thing was even possible.

In reply to Harriet Lynch (msg # 140):

Hawkeye just chuckled as she watched the screen. "They always joked in the medical officer school that should the war end we'd not have to worry because the Marines would keep the need for med techs high. Glad Shadow is aiming to prove that wrong." She sighed as she headed to the locker room and got changed.

"Izzy today was great, thanks for organizing everything. "She says picking her clothes out of the bottom of the locker and getting dressed. On her way out she dropped a 200 cred tip for the staff.

---Condo----

Once at the condo Hawkeye heads in an old hand at this she begins perusing the various dresses set out.

In reply to Harriet Lynch (msg # 140):

Was enjoying a hot rock treatment and rolled her eyes behind her eyelids as word spread that Shadow was of course brawling with someone on the beach. He was an inspiring leader and a pretty solid compass for judging character, but the man was subtle the way hunting deer with a tank was subtle.

As the time announcement came she made her way to the dressing room to get ready to go to the fitting. She figured she could find something a bit more conservatively cut, that leaned more professional than some of the more fun options many of the other women chose. She was careful to tip 500 creds while they were heading out.

---- At the condo ---

Sarah entered with the rest of the ladies from the spa heading towards where Captain Si was located.

In reply to Nicole Rutledge (msg # 138):

Melia groaned as she watched the screen, of course Orria was there. "What I'd give to be both her and at the beach. I always miss the good fights." She says echoing Harry's disappointment. When it was time to go Melia also left a 200 cred tip for the staff.

---Condo (Both Orria and Melia)

Once they arrived Melia made a point of locating Orria. She got the 'debrief' on the situation at the beach from her daughter. Simply a fight started with Shadow and some men that were coming to the Hermes, and was about it.  Melia suppressed an eye roll suspecting that yet another group of trouble makers were about to come aboard.

 Sam left the Spa with the others and sitting on the other side of Izzy, Sam smiled at the driver and gave him a good tip. Sam followed the other ladies in and then begin looking for a dress and ending up in Izzy's area because of their height.

 Sam smiled at Izzy and said," I had a great time today thank you for setting it all up." Sam looked at Izzy and said ," I should have asked , I won a lot of credits on the football game, 5,000. I hope you do not mind I paid the Spa bill. It seemed easy to get everyone the package, I know some didnt use everything but you also got your hair styled, which by the way I love."

 Sam then went too look for a crystal blue gown like her eyes, and she wanted an open back.

 Lizzy sat with Izzy on the cab ride back tot he condo, they got out and headed up to  the condo and Lizzy found it very easy to find where Captain Si was.

 They walked into the condo and Izzy immediately turned around upon seeing Ce-Va the other reporter. Lizzy said," Oh that would not be good, you need to call your mom Izzy before the Ball, you know she will be watching, and all eyes and camera's are usually on me when i walk in with my dress selections in the past."  Lizzy giggles but looks at Izzy seriously, Izzy had to tell her Mom before she found out on her own.

 Then Izzy asked her what type of dress and she made a comment of napkins, Lizzy put her hands on her hips and said," Hey napkins are too big Izzy." Lizzy giggles and then thinks seriously, and replies," I am not sure  I just know I want Emerald Green to match my eyes, maybe I will go conservative tonight." Lizzy said that last part a little louder on purpose to see what reactions she would get from all the girls, especially Izzy and Harry's reaction.

After playfully sticking her tongue out at Nikki in response to her comment, Harry would head outside and wait for the taxi to come and pick them up, rolling her eyes in response to the smooth talking cabbies compliments as got on board and found a seat.

The journey back would prove to be a relatively short one, and soon enough Harry would find herself once again surrounded by an assortment of Angel silk dresses and only the vaguest of idea's on what she was looking for. Everyone else seemed to know exactly what it was they were looking for and then look totally amazing in whatever they found. Harry meanwhile would rather uncertainly leaf her way through one of the racks with a confused look on her face as she silently prayed for a Demon attack fleet to arrive and save her from this nightmare....it didn't even have to be a large attack fleet...was that really too much to ask for?

It was as she was looking at a little pink dress like she was afraid that it was about to explode that she would overhear Lizzy's comment about dressing conservatively this time around, prompting a derisive snort from Harry "Pull the other one! We all know that just means you're going to wear four postage stamps instead of three!"

In reply to dress thing (msg # 160):

 Meari smiles at Captain Si and says," Yes I will speak with her Ma'am thank you, it is Skiffle was afraid she wouldnt like her new family and I replied she could call me. She doesnt have a comm I just want to get her a Comm so if she needs to call me she can, I think it will also make her feel better Ma'am."

 Ce-Va approached her and the Captain, and she asked for sound bites. Meari knew what sounds bites where small remarks about certain things, but Meari had no clue what to talk about she turned to Captain Si and she walked away. Meari then looked at Ce-Va and said," This is my second time of getting an Angel silk dress, I do not normally wear dresses but these are so beautiful I must. What color would you recommend Ce-Va?"

  CE-VA  grinned,My earther, Spanish  side  says to get one of those  Bright Purple dresses, to be   flashy as you dance?.... The Angel in me says the Darker Purple would set you off more  and be....intriguing ?...

 She  sorta  waved a  hand to dismiss her thoughts,..We are  at a disadvantage , you and  I and a few others... it seems  Human Males  are   wary of  mingling  with taller females.

 The two Iron Guard Ladies   with  Stefi entered,  Besty was Limping, Sally  was tryign to get  her to stop  bitching,what did you think would happen?.. a Round House  Flying Kick... he   could have taken your  throat out  instead of  knocking you down...

 I almost drowned!</Lavender

 Because you were stupid!.... they Guy has been out her for  almost 6 years? you don't think he can fight?

 Betsy  Sat  down on a  chain  near Haley   and Looked at the  compression brace on her knee,,<Lavender>He's a Pilot....

 to which the answer tot hat was a dozen woman laughing, Including  Captain Si...we Saw  CE-VA's   coverage of the....altercation... , Dusk stood there  in only under pants  as she   looked over the dresses...

 ... my father was nice to you... he is nornally, not so nice...

 Lilit  came over   with a Long , charcoal Grey    dress, looking at herself in a Mirror..

 ..he defeated me?.... it is true that  he  took me  by surprise..., but.. that is why he is still alive....it is also why, many people are alive...

 Maria  grins,..it is also true, why so many are Dead... you get  one chance to be an enemy, or a friend... This  was your  introduction....

 Sally   threw her  hands Up...see?... hard Head?... Now , what kind of dress...

“Thanks for setting this up Izzy. I had fun even if we really didn’t sit down and chat too much,” Billie smiled as they got into the taxi and headed back to the condos. Admittedly, she was a little excited for this…and to see Arnie’s face when he gets to see her all dolled up. There was a chuckle that escaped her lips at Harry’s response to Lizzy going more conservative which, Billie didn’t care either way. If the girl wanted to prance around with her boobs and more out, that was her decision. While Billie had an ample bosom herself, she never really put them out on display, figuring there was no real need. She looked through the dresses, unsure on what she wanted to get herself but deciding that she wanted something a little more…elegant and long.

Arriving with the ladies Nikki got out and headed on up with them.  She thanked Sam for paying, and Izzy for inviting.  going up she just remarked "I am looking for something....not in black I think.  And something Haley might like  getting there she reported to commander Si to thank her for inviting her and Haley.  Then before dresses she went and gave Haley a big hug and kiss and even gave her an 'airplane spin'.  She asked Commander Si if Haley could use her bathroom and take a shower to get the sand and salt water off.  Nothing like having a new pretty dress, but smelling like a trout.  If allowed or she's able to take her to her room and wash  Nikki made sure Haley was squeaky clean and wet hair brushed and ready for her to become a princess.

In reply to dress thing (msg # 169):

 Meari smiled and replied to Ce-Va, " Yes I like the Dark Purple intriguing sounds good." Meari chuckles and then replies more," Yes human males are very insecure sometimes, most dont even want to dance with me, and if they do it is like awkward. Well I also have made a pledge I would never sleep with anyone who could not best me in hand to hand combat."

 CE-VA  Smiles   as she  takes    single shots  of   ladies, to make sure she doesn't get  any embarrassing  scenes.

 Well? There is a very good chance you will never sleep with anyone? Any  Male that would  fight a  female, is not  someone  you would want to bed? And if it is  in combat, they are your enemy? In training? no one is goign all out. And?  90% of the males  won't  fight a  woman who they think might beat them, because it  will bruise thier egos.

 ...

 Captain Si moved through the Ladies  like a  ghost, she was there..but not there, only offering tips  if  asked, otherwise she was making  sure   people were finding what they looked  for.

 there were  two  quartermaster , uniform techs there. One Man  one  woman.  The Man  seemed quite at  ease with  naked and half naked  women prancing about. But  he and the other  Techs  have seen most of them this  way  for   unifrom and armor  fittings.. a woman  would  bring a   dress over that needed a tuck  here, or a dart there, maybe   a hem?..one   sewing  machins  and a few hand helds  as well as  spools of angel silk thread.

.........

 Cora   was getting her  makeup  done , as she  had her dress picked out, a Deep Blue , short , strapless.

 Eckles asked,what do you want...

   just  eye shadow to match the dress... pick a nice lip gloss, and just a 'dusting' on the cheeks...

 Eckles  smiled  as she looked at the  dress on the Hanger,anyone you trying to impress?

 ..not  really?..  just trying to  be noticed, I understand he doesn't like alot of makeup!

 she  shrugged her  shoulders with a Giggle.

 ..well? lets  get you notcied then.

Having moved from the little pink dress to a silvery coloured one that she suspected would make her look like she was wrapped in tinfoil, Harry would catch sight of a semi-naked Dusk standing a short distance away causing her breath to catch in her throat and the dress to fall unfeelingly from her fingers as she admired the Udenese woman’s gorgeous figure. It would take her several moments to tear her eyes away from this truly breathtaking sight and retrieve the fallen dress as her cheeks turned a rather unbecoming shade of pink with her quietly hoping that no one had noticed her staring at the lovely Udenese girl. Hurriedly shoving the dress back onto the rack, Harry would quickly retreat to the back corner of the room to continue her search for a dress there before she made herself appear even more foolish.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:38, Tue 27 Oct 2020.

 Meari nodded at Ce-Va and replied, Yes that is very true, it would be sparring and I go 100 % at all times. Maybe I will find no man that will fight me in Ernest maybe a female. Meari giggles and smiles at Ce-Va.

 Meari then watched as Dusk strutted around in her underwear.  She noticed Harry staring at her cousin. Meari walked up to Harry and replied, Hello Ensign Lynch, I see not only men stare at my cousin, she is very beautiful. Meari smiles as Harry picked up the dropped dress. What color are looking for, I am looking for a dark purple.

once back she sat Haley down in a robe with a smile.  she began looking through the dresses for something for her and Haley.  from the racks she pulled 3 for her and 3 for Haley.
she tried a soft pearly purple dress on first.
https://i.pinimg.com/originals...ba1bc14edad79c05.jpg
then a pearly white and silver beaded number.  She swished around a bit in.

she tried the third as well.  It was a near twin to another but this one had metallic black beading and not silvery crystals
https://cdn.sofiehouse.co/medi...ded-Prom-Dress-2.jpg
Nikki also perused the dresses to see what could be done for Haley, who still wanted something purplish.
Looking she found something in a light blue with some altering quick would be good.  Haley looked and shook her head and crinkled her nose like she smelled bad fish "I'd look like a bad Cinderella" Nikki looked...it was true didn't work for Haley at all.  She put that one back and looked again.
"Here's a pretty one in dark blue.  Want to try it on?" she asked an she did it fit except for length.  Nikki tucked it up and pinned it, hiking up just a bit more in front to show off any shoes (luckily she brought some shiny black for Haley
https://ae01.alicdn.com/kf/HTB...ds-Long-Birthday.jpg
Haley modeled it and  kind of nodded her head.  "Okay well we'll check for another and you can choose...okay?" Nikki smiled. She looked again and found another fucshia pink-purple.  checking it had been cut befor as part was attached by velcro.  she took it apart.  only the outer layer of tulle was long, but the at could be fixed.  it came to a tea length on Haley with what could be a train of tulle if cut right.  Nikki clipped the rosette off and out of it she turned it into a 4 point bow that worked better.  trying on  she looked where it could be tucked and such.  "Hows that?"  Haley grinned and nodded



(ooc- sorry some dresses would not come out so just left links)
This message was last edited by the player at 17:09, Tue 27 Oct 2020.

Now Nikki had to choose one fore herself, each had merit.  "Ladies any suggestions?" she asked beginning to work on Haleys hair.  She thought about it a minute and with the little ribbon left from the rosette she created this for Haley.
while her dress was tucked and secured for her.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:21, Tue 27 Oct 2020.

”And how am I supposed to do that?” Izzy softly asked, looking down at the dress in her hands with a dejected look as Lizzy suggested she that she call her mom and tell her that she had been disfigured on her last mission ”...she didn’t want me coming out here to begin with, because she was scared I would get hurt, so how am I going to tell that she was right? That I was injured, she’ll lose her mind! And...I...I’m struggling to cope with this as it is!” she sniffed as tears started to roll down her cheeks.

  Raven comes in with brivet and Lona lake, they are  laughing  as they  come and pay thier   respects  to Captain  Si and she  users them to the   dresses and food  tables.

 Ellen  his holding a  Dark Yellow dress up  as she look in one of the many mirrors.

   CE-VA  spies   Izzy  towards the back with Lizzy,  she  smiels  slightly as  Umbra is talkign to her,  and  The tall Dark skinned Pilot   showed off  a Grey and  white twirled-color  dress that ended at the knee.

 CE-VA took a  few pics of her to add to the   collection for  the  magazine  and the   Vid Station

 Gigi  was near Gia,  as  the  Italian  talked  with the french  woman about the bright  red Dress... both waving thier  arms around  as if they were  tryign to land a Mantis on a seagoing carrier.

It was as Harry was hurriedly retrieving the dress that had slid between her fingers as she stood there stunned at the sight of her crush that she would hear the voice of Dusk’s cousin; Meari of all people speaking to her, with the only saving grace being that it wasn’t her grandmother Lillit ”I wasn’t staring at her” Harry replied as her cheeks practically glowed in embarrassment, with her quickly returning the dress to the rack before retreating to another part of the room where she could continue her fruitless search for a dress to wear to the ball, with it becoming increasingly apparent that she didn’t know she was doing.

With a sigh, Billie continued to look through the various dresses. They were all beautiful but it was really hard trying to find something that she wanted. Almost wanting to give up, Billie finally found one that called to her...a rose gold colored dress that was simple in design yet elegant (at least to her). Looking around, Billie slowly approached Nikki since she seemed to have more experience at this than her. "Hey Nikki...do we get our hair and makeup done before we put the dress on or after? And...what kind of shoes would look good with this? This is very out of my element..." She almost shyly held up the dress she chose, wondering if Arnie would like it. It would definitely show off a little more of her chest than anticipated but it wasn't in a lewd way.

 Lizzy looked at Izzy and replied," Well you will heal Izzy and your Mom will love you no matter what just like me. Izzy your Mother is no fool she knows it is dangerous out here, but you wanted to be out here didnt you? You have to decide finding out on vids or on ESN casualty reports, or you could call her and let her know you are ok. I will be by your side as much  helping you with your Mom and through all of your recovery, you do need to decide how YOU want to help win this war." Lizzy wiped the tears from her girlfriends eyes, and then gave her a big hug and a short kiss then said," We do have to find dresses at least right Izzy, you said red and I want emerald green." Lizzy would stay wit Izzy as they headed for the red dresses.

In reply to Harriet Lynch (msg # 180):

 Meari looked at Harry and could tell she was very embarrassed, Meari was about to reply to Harry when she put the dress up and took off to another part of the room. Meari was not mad at Harry, her cousin was very beautiful. She was just trying to start a conversation but again Meari needs to work on her human interactions.

Meari looked and found an amazing dark Purple dress, it was elegant but sexy as well. Open backed, and a little low cut in the front but not too bad, it came down to right above her knees. She turned to Ce=Va and held up the Dark Purple dress," Something like this one?"

 Sam smiled at Izzy and then headed looking for a crystal blue dress to match her eyes. She went around a corner and bumped into Harry, Sam stumbled not weighing very much and not much of an athlete or fighter, she falls toward the dresses. Sam will try to brag something to hold her up, she reaches for Harry, if Harry grabs her she will be fine if not Sam will fall into the Angel silk dresses. Sam yells out," Oh shit."

Nikki thought about Billies question a moment "UHMmmmmm...If the dress needs to slip over your head get it done after, if it is a step in you can do before" pointing out the differences.  she was still doing Haleys hair at the moment "Make up always after putting the dress on so it does not smear" she remembered the part about shoes "You could go with a nude or cream colored heeled pump, open toe I think would look best.  Keep it simple."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:39, Tue 27 Oct 2020.

In her haste to escape what was threatening to be a very awkward situation Harry would round a corner just as the diminutive Sam was coming in the opposite direction. Quickly taking hold of the other woman she would manage to stop her from overbalancing and falling into the rack of dresses behind "Oh bloody hell! I'm so sorry, I didn't see you there! Are you alright?" she asked in a panic stricken voice, hoping that she hadn't hurt Sam as a result of her clumsiness.

As Lizzy wiped the tears from her eyes it was clear that she was fighting a losing battle as the tears started coming thick and fast "But...I don't know what to say, I don't even know where to begin" she said in a miserable voice as Lizzy put her arms about her in a gentle embrace with the war and her part within it currently being the furthest thing from her mind, with her more concerned about upsetting her mother "...She's going to be so disappointed in me!" she sniffed with the conversation then being quickly turned back to the topic of finding dresses for tonight "I...I guess so, though I'm not really feeling it at the moment...it's going to take more than a dress to fix this" she said gesturing at her face before meekly allowing Lizzy to lead her towards one of the racks to see if it held any suitable candidates for them.

In reply to Samantha Robertson (msg # 165):

After greeting Captain Si Sarah moved to the dresses eyeing a dress with a Burian green velvet top and a layered tulle bottom. She moves to the fitting rooms to try it on finding it to be acceptable, but not quite right so she moves back to the racks stopping next to Sam who is in the process of untangling herself from Harry. "Let me give you a hand there and maybe you can give me one." she says starting to work at carefully untangling the two women.

In reply to Samantha Robertson (msg # 165):

Hawkeye headed towards some of the more whimsical fancy ball gown style dresses done conveniently in a tiki style with flowers and other patterns. She thought it suited her well taking it to get tailored to length as it was a bit too long in the torso. She chuckled watching the tangle unfold across the room as she fixes a drink for herself and grabs a finger sandwich while she waits on the seamstress to work her magic.

In reply to Samantha Robertson (msg # 165):

Melia moved to the dress area with Orria. Orria for her part was pretty excited about some of the lavender dresses and started asking the aides to help her. Melia moved to a sleek grey number that had she thought would match well with Zob's skin pigments, but then also appeared likely to give her a good range of motion and had some good folds of fabric with which to hide some of the tools needed in her capacity as Shade and Orria's guardian. She eyed the new Marine women as they came in with Stefi, uncertain what to make of them. They seemed to be on better terms than on the beach. Fist fights weren't uncommon in the corps as a way of greeting and meeting new teammates, but on the Hermes they were also a red flag.

 Sam was so happy Harry caught her, Sam smiled and replied," I am fine thank you, sorry I was looking for a crystal blue dress to match my eyes. So what color and style are you going for?  Sam began to untangle herself with Harry just as Sarah came over and helped then finish the job of separating them. Sam then responded,"  Thank you Ma'am, and of course what can I help you with Ma'am?"

 Lizzy looked at Izzy and said," Begin with Mom I am ok and I love you and go from there." Lizzy holds her again and then adds," She wont be disappointed in you Izzy she will be happy you are ok just like I am."

 Then headed for the dresses and again Izzy made a remark about her face, Lizzy looked into her eyes and said, " Izzy you are beautiful and they will do surgery after the dermaplast is done doing it's job. Oh Izzy have you seen some of the dresses I wore no one ever looked above my boobs I don't think." She giggles she was embellishing quite a bit but she wanted to try and make Izzy smile.

 They walk over and Lizzy starts showing her some beautiful red dresses, then Lizzy finds one that would look great she shows Izzy.

Billie looked the dress over and noticed that is used an invisible zipper up the side. “Alright…thanks Nikki! Simple yet elegant is what I am going for.” She said with a smile and moved to find a pair of shoes similar to what Nikki described. Once they were found, she grabbed them and set them off to the side before going to get her hair and makeup done though removing her shirt and sports bra so as to not mess anything up when it was done.

  some of the ladies  were dancing to the music  as they waited  to try on the dresses the picked.. Dusk  nibbled on some    fruit  and   sipped  a  drink as she waited

 beth  came  over with flores , Dusk gave them both a Hug,  they posed  for some  shots  by CE-VA, with CE-VA making sure the   CAM didn't  catch 'too much' of  Dusk.

 hey Ladies?...  anything to say?

 ..... Tonight Everest gets  Invaded  by the Delta Fleet Ladies!

 Beth and Flores    closed  in so thier faces were  touched  Dusks,, and  the Ce-VA   cut the Cam...-..Thank you Ladies!

 Lilit.. frowned  at Dusk,I am sorry Granmod!..but  no use putting the dress on until i can get every thing done!

In reply to Samantha Robertson (msg # 191):

"Well, this fashion thing isn't something I know very well. Perhaps if you have the ability and time you could help me pick something out that suits me a bit better than I can manage on my own. I just don't have a good sense for this." She says with a sheepish shrug.

 Captain Si  'tinged' a wine glass,Attention Ladies... Oliver is  brining   the  men up, they will be getting ready at Shadow's Condo....  we will be walkign to the  ESN HQ, about
 3  Blocks, there   will be a   ESN Blue Carpet to follow to the  entrance... Iron Guard
 troopers  will be stationed  along the  path,

 pointing to the Clock,A little less then  2  hours before  we  start out  walk..... the 'happy hour' with the Ball Proper,, starting right after.

 There is going to be some Surprises tonight, and there may be some unhappy people..let us try not to  destroy the  HQ Hall?

 CE-VA smiles,...and if you do try, let me know..so i can get better  Vids!

Some of the Girls laughed.

Melia grins, "Aww it's cute they think we need escorts, is it true there are too many vids there's too many vids of us wrecking places in fancy gowns that people have started to think were too good at it and decided to give some new folks a shot at it?" She snipes from across the room as she starts tucking knives and the like like into various parts of her dress. Tucked behind the folds of fabric hide access points to both her sidearms worn low on her hips and she pages through a small hand bag that contains a pair of spare magazines for her hard ammo pistol and a few medical supplies.

Harry had barely got Sam back onto her feet before she was whisked away by Sarah so that she could help her find a dress, once again leaving Harry to her own devices and wishing that she could partake in the glasses of white wine sitting on the side. However despite having only the vaguest of idea's of what she was looking for she would eventually settle on a pink knee length dress with a halter neck and decorated with a little silver beading about the neck and waist (https://i.pinimg.com/originals...29d729d6e06f0b3c.jpg). As well as looking pretty and going with her nails it would also nicely conceal the pair of bullet wounds she was currently sporting, which should save her from having to answer any awkward questions.

With her dress finally chosen she would get Gia to do her makeup and help her choose a pair of shoes to go with her dress before listening as Captain Si told the assembled ladies what the plan was with her quietly chuckling at Melia's comment concerning the Iron Guard. Considering that they were probably the most dangerous group of ladies within the Black it would have to take a special kind of idiot to risk taking them on.

Mila hadn't wanted to leave the beach. It was fun playing in the sand, with not only the largs but lots of human youngsters to play with... and if that wasn't a good enough reason to stay, Her Human was threatening to bathe her!

Oh well, Her Human usually gave her a good brushing once her fur had dried, and she did enjoy that.

And there would be food and fuss at the ball, even if most people thought she was a pet dog!

She followed Her Human back to the condos, resigned to her fate.

As she slowly made her way over to a rack that held a selection of red dresses it was clear that Izzy was still less than convinced by Lizzy's reassurances that her mother wouldn't take the news too badly or be disappointed with her only daughter. Though she would smile when Lizzy said that most people's eyes never left her chest "Mine don't really have the same level of impact as yours" she softly replied, with her own chest only appearing large in comparison to her tiny frame.

With her not really feeling in the mood and her eyesight not being the best, Lizzy would do the majority of the searching With Izzy looking over what she picked out for her, although she would find an Emerald green dress that seemed to consist entirely of nearly sheer lacework that she would point out to Lizzy with a giggle. In the end it would be the third red dress that Lizzy had found that would catch Izzy's eye; a long, strapless red dress with a single slit up the left hand side that nicely showed off her petite figure along with a tasteful amount of cleavage. After a single failed attempt at applying a little makeup, that resulted in her smearing lipstick across her cheek, a still damp eyed Izzy would meekly ask her girlfriend if she could put a little makeup on her before then going in search of a pair of high heels with which to finish the look and give her the couple of inches of extra height she so desperately needed.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:56, Wed 28 Oct 2020.

Nikki fussed with her own hair trying to decide on which gown.  She finally decided against the purple leaving the white and the lime green.  Haley sate and ate a small snack while her dress was altered.  One of the tailors even used the rest of the dress and turned it into a stole like wrap.  A couple of velcroed pockets in it could hold a small pistol magazine as well and act as weights for it.  She brushed and curled her hair, giving a soft look.

 Sam smiled at Harry and said," Check out the dresses over there Harry I think they will look great on you."

 Then Sarah helped her and asked her to help her out finding a dress. Sam smiled at Sarah and said," Sure Sarah I will help you out, now what color are you looking for, and style, I think something classy with a little sexy thrown in." Sam smiled and waited for Sarah to reply.

 Lizzy smiles at Izzy takes her hand and says," Well yes I do, you will look great my love." Lizzy found a great red dress for Izzy, she hoped Izzy's eye site would get better, Lizzy had no problem helping her find a dress. Lizzy did find a green dress she loved, and showed Izzy if she liked it.
 https://www.yandy.com/Sipping-...BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

 Once they found there dresses Izzy would try and do her makeup. Lizzy smiled at Izzy and wiped Izzy's eyes, and then did a wonderful mild makeup job on Izzy, one of her best makeup jobs. Lizzy finished and then got her dress on and looked for a short pair of green heels so she wasnt to much taller than Izzy.

"Lizzy...try the green one forth to the right of that one.  I saw it before thought it was sexy" she finished putting a bobby pin in her hair.
https://i.pinimg.com/736x/ea/c...een-prom-dresses.jpg

Since she was going green she would go with the white and silver one.  Then stood up with the green and black crystal she had and hung it back up along with the purple.  She then worked on something to use as a pistol holster and to hold her screw driver comfortably and non-noticable.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:17, Thu 29 Oct 2020.

   Down in the Garage,  Shadow  got the  House, and began to Spray Larry  and gregor  down, he had them stand on one of the grates , while they stood  rather Happily.

 The  guards on duty used  leaf blowers to Dry them off. much to the  dismay of the  grounds keepers.

 Lt Cross, Vinnie,Luke and Mick stood  by  as Roll and Shade  dried  off the largs,  Cross said,..LC, ?  A Word, Sir?

 Shadow  had a   cloth used by the hotel to wipe down  limos, he  was  drying himself , walked towards them  And Nodded  as he  dried. Sure, Whatcha need...

  Why are  you so hard on Us? What did  we  do? other  then walks down the beach?

 Walking  Up to them , eh   stopped  lookign at each one  of them..we hadUnits  come  on to the hermes before.. Germans who got wiped out there first Jump off.. a  group of  troopers   with a hotshot LT, who end up take   the Longwalk, right in the middle of  Black Op.... Scots  came In... me and Hemsly  got into it...but they worked out , just fine?. why? because  captain McCloud  has  the reins  tight, and  they  thought  fighting the   war was more important  then ego...

 Now?   you have  Vinnie here, who there is a damn good  chance i killed his  Dad in New Yorok, or..maybe Roles  did... .I really hope so?  It would be nice to have a Name, instead  of  just dropping another greasy meatball into the river

 ..Mick?... sniffing around beth?.. And that's Cool...but.. you play her, if she don't kill you, i will.....

 Froth?.. I have no idea  what's in your head, But taking a cheap shot on the beach.. there's no coming back from that.... everytime i see you..you better   be  spit and Polish, because i'll be looking for a reason   to have you go on the Hull of the Hermes  and  name  every Rivet  in the ship[..

 And, LT Cross.. lets talk about you.... The Iron Guard... keepers of  all that's holy... and now.. you get the dream  job.  Just keep this in mind.. all of you.... when  we do black ops...rank doesn't me a  gods be damned thing... you'll take overs  from a Private, if he's put in charge...



 .. now, at the top of the elevator  is my Conndo.. the guest wing has a few  rooms left... you all are welcome to stay there, Buddy up, whatever.... Just stay out of My wing..... The Vid area  will be for the Stem kids... you let them watch what they wanna   watch... and they'll be  sleeting there  again. The party area is  for the Adults, but.. i image   people will be on the beach or in the rooms  By the  time we escape the Ball

Vinnie was choked up a bit  as he said,what  about you, You Hunky Bastard....

 Shadow  smiled,That's not a slur to me..Hunky, Magyar, Gypsie?  they all sound good to me.... but  let me just say this....everything you think you know..everything you have  heard.... lets pretend, its  all true?

 Cross shurgs,  if tis was?

 I'm still alive....keep that thought in your head,  which rumor  is more scary, when you tack on the end 'he's still alive".. Now?  Go ahead up... pick rooms or whatever,
 You can sue the kitchen, just make sure you police it up when you're done

...........

  People started to wait in line  to go up

Roy started to open his mouth to say something when Cross began talking to Shadow, and then shrugged and shook his head resignedly, standing back and listening until Shadow was done.  He stepped up, looking at Cross for a moment.

"What, you didn't get enough from me and had to go direct to the source?  I'm telling you, Lieutenant...wrap your heads around this concept now, because if you're still struggling with it once you get on board, you're not going to make it.  Hack runs the Fleet on a meritocracy...the most senior officers are not necessarily the ones in command, and if an officer has earned Hack's trust...and Shadow did that long before the Hermes even launched...they get a LOT of leeway in how they do things, as long as they provide results.  Shadow provides results...good results, consistently, so trying to convince anyone to change the way he does things?"  Roy shook his head, demonstrating how futile he thought such efforts would be.

"You don't like him, that's your business.  You can't work with him?  Take that business somewhere else.  We've seen a lot of the 'best' come aboard and go to pieces because they can't get on board mentally with being part of the team.  I'd take a stem rat straight out of boot camp who's eager to be part of the group over an expert who can't get his ass in line with the rest of us, every day."

He looked at the whole group.  "Get your ass in line.  Or get out of line and let someone else take your spot.  You can't handle that, we'll handle it for you."  Without another word, he turned and headed for the elevator.

 Cross   gave  Roy a  sad smile,..You telling  me, and me telling them. That's good enough. But hearing it  from  The LC , straight up, everyone  is on the same page now, i just have a  few more pages  then the rest.

   Roll came Up...we got  Larry and gregor   all dried off... we hafta get dressed now?

  Yep, you and Shade  go up with them.

 Roll gave a  salute  and scamperd over the Shade and the two Largs.

 Mick says,so, the urchin gets tta go to a fancy ball?

 Shadow  smiled, a bit darkly,..That Little larg is  'his" if  a larg can ever  'belong' to someone... he is trying his best  to train them,  I haven't see one Larg that doesn't like the kid..and..wouldn't   hesitate to  chew of  legs and ehads of someone trying to hurt him....

 ..but?  That little  kid? I had   QM  make an 'officer's sword" for him. They  made it from a Bayonet  they ise   for Avains and Largrans..lone, skinny...anyway?  at  a Ball on Uden,  some Nivarian  nut ball was going to  try to off me, or  some of the people with me, as we just came out of an assassination attempt... that kid, stabbed th4e Nivarian through the  back and the Blade  came out the other side.. and the  bastard  died without even knowing what killed him.

 ..he's a Stem Rat.. from Etna, we have a few of them on The Hermes... he didn't turn to a bowl of  jelly, or cry and whine because he killed someone.... he has seen  as much , if not more death  then you. And in perspective , his  death was a bit  stronger, because he  faced it  every damn hour, of every day...Just..remember when you see someone from the Hermes.. they paid the price to be there...

 The  2nd load of people went  Up. The Board officers  and   some of the 'well known' folks went through the Hotel, for  appearance  sake. Shadow waited   as he talked  to Nagy and Simms

 CE-VA was only Half dressed herself  as she talked to Captain Si. Captain Si called out,Ensign Sakura.... SGT  Meari..  come on over grab a dress for a prop,  We want to get
 some Vid of the Ladies  who helped  save  SGT  Call!

 The other  ladies  Clapped, and   shouted.

  Sneak  was looking over   dresses  and shook her  head, she was built  well for  being in her   very early 20s, she was trying to find something that made her look...'appealing' , with out looking  like the ladies  who stood at the Dock entrances to the station.

 frans   was doign make up  for  Chatty Smith, a few times   Frans  had to gently push up her chin to stop  Chatty from talkign, as she  worked her magic.-

 Gigi was admiring herself in the Mirror,  , she saw  Raven  and  'innocently ' asked,..You Know  Steele better then most?, will he like the   dress?

 Raven gives a snort,, he'll like it better on the floor... and Raven moves off to pick a shimmering   lt green, strapless sheath, that is a bit higher then the knee

Zob chuckled at the exchange and moved past the group of Iron Guard, 'when will people learn..' he thought to himself as he followed up behind Roy getting on the Elevator.

 Meari found a dress and headed towards Ce-Va and Captain Si. Meari nodded and replied, We just did what anyone else would have done plus Sgt Call saved my life I had to do what I could.

 Meari sees Izzy for the first time since her injury. Meari looked at her and said, I see you saw some action, I am glad you will recover, I will ask Granmod Lilit if you can get some Navarra root, it is like your aloe but much more powerful and it is said it helps scars on humans. Ens I am very glad you survived, and I hope you heal well. She then says a healing prayer in Udenese.

 CE-VA with her   dazzling   angel  smile, coupled  witht he  raven dark hair  and lt green eyes,..lets go you too, Time  to  let the people see  our  heroes and show your faces...

 Captain  Si smiled a bit  satisfied as she watched the ladies  getting thier attire , and  frans  doing  makeup  with Gia, Eckels and Mara handling whay hairdos needed  handled

Meanwhile, being a mere man, Henry contented himself with a shower and putting on a tux. This AFTER brushing Mila, he didn't want white fur all over a black suit!

Nikki let Haley sit and rest eating a couple small snacks.  She was just in her underslip so as not to get her dress dirty Nikkis was next to her hanging until she put it on.  Nikki winked and moved over to Sneak "Would you like some help?" Nikki smiled.  she quietly talked with her on what she might like and would look stunning in.  "I'll give you some advice my step mothers have given me and a few tips from friends that have helped.  First when you put on a gown you need it to make you feel both like a princess and as if it is bullet proof armor" she said.  "Second, find a color that brings your skin tone alive.  There are 1000 shades of 1000 colors so that can be difficult, but it is doable.  Third, make sure the dress fits and is comfortable.  meaning if you bend your bosom don't fall out or a seam to rip. she giggled a bit "forth pick a feature you want to have others notice.  such as your bosom, legs, tiny waist, or pretty face." she reached gently and tilted Sneaks head upward a bit by the chin "And you have a very lovely face, hold it up high and proud.  If anything it will make some old biddy jealous.  I'm thinking something, maybe.... in a peacock blue tone."  she looked at the racks in the blue tone area looked past 6 dresses and saw one "Try this one....please.  If it works we can have some peacock feathers added for accents" then her to go change.

  Sneak looked at the  dress.she smiled at the color,..I lobe the color?..but?  isn't it a bit...long? I mean, I might never  wear it again, unless we are  at some other Ball, and  the Captain doesn't have time  to set up Dress times?

 She Bit her  lips a bit as she loked aroudn as some of the aldies who were  getting thier  dresses on or already had them on....Flores looks  great? but...i don't  want a dress that short.. and , i dunno.. i was never a princess..i don't want to sweep the floor  with the bottom of  my dress...


 Kat looks good, bit i dunno about  those straps, i kinda like the  no strap thing?.. Jax?  He  really won't  care?..he says i always look good... she truned a bit shay after saying that

Nikki examined the dress on her "Well...you'll have heels so you'll be a bit taller.  that will help" Nikki checked the fit on her, held up the hem a bit.  felt around to see where it might catch or anything "Another thing about dresses and gowns...check seams and see if walking will be a problem.  Which this one doesn't seem to have." Nikki moved her to shoes "Should have stillettos to prove 'delicacy.  but we'll get you through this"  She found a pair of silver sequined 2" heels, the heel a bit thicker but slipped on and off easily and had a peek-a-boo toe.  She knealt and helped her into them.  the hem barely hit the ground then.  Nikki smiled atleast her approval.  another touch was at the gentleman and lady doing alterations "I like this dome times.  reminds me helping my sisters at prom time"  she found only 6 peacock feathers.  In short work she made 2 appliques with a glue gun and blue thread and had them attached 3 at her cleavage and 3 on her hip with a couple of silver crystals.  she turned Sneak into the long mirror for a look at herself.  "There?  how is that?  and now we can work on hair and a touch of make up.  Never need a lot, like salt and pepper..just enough to enhance the dish"

”You look beautiful” Izzy softly spoke as she watched Lizzy stepping into a pair of high heels which would make her only slightly taller than she was. The dress was gorgeous and would nicely show off her girlfriend’s curvaceous figure, with the colour going beautifully with a pair of emerald green eyes in which Izzy had lost herself on many an occasion.

It was as she was admiring Lizzy’s dress that she would hear her name being called by CE-VA to come and join Meari up front so that she could interview the ladies that had saved Will Call “Oh no, I’m not a hero...Meari did all of the work, I just helped a little” Izzy timidly said from where she stood beside Lizzy, with Meari offering to get her something for her skin to help it recover after her surgery.

In reply to Zobaich (msg # 209):

"Well, I was hoping something that emphasized the Burian colors." Sarah explained, "but also at least doesn't look terrible on my frame either." she begins looking at more dresses, not really positive in what would look good on a woman with broader shoulders, small in the bust, and tall much like Meari.

Nikki helped with her hair and make up.  there was not much to do as she was already pretty.  Nikki showed her how to apply eye liner and shadow, blush, lipstick, and a touch of mascara. "Soft and neutral.  wispy curls and shoulder tendrils.  Jax is not going to leave your side" she smiled at her.
Haley nodded her head in agreement.
Nikki led her over to the middle of the room elegantly by the hand "Ladies.....I present Madam-mazell Sneak of the 351 Hermes" to show heroff and get a bit comfortable with stares.

   Sneak was more then a little   embarrassed, as she looked around   touching the  dress , feeling  foolish , but somehow liking it.-

  Besty looked   At Sneak  and  asked Sally who is she?.. she's too yo9ung to  be a marine..

 Maria   was looking  at  darker Beige knee high, she  said to Betsy, That Chica  was livinign in the stems when you were in you bunk at boot camp... takign care of  kids smaller then her.. she has stood on the hnager  dec  handing out drinks and  sandwiches , while Vampics  and   demons boarded... She fights the good fight..not because she is paid to, but because   it is  right...That is why she is Hermes...


 Ce-VA  waved meari and Izzy  up front, as she  had the camera  on  Sneak  for a   few shots,Lets go Ladies...

 Lilly came in, she was  smilign  awkwardly, not used to  being arund alot of  people, Beth waved her over to the table to get  a nibble or two  and Point out  some   dresses  that she  thought   the #2  COM officer  would look good in.

Roy was quiet in the elevator up, deep in thought...about a lot.  The changes in leadership at Everest, the additional targets still left on the station that they hadn't found last night, the problematic new transfers he already knew about and the possibly problematic transfers that still didn't know they were being reassigned.  As had become habit for him, he was rolling over contingencies in his mind, playing out scenarios and deciding on possible reactions to each eventuality that came up.  He wasn't actually planning...he lacked enough actionable intel to try and plan in advance.  But as he often did, rehearsing the options in his mind now, when it was quiet, made it easier for him to settle on a decision later, when all hell was breaking loose.

She waited a bit but when a spot opened up with Eckles, Billie moved to get her hair done. With some suggestions from Eckles, Billie ended up with large, loose curls that hung over one shoulder, a small clip pulling one side up and out of her face. It seemed simple enough and just what she was looking for. With her hair done, Billie went to get her makeup done. Gia opted to use a rose gold palette to match the color of her gown and using a darker shade to give soft smokey eye. Instead of lipstick, they used a gloss, not wanting to overdo it since Billie wanted something more simple. Once her hair and makeup was completed, Billie stripped down to nothing before slipping on the dress. The completed look actually impressed her. "Hey...I clean up nicely..." she said outloud to herself, oddly enjoying that feminine feeling that washed over her. "I hope Arnie likes it..." she muttered and went to grab a quick drink.

  On the roof, there  was a Line of  demarcation, between the two condos. 4 female troopers   stood  guard, keeping   men away from the  Admiral's  Condo,where  a few score of  ladies walked  around  in various states  of  undress   as the picked  dresses , had  make up and hair done and nibbled on  foods  and drinking light  drinks.

 CE-VA  with Captain Si smiling was  Taking Some  Pics  and talkign softly into her  tiny head set, each time  she  took a person's   pics, or a  bit of  vid, with her  current   focus on Meari and Izzy, as  she  spoke noted into her machine.

 Ladies  who  were done,  sat carefully  on   the  big couches   and  watched  Vids, some showed the  local reporters  with the  ESN HQ  building as  a back round talkign  about the up coming  Ball. Some of the Ladies  were relaxed, others looked  like  football players  who were waiting  for the game to start.

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

  over at Shadow's  Condo Two largs were at opposite ends of the party spectrum . Gregor  was sitting proudly, with his  'vest' on, a few  small decorations for  the action he had seen.

 Larg  was   laying on the  floor  out of the way  with his  vest and numerous awards on. It was easy to tell he did not like the  whole thing.

 Officers, noncoms and  rankers  all  moved  about, drinking  coffee or  soda, and nibbling  on 'non-mess' causing  foods.. Whites and Blues intermixed  with   Marine and Navy uniforms  the order of the  day. Shadow  and Shadow walked   down the  passage from  his 'master suite' towards the  living room-party section..Shade  was   Bleeping away  as his   Ambassador's  Tunic  held his awards,, His own , short version of  a sword  on one hip, he bleeped away.

 ...because you aren't in the Navy or the marines.. you are   the Ambassador...

 more  bleeps  and arm flailing's.

 ..it is a Very nice unifrom.. People respect it, and it  tells   everyone who you are.

 sterner bleeps...

 ..you wear  Marine  uniforms  one Jump offs, because you are goign in with  SEC...the only SEC folks who don't wear marine colors  are the Navy guys   Like Supe... besides..if you wore  an Ambassador outfit, someone would  Cap yoiu, because you  would be  a high profile target... wearing   a marine uniform you could be an Occui, or even a short Burian.

 Shade bleeped  again and Looked Up at The Admiral when they reached the kitch Counter.

 Hack looked at  Shadow.

 ..Shade  finds it disturbing  that he can't  wear a Marine or Navy uniform to the Balls.

 Well , Son, Hack smiles  at  Shade,..Your sister  went through  the Verian Version of the academy and   is still doing  classes of  sorts  wwith the Udenese  Navy?... so she gets to where Udenese  Naval uniforms,.... except  ..you know... 'the dress thing..' his head goes back and  forth  and  his hand waves a bit  as eyes  roll.

 ..but you  only trained with Shadow  and Roy...

 More Bleeps

 Aye..and some of the  SEC  folks, and  you picked up training , quite well. But....you aren't officially a member of   either , you are  , more or less,  a Hermes member of the  ship, since you were, more or less, born here?

  The Admiral looks around    at some of the others, Hennings give's Shade a wink.

 Besides? which one  would you pick?  The Navy  becaus eof your  father? or the Marines, ebcause of Roy and  the other  marines, this way?  you are Both, and you also fulfill your  position as Ambassador..

 Shade  gave a Metallic  sigh, Hack Clapped him on the shoudler , as he moved off to get a cup of  coffee.

Henry was at the coffee machine pouring a mug for himself, dressed in a plain black tuxedo.

"How do you like yours, Admiral?" he asked, getting another cup.

"You look great, Shade. I'm a civilian, so I'm very plain and unadorned. Sometimes I'm tempted to get my academic gown out, just to be a bit brighter, but it's not appropriate for a ball."

”Looking good Billie” Harry cheerfully spoke from where she was perched on one of the sofas, nervously sipping from a glass of water with it clear that she was far too scared to do anything other than sit there lest she made a mess of her dress or makeup. She was also anxious over what Will would think of her dress, after all she wanted to look nice for him especially seeing as he was a hero now and everyone wanted to shake his hand, and have their picture taken with him. She was also kind of worried that she’d done the whole dress thing wrong and that everyone was simply too polite to tell her that she looked like a complete berk, which considering that this was probably the first dress she’d ever picked by herself without any help was a very real possibility.

In reply to Sarah McKeon (msg # 217):

 Sam smiled at Sarah and said," Well lets see lets go with a strapless that will make your shoulders look smaller, one slit on the side would look elegant, now we need to find the perfect color. I am looking for a crystal blue dress to match my eyes." Sam helped Sarah find the perfect dress for her.

 Meari looked nervous and went up to Ce-Va, and she said," All I did was help him after he saved everyone's life, sealed his wound and got him to the shuttles, Ens. Sakura treated me and kept me going so I could help Sgt. Call. It was a team effort Ce-Va." Meari just stood there taller than anyone and replied," Thank you just doing my job I am no hero."

In reply to Nicole Rutledge (msg # 218):

 Lizzy smiled at Izzy and replied," Thank you Izzy , you look amazing as well." Lizzy did her makeup, and her hair and finally found some shorter matching shoes.

 After Izzy was called, Lizzy smiled and said," You are a hero my love if you didnt help Meari, she couldnt help Will and he might have died so you are a hero."  Lizzy hopes Izzy takes some of the credit but it also might have others think better of her. She had to rebuild her reputation and Lizzy wanted to help.

  The Admiral gave out a Loud  whistle  to  the  guys in Shadow's Condo, and  he  tapped into the   Vid-Feeds  for the two Condos...

  His face  was smiling on the vids in the Condo with the ladies, as he  began.

  welcome to  our latest version of a Jump Off, Today we will be goign to a Ball on Everest that will , also change the face of the   sector  for ever.... I will leave details  free for now.. all will be seen, when the time comes...

 he Chuckles  as he   waves to the screen,  My Wife is in charge of this Jump Off,  her plans  are this... The board and thier escorts  will walk to the HQ first, along  with  SGT Major Spencer and Captain Messe and  the Largs we are bringing,   In the Middle  will be   everyone who has  an escort , and not in  the LC's   'posse' , as it were...The  LC will follow  with whatever  men and  women choose  to   come with him, for   his  'entrance for the Media. All of us  are expected to enter the HQ Buildings. make some sort of  greeting to Everest folks who are there... there  will be a bit of a 'happy Hour' before the Ball starts... once the  Ball begins, those of you who do not wish to   stay indoors,  may  'overflow' to the courtyard in the back, where there will also be some entertainment  for dancing and such and food tables there... I would, recommend you take  advantage of the  indoor Ball,  as the Lavish settings  of  such,  come  only , every so often. and it is something you can remember.  Jump off starts  in  30 minutes... I hope you all enjoy yourselves.

Getting close to time Nikki helped Haley into her dress and made sure she was picture perfect, complete with stole wrap.  She looked at Haley "Walk in with this on.  Shere you will sit place this along the back of the chair.  If a person asks to take it let them remove it and they will hang it up" she gave her s little nose boop and smile.  She then turned to her dress and shoes.  Stepping in and pulling it up.  clasping it behind her neck and adjusting the dress so it was comfortable and lines were straight and pulled the dress up a bit to put her shoes on adding 2-3 more inches to her already 5'8" height.  One thing the dress did was make her look even leggier, which she always felt was her best quality.  Out of sight she excused herself to 'adjust her slip' she put on the holster garter and had her small hold out pistol and hid her screwdriver too before returning.  all tucked away so as to be unnoticed.  Only thing left was her award, the Blue Max.  Walking to hers and Haleys things she stacked them and from a pocket pulled it out and placed it rather inconspiculously on the strap high on the left.  She touched up her make up a tad and waited with the other ladies, their things would be returned to her room.  While waiting she made sure the small things were done such as her teeth were clean, white, and shiny.  No stray nose hair or such.  True the facial she had took care of it, but never hurt to recheck.  She still had that salon spa scent on her which was good.

Roy snorted softly at Larry.  " Suck it up," he said with an amused tone.  "I've been wearing one of these for two and a half decades...and yours is at least designed so you can move in it."

His amusement spilled over to show when Shade was grousing about his uniform, but Roy said nothing as Hack fielded the complaints.

”But I didn’t do anything!? It was only a little first aid, it wasn’t anything that everyone else wouldn’t have done!” Izzy replied in a frantic whisper. She hadn’t done it to get any kind of recognition or praise, she’d done it because it was the right thing to do! Upon realising that there was no escaping it, Izzy would meekly go to stand next to Meari, with the look of someone that suspected she was walking into a trap, with the tall Udenese woman towering over Izzy despite the high heels she was wearing.

  CE-VA  smiled  a tolerant   smile at Izzy, We all know that?  The People back home and in the  stations  , colonies and support ships do not.  This helps them Embrace thier hero more, knowing that some, no one has heard of, aided him..

 She Told them to  smile   as she  let the Vid  run a  few seconds  for a short Vid  Shot,..and,  as you see, its not  just battle the Ladies  are ready for!..here we have   two  Ladies  who aided SGT Call, when  his act of heroism saved The   driving  force of  the Delta Fleet. Admiral Oliver hack... Wave to the People at home ladies!

 Captain Si  watched with a  smile, the  Rest of the  women were Just  about   finished getting  Ready

 An Iron Guard trooper( female) entered the Condo.Captain Si, the Guard  are In Postion, we are  ready for you to move on to ESN HQ..

  Very Good  Corporal ,   we will be coming  down directly....

 There was a shape  salute, as she pivoted to leave, she cast an envious  eye at Sally and  Betsy.

  Si opened her COM, Oliver , They are  ready for us to move  down to the street.

  The Admiral answered his COM and whistled Lets go!..time to move out If you have an escort, find them..Board  first and Notables, Such as   Doc  henry  and  Shade as well as Roll and Gregor.. Larry  should go with   The SM....

 All Couples  go next.... people with out  Escorts, form up in the Rear with Shadow. make it look good

 Larry   strolled lazily to Roy and   gave a  diversive   snort

 gregor   followed   Roll out  as  the little  guy fussed with his 'sword'

 Machins    chuckled, The Great Kray Shadow, and you don't have an escort?

  I have  about   20 of them...  He  moved out  , walkign to the  end of the roof  were the food tables  stood, ready to be  reloaded  , for   an after party. , Beth, Flores   and a few other ladies  saw him, moving to   gather round to walk  with him

Roy gave a dry chuckle.  "My sentiments, exactly...but sometimes fighting a war means dressing up and playing tin soldier occasionally, instead of actually getting out in the field and doing something."

He gave Larry's shoulder a friendly thump, and added, "For what it's worth, I'm expecting it to be a memorable occasion.  A few big surprises coming for quite a few people.  And if we're lucky, we'll actually be able to get away early enough to go chase down a few more loose ends from last night..."

As CE-VA's camera started to roll, Izzy would just about manage to force a cheerful, and decidedly fake, smile onto her face as she gave the camera a finger wave as CE-VA said her piece about them saving Sgt Call. Which as far as she was concerned was a blatant lie made worse by the fact that there had been footage of her and Meari working on the stricken trooper in her battle report on the elipsian planetoid...thing.

As soon as CE-VA was done with them the smile would drop from Izzy's face as she returned to where Lizzy was standing and took her hand in preparation for them leaving for the ball.

Mila, in response to a "Make yourself useful" from Her Human, trotted over to the ladies' condo and searched out Val, wagging her tail furiously. Once she'd got Val's attention the dog headed out again, looking over her shoulder until Val took the hint and followed her outside to where Her Human waited.

  Val  sees Mila, and   finishes her   glass of  wine, before  checking  her  Dark Mauve, knee high  Dress,  she stops  to  thank  Captain Si, who smiles  at  Val. She steps out into the sunlight Looking  for  Henry and follows Mila  to him, she   smiles and gives a twirl.

 The Board, Henry, Roy and  Messe, Larry..Roll  Lilit , Dusk and  the  few  Ambassadors that chose  to walk with  the board   entered the   elevator along with thier escorts, Shade and Orria, as well a melia ...Sneak and Jax  follow behind   Roll and Haley.

 Of Course, all thier escorts go with them.. Shadow give  Dusk a dark stare for her silver  s, strapless  thigh high sheath. The  Officer with her, a Verian, or maybe  calimate-Verian Gave  Shadow a  bit of  sneer-stare as he took her arm.

 it took  several  car loads , with  the  admiral  only moving out to the steps , The   VIP group waved to reporters  and   fans alike as they waited for the rest of the  'army' of  party goers

...

 Next would be   all those  who had escorts.. some orderlies  runnign about   finding the Escorts and bringing them together as they  staged in the Lobby.

 Finally Shadow with  the guys  and Gals  who didn't have a  firm  escort  would follow.

 Lt Cross  approached Shadow,I have  heard   stories of these 'Balls"... do you expect trouble.

 Beth and Flores eyed Cross  as they tried to  figure out his intent. Shadow  just gave him a solid  slap on the shoudler, and the   'ever-present' Shadow half smile...I always expect trouble...and..i am never disappointed. The Admiral has something planned.... One thing i don't see?  Is you   General and his  support officers?

 ..Aye, somethign about some work he has to do,  but he's supposed to show  up after the party gets going...

"Val - you look amazing!" said Henry, feeling even more dowdy in a plain unadorned black tux. Oh well, it would make Val stand out even more. He offered an arm to lead her out. Mila tucked herself in on the other side.

Harry would thankfully only have to wait a little while longer, watching as CE-VA dragged Meari and Izzy up front to do a bit about how they'd saved Will with Izzy looking like she would much rather be anywhere but in front of a camera. Which was a little strange considering she was a reporter and consequently spent most of her time in front of one, then again that was before the explosion with Harry wondering if it had caused more damage than what they could see on the surface.

Once CE-VA had finished doing her bit Captain Si would signal that it was time for them to go and either meet up with their escorts or join Shadow's "Posse". Moving slowly so as not to stumble in the heels she was wearing Harry would leave the room to go in search of Will, uncertain as to whether she would be in the first group due to Will's recent decoration or in the second, though she figured someone would tell her when she got there.

---> Events

Despite her smile, Billie’s heart began to race as her nerves began to take hold, it getting closer and closer to the time when they were to meet up with their escorts. It was a similar sensation to when she was getting ready to take the field for the first time. When Captain Si signaled to the women that it was time, Billie took several deep steadying breaths as she headed out with the others, making it a point to be mindful of her steps thanks to the heels. Once she left the room, her light green eyes that were tinted purple thanks to the contacts scanned the area, looking for Arnie.

>>>>>>>>>> To Events
This message was last edited by the player at 17:56, Sat 31 Oct 2020.

Unlike most if not all of the other women currently within the Captain's quarters Izzy knew exactly where her escort was, with her looking up adoringly at the breathtakingly beautiful woman that she was dating. With the rest of her life seemingly falling apart all around her Lizzy was the one constant and Izzy was desperately clinging on to their relationship like a drowning woman to a life preserver "Are you ready to go?" Izzy softly asked as she offered her  arm for Lizzy to take before nervously leading her outside to join the second group of people heading into the ball.

---> Events

Nikki walked with Haley until they found Roll and Gregor.  Both smiling they approached him and Gregor.  Stooping a bit she adjusted his tie slightly "Okay you know the drill.  I'll be behind with the other couples.  Just remember to smile and be polite." she gave each child a soft touch to raise their faces up.  Then gave Gregor a small scritch.
After that she stood.  Mitch found her and offered his arm.

====> events

 Meari smiled at Ce-Va and waved when the camera was rolling, she then nodded at Izzy and gave her a big smile.

 When it came time to get ready, she had no escort so she would move to find LC Shadow and his Posse. She walks up to the LC and says," LC Sir I will be joining your posse again, seems I do not have an escort again Sir. Do you like my dress sir?" She would twirl for him in her dark purple open back dress that was a little low cut showing off Meari's ample cleavage, and it went down to just above her knees.

---->>>> To Events
This message was last edited by the player at 17:54, Sat 31 Oct 2020.

 Sam smiled at Sarah when they found her the perfect dress, Sam found her dress and had her makeup and hair done nicely. Once they where done Sam said to Sarah," You look amazing Sarah, now lets go have some fun, I have a feeling this Ball will be interesting." Sam smiled at Sarah and then added," I need to find Lt. Howe, see you at the Ball Ma'am."

 Sam then headed out looking for her escort Lt. Howe.

------>>>> To Events
This message was last edited by the player at 17:55, Sat 31 Oct 2020.

 Lizzy watched as Izzy went up to take her turn in the spotlight, Izzy did a good thing and she was very happy Izzy was getting recognition. Lizzy did see a change in her and hoped she would figure things out, and Lizzy would help her anyway she could.

 It was Ball time and Lizzy had to get her Ball face on, she smiled and then easily found her escort as she took Izzy's arm and replied," Yes I am my love lets go have a great Ball my love so happy we can be together for this one." Lizzy gave Izzy a kiss on her lips and then followed everyone else towards the Ball.

---->>>> To Events

 Shadow smiled   as the  Ladies   and   stray guys   started to form up..

 Will was in his dress blues  with  is  starched stiff   three stripes on his arm, his  medal around  his throat  was Cora  and   Ellen  Talked  to Him.

 He  saw   Harry and had a smile , and  told the other two he'd  see thatm at the Ball... they both left  having  Will promise a dance to them. Both  women walked  towards   Shadow's  group, Cora , seemingly , more at home dressed up them Ellen

 red Water  and Raven were together  and  Steele had Gigi who was flanting her stuff  with each step

Gia and Machins  walked   towards the  lifts Maria  walked  with  Shoey, they were chatting and  smiling, but neither one   had any contact.

 Scarlett went to join Shadow's  group, most of the Lady pilots  had nailed  down  a male pilot.

  Maygin was   with Karson..Hemsly  joined up with Shadow , along with Brooks.

 Tucker and Supe looked...beyond trapped, in thier dress uniforms, with  Minnet and Hodden  decked out

 Shadow  smiled at Meari.....I have never seen a Hermes Lady , look  bad when they left  The captain's  dress things....

 posts to Events 2>>>>>>>>>>

(( after   Ball))

 People were streaming in, most from the elevator, some  by the   service  elevator, just to make it look  as if it was a common thing to use it.

 There  were still tables set up on the roof, only  a pair of   Hotel folks attended them,  most of the  food  was in  containers  , staying heated, other 'clod  food  were packed in ice or had   cold  containers plugged in.

 the one extra   spot they had  was    the 'bar', not really needed because  each condo had a  bar, but...sometimes it was easier to just drink outside.

 When   Cora, Ellen  and Will arrived, Stefi  waved to   Will to  come into the 'med tech' room and she checked him out.well? the sun   helped a bit, been better is   we were on a planet, but every little bit helps...  you want to jog the beach or something tomorrow, go ahead, stay away from lifting anything heavy until after we cast off?.. you should be ok, but there isn't any reason to tax it.

 Will gave a tired smile...Thanks LT  Stefi.. I'll see what kind of rest I can get  tonight.

...........

  Shadow  sat on a Bench  outside the Main doors, watching folks  come in to the Hotel.. some  came in, then a few moments later   headed to the  beach with  sweats and   shirts  and blankets, to enjoy a night on the beach.

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

Hawkeye was back already with Rolf, and was attempting to rustle up some folks for a couple rounds of poker. She didn't discriminate, but also ensured she kept the stakes limited and low enough that winner wouldn't be fleecing the losers regardless of rank. "You in?" She asked Rolfe shuffling the deck a few times with expertly practiced hands.

 Rolf shakes  his head,..I have  me  Gin and  some pasta... you play..i'll watch!

  Hodden  and Supe  come out , dresses in t-shirts and sweats ... I'll give it a shot....not much good  at Cards...

 Supe gets  two beers,  and hands one to Hodden,I'll watch.. i'm a sore loser, and I always lose...

----->>>>>> Events

 Meari walked in with a smile on her face, she saw Supe, Hodden, Hawkeye playing a human card game. Meari walks over and says," Very interesting I heard of human poker I read the rules do you mind if I try?" Meari saw it was for money that meant nothing she just wanted to play poker and experience it, this is what made humans so human.

Hawkeye looks up at Meari,  <royalred>"Sure grab a seat. We'll keep it simpler and play some seven card stud. Low stakes 5 cred bet limit to keep things friendly"<royalred> she gestures to a chair at the table.

 Meari smiles and takes a seat and begins to play poker for her first time. " Thank you I would love to learn how to play."

----->>>> from Events

 Sam walked into the hotel with Steve, she smiled at everyone. She checked her secure comms for any information especially on the Burian patrol.  Then Sam said,Steve do you want to hang out here or head to your room? She smiled as she took a sip of her drink.

   Howe   gives a shrug,well?  the dinning  room, is more or less setting up  for  breakfast now?  Lets go up to the Condos  and see what's happening, and we can decide to call it  a night ot not.

.........

 Hodden  smiles  as   Supe  digs into his  sweats  and pulls a handful of  cred chips out  for Hodden. She smiles and  antes, pullign the others   in front of her,, enough to get by for a bit.

 Rolfe looks at  Supe,ye carry  cred in yer  sweats?

 yeah?  well..i grabbed some from my case? these folks stuck working the tables, might appreciate  having  a  few tips for standing, watching us.

 Sam smiles, holds Steve's hand and replies,That sounds great Steve lead the way. Sam smiled, she had a great night and had a great time singing. Sam follows Steve to the condos.

 Meari gets some loose creds from her purse and hopes that will be enough. She gas never played but she had done research on many human games, luckily poker was one of them. She smiled at everyone and waited for her cards.

  Shade  Pointed   to Shadow  and   waved   to  Melia , Zob  and Orria   as he  went to sit down.

 ..you have  fun?

 there were bleeps.

 Yeah? well..there is always people like that, you know? I put up with it all the time...Just remember, those who are picking on you, are likely to be less important then you.

 there was some  whirls...

 Three  Young Verian Officers  stopped, on the other side of the  sidewalk, they looked across  as  the  two Shadows...The taller of the Three said...Why do you keep him around, He's useless....

 Shadow looks at   Shade,  Shades  eyes  color  a bit,he turns back to the LTs,..I'm his dad, he keeps me around so i don't  feel bad..what about you three?.. um...do you have  dads? or  did some kid put you together   with a kit from the hobby store...

 Shade  chuckles.

 All we hear , all night is  the 'great Ambassador'... fighting along side   'the great Admiral'...and    older officers  telling us  to follow   his example..but none of us want to downgrade..

 You know   we're all off  duty , right.. and you do know, that we could run you  down , take you aprat and make can openers of you...

 The LT says,could ..YOUR..hobby kit take on one of us?

 Shade stood up and   blared out some bleeps...

 Then , come on..show us  how you can take   all three...

 Shade took off his tunics and his weapons  Belt, Shadow did the same... the LT and his friend  did the same...are you going to fight?  If you are we should be allowed to call in help....

 Shadow just laughed, waving  a Hand,This is the first ball, in a damn long time, that my tunic  and awards  weren't ruined.... So, when i have to Pull Shade off you, i don't want to get that motor oil you use  for  blood , all over my Tunic... I will step in, if   it looks  like  there might be a death...

 we won't kill him, but we'll make sure every knows we beat  him up...

 I wasn't talking  about him dying, Junior.... he's a combat veteran , he might not stop , once  he gets going...

   Shade  strode   towards  the,, the  three  Verians  spaces out   so  they could close in, but   Shade  could only hit   one.  Shadow calmly  folded thier tunics and weapon's  belts, makign sure the swords  were  set up nicely..

 The first one came from  Behind   Kicking Shade in the Back, causing him to  fly forward, where the    'leader'  Kicked Him in the face  as  he  did,  Shade  rolled  to the  side  as the third  On  Kicked him in the ribs...

 Shade grunted  a bit, while the three laughed, taunting him to  get up.

 ..Yeah... this isn't going to be good.... he oepned a COM...Lilit?... there are three LTs  here, who..for some reason had it in there mind to taunt Shade.. they are fighting  right now....no..i'm not helping yet..but.. we're gonna need a Verian  Med tech when Shade starts   dismantling them..

 Shadow stood,  leaning on a tree watching while   people who walked back to the hotel , made sure  to take a bit  wider angle from the fight... It wasn't like  there weren't any other  fights... ships  fighting  for   'the honor' of there  ships..races  doing the  same,people lost at cards, or  lost at picking up a boyfriend  or girlfriend for the night... But Shadow's eyes  watched, the three LTs, did not, take off thier weapons belts.

Zob stopped and casually made his way over to where Shadow was then stood next to him as the huge muscle bound demon watched the fight, "Let me guess a bunch of idiots got it into there heads they could take your boy..." Zob had a hand on his DT5 handgun should things get out of hand, "Quit fooling around and kick some ass Shade!" he cheered him on.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:02, Wed 18 Nov 2020.

  Shadow watched , gave a nod  to  Zob , then turned back to the fight,..been a runnign theme i think?..Verians  are mad thiey got thier asses kicked.. Some Undenese feel like they should be in positions  that other folks hold.. Only Calimites haven't caused  any problems... but, they're  farmers? they worry more  about raising thsoe  long skinny cabbage things and Mellons  and such... of course, the 'beef' animals they have there..damn close to earth beef!

 Then Shadow points to the   'leader of the LTs",TRhat guy there?.. for some reason the other  two think he's great, so they are doing all the ehavy lifting..mean while he  gets a cheap kick in now and then..me?.. I take that guy out  right away..broken arm, shattered leg..what ever, then  work on the other two...

  Shade  was knocked  down again , gettign a  kick,  he Looked to Zob... and his eyes  turned green fro   just a second until he was  kicked in the  ribs again. Then  Shade made his Move.

 Rolling just a bit  further then   the kick would have sent him,  when  He  Popped  Up   he   tackled the   Verian closest to the  Sidewalk,   Bringing Him  Down,   Grinds   and  blares came  from  Shade     as she  slammed his fists into the   verians  Face  three Times, That Banged his ehad off the sidewalk,  Three times, leavign the    verian twitching  and  oozing Blood.

  Turning Quickly  the Other  follower    was  Met    by a savage    overhand  right  when he  Fell to his  knees  Shade   Kicked him three  times  in the  chest,  and  Broke   the left arm so it looked  like a 'W'..

  With anger, the Little Udenese  turned on the 'leader.. who looked like  he was going to run.

 ..You run?  I shoot you in the back... you brought this on..time to pay the piper...

 Shadow  truned to Zob.....yeah?   I'd  Miss...i guess.. and Sanri Blasters  aren't know  for  thier distance... but.... he doesn't know any of that..

...........

 Down the sidewalk.. Larry's head perked up and he took off  towards the Hotel... Two  Verian med tech ( still in dress clothes) were runnign  down the sidewalk as well.

 something....is happening..

Zob had removed the DT5 from the holster as he held it in his hand, "Yeah they don't look like much one solid blow to the head from me and they be fitting him for a black bag... that's after they clean up what's left of the skull"

Zob gave a toothy grin as he spoke, "You run and you will die a coward... don't start anything you're not willing to finish" He then glanced back to Shadow, "You might but I won't friend" he then focused his attention back to the massacre at hand.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:26, Wed 18 Nov 2020.

Roy sighed.  "Of course there is...and based on which med-tech are responding and which direction, it's Verians at the hotel.  You're here...which means odds are good either Shade or Shadow...or both...are involved."  He gave a shake of his head.

"Let's go.  I'm not worried about Shade or Shadow...but if it turns into an us-versus-them situation, I'm their Security Chief...I should be there."  He lifted her hand from his arm, without dropping it, and broke into a smooth slope that kept his medals from jangling too much while covering ground at a fast pace.

    As   Dusk and Roy approached  the   hotel, , at First they  saw  Shadow, with his left hand  on the limb of a trees, and his  right hand on his hip.. Zob was next to him  , spinning   a sidearm.

  they followed   Shadowed  and Zob's   gaze, and the  veer of  LArry who  circled  around  and Behind the verian  LT.

 The Verian  Med techs   stopped  as  Shadow  Held out his hand  and shook his head 'no'.

  One Verian was  still on the ground, a pool of  blood  by his head on the sidewalk..  the other  was  still screaming  with  his Mangled    arm held    against his chest.

 Shade was blaring sounds loudly...

 ..He's  saying  'You asked for it..."

 The Verian heard LArry  behind him,,, he  looked in horror,   and  to  the Red Eyed Shade..I know what he said!!!

 ..I said it  for  them, you idiot.. i don't care if you know...

 The   LT    started to Beg Shade  not to Hurt Him... Shade  came in closer,,slowly, drawing out the  tension.....Please..please...

 Shade  said  something  again...

 Shadow  waved the Med tech over to the Verian  on the sidewalk...as he   walked slowly  to the other side of the sidewalk..

 He is asking if the LT is  goign to  get on his knees  when the demons board his ship...sell out the rest of  his crew...after  ordering them to thier deaths...

 The Verian begged  more, Shade  reached  him, backhanding him as  hard  as he  could  sending the Verian into the  Grass...Shade  snarled   some  sounds...

 taking out  all the descriptions  of what orifice   the verian came from, he basically said,  Verians are gutless, and rely  more on thier  looks and creds  then Honor and backbone...very Nice Shade...

 Shade truned away from the LT,, and that's when the LT grabbed his  Boot   Knife   to try and Stab  Shade from Behind..as he screamed , and cried like a  maniacal   baby .

 As they get to the Condos Sam's special comms go off, she stops and says," Sorry Steve Official Burian business I need to take this." Sam smiled at Steve and moved to where she could hear clearly, she got out her comms and spoke to the Burian patrol. She sends a reply message, and also comms Sarah.

 Comm text message to Sarah: " Ma'am our Patrol was close to BU24 when the Ghost appeared and fired upon BU24. The pilot jettisoned the 4 canisters with the stem rats and mouse Officers into the black. The Ghost was damaged by AA exploding rounds but could still jump. The patrol is escorting BU24 back to Everest it took some damage from the Ghost Ma'am. That is all I know as of now Ma'am."

Zob who was keeping a close eye on the situation with his weapon drawn watched as the LT pulled out a knife and moved to stab Shade in the back this prompted him to raise his sidearm and take a shot on the LT to bring him down letting the .308 round fly.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:29, Wed 18 Nov 2020.

   Shadow  saw the LT and pointed ,Shade   turned to Look  and the  weapon's   fire  went off.

 The Verian  Was  hit  in the Left arm Spinning Him around, and  Shade  savagely Pounced on him,  Hammering   him   anywhere his   balled up fists  could hit.

Zob lowered the weapon and flipped on the safety before putting it back in the holster, "Worthless coward..." he then reached into his pocket and pulled out a smokewood cigar and lit up taking a long drag off of it before blowing the smoke off into the distance.

 Once her comms with the Burian Patrol where complete she put away her comms and walked back over to Steve smiling. She then says," Sorry about that, shall we go see what is going on at the Condo." Sam let Steve take her arm as they once again headed for the Condo.

Cards were dealt, around the table two down and one face up betting begins around the table.  Hodden takes the first hand with a three of a kind, then Hawkeye manages to bluff her way out of a pair of pocket jacks to take the second hand. The third round goes to Meari who starts to hit her stride and takes it a King high flush.

Orria stayed close to Shade while Melia back a little sticking close to Zob, then sighs heavily when it becomes clear the three Verian's were really in a mood to get their asses handed to them on a silver platter. She moves like she's adjusting the bust on her dress, but she's really freeing up the two throwing daggers tucked into her bodice.

Meanwhile Orria was cheering Shade on, "Go Shade punch their faces off."

Melia moved to place herself between the fight and the medtech's Shade was of course demonstrating why he really didn't need a security detail, though having a second set of eyes dedicated to keeping a knife out of his back wasn't a bad thing. Melia also held up a finger to the medtechs "Just hold on a moment until class is out of session" She says calmly.

Orria nodded, "Mr. LC Shadow said it nicer than Shade did."

As the fight moved on she tilted her head towards the one bleeding on the cement.

She shrugged looking at the leader who was hit with the round from Zob's side arm, and tsked, "Stupid stupid coward. Ya'll might not get that one back. Wouldn't be much of a loss either, if you happen to get to him last."

 "I assume they were unable to recover the pods. Thank you Sam, let me know if you hear anything else, you can send it via com rather than finding me. Also before you retire let both Captains know that I expect reports on my desk by the time we cast off tomorrow." Sarah responded.

She sighed looking at Rivets. "No rest for the wicked, I'm going to check on this right quick."

Looking into the data feed on her comm she took a deep breath, no apparent losses and they managed to wing the ghost. She made a note to ensure a copy of the telemetry was sent to the Delta Command team for their own analysis, and she sent tasks to both Sam and her Tactical Division to analyze the data following cast off.

Roy shook his head and gestured at the downed Verians.  "Patch them up.  I'm sure their superior officers will love to hear the story of their heroic showing against the Ambassador.  Might even find a special assignment somewhere to reward them appropriately..."  His voice showed the disgust that he felt.

Then he turned and looked at Dusk.  "Oh, wait...why, here's the flag captain for your fleet!  Well, now we can be CERTAIN that your superiors will find out about it, I guess.  Or, at least, when you report back in with your dangling bits and pieces tied to you, there will be no chance that you'll spin some bullshit story of false heroism."

 Shadow took his time   walking  across  the grass  as Shade  hammered  the 'leader" He stopped behind Shade .

  Shade Bleeped, and smacked the verian again.

  Me?..heck no...but  do you want to stop?

 Shade   smashed the verian one more time and Looked back, and Bleeped.

 I'm pretty sure he gets the point...

 Shade Picked up the  verians  Blade, and Droved it deep into his thigh...The verian Screamed like an airraid  siren...

 there was a few more bleeps...

 Yeah?..Lets Go, If  they can't make a Shake I'll make one in the  Kitchen..

 The leader was  busted up..Nose. orbital  'bones', Jaw... right hand.. broken rib things... and a Verian Steel  blade pining him down to the  Ground.

  The   Verian with the  broken arm gasped at Shadow  and he  and  Shade walked   towards the bench...that's  it....he..he gets to go free?

 The LC  crouched  down, he looked  at the  triple broke  arm.....the biggest cowards are those, who pick a fight  with someone who can't fight back.... I allowed  Shade to fight back... So.. I'm putting myself on report

 SM...  I'm  on report.. I will need  you to  keep watch over me  when we are  on the beach tomorrow morning..

 as he stood  he loked  at  the verian,..what part of  'combat veteran', did you not  understand... You'er lucky...Shade was nicer then me.... if it were me?.. you'd be going to the spare parts department.

   Then the two Shadows  walked to the bench, Shade offered his hand to Zob, beelping his thanks.

 Dusk was  on her COMs   giving Lilit the names of the three LTs... they would be on thier  way to  Med Tech... and then..The Pit...
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:02, Thu 19 Nov 2020.

Roy was about to respond to the complaint about Shade going free when Shadow spoke up.  Roy shrugged in response.  "If you say so, LC...I mean, if they initiated the fight, the Ambassador was just defending himself, as far as I'm concerned.  But you were hear to see the start of the fight, and I wasn't, so I'll trust your judgment on the matter."

He looked over at Dusk as she reported the trio to Lillit.  "Law of Natural Selection in action...the average IQ of the Udenese fleet just went up a significant fraction of a percentage point..."

  Shadow nodded to  Roy, a comic  looked  of  embarrassment  on his face as he held his arms out,what can I say, SM?... maybe i had one too many Shakes?... A wider man might have   told his  son, " sticks  and stone things'..but... I learned   a long time ago, that if you  use the sticks   and stone, you never have to worry about the words....

 The verian Med techs  were glaring  at Shadow, the  one LT  with the smashed  head was bing put on a little as the sounds  of Med tech vehicles drew near.

 The leader   was  making  wet  smacking noises  as his  mouth failed to move  as he   tried to cry and   wail...

 The Broken  arm   verian had the   Med techs shaking thier heads.

 Ok, Little verian bad asses?... well I guess only one of you can hear..but? as an LC..let me use this  as a teaching Moment.... DON"T..disrepect people who are  your betters ...if you don't think they are your  betters, they probably are...Don't shoot your mouth off to Combat  troops..they take disrespect  very seriously..and things  could be alot  worse.... if you doubt that... Look up  some  combat footage of  The hermes  Ground forces... you'll see alot of folks doing, what  people said they couldn't do..

   grabbing thier tunics,  Shadow carried  Shade's so he  wouldn't get Verian blood stains on  his..Lets go, breakfast comes   early..i think i'll add somethign esle  to the menu  if   i can get some help.

Roy grimaced.  "Let me boil it down into simpler terms for you.  Don't ever assume you're superior to your opponent.  If you don't have hard intel to confirm that fact, then approach each encounter cautiously and assume your opponent is more dangerous than appearances lead you to believe."

He shrugged, with a 'what can you do about it?' look of resignation, and added, "But, yeah...the point about combat troops?  Definitely good advice.  Especially the ones who've been on the front lines for more than a few months.  Cupcakes don't last long out there...they get eaten pretty quickly.  Someone who's been there for a couple of years?  You damned well better believe they're dangerous.  There's a reason they've survived that long."

   Walking through the  lobby, the front desk man just stared  at  Shade,  Shadow gave him a wink and a Nod.

   as they all got  into the  lift,  it started  to rise  playing its  music...

  Shade Bleeped.

  I dunno, Buddy. I think, they pick the worst music, so you can test yourself?.. if you can get of the car, and didn't kill anyone from listening to it?..well.. you must be  pretty strong willed.

 Shade   Gave him a Thumbs up.

  The Doors opened   and the group  filed out of the Car

Mila led Her Human into the condos and sniffed out where Her Human's mate was.

 Meari smiled and played poker, she started off slow just trying to get the real feel of the game. Her cold calm demeanor gave her a very good poker face. She played won some, lost some, but had a great time with Hawkeye, Hodden Supe and the others. She also learned a lot about the game of poker.

 as they walked across the Roof, Shadow noted only some simple   snacks were   available, and the  bar was tended up a half asleep  guy.

  Go get cleaned up, you still want i shake i'll make one in the kitchen then.

 Shade gave a thumbs up, Shadow    followed him into thier  room Hanging up thier Tunics  and  the rest of his unifrom,  putting on a Hermes T-shirt  and  sweats,

 Making a Shake,  for   Shade  he set it  on the counter. The Living area  was   quiet, except  for  Will sleeping on the   corner of the Couch with  Cora and  Ellen  on either  side of him, also asleep.

 Will looked  like he  was  deep in sleep, a troubled  look on his face, the Ladies looked like they were pleasantly   sleeping.

 Shadow  grabbed  a glass of chocolate milk , walking out in bare feet  holding his glass.He watched  the card  Game for a Bit, Supe  watching  said,..you play  LC?

 There was a shake of his head  as he sipped the   milk,..was never very good... my think was  pitching  creds on the east side... Me and Roles used to use that to set up  Mob guys, they'd get used to us playing, join us a few times, tryign to still our  creds... we used  weighted creds that would  'bounce' less... when the  Mob guys got to the   part where they were used to seeing us   around, we'd  start knocking them off..good times...

 Supe chuckled.

 He moved off  to   the wall on his side of the  building to look down at the beach... no beach shifters tonight.. Boundary lights   still up...beach  dotted with  Tents and braziers... while the grass had  regular tents  for the kids to sleep in as well as the BU  serving as a  mass hotel for the other kids.

  Fitz  came over,.. no  companions tonight?

 Shadow smiled  slightly,..not tonight, some  new   folks popped up...

 Fitz  chuckled,..you know there  are like... a few dozen  ladies  who would  follow  you into your room if you even hinted at it...

 ..yeah?  but  why?.. Just to prove that  I can? No thanks... some one  comes in there with me, it has to be for a reason, you know?...

 Fitz  gives the LC a  whap on the Back,..you're a good guy ,LC.... don't let anyone tell you differant...  Fitz moved off   as he downed his  drink , to  get some sleep himself.

Henry looked around for Val. If he couldn't see her he'd try their room, she might have turned in already.

 As Henry went into  the Admiral's  Condo,He was met by Stefi. She was sitting by the wet bar in the living area of the Admiral's condo..Val  went  to your  Room... she sipped   from her  drink  , not looking at  Henry.

she's fragile...you know?... buried into her work, up to her eyeballs, and she  finds  someone she thinks cares about her...only to be left  high and dry because  some  rodents  were sent off to die   for  their actions?.... I do feel bad  for the stem Rats, having to die with scum like that...

 all of us , who  are  on the  'academic' side of this war, have seen   foes and friends   chewed up, killed, burned... and whatever other way there is to die, that we might not have even thought of...

  she  turned, giving Henry a  sad , thin lipped smile, before saying,Shadow and a few others Danced with her, towards the end of the Ball...she isn't an idiot..she knows they were 'being nice'..that might have hurt more then just ignoring her..but? she knows there are people around  who will watch out of  us....

 ..this....isn't a war of Ideology ... this is a war of survival...our enemy  does not respect softness... and they fear  the harsh hand  we deal from time to time... Once Hel is destroyed and The empire  crumbles... we can sow seeds  , that the APF  has come to  respect and  accept from us....Until then....'being offended' enough to neglect  those who care about you, shouldn't be an option... ask The LC....

 she jerks her  head towards the  'Hermes wing' of the  Admiral's  condo,you should go....

Henry gave Stefi a sad smile.

"Thank you. I fear we risk becoming that which we want to defeat by behaving in such a manner. It is a duty to fight to protect our territory, our people, our way of life... but not like that. Fight hard by all means. Kill the enemy. I have killed and while I don't like it I don't regret it either. But if I am defending the manner in which I want to live, I cannot let those very standards I'm fighting to defend slip.

"I love Val with all my heart and soul, to the stars and back again. I just had to get away for a bit. I'll go talk to her now. Thanks again, Stefi."

Henry was almost in tears as he made his way down the corridor to their room and tapped lightly on the door before going in.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:07, Thu 19 Nov 2020.

 Stefi nods, As Henry walks away she  softly adds,..there isn't  a concept in the whole of the black, worth being alone...

....

   Henry gets to the  room, and scans open the door... Val's  dress is  laid  , neatly on the chair,  she is  in bed   sleeping  covered, her  face  serene , if not troubled.

Henry slunk in quietly. Seeing that Val was asleep, he undressed quickly and got into his side of the bed.

Mila padded in behind Her Human. Once he was settled beside his mate, she curled up on the floor beside him, sensing that this wasn't a time to jump on the bed and lick noses.

Zob gave Shade a pat on the shoulder as a sign of respect before turning his attention to Melia, "We should head on back and get changed as much as I like this outfit be nice to wear something a bit less restrictive"
This message was last edited by the player at 19:27, Thu 19 Nov 2020.

In reply to Sarah McKeon (msg # 270):

Sam was walking with Steve and as they got to the Condo and got upstairs, her comms went off again. She smiled at Howe and moved to the side and answered her comms.

 Once she was done talking with the Glove Claw, she immediately sent a message to Sarah. Comm text message to Sarah: " Ma'am the Captains have been told to have reports completed by send off,they have enemy fighters just at the outer range of their sensors, they are not engaging due to the Ghost possibly still being around, they are headed back and will be in orbit in 40 minutes and BU24 will be docked in 45 minutes Ma'am."

Once Lizzy had finished saying goodnight to her friends, or at least the ones she could find, with Izzy standing a short distance away, clearly not wanting to look like she was intruding or anything, Izzy would slip an arm about Lizzy’s slender waist as they slowly made their way towards the condo. It was as they walking like this with Izzy looking worn out as a result of the evening’s festivities and the decidedly less enjoyable events from the previous night, that they would encounter the brawl taking place outside. With Shade looking like he had it more than in hand and with suitable backup in the form of Zob and Shadow, she would shyly whisper to Lizzy ”It wouldn’t be a Delta fleet ball without a fist fight” she said, tentatively offering Shade a thumbs up as he was dusting himself down before continuing on their way. Although she didn’t get on with his father, which was perhaps a bit of an understatement, she actually quite liked Shade so was more than happy to see him coming out on top especially against what she suspected to be a group of bullies who had bitten off far more than they could chew.

---->>> from Events

 Once Lizzy was done saying good night to Nikki and anyone else she knew, she felt Izzy wrap her arm around her. She smiled at her and they made their way to the Condo.
Lizzy could tell Izzy was tired and drained from the Ball and Delta Nights. They then saw Shade fighting three Verians with Zob and the LC watching, she really liked Shade even though he couldnt speak normally he was always polite and nice to her, she really liked Shade a lot. Lizzy giggled at Izzy's comment and replied," Yes that is very true, they must have been trying to bully Shade and that is not a good idea." Lizzy smiles and gives Shade a thumbs up as well.

 Lizzy then led them into the Condo, she saw how tired Izzy looked and thought about maybe going up for a drink or few dances but no they danced alot tonight already, Izzy needed her rest. Lizzy then smiled and said," Lets head to our room and go to bed my love. I would love to go to the beach tomorrow would that be something you would like to do with me Izzy?"

   Shade looked over   and   returned the Thumbs up to the Lasies, before  catching up  to Shadow  and Zob.

 Roy  watched over the   Med techs  with Dusk.. the   Med tech  van Landed   with the  clip clopping of  a  very angry walking  Lilit storming towards  the  group, which, byt this  time   Shade  was  inside the Condo.

 Lilit  stopped and Looked at Dusk and Roy,..Shadow tried to destroy three of the verian  fleet  officers?

 Dusk  shook her head  quickly,...it was Shade. It appears  they were tormenting  him, thinkign he would not   fight them...

 The Cheif Med tech  came over, a rather  angry look in her  reddish eyes..The  LC   allowed  the Ambassador  to attack   with no  punishment, outside of  being   under guard of the  SM  tomorrow..

 she points to the verians as she says,  the one with the Damaged head is a pilot, it  will be weeks  before  we  can allow himn to fly, unless  he goes to  the verian Homeworld  to get ...fixed... the One with the Broken arm is a quartermaster on  a Transport Base.... the other one, was a young verian Marine LT....I do not know how long it will take to get him back into service

 Lilit  shook her head,All three wil be   sent to the Med tecvh on Unden's  promise  as  Prisoners..   I will look at the recommendations  for what we will do with them, after  they heal..let us hope  we  have  more  troops  with more  brain function...

 Turning to Roy,..I suppose  bneither of you two saw  how it started?

Roy shook his head.  "Shade had just put the first one down when we got close enough to see who was fighting...broke that one's arm by the time we had run up.  Judging from the commentary, though, it sounded like that one," and he pointed at the last Verian with the busted-up face, "was the ringleader.  Based on past events, I'm guessing they were either giving him grief about his mixed parentage, making fun of his size and speech issues, or making inappropriate commentary about his sister, but I'm pretty sure the last one would have had Shadow seeing red and right in the middle of it, too.  But when the last guy was squealing for mercy, Shadow made some comments about them mistakenly assuming Shade was no threat...so I'm guessing it was mostly mocking his size and speech.  I'd also have to verify it with the LC, but it sounded like they threw the first punch and Shade finished it.  I should follow up on that...I keep my troops on a pretty tight leash when it comes to starting trouble with allies, and if he started it, we're gonna have some words.  But based on what I know of him, I don't think he was the instigator."

In reply to Roy Spencer (msg # 273):

Melia rolled her eyes at Shadow putting himself on report. It meant essentially nothing and was little more than being condescending towards the three LTs, not that they didn't deserve it for their stupidity. Her and Orria joined the rest in heading up to the condo. With Orria getting some water, and gently prompted towards her bed, as the poor girl was yawning up a storm.

In reply to Roy Spencer (msg # 273):

Hawkeye chuckled, "we're playing for pennies really. Just enough to stay interesting, but not gonna break anyone." She passed the deck to Holden, we'll go twice more around the table dealing and call it. No one wants to miss their last day of leave. Sound good to everyone?" She asks looking around the table. She was in the mood for fun, but not quite in the mood to play down too much further especially since they'd only started with three people.

In reply to Roy Spencer (msg # 273):

Sarah sent back a quick thanks, and then updated the Burian watch orders for the rest of the night cycle, and following day. She wasn't overly concerned by an attack on the fleet or the station especially with the rough equivalent of nearly four fleets in dock, she couldn't rule out a kamikaze style attack on the fleets in dock either. With that she alerted on over her cruisers to join the current watch with a minimal fighter rotation staying under the station and warships AA screens. Her people weren't going to like it, but seeing how close the enemy was comfortable in getting didn't sit right with her.

"I'm ready to turn in. I don't like how close the enemy fighters and skirmishing, and apparently BU24 and the Burian escort patrol that went with them encountered that damn ghost again. We winged it with our AA batteries but I'll be damned if I'm going to get woken up on less sleep that I'd get heading in now." She opines to Rivets heading towards the room they'd shared the previous night.

With some light chit chat Nikki and crew waved and said good night to the others and the headed for their room.  Quietly she got the kids out of their clothes and into jammies and put them to bed.  Gregor had taken care of his business earlier and it was discreetly disposed of.  she hung the kids clothes up while Mitch changed.  Nikki slipped from her gown and into undies and a tee.  She then went and washed her face and let her hair down from it's partial up do.  wearily she and Mitch literally crawled into the bed.  Mitch put the food in the small fridge.  She let Gregor sleep where he wanted, except their bed.  She rolled over and cuddled tiredly with Mitch, soon drifting off to sleep

  Lilit    shook her  head  and told the  Med techs to get the Verians  taken care of..She starts  walking towards the Hotel herself,.. sooner  or Later Verians  will come to terms what it is to be  part of  the Udenese  system and Navy...or?.. we  will run out of Verians

 Dusk  giggled  a bit  and nodded  to the hotel.i think its gettign late for everyone!

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

  mitch  just settled in, he  had his share of  drinks, good  food  and relaxing  dancing..and he was soon asleep.  gregor  layed  down  about a foot  from the door, anyone  comign in out hit him with the door.

...........

  out on the roof, Shadow  kept watching the  beach,  very few people were waling  around now, thought SEC  troopers   were  easy to  Tell , as   well as the  curled   'larg lumps' scattered about.

 Roles  came out  with a  bottle of  beer, he  was  in sweats and a T-shirt,Alice  went up to the Ship, check on things  and make sure her  people had the rotations  set  up for tomorrow's bonus tiem.

 ...what have you got  going on tomorrow...

 ..Beach time..get some sand  running in, that kinda  thing

 ..yeah?  well..I think i'll be hitting the fancy  diners  and such, She's into  posh places like that.

 ..everyone has their Guilty pleasure..

 yeah?  what's yours?

 There is a swing of  his chocolate milk,..makign bad guys dead..

Roy grunted softly at Lillit's comments.  "I'm not altogether convinced we'd really be that much worse off without Verians.  They haven't exactly been setting an impressive record of much of anything...not since we got the Nova fighters, anyway, and even those have been phased out now and are getting rotated back for home defense and the like.  Adem was hardly the warrior-chieftan he would have liked the galaxy to believe, Evert got shot down by a pilot who was barely an ace, the Verians that boarded the Hermes with Marin weren't exactly the monstrous force we'd been led to believe they could be...I mean, yeah, we got them by surprise, but they went down FAST.  They had to be an impressive power at some point, obviously...but I'm starting to think their glory days ended a long, long time ago and it's only just now coming to light."

He quick-stepped ahead a couple of steps to catch the door for Lillit and Dusk, holding it open and gesturing for them to proceed.  "But, hey...humankind is still the backbone of the EDT and just as opportunistic as anybody out there when it comes to working with the Demons, so I guess I shouldn't judge too harshly..."

  entering the Elevator  Lilit, Dusk, Roy, Shoey  and  Lippen who had  made sure  VAl  and Stefi  made it ok, and they hung around   when they saw Shadow  sitting outside.

 ..one thing to keep in  mind, Roy Spencer. Anyone who works with the Demons, has to prove thier loyality..either  by joining in the feast, or handing over thier own people..sometimes...both.

  She  looked at  Roy , then at Shoey, then stared  as the door  as the lift went up.....500 years  or so ago, the Demons came to Uden  to  try to sway us to thier side of the  war... The Angels didn't  even pretend to run to earth yet... We talked...Calimate was  an innocent child... Vera was  leaning to joining the Empire, or staying neutral.

 I asked them, what the cost of being  in the Empire  was.... They said  1000 people  a month, either Calimate, or Udenese... and, any one in my  leadership circle would have to join in the feast...they explained what the feast was...Shortly there after, thier    frigate was sent  back to  join the  task force that Escorted  the   demon Ambassador, His wife, and 12  retainers...when    the  pilot of the frigate was  permitted to use his  COMs he cried  for help.... Qer La Cal entered the frigate....before them, in heated  Tubes, laid out  with   dishes   forks  and  heaters to keep the food  warm, ws the whole Demon ambassdor  team....

 Qer La Cal was furious and COM-VID us right away... I was very diplomatic... I told  them, they could have thier  feast, and i was  proud to serve it to them...Qer La Cal. was not amused.

 The Lift open to a rather  quiet roff top with Shadow  and Roles  in  sweats, a small gathering of  folks playing cards  and a person here or there   unwinding..
This message was last edited by the GM at 09:34, Fri 20 Nov 2020.

Roy gave a tight-lipped, almost predatory grin, and said, "There's a reason I don't lump Udenese in with Verians..."  He stepped out of the elevator, one hand held on the door to make sure it didn't start to close on anyone until they'd emptied it out.  As he did so, he commented, "From what I've seen, I'd take any five Udenese against four times that many Verians...and expect it to be a short fight, at that."

 Meari smiled and replied to Hawkeye," That sounds great to me, now Hodden deal the cards and see what we get." Meari was winning and loosing but she was having fun and making friends, she was also learning the game.

 Hodden  dealt the cards  <Goldenrod>EDT  Stud/Goldenrod>

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

EDT Stud.:

1d10 used.
roll one  1d10 at a time...players  bet after  each card.

 The 5th card is  the "traitor"..it  wipes out any other card that matches it, in your hand.

 to win?..you add up what cards you have left, the highest total wins.

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

Hodden's  cards..Last  card is the 'traitor'

rolled 34 using 5d10 with rolls of 7,7,4,10,6 ( her  traitor is a 6..she has a pair of   sevens)

  Lilit  said  good night ( morning?) to them... and  walked towards  the  Admiral's  condo.

 Dusk looked at Roy,I have my own  room, its..um....three doors  down on the  right hands  side of the HAll, in the  'guest' wing.... she smiled  and   walked  away, a liyttle more fluid  they normal.

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

 the roff  was pretty  quiet, most everyone  else  were in thier rooms, or  off  somewhere else, until day  breakfast

10:06, Today: Hawkeye Price rolled 19 using 5d10 ((1,9,1,4,4)). (Calling 1s Aces for the sake of things unless GM says otherwise)


Hawkeye matched the bets for the first 2 rounds and then raised 2 creds on round 3 and 4. The traitor nixed her last card but it wasn't essential to her hand sitting at a pair of Aces.

Upon reaching the condo Izzy would wearily nod her head in acceptance to Lizzy's suggestion that they head for their room. On the way there she would offer Hawkeye a bit of a smile as they passed the card game, happy that she had been able to take Gia's spot when they'd gone to the spa "hmm yeah the beach sounds nice, assuming of course I don't get called away for my operation" she softly replied to Lizzy, knowing that it would be just about typical that her appointment would be scheduled during her down time "...I've even got a little bikini, though probably nowhere near as little as anything you've got" she then added with a smirk recalling the comments about three postage stamps and a bit of string.

Once they were within the privacy of their room, Izzy would step out of her heels before turning her back to Lizzy "Would you unzip me please?" she asked, knowing that Lizzy would have a far easier time in finding the tiny zip at the back of the red strapless dress she was wearing "you know...If I wasn't so tired I'd rip that dress off of you with my teeth...though come to think of it, it's still rather tempting" she quietly giggled, though she suspected that Lizzy would be less than impressed if she fell asleep whilst they were having sex so perhaps it would be better to put it off for the time being at least.

 Meari rolled 23 using 5d10 with rolls of 7,2,8,4,2.  The traitor 2 takes away her 2, so she ends up with nothing and folds. Meari will watch the rest of the hand.

 Meari smiled and nodded at Izzy and Lizzy when they walked by her playing cards. Meari watched but also watched the other players and their reactions closely to the type of hand they had. Meari puts her combat face on so it is very hard to read her stoic face, but when she did win she did get excited.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:42, Fri 20 Nov 2020.