for deeper  breiefings

   As they entered  the  Quarters, The Commander pointed to his  bar,  Help yourself... i have   collection, since i never  know what sort of MVPs  will be here...

 He, poured himself  a  Coffee  and the LC helped herself to  a glass of Sanri wine.

  The  Quarters  were large, indeed three bedrooms  off the Living space, a  kitchen, Vid  screens..monitors for the ship. There were HAcks'  souveniers from  his pilot  days. Picturs of Him  and the LC on vacation somewhere..a Picture of Lt. HAck standing nect to the Keel of the Hermes as it was finished, and awaiying lifting to space  by the Angel mother ship. around him were sevral Keel workers   and One Teenager. in the backround  they could see a tiny bit of theBuildings  that were left, after the Battery was raised to be one of the Keel laying stations.

  ..Now..that we are safe in here? Tell me what you have,,,who..what...was following  Shadow and  Killian?

Roy held out the scope.  "I've got stills of them on here, and Stoly shot some video, as well.  Not sure who.  What?  Definitely human...and definitely professional, of some sort, although it's tough to say if it's some kind of elite security or criminal group.  Possibly paramilitary, but I didn't get that kind of feel from them."

He hooked the scope up to a card reader and started scrolling through pictures, until he got to the one of the guy in the stands at the game, on his comm unit...and the Hermes packet in his hands.  "Most alarming, seems they have some kind of inside connection on board."

He shrugged, and explained further.  "After the game, we noticed two group of them waiting in the stadium...they started moving down on the Hermes end of the stadium so Stoly and I headed after them.  Got down to the cab pick-up area just in time to see Shadow and Killian hop a cab, and then these guys came out of the woodwork, one group got into a private car, and another group plus our friend with the inside connection got into two cabs.  We followed the car--ended up at a nightclub in the Uppers, but since they'd seen us at the stadium, I didn't feel we could make an entrance into the club without drawing attention.  I got in touch with Killian, found out she and Shadow weren't at the club...so we came back here to report in."

He looked over at Stoly, and then continued, "I'd like to run these faces through some recognition programs, see if we can find anything about them.  I don't know if we have access to personnel files on Olympus or not, but I think we'd learn a lot more there than we would from what we might have on-board.  Also want to look into those comm units, see if we can identify specific models and where they originated.  If they're military issue, are they current?  Are they special-issue?  If they're not military issue, maybe we can find out who, if anyone, out here has recently purchased that kind of gear."  He stopped at that point, waiting to hear what Hack had to say in response.

 Commander Hack bore the look of concern, more then alarm...LC? Fire up the Tape reader, have Stoly put it on screen one..Roy, put you pic  card into the reader on Screen 2....

  as the screens lit  up and the info  downloaded and put up, Hack shook his head. ..Don't recognize any of them..not  by face or manner anyway..Tha PAcket is a Courier's packet. I would bet Credits  to french fries it is the one that was  aboard  the Sanri Merchant ship , that thr Denmon's attacked. Now? how it got into this fella's hands..and why..that is something that is of concern.

 with a look of Distaste he pressed a button and  said,...Promo? I have  a job for you...The Olympus has a database for those who sign on as Civies  or Military folks...they have to have a pic, and  Blood ID, to get the  credits  wired to thier accounts....If i understand right? You can backdoor the site through  the payroll section...I am sending you pics  from my private screens..run the pics...see if you can find names, positions  ect....get back to me as soon as you egt your first ping...

  looking at Roy and Stoly,..Damn creepy that Promo..but we'll see what its  worth..we can always melt it  down in the fondry if it goes bad on us...

 ..You said they were Following  Kray and Hannah? are you certain? there was real concern in her  voice, though her  face held the half-angel coolness about it.

Prometheus was almost finished with the the comm array realignment when the Commander called him. The comm array began to reboot, a process the lieutenant had no control over. Perfect timing. Examining the images, he began accessing the Olympus servers. The AI was very, very good at his job. After three seconds, he had broken into the database. At the five second mark, he had cross referenced the pictures and all other data and identified the subjects. Another three seconds passed as he covered his digital tracks and copied all relevant data to a small memory device on the bridge. Triple encrypted of course. He couldn't have any damning evidence lying around for anyone to find.

Tapping into the intercom, a voice crackled out of the comm units of those in the room.

Sir, I've completed the given assignment.

The man with the packet is an EasternBloc fanatic, who frequently expresses his views on wanting to open diplomatic relations with the Demons.

The two men that were in the booth with Roy Spencer and Antonin Stolyarev are known mercenaries, who hire out as surveillance experts for Underworld figures.

The other men in the stands have been linked to bombings on several colonies, but thus far the evidence has been considered circumstantial. Both of them were last seen leaving the medical ship Canary after visiting an associate. The ship was destroyed some hours later in a blast that is currently under investigation.

There is also a stop on all payroll entries for one man who has ties with the group. It seems he died, having fallen off a building in the Grotto.

   His eyes  watched the screensas Promo relayed the information. His frown evident as his eyes  settled on the fellow  witht packett,..Thank you Promo...if possible, see if you can find Sghadow  and  Killian with out conctacting them, Just need to know thier general location..nothing specific...thank you..

  looking at the others he nods,..that wa quick..still a tad creepy though. If  we  were staying  another  day or two...I might draw up a hit order on that fellow with the packett...but...we'll be leaving here  shortly..the body of the Sabotuer is going to be spaced  as we  sail pass Jupitor...didn't learn much from him...

The AI bounced several signals off the comm array. Half of his mind was busy reconfiguring the life support, but half his mind was far more than a whole mind of someone of lesser intellect. The signal was returned, to several points, at different times. Triangulation was one of the easiest methods of locating electronics. It took half a second to bring up a map of Olympus and cross reference it with the coordinates of Killian and Shadow. They were at a restaurant. A 'burger joint', as it were. The lieutenant patched through to the Commander yet again to relay this information.

Sir. I've triangulated Killian's comm device. She and Shadow are together in a restaurant, Lone Hammer Burgers. I will inform you if their location changes.

Resetting the life support systems in the engineering bay, Prometheus carefully monitored the air in all sections of the ship. This was a delicate process, and one he preferred not end in tragedy.

  ..Thank you Promo...That is down in the Lowers, so...this team, at very least..is far off thier trail...

  Hack's  comm buzzed  and he read the ID, answering,  Hack here....
This message was last edited by the player at 18:22, Mon 18 Apr 2011.

 Commander hack  noded as he spoke,..come up to the Bridge, I will send the word to clear you. I have more then  enough to eat here, and  we will be underway in less the  10  i would rather have your concerns  now, then after  we slipped the docks...

  Lookign at Roy and Stoly then to the LC...our  new Bio-tech  is  coming up for a chat..might as well saty, as alot of  ourjobs  are going to be  geared to helping him...help us...

Security cleared Mal and he headed in. Door closed he said,
"Gentlemen...

I respond best to being called Mal.
Ask for Dr. Roberts and I look for my Mom.
Ask for Lt. Roberts and I think of an old war flick staring Gary Cooper.

Permission to speak candidly sir?
Sorry, I'm used to being the 'civilian' expert. New bars and all..." and once again felt uncomfortable doing exactly what he had as a civilian, with the same kind of people.

Twisted...

    Welcome ..er..Mal. There is the  kitchen area. Help yourself to what i have. This  is  MasterSgt Spenser. ensign  Stolyarev...They are part of my ...own..security unit. anything you have   can be  aired in front of them... he nods to LC  SI,..You have met the LC....

Mal gave a friendly smile and said, "That's great..
It's the hypno stuff, you know?

Can't even remember I know certain stuff without proper clearance, and he headed to the kitchen and began to make himself some sandwiches and get a drink.

As he did he said,
"Found out we have some...
the staff called them 'test subjects'.
A Tank and a Wisp they said..." then grabbed the stuff and came back to where they were and had a seat near a somewhere to put his drink and food down.

He took a big bite of a sandwich, washed it down and then said,
"What I'm about to say is very classified and scares the hell out of me....

We've seen three types of Demon. They're very stable in their forms and they follow a similar pattern to hive insects. Not insectoid, but similar patterns. They keep most of their females well protected and safe. The female as the really smart ones.

What this means is that they do biological design a lot like a Queen bee or ant. So they can change the way one of their offspring are within a generation or two."

Then he munched for a moment being really hungry. He washed down his famine type eating and put the glass down.

The bear of a hunger was quieter so he was okay now. He sat back and looked eye to eye with the Commander and said,
"When I was studying specimens with the Angels we came across a creature that 'thought' someone to death. Some sort of projected hallucination. Lab tech killed themselves unintentionally. Creature was barely sapient. It was carnivorous and hungry though.

Point is....
I came in to check out my new lab and was told there were two Demon test subjects. They're being fed half rations and locked down. No security to speak of and no AI watching the security either.

That's a very cunning and clever Wisp with a powerful subject captive. It wants to kill us all and right now it's pissed off because it isn't being fed right.

Magnify what one of your security folks here could and would do if held captive on half rations by a demon.

One of their females could breed for something that looks just like a tank but has machine telepathy so could access our systems. It would be easy with their biotechnology to make a wisp that could do serious sabotage.

This really disturbs and bothers me. I see this as a direct threat to the ship and crew. So I've had my staff render them unaware.

Now I have some RNA that would speed up interrogation by suspending their time sense and making them relive the most horrible memories they have. Triggers the hind brain. I can make it so they are having horrible nightmares while unaware of their surroundings too. I'm very humans first and cool with that.

I am not cool with having an aware starving sentient and sapient Wisp and Tank without proper precautions.

Can you appreciate my difficulty Sir?" then looked to the LC and others and said,
"Any comments from LC or the security unit?" then ate as he listened for replies.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:14, Mon 18 Apr 2011.

  The LC nodded slowly,  The protocols set up for demons  are to keep them weak. Though i musy cnfess your  worry is  well founded.

 Hack leaned against the Counter  as he  fixed himself  another  cup of coffee, we could  set up a camara  down there , easy enough...let Promo keep watch, but sooner or  later  we  are goig to run out of  meat to feed them..and I am not  cutting  off rations to the crew or the civies  for Demons. How long  can you keep them out?

  Then he looks to  stoly and Roy,..Gentlemen? YOu are going to be  gathering alot of  samles  as  we go through this universe..weigh in....

Mal didn't even need to think about the answer to that. He dealt with it all the time. He said,
"Get me the gear to set up cryo I can store them indefinitely.
With 'Russian Sleep' magnetic conduction. Which can be modulated to give them nightmares.. Several months with pulses to keep them from losing muscle tone.
With biochemicals I could suspend them for various periods, but each have their hazards. Amnesia being one of the primary, so they become useless to interrogate.

Which do you want me to use Sir?" then finished off his sandwiches and drink.

He looked up after that and said, "Commander?
Could I have more please?" and felt a kinship to Oliver Twist at the awkward moment.

  The Ciommande smiles, Help yourself, we will be loading stores  later tonight, so you aren't going to clean me out. And I have road Cargo craft more then once in my time...so..enjoy...

  Tell  The LC here  what you need...it should be delivered when the  Cargo  shuttles arrive..right now? they can't  say no to anything  we want..well..save for one thing..But  I am counting on  a Certain Lt to get that... he  chuckled  to himself  and gave his head  a half sake as he sipped his Coffee.

  The LC Placed her  lap top on the coffee table  Mal was using, the page was set for supply order..she  chuckled  slightly at  HAck's  last comment.and Looked to Roy and  Stoly.

Mal stood and said,
"Thank you.
I need the gear for a cryo setup for as many 'samples' as you want me to store. At least one magnetic resonance chamber, it can be used many ways. Full lab gear for biochemical research and full spectrograph along with genetic testing equipment. Most of it is in the lab but I don't have the cryo or magnetic resonance there yet.

I'll get some grub in a moment....
If I've got an open order 'they can't refuse' then I would like the assistance of a tech full time to make equipment modifications. Wide experience range with gear would be best. I could make some dandy materials for your Promo and R&D to play with if I had a fabrication unit.

Oh and I have a cute joke and a interesting new tool for you. When testing some human RNA agonist on a Tank we ran across a very interesting reaction. One type induces chemical amnesia making the Tank function very poorly.

It smells bad enough to make people vomit and I don't have a system to disperse it.

The cute joke part is that an Angel who goes by the name of 'Digger' is a friend who saw me off. He suggested squirt guns. The Angels there thought that was funny as hell. HUD guided, Professional, skillful, marine units attacking the enemy armed with squirt guns. Digger thought it would confuse the hell out of the Demons," then he headed back to kitchen and started making up a stir fry.

Mal called out,
"Making stir fry!
Who all am I making it for!?" then kept getting out ingredients.

 Si  said,..I'll have some..there is Shrimp in the top left hand  freezer....

 The Commander chuckled,..the  squrit guns  sound  fine,  be real good in  close quarters, when we board. I will send out a call for  a tech that the athena  can spare..Teh Athena is our sister ship, we came off the line together, and look like twins, the Commander was a fighter Jock with me, she helps  us  out every way she can...we'll pay her  back..in credits  from prize money, or favors...its good to have friends like that. WQhne we have our briefing  for the upcoming mission, you might  want to talk with Captian Roles, he commands the  HArvetor, and you can bet he knows where to get most things normal folks can't...

Stoly said, ”Strap Demon to a table, give me plastic bag, list of questions you want answered, and translator.  I will get the answers for you.  Experts do this in about three days, might take me longer, but answers will come.”  After a moment's consideration, Stoly added,  ”After that, give me icepick and I will make ship safe from psychic tricks.  You'll still have Demon for biological tests, and he will be easier to work with.”

”Not sure I like the squirt gun idea.”  Stoly said.  ”If it smells that bad, I don't want to get any on me.  You might consider putting it in paint balls.  Might be easier to shoot, and go farther.”

  ..That  sounds  like a very good idea, Stoly..inject it into the  hollow  balls..bet that would work..  he tapped his finger  on his  cup while the LC helped  show Mal where  the stuff he needed was.

  ..Information is nice..great even..but  we have, or are supposed to have..folks  working  on that..Us..The Hermes? We are into fighting what can kill them faster, easier, and safer...barring that...make them less dangerous
This message was last edited by the player at 02:08, Tue 19 Apr 2011.

Mal did up a full Mandarin style feast. There was garlic fried shrimp with Spanish onions and a light ginger sauce.

Orange chicken stir friend in with a soy sauce based fresh vegetable mix.

Then of course the rice...
Special Friend Rice of course.
There was even some sweet and sour pork chunks Mal made up from a small portion of chops he'd found.

The were presented and plates offered around. Then Mal sat down and waited his turn and the grub. As he did he said, "Did you ever have someone speaking a language that's not typical of your ethnic background?
You know the language but they don't know you know?
They say stuff about you and stuff you could use to your advantage and such?

Well... Angels are that way too.
They don't think any Earthers are fluent in their language.
There's one that is... me.

I understand that there's a AI on board that is sentient and sapient?

I'm chipped and have and upgrade (he has a Human Machine Interface chip and expanded memory chip in his head). I would like a hook-up. Access to develop and see how sentient and sapient the system is. I'm the Xenobiologist and such an AI is an alien intelligence.

How do I get in?" and his eyes burned with the hunger for knowledge. It was the same look as any explorer who seeks the frontier.

  The LC stopped chewing for a moment, the remark about Angels seemed to effect her, but she shook it off and said  nothing.

  The Commander  took a bit of the   food, and he studied   Mal for a moment,..you want  plugged into Promo?..I don't even know how long Promo is going to be on board..I mean, its effective..but there are countermeasures set...smart or n> it it rips one of those...well..it will just be sent to the foundry for  what parts we can use..now..I don't like folks messing around the insides  of my ship...I'm letting  it go  for  now..see if it fries itself or not...Hemres  will tell me when its gone too far...

  taking  another  bit, and  swallowing, he adds,..this is good, by-the-way...anyway...if i feel that way about my ship..how can you want that thing in your head?..we lose you?..we'll have to test the  captives  with rocks  and needles or something...not that Cindy couldn't  handle testing..its  just not her primary study.

Mal chuckled and said,
"I don't want to merge..
I want to work with Promo..
I want to interact in a virtual environment and test theories.
I want a connection through is all.
Put in fail safes and protocols between.
It sound like some tech from my suit is part of Promo and I'd like to interact.

A social and working version of the Turing test. Promo would find my mind very crowded and I'd be lost in Promo's.. Just a link Commander.

It is good isn't it.
There's a lot of Mandarin Chinese engineers on the frontier.
Food is a big thing out there.
Expensive as hell to get anything fresh, and that's usually from some ship's hydroponics.

Oh got some stuff on making good food fast for you, especially meat. Well sort of.. It's neat stuff but I need a computer link to my lab to call it up.

There's this kind of condensed carbon element we ran across. Tested it out and it will make a more dense form of carbon nano-tubes. Picture the finished product of that bonded to a fighter. Shielded from most radiation and elastic on a quantum scale? That absorbs a lot of impact. I don't know how you'd bond it though..
Some kind of paint maybe?

I want to protect the ship. I just want to be a foster parent to an AI is all. It a good thing to adopt a kid, isn't it? Especially a special child that's different from others?" then he waited for them to digest that while he ate and listened.

When they were done he'd get desert cooling in the freezer out.

”Um... no,” Stoly smiled,  ”This never happens to me.”

Roy had sat back, a bit, when the Commander asked if they'd been sure the group was tracking Shadow.  Truth is, they really weren't.  The evidence was circumstantial...but the fact that they all started moving in the same direction, at the same time--and that coincided, apparently, with Shadow's departure from the stadium--was just a little too much coincidence for him to wave aside.  Something in his gut said it couldn't be coincidence...and he'd survived by listening to his gut.

Prometheus reported in on the identities of their targets, and Roy shook his head slightly.  They were professionals, in the worst sense.  Seeing any of them in the street would be a trial...knowing what he knew, now, he could get himself in trouble for shooting them on sight.  Fortunately, Hermes was shipping out in a few hours, so the odds of that were low...but he hated the thought of leaving the group operating somewhere in his wake.  Stuff like that had a bad way of coming back around to haunt you...

By the time he'd worked through all of that, Mal was in the room and talking, and Roy was willing to sit back and listen.  The news wasn't good, and it increased his uncertainty about how to deal with the Demons.  For all that everyone else seemed to have adopted the 'shoot first and ask questions later' mindset, that just didn't sit well with him.

When Mal offered to make some stir-fry for everyone, Roy raised his hand absent-mindedly, to be counted in, still deep in thought.  By the time Mal came back out, he had a question.  "What is the likelihood that this telepathic ability would be bred into the tanks?  Is it something that's just limited to the Wisps, unique to their specific biological makeup?"  He'd been in situations where he had to shoot first before.  He didn't like it, but if leaving Wisps alive around him meant a greater risk to the rest of the team, he wouldn't hesitate to shoot every last one of them, surrendering or not.

 regardless of what msot of  the High Command thought, Hack wasn't an idiot. he grasped almost all of  what Mal was saying. ..alright Mal? If you can  get  a set up and work with Promo...i can't see turning it  down..but i will have to warn you..My ship comes  first..My people second...that little box out there  isn't either..yet I asked  for an edge  on our  enemies  when i found out what we would be doing..they sent me that...and  oked your transfer....we work from there..Just like any  crewman who comes aboard..you make it  or you don't...but...if it becomes  a danger...if i think...it  becomes a danger..if Hermes..thinks  it becomes a danger..well...I think yu know were I'm going with this...if  we have to drug up captives..I'll have  no worries unplugging  a talking box...

    Now? Hwat backround  does your Tech assistant need?

Infantry asked the question first but the Commander outranked.. Dang.... He knew this one.. oh yeah Rank first.

He held up his left hand in a gesture to Infantry and gestured that him to wait a moment.

Then he looked to the Commander and said, "I need someone who understands how to fix and modify all that equipment I'll be using. One that knows the technical language of machines and can speak to R&D for me so that they can gain the greatest advantages from our developments.

No problems with the conditions, I'm setting up more than that on principle," then he turned to Spencer.

Mal said,
"The next breeding cycle after they figure out we're taking 'test subjects'. They're reactive as a species.

The good news is you can use that. When in a fire fight they have patterns, formations, and great strategy. There's no room for decisions, choices, or adaption. They didn't need to develop intuition and they have used bio-tech too long so don't have any instinct but what the females imprint. In one corridor there's Tanks sure to come down you toss and inflate a giant pink rubber rabbit. It will mess them up big time. Once. Only once ever. The next time something is tried they know it, have a strategy, and most likely a counter strategy. Yet they suck at anything intuitive or instinctive. You can make obstacle courses they kill themselves on but never the same one twice," then he got seconds and sat back eating again.

He looked to Stoly and said,
"I get that too..." then he looked to the Commander again.

Mal said,
"I don't like having a chip in my head Demons can blow up. Unless they find out some of us have chips they won't develop anything to deal with it. Just in case they ever do my suit helmet is shielded from pretty much anything that we know of.

I put up with it because it allows for direct access and for me to know what you need. Hopefully before you need it.

My species comes first.
I even let them lock parts of my mind away unless someone had the right clearances.

Do you want dessert?" then he stood up and went to the freezer.

Mal brought out ginger coated candy bananas and apples on two big trays. Then he went about offering them around as he said,
"There's ginger in the candy but it's a delight, especially the bananas. They're cooled just right so they're still warm on the inside.
Won't your try some?" then continued to serve until all who wanted had some.

Then he sat down and munched on a candy coated banana.

  Taking the banana Goodies he looked at it , then at He LC. She tasted it and shrugs, finishing the piece she had.Hack Nodded,  Once  everyone's  done here, I'll work on getting  a Lab Tech for you..I'm thinking you keep Cindy and Jorge  around,they know thier  way around  ...test subjects...

  He pressed the CommButton..is  Beth back yet?  the comm was quiet for  a moment, Hack's  frown and narrowed brows  showed his annoyance,..Um..No sir...she  um...just checked in..won't  be on duty 'till  the morning...

  HAck's  right hand went to his forehead as he rubbed his temples as he flicked  off the Comm,...of  course... he  said  quietly,..there is something to be said  for genentic cleansing....

 as he blew  a breath out through his lips  ,his eyes  settled on Roy and Stoly,..now then...what happened, outside of the fact, that they were leaving   at the same time, and same direction as  Shadow  and Hannah? These folks that Promo dug up? they aren't nice people..I'd  give Shadow a kill order right now if Hannah wasn't with him...the bad thing is,,he wouldn't get them all and we would be short a pilot..a pilot i can trust..so..Talk to me  Sgt...what is your view on this night's work...

Roy accepted a banana, uncertainly.  He'd worked with some odd types, before, but this idea of a doctor who, in one breath, spoke of having his consciousness modified so that he couldn't even remember why he knew what he knew (or, presumably, if he even knew it, until he needed it), and then in the next breath offered candied fruit around like he was hosting a dinner party, just threw him for a loop.  He really wasn't quite sure what to make of it all.

But he was pretty sure that he'd never get Demons to surrender the same way, again.  "You still have that open requisition there?" he asked, as he contemplated the banana.

"I'm thinking some 7.62 HEAP ammo is sounding really good, if we have to pull another boarding action..."  He bit into the banana, unsure at first...his eyebrows went up in surprise, and he shrugged and then consumed the rest of the banana with gusto.

  As  Standard ammo, or  just for boarding parties....or just for   the..um..elite  unit?

Roy chuckled softly.  "Well, until we can be totally certain of the loyalties of everyone we're giving ammo to, I think standard ammo should remain standard issue.  If these things can, in fact, alter their genetics to adapt to our tactics, I want something that's gonna require a whole lot of adaptation to survive.  I'd trust Lyri with it...maybe a few others...but I don't know enough about the rest of the crew to say 'give it to everybody.'"

He finished off his banana with one last bite, and answered, his voice slightly muffled by the banana, "I just know that I want it, as an option."

Mal was half into his current banana when he mumble out,
"MMmmeee Woon't Woork...

Sorry won't work at least not for what you want. Demons know things that go boom. Angels used them too. Never got better than a standstill.

You got what you need now.
Trick is figuring out how to use it.
I know what to do.. but not how," he looked to each as he talked. He was gauging reactions and adjusting the language to suit all types.

He said,
"Every infantry, marine, fighter pilot, and crew member has their strengths and weaknesses. They also have their specialties and something they're good at.

What's needed is to compensate for the weaknesses and boost the strength. I know.. Obviously right?

What I'm talking about is the fact that I had to send in every modification I did to my suit. So did every explorer and scientist. You had to mod your suit to your specialty, for the environment, and for defense in alien environments. We were looking at sites for bases and colonies.

Those designs and mods are in your computer banks. How to apply them to each fighter, pilot and so forth is the puzzle. Literally a puzzle. Fit the pieces to the person and the suit or equivalent.

The advantage is the intuition and instinct developed in each squad member. Set up your battle plan, equip your people to improvise within their specialty, and then leave room to maneuver.

Any idea what can effect a person's tactics and intuition?

Do they have gas? Farting burping etc?
Are they tired? Did they have sex?
Was it good sex? How old is the gear? How is the gear mod adjusted? Are they scared? Worried? Excited... or what..?

Each little thing and how they maneuver is something a Demon can't plan for.

That's the what...
Anyone know the how?" then munched some more apples.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:35, Tue 19 Apr 2011.

  Hack  shook his head, Tell the LC how much you want, we'll  se how much we'll get

Roy shrugged.  "I still want a magazine full of HEAP ammo, next time I'm going into Demon territory.  Even if it doesn't kill 'em, if it'll knock them down and make it hard for them to come after us, I'll be satisfied."

He grinned over at Mal, and added, "Like you said, sometimes it's how you apply it.   A little explosive in the middle of the sinus cavity is guaranteed to give just about anyone a bad day, at the very least."

Mal nodded to Roy and said,
"That's the ticket.
You got people who will lay out those rounds in unconventional manner or basically as they can see a need or advantage to?

Then they will help bunches.
It's not 'cause they go boom though.
Excellent thinking!" then he looked to the Commander.

With a questioning smile Mal said,
"Want me to clean up?" then waited for the answer.

Roy mused for a moment..."I wonder if THAT is why they surrendered...used to being fired at, center of mass, and typically only after they'd fired on someone.  Two or three surgical strikes, taking down the more adventurous ones in the group..."

He'd wondered about the sudden change of heart in what they'd all been told were brutally ruthless warriors, and why they'd suddenly surrendered en masse.  New and unfamiliar tactics confusing them...that made sense.

  The Commander shook his head, don't  worry about it. you cooked, I'll clean up. Well gentlemen? Carry on then..we  all have  work to do..


 The LC was already running water  to clean up, shepointed to the lap top, for  Roy to order his  ammo.

Roy stepped over to the laptop, entered 1 case of the stuff...and then paused, and thought a little longer.  He deleted the 1 and put a 4 in its place.  It was, hopefully, more of the stuff than he'd ever end up using...but he reasoned that it was far better to have it and not need it, than vice versa.

"I think I'm going to go have a look at those items Shadow gave me earlier...make sure I don't need anything to go with them, either."  He smiled grimly, and added, "And now that the game is done, I should start checking out the names on that list you gave me, LC."  He snapped off a sharp salute, ready to leave.

Mal looked a little shocked and then said, "Is that Wisp female?

You might just have got their breeding Queen if it is. They'd do anything to protect or keep her safe it that's the case. It would also mean that we have a female that had all bunches of bio-tech info in her body. That's would be one hell of a prize.." he looked to the LC then the Commander.

Roy shrugged.  "I wouldn't know...I've never had anything to do with them, prior to this assignment.  That would explain why the Tanks accepted the order to surrender, though..."

Mal went over to where a vid screen was and said,
"I need to see any video from when the Wisp was captured along with any from the surrender...

Please?

It's important!" the looked back to the screen hoping he'd get what he asked for.

Roy blinked a couple of times in surprise.  "Video?  I don't even know if we were shooting any.  I had my hands full with shooting Demons, there was no time to film them."  He glanced over at Hack.

"Sir?  Did we have anyone shooting vid during the boarding action?  Or did we manage to lift security feeds from the Demon ship after we captured it?"

  Hack shook his head,..Your Group..the Main boarding  party,,,we didn't  take  any Vids..should have...I was just worried  about  trying to disable the engines  and getting  the crew back...now...our..er...fine  Major had Vids..mostly with him and  his Sgt posing  with  the Captured  Officer...as  far as I know? And i will be  the first to admit, i don't  know much...would  we  be able to tell a female right off..and since they were using human and Sanri females  for tests in thier Birthing lab..I would have to say no...But?  I could be wrong...

 The LC frowned as she opened another window on her laptop, leaving the order sheet up,..Commander? Turn on the Vid...this is interesting...to say the least...

  The Commander went over to the  Vid screen used  for  watching  entertainment, he surf through channels  Until the LC told him to stop and she Pointed..there was a Human reorter standing out side   the Main Med-Center at the Uppers, a male voice said,..and  you are sure of this Becky?

  The Woman Nodded, in the backround  people walked back and forth some mugging  for the Vids, but she  continued,"...yes Steve...it was  confirmed  about an Hour  ago...The star Defensive Back  for  Olympus  2 is  dead...now the  Med-techs we talked to  said his injuries were bad enough  to keep him off the Docks  for a month or so...but cannot understand why he died...though they said, there  is no foul play involved..there are Olympus  and ESN security forces doing tests on the room and looking for anything out of sorts...we will be hearing  more of this, I am sure...

  The camara  switched back to a man in the studio, That  was  Becky Owe on site at the Olympus Uppers Main Med-center...now...a story coming up about a  child reunited  with her family in the Lowers........ a commercial came on showing what to do if you had problems getting aircardust off your  clothes.....

Mal turned to the Commander and said, "Can we get in on that?
My suit can be made up to look like a security outfit. Send Roy in there when you go talk to them as one of your security team.

Heck it's even true from a certain perspective. I'll just leave the sensors on in stealth. You can get your own full investigation."

The lieutenant ran the news report by himself again. The DB for Olympus 2 was dead. Very interesting. Perhaps there was, though he hesitated to make such a pun, foul play? While the medical technicians had reported otherwise, they were far from reliable. The AI wondered for .2 seconds if he would be allowed to testify in court. Then he focused, and had a moment of insight. Mentally contacting the hospital security, he began downloading the security footage from the past two days, and sifting through the piles of data for a match. Nothing on cameras 1-10. Nothing on cameras 11-20. But what was that on camera 23? Prometheus watched two men he recognized walk down the corridor. The two men which had accosted Shadow before. The one he had pushed off the landing. They seemed to be heading for the DB's room.

The AI mentally cursed. The camera in front of Grueless' room was down. All he had after that was the pair walking to the lobby and out the front door. He checked the time stamps. They would have been there extremely soon after having attempted to kidnap Shadow and Killian.

He needed to inform the Commander.

Sir. I have cross referenced Roy Spencer's pictures with the hospital security footage. The two men who Shadow encountered were at the hospital shortly thereafter. While the camera covering the front of the Defensive Back's room was down, I have footage of them heading in his direction. As well as footage of them heading away from his room out the front door. They may have been involved in the Defensive Back's death.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:16, Tue 19 Apr 2011.

 Clicking in answer to Promo's finds,...very  interesting...well...see if what you can fid on Gruless' backround...where was he before  being transfers here..I mean..he was a dock worker...

Mal looked to the LC and said,
"I guess I'm dismissed...
Right?

I should have paid more attention to this stuff as a civie....

Hey Roy!
Where's the best place to have a drink around here?

I'm all space lagged and a belt or two might help.. Need to sleep and set up a lab and stuff later.

It be cool to talk with you some time. I like your ideas man... err Scout.. Infantry.. What the heck do I call you again Roy?"

Roy shrugged.  "Since you seem partial to first names, you can call me Roy.  Everyone else tends to call me Sergeant, or Sarge.  Just don't call me 'sir'.  That's his name..." and he pointed over at Hack, with a grin.

"As for the best place to get a drink?  Right now, I'd recommend the Officers Club..."  Even though they allowed all personnel in the place, such watering holes had been part of military establishments for so long that the traditional name had stuck.  "I don't know any of the bars on Olympus...it's my first time here, as well.  And depending on what public reaction is to Gruless' death, being aboard Olympus in a Hermes uniform could be problematic."

A small skeleton of a profile sprung to life in the digital space of the Hermes' computer network. The most basic facts known about this Grueless person. Prometheus had learned this trick for improving his abilities to comprehend data while sorting through millions of potential terrorists. It had been highly effective, with a success rate ten times that of any other method. As well as success could be measured in that field anyways. As they said, the only ones that counted were the ones you missed. And the AI never missed.

The profile was coming together. He took news reports and other media and jumbled it together. Things that got more than two hits went into the profile. He pulled records from dozens of government agencies. Two or more hits, and it was added. The lieutenant traced Grueless' history back to his childhood, and marked dates, times, and locations.

A mental progress bar at the back of Prometheus' mind filled. The life support system had completely reset. The air filters shut down all at once, for a brief moment. Then they were on again. Idly downloading the new software for the life support from the now much more efficient comm arrays, the AI continued to watch the profile of Grueless grow to immense proportions. As he did so, something in it caught his attention. Investigating further, he discovered another one of Spencer's 'friends' involved.

Thirty seconds after being told to investigate Grueless' background, the AI reported back to the Commander.

Sir. I have constructed a profile on Grueless, using multiple government databases, among other things. There are some interesting facts I think you should know about contained within.

Grueless was a dock worker at Moonbase, before being hired by Olympus to give them a "shutdown" corner. It appears his skills as a dock worker didn't go beyond his strength, however. He was not a very bright fellow, frequently getting into fights or otherwise attracting trouble. Grueless was also heavily involved with the criminal Underworld. Though the SFL does not ban players  from betting, the only bet they can make for their own team is to win, to prevent players from shaving points. I believe he may have been involved in a gambling ring, which payed him off or otherwise coerced him into causing the Olympus team's performance to suffer. Perhaps he was killed because of his performance in that capacity.

Oddly enough, before MoonBase Colony, Grueless was on Titan Colony as, guess what, a dockworker. A day after leaving Titan, there was an explosion at one of the scanning towers. While the tower was down, a Demon Destroyer attacked the Sanri Merchant ship carrying the Ambassador. The man with the packet, which I now suspect to be a weapon of some sort, was on the passenger list of that very ship.

Sir, I think we're dealing with some kind of Demon saboteur group. This station may be under threat from the group very soon. Perhaps within the next 24 hours.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:22, Tue 19 Apr 2011.

 Commnader Hack's  face  showed a bit of discomfort,..very..very good Promo....I should think he wasn't  to throw the game..it would have cost him alot of money in sponser creds..he  did, it seems , at very least, disappoint someone....they could not just blame himfor loss..hell he only played a half...

  The LC looked up,..Kray?..I mean..Lt, Shadow?


 The Commander's eyes narrowed  a bit,what?  gruless failed to tke out Shadow? So they iced him..it that is true  there would be  no DBs  left in theleague!

  Si  smiled  slightly, Do you not , think, that hitting  a player who isalmost off the field at the two minute warning...isn't  just a little desperate?

  he sighs,..OK...Promo..my head hurts here...see if you can find  anything that would make  it seem like  gruless had  a contract on Shadow.

  Roy, Stoly. Mal..Go..get some rest,,or enjoy  the last....he looks at the clock 8 hours  we have here...when we go to the Mission room, i will inform you of anything we have  on this...and what effects it might have...and...let me know..someone..letme know..when Shadow gets  back...

"Yessir."  Roy already had something...some things...that he wanted to get taken care of before they got underway.  At least one of them was relatively urgent...if he was going to capitalize on the LC's open requisition list.  He snapped another salute and spun on his heel, heading back onto the bridge.

-->to Off Duty

The AI thought for a brief moment. A contract for the murder of a human being. It reminded him of the long nights spent planning Black Operations. He was sure he could use some of his training in that capacity as a counter-terrorist. The most obvious method would be to interrogate one of the men who had gone to visit Grueless. They'd have information on his involvement, and were already wanted for their own involvement anyways. It would be a simple matter to stick them in the spare room that the lieutenant would have used were he not an artificial intelligence. And when they were in, he could use the sound units in the room to render them more cooperative. The Commander might not approve however. And he needed to capture them first.

Commander, if it is possible, I would like authorization to send a group to find the two men who visited Grueless. It is likely they known of his involvement in any illegal activities on the station.

Connecting to the street in front of the hospital, and tapping into the traffic cameras, Prometheus began attempting to locate the pair from the footage and find the route they took.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:05, Tue 19 Apr 2011.

  The Commander leaned over the  dexk Comm and thought  for a moment, his eyes  went to the Clock, Alight Promo..you  can send 3 Hermes Security  folks out there..but they have to be back at the ship in 3 hours...rodger that? I am sending  a the ok down to security, just tap into  thier comes to tell them where to go...the clock starts..now...

Mal nodded after the Commander said go and then headed out. He headed straight for the area called the Officer's club. Did you need to be an officer?
Well he guessed he was one so it would be okay.

To Off Duty/Officer's Club
This message was last edited by the player at 20:34, Tue 19 Apr 2011.

  The  Comml lit  up. Hack answered, Commander?  We have the Ambassador and his  wife..and...30 of his own guards coming aboard..

  Beth? Thank  the gods...tell him he can have 10, the rest will have to  find  another way...

 Aye sir...

Being dismissed, Stoly stood and saluted the Commander.  He turned, not quite so crisply as Spencer, and left the commander's Quarters.  He had eight hours to kill.

>>>( to Off Duty )>>>

To LC in not from Mal:
"Find included the list of items requested by my 'team'.

I will need ten more lab people and four, not one technician if we are to run and secure the Lab 24/7/365.

With each of us doing shifts we're looking at rotating eight hours, never on at the same time, and no time off. This will soon lead to fatigue, mistakes, and poor science.

Until such staff is available it will be difficult if not impossible to set up the lab and I request it be secured by security and have a meeting room made available for my staff and myself.

This is so we can work on how to set up the lab, secure specimens, and set a workable schedule.

Lt. Roberts aka Mal...

Roy paused outside the doors for just a moment, collecting his thoughts, before he pinged the alarm that would let anyone inside know someone was waiting at the door.  Even if Hack was waiting on him, it wasn't his place to barge in...

  The door Hisses  open, and  Commander  Hack  is there, In front  of him is  a screen with  the Map of the compound on, to the  left is  another screen with a Largran ship. Capt Roles is there  and loks to see who has  come in,wWell Commander...Your  secruity man is here..I'm gonna  take  a look at the bars on your ship...send a comm though if you need me...

  He passes  Roy  with  a nod  and a grin  and goes out through the doors.

  The Commander waves  Roy over,alright Sgt? What do you need?

Roy took his cue from the Commander's casual style and went to a loose parade-rest.  "Well, Commander, I'm wondering just how much a part of 'the team' Lyri's supposed to be.  While I could come up with ways to work around it, it would be easier to familiarize her with the Barretts if she was cleared to get into that secret hangar deck.  That's not a requirement for the mission...nothing says we have to use them.  We have plenty of munitions on board that would make that shot, although not all of them may be reliably accurate at a half-mile.  Yet."

He shrugged.  "You know her better'n I do, Sir.  I know she's got skills that would lend themselves well to our operations, and she can back me up better than anybody else on this boat.  But you're the only one that can answer as to whether or not she can be trusted with the whole story on the mission."  He fell silent, waiting for Hack's response.

 he turned  and listened  to Roy, when  finished,  Hack popinted to the  map of  the Compound ...this  planet is a lynch pin in this system...we control the  outermost planest, even to the Point of  colonies...the Middle  planet has  had  fighting  on it  for the past 4 years...this Planet...has skirmished  daily..and the  damn Mulls  couldn't care less...as long  as credits are flowing...The LArgran has to die...to upend the apple  cart in this  system..If the Mull announces  they are going to allie with the LArgrans..we have to take out the Mull...there  are a learge number of Clans on this planet that support the AP...and  if  we take the head off the LArgran collaborators..we  can win this planet, and the Middle  will fall on its own...we lose this plamet, some serveral Million colonists will die..and  at least half of them are humans.

   I selected   most of the  folks on baord, the rest  were pushed through the draft or VolunTary "ups"..Lyri was  a sniper  One MArs right before I left..she has  8 kills to her credit, of sanctioned targets..that doesn't  count targets of opportunity...I truts her..now you?  Have to tell me  if you think..YOU...trust her. I am a Pilot..a Commander...you are the one who has to crawel through the bush  and  make the shot..that's  why i have you in charge of  that part of  the mission...so?..You think she fits?..Just tell me..and i will clear her.

That set Roy back a bit in his thinking.  He'd been under the impression that Lyri had been one of Hack's personal choices, and for some reason, she just hadn't struck the right chord yet.  The fact that Hack didn't know her all that well hadn't really dawned on him, at all.

His mental wheels spun for a moment, then suddenly caught a purchase and started the gears going in his mind.  "Well...I trust her, on a gut level...but I have nothing to base that trust on, beyond how well she worked with me during that boarding action on the Demon ship."  He paused, pensive, working through some options in his thoughts before speaking up again.

"Let's make this one the shake-down for her.  I'll tell her what's going on...since it's a 'got to happen' scenario, I'll take the Largran ambassador, and leave the Mull for her.  We can also tell Stoly to keep an extra eye on her, see if he notices anything out of sorts about her during the mission.  Then, after she's proven herself, we can do a more accurate assessment of her qualities.  Running around a ship's interior with someone--and half a regiment of people behind them--is totally different that working your way through the hard bush for a shot."  He shrugged, and added, "Does that sound like a workable plan to you, Sir?"

  Watching Roy as he spoke, when he finished, he thought  a moment  and nodded,well..we  had a Spec  ops  wash out on us...LLyri's  the only other out here..we have enough folks  who would try and do  the job...but she has the skills..so..we go with that plan...if she works out..great...if  she is a Plant?..well..we  will be short another  crewmen..Like Owens...

Roy nodded.  He'd heard muttered references to someone named Owens...the context always implied something unpleasant, so he didn't bother asking.  "Do you happen to know Lyri's whereabouts?" he asked.  "I figure we just as well save me the time it would take to chase her down, and get on with the mission planning."

 Hack raised his  finger  a moment, then hit t he Comm,..Beth..Where is Chief Mullin right now?

   Commnader?  She is off Duty, and appears to be down at the range...

  Thank you Ensign... There you Go Sgt..down at the range...Let me know  what you come up with...time is getting  thin.

Roy snapped off a salute.  "Yes, sir."  Regarding himself as dismissed, he spun sharply on a heel and exited.

(-->Off-Duty)

>>>>>> from Hanger Dec  after    PG debrief......

   The  pair  make it  to Admiral's  Quarters. Si leaves  orders  for Miller to take the  CON until  She or the Admiral return to duty.

   The Admiral   sat down as soon as they Got In the door, But   Si, grabbed his a arm   and  Pulled him towards the bath room.

  What the 9 hells  are you doing!

 ...first...we're going to take a shower... then..we are going to sleep... and then, if   I think you have to, we are going to call Stefi up here  with her Bag...

 ..Nil... I'm.....

 ...if you say you are fine.... I'll call her  now... Shadow noticed it  right away...but he's had  experience....  You want others to know.....do you?

  The Admiral Gave in, whether he was just too tired to argue, or  when he  just folded the cards... none would Know. a long  shower...  and bed...

<<<<<<<  from Hanger Dec  have battling Black Fleet

  The  group is  lead through the  Bridge, to the Admiral's  quarters. some orderlies are passing out   food and drink..there is a small side board  with ..more  filling..food.

  Hack Greets them all  with a Hand shake  and introduces every one to the Occui. Except  for Commander Si , the Sanri board member and the Occui Board Member..every one was sporting   fresh patches  or slings. The Admiral was walking a bit stiff legged.. Even Evert has  some touch up on her left arm  and   her forehead.

 I am Hopign Capt Nilsson would  come?..but i will understand if he doesn't.. we will have   Voice COM to all the Captains and Everest , in a moment... i am letting folks  wind  down, after the battle..help your self to drinks or ask one of my  people..there  is pasta,  steak and hot sides, if you prefer that to finger food.

Sarah positions herself beside the Occui Captain as they follow the SEC SGT to the Commander's Quarters. Sarah notes her delegation much like Occui and Sanri Ambassadors weren't sporting any injuries, she made a mental note about how it looks that her people didn't sustain any casualties but is grateful they didn't sustain casualties and pulled off their mission without a hitch. She finds a seat taking a polite portion of food.

  People move around and talk, some sit down to eat the 'bigger' meals, some happy to walk around  with the finger  food, or  'makeshift' steak sandwiches.

Drinks  vary from  hard stuff, to Coffee or Tea. Sarah is quick to note there is a carafe with a  label on that says  ' hot chocolate'.

 Preg, The Mulls rep was talking to Bale, they seemed to be deep into conversation of  trading laws and such.

  Maj Fiez talked with Dr Vix..the other  two Occui   nibbles  foods  and watched the  groups

 Leqe, the Sanri was   laughing  along  with Hennings  as   Evert spoke  with the two, about  the  ships that were sent to aid  the Verians.

 Si watched  the other s  as she  sipped at Lt Blue  drink.. Hack hobbled over    to sarah, sitting  down  to eat about of steak and  some sides,..  From what little  i saw of the Vids... i assume that all things  went well?... I know  from the result, that the attack was almost, flawless?

Sarah nodded, "if by almost flawless you mean we were picked up by the hounds after it was too late for them, and stuck around long enough to add insult to injury by punching them as we were on our way out, than yessir. It was nearly flawless, in fact I don't think they even managed to get a shot off at us the entire time, at the very least they couldn't land a single one. Though I worry that my folks will be looked at unfavorably being that we escaped unscathed whereas the rest of the fleet all took casualties." She allows herself a slight chuckle, "though I suppose that's the punishment for being extremely successful in executing a well planned and supported mission." she adds helping herself to the hot chocolate, pouring a generous glass. "Hot Chocolate, sir?" she asks offering.

  He  holds up his   cup of coffee,..no thank you, We had that sent up, as we heard  certain officers, preferred that...  he smile a bit  as he  took a  some cut of steak.

  Playing around with a tiny potato, he asked, ..you were on the special teams.... soemtimes..special teams get roughed up... sometimes they score big....The Hyrians  are Hurting now, the Loss of life, just from the explosions  will be shocking..... The deaths from Dr Largerson's   juice..will be worse.....the effect of the fallout..well....They will be figuring that out shortly, unless they had all thier eggs in one basket..if they did?.. they won't have anyone to tell them why thier  people are dying, being mutated  and gettign sick....

 Taking the potato and eating it, he swigs  a sip of coffee and says,We will be turnign to Nivar, next..they had a ringside  seat of what happened to the Hillites  and the Hyrians.....now?.. they are stucking...just a bit  west of middle, in the beta  triangle ... fleets from 3  carrier/stations  can converge on thier   system.... I am hoping  for a quick battle there...

 Hack sits back a moment, sipping his coffee....what is your feelings on the   attack  on Hyria?

Karl arrived, a little short of breath...he hadn't run from the hangar, but he'd definitely been moving at a brisk walk.  He stepped into the room, still clad in his base flight suit, and snapped a salute.  "Sorry I'm late, Admiral, I came as soon as I got word."

He grinned slightly, and added, "I had to wait for my plane's berth to be cleared so I could land.  Looks like you all had plenty of excitement, this go-around."

  The Admiral  returned an easy salute, and Motioned to the food and drink. The smiled  just slightly as he said,Didn't think we'd get that close to the Flagship...The dogs are so used to fighting   in a line, or going against  one ship, they  didn't  make them to be attacked   from above and  below..Still..it helped  cause a greater  diversion , to keep Hyrian eyes  on the Fleet, and not their homeworld...

  Shrugging as he took another bite of  steak,..his  troops went off the rails though... they must be used to boarding and looting?, they caused some problems , to be sure. But had they had an organized attack.. we  might have had to seal off the whole hanger  dec, and retake it  with  Crew and SEC using elevators and the Engine room as sally ports....in the end? They paid a steep price for coming here, and for once..things worked out better then I had thought....

"Looking back at the history of the Fleet, Admiral, it's really saying something that this was a rare, 'better than expected' result.  You've seen success in situations where all rational analysis predicted failure."  Karl grinned easily.  His demeanor was that of a man accustomed to being around top brass...whether that was the case, or it was just the brash self-assuredness of atest pilot was anyone's guess.

  There was a  laugh as  The Admiral tried  not to be rude with his food. When he swallowed  he grabbed his  drink and said,....The thing out here?... There is no rational measurement?  On one hand we see thousands of years of  failure..but if you look close, its  thousands of years of...not trying....

 He sips his Coffee, and orderly appears with a fresh cup, Looking at  Sarah and  Karl top see if they want something.

 ..From my point of view... we are merely successful, because we are trying...what does not make sense... is the empire  ignoring our success? Counting on the likes of the EDT and EVOLs to undermine us? Out here? we can take care of  them, as brutally as we do the Empire.... there is a shrugs.

 Dr  Vix  arrives,..Captain  Nilsson? I do thank you for your aid..and once more..Thank Commander McKeon... There is a damn good bet we could have  launched...but getting back?.. not so much...

Karl grinned in response.  "Close air support is largely about helping troops get back home.  Granted, this wasn't exactly a CAS mission profile, but the principle was largely the same."  His face grew more somber.

"My condolences on those you lost down there..."  He wasn't sure what more to say...that they'd died a heroes' death?  History would judge that...and depending on who wrote it, they'd either be heroes who made a desperate sacrifice, or they'd be craven cowards who decimated a civilian target outside the combat zone.

"I'm not certain I'd have the courage to make the sacrifice they did," he added, thoughtfully.

  Dr  Vix stared at his drink for a moment....we had  ...quite the discussion. In the end, I  believe  we would have  hit close enough to do what the main purpose of the attack was.... My compatriots thought   it better to hit it ..as close to the target point as possible....Dr LArgerson's  data said there would be a 1% loss of  rads spread per each mile we missed by...ground  zero...would  ..in fact..increase the rad flow Because of the Water systems and  air currents... I would not wish to live on Hyria right now....


 Captain Trez spoke up,They kept their  ship's CAMs on the  whole way down..as near as we can tell... the  flew  right into the target..if they missed?  it was By Inches...

 He Looks around  at the  others,..I must point out. With out Dr Largerson, none of this would have been possible..it was good you saved him...

Karl gave a fleeting smile.  "I don't deserve any credit for that.  It was already done and in the history books by the time I joined up with the Delta Fleet."  He glanced down, then added, "I've been part of delivering his compounds to the enemy on multiple occasions, though...and he has definitely saved countless ESN and APF lives."

  Hack seemed pretty relaxed as he   drank his  coffee,..Largerson's daughter , had a hand in that... we  still may have got him out of there?..but  the cost would have been alot higher.

 Si came over  and  smiled at Sarah,so?... Commander... as commnader, to Commander..how  do you like  your stint in the Delta Fleet, thus  far?

In reply to Sarah McKeon (msg # 70):

Sarah nods, "So you know sir, certain officers appreciate the gesture." She says using a similarly cryptic tone as the Admiral. "As to the attack, sir. Well I think it definitely achieved it's ends, the tactic is not something I'd have recommended myself. Personally I favored an engagement of using corvette, fast attack ships and the ships they knew were here to draw them into an encircling kill zone that precluded any escape. However, as to it's effectiveness it was swift and effective in saving ESN and APF lives and sending a message that any smart enemy commanders would be fools not to listen to." She raises her mug, "here's to them heeding the warning and surrendering, or here's to them not and continuing to underestimate us." Sarah nods in greeting to Karl, "Captain Nilsson," She says as he joins them.

She smiles at Dr. Vix, "The pleasure was ours Doctor. The way the Ironwood was built makes her an excellent extraction vessel. For us it was more of a snatch and grab than an actual combat mission. My condolences on the loss of your colleagues. Their actions have saved countless lives to be sure." She says.

Commander Si chimes in and Sarah turns her conversation to her, "Well Commander, it is definitely different. In Alpha Fleet Admiral Sientes takes care of his people but tends to focus more on his Officers, whereas Admiral Hack is well a soldiers soldier, if that makes sense. He leads from the front, whereas in Admiral Sientes is kind of a mix of the worthwhile parts of St. Gaul and Admiral Hack, a good mix I think. There seems to be a lot less favoritism here, where as in Alpha you have to be noticed and scouted to get good assignments. I was lucky and got scouted, wound up as Captain of the experimental Ironwood and then as special envoy. Especially since well I definitely try and lead by example with my people. Overall I'd definitely say I've enjoyed my time with the fleet, and I'm sure my people have enjoyed being at the tip of the spear as well. Honestly I think we are hoping for an opportunity to stay out here with the delta fleet and keep contributing." She says giving a longer explanation than she was accustomed to. Being the Commanding Offier on a ship had it's disadvantage, the first of which being a lack of peers.

   Dr Vix  and His  Captain  give  Sarah  a  smile and  move   off to talk with the Sanri.

   Commander Si nods , she seems a bit more relaxed, then most times...you will be  here,  for some  Time , Commander. We  will be visting Nivar  Next. They saw what happened to the  two...more...violent members, of the Triad... They  will not get a warning. Thier  warnign was the Niavrian ships  we have destroyed, and the  few  frieghters , the  ESN/APF ships  have  captured....

 Her eyes  strayed to  Evert, then to Hack, and Back to Sarah,...The Hillites ...seemed to be  , more noise, then threat... The Hyrians... did not seem as mighty .. i mean to say, we cannot   go Broadside to Broadside with them, but we can  take them on, as we see fit..... The Nivarian ships  seemed to be  heavier  gunned, then we were elad to believe.... and they have two moons  that hold Much inetrest to us, One has   some colonies  and   bases......the other..is not   populated, yet is a very livable place?...we think there are bases  there as well..but the  information we have .....recieved..seems  a bit  tainted.

Karl nodded, acknowledging Sarah's greeting.  "Commander," he said, with a smile.  He sat back and listened to McKeown's answer to Commander Si's question, fleeting grins sneaking into his expression at various points.

When Si presented the information about the Nivarians, Karl cleared his throat quietly.  "We shouldn't forget that black cloud that hit us in the asteroid field..." he said grimly.  "Don't know that we can count on the Harvestor being able to hand-crank her ion cannon into firing position again."  They'd been tangling with Nivarians when that...thing...had turned up.

  Si  gave Karl a  smile and slight bow of her head,..That cloud, is  in the Asteriod Field..Thus far, it   has not interfered  with us, save  for when we transgressed into the field... we will face it again, to be sure...but  The Nivar system, is well away from the field.

   Hack  finished his   food and handed  his  items to the orderly , then  refilled his  coffee cup and fixed it with milk and sugar. Once done, he stood up and   spoke over the conversations...

  Please... I need your attention, though you may continue   with  eating and  drinking.... To the Captains  on thier ships, I apologize  for the COM only conferance, but  i have Given   Beth the rest of the Night off to recover from her wounds, and Lily is covering  regular COM traffic....so..Bear with me... Please... Captains   hit your  Buttons  so i know you are on.....

 He   watched  and waited. Nemesis was the first light on..Hera.and Ajax  did not light up....I Understand  Ajax and the  captured Flag ship is  heading to Fuji  as we speak... Hera?

 There was a bit of  static  as  Hera's Captain came on,..Soory Admiral...our COM tower was destroyed by a suicide  fighter.. we are working on it now....I have a Jury Rigged  COM system , that should get us through the briefing...

  Thank you , Hera.... then I will begin.....

  ...Before I go over the Next step in our campaign , I will have Dr Vix  debrief you all....

 Dr Vix   refilled his  Drink and, for the sake of those in the Offcie , Punched up a View of the Hyrian Home world.

 ..Thank You , Admiral Hack. Now? I would  want all Ship's CAptains  to pull up View #6 from your Discs , that you recived  before  Jump Off...

  He looks at the  holomap on the desk in the Admiral's  office....what you are seeing, is the Model  Dr LArgerson made of the  effect and spread of the attack on the Hyrian Home world. I can say... the  model is not  quite  right. The spread, will be  wider, with more concentration, then the Model allowed for. The Hyrians  are about to suffer, the worst possible scenario , of  Plague and Radiation.. as well as the   huge  fires  that are   burning ..well...out of  control.  The smoke  from the fires are adding  to material in the air, that the contagion can bond to, thus, spreading it  farther...better..then we could have hoped...

 ..if will take them weeks..if not months   to get the fires  controlled..By then, the sickness  wil  have started to claim lives...and..of course..  those effected  by the bombs effects will  have  been dead for some time...when the Hyrians  contact us...we will have to enforce the fact... that we can do this again..and more importantly..we must be willing , to do this again... The  northwest Hemisphere of Hyrian, will be  a very hard place to live in..if living there is possible at all.... the  North East Hemisphere will  begin to  feel effects  from both the Bombs  and the  plague..it should take  two weeks, before  the first of the sickness hits them.... There Southern  Hemisphere will only suffer  lightly, but anyone  who carries the sickness with them, could spread it there...The Hyrians  have a lot of choices to make....   

In reply to board (msg # 81):

Sarah nods at Commander Si's assessment,  "I wonder what they sacrificed for the extra firepower.  Perhaps armor or speed. As to the moons we'd not be opposed to going in dark and passively scanning them, or having a little fun and punching their flagship right in the bridge and then bounce out taking the long way back. I doubt they'd be able to catch us as long as we zip down their middle. It'd definitely Let them know we can hit them any time any where we feel like. Perhaps even convince them they can't stop us if they tried. Or to pull a play from the Hyrian homeworld attack, fill a shuttle with a nuke or two and rig it for remote operations though again go for their flag ship, and hit them in the pride of their fleet."

When Hack stood she stopped speaking to let the meeting begin.

  Evert stood  near the Sanri as she listened  and looks at the map. Her face   hard..cold  mask of disapproval .

  Hand Nodded to Dr Vix  as he finished...Now..what is the Next Step?  We  will be going   to Nivar...depending on the reaction we get from them.. we will bombard.... invade..or..simply , Blockade them.. they have been getting desparte since we have blockaded   the Hittlites, and Hyria  is not known for Merchant traffic, as  far as sending things out...they gladly...take things in.

 ..Captains..pelase view #8.... You will see the Golden planet of Nivar... deep blue and green oceans... lots of  sand... and  large tracts of   thick Jungle....The  export the   animals they have   for food  or pets..some..as guard  animals... their Seafood is  supposed to be the Best in The Black.. we will soon find out...

 ..Hidden in thier merchant   fleets are  Raiders.. Cap ships disguised ,,and they will pounce on any Vessel they think they can handle... Hillites  bring the  slaves.or? they take them, themselves for uses  as fisher men, farmers  and ..pleasure... They are  taller the  humans by a foot or so..but they are thin, and gangly... they aren't known as warriors , but they have been know to  fight hard..boarding parties are thier   bread and butter.....

 Thier Cap Ships  are on par with ours...Just as fast... doesn't seem like they are as well armored... their weapons  are  about the same level. No Hard Ammo, and from what we saw... their   ships  don't react well to be pounded by hard ammo... we need to  watch out for the   Nivarian Rays...fast. sloops  sized  vessels.. can hit  and run they carry  some fighters.. but their main thing  is, zipping in..firing, zipping out..out  fighters  may be able to take them out, on their own...but they will do their share of damage...

 .... from out last encounter  with the Nivarians...we  are  going to come in hot..  They won't be able to see us..i will send one message..if they do not give the answer we wish to hear..then  they will get bombarded....



..two moons.... One ..we  call the Black Moon,..has  two bases on, that serves  as thier  main Fighter  launch points.. one on each pole.. it  isn;t very  nice place to live, but..we have seen worse.... The  Green Mon, is  lush..supposedly , there are no bases allowed there.. but  agents have caught flights of   fighters  darting in and out, from time to time....so..we might have to neutralize the moons first...

 The Sanri spoke up,..and thier   Dogs...Admiral Hack...

 yes..thank you..thier  dogs.. 6 legged and fast..loyal tp theior masters  and love the taste of flesh.... Nivrians  don't  eat other  races...but they don't mind  rewarding  thier pest with some...

Sarah nodded in understanding to the explanation, though stays quiet as Admiral Hack lays out information that is common knowledge or should be at this point. She's not sure if he intends to lay out a plan or has brought his Commanding Officers together to formulate one.

Karl listened carefully, a calculating expression on his face.  He could warrant a guess or two at where his plane would be deployed, but he was curious to hear whether his assessment matched Hack's plans.

  As he looked  around, and answered a few  questions from the COMs, he  viewed the  moons. When the questions were done, he began.

  besides makign sure Nivar toes the line...we also need to be able to keep watch on them.... so?  As the Fleet Hails  them, and Moves inwards, to the Homeworld, we will be invading the   Black Moon.... the  objective is.... to overwhelm the forces there, and take over the Black Moon...That will become an outpost for us...and the APF will provide   Cap ships  to help  keep it that way.

 Capt Roles  and his EMS ships  will try to hit any Cap ships with their Ion Cannons, hopefully it will screw up any targeting they can manage... When we control that moon we will be adding buoys in areas on that moon, to  help spread our  Scanner cloaking....be advised? we are at the edge of the  reach, of the scanners  a The Line...so, we will be popping into view, as we move in and out of the fringe.

 ..if things work out the way we wish.... we will also send   teams down to the green moon to establish more buoys  and further  cement the scanner  cloak area...The  Green moon is dangerous, because we do not know what's  there..outside of  some  nasty flora and fauna...again..agents  have reported fighters  flying in and out...there is a good  bet, they had to build thier bases under ground, so they would not effect the  surface, like the  Black Moon.

 Commander  McKeon and Capt  Nilsson will ride shotgun with  two of our duces... The Achilles  and  Nemesis will be  sending  down shuttles as well...Hector.. lost a lot of its boarding crews  on the Kennel, so they will be held out, until they can get their teams  filled out again.... Transport Shuttles  will be dropped 1 hour  after the   assault shuttles have landed...Further  instrutions  for the   assault teams will be given, closer to drop time.

 Our Cap ships will form thier  Line, but we  will travel from pole to pole. around the planet... the first order of business.. will be  to  seek and destroy any Cap ships that  don't stand down... the second , is to shell the planet, as we did the Hillites....knowing the   Nivarian  interests in trade, both legal and illegal .. damage that a fleet of Cap ships can do, should make them knuckle under, quickly.

 Evert spoke up,..Admiral Hack..... The delta Fleet has  come here..they have  savaged the Hilltite system... you have  crippled the hyrian home world..now?.. you are going to attack a system that is..at worse..pirates...at best...illegal traders?

 Hack did not even try to hide  the distaste he felt for the question.....These peoples have ravaged the    beta Triangle for years... safe inside thier own triangle...rarely did   the Beta fleet catch or destroy a pirate ship..much less   the Hyrians... and Nivar  gets a free pass, because they are..'as bad'....The Triad must be broken, to ensure  we have as firm a grip on this quad, as the Delta Quad..perhaps.... If the Verians would have been more active... and the Beta Fleet more...'ESN'.. then we would not have to do this.

 ....why are not the Beta Fleet  represented  at this meeting?

 ..i will tell you this.....The Beta Fleet  has to repair two Hyrian Vessels and have them ready for the Beta Fleet... they will have to  watch over thier own house...The reason You are here, is to see who is transferring to the Delta Fleet from  Veria....the second reason The beta Fleet is not represetned, is  Admiral St Gaul is  in bad shape.. Thier senior Captain Tunsol, is in command, and he is wounded as well... Von Bern managed to get through the  fight with one  kill, and no damage to his fighter....i'll let that sink in...

Karl gave a nod...he didn't know where he was going, exactly, but he knew what he was doing.  Flying overwatch was what his plane was made for, and he found himself looking forward to flying an engagement under circumstances that were optimal for the Morningstar.  The thing had never been expected to fly exo-atmospheric combat missions, and certainly not to tackle the larger space vessels that he'd been shooting at for the majority of the past several missions he'd flown.  While he regarded his continued existence as proof that the design was more versatile than the designers had ever envisioned, he knew he'd feel better flying it against the kinds of ground targets it had been built to attack.

Sarah nodded, the Ironwood excelled at rapid insertions. A side effect of the quick legs that her designers had given her. Perhaps the designers had been too forward thinking anticipating their design being used to stop smugglers and interdict freighters, but the  result was the same. Raising her hand Sarah asks, "will we be carrying the shuttles our will they be going under their own power?" She had her fighter flight to consider which while only two fighters could provide additional eyes and cover for the Ironwood and the shuttles during the mission unless the Admiral had other plans for them. She also internally eagerly waited to see which if any of the Verian commanders would abandon their worlds policy of isolation and appeasement to join the APF effort.

   He Pointed to Sarah and nodded at the question,..The  Shuttle s will be going in on thier own.. you and  Capt Nilsson  will be their escorts , of course, as well as a  flight or two of fighters...Each Cap ship will send a Flight  with the shuttles, , and their remain  fighters will fly cover  for  the Fleet and  try to keep away  the Nivarian Fighters  as these pesky  sloops

 ..our own sloops  will be harassing    the Destroyers  , and even Cap ships,,, Nivar was to be home of cowardly Slavers  and  thieves ,  It did not look quite so much like that, when we had  an encounter a few  weeks ago...but then again, we did not have our own intel to go on.

   He Turns to Evert and says..we cannot spare you any ships while you try to recover from the last attack. I did  send the  Transfer requests.... Will your people  be  permitted to  bring their ships?

 ... I am afraid not , Admiral HAck. The loss of  2 of our CAps ships, and the damage done to the other  two, will not allow for this, we will need all the ships we  have..down to the  last Sloop.. And.. I do not think there were be that many..

 ...700....

 ..What?.....

 ...700   Verians, in the first hour...but?..we need a place to Put them

 Evert Bowed slightly,..That sounds as if it is more  your Concern, then mine...700 verians..is..unheard of.

  Hennings cleared his throat and  said,.... The Saladin  is ready.. we will chagne the name , of course... And the Hyrian Destroyer..needs....16 more hours  before she can sail..

 ..16 hours?

 ..they took alot  of damage , Oliver?  best that they could  do.

 Right then.... Tell the ranking transfer Officer  to divvy up MArines  and Crew, and those  two ships will be theirs... as long as they wish to sail with the delta Fleet.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:19, Thu 17 Nov 2016.

Karl listened quietly, no expression on his face...until he heard about the Verian volunteers.  An eyebrow shot up in surprise, and a hint of a smile appeared.  He made himself a mental note about judging an entire populace by the actions of its leaders, with a quick nod of satisfaction.

"Admiral?  Is our role in this primarily to defend the shuttles?  Or are you expecting us to undertake our own offensive actions while in atmo?"  He glanced over at Sarah and shrugged, with a sheepish grin.

"Just want to know what kind of load-out I need, munitions-wise..."

  Hack  Nodded to karl at his  question,... your  first order of Business is to get the shuttles to the Moon..after that, Targets of  opportunity are up to you... since the  end goal is us taking over the moon, anything Nivarian, is a target.

 Once its  Time for the shuttles to go home... your escort jobs  will be back in force..... The Ironwood may also be called  upon to  pick up  scatter units, but?  i am hoping   we don't have scattered units.

 Some of the Captains asked   their ship's roles and Hack would explain to them their part, which isn't  any different from the Hermes herself,

 Evert asked the last question,... When will i know how many of the transfers you accepted, will be granted?

  Hack allowed himself a good  chuckle,..My dear Admiral..all of them  will be accepted... they  will be  going on thier own ships, so we do not have any problems  with intergrating them into the Crew....if....they perform well... We may be open to allowing them on other ESN Vessels..until then They will have  the  two captured ships , as thiers... and we  will be renaming them, so they  have  a proper feel for thier    new crews...

...and? I have no say?

 ..none..what  so ever. These people want to fight... i am giving them a chance...

  ..and you have  no worries, that they may be captured...and what the Empire  will do to them?

 ..I always worry  about  my people, Admiral....but every one in the fleet faces the danger of 'what they will do to them'..That is  why, the Hermes is in the front, rather then Hiding in the back... If  i will not risk My self...My own ship? How could  I ask  others  to ?

Sarah nodded in understanding, time to start running SIM for a seek and destroy. The type of missions that Corvette's and their Captains lived for. It was too bad they didn't have one or two other corvette style ships they could run together and swarm any opposition destroying it quickly and then scattering so as not to become a target themselves. Captain Nilsson's craft was as far as she could tell a large fighter likely designed for Air Support. Less for the engagements a Capital Ship would be able to engage and support which the Ironwood found itself. That being said beggers couldn't be choosers and insertion of the teams had the opportunity to end either like the last mission or very poorly. She started planning in her head as the 'esteemed' Admiral Evert attempted to squabble over the lot she'd ended up with after her selfish decisions.

As the meeting broke up Sarah and her team made the rounds one more time with those that were there. She thanked Admiral Hack for his hospitality, and then gathered her people to return to the Ironwood, the'd honor the dead as a crew and be grateful they'd lost no one this time around. Fate wasn't always so kind.

--Space-->

Karl nodded in response to Hack's explanation...that meant a mixed assortment of rounds for the howitzer, which was, ultimately, all he was trying to nail down with the question.  He quirked a smile that he quickly hid when Evert began fussing about her people leaving...but like any other ship in the Delta Fleet, they'd have to stand on their own two feet, to some degree...there was no extra coddling of the Occui (quite the opposite, considering who'd just carried out the suicide mission on Hyria), from what he'd heard the Sanri had not only held their own but on more than a few occasions actually shifted the whole course of ground combat (he hadn't been there to see it, but gossip made the rounds)...

Hack wouldn't spend them recklessly, by any means.  But he wasn't likely to show them any special favors, either.  Not until they'd earned some, at least.

He jotted down a few notes to pass on to the ground crew once the meeting was done, and waited to see if anything further would be discussed.

  Well then... I suppose  we are done here...CAptains, Thank you for your time... see to your repairs, but make sure your people get some shore elave on Everest... Jump off in 36 hours.... on my Mark....

 He watched the  ship's clock it reached 0100... MARK.....I will see those of you who can make it to the send off,  ...Captains...Please offer  the Condolences  of The Baord , Myself and the entire Hermes  family..as you all have your own send offs.

 Evert approached,....Dusk sent me a COM..she is stayign at Shadow's  Quarters with Shade... Might  i have use of the guest quarters?

 ..Of course... your   SECmay use empty quarters in teh Non-com section...i am sure they have had a long day as well...you will have  Hermes SEC in the Passage way, and?..if anyhting  gets  this far?.. two more guns might not make a difference.

 She  nodded her thanks   and  went to speak to her SEC and Shuttle Pilot on the HAnger Dec.

  <<< from hanger  after  moon celebration

As they stood in the  Hall outside The Admiral's Quarters, Hack looked over the board Members ,..I think i will allow  Shade and Orria to stay out of this meeting?... I have  the SGT MAJ keeping the  Cavet Busy, until she arrives  here.. Then  Nil we allow her to  freshen up and find a dress that doesn't look like she  stepped off a deserted Island....

 there were some chuckles,Yhough i feel i can trust her... we will wait until the plans have been launched, before she hears the news from Nivar

 so?.. get cleaned up..and meet in  my quarters in 30 minutes or  so

Sarah arrived exactly 5 minutes early, she'd cleaned up and was wearing a dress uniform that had been tailored to fit her very well and maintain a professional appearance. Dresses weren't for her with her broad shoulders and athletic build, at least in her mind they weren't.  Still the uniform fit well accenting her body type well without becoming too masculine in nature.

Adjusting her uniform out side the door she triggers the chime, to announce that she'd arrived.

 The  Door opens a  seaman Greets   Sarah  , motions to the   shelves for  hats. Then says,Welcome aboard, Commander... Please. make your way to the  Admiral's dining room, there are some finger foods and drinks, until the dinner is  served.


 a female server from the Rec dec  had  a nice  Civie  uniform on and waited to escort Sarach in.... once she was  ready, she was Announced and the Admiral greeted  her, wavig off the salute,..Thank you for  Coming  , Sarah. I think you will find  this...a rather enlighting dinner...

 Si  had  a fetching dress on, he rank still showed on a  necklace that was purchased on the Blue  moon. She smiled  and said,... some say the war  is  a  struggle...but all these dinners  with  allies, is wearing on me.

 Hennings   was close  enough to hear,...ahhh..Commander?... I always  thought it was just Oliver's way to show  our enemies , and allies that his  wife  can have a softer side?

Sarah thanks the seaman using his name and rating, entering the dining area. "Thank you for having me Admiral. I certainly look forward to being enlightened." She smiles at Commander Si's comment "I agree, give me a good fight any day of the week over dinner politics." She says good naturedly, smiling and chuckling softly at Hennings comment, "You mean you can't see the commanders soft when she's in her fighter?" She asks in a slightly teasing manner.

  Hack  Nodded  a bit. Hennings  Chuckled  at Sarah's   Comment. Si's  eyebrow  raised  at  Hennings,..and Old  Destroyer  Captain...making    sport of a fighter pilot?.... Admiral  Hennings? Fighter s  are  Just a bit ..'undergunned' compared to destroyers...but..they are never  .....'undermanned!'


   I am Goign to roll a big set of dice, tonight,Sarah.... and?... if things  are we;ll and good.... then..the mission  will be well...and Good..... If things are not  so....cozy..then there  will be some ehat  put on the upcoming mission...and  we   may just have to shell the 9 hells out of Nivar,

Karl arrived shortly after Sarah, and was shown into the room.  "Admiral.  Commander.  General."  He made his greetings to the top brass, trying to conceal his sense of hurry.  He turned to Sarah.

"Commander," he said with a hint of a grin, and for a moment, his expression showed the harried rush that resulted when someone was in the midst of preparing for a mission when orders arrived to attend a dress dinner.  While his expression looked a little flustered, his uniform was in perfect order.

   Havck leads  them over to the Finger  foods, He pours himself a glass of Brandy.  he   moves  his hand over the selection,...i have collected a few of the best, from the  planets we stopped at. Now  and then Col Cummings will send  me a case of....goods..they find on ships  or in cities as they clean up. I am not a big drinker, by anymeans, but  these  all have some good tastes..and..warm feelings...


 I have sent the SGT Maj  a COM Text to  bring the  Cavet  around.
  he takes  a sip of the  brandy and pops  a cracker in his mouth,...we will , indded..be talkign  about the upcomign actions, in front of her...There is no way we could fake a story, that would  sound good, unless it was the truth... if there is no leak...then we should  know hwere are people will stand, being  on a colony here...If there is a leak..then?  we  will have to bring the hammer down.

In reply to getting  ready to dine (msg # 102):

Sarah nodded in understanding, "as always my ship and people will contribute any way we can." She nods to Karl, "Good to see you again Captain, I trust you've been staying busy?" as Admiral Hack opens his collection she settles on a robust wine similar to the classic reds of Earth, though with a hint on earthy sweetness. Sipping lightly on it she selects a single item off a platter to eat.

Looking at the Admiral, "so this is a gesture of good faith as well as a test of the Cavets commitment?" She asks for clarification.

  The Admiral swallowed , what had the look of a celery stick with some sort of  dip on it...This is a Test.  We have a large planet full of   gold  skinned people, who think that the  Universe is thier own hunting grounds..or...perhaps treasure trove? Sadly, the only way to make the Test work...is for it to be real. With the short timespan, between telling our people what we are going to do...and  when we do it? The Leak will have  to come from The Cavet...If she is  really on board with the  whole APF  thing?  She can sit back and see who our enemies fare, once we get our backs up.....should  shebetray us?..well.. she will see it, first hand.

Karl chuckled quietly at Sarah's question.  "I suppose you could call it that," he said in response, and then listened as Hack explained the plan.

Considering the role he knew he was going to be playing in the upcoming action, the thought of having the Cavet know details was a little unsettling to him.  "We, ahhhh...aren't going to discuss ALL the details in front of her, are we?" he asked.  It would be bad enough to have a potential leak about forces heading down, but giving the Nivarians a chance to know exactly what kind of weapon was intended to be used against them made him nervous.

 Hack checked his COM, out of habit , since a ship's clock was easy to see  on the wall.

 ..No Karl..but  she will know   what we are doing...If someone intercepts the Tunnel  group.... or  there are fighters lying in wait to ambush you and the LC... then we will know

 Topping off his  drink from the selection,...If.. From what Ms Dalton told  us is true... Any Qarl that may have seen or heard her there, may, indeed have  resistance of sorts set up... if not.. they will be taken by surprise... if they are warned... there will be an ambush...and that should not happen...

  For  You, Sarah and  The LC... there should be Interceptors come out  after you, once you enter the Atmo... i'm sure Beth's magic becons can't  get through the  rads in thier   sky, any more then it  could  getting  out....again?  if you are Ambushed... or they have a CAp ship waiting for you...then?.. something went awry....It may not go down in history, as the smartest move ever made... but the hand  will be tipped. We will  kill two birds with one stone, we will cripple the planet's  defenses and will will learn if  we can trust the CAvet...all with limited time spent.

Karl nodded, with a grin.  "Oh, I'm expecting the reaction to be somewhat akin to kicking a hornet's nest...that's why I wanted enough fighters along to keep their interceptors occupied."  He took a bite of one of the finger foods...something he couldn't readily identify...and added, "I just don't want them to know they need to shoot me down before I start shooting them.  If they ignored the fighters and came after the Morningstar, the whole plan would come unraveled."

He paused, looking at the item he was eating.  "What are these?  I don't think I've ever had them before, but this is good...very tasty."

  There is a bit of a Smile as Si says,..that would be Cara stems... they are native to Bura.. the  green ones are akin to a sweet cucumber, while the red ones are more like  a red sweet pepper of earth... they taste very good with the blue dip from Astra...made from their form of Honey and spice.

  I am Certain that the LC will let them know the Fighters  are there.... and I am Hoping Sarah will get them to focus on her  as well...but we'll get into that shortly....

Roy arrived, managing to look only mildly annoyed, with the Cavet following closely behind.  "I feel ridiculously underdressed for the occasion," he commented drily.  "But I didn't really have a chance to stop anywhere to change out of combat gear.  Someone stuck me babysitting..." The last was said with a low voice, and a grimace in Admiral Hack's direction.

He turned back to the Cavet.  "It appears I was a little tardy in getting you here, and dinner looks ready to be served...shall we?"

   They are  led into the bar area, with the  finger foods. Hack  smiles  an understanding  smile,Well..Let us see if  food and  drink can make you feel a bit more comfortable

 Commander Si asks the Cavet if she  wishes to change into  something more formal. But the  Cavet just  laughs,..No Commander, but thank you... I have  grown quite used to wearing  this..style of  clothing... and i am sure the  Males do not mind...

 Si's  right  eyebrow raised,...of  that, we can be sure... Come...help yourself to a drink and some of the smaller food....the servers will  about to set the table.

 Hack led Roy to the ' wine section'  and grabbed  some  cracker thing  with some meat slice on...this  shoudl, prove interesting  if not  now...after we jump off... he pops the cracker into his  mouth as   they watch the Cavet flant her 'almost dress' and try some of the  earth type vegetables  and such..

  On the Table were glasses and  dishes that were far to fancy for  most dining... it is interesting to see the plates were emblazoned with the 351 Hermes insignia , much like the fighter pilots  have on their jackets.

  A Chief in a white coat  cleared his throat,...Ladies  and Gentlemen ...Dinner will now be served....if you will take your seats...

 Hack sat at the head of the table..while Si sat at the toher  end.. The Cavet sat on Hack's right  side..with Roy next..then Emmie..then Hennings...Across the Table  sat BAle, Nilisson..sarah and an Open seat...

 The Servers   had  carts  and  asked the   diners what they wished  , Steak.... Turkey (?) ..or  Fish. There was a salad  as well as  sides  of  Mashed  Potatoes  with gravy depending on the  meat they chose..or rice  with the fish, and a sauce to go with it... there were bowls of Corn  and Green beans as well..

 Cavet?  You Must forgive my wanting to show off...but The food is from out ships' farms.. including the fish that help clean the  water, and that water is used to  irrigate ..The  turkey, however is from Bura...  but  we get them  flown in with the  supply transports  so the Rec Dec...The Pulse, and the Officer's  club can have something  to take the pressure of the ships' chickens!

 The Door Opened  and Shadow  entered, in his flight jacket.  he grabbed a glass of wine from the  table and  Took the seat next to Sarach, on Commander Si's  right.

..sorry I am late... there were a few issues  to take care of, and  i made the mistake of stopping in at the rec dec...

 He grinned  down at Roy... but the grin faded a bit  as Hack gave him a glare.. the grin was Gone  when he turned to Look at  Si... the upraised  eye brow and  thin lipped  smile   make him sit back in his chair a bit... Then he nodded to Sarah.. Hello Commander.... leaning out...to see down the Line..  Captain...Genral... Admiral... Cavet..SGT MAJ...Emmie...Admiral.. Commander...

 Si's  smile d grew a bit  as she  shook her  head as the servers  Cut a steak for her..

 Shadow took a thin sliced steak and thanked the  woman as she moved on to Sarah, then watched  the potatoes   being ladled out.

  Hack took a bite of his  steak and Complimented the Chief,...Please   pass along my thanks to the cook... and his team.. well done.. as  always...

 Shadow  nodded,..I like Mine well done  too I.... Hack looked at him, Hennngs  was chuckling through his  bite of steak.....Oh?  You mean they Cooked it  Good..er..um.. well...?... he stage whispered to Sarah,..good..or well?

Emmie  tilted her head, at Shadow  , then looked at Roy.....That is a good question...

In reply to Admiral Hack (msg # 106):

Sarah listened closely to Admiral speak of the test. In her mind it sounded much like a game of Russian roulette with 3 rounds in the chamber. She too shared Karl's concern, "We'll do our part to keep any nosey Cap ships occupied.  As to the fighters, if logic follows as the only Cap ship involved directly in the assault that would make us a prime target for any interceptors." She agrees with Hack.

When Cavet and Roy shows up she schools her features, while not a prude the Cavet's choice of dress was well a bit extreme. She takes her seat and nods to the wild card that is Shadow, "Wing Commander." she says returning the greeting. "Well Done, or Good job." she said with a slight hint of stiffness in her voice at the making light Shadow was doing. This was the part of these social events she disliked, the watching, acting, and judging. She smiles a bit tightly, "Cavet, it is good to see you in a much less... formal setting. I trust that you have been enjoying your new alliance with the ESN?" She asks with out guile or sarcasm.

   Shadow  smiles at Sarah, the fellow  does not seem  to be a schooled in decorum  as he is in flying aircraft...ahh.. yea.. well either way, it  tastes  well..er..good..um.. I like it!

 there is a Jerk of Shadow's  body as   Si kicks him with a pointed  toe of her heels. She Gives her had a quick shake.

 Hennings  nods to  Shadow,..relax LC.. we all know  fighter  pilots  would rather  be at the Pulse or the OC stacking up shot glasses..

 Shadow frowned, at both Si and Hennings...Perhaps, Admiral..or.. perhapos , digging up an escort... his eyes shift  from hennings   to Emmie and back again... Henning's turn to frown.. Emmie  just smiled at everyone as she nibbled.

 The Cavet did not seem to mind that her dress was more suited  for wrapping around yourself, when you steeped out of the shower., She  eagerly  turned to sarah,..this has been  a bit of a change... we are all Nivarians..but...we are Nivarians  who have been exiled.. either  as prisoners..or as those who watch over them... yet the Homeworld  seems to care very little.. With both moons in the hands of the ESN and APF.. trade  could slow to a trickle.....for them. I am lookign at our  Moon to see a boom in business..once people  learn what not to try to eat...and what will try to eat them.

 BAle shakes his head  at Shadow... Hack gives him another  even stare , Then begins,..This is  your  first briefing,,as an APF  member...sadly, the mission  will be against your own people....

 ..oh?.. i am eager to hear... she tried the steak...but really found she loved the mashed  white stuff..with the brown stuff on top...

 ..Frist the removal of that Vessel..or at least the top part...that should  kill most if not all the creatures inside, either by drowning..or  in the vaccum of  space... the  second attack, will be  into the Mountain... SGT Garrat is leading troopers  down inside the Moutnain once more....and? Lastly... LC Shadow and some hand picked fighters are going  to visit your homeworld... they will cause  quite a stir..I am sure...and those great guns  they have  will be like trying to swat a fly with a sledge hammer.

Roy didn't often get filet mignon...and, technically speaking, what they were serving wasn't that, exactly.  But it was the tenderest and juiciest steak he'd had in a long, long time.  "Well-done steak is an abomination," he muttered, with a grin.  He turned to the Cavet, very consciously keeping his eyes up on her face.

"This is a prime example of what I was telling you about the Rec Deck.  There are places there that serve steak...and they do a good job.  But compared to this?  They're serving roofing shingles..."

He noticed that Hack's beginning of the briefing didn't include anything about his team taking a 'back door' approach to the Qarl base...and he wasn't about to point out the omission.  Considering the amount of time he'd spent, early in the Hermes' mission, trying to underscore the risk of the press publicizing the ship's every move long before they actually made it, he felt almost like heaving a sigh of relief at having a secret operation that stayed secret.  So far, at least...

He glanced at the others at the table, wondering how much of what Hack had to say about the upcoming mission omitted their involvement, as well.

Karl carefully kept his expression neutral as he listened to Hack's explanation of the upcoming actions.  He knew, perfectly well, the role he was to play, and thus far it hadn't been mentioned.  He was fine with that.  Ground-attack pilots never got the notoriety of fighter pilots, and he, for one, didn't want it.  As long as the troops he was supporting on the ground thought well of him, that was fame enough.

His eyes flicked over to the Cavet, curious to see what her reaction to all the announced action was.

  Folks  listen to  The Admiral, The Cavet looked at Roy and  smiled,..it is very good..I like it... the closest thing to this are the Grassroamers.. they  have 6 legs, as most  creatures do.. they can grow big in size, and  spend most of the  time in  groups as they walk  over the  planet eating  grasses and small brush...we use them for thier  milk, hides and of course, thier meat... some of our  folk make dagger handles and  such from thier horns...but  it does not  taste, quite like this.

Bale  nods,.. it may be the cook as well...we have people who cook for a living.. they know many tricks to  aid the taste of food.

 when  The Admiral finishes his   beginning statement of the mission, The Cavet   gives a  small chuckle, using a napkin to dab her mouth, she looks down the table at  Shadow  who seem  to be concentrating on the corn. ....   Mr Shadow?  What good   do you think, a handful of  fighters will do on the homeworld?

 he looks up, glances around the  table  as he swallows his  food,..Well, Cavet? It will show your  Home world, that those guns   can't really do al that much.... i mean? if one of us is hit by the  beams, we'll be  gone in a flash....but.. we'll make sure  we let them know we are there...Make no mistake, Cavet..Nivarians are going to die...but it will be for a good cause...

 ...and what cause is that? Mr  Shadow?  The furthering of your  war? she had  stiffened at Shadow's remark.

  There was a chuckle from Kray, he  waved the  fork in his hand about  as he tried to decide what to stab next, then looked down the table at her,..that? is merely an Happy Side effect, Cavet....the good  cause.. is, your people will see that we can strike them... the Valley of the Moons is gone... thier  navy  is  battered, and No match for ours,  only those guns can harm us..and once  your people see, that those   guns will not  stop death from touching them?..Perhaps  they can presuade the council, that dying   to keep thier  rich asses in  palaces, isn't a good thing... he  took another  bite of  Steak.

 ...Shadow comes from the...' you cannot make  an omelette , with out breaking  eggs' ..school of warfare.

  The Cavet Looked at Emmie, she   just says,..I like omelettes ..with Mushrooms!

 The  Cavet Gave her a sidelong  Glance then turned to  Roy with a raised  eyebrow.

Roy sighed.  "Great...diplomacy via metaphor.  Definitely a military operation..." he muttered, mostly to himself.  He cleared his throat as he turned to the Cavet to explain.

"It's an old metaphor on Earth...an omelette is a food-dish, made by stirring up the contents of several eggs, cooking that enough to hold its form, and folding it over with some other ingredients inside.  Relevant here because it addresses the concept of acceptable risk.  In the same way that eggs must be cracked open to get the key ingredient for omelettes, personnel must be put in harm's way to achieve military objectives."

He held up a finger as he continued, raising another as he brought up each new point.  "Nivar's navy has been ineffectual.  The ships around the homeworld withdrew from engaging the Delta Fleet, but the reinforcements that were supposed to chase the Delta Fleet away were completely neutralized by a scant handful of Delta Fleet ships.  So, no appreciable threat.  Unless the interceptors on Nivar are significantly better planes and pilots than what we've seen on either moon, they're more of a nuisance than a threat...can't afford to ignore them, but they're not going to stop the Hermes planes.  Minimal threat, there.  And while the planetary guns are proven effective against a large ship, it's another matter altogether to sight on and track a smaller and far more nimble fighter.  So, there's a chance we could lose a fighter or two to a lucky shot...but practically no chance of significant losses to our forces. "

Even as he said that, he cringed, inwardly.  It was true, and sound military logic...but 'significant losses' was one of those catchphrases used by barely-competent officers to sell a plan that involved needless risk...and usually ended up in significant losses.  Without dwelling further on that point, he continued.

"In exchange for what looks to be a pretty low-risk operation, on paper, we stand to gain a fair bit.  Nivar's ruling council seems pretty reliant on the promise of Nivar as an invulnerable planet...when the citizens start having the wreckage of their own interceptors start raining from the sky, and military targets getting shot up, that image will take a pretty big hit, and it might be enough to either shift the council's position, or else make them lose so much credibility that they can't maintan power.  We could always stand off at a safe distance and just rain down heavy artillery, but the fact that you surrendered revealed that the council doesn't have an iron grip on authority...your society isn't as regimented as the Hyrians."

He shrugged again, and turned back to his meal.  "So, for the price of a mildly risky flight incursion that will only endanger a handful of APF pilots, we get a shot at rattling Nivar so badly that we get the surrender we asked for in the first place.  I don't see where we really stand to lose a lot, short of some incredibly foul luck.  And Shadow never seems to fall prey to bad luck, even when someone suicide-crashes into his plane."

  At the mention of the  crash, Shadow shook his head... I wish i could have saved that pilot.. i would have liked to beat him to  death.... it nis one thing to diver into a ship to 'take them with you"...its  quite another, to use the ruse of being damaged  and Attack a pilot  who  thought to help another flier...

  I won't forget that...and the nivarians  better not.

   The Cavet  takes a turn, now  and again, in telling Tales of the Green Moon..with The Naragrans... and  the  Harrsen.. she   laughs a bit, on how  some folks say, not all  females  abducted  by them are unhappy, but it is a grim joke, when  it is added that the Harrsen are flesh eaters... and like, so many other races.. Humans  would not likely survive   the births.

 Nivarian woman have been known to survive.. but the  whelps  are smaller then pure bred Harrsen.. and  are thus, considered inferior .

 She tells a tale about Naragrans attacking  the first Nivairans to try to reach the top of the Mountain.......some consider this an act of war... others  say it was because of the killing and eating of  smaller naragrans ... she  adds,..the very fact, your pilot made...firends ..with them..is either a cause  for us to question your  IQ's.... or  Question the    Naragans!

 There were some    smiles...but Shadow  just stabbed  his steak a bit harder at the  statement.

 ...would the Green Moon Nivarians.. be aiding in any of the fights  we have?...

 The Cavet turned  and shrugged... ( which caused a few male eyes  to divert, and rapidly   look elsewhere.)... I do not know the exact numbers.. i am sure i will know when i get back to the Capitol?.... But i am going to guess.. we  may only have  about  30,000  Nivarians left?.....not  enough to help invade our home world?,..and to be truthful? They sent us  here.. so? the 9 hells with them.... We will get a working agreement with , whomever your Military  commander is?... according to the  Numbers... you will have  some100,000  troops and   20 to 30 thousand colonists ?    Sheer numbers   have made us a minority, but  they will need to learn the ways of the Moon... if they mistreat the Moon.... it  could be  a bad thing, for your peoples..

 Hennings speaks up,..the people who volunteered to come here..are looking, not only for a new life..but to  give our people other places to go...and?  Occui, Sanri.. and  Burians..both the green Angels and the smaller Burians....so there will be   quite a mix

In reply to dining (msg # 120):

Sarah gives Si a wry smile when she kick Shadow, and made a mental note of the awkwardness of Hennings response to Shadow's comment about Emmie, the woman takes it well enough.

Sarah nodded in understanding, "Will that be a big culture shock for your people, and do you suspect there will be firm resistance to the the dietary changes?" While not the best choice of topics Sarah wasn't well known for her skills in diplomacy, and at the academy had been known for her blunt approach to social situations when she was forced to participate. "I couldn't agree more, regarding steak Sergeant Major." Sarah said quietly across the table to Roy catching the gist of what he was muttering.

As the Admiral began, she quieted and listened to the plan begin to unfold keeping an eye on Karl watching his reaction. She suspected he'd played a role in the planning based on his apparent prior knowledge though she supposed it wasn't too far of a stretch to assume as a flier he would be in the air, still. She grimaced at the analogy of scrambling eggs to make omelettes. "When all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail." she muttered much at the same time as Roy. Though she had a distaste for diplomacy she wasn't one to eschew out right it's merits. Granted this was a war, but history hadn't been kind to those running wars of attrition purely for political reasons. In this case it was about holding ground and not leaving a live weapon at your back. This whole mess was convoluted. In her mind Roy' assessment was sound. The plan would cost lives, but no plan was without flaws.

The Cavet begins speaking offering a slight towards both the Human's and the allies Shadow had made during his crash landing, she frowns a little deciding perhaps the Cavet left out an obvious third option of questioning the IQ of the nivarians. The talks turn to the colonists and she works on finishing her meal ordering another glass of wine, this one a little more sweet than the last, and suitable for pairing with a wide variety of deserts.

 the  meal went on, mostly  small talk..Emmie was  asking  the Cavet, if she  could  produce  dresses like that , that  her company to   export..they would both make a lot of  Creds!

 The Cavet Looks at around as the  servers take Plates  away... chocies   are Cheesecake... Chocolate Cake..or Blueberry pir....

 there were topping s on the carts as well.. ( Shadow took Chessecake with strewberry glaze )

The  Cavet tried the Chocolate Cake.. and  found she loved it!.. Admiral Hack...  Nivar? I mean.. no matter what you end up doing?.. you cannot draw them into a war?... you can  beat them up... blockade them..but they will not , mindlessly send  troops after yours... you almost have to expend  a lot of forces, in aground war that could last decades?

 ..It will not come to that, Cavet..  if all else  fails, we will spend a day or two  pounding  Nivar  to box wood  from Orbit...now?..we do not know what all we will hit, from this distance..but if we knock out the guns.. we can take out Military and Government area....

 ..you do n ot understand Nivarians , Admiral? she looks   around with her  arms out..( this time  Shadow didn't look away, and got  another Nudge  from Si)... yo'll still have people on the ground, looking for ways to  subvert your ...rule? The only way to stop that, is to  ..'win the war' against them..anything else...would be considered...  a bother?

 ...and  if  we  turn Nivar into a  Glowing ball , as we did Hyria?

 she shook her head,..Then you lose one of the most fertile Planets in the Black...our moon is a desert, compared to Nivar!

  The Admiral Looked  down the table,...Shadow?  can you start a war for me?

 he  frowned as he had  just taken a mouthful of cheesecake  he  nodded   until he swallowed,..don't  see  why Not  Admiral... i'm sorta good  at that..

 ..That's a good fellow... now? lets  enjoy the desert.....if anyone has  anything else?..please bring it up now.

Roy shrugged dismissively at the Cavet's point.  "You're assuming we feel some need to have Nivar supporting us.  All we need is to make certain that Nivar doesn't have the capability to attack us.  If we have to wipe out their entire navy and destroy their entire space industry, it can be done.  In pretty short order."

He scowled slightly.  "Judging by their defensive efforts on the Black Moon, and the carnage we made with a squad of troops...who weren't even on a combat mission, they were there scouting...on the Green Moon, I honestly don't see where the presence of Nivarian troops in the Delta Fleet would actually provide any kind of tactical advantage."

He speared the last bite of his steak, using it on the end of his fork to punctuate his words. "That's one of the key ways that we differ from the Demons...we offer everyone the chance to make peace with us, first...we don't reserve our peace offers to only those that we think will benefit us in some significant fashion."  He bit the steak off the fork, tucking it into one cheek before he added, as an afterthought, "But if someone's determined that they're going to be our adversary, we're quite willing to show them what that means...in full measure."

  as the desert  cart left, shadow managed to lift one  more piece of chessecake from the cart, the  server   gave him a smile  and continued on...

 Sliding that piece onto his 'used plate', so to take advantage of  the strawberry glace that was 'left over' from the last piece, Kray looks  down the table  at the Cavet...Answer me  this, Cavet... What does the High Council hold  dearest to them?

  Looking a bit taken back, she had to sit back and  take a drink,..well?.. i do not know?  They have  everythign they need.... The High Council's  families  are well provided for... they have  everything they could want... they never have to worry about losing family, because all council families never  fight...they are deemed too important to die...

   Shadow  Nodded  and wolfed down the last bit of cheesecake. washing it  down with the last of  His wine  he  dabbed his Mouth and Stood....Admiral?  If I may....

    Hack sat back himself   and Looked,..Of Course , LC..we were about to show  the Cavet Some  Vids of  earth and the APF colonies and such? Is there something  important that you have to do?

 He Bowed  to Si,  Then to  Sarach, he gave Emmie a wink ( she giggled) and a nod to The Cavet...I am going to see what i can do about that little war..you ordered...

  he took a  step  back, SAluted the  Group as a whole, then pivoted to head out the door.

  Bale , who was on the end of his Blueberry pie,... something odd  about that Lad....

 Hennings   smiled a  bit,..he is a bit  odd , even for a Fighter Pilot...

 ..So..Admiral?... You Think  Oliver and I are.....odd?

 Hack grinned at this , and Hennings  face got a tad  red,...what  do you think..., Commander?... SGT Maj? Are   us  fighter pilots...odd?

  The Admiral Rises  and Motions to the  , rather large, living area,...let us adjourn to the Living Area so the   Cavet  may see the good, and bad of APF Life...

 The Cavet stands and looks surprised,..ytou would show  me  ...bad things?

   Si Chuckles in her melodic way,..Juil?  You have seen the broadcasts of  any confrontation the ESN has had... you have seen losses,  and you have seen  Victories. It is  Oliver's way of dealing  with those   we meet in  The Black. We show them the truth , no matter how its paints us. Because.. he wants   those we encounter, to take  us at our words...

  Admiral Hennings  nodded,..Oilver was  never  very good at cards... but he was a damn good Safety  when he played  football...Hewill not Bluff you...but he will damn well, make good on his promises!

   As Si lead them to the  Livign Area , Hack stops  Sarah, Karl and Roy.....SGT MAJ?... I am afraid you will be detained a bit...  I do not what the Cavet runnign about the ship on her own, nor can we have her use   either Si's  Quarters   or mine..... So You will stay here  for the  Vids of the  colonies... then you'll escort her to one of the empty officer's quarters...say.... the one across  from the LC's  quarters?  Hmmm? Then you will be free to go...

 ..Karl?  Sarah? I have a feeling   what Shadow  might have in mind... but ..well..his mind is a scarey place....so... you will both report to the mini pregame , before  Karl sets out for the HArvester... if Shadow manages to come up with something, then we may very well, kill two birds  with one stone.... if not?... we'll have to hope  those  guns can get knocked  out..or we are goign to waste alot of  ammo..and alot of Nivarians Civies...To that end?..You two  can be spared to see to your  ships.

In reply to dining (msg # 122):

Sarah listened patiently to the conversation the subtle and and not-so-subtle play of politics. The Cavet talking about Nivarians and their leadership.  She accepts a piece of chocolate cake which pairs very well with the semisweet red wine she's drinking.  She watches the Admiral and Shadow interact regarding Shadow starting a war. It reminded her of the old Ian Fleming novels she had paper copies of in her office. The main character had been similar to Shadow, specifically fix one problem buy creating a more serious problem. It could work, and she had a pretty good idea of what Shadow would do.

Sarah paused at the door with Hack, Karl, and Roy. She listens carefully nodding in understanding, "I suspect it may make early 20th century mobsters proud sir." She says in a circumspect manner not wanting the Cavet to overhear. "I have thoughts that could be useful, but they involve a serious amount of risk to our ground forces." She finishes quietly. "I'll just need to step out and comm my XO. Gods only know he's well on his way to earning his first command." She says excusing herself.

Stepping out into the hall for a moment she coms LC Harrington giving him load out and prep instructions trusting him to carry out the rest of the prep work.

"Fighter pilots, odd?  I'd damned well say so," Roy answered, before digging ito his dessert.  He grinned as he spoke, however...the grin that those who knew him would recognize as teasing.  After all, they were all 'odd'.  What sane being hurled itself into space, with little thought of returning home, to fight an enemy with unknown assets and resources?  Worse yet, what kind of lunatic considered that to be all the life he wanted?

When they adjourned to show Juil the vids, Roy scowled sourly.  "Aye aye, Admiral...but for the record, I'm doing this under protest.  Something about her just doesn't sit right with me, and the sooner she's someone else's baby to sit, the happier I'll be."

   Hack nods  with a slight  smile...Very  well , SGT MAj.. i must warn you..I am keeping the lights on..so you can try anything....

 The Vids  go on for a bout an hour, broke down into  4  sections... The delta Colonies  ( both the prison and the normal colony)... she sees the  difference between the Untamed  Ape-folk and the  ones  who have  joined the APF under the Banner  of 'Apefolk'.

   The next showed Astra   before the attack...after the attack..and the 'rebuilding

   a Vid showed the   two  moons of Paradise ( mostly the blue moon) and they difference between the way they were, before and after driving out the Demons and their allies.

  saving the best for last,  it showed Bura, with its great  forests that reminded many a Earthman of the  great northern forests of  earth..

   'modern' cities  springing up down the road  from the  Native Burian Villages.. one thing that was shown, perhaps as a  backround thing... where  APF  Cap ships cruising  around the planets like watchdogs.

 ..so?.... This is what we have to look forward to?... trading one prison planet for another...

 ..That, Good Cavet..is where you misundertand the vids?...The  places i have show you are  ESN/APF  members.... we leave a presence to protect them. In time, between    the work done by your people and the Colonists, you will be able to export things... perhaps  animals  for pets?.. some seeds from your plants, that will do well on other  planets..clothing  jewelry ..art?... whatever you have, that others do not? you can sell...or trade, for items you want from elsewhere? You can bet, that  the merchants  will be moving in  , with in hours  are the fall of Nivar.

 Admiral Hack?.. you must forgive  this question?..But  do you have so little  faith in the Nivarians that you think you can just...crush Nivar...

The Hillites have  3 planets... all three   are having , more then a little problems. On top that... we are blockading the place intercepting ships going in and out.... people who were trying to come in... we  make them land on the  Hillite planets...since, they were so eager to  run the blockade... we keep the ships and goods, spreading them out through the  fleet..adding merchant ships and  freighters  to our own lines....

 .. Hyria is just short of a death sentence...but..if they work hard enough...a few decades down the road, they may be able to think about  spacefaring again....The bloackades  are in effect there as well...

 This is the thig, Cavet... we would like, for the peoples of the Black to come together... to not only help fight the Empire..but grow.. because..this is just one Galaxy...the gods  only know, what threats await us   outside...

 the others stood  as they made their way  to the Door.well... I hope your  way works, For Nivar's sake.... as for me and mine?.. I think we shall be content... This place they meant as exile..will now  be a place of growth?

 ..You will be staying  in one of the unused officer's quarters..... Roy will show you to those quarters, but he has some things to do, and some rest to get.... if you need anything, you will use the COM... if you are caught, walking abut, without an escort..we will have to provide one...at all times... there was a thin smile at the last part.

At Hack's comment about leaving the lights on, Roy snorted softly.  "Like what?  Dislocating her arm so I can use it to strangle her for hitting on me again?" he muttered quietly, as he walked into the room.

He sat as casually as he could manage through the videos, although he paid special attention to the footage from the Delta colonies, since he was one of the ones to broker the deal for the Hyrian refugees that had renounced their government to go there...he was curious to see how the place had changed since he'd been there.  A couple of years and an awful lot of incoming personnel, of varying racial lineage, had put a different face on it...but he nodded with some satisfaction.  They'd do well, there, provided they didn't try and make trouble.  He had no doubt the Ape-folk would be able to contend with the Hyrians, if that happened.

For the others...he had little reaction to them.  With the exception of Bura, they were all just stops on the journey...the footage from Bura set his face in an even more stony mask, as he thought about personnel lost there.  When the vids were over, and the Cavet began asking her questions, he carefully kept his mouth shut.  He'd tried to explain, repeatedly, that the fate of the Green Moon, and Nivar, as well, were largely in the hands of the Nivarians...they'd only become prisoners on their own worlds if they pushed the issue of defying the APF and maintaining their ties to the Demons.  He'd put it bluntly, in the terms of a battlefield briefing, because he didn't have the patience for the nuanced commentary of the diplomats.

But, apparently, the Cavet only understood 'diplomat', and couldn't understand 'soldier'.  Which left him with one more reason to inherently distrust her...

At Hack's explanation of her accommodations, he rose.  "I did mention that, several times, in the tour...if your quarters aren't to your liking, and it's so bad that you feel the need to wander about unescorted, we can easily arrange space for you in one of the holding cells."  His tone and expression were deadpan, and he gestured in the direction of the door.  "Shall we?  I do have duties to attend to..."

  Roy and the Cavet leave the Admiral quarters. Walking down towards the stern , they would pass through the elevator Car to get to the   'second half' of the Officer's  dec

 Two SEC troopers where on the 'bridge side' of the elevator..and  two on the stern side... wayyyy down the  passage, two more could be seen by the  doors to the  Top section of the engine rooms.

 Most of the officer's  on this side were Pilots. While  most of the officers on the Bridge side  were  MArines and Navy.

  As they Apporached Shadow's  quarters,  the doors hissed open across the hall and some crewman stepped out with a cart and  cleaning  supplies... Hellow SGT  Maj, Ma'am... just finished up... there is  some clothign  in the closet , Ma'am  and   a fresh robe.. towels in the bath.. you should be good...

 The woman also said,..the Vid screen has a menu you, yuou can  call up genres of vids or shows  you would  like to see.. and the   fridge is  stocked...

  Then they were off to the gather    linens and such from  others  quarters.

 The Cavet smiled,..so?..I have all this room?... Maybe, SGT  MAj..you would wish to...come back and show me how the vid  screen works?

 There was a bit of a sound  behind them... Shade was  trying, valiantly  to jump up and hit the   palm pad  for  Shadow's  quarters..  sharp bleeps were heard  , each time he   fell short... One of the guards from the engineering door was going to  help him, but the other guard    grabbed him and shook his head.

Karl nodded, a crooked grin on his face.  "Frankly, Admiral, I think the more chaos he can cause down there, the better it will work for the overall mission.  The Sergeant Major has a pretty good handle on what the intended results are...shake up the Council so they can't keep selling their brave face to their own people.  I suspect his ideas will work pretty well with what I've got in mind.  Should definitely keep their planes busy and looking somewhere other than at me..."

He snapped a quick salute and headed for his quarters.  He had time for a little shut-eye before the pregame...and he suspected he would need it.  They were looking at a very long day...

Roy gave her a look that was devoid of any warmth or humor.  "I have duties to attend to, Cavet.  If you find that the vid-screen is too complex for you to understand, let one of the guards in the hall know, and we'll get a tech sent here to talk you through it."

Without further word, he stepped back into the hall.  He glanced down at Shade.  "Have you got that, Ambassador?  Or would you like a boost?" he asked...and in contrast to his tone in the Cavet's room, there was genuine fondness and possibly even concern in his voice as he spoke.

   There was a dark grin on  The Admiral's face.,..The LC  has no love  for ..'the Elite'... it is almost an addiction, for him to ..how shall i say it..'put them in there place'.... he got card blanche on this...he'll take it and run...

    The Cavet  gave a pouty frown and stepped into the   quarters, giving Roy a last glance  before the  door hissed shut.

  Shade , was buzzing  and  bleeping, his  hand was just  about 3 inches  from hitting the palm  of the  door pad.

   then he looked   at Roy and   gave a half hearted  thumbs up.

Roy dropped to one knee, patting the other one.  "Here's a step up, then."  He knew, Shade being Shadow's son, that the drive to do it himself was a strong one...so, Roy wouldn't open the door for him.  Just, make it easier for him to do it himself.

"We should talk to some of the maintenance techs...see if they can't install some kind of fold-out step you can use until you grow a few more inches and can get to that button without needing assistance."  He offered a hand to help Shade climb up and balance on his leg while the half-Verian triggered the door.

  With a  small Bleep, the little   guy  puts  one  foot on his hand   and  jumps.. his palm hits the   pad  and it opens the Door.

   The Bleps a few times  and  tries to make a 'thank you' sign ( with his  3 fingered hands ).. then holds a thumbs up.

 He  Beeps a few more times  and points to the  fridge..

"Need something from the fridge?" Roy asked.  The sounds were mostly just noise to him, he was doing his best to interpret tone and body language, with a little deductive reasoning.  After all, if Shade wanted something to go in the fridge, he'd have held it up or in some way pointed it out.

Still, even as he stepped toward the fridge, Roy paused, giving Shard the chance to confirm or refuse, rather than presume to act too far on his own speculations.

  Shade  tilted his head and Poitned to the fridge, then pointed to Roy. he hopped up on a shair bu the  counter  and grabbed   a glass   and held it out.

 the bleeps  were soft toned, his  eyes  grey.

   For  the  Signing Dinner..

  The  Dinning   room is  set  in a  round Table.. a small  gap that faces the  doors, for the servers  to bring food  in without   reaching over  the  guests.

  Admiral Hack and Commander Sir ( at 9:00 )..The  Hennigns  and  Emmie... Bale and Stefi...  Juil and  Roles... SPencer  and.. jesse   Shadow and Beth.. The  three  Roussians.. The Two Sanri.. the two Occui... and Shade and Orria...Morris and  MIller.... Henry and...cookie

   Lyri would be Near Hack... Melia on the other side of the door near Orria

 Shoemaker and  Robbins  against the   Bow  wall...since no guards  were permitted,  MC-1 was permitted  his   weapons belt and a rifle.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:55, Mon 17 July 2017.

  Time  was closing in for the   Signing Dinner.  Hennings and Emmie  arrived ...Emmie  had a fantastic   dress and Heels.

 Hack  greeted them  along  with  Commander Si...in this  instance , The Commander wore one of her  Many  Angel Silk  dress , in Light   blue.

 Bale  and Stefi arrived, both in dress uniforms.

 The Sanri came next Naon, stunning   in an Angel silk  dress of her  own...modified  for   , 4  arms. Ersi wore  the  Uniform of a Sanri Navy Captain.

 The Occui  came in.. both wore dress uniforms of the  Occui Ranger groups..

 The Roussians arrived in their Dress Uniform... Niether Lyri of  Shoemaker even pretended  to hide their mistrust of an Armed  alien who had  not served time  in the fleet.

  Shade  and Orria  arrived...  they both had 'tailored' uniforms, of  sorts Shade  had the  Verian sash.. Orria  had a  lIttle  round metal  that Lyri had   contructed for " aide ". on her  uniform.

   a bit LAter Came  Morris  and Miller... Miller wearing one of Si's  Angel silk dresses...

Henry turned up wearing a midnight blue tuxedo.

   Captain Roles  Arrived on Board, and was escorted to   the Cavet's  quarters... and he.. escorted  her into the dinner... His Dressed  EMS Uniform with the Detla fleet patch  , proudly on his  shoulder....

 The Cavet wore a   dress that was deemed ' Formal " by her people...but... aroused a lot of  eyes   when she walked into the Dining area...  As   People mingled   Hack waved   Kray and Beth  over to  the Roussians...

   NC-37, TX-5  and MC-1... this is   LC   Shadow..he is the Hermes  WC  and the WC of the delta Fleet

 The two women  offered their  hands  and he took  them lightly, Bowing slightly... MC-1 did not offer his  hand to Kray.

  Shadow Just smiled at him and winked...

  ..Is there a problem, MC-1 ?

 The    Roussian drew himself up to his  full height  m which was about  6 inches taller then Shadow.... I do not shake  hands  with Killers...Admiral  Hack. There is a reason he is  high on the Galactic  Bounty list...

 Neat!...High!..How High?.. I'd like to see if i moved up!

 beth Giggled

 ..it may surprise you...but  almost all of us here...are on the  Galactic  bounty list!

 ..This one is differant... I will not  offer  him any respect, due a true warrior!

 ...beccause... you   have  found   alot of  people?  Right.. face to face?... Blade to Blade.... Beth snapped

 Lyri  had  shifted a bit.

  ..That's   Fine MC-1... I'm not  fond of egg Plant... so? not  touching you is  alright  By me...

 ENOUGH!...  LC..Please... get Beth a  drink.....

 Understood, Sorry Admiral  and they moved off..

  MC-1 Looked at the others,..Egg Plant?

 Hack  just Put his head in his  hand while NC-37 and Tx-5 tried to  figure it out.

Roy arrived shortly thereafter, in his full dress uniform with all his various commendations pinned on the chest of the jacket.  He took a look around the room, reading the body language of the Admiral and of Shadow, and made an assessment of the situation, walking up slowly.

"I take it our Wing Commander has demonstrated his normal delicate sense of tact and diplomacy...?" he asked, with a low chuckle in his voice, directing his question to Commander Si.

  She  smiled her normal dazzling  smile,..Indeed... It seemsThat MC-1....does not like Killars, such as  our   LC?... Our  LC, seems to have  spoken his  distatse...for egg plants?

Jesse had made her way to Hack and Si's quarters and gotten the gown that Si had put on reserve for her.  Mind you, she was not as slender or as tall as Si, but most of Si's things fit her any ways.

Having got dressed and pinned back some strands of hair, she made her way, quite uncomfortably, to the signing party was at.  She entered in and looked around.  Having been guided to where everyone else was at, she sees where everyone was seated and nods.

Hello, she said as she enters.  This would be a first in a long time that she attended a party without any one. She felt a bit out of place.

One eyebrow quirked up at the mention of distaste of 'killers'..."Oh?" he asked, with a glance toward the Roussians.

"They must absolutely LOVE being aboard this ship, then..." he added in a droll tone.

In reply to Henry Christie (msg # 141):
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/297167275396333764/

 Having asked Henry before what he was wearing, she chose a nice dress to go with his Tux. She came in with him and greeted their friends and their host when he made his appearance.

 "This is a nice crowd. I'm sure the ladies all are enjoying the chance to wear something nice for a change! It's nice to let our hair down now and then and forget uniforms for awhile. And I must say Henry, you clean up very nicely indeed! You may be the most distinguished men here tonight, next to the Admiral of course."

 Sarah Made her way into the room with her  escort....  everyone who was  asked to  Come, seemed to be here.

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

   Si  smiled   a thin lipped  smile,..oddly enough.. The Roussian Commander  and her Tech leader. had  no complaints  about  our good LC?.... But the person in charge of  killing people for them...seemed to take offense?

 Hennings  Waved  Shadow  over to   Roy and Si,...Did  any of you catch that Vid?... Bluggard.... is  a fellow from my Past..when i got  my first command... A Corvette  Called  ESS Grenwall... back when we  were the Earth Space Service.......he  had Command of a Sloop.. the ESS Morton?...anyway..the fellow broke and ran, the first time  we ever saw an Empire vessel...Lizard ship...... the whole he left in the Line..enabled  three  ships  to pour  through and vanish into the Sol system.... We  Caught one..but the  damn lizards  and their   shields wouldn't  let us touch them... so  we 'made' a torpedo  out of  our shuttle and  spare Power Cells... they were..rather surprised...

 ..Angel Scout ships hunted the other  two down..but my report cost Bluggard his  Command..... He left the service...hooking up with a private   company.... and?... His family  that stayed behind?  Changed thier Name to...Blu...

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

   TX-5   greeted   Henry and Cookie,..you are the   professor..yes? I am TX-5.. I deal with most of  our Tech duties  one my ship, and our Flotilla

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

  MC-1 was   testing our  some of the finger  Foods  as  Stefi was getting herself a drink..If  i Understand  your Unifrom?  You are  a Med tech  here?

 ..i am ..THE.. Med tech here... out lasted  two doctors who were  suposed to be in charge?...but.... being in Med tech, when you are  the 'point of the spear'...seems to take its  toll...

...........

  The Sanri Woman found Jesse, she  smiled a bit   and said in a hushed tone,..The Roussians have never left the  Quad, except a few times in the early  years of your system....it is quite odd..they are out here now....

Roy snorted softly, but the scorn was clear in the sound.  "He talks a good game when he knows full well the Fleet is a completely different quadrant than he is.  Ground troops have a term for behavior like that, but...well..."  He looked around the room, and shrugged softly.

"Company like this isn't the place for the non-euphemisms of combat troops."  He gave a smile that was slightly predatory, and added, "I'm sure people don't want to hear about the excretory habits of barnyard fowl..."

As per regulations, he was armed...the Verian pistol he carried in a holster on his right hip.  His preferred blade, the kukri, was sheathed across his back at belt level.  They were visible...but not prominent.

  Hennings nods  and shadow  had a mouthful of  some  greenish vege and dip.

 beth spoke up a bit,...funny he's  shooting his  mouth of now?  If the Admiral choses  to hunt him down..well...

   there is  a bit of  a harsh, but high pitched voice As Ziger Spoke up,.... I think it's LAdy V's doing... she's been busy all over...but  not too busy in one place..peopel are dying, or getting captured  all over the damn Black....

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


  Shade  and Orria  carried  little  plates  with some dip and  Veggies on  They  walked over to  Henry, Cookie  and TX-5..Shade Blleped  a bit, and made a little bow.

  Orria  said,..SHade says  ..Hello...

  TX-5.......there is  that  fabulous  machine!.... we have to get the specs  and try to build  some.... Do your People need help fixing it...its Vocals  seems...broken...

 Shade Made  a Grinding Sound   as his  eyes  shifted   to a  red...

"Hello, Cookie, you look wonderful," Henry greeted her as they arrived.

Inside he viewed all the bristlings and posturings with wry amusement. Perhaps it was just as well he had decided not to wear all the medals that they kept giving him (even if he did have them in a pocket in case he was asked to put them on!).

"Yes, TX-5 - I'm Henry Christie, xenobiologist. This lovely lady is Cookie Baker, who is a medic."

Jesse was shown her seat next to Roy and she took a deep breathe in.  Do you come here often? She jokes and takes a seat next to him.

She smiles at the Sanri and listened to the quiet comment.

Are they original inhabitors of this region? She asks.

     While folks walked  about  and Talked, there  was some  laughter.. The Cavet seemed to  be  enjoying Roles' company and  he , very much  enjoyed her outfit..i mean...company.

   An LT  who took care of the Admiral's Mess came out  and  rang a little triangle,..Ladies and Gentlemen, If you would pelase  take your seats....As the servers enter the  inside of the table you may choose your Soup...Occui 'beef' or  Earth Vegetable ...  salad  will be availble  , we have 32 dressings from  earth and  APF  worlds....The Main course, You may choose Earth beef... Bura  Beef...or Delta colony grown chicken..... Sides  are Potatoes..or ...

   Place  Cards  with Names in Earth English and APF trade English under  had been shuffled  around a bit...he clears his  throat as his eyes  shift to orria  and Shade,..Mac and Cheese....or Burian mashed kuul root.... for desert  there will be...New York style  chesse cake  with  berry toppings of your choice...or Sanri Frozen Bava Sap..again, with your choice of toppings...Please do not hesitate  to ask for wine..Occui wine... Sanri  Blue Liquor ..or Mull Cider..there is of course..soft drinks...or..um..Milk....  Please.. he flourishes   his hand towards the  round Table.

 Once more the setting is...

 ( at 9:00 going  clockwise ) Admirla  Hack ...Commnader Si.... Ad  Hennings...Emmie.... Gen Bale and Stefi... Roles and  Cavet ( 12:00 )...Roy and jesse.... Shadow  and Beth.. MC-1...TX-5...NC-37 (3:00)...Ersi and Noan...Ziger and Oilra....Morris  and  Miller ( opening..)...( other side or  opening )...Henry and Cookie...Shade and Orria...

  Seaat were Modified to allow   Shade and  Orria to  climb up without 'booster  seats...and the same was set for the Occui ambassadors... One  seats   4 servers entered the  Area with carts with food  and drink as they took orders.

  MC-1 made his order  and leaned forward,..Tell me?  LC Shadow?  Those  decorations  on your Uniform.. do you sleep with them?

  Shadow   grinned his  halfsmile,...Just the Blue Max.... the rest are nice and All... But The Blue Max is the one Pilots  want...

 MC-1 looked confused, as Si  spoke up,..Indeed, MC-1...  Once the Blue Max  was made official ..it was sought  after by anyone  who flew combat ...

 ..so?..you glorify Killing with Awards?

  Hennings   spoke up before Shadow could get going,..that is a rather odd statement coming from a person whose name is the designation of  ' military Commander-1".... any award in the service...is...in some  way... related to the destruction of those who oppose  us...

 NC-37  says, rather Nicely,..We  have such awards..but they  are more  inclined to be in the service of the Homworld...

 Roles looks away from Juil for a moment,well?..let me say this? we have awards from  all the planets  of the APF..since our service is to them all....now?.. if   putting out  a  range  fire on Astra, to same millions of tons of Astra wheat?... that is fine..... If it means  turning   ship loads of enemies  to atoms?.. that is fine....

 Shadow  leans forward,... I'm the  'turning  enemies into atoms'..guy...

  Noan says  , as she moves to her  seat,..I would say ...yes?  but  we do not  know much about them... They are supposed to be Tech Savvy?... Where  Occui Tech is largely  military..thier  tech is ....supposedly ...defensive in nature.... its  not lost on anyone, they still operate  warships and have  armies...

 She greeted Henry with a smile and blushed when he complimented her. Her hand went to her necklace and she looked unsure.

 "I didn't wear my medals. Do you think I should have? I'd have felt like I'd have had to wear my formal uniform if I had. Oh well, it's too late now."

 As Henry found their places and seated her, she was overjoyed to find herself sitting next to Shade. She smiled at him and spoke a few sentences to him in simple clicks and phrases in his own language. She wasn't proficient yes, but she was trying to learn it better in her spare time.  She also greeted those across the table and beside Henry.

Roy quirked a grin at Jesse's question.  "Not willingly," he answered with a sigh.  He listened to the exchange up the table for a few minutes, before he finally decided he'd heard too much to stay silent any longer.

"If military awards are so repulsive to you, I'm surprised you're even willing to set foot on this ship.  The Lieutenant-Commander is hardly the only one who's received commendations for actions that involved enemies losing their lives...and for every enemy that resulted in a commendation, there are probably dozens of others that nobody ever even heard about. That's part of being a warrior.  For some of us, it comes a little easier than others...but there's not a member of this crew that hasn't been involved in someone's death, if they've been aboard for more than a couple of weeks."

He paused for a moment to let that sink in, before adding, "That's the kind of life that's become vital to us, if we're going to survive the Demons and their allies.  And the disapproval of someone who doesn't understand being pushed to kill in order to survive isn't likely to sway any of us.  There's an old Earth saying, amongst people who were not warriors but appreciated them..."We sleep soundly in our beds at night, because rough and dangerous men stand ready to do violence on those who would hurt us."  That's us..."  He gestured first to himself, and then to Shadow, as he repeated, "Rough...and Dangerous."

   Shade  rattles of a few sentences in  his  'words'...

 Orria looks   over to Cookie,..Shade  says he is Busy... he  does not like the fancy clothes....

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

    MC-1 looks at Spencer  as he  gives his take on the  'killer' thing, and   Shadow Points to Roy, nodding his head  as he   tries to swallow a bit of   roll. ..what he said....'cept i'm  Just Dangerous....

  Beth Giggles  and turns to  MC-1 ,..Shadow is too  pretty to be rough....


    BAle  speaks up,I must agree with the SGT Major, MC-1.... Humans have   had  wars  against each other , since the first two tribes  ran into each other....but...in the end... we knew, even the most hated enemy, would have to be trade partners...Now..in The Black?  we , most likely..will have to destroy the Demon race..... the rest of the  Empire   can choose  thier path from there...

 NC-37  looks at the Sanri Next to her, who was calmly eating , he smiled at her.well? I should think you would find a  way to make  epace..instead  of taking Lives.....

  Shadow spoke up,..ahh yes..peaceful ways... Like.. The Burians had? the people there  didn't even have  fighters? much less  ships..that didn't  stop the Demons and Lizards and Bugs  from  landing there.... and?.. what about the triad?.... how many have dies, or been sold... Billions of creds lost...thousands..maybe  millions of Lives taken... but you know what?  That didn't stop  until we  came here...

  Shade Bleep  and held up a thumb.

 TX-5 shook her head,...you rteally need your little   robot  fixed.... does that not annoy you?

Henry smiled gently at TX-5.

"To start with, Shade is not a robot despite his appearance: he's a living, sentient being. He is certainly not broken, and very rarely annoying. He just has a rather unusual mode of communication. It takes a while to get used to, I'd certainly not claim proficiency. That's why Orria is here. She is very good at understanding what Shade has to say."

   TX-5 nodded slowly,..perhaps....But ..there has to be a way to fix....

  ..If I may?  Ambassador Shadowcan perform his  tasks, and  can be   quite surprising...

  The Roussians  Look over to   Kray... he just shakes his head and Points to Shade..

   they turn  as one  to loo at Shade  who's   eyes  were still black as he gave them a 'sarcastic, 'thumbs up"....

   Si  smiles  sweetly , just before she takes a  sip of her  wine,..as  we have mentioned... the Ambassador is   Shadow's   son...

 the Roussians looked shocked,  turning from  Shadow to Shad,  then  back  again.

 beth  said in a stage whisper,...so?... you might not want to ..insult him?.... Shade, like his father, might not wish to go through proper channels.... in  the way of  righting, such an insult?

   Hennings  tried  to change the subject.......Since  we are not  far away from signing the Pact.... Do you think you copuld tell us what your ...pronlem is?

Jeese chuckles and points with her thumbs the two guys she's between.  Shadow and Spencer may have pretty faces, but they can sure make the enemy cringe upon their arrival.

She nods over to Shade.  That guy there, he's the rough and dangerous one.  No offense Shade.

She winks at him.  He can just look at you from another quad and you want to seek shelter.  I wouldn't want to be on his bad sideb that's for sure.

  Kray grinned at Jesse, and said,..The Hermes is the Pride of   all Humans, earthers or Colonists. It hsi a badge of honor, that the traitors to our race, seem dedicated to destroy us..or..perhaps...The Empire thinks  the only way to beat Humans..is to send other humans?

 The Cavet tears her eyes away from Roles,..So.... She  looks around the   table,..what of the  lesser races in the APF?

 Hack  shook his head  as he dabbed his lips from a sip, of  soup,..there are no..'lesser races'... there are races who, cannot put as much into the war effort as some....but they do what they can...Bura sends  troops , food and have now oepned  factories, with teh Help of ESN/APF people.... The Mulls handle the  Cred system for  the Black.. Tortuga? once  , nothing more then a low life haven for Pirates, is now a recruiting hub for privateers and people who wish to be Privateers,  EMS crews, or ..even join the ESN

 Si  downs her wine and  notins for  a sever to refill,...what this  war  has shown... is the ..'power races" have shown, they lack power..... The Skith and Qarl battel each other to a standstill...knowing they cannot leave thier  quad in any numbers, or lose thier homeworld and colonies..... The Angels hold supplies and aid from us, even with the liberation of the Paradaise system..... Only the two Moons  Joined the APF...and we have   a few ships, and alot of troops from them...The demons... thy hide on there  firey world.. ending out Minions to deal with those who would stand against them....Humans..it appears....do not seem to care?

 ..so?..you are saying , The Humans can save..or destoy the Balck..all by themselves...


 Ersi, the Male Sanri said,.... we are  saying, MC-1.... that the Humans  have been beating the 9 hells out of the Empire....whilst  beating thier own traitors back..... For our part?... The Sanri will rise and Fall with the Humans for the APF...

 "Pardon me TX-5, but why should Shade be forced to learn to speak all of our various languages just to pass the time of day or do small talk? If we need to talk to him, we either try to learn his way of talking, or we get someone who can translate for him. I am trying to learn his language, just as I would try to learn anyone's way of talking as I had time. I admit I don't speak everyone's language yet, though many of them do speak ours. Perhaps Shade cannot form our words to his satisfaction. If it is necessary to speak with him yourself, we do have translators and we are working on a translation program. It's just taking time."

 She tried to be patient and courteous to the person with the weird name of TX-5 but she was kind of insulted for Shade's sake that the person was talking down to them.

Roy had opened his mouth to clarify that he had, indeed, meant himself as the 'rough' one...but Beth's comment put a nice edge on it, and he sat back, with a satisfied look on his face.  As the conversation progressed, he followed along, looking from speaker to speaker as each added their comments, a growing sense of pride filling him as the Hermes personnel all reaffirmed each others' points.

The comments about 'fixing' Shade made him bristle, visibly, but others spoke up before he got a chance to speak...with calmer, more diplomatic words than he would have managed.  He forced himself to breathe slowly, calmly, letting the tension ease from him...there was a treaty yet to be signed, and a heated exchange could still foul that up...

Henry also sat quietly, sipping his wine and observing the diversity of sentients around him.

    MC-1  tapped his wrist,...almost every race , that is worth speaking to, has been chipped... very few of those who are shipped , cannot  be understood.. or? Understand.. yet you truck with the Naragrans?  who are not chipped?.. and you have a  robotic halfbreed that  cannot speak to you?

 Beth's Hand  slammed on the Table,  But Kray's  left had  held her  right   hand Gently...  He leaned abit  forward, top once more  speak to  MC-1. His smile  was  a cold one... as he spoke..slowly , as if talking to a very slow learning child... with  nodding of his head, and   inflections of his  voice.

 ..First...MC-1....  Burians  did not get chipped Until the fleet arrived , the Angels  who crashed there hundreds of years ago..ran out of  chips..and  did not have the resources  to  manufacture them....Now? that they have joined the APF... Burians  and green-angels  are part of the  greatest Federation in the Black.... The Naragran are very  smart... they were hunted ot near extinction on Nivar.... but flourish on the green Moon....They...cannot be chipped..at  not yet..much like some forms of  creshians

 ..Shade  and His  sister...

 TX-5 blurted out,there are more then one!

  Kray's Voice  lowered  as he closed his  eyes  can continued ...slowly, before opening them,AND.... his  siter... are very different.... Dusk..is like most Verians... speaks  and looks..she  was modified a bit ...though she still has the   shifting skin color that shade  has, only hers  is a bit  under control.... According to the Verians..they could 'fix' Shade..but..if they could not he...in my words... would be recycled.... that isn't going to happen.....

 ..now?..for whatever  reason.. I can understand him perfectly...so can  any Verian...Orria, Doc Henry.. and Cookie.. have been trying..Orria seems to  have an upper hand...perhaps..because she is so young... But?..  Let me ask him this question... I will translate word  for word....

..Ambassadow Shadow?.. Please, since the Roussians  seem full of Opinions... Can you express your Opinion of MC-1?

 Hennmings spoke up.....Shadow..I don't Know....

 Hack    took a sip of  wine,...No..I think it is  fair... the Roussians  seem to have no problem offering  opinions,  it is only fair  the Verian Ambassador  is allowed his?... we are all equal in the APF?

 Ziger nods as he   finishes his soup,..yea..let the  little one offer  his  few creds worth!

 Hack Nodded to Shade  who stood Up On his chair  and  waved  a three fingered arm around  as a steady stream of  whirls, clicks, buzzes and bleeps were sent   forth... only  the color of eyes shifting from green to grey, to black..and ended in red..showed    any sort of emotion... Then he sat back down...Orria  giggled.

 ..The Ambassador sayd...."...it is hard to have an Opinion of  someone who has  not taken part in  this war, in  any form.... He has said the  Cavet and her people have stepped up.... The Sanri and Occui have been foundations for the APF....The Naragrans   would  have been here this night, had they  have had more room... the signing tomorrow  morning..BEFORE...the Nivar  signing, is to show the Naragrans they are respected...the fact that we are taking colonists with us to Nivar...at least 50 of them  will be Naragrans... is to  reward the NAragns for their help..and their Understanding..

 MC-1  snapped,..Undertsanding?..theyy are...

 ..shut up... i am not  done....

 beth  gave him an evil eye.. and MC-1  sat back  with a  roll of red eyes.

 ..the Ambassador   then focused on MC-1...."... The Roussian in question, has never truely served in battle... his  war record shows he  was  a  Trooper Class IF..or   'Infantry Fighter'..before getting his  designation as MC...  he has not  fought..any battles  either on the  ground, or  as a member of  a warship... He..in fact..is only here  because of the mating  contract with NC-37....who..has been in two combats  as  NC.. with pirates ships..both battles have been victories and led to her being in command of the currant flotilla that  is being .'watched over' by the delta Fleet...MC-1... has no Qualifications worthy of mention.."

 MC-1 looked around..his pur[le  skin , darker... NC-37  seemed   quite shocked ....

 ..yeah...  i get a bit  angry too..he has a way of..'tapping in'...... she smiled sweetly.

 MC-1 slammed his  fork down, Shadow held up a finger,..now?...MC-1.... you  understand...a tiny bit more  about  Shade...and we all  understand , alot more about you...perhaps yuou can settle in and eat... so we can  move onto the signing?

As if   taking his  cue, the servers  were removing the  soups dishes and such  and   asking the   diners what  meal they wished...

 Commander Bornberry  with her dress Unifrom entered, with her XO and found  a seat on the other side of  Miller.

 ..I beg Your Pardon Admiral   we had to escort a roussian freighter  back to its flotilla... we  warned them, that any more 'strays' would be boarded.

 ..It is quite  alright  Alice?   if you wish your soup  please   ask the   servers, they will make sure you get it.... You just Missed   Ambassador Shadow's  take on  the Roussians, and MC-1... after MC-1, and TX-5 , were good  enough to offer thier opinions of  the Naragrans ,  LC Shadow and Ambassdor Shadow...

  Alice  smiled,..I wish i would have heard that.. sorry i was late...

 beth smiled  and   Shadow winked.....I'll fill you in    after dinner!

Henry smiled sweetly.

"I am here to study all the plants and animals we encounter... this includes the sentient races. I do not form judgements based on the narrow preconceptions of my own species, I take what I find and do my best to understand them.

"... I also try not to insult them without good reason. I do not think I have found a good enough reason, even with those sentients who have chosen to side with the Demons. I find killing them to be sufficient."

He pulled out his medal bar.

"In that I have been quiet successful, when the need arose. Even if I am an academic, not a soldier."

He tucked the colourful mass of ribbons and metal away again.

"It isn't something I brag about, it is a sad fact that I have to live with."

  Oilra, the female  Occui , fluttered her eyes  at  Henry,..yes... we have  heard of the  warrior professor . You have  quite the following in our  homeworld.... It makes us ...'smart warriors'..look more  dangerous.... he eyes  henry ...

 General Bale, who was the closest to overweight, of the humans  , yet showed only a slight belly.....indeed, good  Lady... our  people  can all fight, if needs
be..

..Aye....  Morris began as he  dabbed his lips,..LT Stefi Came to the attention of The Admiral  when  she helped defend  her  aid station, with nothing  but  3 Guardians  and a sidearm.... she made grenades from o2 cannisters.. holding off Largrans   until airsupport arrived... Ms  Baker.... and Ms Kristensen..as  well as Doctor Price have served in combat situations....

 Shade  Gace  Cookie and melia a thumbs up.

 NC-37 Asked,..what are Guardians?

 ..They are people..who wisg to aid the effort...but  do not want to kill, and do not have the skills to be Med techs. The comprimise is this.... The where, well know  unifroms..they carry  weapons.... they use thos e  weapons to portect the Med techs  and the  wounded... they still have to kill?.. but only in defesne of those who need, or apply, aid...

 Tx-5 Looked down the table at  Roy and Jesse,... from what we saw at the command tent... you people had  brushes  with Qarl?.... did you find anyhting worth while?

Roy's single cough was the only indicator that he was surprised by the question.  "I suppose that depends on how you categorize 'worthwhile'..." he answered, in a guarded tone, looking to Admiral Hack.  He continued, one eye on the Admiral, watching for any sign that he should hold his peace...

"We learned that the Qarl plasma weapons are more dangerous than we thought...that, unlike typical energy plasma that we've dealt with in the past, it's more like some kind of energized fluid, and that it can be delivered in various methods.  We learned the Qarl here had incorporated elements of technology from other races into at least some of their machinery...the structure that Sergeant Helmsly and I were working through had design and architectural elements of at least two other races."

He paused for a moment, then added, "We should be able to send teams in to investigate further, even with it flooded, though they'll need some non-standard precautions...we're used to operating in vacuum, not underwater, although a lot of the same gear is applicable...more will be turned up once they get a chance to poke around a bit more."

 TX-5 seemed to understand.Qarl, are like Harvest bugs.. they seem to be every where, but are only dangerous  if there are many...

 Shadow   and  Beth ate their steak, Mc-1 broke the silence  and asked,..So..I  I am not mistaken... we  sign the  Pact here..... then in the morning  put on a show  for the Naragrans, before proceding to Niavr  where  all, Including the Naragrans    will sign, another pact?

 Shadow   snorted  and shook his  head.

 Bale  dabbed his mouth again and  took a  deep pull of his wine,..Yes....MC-1... you are Mistaken.... he  gave him a  puckered lip smile, MC-1 Looked  confused ...The Pact we  sign this  night, is not complete, until the Naragrans  sign....It is  true, we could draft a seperate Pact... but there is seniority of the APF planets to consider...so... every one  must have thier place..... The Green and Black Moons of Nivar, under the leadership of the Cavet,  and her  council that will include, Naragrans... will be senior to  Rouss...... Rouss will be senior to Nivar

 NC-37 placed her  fork down and Looked at  Hack,..A pair of Moons, will be senior to us?

  Indeed...  They will be known as  The GreenMoon Colonies... Since there is nothing  really alive on the Balck moon, save for odd  insects... there is plant life under the Balck moon... but it serves only to feed those  creatures.... work has  already begun on Terriforming and  Enginners  have  found  water sources, and  are  creating  two...rather  large , Lakes...

 Shadow  spoke up,..and since you came late to the show.. you  come in , under  the   Moon Colonies.....but ahead of Nivar, since they seemed to what to test our limits...

  ..The Signing on Nivar , will be at the Air base that we pounded.... we will send  down colonists there, Both fleet and Naragrans.... it will be a fortified Colony, for certain, but as time passes, the naragrans  will roam free, and  our People will build off the   baee...should the Nivarians  chose to  harm the colony..in any way... they will lose thier planet.

 Mc-1  nodded slowly ..Tell me...SGT MAJ..... we have been hearing  cross talk for  some times, as we came into the system... we have heard of exploits  and such from you warrior  types.... I find it  Odd..that the LC carries  such fame, when he owes  most of it to a dead machine...

 Beth's   right  arm   rose  quickly to Slap MC-1... Kray's left hand, Like  a snake , caught it....thread....carefully...MC-1.... we won't be in this  dinner forever...

 MC-1 Flinched and was  surprised  by beth's  reaction, and  Shadow 'snag' of her hand...is that a threat?  LC?

 ..call it what you will...  he   bite  a bit of steak off  and  grinned, then began to chew... Beth Loked  across the way at  The Admiral, who just gave her a wink

 Shade was making grinding  noises   , his eyes  black as he glared at MC-1
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:48, Tue 25 July 2017.

"I am interested..." Henry said to MC-1.

"Is your very aggressive and argumentative style of debate standard amongst your people? You appear to go out of your way to provoke those with whom you are speaking. Is this a personal approach or is this the way that your people conduct discourse? A cultural thing?"

 She applauded Shade's comments or opinions of their visitors. It showed clearly that he had the understanding to know what was being said, even if he didn't chose...or hadn't the ability to speak it in their common language. She winked at shade when he looked at her and gave her his thumbs up. He may not be enjoying himself wholeheartedly but he was able to hold his own!

 She listened to the discussion of the weapons and possible fluid dynamics that the fighters weaponry seemed to find a way to capture and harness. Then NC-37 and MC-1 spoke up again.

 She looked at MC-1 then turned to NC-37 with a look of concern on her face. "Tell me NC-37, has MC-1 failed to take his politic manners lessons for some reason? Surely you don't allow him to attend Social Events often since he seems to have no discretion, and insists upon stepping squarely into the muck of insults like a small child? Of course, one may excuse a small child for not knowing better. Is MC-1 perhaps... how may I say this delicately? Is MC-1 perhaps a little slow? Has he had damage to his intellect somehow? If so maybe we can possibly overlook his rudeness."

  MC-1  moves to speak,  But  NC-37 holds her hand out to stop him.

  ... we do not have  Much  interaction with other races...

 Beth blurts out,..i wonder  why....

 Si  gives  beth a small smile but a quick shake of her head.

 ..As I said.... we do not have much, in the way , of gaging other  races.... we know  only  our own way of life... and  measure others  accordingly...

 .. and MC-1 , being a jerk..is normal  of MC designates?

 All three Roussians looked at Shadow, Hack simply said,..ease up..LC....

 Kray nodded  and   took  a forkful of potatoes.

 ..In   OUR...culture,   We do not laud  people who become heroes  though the efforts of  others....

  Miller speaks  up  from Morris's  side,..so you'er  saying you don't have any heroes then....

 NC-37 cast a dark look towards  Miller,..what Heroes  we have.. did  so on thier own.... Not through the aid of Machine...

"Ah, I see. So lacking knowledge of other cultures, you speak as you would amongst yourselves, is that correct? Perhaps what we perceive as provocative, offensive even, is to you normal discourse... or of course it may be that you are being deliberately rude. In our culture, at social events it is not acceptable to be offensive."

Henry kept his voice level, unchallenging. The academic approach, enquiring dispassionately.

  NC-37 smield  slightly at henry, and looked around the  dinner,..i am sure it  is hard for you to grasp  the customs  of  elder races.... I am sure you will  learn, as you grow  in the Black....

  ..Indded.... NC-37....  we find it  ectremely hard to Grasp the Demons, Largrans and Creshians  use of Breeding  captives... or  the Dining on such captives?....Perhaps  we  will learn.....? Commander Bornberry said , in a cold  tone.

  ..That brings up a very Good point, Commander Bornberry?  He turns to   the Roussians,..... If ytou were seated on a Demon Flagship  Now, and a Human Bade was  laid before you... would you..begin to eat?

Jesse wonders how they have lived for so long in this quad without knowing or even seeming curious about other races.  So, even with their lack of other races, don't they have their own dignity among themselves.

She sat and listened, learned.

 "If I were on a Demon ship as you say, and a Human body were placed before me as part of a meal, I would be deeply offended, being neither a barbarian nor a cannibal. Of course, I would not be on a Demon ship unless all the demon kidnappers were all dead to begin with. I cannot see where a Demon ship would invite Diplomatic Contact with us except as a trap anyway. I cannot say I would expect civilized actions of the Roussians  there if such happened, if MC-1 and NC-37 are prime examples of their civil actions."

 "At the risk of being crude, the Demon's activities are like to crude examples of barbarian humor wherein some backward low intellect persons used farm animals to have sexual concourse with and then later on ate them. That is not at all considered to be civilized behavior."

 She looked around the table then bowed her head briefly to the Admiral and Henry then went back to giving her order to the server next to her for Prime Rib medium rare with mushrooms, and a Caesar Salad with cracked black pepper and slivered cheese.

   The   people were about halfway through the Main Course....

   Shadow  Looked around , the Roussians seemed a bit  mullified if not outright slapped  down. Shadow asked,...now... what can you tell us about t he Favor  the Delta Fleet can do  for you... even though your....very high Tech..fleet seems to Have us at a disadvantage...?

 Bornberry   almost choked on her  wine   at that and she   giggled  and coughed,..for give me.. that was.. too funny, and it caught me, well off guard.

 MC-1  Glowered..  Tx-5  just shook her  head. NC-37  took the   chance to speak...we  have  these , taken from bodies of   Aliens and Humans we  found...
 she opened her  belt pouch and  Brought out two Collar pins...Hack Pointed to Beth and Shadow... NC-37 frowned  but passed them along... Beth and Shadow nodded right away.. and  passed them  to Roy and Jesse... ( and  then would be Passed  , counter clockwise to  the rest of the  folks.

 Beth whispered with Shadow then said,...the  first is a Collar Button of an Elipsian Officer... the   one  eyed, pale  skinned folks who  have the Blade  weapons.... The Other is a collar pin of  Mask Of Death Officer..... LAdy V's  answer to Lights Out.

 NC-37   Looked..Shadow merely nodded at the cresant  moon pin and the Skull pin....surely  this  girl cannot  know this?.. we have barely learned about the  white skinned ones...

 Shadow   laughed,....This..WOMAN.... knows alot of stuff.....stuff that keeps us alive, or helps make  the bad guys dead.... i sorta like both areas....
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:19, Fri 21 July 2017.

 "Here here! Amen to that Shadow!" She picked up her glass and saluted Shadow then took a drink before setting the glass back down. She concentrated on her beef with a look of pleasure at the excellent food. She took a bite of salad and relished the peppery flavor of cracked black peppercorns and the smoky flavor of the cheese combined with the crisp romaine. She enjoyed a nice meal other than quick take out and the only thing better would have been Maine Lobster with Lemon Butter. She smiled and chewed happily.

Roy sat back with an amused smile on his face, listening to the others' reactions to the Roussians and their bluntly provocative questions.  Once things settled down a bit, he cleared his throat.

"You also seem to be woefully uninformed about the nature of LC Shadow's fame and prowess.  It's true, for quite some time, he flew a plane that was enhanced by a Verian, unbeknownst to any of us until the time he upgraded and had to leave that plane behind.  He's been flying a standard, unenhanced fighter plane for...what...two and a half or three years now?  Without any diminution of his combat record."

He flashed an openly predatory grin, and continued, "Now, what most don't know is, Shadow is possibly even MORE dangerous on the ground, without a plane..."  He looked up the table, toward the Cavet.

"How many troopers, Juil, did you lose, trying to collect Shadow's bounty after he crashed on the Green Moon?"  He didn't wait for an answer, but refocused his attention on MC-1.  His voice took on patient, slightly malevolent overtones.

"Believe me when I say this...I would a million times rather have the LC chasing me in a plane than have him stalking me on the ground.  My odds of survival would be a lot higher..."

He speared a bite of his steak, and continued, in a perfectly conversational tone, "They've done an excellent job preparing this...some of the best I've had on board, and that's really saying something..."  He turned to the server closest to him and added, "Please, convey my compliments to the chef..."

    The Cavet looked away from Roles  for a Moment,..we  lost a lot of  Scouts.... we do not know how many of them   The LC...um...Accounted for.

 Roles  chuckled,..i would have to assume... most of them...

 MC-1 looked at Shadow  who  was eating the last of his   main course and   stacking the silverware and such on the plates for the servers. ..how Much of that, Mr  Shadow, could be  attributed to luck?

   Shadow took a Drink of his  Soda  and asked the server  for a  refill ,..Oh?  MC-1.. there was alot of luck involved...

 MC-1  smiled  with victory...

 Commander Si  tilted her head,... How so, Kray?

 ..Well, Ma'am... you gacve ne  my Evac point  and the time to get there?.. so I could not take the time to kill as many as I would have liked...so.. they lucked out....

 Mc-1  glowered   as  Bale raised his Glass to Shadow.

  The serve  GAve  Kray a refill and smiled... The LT in charge of the serving crew  bowed slightly to the SGT Maj...Thank you SM... The crew did not have much time to prepare a grand feast...The Chef will be pleased , that you were pleased.. he grinned.

  The Admiral Nodded  as he  stacked his  dishes  as well,..The Chef has never let us  down. It is a Mistake on my parft, that we do not praise him more. Sometimes....

 He Got his  glass raised it, Lokking from Herny's  side of the opening  and Moving his  Glas the  whole way around , until Stopping at Bornberry and her  XO,..I forget, Just how  great a Band of folks we have as comrades....

 Hennings said,..here , here....

 Carts  were pushed out with the  dirty dishes, even as carts  came in with the different  types of deserts.

 The LTs stood in the open area and   slowly turned,..we have   managed  some other deserts... the  'cold cart' has  Hermes Made Vanillia  Ice cream... and  chocolate  Pudding as well as  Sanri  Ice.. and  we have a selection of pies  and cakes, on the cart as well as  berry toppings.

 he stepped out of the way to allow the servers to move around.

 NC-37   Marvel at the  food and  asked for the  ice cream.....Life on  Board the Flagship seems to agree  with you all..such..food!

    Hack was  watching the server put some icecream on his  Burian Apple  pie,.. That isn't the Case, NC-37..outside of Having the  WC of the fleet.. and the ESN/APF  Board , on my ship, we do not have anything   the other  ships do not have... even the smaller ships have ...smaller  recdecs, though their  Civie sections are much smaller...thier 'farms'  are hydroponics...

 Roles  Nodded,..our EMS ships have    a  gathering place. not like the Rec dec, but close enough.. we have  no farms though, but that was  because of  size and EMS  building  rules...

 ... The Nemesis   has everything The Hermes has....except the reputation... I am working on that part!

  There was a Bleep on the Vid  screens as they began their deserts.

   The Admiral  punched  a Button  and a Major from the fleet Mairnes was on the other end,..Sorry to disturb you sir? I'm Majoe  Wilkes of the Tesla.... We have two full transports of troops   who volunteered to transfers... as well as  armor and a  couple mechs... we  have  Fences   erected  around the   Air base...   The Colonists from different ships who Volunteered are already setting Posts  and such for the   outline of the  Colony itself.... there have been a few Nivarians who have  offered to help..they seem a bit put  off when we told them the Naragrans are coming to morrow...

  Very well done... i assume that is not the only reason you  COMed?

  ..no sir, Admiral. There have  been attacks.... some of  the Nivarian Loyalists  have been attacking Niavrians who  want to help, or  who are helping.... there have been some reports of  explosions in the  Bigger cities..

 ..I see.... and.. Your  recommendation ?

 ..sign the pact on the Hermes?...We  can deal with the people down here..and..

 ..Sorry .Major?  But  if  i should be worried about going  down to sign....what makes you think i should allow colonists to try and  settle in?

  ..aye , Sir, but if  something should  Happen....

 ..Then Best to happen while we are there.... we'll be Armed, Major...  there  will be  air cover...and i'm certain a few Loyalists  won't last long  behind troops  who have  fought against Empire  regulars...

 The Major  shook his  head with a smile,..Right then.. as you say Admiral....we'll  be ready...

 and?  Major Wilkes?..should it  seem to be overly militant  .. we'll pull  the troops and  the Colonists out... and play a game to see which Cap ship can fracture the  Mantle of the planet first...

 Understood, Admiral,, we  will see you and the  others in the afternoon... Wilkes out...

 ..So..Side arms, Knifes and some form of Long arm for Nivar....everyone got that?

 ..so..You ar warned.... and  yet you still will take  the board  down to  Nivar? NC-37  asked  as she  ate ( and liked) the Homemade icecream

  If they  are aggressive . to the point  i cannot  trust to have APF  colonists there....Then? we'll treat them as  any other enemy planet.. either way.. it is good to see for oneself..aye?

 ..but you risk.. getting killed..or  members of the board?

 we are all warriors, NC-37... just some folks  do more  fighting then others.. The last thing . Nivar wants is for me. or a Member of the board to die while signing a Pact...the punishment  for Nivar, will make Hyria look  like  a sunday walk on the beach? he shrugs,.. we have warned Nivar, they have already  paid a rather stiff price..  i have no qualms... none..what so ever... to turning Nivar into a wasteland... it might be good Karma. for the simple fact, their lives have been built on  stealing, slavery and Empire worship.

 MC-1 .. looked past  Shadow, to Roy,... and you would allow your  'great Admiral' to take such a  risk?

 "It's called "Chain of Command" MC-1. If our Admiral is set on an action there's little chance we can stop it. Much like stopping your snide comments it would seem. The Admiral knows the risks, though I admit it would not be a good prospect if he were to be injured. There are protections in place and more would be available if there's trouble. But I am also sure that the Admiral's intelligence is great enough to understand the situation and not put his life in harms way, or the lives of the other signees."

 She took a bite of her warm strawberry rhubarb pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream slowly dripping and melting down it's side. It was most delicious and she stopped talking to the irritating and rude MC-1 she secretly started calling Most Contrary One to herself...so she could enjoy her homestyle pie al la mode.

"Moreover," Henry chipped in, "It has long been a core principle of military doctrine that a commander should never ask of others something he's not willing to do himself. It's called leadership, and it's the reason that we all follow Admiral Hack out of conviction, by choice... not because it's our duty or because we are forced to do so."

     As  they ate their confections ,  Commander Si  spoke up. Looking around the table.... before the signing?  Perhaps..it  would help , both sides,  if  we told of how we all came to this place In time...

  She smiled a bit,..I am here, because i met Oliver  when  he was awarded  the Angel  Bronze Star , for his actions   at Olympus Mons...  He was not quite the normal  Human... My Father seemed less  then happy, that  we started to meet.

 Hack grinned,..Ge-Fi disliked it..very much, to say the least...  I think he gave me the Hermes, hoping  that i would be a failure, next to the HAdes....

 Hennings   laughed as he held up his  drink and took a sip,...we saw how that  ended..... I am here , because we started to form a  Human alliance , one  not  for the sole task of serving the Angels.... but one  that would  be an Active, and deadly part of the ESN...

 Bale smiled,...i was  added to the Board, when The Admiral was granted  the powers to sign treaties and make Pacts.... there was also, various  reasons  we needed   Provosts   traveling with the Fleet.

 Roles pointed  with his  fork to Both Hack and  Shadow,..I'm here because of them....

 Shadow Pointes to Si and Hack,.. I'm here because of them....

 beth   nods.... Me too!...

 ...I am here, because   The Admiral selected me to over see the Pilots and personnel ....While Captain O'rielly  works to keep the  aircraft and such running...

 The Sanri Nod to each other  Noan speaks  Up as one of her left hands  wave about,..When the Human ship took on  a Demon  ship... half again its size, and saved  our Ambassadors.. it was enough  for us....

 Ziger spoke up,..That was enough for us as well..too long , in  The Black fighting on our  own.. with Only the Sanri to aid us... both of us..fighting on our own Homefronts?... Then we hear about the Empire  vessels  being harrased and destroyed... so..yeah.. we're  Goin' where  they go....

 Bronberry Nodded,..I am here , because   The Admiral is giving me a chance for revenge .. for that...  I will follow  the hermes to  the Hel system and burn the   planet to a cinder...

    Shade  Bleeps  and Just points  at Shadow.... Orria  Points at Henry

 Stefi points to   Hack,..if there is a place that needs Med techs... this is it....

  The Cavet  shrugs her  shoulders,..I was   exiled, as much as those    i had to oversee... Now?..I am a ruler, with  some say in how  i will govern and allies  to work with.

 "I'm here because I volunteered to come here to fight Demons and to save Humans and other's who are being killed by Demons. I watched attacks hit cities in my country and I vowed to keep that from happening again! I heard Hermes was accepting transfers from Volunteer Groups and I decided I wanted to join the best. That's here."

 She took a bite of her pie with melted cream and finished off the confection. She could almost have eaten another but wasn't about to ask for another. She would have to see if she could get some rhubarb started. And strawberries and gooseberries.

"I am here," Henry said quietly, "Because I asked to be allowed to come and study the plants and animals, and indeed the sentient beings, encountered out here in the black. I have found much more. Comradeship. A sense of purpose. A desire to do the right thing for all sentient races, to help them find peace and freedom and the liberty to live as they would like without fear of being eaten or used by others."

He paused.

"I also have seen many fascinating plants and animals. And met Mila."

Jesse listened to everyone's story.  She quietly ate for a bit and looked up.  When it was her turn, she became quiet nervous.  She first looked to Spencer and put up all her defensive walls.

She took a quick sip of water before she spoke.  She looked between Si, Hack, and the others at the table before returning her attention to MC_1 settling her attention to him.

Back on earth, my father was very persuasive, intimidating and a high governing body in the region we lived in.  He was a diplomat, but answering to the wrong team.  My mother, was helping the Angel forces, as she was half-angel herself which I recently learned and a distant cousin to Commander Si, herself.  When she learned of the Demon dealings that my father was bidding and the smuggling he was doing with the demons, she approached him about it.  It was a couple of months later, I found her dead.  My own father had her killed.  He couldn't have an Angel sympathizer, or Angel blooded being in his own home.

She put he hands onto her lap and played with the cloth napkin.  You see, me and my mother were close.  Yes, I was rebellious, but she understood me.  She knew my bloodline knew nothing more than being a free spirit.  She got that. With her gone, what did I have to live for.  I had gained friends, several friends, across the military sanctions stations in the town I lived in.  When I learned of who my mother's killer was, I sought shelter at their barracks.  They taught me to defend myself, how to fight back, and even how to fly.  They gave me personal basic lessons in case the need arose I needed to get out.

All the while, they were teaching me, I was using my father's house staff to divulge information from and coming and going so sporadically he never knew whether I was home or not.  One night after a banquet and the house was quiet, my father met his own demise.  By my hands.  No one kills my family, or my friends, and gets away with it.  The last words my father heard was my mother's name coming from my lips.

She looked to the others that were visiting aboard.  To escape my father's wrath, I went undercover and worked for special ops for a variety of people over the first half-year.
 I meet a variety of diplomats and learned of this and that intel that I passed along to the people who hired me.  I knew it wouldn't be long until I would be found out.  I came on this ship in hiding.  Knowing my father's men would be out seeking vengeance.  I come aboard not knowing any one, barely trusting whomever I came across.  Since then, I've been swinging from a rope tied to a helicopter while Shadow and I escape from a building under attack.  I've fell in love, even if for a fleeting moment, and met some great people along the way.  Some aboard here and some back on the planet we just invaded a mountain alongside.  All in all, they've become my family.

I'll protect each and everyone of them whether my own blood or not. I come here for my new chosen family.  I'll die protecting this new family.

  The servers   made they were through, asking   folks if they wanted Coffee or tea or wine... or an extra   bit of  dessert .

   While folks   waited  for the servers  ,  Hack smiled a  bit, drinking from his coffee.well?... now you know a bit  about  The Hermes Family.  Each ship is like this, of course there  might be variants , but in the end , i have not heard of  any problems  form ship's  captains.

  As the  people finished up  the  servers  removed the table cloth.. placing a fresh one on and setting up  a bar, Coffie  MAchine..Tea  MAchine and a few dozen bottles of  soda on Ice.

 The Board  moved to a  table  where  a  rather large  Book sat,  two papers were on the table.  each Member of the Board signed the   sheet, Including  Shade

  Then Admiral  Hack  and the  ambassadors...The Cavet signed... and  then  MC-1... TX-5  and Lastly NC-37

  MC-1 looked at Shadow,..I see the robot got to sign, but you did not?

  Shadow  gave a sharp chuckle,..Shade is  an Ambassador.. me?..I just kill stuff... I figure you were allowed to sign, Because NC-37 is the leader ..TX-5 represented the Females.. you  were  the  best  they could  settle for, as  far as  a male would go...

   MC-1 Turned to face   Shadow,  , shadow Looked unconcerned  as he  reached  for a Bottle of  Soda.

 beth whispered  Harshly,..think  twice.... she smiled  but there was no mith.

  One of the servers came out   with two tall glasses of Chocolate Milk for  Shade  and   Orria

 ..On Behalf of the APF, I welcome Rouss  to  The Federation... may it  be benefical to all

  He raised his  Glass   as did the others   as they toasted the signing.

  ... we lift off at 0600 to morrow  to  sign on the Green Moon.. with the NAragrans.... from there, the troops and colonists  will have  already arrived on Nivar.. after the signing   down there.... NC-37  can return to her flotilla  and  begin to aid the  Nivarians..... You will, however...use  at least half your  Cap ships, to lead us to your trouble  spot.. the rest  can stay  and Help Nivar  as needed

 People then began to Mingle after that...

    Shadow  stood  near Lyri who was looking stoic in her uniform and Pulse riddle...Hey there Lady?... Come her  often...

  ..Shove off Sailor.. I've  heard  about you ESN Types....  she  chuckled a  bit.

  Beth frowned as she  took a sip of  wine,..i can never  find those types....

Henry watched, sipping a glass of wine. He always enjoyed ceremonial.

During a lull, after MC-1's question, Roy interjected, "There have been times that I've differed with the opinion and the actions of the Admiral.  On this, though?  I'd pull that trigger myself, if given the opportunity.  Nivarians already displayed treachery on us once, which is the reason LC Shadow crashed on the Green Moon.  If they do it again...they won't get a chance to try it a third time.  I've got a tolerant streak...but it only extends so far."

He listened as the others explained their reasons for being there.  When his own turn came up, he shrugged.  "I've been a Marine since I was old enough to enlist.  Saw a LOT of action, back on Earth, dealing with anti-Angel groups all over the planet.  Something in that record stood out...I was part of the Admiral's hand-picked crew for the initial launch of the Hermes.  Been involved in everything from stealing a fighter prototype from Demon-sympathizing forces on Mars to the rescue of the Sanri ambassadors from the Demons to telling a Demon representative, to his face, that I thought he was a cheating coward who wanted peace talks just to get a chance to fall back and regroup when confronted with a force that matched the Demons step-for-step in ferocity, but didn't have to subjugate their neighbors in the process."  He gave a nod and a grin to the Sanri and Occui representatives at the table.

"I've got no family left, back on Earth, this is likely all the life I'll ever know.  But I'll fight to my last breath to make sure Earth is never food-storage for the Demons.  And if there's anyone in the way of that, and they're not smart enough to realize that we're the best chance they'll ever have to be free of the Demons forever, I'm not afraid to stomp them into the dirt to get to that goal."  His voice took on an earnestness that was not quite threatening, but left little doubt he was speaking truth, and he looked squarely at MC-1 as he spoke the last few words.

Through the signing, he was casual, relaxed...at the moment MC-1 turned on Shadow, however, anyone looking his way would have seen his hand drop to his sidearm, and his eyes narrow, ready to act.  He didn't relax again until the confrontation passed...and even as he drank his toast, he kept a watchful eye on the Roussians.  All three of them.  Something about MC-1 didn't add up, to him, and it didn't escape his thinking that it could be a lot more than just that the Roussian military commander had a boorish dislike for Shadow.

      people Mingled. The Occuir  pair  talked to  Roy,Zieger telling  tales of his  ranger  Days... While Oilra told some interesting stories of  being , what humans called  , a 'Coast Watcher.

 Being Dropped off on a planet or Moon  to report to  the Occui or ESN ship as  to what was going on. The Occui Coast watcher that  Died on the green Moon was a friend of hers, in boot camp.

 NC-37 talked  to   Commander Si and Commander  Bornberry, thought the Latter seemed, uninterested, at best.

 Bornberry's XO, LC   Ed  Mire, was  Talking to  Roles  and the Cavet ( who hung onto Roles  Like an anchor.)

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

  TX-5 was talking with  Beth,..So I am to Understand you are the Ship's   SEC COM offieer?

 Beth Looked at her  dress, and  an eyebrow  rose,..what makes you think that?

 Oh?.. Well... we have   intercepted   some COM  chats  and News flows?... They..um..mentioned that a few times.... Why would  you be  here?

 ..I'm the Cold, dark hearted Murderer's  date..um..Escort.

 Indeed?....he must  be  easy going, when he could have brought Some of those piltos  with him?

 Lyri Bristled at this... but  kept her  cool
.................

 The Snari woman  stopped to talk to Jesse,.... It is much the same, you know... almost every planet in the Federation, has  those who lean to the  Empire.... This  EDT.... they seem to be the Galvinizing those who oppose  APF.... the fools, do not know they are preparing themselves  to be feasts!

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

 Hennings  reached   Henry  and Cookie,... Well..aside   from some unwise  chatter,  this went   rather well?.... For tomorrow>  You will be expected  to have your weapons.... we are going to do full dress for both the Green Moon and Nivar...we do not want to slight the NAragrans... damn shame  we didn't look ahead to this and have it on the  Hanger  Dec... he handed his  empty glass to Emmie who smiled at henry and Cookie, and scurried off to  refill Admiral Henning's  drink.

  ..if everything goes well... the Admiral wants to  see  what the base looks like, and how much damage has been  repaired, as well as the state of the Colony...we have never  setp up, this many colonies  at one time...we have folks   setting up undergrown on teh BAlck Moon, until  terrforming and such take over.... we have the Colony on the Green Moon..and Now    the Colony , on Nivar....and..let us not  forget, the  re-introduction, of Naragrans to Nivar!

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

 Shadow Gave Beth a Pat of the Back and a wink as he  headed over to fetch Beth a  soda, instead of  wine.  MC-1 seemd to head Him off, as  Shadow  tried to split  the Sanri woman and Jesse, and  Roy and the Occui.

 ... Damn it MC-1.... look.. if you want to?...You and   I can excuse  ourselves and go down to the football field..or the Chapel-Gym.. and  we can wortk on some 'hand to hand'..if  you think that will make you feel better..... But here's a spoiler... You'll go to Med Tech..and MC-2..or what ever Alphabet will get a promotion...

 MC-1 al but laughed,..you think..because you are  an Agent.. you are better then other Race's assets...

 as the angry  MC-1 said his  words. Kray looked around to see if  any others  caught his words.

 ..Don't know about Assets?..  But I'm damn better then thier ass-hats..

 Admiral Hack watched  Shadow and  MC-1 over the rim of his coffee cup. Bale was  saying  something  in a soft whispers  as Hack nodded. Stefi, seemed overly interested  in the  encounter herself.

 Shade  and Orria  returned to the Table... none  seemed interested in talkig  to the 'robot' or his little aide , so  Shade  set up a little  star fighter game, where they took turns to try to shoot  each other  aircraft down.

 Morris and Miller were  making their  way towards Beth and TX-5

In reply to almost done (msg # 191):

Jesse nodded in agreement.  I do admit, sometimes some do not see the knife at the back for the fools gold in front of them, she replied to the Sanri female.  Tell me, what happens to bring you here?  Call me, curious.

She relaxes a bit but still a bit emotionally flushed from the information she divulged a moment ago.

   The Sanri smiled,..it is  as i said.... The Hermes defeated the Demon  crusier, which was  close to twice your own size?.... Ersi  had been on  The  Hades  when the Hunt started...now...he transferred   to Fuji..then to  the  Hermes after that..he  could not stand  the Hade's  commnader

In reply to signing (msg # 193):

Jesse gave a partial but friendly smile back.  She takes a quick look over in Shadow's direction but keeps the conversation going with the Sanri.

So what do you make of the new Rouss? she asks curious on her thoughts.

Henry smiled at Hemmings.

"Oh, I'm invited? Yes, of course... smartly dressed and armed to the teeth it will be, Admiral."

Henry wondered idly what clothing would be appropriate. It was so much easier for the military folk: put on an appropriate uniform and you're done. Maybe he'd add a bit of colour with a doctoral robe!

  Hennings made his way through  the   groups. Stopping and Chatting  Emmie  following behind.

  The Sanri, finished their drinks, ,..we  must be going...0600 come early.  And  we have to do our  share  for the   Federation....

 Naon  tried to smile an 'ambassador   smile' as she  said to Jesse,..not all of us, will like everyone , who joined the APF....after all? The  Mulls  are loosely  in the Federation...few like them, but none can agrue that they have strung  The Black togther by being the ...um..'bankers' of  The Black.

....

 Morris  says his  Goodbyes to everyone  before  stopping  at Hack and Si,..Thank you, Admiral  for the  invite, it has been a while , since i sat in on something like this.... But..I Must Get back to my Duties...and Lt Miller Has duty  in a few hours...

 ... You are Welcome, Washington. Let's hope the  rest goes this  well?  Have a good  Night...

  Lyri was watching folks, the signing was done, but she still watched...

  Shoemaker had rotated  a bit .  He wasn't near as Stoic as the Master Chief, but he didn't have all the stripes and ribbons she had  either. he grinned is  Bale or  Hennings  said anything to him.
......................

   Shade  and Orria  got up  from their table, carrying  their, half gone, chocolate Milk. The  little Ambassador  group  Stopped  at  Bale and said  something, The General and Stefi  smiled  and    returned whatever nicety  was  in order, The pair the approached  Roy , Shade  Whirled and Beeped a few times...Orria   spoke up...... Shade  say... he hopes you are liking the party.... in a very serious  voice and look while she Nods her head... Shade Gives  Roy a thumbs  Up.

  MC-1.... leans a bit  Closer to Shadow,..I may take you up on that Hand to Hand, Mr  Shadow... but  i doubt if you are anywhere near my skills....

  Shadow   laughed,  and caught himself, as  some folks looked to him, then went back to their own chats...now...on that i will agree!... and... Just because i don't like eggplant, doesn't emean i'm afraid of them...

 MC-1's  face  screwed up again...  Beth tapped  something on her COM  and  MC-1's   COM  beeped...when he Looked , there  was a Picture of a  Ripe  Eggplant...

 Beth smiled sweetly,..eggplant......

 MC-1's    Purple  Face got even darker...SHadow  Just Put an arm around Beth and Gave her a squeeze as he  grinned.

 Lyri   watched from across the Room, she just shook her head and frowned a tiny bit at what might be going on...or? was she  trying not to laugh?

In reply to Henry Christie (msg # 195):

 "Do you think I'm invited too? Or do you want me to stay with Mila? Or should we bring her with?"

Given the angle Shadow had been approaching from, and the path he'd been trying to achieve, he wasn't far from Roy when the Roussian confronted him.  Listening to the tone, more than the words, Roy angled his body slightly, still talking (more listening, at this point) to the Occui and nodding at details they mentioned...but putting himself in a position to take action, and at least have a peripheral view of the confrontation.

His ears caught the words 'agent' and 'asset'...and for the briefest of moments, his eyes hardened and he shot a look sideways...before there was much chance to notice, Shade and Orria were standing before him, and he mentally forced the tension from his face, angling his head as he listened attentively to them so he could see...and analyze...MC-1...looking for signs of combat training, any indicators of concealed weapons...very much assessing a threat.  He gave a pleasant smile to Orria, thanking her for her work with the Ambassador, and gave Shade a nod and returned the thumbs-up...his eyes sought out Lyri, looking to see if she seemed to be on alert to anything in the room...

"I think I shall take Mila along, if she wants to go. As for you, why not? Nobody said you weren't invited, after all. Nor did anyone say that I was, it's just when I get told what I ought to bring it kind of implies that I am."

Henry bumbled through his rather convoluted logic, paused and grinned.

"Anyway, and more importantly, I'd enjoy your company!"

      The   Sanri  Thanked the Admiral  and  told everyone there, they would see them on the Hanger  Dec in the Morning.

  The    Occui Male  gave    Spencer a  whack on the arm,we're gonna to be going to... see you  aall  on the   Hanger dec...

 Shade  and Orria   still made their way through, trying to be  good  guests... They talked to  Hennings  and  Emmie.. Emmie made sure she complemented  Orria on her    Ambassador Aide  uniform.  orria  seemed to Like that, Shade  Gave  Emmie a thumbs  up.. Hennings gave   Shade a pat on the shoulder  as he smiled.

  Orria was sipping her  Milk when TX-5 B umped into her, splashing   chocolate Milk on both her Leg and  Orria's Uniform..

  ..you little parasite!...look what you have done!  Orria Looked around   shocked and  frighten ed  that she Did something bad.. Shade's eyes  turned  Red   as His  right   hand  came up  , the   forefinger  turning Red.

 MC-1's   hand was On his weapon  but never got to  unsheathe it.... take your  hand of the weapon... or i'll break the wrist...and i'll enjoy it....

  The red eyes of   MC-1  stared into the   forest Green of Shadow's....

  Admiral Hack  stepped tow steps  towards  TX-5. Lyri's rifle was up.. as  was Shoemaker's

  ..TX-5... I must insist you apologize to Orria.

 ..I WILL NOT!..The Little...

 Shade bleeped   loudly... , MC-1 shruggled but  could not move his hand from His Holster,

 NC-37 Looked to Si... Si said  in a calm, but harsh voice,...... Orria did nothing  wrong.. TX-5 seems to think nothing of  slamming into people, regardless of thier Importance in the  place of things... You will Find..TX-5... that you are far down the list of rank, when it  comes  to Ambassador Aide Orria....

 NC-37  nodded to TX-5.... TX-5 frowned .....I am...sorry..Ambassador Aide Orria... I should not have  snapped... i beg your pardon... the wprds  came out strained , but  with purpose.

Henry took a couple of long steps and was at Orria's side.

"Are you all right, Orria? Don't worry, that will wash off."

His back was half-turned to MC-1 and TX-5, but he was clearly positioned inbetween them and Orria, protecting her.

Roy's hand rested on the butt of his pistol.  There was no question in his mind...the Roussians were expendable in this situation.  An aggressive move by any of them and he'd be firing...

If they live long enough for me to draw... he thought with a grim chuckled to himself, as he saw the long arms of Shoemaker and Lyri leveled and ready to fire.

"Object lesson, here," he said aloud.  It was partly an attempt to ease the tension, and partly a chance to underscore a point that the Roussians had thus far apparently failed to grasp.  "Age or size does not excuse bad manners, especially in the APF."  The glow of Shade's fingertip hadn't escaped his notice, nor had Shadow's grasp on MC-1's hand, preventing the Roussian from drawing (and signing his own death warrant in the process).

"Everyone in the APF has something to contribute...even the Mulls.  And it's an incautious fool who assumes anyone in this room is beneath notice."  He let it lie at that...if more was to be said, Admiral Hack would say it, he was sure, and it would be better that way.

   NC-37 looked  quite shocked. She  Nodded to  TX-5 and  MC-1,..I think it would be wise  for us to go to our quarters Now.

  ..Ambassdor Shadow... I am ..very sorry...

 Shade  bleeps  his   hand did not lower as the finger  followed  TX-5, and he shakes his head.

 from MC-1. who  still was having a problem of freeing his hand, Shadow was not  just being a jerk,, Keeping the man's hand on the  very object that he couldn't use, right now. Shade said  through gritted teeth,..NC-37... Shade says... you are talking to the  wrong person......

  ..of...course .   Ms Orria... I am sorry for  the Actions of  My party. I...um.. do hope you forgive us....

 ........

  Shadow   says , Harshly into MC-1's ear,..you know?.. I flew over that Nivarian Base a few times.... its  Big... Hangers  are gigantic...maybe after the signing.. you and I can talk a tour.... Just you and me....because.... thinking about  drawing a weapon On Shade... or even worse?  Orria... should have  been the last action you had ever  taken... now... let's suppose that you might have used that, as a cover... and..you know.. a stray shot hit The Admiral..or   Commander Si?... well.. that flotilla of yours would be  boarded and scraped inside of 30 minutes....so.. you should thank me , nothing like that Happened....aye?

 Shadow   let MC-1's hand loose.. the Roussian's hand was  bleeding where  Shadow forced the  skin into the pop-up sight on the back of the  weapon.... Mc-1   rubbed  his hand, taking a napkin to  stem the   blood... He and TX-5 left the room..NC-37  stopped, turning to Hack as he walked with her to the door...your  ..LC... he seems bent on antagonizing  MC-1... your barely bereted  him once...

 ..Aye.. he does  that.... he does that ...alot...  he grinned as he looked over  at   Shadow  who had walked over to  Shade and   Knelt down  talking to Orria  with a smile.. Orria was starting to smile  again... the server  replaced her   glass of  milk.

 ..But...NC-37.. that is part of his job.....he will test those  we meet....and through  that, we find out who are allies  will be....

  Beth smiles, as she  stood nearby,..I always thought it  was because he can be a real jerk, sometimes...

 Hack Laughed,.. well.. there is that...but  he's our jerk...and I''ll tell you this.... If MC-1  hand cleared his Holster..  The Sgt Maj... Shadow..Ms Dalton, beth  would have stopped him...and the SEC troopers would have , most likely, dropped both you and   TX-5.... thus>> would have ended the Roussian membership in the APF... and brought a fresh new  hell for your people to experiance...... Have a Good Night, NC-37... let us hope MC-1 gets a good  rest this night..aye?

 ........

Shade  watched   Shadow  talking  and smiling with orria. he  finger was returning to the   'flowing' cream and  metal grey... He Looked at the SGT MAj  held up a thumbs up again.
 Melia  was  near Oria.. Lyri had  Moved  a few steps, the rifle  couched , but not put away Until the Roussians  and other Ambassadors left

 Shoemaker called   over to Lyri,which one did you have?

 ..TX-5.... why?

  Damn... so did I? ..who would have had   NC-37?

 Bornberry was sheathing her  sidearm.....Me.....

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

   Hack was smiling as he shook his head,.. see? who says these things need to be stuffy?...

  Right then.... everyone get sleep.. be on the Hanger Dec at 0600... we go sown in the Big Ugly... sign the   pact on  the Moon, then board again with the NAragrans  to Nivar.....Shadow..  the Hermes  wing is going down... But you'll land   until the  signing is  done... i wouldn't want MC-1  to miss your company....

    people started to leave, HAck  added,..Ladies?.. Uniforms and  Light boarding suits... just in case Nivar isn't  quite ready to sign....

 he   walked over to  Orria, then looked at Melia,..grab  one of the deserts  to take home.. I think   a cake or pie  will do you good tonight..aye?
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:30, Wed 26 July 2017.

In reply to Henry Christie (msg # 201):

 She also stepped forward with Henry, placing herself between Orria and Shade, and the rude and crude TX-5 and MC-1. She wouldn't be surprised if MC-1 hadn't told TX-5 to bump into the girl! She gave both of the strangers an angry look.

 "Pay no mind to the peons Shade, Orria. They are nothing."

 She made room for Melia and Shadow when they came up, stepping back out of the way. She was a nobody compared to their parents.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:31, Thu 27 July 2017.

In reply to done (msg # 203):

Orria was enjoying the party with Shade, there wasn't a whole lot for them to do or say.  The adults were being adults and for even the most mature younglings it had the potential to be particularly overwhelming.  Such was the case of the spilled beverage. At TX-5's initial accusation and anger tears welled up along with fear and surprise in Orria' s eyes. These were supposed to be friends and allies not meanies. As the others at the party stepped in Orria transitioned to anger.  Though young she was smart enough to realize she hadn't intentionally spilled on TX-5, and rather the Roussian had bumped into her.  As the delegation from the Roussians apologized to Orria another, final time she caught up aand remembered what Melia had been teaching her.  "Orria, accept ap'logy." She says beginning to be slightly pleased with the afternoon,  as well as slightly shy. She nods in gratitude to Hacks recommendation of another dessert.

--MELIA--

Guard duty for these functions were typically a cake walk. Her Marine Corps uniform spit and polished with get Naval insignia prominently displayed along with her medical branch insignia. Naturally she was also supporting her side arm and knives but who wasn't. She'd been across the room when the situation occurred, though the way she moved across the room did mama bears proud. She practically exuded as aura of palpable threat towards the Roussians as she approached Orria parting those ahead of her as a freight train through a snow bank.

Arriving at the scene in time for de-escalation She assessed that Orria was safe abs the threat rapidly being cowed into an apology though it did little to ease her demeanor below a hard and promising look of later danger should any harm come towards Orria.

Crouching near Orria she wraps an arm around her daughter, she nods at Admiral Hacks request. "Aye sir," with the threat gone she smiles at Orria, "come let's pick out a dessert sweetie. " she says escorting Orria to the dessert table, while Orria waves goodnight to Shade.

Henry got up, and looked round, preparatory to leaving.

   the   Board  began to Leave.

  Shade waves back as Orria  and  the LC walks down the passage way to his section of the quarters.

   Shade can be heard  Beeping, whilring, grinding andbuzzing.

 ..no?  you coulding  burn a hole in her  ....

  bleeps  and Buzzes..

 ..I know..I know..... I nwould have  done the same....now?  MC-1.. i might have looked the other way...

 whistle and Bleep

 ..no?  I don't think the Admiral wil let you kill anyone..least...not  at a dinner...

 a grumbling grind..

 ..of course i do..its  my job..look..just forget about it... we'll see  next time.....

 and they crossed over the elevator to   Shadow's  side of the Officer's  deck

 She stepped away when Melia came in and went to stand near Henry, watching as the situation calmed down. Next time she'd come armed as well, even if it was a tiny sidearm hidden somewhere. She glanced at Henry and sighed.

 "That went smashingly. As in I'd like to smash in their smug assed faces!"

Roy gave a grin and a nod to Shade, as things dispersed, before turning back to Hack.  "Light boarding armor for everyone, sir?" he asked...after all, Hack had prefaced the suggestion-slash-order to the ladies...but odds were pretty high that they'd all be involved, if a situation arose where armor was needed.

He turned and looked down the hall after Shadow, as he waited for the Admiral's response, debating with himself before he finally decided...

"Did you catch MC-1's little slip of the tongue, Admiral?  Implied that he was some kind of operative, or operational asset...in a way similar to what Shadow is for us.  That one definitely bears close watching, Sir."

   When Roy asked about the armor, HAck Nodded,Aye..everyone has   light boarding Armor, the Naragrans will see the  shiny armor and I am most certain, they will understand , we need to be ready for  Nivar...

  Then he  frowns  as he looks to the empty doorway...no.. i didn't  catch the whole of it. But he seems  eager to  test  Shadow.... we'll have to watch him..a bit.

Sarah had missed most of the dinner off in a corner, stuck on a vid conference with Admiral Sifuentes from Alpha Fleet. She ran through get various reports and in person assessments of her on going mission.  She paused for a moment mid report as things suddenly escalated, "apologies Admiral, it seems LC Shadow has set a new record for aggravating antagonistic and judgemental allies." She watches the situation unfold casually dropping a hand to the holster on her hip.  Things quickly settle down, "As I was saying sir, I don't particularly trust the Roussians. They are just off and antagonistic..." She says continuing with her final conclusions, as the party winds down. Thanking the Admiral for the dinner she departs deciding to stay in the quarters she'd used earlier and to have the Ironwood shuttle meet her ground side, as LC Harrington brought the Ironwood into a low orbit over Nivar, once the signing was over she'd rejoin her ship.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:12, Thu 27 July 2017.

Henry grinned at Cookie.

"Behave yourself. At least, until they misbehave. Self-defence is always acceptable."

Jesse had walked up to greet and give her evening tidings to Hack and she nodded to Spencer, just barely catching the tail end of their conversation.

It was a pleasure, Admiral, she said.  Spencer.  I will be seeing everyone in the Hanger.

 She grinned at Henry with a bit more teeth than usual but she'd never embarrass him or the admiral by hitting a guest... Unless the guest really really over reached politeness.

 "Yes Sir Boss!"

after the party.))

  It wasn't much more then an hour  after leaving the party. That Si fell into  a restful sleep. Hack  slipped out of  bed   easily, making   no noise  as he  left  his  quarters  and  went across the way to the War Room. He sat in a chair, turned on two Vid screens and  Punched the  Buttons.

  On one screen a Young Black man in the uniform of  an ESN Captain came on... On the Other  a  Tired Looking  woman in an Off duty Admiral's  Uniform.

  .. are right  folks.... I know nits  late.. lets get  the information out, and we can all get some sleep..

 The Black Fellow, Captain Collin White, Began...Things  aren't Good out here  , Admiral Hack. Anzio is an Important spot.. the Trading in this    Hub is the Biggest in the Black... you want it?.. You can get it... it miught cost you...but it's  yours...

 ...but....

 ..But  Aqra is  all but  cut off  from the APF... Their  vessels are a match for  the Largran, but the largran have more.. and they have Creshians  backing them up....

 ..and what has Enta  done for you?

 ..Not Much , Admiral... Sevente has  an 'understanding.'..Anzio  keeps everyone in line.. anyone on  Etna's  side of the Station  , fall under  Enta's  control.... any on the   Lizard's side is Empire  Controlled... the  bad  part.. the Empire  plays  pretty loose  with that.. lots of  Merchants and  Civie transports  go missing...

 and... your  out post?

 ..they leave us alone.. we have  30 MArines... 6 fighters  and a Corvette.. we do have  anit-ship  cannon..but... i don't think it scares them... every reprot i send to Sevente , i get "...we  will take it  under advise ment... that's  why i sent you my reports..

 ..and  i thank you for that..... Admiral Richards?


 The woman was chewing on a Cig-stick.. the mass cred making  item that gave  smokers something to do, when they couldn't  smoke...even though it tended to rot out  belly lining.

 .. The  Bugs   are probing our  Quad at least 2 times a week.. ship to ship actions  are a matter of Course....at least half our CAp ships  are under repair.. and   Sevente won't send us anything more then a destroyer, now and then.... I have  fighters out there, floating  dark?... they report a build up...from the Numbers? I'm thinking we're  going to get hit hard... and I don't mean just to beat us up.. i mean to  destroy  Matterhorn..or  capture it.

 ... THank You both. I will have to  talk with  The Board... I can tell you this.... Sevente's  fleet is going one  way... ours,  will go the other.. The  bottom line.. we have to secure , both quads.. if we do not.... then we cannot move on  the Hel system... and the Goal here is to reduce  Hel to a cinder...

 ..Yes  Sir, we   understand....,I am sure I   echo  Admiral Richards in saying  , we both hope to see the Detla  Fleet...

  There was a half-amused  smile,... we will not abandon either  quad, once  we   are finished in one... we  will move to the other.... Its just...

 she looked over   a bit at her  second  screen,..that whomever Sevente goes to?... will take a gods be damned beating, until you come  back.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:47, Thu 12 Oct 2017.

(( after    Vote for  Blue  Verians  and Hyrians)

   The Admiral  and Commander  Both retired to thier  quaretrs  to change    for a more formal Dinner....

[flexed before the vote]

   En-route to the Commander's quarters, Garrat chuckles "Apparently hell hath no fury like a Verian scorned."  Garrat nods to Gorl, " I'm fairly new to this sector, so I hope you don't mind if I ask about hoe the Hyrians came to be allied with the Demons.  I'd think that would be a little distasteful to your social structure."

  the  Door opened  ,the  Two  Hyrian officers  began to  set Up Gorl on  the Couch. The Orderly set up drinks for them  and Gorl seemed  to be feeling better.

 ..I should Think, Lirg could have answered that?... when my  Pack was years away from being formed... These Quads  Feared the Hyrians...  we allowed the Building of the  CArrierstations, because the Humans and Sanri did not care if  we Roamed the  Quads......The Hilites  and Nivarians  didn't care for the  Human  bases.. but realized there would be   prizes to be won.. so.. we  formed the Triad...

 ..First..The Demons  sent  Avains.. and  we destroyed them... then the Creshians... and we destroyed them.. The Largrans  fought better.. but  died  all the same. The demons came.. and battles were   fierce.. bodies   covered the black so you could walk from ships to ship.. The Demons..  pulled back..and sent  an ambassador...They said.. If  we would Hold these Quads.. any and all  things we could take, would be ours... They asked only , for a tribute  of 1000 Humans a year...

   we formed the Triad.. nad  ruled the Quads... Etna and Everest did not offer much in the way of worry....Until the Delta Fleet arrived...

 he drinks... and is quiet for a bit...the change that has  come.. is good and bad. No longer  under the thumb of the demons... we are free... but.. it could  still cost us out Homeword.... The Aqurains ..could even threaten us now... it will depend on how  your people deal with them... however the  delta Fleet goes.... We will fight along with  them..  The demons  made the truce..because they feared us hurting them..... The Admiral  warned us...offered us a chance.. then punished us...soundly..for not taking that chance... then?.. provide..a tiny bit of hope.....allowing some of my people to go to the colonies...and  giving us  the ..cure.. for the sickness that is  spread...

 .. there will be some of my people that will still fight Humans..and APF races.. those who have  lost too much?... but that will pass, as they do..

    Garrat shrug "Lirg is a soldier first.  He looks to follow a tradition of strength.  This is a good tradition for old warriors like him and I, but we often overlook the more subtle aspects such as politics.  You challenge traditional procedure and carry your envoy to Hack yourself.  Your a diplomat, and a politician so you are likely to have insights others don't."   Garrat nods "It will be interesting to see if you are accepted, but your people showed a power and courage in the last battle that impressed many people in the AP."

     "Best of luck leader Gorl."  Garrat nods and retires from the Admiral's quarts.

(( after Vote/ Admiral Richards))


Roy arrived shortly afterward, in his dress uniform...he wore the pin version on his commendations, rather than the full medals...but it still covered the left side of his chest.  He wore one of the machine pistols that Shadow had given him, ages ago, on one hip...the Verian pistol he'd been given for their last mission on Fuji was in a concealed holster, and he wore his kukri in its scabbard on his back.  He gave a courteous nod to the Hyrians, but said nothing as he walked in.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:07, Mon 08 Jan 2018.

 Lilit entered the Meeting,  her  ...now...ESN  Blue uniform  was clearly altered to accent her form. This  Time she only had  One Side  arm... She was Followed in  by a Tired Looking  Shadow.

  He  had on  Dress Uniform with side arm and  a Silver Handled  Knuckle-guard Aussie knife.

  THe  Hyrians  were  sitting on either side of thier   leader, Lirg...looking uncomfortable in  an dress uniform stood  behind them.

 The Sanri and Occui Settled  Down into seats, on either Side On  Dusk and Shade, both whom were  dressed.. Shade  sporting his new  medals.. the  purple heart easy to see.

  Hack sat at the head of the Table , to his right sat the  rest of the board.. To his left Sat Admiral Richards and Fred Moone her XO... Next to them  Sat  CAptain Lilly Van Ros and her XO  from the Athena, Nancy Baily

 Shadow stood  Next to  Roy, Lyri Gave him a "what's up" Look... Shadow  Just waved her off and shook his head.

 Si caught the  Motion and  whispered something to  Lilit and they both Looked at Shadow and Giggled.

  Shadowe frowned, as he  said  in a whisper to  Roy.....great... just... great...

Roy watched as people entered, largely standing by and doing nothing...while he may have bern present as a Fleet dignitary, he regarded his primary duty to still be security, and as such, everyone got a cursory examination and was instinctively assigned somedegree of threat level in his mind.

Some, however, drew him into further action.  When Shade and Dusk entered, he stepped forward, a fond smile on his face.  "I like the new costume jewelry, Ambassador," he said to Shade, tapping his own chest where a Purple Heart pin rode.  He gave a nod to Dusk, and said, "I expected you'd be an inspiration to your people...this is far more than I expected.  Your mother would be very proud of her offspring."

He moved back to the side as the rest trickled in, raising an eyebrow in surprise at Shadow's tired appearance.  He noted the aborted exchange with Lyri...and then the giggles between Lilit and Si.  "I'm guessing you really don't want to talk about it," he answered out of the side of his mouth to Shadow.  "Especially not here and now.  Anything that gets the Commandrr giggling like that is likely to be...unsettling."

  Shadow  nodded,,,what's that the Engish say ..." king  and country..and  all that?...."..... we're supposed to have  some  kind of  Contest?.... Flying...on the Sims... shooing  at the Range   and HAnd to HAnd.... she says she wants to ..'test  her Skills"...We'll see..... I'm gonna have to get stefi to give  me a Caffine  jolt or something..she likes sticking me with needles  anyway...

 Hack nodded to every one,..sit  and  eat.. we'll cover the buisness  as we eat5..and..if needs be...after...

 as they ate.. choice of steak or Fish from Bura.

 Hack told  Shadow , Lirg, Lyri and Roy to ..at least have a drink.

  Lilit meanyioned that the Aqarains  will be   upset when they see humans  eating  fish...but.. the   Humans on Aquar  are food  animals .......They are also..very good looking, and  seem to be able  to Lure  the higher Forms of  Humans into  mating... they used to do that on EArth  decades ago.. I believe they still have a colony there...

 Shadow would fronw now  and again when  Lilit  or   the Commander  would look over to him and smile. He poured himself a small Brandy and  drank it  down.. Grimacing a bit.

 Shade  Bleeped HArshly at Him..Dusk shook her head.....its just one....?  They turned thier abcks on him and went back to eating.

 Gorl let Lirg have a steak on a plate and the  Hyrian   tore into it.

  Hack Looked at Richards,..Admiral Richards,..Lana.... You , I am sure.. saw the rulings  on Sevente and His   Officers?

 she looked up a bit  worried,her fork had a steak bit on,..Aye Sir?.... I...I  was assuming my  time will come after MAtterhorn is retaken?

  Yes...and No... YOur actions to defend Matterhorn have been Impressive... it would not have   needed to be so?.. had you informed  Me?..Or Fuji... what Sevente  did.. among other things... lead to what was  dished out... You understand this?


 She Put the Fork Down,..Aye...Sir..

 Hack  put his elbows on the Table, his hands clasped together.....so.. You are Indeed  getting Punished...

 Si Looked at Richards  Concerned,

 ..You and Your XO  are being transferred to Etna.. there, you will take command of the Station.... in doing this.. You are also going part of our..... his  Eyes  shift the Shadow , Roy and Lyri,.....part of our clean up  detail.... Fuji has come along  way..Everest still needs  work..Etna needs a damn makeover..... with luck, we will eliminate alot of your enemies..but...you'll have to work hard to change the Mindset.... that is going to mean..promotions  for  some...demotions for others and maybe  exile  for others....

 Looking at  Shadow he added,...we'll take  care of the whole... death thing... and Your New Head Of Lights Out on  Etna  will be Elge.....

 ..Lights  Out?..That's a Thing?  we thought it was to keep bad guys away, like  the Boogie man... she  went to take a bite of her steak,..what of MatterHorn.

  Hack Nodded to  Beth who  got up from her  Chair to   the back table . She  took a Box  from there.. walked it Over  and  set it before  Van Ros.

 ..May i present to you...Admiral  Lilly Van Ros.... and  Her CAptain Fred Moone.. they will be taking over  Matterhorn, as of the end of this  dinner....  Newly Minted Capt  Mavis Hines, will take  the helm of The Athena... Commander  Lester Forbes will be her XO....She is taking Command  as we  speak.....So?.. after this Dinner..ADMIRAL  Von Ros  will return to her ship and gather her  things..perhaps have a  going away party?  Matterhorn is getting the Information Now... You should try to have  something for your Staff. At anyrate... You will be leaving   In the Morning  for  Etna... You, of course. know nothing about Lights  Out... and  Elge will simply be an advisor , as far as anyone knows. This will be the first time.. we will have the Head of the Station on our  side... while we clean  house...

  every one nodded, Van Ross  and  Moone  looked at their  new  ranks in the boxs.

  HAck Stood,..To the Rise of the ESN/APF....making ourselves stronger, as we rise...
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:54, Mon 08 Jan 2018.

   Lilit  smiled  a  bit as she swirled  wine about her Glass  and Looked at Beth  with a Nod.  beth smiled and Placed  another Box  down in front of Dusk.

 Dusk looked   back towards  Shadow and Roy.. Shadow  Shrugged  and smiled a tired  smile.

 Lilit said ,..For My Part. The  Board has seen fit to Transfer the Charon to the Blue   Verian Squadron.. It will serve  as My Flag Ship.... Dusk... is to be My Captain...None  can fault the choice... most senior  Ranks were Killed.. the few who were on board stood down as Command  was Given to Her..... and..True to her heritage.. she  chose to keep fighting....I am most certain, there are No verians  who question the true  flow of Blood  iun her veins...

   Shade  raised his  Cup and Bleeped  a Bit loudly.. Dusk was shocked as she looked at the Bars

  Hennings Looked  at Shadow with a smile,..LC?>. both of yhour offspring   ., now  out rank you?

 There is the HAlfsmile,..Aye  Sir, Getting  kinda  used to it....

 The Sanri, Occui  and Hyrians  began to talk about Plans  for Hyria..  some of the people got up to move  around,

 Shadow  went over to a Chair and sat down.

Roy took a moment to walk over and snap a textbook-sharp salute to Dusk.  "Congratulations, Captain.  Damned proud to have you in the Fleet."  He gave her a smile and a nod, saluted again, and walked over to stand by Shadow, reaching out a hand to pat him on the shoulder.

"Gotta be exhausting, having so much impact on the fate of this battle," he commented, with a gently teasing tone in his voice.  He gave Shadow's shoulder a reassuring squeeze, and added, "You and Lady made good kids.  She'd be proud to see what they've done with her legacy."

   Dusk Stood Up and Salutes,....Thank You SGT  MAjor Spencer... You are too Kind...

 Lilit  watched the encounter  with a  sly smile  and GAve  Spencer a wink.

 ... well?  I can't take any credit there..Dusk  Did this , Mostly on her own, she was stuck being around Evert's...'chosen ones'.

 Then he  Nodded with a look around the  room,..with all you folks helping..and the rest of the Crew..Shade learned alot in a short time....

 Shade barely catching his  name  as he looked around  chewing on a bite of steak,He stopped a  second  and Looked back  at Shadow and Roy and gave them a Thumbs up,  as he went back to  eating.

  The Commander and Lilit came Over to the Three.  Lyri was formally introduced to  Lilit  by the Commander. Shadow   didn't bother to stand.

 ...Why.... LC?.... You Look  Tired, Perhaps you should go to Bed?

 ..I plan on it, as soon as i am not 'needed'..any longer.

 the  two alien  women looked at each other   Si gave a raised  eyebrow

  There was a shift in the gaze of  Lilit to Spencer,thought it was more a feeling, since there are no pupils to see, or? Perhaps  being around  Shade, one got used to being looked at with out seeing  eyeballs shift......So?  SGT  MAJ, you seem to Have some fondness for my Grandspring?   Kray seems a bit 'put out'..about not knowing he had been moded...I do  think things  turned out well  Don't  you?

 Si  gave  Shadow a soft pat on the far shoulder, He looked up with a wry smile,..yeah?.. why should  i be...'put out'?... I'm a Human, right? I should  used to  secerts  being kept  from us...

 ..Things  Turned out well... did  they not... It is a shame Lady did not have her  ..womanly..form.. you would both have enjoyed the process  much more... she grinned  and   Si  Giggled, Shadow  just lowered his head  with a shake as he took a drink from a cola he grabbed.

 Lyri tried  not to laugh, she did smile. But deep down, she  understood  why Shadow was a bit put off.....Then there was  Beth...

 ..Sure  , LC.. why should you be ...'put out'... I mean.. your   stuff was stolen..to make   alien  baby half breeds, with out your consent ...its not like other races do that...ohhhh..wait.... there are!

  Si's  smiled  faded.... Lilit's eyebrow went up.....Oh...gods... Kray?
  Shadow  Just waved  her off without looking up...

 ...no!...Shadow? You cannot think like that..This  was a Good thing... something LAdy wanted to give you...

 ..Then?... She  should have stayed?....

 ..she knew you needed the  upgraded Fighters..... but she could still help the cause....if It wasn't for Blu....

 Shadow Stood and  put up a hand to stop the talk,..Look?.. Its done..right?.. I.. have two Offspring that a damn good... people.... perhaps   they get that from thier Mother too?  It's Just... it would have been nice... to be trusted... don't ya think?... If You excuse me.. I think i need to get some sleep.... he  Gave a salute  and eh

headed towards the Door , Giving the Admiral  a wave.  Hack Nodded and Looked to the Group  ..Si gave a  sad shrug.

 Shade  grabbed his   soda and Downed It.. bleeped a few times  and    scurried after   Shadow. Dusked Nodded to him, but she stayed.

 Beth took a  drink  from her  glass and raise  one eyebrow   at Lilit, and Si...The  Two  alien women looked    confused.. Lyri Just looked down at the Dec.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:54, Tue 09 Jan 2018.

  Hennings  watch The LC leave, with a bit of  Concern, he made his way over to the group  and  said, by way of breaking into the conversations ,

  ..SGT  Major?... I feel i should inform you that  Capt  Forte has been.... assigned...to the Sanri transport Base, to....learn the tactics of Sanri Boarding Units... we feel it will help  him become a better officer...  he   smiles a bit and  took a  sip of  his Brandy.

 Lyri looked  up ,..If I may? Isn't taking  people out of the Delta Fleet going to weaken us?... I mean..The Alpha  fleet would be better if we  put  Mulls in charge?... but we have  Good ships, Losing Good people..

   Hennings  loos over his Shoulder  as Hack and Gorl are  laughing at some sorties.. Lirg is trying really hard to eat his steak with out 'splashing: anyone with juices..

  When he turns back he  says,..that is very true... But? The Delta Fleet will have popel  be trained..and they already have been serving?..so the drop off should be small.. the   impact will be on the Alpha Fleets.. i would wager there will be  some people taking the ...long walk home... if they protest too much. General BAle  is  sebding a Porvost team with each new  Captain and  thier XOs..just to make sure   any charges  are  clean...

  Hnnings  cvasts a look at the Door that asks,..anything  we should be concerned  about?

As Shadow walked away, Roy said, using a low voice because he was sure his words would embarrass the LC, "Shadow loves his kids...always has and always will.  But he had no input on whether or not he'd become a father.  His genetic material was stolen and used, even though he would have gladly given it if he'd known the truth.  The fact that there was no sex involved doesn't make it any less violating...and you will never make him feel otherwise, no matter how much you joke about it."

He fell silent as Hennings approached, and was about to respond when Lyri spoke up.  He turned his focus to her.  "Tell me, Master Chief...where would you be if someone had decided that the existing forces were good enough and they shouldn't spend resources training you?"  He paused, but not long enough for a response, before continuing, "Yes, the Delta Fleet is good...and we're a bit depleted at the moment, perhaps.  But the way you prevent another Sevente from creating a gaping hole in your flank is by filling those top spots with battle-proven people, and providing them solid support.  We've been building our strength for five years...we know how to do it."

He turned back to Hennings.  "Some ruffled feathers, Admiral, but I don't think it's cause for any concern.  A little good rest, and some peace and quiet, are what the LC needs right now.  If he needs more than that, he'll let us know."

  Si Nodded, the sadness in her eyes could be felt as well as seen,... I... Did not think of that?  He has two offspring at least, that is two more then Oliver and I can..ever ..have.

  Lilit looked a bit more confused  as she processed  what Roy said...He was a Good Choice..... Lady knew what she wanted...perhaps she had a reason?.... or perhaps..it was a fail safe,  Incase one of them did not make it.

 Beth  shifts her  eyes back and  forth as they talk while drinking out of the tiny straw,..he'll be  fine.... he has a  rule of '1 free one'.... I would not test a second chance ....

Again the eyebrow  rose on  Si's   forehead as she looked at Beth Who just shrugged while she sipped.

 As  Roy  talked  about the forces, Lyri shrugged..I be  in a Black Eviro Suit  taking out  targets on Mars..maybe even on Olympus... that would have sucked.. missed out  on all the fun out here!

 ..Indeed.. we are reloading now.. and that's  a fact... The Empire Knows  two things.. we ebat the 9 hells out of  2 Fleets... they have to know  we lost a few  teeth too....This....This  is most unfortunate .. we HAVE to go to Anzio now.. to destroy it  or bring it into the fold... and the    planets  there?.. we have  to  neutralize them, one way or the other.. If I  would be an Empire  advisor.. I'm sending another  fleet to Anzio... even  if  we win...  we'd be one battered  force.

   Ther  is a shake of her heair , the   soft 'humanlike'  hair  tossed..Qar La CAl  is gutless... I cannot  see her  sending more then a squadron.. she  has  the Roussians on one  side of ther Gamma Quad, and the Aqarains on the other.... Roussians    are merely allies...But the Aqarains  are Empire Subjects... and they have Anazio space  all to themselves....

 Hennings  nods  with a slight  smile, he raised his glass to them all,..well?.. we should not get boared..aye?.... Take care, I should pay some attention to the Hyrains as well...

  A com comes through for spencer,  from Garrat . "Sgt, were headed over to the new forge ship to check out what happens behind the scenes with the fleet.  If you or anyone there needs an excuse to retire from the party this is probably as good as it's going to get."

  Hack looked around , and said,well , My  friends.. I think we should  call it a night.. You are welocme to stay we have plenty of  room....

 Van Ros   smiled  but shook her  head,as you said,   Good Admiral.. I must have some good bye  time with my people.... I thank for your trust in me....

 ..I Did Not   do you a favor , Lilly... Matterhorn  may not  be Corrupt, but it has  alot of rebuilding to do.... Just don't be afraid to call...

 Richards  nods ,..I too, need to  leave.. i want to see  how my people are doing now they have been reenforced , and   there are a few people  alive, i would like  to bid  fare well to.

 Gorl says,..I think I will stay.. leave in the morning...

  Lilit  smiles,we shall stay as well?..  Give Dusk a bit  more time with Shadow  before  we leave to see to our ship...

 Dusk suddenly opened her  eyes,..our ship!... MY...ship!... gods.. it just hit me...

 People laughed  Hack asked,where is Beth?

Roy got a fond smile on his face, and turned to Lilit.  "You're correct...I do have a soft spot for both Shade and Dusk.  I'm an only child...no family back on Earth to go back to...I imagine this is what being an uncle feels like, in a way."  He turned to Dusk and nodded.

"You're in the Big Chair now.  And while I'm proud of you for earning it...it's something I wouldn't wish upon anyone I care for.  Find yourself some good people to stand at your side...don't try and do it all yourself.  Those burdens will crush any one person, no matter whose offspring that person happens to be.  Your most important job is to make sure you've got a crew you can rely on...and then let them do their jobs.  It'll never be easy...but it will be a whole lot harder if you try to take care of everything yourself."  His current position was the closest he'd ever been to being an officer...and, he supposed, he really was, in all but name.  But he'd helped more than a few green lieutenants sort themselves out and become solid captains and even majors.

  The  Hyrians  are elad out to the  empty Ambassador's   suite... Lirg leads them.

  The  Sanri  say their Good-bye, Ersi , the Male  offer his upper most right hand to Lilit,..this war..perhaps got a bit easier...and perhaps.. a bit shorter, now that the Verians are taking part.

 ... you are too Kind... only Blue Verians. But I am hoping the Numbers of us will rise..

  Noan, the  female   smiles at them all  as they leave.

  Ziger , the MAle Occui gives   Lilti a   soft  whack on the back,..you'd  havce to go back to  my great granparents , to see the last Time Occui and Verians  fought together . If i remember the stories, it  didn't turn out well for the Empire...

 Oilm, the Female  give   Lyri a  Hug,well see  how things  go.. but we still have the Humans...and I keeping  my hovercart hitched  to them..

 Dusk  Gave Lyri and  Roy a Hug..lingering a bit on Roy,...That is  must what it feels to hug  uncles  and aunts?

 Lili  smiles, she gives Lyri a nod and smile and  Roy a soft touch on his arm....good might  to you all... perhaps we shall see some of your  when we leave for The Charon..

 Si Gives them Hugs as well.. Hack meets them   at the door and does the same, but he leaves his arm around Dusk as he says,..There are  2 Kinds of Heroes.... False heroes  who brag about what they have done.....and real heroes, who have others  bgrag  about what they have done.... The best kind of hero, is one that doesn't know..which one she is..because she is just doing her job...

 Dusk looked up.....is that not  3?

 he winks,... and... most heroes are smart.

 They laugh  as the  Verians leave...all that is left are roy, lyri and Si.

  ......

 Well SGT Major... all we have left is the  Bug Queen.... the Foreman...one of her lackeys...and that woman named Lydia.. we'll deal with them after  we cast off tomorrow.. we aren't really in shape to fight, but  we'll  do heavy repairs at Etna.

 ..if you don't have  anything , i think we should all see to our bunks...

Roy snorted softly.  "Oh...is THAT all?  Piece of cake..."  He rolled his eyes, good-naturedly.  "Some rack time is probably highly advisable, though...been a long day, with a lot happening the whole time."

He sighed, and added, "I don't know whether it was a warning, or a curse, when my old gunny sergeant told us all that, "The only easy day was yesterday."  But I definitely feel like it becomes more true out here all the time."

((  Anzio sweep))

   Admiral White and  Fluss as well as Mock were dressed   in  dress uniforms,  Hack and  Hennings   excused themselevs to change.

   Melia  stood  near Orria  and  Shade all three had  'dress' uniforms on.

 Commander Si  and   General  Bale as well as the Sanri and Occui  Lilit   was drinking  some   wine  and   talking over the  taste with Commander Si.

    When the Two Admirals  returned, The all stood  about talking  while  Beth had  her  Vid boards going.

  Lyri and  Maria  where there,  counting on  Melia  to  help carry the load, so  Lyri could have  the  rest of SEC  in the Hanger area..

 Admiral White    had a stern look on his  face,Oliver?... we  are some  10 minutes out  from  the Delta  Fleet docking, yet you sent  in  and ..invasion  force?

 Hack looked at Hennings  and Commander Si, they both   chuckled  , Fluss looked    a little   bummed out.

  Frist off?  You need not  fear the Fleet , Only half the ships  will be docking, the  other  half  are protecting the station and the   fleet from anyone who wishes us to leave....

 ..and  Yes.. I have sent  people in.... so have  ,certain other  ships... they will  roam you station and see what needs to be  done....and?  to  find  trouble makers and deal with them.... and ....Collin? My people are really good at  getting rid of trouble.

 Fluss frowns in an odd  way, her facial features made it look rather  nice,..before  we  begin with your    meals?.. please allow  me to present some of   Aqra's Local   food.... I  will help you understand us  a bit...yes?

  Stefi  was  by the door  with  the   crew of the  Anzio shuttle... the  food  was  hot.. and  Stefi had a hard look in her eyes....I tested  the food, there is no agents in there, that isn't normally in  the food,  and our Vax teams  have  done thier  job...

 Fluss  smiled....On the first Cart.. we have the    Fish known as   Grepps.. they are cylinder in  shape.. they eat plants.. and  we  eat them?... thier  meat, Humans  say is  sweet.. we also have some stuffed  with  Admiral White's  cheese?

 Orria looks  and says,..fish people..eat fish?

 .. they are merely animals.. they are not  'our people'...

 melia  put a HAnd on  Orria . the little girl looked confused..

 ..Next is the  Hirt plant... much like your lettuce.. your  Med Techs  say it is high in Iron, and    is good  cooked or   fresh.. we have some of  each here..

 Stefi turned away from the LAst table to give Hack a hard look.

 Hack's eyes  shifted to the others..

 ..this is  not only Aqra's favored food, but a big  export to this  station, and the Empire.... there are some APF people who have   bought  Live creatures,  to breed them on thier homeworld?

    The Crewman from the  Shuttle  lifted the Two huge  Lids... 4 small  human-like  bodies were on the   trays... two were cooked, very well done...one  skin was  darker, the other  light,.... and two others... also light skinned and a dark skinned  where  barely cooked...

 Orria  screamed...

 Hack Looked  at  Fluss  with a very  Dark stare of hate...

 Admiral white     Put  a hand on his shoulder,

 Fluss  smiled  with a  triumphant smile,..these are Gavas.. small humanoids..  barely smart enough to gather food.... thier meat is sweet...  the organs  are removed  and   cooked   separately.... but.. they  are merely animals... The Empire   buys them by the scores.... some   for  food. some  for breeding stock to let loose on their planets.. . My people will leave the waters to  Hunt these  creatures... very Tasty...

  Mock  smiled,..yes? Ya  see   Admiral.. things  aren't  like  earth.... all over.. sometimes things  are like the Homeworlds  want it to be...

 Orria  was staring at the Bodies and Melia    held her  close... Shade sent off  a  string of Noises, his eyes  were red.

  Lilit , seeing that  Orria  wasn't in  the right mind to  translate, said,..Ambassador Shade says.... he thinks it in very poor taste for you to show a veiled threat, of  your people  eating humans, regardless of what.... form they take...

 ..Does he now?... well..perhaps, we are  at the boundry of what   The Fleet  need to understand, before they 'set things  right"

 ..I have a feeling,  Fluss. That  your intentions  may not even begin to  soften the blow, from that hammer that is falling..
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:17, Mon 23 Apr 2018.

  Orria  was  scared. The bodies  looked like little  kids to her.. and the Fish Person was talking about  eating them!

    Hack went over to the  trays, used  a   knife to  cut some of the Lettuce-stuff and  took a bite, he stared  at Fluss, but spoke to  Admiral White,..Tell me  Collin?  You  eat any Gava?

 ..I tried it.... I  don't eat it ...

 ..I think, when the troopers get thier shore  leave... I'm  suggesting the   Transports  from the Delta Colonies check out the  Axis Tubes....

 Fluss   sneered,... is that supposed to mean something?

  General Bale  spoke up,..The Ape Folk... Apes.... Men... and Apemen...are  Cannibalistic .. they  are quite smart though.. and have  learned not to eat allies.... enemies..well...not so much..

 Fluss went over to the trays   and used a knife  to  cut some fingers from  an 'undercooked'  Gava.. she  crunched the  fingers in her teeth, lookimg at Orria . who screamed  again... Shades   Hand    Came  up,  But Lilit   calmed him down...

 Hack  shooked his head  as he looked at the    floor, then took a sip of his  drink,... I am Glad you are here Fluss.... because,.... while you are here , trying to terrorize  a  little girl.. You are going to be getting  reports... of  your  people, being terrorized.. For the Sake of the ..innocent people..on the station.. i hope this  all works out, because, if  we have to  destroy the station... there will be no 'Evac Time"...

 Mock spoke up, Causing the    APF   Occui to  move away from him,..some of your people are going  where  we want them to be , Admiral Hack... we are going to show   other places, that 'Delta  Night;' is not to be feared.... the first group is  in a trap as we speak..

 Hennnings  asked,who are they?

 ..your  LC  and  SM?.. and some  woman...and ..it  appears  they have a Nivarian Creature with them...

 Lyri  giggled   out Loud, her  Laugh stopped   Orria  from crying..

  Fluss  turned to her,..you find  something Humorous?

 ..you idiots?  set a trap for  Shadow  and Spencer?...and they have a LArg with them?.... Tell me Fluss...do thier have  Mechs  with them, because whomever set that trap..well.... You won't have them  around Much longer.

 Mock went to  Beth  and Handed  her  an Occui Vid Board..this is not , a great  look. but we can see... who will be left...Those    Yellow  dots are , our people.. the   three  green Dots are your people...

 ..You know?  Flat out  telling us, that you plan to kill  our people..well.. not  a reason  for  me  ..NOT..to blow up your   station..

 Admiral White smiled,well?  Oliver? You send people in to kill ours..  can't expect to do that for free?..and Besides... That  Cure  we gave you..should be wearing off about now... and your people might  find the way of Anzio...quite nice...

 ..you people.... are..idiots...   Commander Si  said  with a smile....

   As they watched   Mock's   screen, on the BIg screen.. they saw one yellow light go dark..

 Shade points  and  Bleepsa bit.

 Lilit  saif  more  for  Fluss, then anyone else......Yes, Ambassador  Shade.. that  does mean that one died....

 Hennings shook his head, pouring himself a Brandy and seeing if anyone else  wants one.....and so?... it begins....

  Beth    smiles  and says,...4   less  dots.... are you sure  20 was  enough... you are down to 16..and   our people haven't even gotten out of their car  yet..


 The Occui looked  angry  at Beth,..of  cours eyou foolish twit!.. They  must be out of the car, oth they wouldn't  be spread like that!

 Beth   gave the Occui a dark look,..Listen, Gumdrop.... you need to understand  the way humans  talk.... before you try to understand  Humans.... If I was you... I would call them now.. tell them to surrender... it may save some of thier Lives...

 Hennings looked at Fluss , then to  White. Admiral  White pointed to FLuss.

 ...never..  the end   of YOu    'hero' and   You   stormtrooper, end   now....

 Hack shrugged  as He rang the Bell,..Just as well.. Shadow     would have said "..COM   didn't work"   and wouldn't call back  until  your people are dead  anyway....now?.. let's have some real food...

  the   orderlies  brought in   steak and Ham.. ( hennings   made them bring in  Fish from Bura)...  along  with sides  and drinks..

   As  Hack loaded his  plate, It would be informal as far as a few table s or  ..'stand and eat"....So?... Collin..you sold out then?

 ..only  way to keep the station in one piece?.. and we are doing good here, Oliver.. the Cred flow is off that charts...

 General Bale leaned in,... we have  seen...no Cred Flow..from  Anzio.. Even  Tortuga  sends  what it can... and they recieve   what aid  we  can give them

 .... tell your  people to look around.... they will not see any  unhappy people here...

  Hack grins,wait a few hours....

   The Occui was   nibbled on  a Ham sandwich...  Fluss made  sure  she   made a show of  eating the Gava.

 Melia  wanted Orria to Go, but she refused to leave Shade  because .. I am  Delta  Feat!

 everyone smiled.. no one corrected her.

  Beth   shook her   head ..My ..my.. 11 blips  gone..just like that.... one of your blips  is turning orange... that can't be good...

 ..Oilver?..... we did  this to save the station.. with Shadow  gone... the Delta  Fleet would have...

 ..The Delta Fleet would have sailed on... we would have  pounded the  Station to boxwood... and   the revenge  factor  would be off the  charts.. yuou toss in the mistake of ...maybe...somehow takign out the SM....   I think i would have allowed the MArines  free  frign on your station.... You..are  an Idiot.. the  whole board.. is  populated  by idiots.. did you really...really..think we wouldn't have  somethign to fight the Fish lure?..

 Fluss  stopped   chewing, Blood   dripping down her   left  cheek..what do you mean?

 ..I mean.... Fluss.. that your station  has  Highly trained.... Hightly eager....  Delta fleet  people rangign through the  station... you made a very...very  big..mistake.

  More   dots   vanished  Until there  was only  Until  only one  reddish one  was left.

  Beth's COM  buzzed  and she looked angry at first   then began to  talk,  Fluss  looked at the screen.. Mock was dabbing  his  mouth.. Admiral White  was refiling his  glass   with  Scotch , drinking half in one Gulp...

   Fluss's COM  Buzzed... her   brow furrowed As Beth was Giggling... The Song Played...

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqF12EkBrPM

 her eyes  grew dark...  Orria  was Laughing and began to  sing along.... Fluss cut the Song off, but it still played through Beth's COM...

  ..shut it off.... shut it  OFF!!!

 Hack   Nodded to     Beth   and she  cut the feed... Orria   felt a gentle hand   from Melia, but  she was still giggling.

 Do you, Understand  what you have  set in Motion...alot of people are going to die tonight   Fluss... how do you feel about that?

 ..It is  just beginning, Admiral....

 Hennings   fills his glass  and Clings it  with Bale......Lady?.. You ain't see nothing yet?.. they'er  just  doing their  Job right now.... wait..until they get mad...

 Orria  Giggle...fishheads!

  Beth  Looked at her COM  , then to   the Admiral.

  ..Something  wrong?....

  ..Shadow  said to ask Fluss where she  wants  to to try and kill him next....  Everyone turned to Fluss... here  mouth  opened and closed like...well...a fish.

  She   tapped  something on her COM,..Axis   west...Ziggen will be there.....

 As beth  sent  the  answer , Hack smiled,..You have v no idea, how much damage you'er  saving...

 Mock  spoke up  he  had  refilled his  glass...again.....You have too much  faith in your people....

  Hack  pointed   at him  with the hand  that held  his own glass.....i have faith, because they are ...my people....

 Commander  Si  said, coldly...while you are  wondering  if your  people will kill ours?.. We  are wondrering how long it will take, for  ours to kill yours...

 Shade  Bleeped  and  Orria looked  back to  Lilit...Lilit  said,... Shade   says,... " night has  Come to Anzio "

 beth  replayed    Henry's  COM  on speaker .. Hack looked at Fluss..at Mock..and   at  Admiral white...

  He  pointes to the Aqra  cart and  told the Orderlies  to  remove the 'food" and   give the   Gava's a  send off.  from Med tech...

  Fluss  says,..YOU WILL NOT...

  Lyri   stepped    Up  her  rifle barrel between the cart and Fluss.

 Send this COM out  to the Fleet...  all Planets   in the APF.. and A-SEC.... Tell them of  Henry's  findings.... and  No Hunting, killing  or eating of Gavas..... Death..is the price  that will be paid.... send it out... Now...

 Fluss and  White   both protested,..you can't do that!.. its   a  Cred maker!..not just for Aqra..but for the Station...

 general Bale  was   entering the   ruling into the   COM  pad  to send to Provosts and    Delta Colonies where the  'books ' for the APF  were   complied...It his   right.. as  Both the Military  and  political leader of the APF  and ESN... do not think, for  one moment.. the rule will not be  enforced.

 The    orderlies   took the   cart away. Maria  stopped the  Shuttle  crew from interfering  she smiled  sweetly at them , as they stood  down.

 ..I would suggest.. you all    enjoy the fod  we have provided.. and the Drink.... I am...concerned... for your future.

  Mock  looked   perplexed.. he    Brought  up another    low  grade screen  that showed   two Green  dots that were slightly Orange...  and One green  dot.

   There  were was  one Yellow  dot     to the edge of the street... and one Yellow dot  that was turning   orange.

  ..what's that matter Mock?


 Fluus looked  Angry, White  just poured another Drink.

 ..this shouldn't be happening....

   That's  Doc Henry's  Group.... Admiral? Apperas  two of them are wounded... but  only one of the   enemy is alive.. the other  seems to   be ..losiing..life..

 the   Occui Ambassadors    raised  a Glass to Mock and laughed  at him, the Sanri  and his  mate took seats to  watch the .'.low tech'  scene

  The Calls   Came in...  Hack  Nodded to    Lyri,..take thier COMs... put them in a contain and  stick them out in the   Passageway..

  Fluss  snapped,..You cannot do that!

 Its My Ship...Fluss... Its  My   Fleet... I'll do what i damn well please.... If you  wish to fight to keep Your  COMs  that is your  choice... there is  plenty of  room in the Black, for another body....

 He   listens to  all the COM chatter...All hear this..... You cannot   meat up anywhere ,  But the  sphere..  find a meeting place  in the outer  sphere, and see what the  Locals  can do to help....  I will try to get Henry's Team and   Spencer's team on the COMs... they are... entertaining right now..

 we need this  taken  care of, before some one decides  that they need to protect it... COM  me  as you get Ideas.. we have  3  Of the board members  as  prisoners  right now....The SM's  team took out  2 more.... Looks   like  Delta  Night kicked off...

    Fluss  answered her   COM and heard   Shadow's  Voice...  Beth Tapped in and   put it on speaker.. there was   the Crunching and slurping of Larry.. and then the  COM  was  cut.

 ..well.... Anzio  seems to  be running out of board Members.

  ..Abors  is   aboard the  Hyrian  Flag vessel for this  fleet.... Bala   is hiding..somewhere...  Now?.. do you think its  time   that you folks  made  some calls?.. tell your people to surrender.. so we   don't  have to keep  Killing folks>

 White  frowned,..your  are the Fleet Admiral?... why don't you order the  station to stand  down...

   Hack downed his Drink , handing the glass to  the orderly for another.....yeah..you and the Empire  would  love that..ESN pulls its  crew ..Aqra moves in... Empire  has   a Jump off point?... no.. this is the way it will work.. we clean the    station out... or  we blow it up....Some of the very people  we  are  trying to save?..  we will kill... but..whether its us blowing up the station... or them gettign fed to the Empire..Dead...is dead..

   Hack took his   time pouring  another  Drink. As he  did, he nodded to Beth.

 Beth, fussed  with her  Vid Boards, with three of them  she had a very Good  Holo view of the 'live action"... as  The Last Hop  dropped out of her  Dock.

 Admiral White looked  surprised,  but not as surprised  as Mock...how?.. we cannot  even do that, and  we live on the damn station.

 Beth snorted  at White,..The Vid Boards we gave you , that you signed the   treaty?... it also carrier  your  signatures to  my Files.... and.. I have  over ridden all the  Vid Cams  except  2.....Bala?.. took he r Vidboard  apart.. my fail safe   destroyed  the insides...and?..  there are  no access to Demon Vid Cams...

 Fluss's  turn to snort,..how  does that help you?

 ..anywhere that is Blacked out.. we know is  either   Avian, or Demon areas.... and now?.. we can see   what the 9 hells is going on...

 White Moved  closer to Fluss, handing her  a fresh drink,  as he sipped on his own,..the  treaty?.. it is False?

 Bale  raised his hand,..No, Admiral White.. it is a legal, and Bidding  contract?..however, it seems that  Admiral HAck  failed to sign his ?..thus..it is non-binding..

  All three of the  Anzio Board Members looked shocked... Hack grinned  and Winked, handing Beth a Drink to celebrate.

 ..You never  intended to save this station...

 Commander Si speaks up.....that is where you are wrong?... We are here to clean  it up..if it can be saved, it will be  a new  Station..Fully.. ESN...If it cannot be saved..then it  will serve  the ESN  as scrap for New CAp ships  and  fighters..

  ..Master Chief.. please    Bind these three to   thie r chairs, but , leave thier left arms  free to have a drink and such.

 Lyri Stepped  forward  and slammed Fluss  down into a chair,  Cuffs on her  arm through   outside of the  chair leg to her   right Ankle..

  Maria  nodded to Admiral White   who settled  in and  was looked in the same way..

  Mock   raised a  weapon at  Lyri's  Back.. but he  screamed outloud  as  his  right hand   was   Burned  with a  finger  missing...

  Shade  put his    'burner' finger  away..   Melia had her  SMG up. Orria looked  at Shade who's  eyes  were  Grey.

 Hennings  said,..nice  shot Ambassador!

  Shade  blleped a few times  and shrugged.

 Orria  Giggled,.. 'bassador Shade say..' i was aiming  for chest."

 Lyri   glowered at the wounded   Occui as   Stefi moved  to  stopped the Bleeding,..you'er not  an Occui.. you'er a Bald   Mull...

...........

   Beth Patched    Hack through to the  Last Hope.....Beth has   all teh Feeds  from almost all the areas on trhe station now?  except  Avain  areas  and Demon areas......  we are watching your  ship  about to Approach the Inner sphere  ..now...

   Hack  watched  the   whole of the   scene  before them...  LT Miller COMed  from the Bridge...Admiral?... Demonic  fighters in  bound..at least 20...

 ..Have  Lt Frans  Hail them, and   wrn them off..then they may engage ... Send Orders  out to all  fleet vessels for Battlesatons...  any   Empire,  Aqra, or indepent  vessel that   approaches  with armed  weapons is a hot  target.....

 Beth  also adds to ALL COMs, we cannot see what the  Demons  and  Avains are doing..but it works  both ways... I  forze out thier  Vid COms , that belled into  any of the   station areas that  they do  not openly control...

   Hack  watched the  screen  and Listened to teh Cross talk,

 White  sipped from his drink as he sat, Cuffed to his own leg and chair...so?  what do you  do now Oliver?  The Empire  will  use this  as  an excuse to attack the stations and take it over..

 Fluss grinned  darkly,Aqra  will gladly aid them

   Hennings  began to   snicker  abit.....how many  ships  could the Emoire  possibly have out here..

  Mock  sneered,,..there is a Battle  fleet of  30  ships... at Most... 2  hours  away...

 Fluss     raised her   'chin',..we have at least that Many..and  we can  send out the Call..

 Bale  and Hennging  began to  Laugh   as did  Hack.

 how many ships   do   you  think we have?

 we know the Delta Fleet has  some  sort of  ...cloak?... But we have eyes, we have  scouts..or..we had  scouts... we have  between  10..to 15 cap Ships and a few   support ships...

  Hack nodded,..that's a good guess... for ...the Vanguard

  the three looked around   as Hennings and Bale continued to Laugh

 ..I do not understand....

 with out  giving up numbers... we have  More transportbases  then that 'battle fleet' has Cap ships...  In Human ships  alone.. we vastly outnumber the Empire ships.. so?.. they are more then welcome  to   come within broadside  range..As  for Aqra?.. whether they wish to fight us now..or later?.. it matters  little to us.

  Hank  took a seat next to   Admiral White. the  scene  on the ESN portion of the Hanger  dec  calming  down as a fighter  took to the air.

 ..You seem to have  , more the a  few  people down Admiral Hack?

 ..Indedd, for your people's  sake, you best hope not  die... My .....assault teams..tend to frown on thier teamates  dying.

 then Roy's message  comes in...

 Hack  Turned to  White  and said,well Collin?..be nice to  know why you  are working with the EDT?

 ..its  a grey area... Oliver

 ..then color it  for  me, Collin...

 ..Lady V  has come into powerful resources ... she has the Machine of the  Empire  behind her.... though the EDT and  Viper  Fleet  still operate on thier own? The have  formed  an allaince out here, ..The have  an insignia.. the   form of  a hooded  Cobra  with the EDT  logo on its  hood... the resources help keep us   running and..

 ....Larg Crap,,,,, Hennings said  as  everyone turned they didn't turn their backs  on  Human Kind... when given the chance, they signed up.. and do the same thing they have been doing, except they now  attack  enemies of the APF.... You have  allowed pirates to roam free.. I am thinking, for a price?... You deal in goods  with the Empire, when you know those  goods will have..or  flat out..ARE..people...

 ..Beth?..Pas the  word to all  people of the station..all people in the sky.. EDT is formed a union witht eh Viper  fleet... shoot on sight.. we'll apologize  later, if we are worng..

   The Footage Came through.. there was  Gasps..  Melia  Hide  Orria's eyes..though she didn't have to try hard  as Orria buried her face in her  mom's side.

   Hack stood..he looked at the screens then to the three who were cuffed,..my..gods... you have  good  full out Empire?

 Fluss  raised the  'chin'..I believe that is a Compliment?

 Shade did his   machine-0like  laughter  and  Blurted out a stream of sounds,

  Lilit   patted    Orria  gently on the back  as she said,...But Grandmod says....if  getting your ass kicked is a compliment, then you are right... she turned to Shade,..your   Mod and I will have to a discussion on your choice of speech...

 Shade   lowered  his head. Lyri  just winked at him.

 ..so?..what are you going to Do.. Hack?..  shoot us?..make us take the Long walk..do you know how many people are on this station..how they look to us for leadership.. you have already Killed most of the leaders  and...

 Shut the 9 hells up.....we will have a VidCOM  trail... and   we will  over turn the station then... there will be an amnesty for those who do  not  want to be APF , to leave..after that?..it wil be open season..

 ..My people are Not APF..  you cannot Try me...

 HAck looked to Bale   who had   just sipped some wine,..This  is  war, Madam   you are allied with teh Empire, even though you are not sunject to them... since we see for ourselves, that you have harmed ESN and APF peoples... you will..indeed, be listed  as an Empire  Agent..and tried  as such...

 Hack to  Orville Wright... I want a thransport of  troopers   sent to the  Center Sphere to  aid in evacing prisoners from there.... I want a tranport  of Ape folks to land on Axis  North, and proceed   southwards  dowm each main tube..search  and destroy  and  Empire  or Aqra  troops.. capture  any Civies..of thsoe  races... if they get..peccish, tell them to  help themselves , I don't thinh the Empire will mind, 'giving back'..

 Aye Sir. A;ready Done sir... I'll have  two more tranposts  stand By out side if they need to deploy

 Mock said,..you said there would be amnesty?

 .after we overturn the station.... he winked  with a smile...

 ..You Bastard!..you had this planned!

 he  nodded to Si who had a very dark smile,..it was my plan?..the elast  that would happen, would be the cleaning out of a corrupt board... the best that would happen..the people of  the station revolt, and   come to us willingly....but?.. we knew we would  find slaves... we just didn't think it would be this bad...

 ..how  could you  possibly know?

 ..A friend of  our  SM... maybe  you ahve heard of Him.... Gresh ?.. he  came to see us at Etna.. to expand his business.. he also  gave us some information about   LArder transports  making stops  at Anzio...

     They Listened to the Talk on the Comes, it wasn't  Until the  first of the Drop  shuttles   started to clim  to   reach the stations.

  Admiral  White  Cleared his throat.....LC Shadow  and   the Piltos  with you?.. Fring  on A-Sec Fighters   can put You in the brig..for a very long  time...

 ..oh?.. wow?.. Is that Right.. so I guess  shootign thier asses  down is out of the question?

  White looked at   Hack who just shrugged  and watched the Vids...You will stand  down.... you will escort those Drop shuttles   back to thier transport Base... and  left the  Prisoners  where they  have been locked up...

 ..Not Gonna Happen..Sir.. My orders  are out of your paygrade... and..comsidering the  condtions  those peopel were kept in?... and    I have   6 Demon fighters  closing in on me  and My buddies here?... I gotta figure   the whole..' don't shoot  bad guys cause they have a white hat'..goes out the  ejection Tube.. you can discuss things   with General Bale..  his barin is smarter then both ours  put  together....now?.. sit back and watch the light show..

  Hack   Looked at Admiral White.  The  man just lowered his head.

  He looked to  Fluss,  she seemed   haughty .

   Mock... was grinning

  Opening the COMs to   all ships ..This  is Admiral Hack.. I   want the  Fleet to hit  Battlestaions on My Mark.

  Commander Si was  already on her  way to the bridge.. Captain Morris   followed her  out to  get to the Hanger Dec.

 ..I want Pickets  doubled  and spread out another 200 or  so Miles... Have thier  scout   range out from there...ANY..independant ships  will be  hailed  and Boarded... or  ...should they refuse..  captured or   destroyed.. we  don't have time to waste on fense  sitters..... Empire ships  will be attacked on sight, as well as  any Aqra Vessels... on my mark....3.....2......1.... MARK!

  Red Lights  went on   in the room as the Clarion Call Busted   with  Millers  Voice  shouting over the   COMs.....Battle stations...battles Stations.. this in  not a Drill..this is Not a Drill...

 ..PO? if you want to  take  Orria to the Cibie  section  You...

  Orria shook her head,..I stay with 'bassdor  Shade.... I am aide ..

 Hennings  looks  around the    room and says, they are  as safe here   as   anywhere?

 Lilit  said,..Captain  Shadow has   the Bridge on My ship..   where can I be Of Use?

 I would send you down to the Hanger dec... But   I will need you here.. the more  witnesses to these three's  actons..and the effect of thier actions  will be needed in the trial... If things  get bad.. we have a few extra  Fighters...

 Lilit  nodded, ...as you say.. I am ready , when you need me..

 ..you are a fool.... you think you can save the station?... It will be  the primary target... Millions will die,  Just because you wanted to save a few hundred thousands...

 Hack    was   workign with    Beth who had    Shade  helping  tap into the Vids  screens in the room.

 ohhhh... Millions  will die, and that's  a Fact.. do you know how  easy it is to kill fish?... Concussions... poisoned  water.... things added to the water that won't hurt humans   but  mess up fish?.. I have to congratulate you though... Most times we have to go in..Give a warning... then Kill Millions.... now?.. we just have to go in... You... Councilmen  Fluss   have   instituted  an act of war.. you have  aided   the Empire on an ESN  station... and you have caused the  death of  thousands of  APF citizens as well as the Newly protected Gava..... which..I ma sure you new they were 'people'...you just flat out...didn't care...

 Oilver? You cannot  do this This  is the gateway to Deep space.... right now..it is  a ..boarder town..it  is a safe  place for all to come and...

 and   what, Admiral White?..a safe place to  get food.. to  break up famlies.. to eat people alive?.. to teach humans  how to eat people?.... No.. this isn't  what i will tolerate...nor should any APF citizen  tolerate it... his eyes  looked at the Occui, who  just shrugegd and  gave a smart assed  smile.

 beth looked at Hack,..Its  ready, Admiral  Hack...