(( new  thread..after   battle of  funnel))

After talking with Val, Henry sought out the Rec Dec manager to make arrangements for that evening. He asked for a steak dinner to be available - on his tab - along with a vegetarian equivalent (grilled cauliflower), and champagne for toasts. The event was to begin at 8pm. Everyone aboard was invited, making things simple (if expensive!).

 Sam had finished her meal and was just talking with Howe and the other pilots when she got Izzy's comm, and then she responded to it. She had missed her friend and hope she was doing well.

   The  Largs  had their food  brought over by two  older Civie kids . Shadow  helped them take  the Tins  from the cart. He gave the each a  5 cred time  and sat  down as the happy Largs  began to eat.

 The LC looked over the dec to see where Thor  and Mila were.

——> Morris’ Shed

It had been awhile since Izzy had last been able to spend any time with Sam as her posting in the Burian navy kept them apart most of the time and even when they were on the same ship as one another they tended to spend what little time they had with their respective partners. Needless to say she was looking forward to spending a little time with her.

Stepping onto the rec dec Izzy would look around the tables to see if she could spot Sam sitting at any of them.

 Sam had said good bye to Howe for now, she wanted too spend some one on one time with her friend, it had been a long time since they did. Sam was waiting for her and walked up next to her and said," Hi Izzy so good too see you, come lets get a table and catch up on everything."

 Sam went to the closest table and ordered a soda, she asked Izzy if she wanted anything to drink or eat.

When Sam came to meet her, Izzy would smile and give the other woman a hug and a peck on the cheek as she eagerly greeted her "Sam, I haven't see you in like...forever!" she said in an excitable voice before following her to a table so they could talk. After asking the waitress for a soda as well, Izzy would quickly turn her attention back to Sam with her grinning from ear to ear as she spoke "oh my god, When was the last time that we were able to sit and have a chat? It has to be that spa day right after my accident right?" she said, though she hadn't been feeling  particularly sociable then so it may even be further back than that unless she'd forgotten another time "ok well quick recap; my scars have healed up a little and I didn't lose my eye, thank god, though I now have to wear these super cute  glasses pretty much all of the time...things with Lizzy are still great...oh and I'm now in SEC" Izzy rapidly said in order to bring Sam up to speed before continuing at a more relaxed pace and move onto more enjoyable topics "So how are you? How's life in the Burian Navy treating you and more importantly have you hooked up with any little green men?" she asked with an impish smile and a giggle.

 Sam smiled and replied," Yes it has been way too long Izzy." Sam is excited to see and spend some time with Izzy. After she asked how long it was, Sam replied," Oh wow you wherent that talkative after your accident but that was the last time we talked my friend."

 Then Izzy went through her recap, Sam smiled and replied, " Wow yes you look great Izzy, glad you kept your eye, yes I love your glasses they look great on you, and Yes I have heard you over the Comms, you are working with Beth. That is all great Izzy."

 Sam smiled, and replied,"  I am good, went into the tunnels under Roussa and fired a pulse rifle for the first time and did pretty good. Well it isnt easy we did real good in the last battle and we know have part of Roussia as well.  No I havent hooked up with any little green men, I have been spending time with Howe and it is better i kept romantic involvements out of the Burian navy it might get weird." Sam giggled with her friend.

 Then Sam said," So how do you like working with Beth, if you have any questions please ask ok Izzy.?"

 Mara came over, placing a fresh Shake by Shadow, she had one herself.Since when does  the  flying  Ace  get stuck with Larg Duty?

 He Picked up the  cup and nodded to her and took a sip.....I didn't get  stuck, they ran the tunnels with me, then i brought them for some  eats and water.

 wanted to ask you.. I'm supposed to got to the Ball with Waggles?

 Yeah?  neat... you'll have  fun, he's a good guy.

 well?  I wanted to still arrive with the Posse.... can i  still do that?

 Shadow  smiles again,Of Course!..you know the rules.. Bunch of  Hot Ladies  around me for Show, we walk in the door and you guys do what you want to do

 Thanks..I like the Rush of  all those people freaking out..its  fun,  and I like it.Don't..I mean..doesn't it bother you, to be like that..i mean..like, on your own.

  Naw?... you guys  are there  when i need someone...and i have other things  to Think on...

 ..you like your  job, way too much she giggled.

 you know what they say. If you love your  job, you never  work a day in your life

   She gave Shadow a Little Hug,..gotta go.. us   cheerleaders wanna look go for herny's  Wedding.

 Cheerleaders?

  Yeah , filtering through the ship, some dumbassed started it..we  kinda like it..you got a whole  bunch of  cheerleaders...

 Shadow   frowned as he thought... they shrugged  and watched the beasties.

-----> From Black Hanger

Zob arrived a few minutes later and sent a com call to Orria, "Hey Orria its your father... i was wondering if you wanted to have some lunch with me on the rec dec? if so ill be waiting for you here" he then found a booth and waited, being a father was a new thing to him but it was something he wanted to be better at.

Izzy would giggle along with Sam as they talked, with Sam telling her how she had been out in the field for the first time in, or more accurately under, Roussa ”ah so you go out into the boonies? What do reckon, think you could do it full time?” Izzy ask with a smile, with her having previously pegged Sam as being an office girl ”personally I didn’t get to see Roussa, I was on comms duty during the battle and Lizzy didn’t want to go down there” she continued with a shrug that said she wasn’t overly concerned about it.

On the subject of little green men she would give Sam a despairing look before shaking her head with a giggle ”Oh don’t let that stop you, half the people on this ship are jumping in and out of bed with each other, so there’s nothing stopping you from having a little green man…or woman…keeping your bunk warm back in the fleet, I mean you’re certainly pretty enough to find someone to have a little fun with…unless of  course things between you and Steve Howe are more serious than I thought?” she said quirking a questioning brow that was practically screaming for her to spill the beans on whether she and Howe were a couple or simply friends with benefits.

When asked how working with Beth was she would flutter her hand in a so-so gesture as she sipped her drink before replying ”It’s alright, Beth’s nice, I like her and the work is alright though I kind of fell into it truth be told…though I’d love the chance for some more field work preferably without being shot again!” She laughed, not that she was sure she would be getting the chance to do so just yet.

Henry saw Shadow, and brought Thor over to join the rest of the largs.

"He's still a bit small for the tunnels but got some exercise with the youngsters."

He put the young larg down amongst the others, then grinned at Kray.

"Uh. Val and I are to be married here tonight. Hope you'll be around."

 Thor  scrambled over to the Tins  trying  desperatly to crawl up, Stee's  tail  'jut happened  to swing over  by a tin and stay there.. Thoe  cclimed onto that  and   stuck his head into the 'Larg Stew" the stalls  made.

  Shadow smiled   , Held up his   COM with his left hand and  extended his  right..Val  looked a  bit demure with her  smile and  hands clasped in front of her.I saw the message... I'll be here for certain..Congrates, to the Both of you

.........

 Mitch arrived back on the Rec dec... He   found Haley , and asked her.when you are ready to go, let me know, i'll get some food  and drinks  and we  can take them up  for Nikki,and us to eat... You may Come too, Roll, if you want?

 Roll shook his head,`..I was playing alot, I should  help , when its  time to take the Largs   back to the Lab. But thank you.

.......

 Captain Si stepped onto the Dec... she looked over, seeing the  pack of Largs  before notcing Shadow, she   began to walk over to them

Henry spotted Captain Si and looked towards her, seeming a bit nervous.

"I don't know if Val has anything in mind - it's a human tradition that the bridegroom doesn't see the bride in her dress before the wedding - but if she wants, might she borrow one of your Angel silk gowns?"

Haley waved when she saw Mitch.  "Okay.  Did you hear Doc Christie and Val are gettin' married?" she said excitedly.  "Can seemed Happy" She turned to Roll beside her as he spoke.  "Would it be okay if I played a bit longer?" she asked

 Mitch looked at the Clock,yeah..let's say another  Hour, Just in case  Nikki wants to  get ready and  come here  for the  wedding thing.

 Can smiled up at Mitch... I never had a Mommy  ..AND  a Daddy!... i had a pack once, but the 'serted me..now?.. I have a whole  buch of pack members!


 The three  would  head back down to the field..after Mitch made sure they has  a soda.

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

 Captain Si Smiled,of Course?... Val  may come up  with me  after  i speak to the LC.. it  will not take  very long.

 Val  smiled and  said,Thank you Ma'am.

 Turning to  Shadow , she loked him over...I have  two cousins  comign over   with the Paradise Fleet..they seem to be highly placed in ZU-IS's  command  staff..

  Shadow  shrugged,letme know who they are , I'll try not to hurt them too bad...

 She cleared her throat...They are  Both  Captains.. JO-VN is a Captain  in the  Fleet Marines.  he is rather known to be a good fighter...SA-TN is a Pilot, she  has a  fighter wing on one of the  other Vessels...

 She looked to henry, then to  Shadow,both have  been....how shall I say..outspoken. As to  Oliver and  Me being married.... if you happened to  get into a scrap with either of them, do not feel the need to hold back....I am trying to  work it out, where i so not have to  be  on the sidelines for this....but just incase... you treat  the  Paradise Angels, who they need to be treated...  as  Earth Sayings  Go... They are not In Kentucky  any longer..

 ..Kansas...Ma'am...

 Kansas?

 ..the sayiong, they aren't in Kansas  anymore...

 Really?.. well.. you get the point, Aye..Carry on..Let us be off , Val... as she  'shoos' Val in the direction of  the  lifts, Nil says to  Henry...There will be some of  ZU-IS's   Bio-Techs  there..... they may or may not wish to speak with you depending  how 'beneth' them , they feel we are.....but.. I am most certain, The LC  will help straighten out most of that....when we have the  Meeting, the day after the Ball.. you will be there to  add whatever   Science  views that may be needed.

 After  Henry's answer,  Sim gives Shadow a Hug......They expect us to be  'barbarians' compared to the Paradise  fleet...make certain they  are not disappointed!

 as the walk away, Nifty looks up from the table he, Jax  and  Jumping Lion Have...So?..LC..what's a guy gotta do to get a  straight  up hug from  The Captain?

 Shadow patted the  trooper on the shoudler,well?  first , she and  The Admiral had to be your second mom and Dad... then there's the whole, killing a bunch of people for them... he winked  and    went over to henry.

 Niftly  frowned,..damn..i have the  whole  killing folks  down... I just never had  FIRST, mom or dad...


 Jax takes a bite of his  burger,Preaching  to the  singing people...

 Sadow's voice  drifted over..CHOIR!!!..Preaching to the Choir!!  comom!..doesn't anyone read?

 Jumping Lion and Jax   just looked at Nifty and shrugged.

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

 Zob and Orria  were eating , she  still seemed a bit  tired...but was chatting up a storm about  Vid Flows  and  COM flows.

 Zob Noticed the interaction between  the Captain and Shadow.

 Sam giggled and replied," Oh my that was rough, going into those tunnels I shot some of those black things. I would rather stay at my console on the Bridge of the Vengeance." Sam giggled again. Sam looked at Izzy with a look of disgust for Roussa and replied, " Oh Izzy you didnt miss anything, that place was a pit, those cat things stunk, then those oily creatures, you didnt miss much trust me."

 After Izzy spoke about the little green men again, and Steve, Sam blushed a lot and replied," Well I do like him a lot, I just dont know if he feels the same way about me. We have fun together when we can but being on different fleets hurts. Yeah if I umm ever need a  itch scratched I know a couple good looking Burians that would gladly help out hehehe." Sam giggles loudly.

 Then Izzy answered her question about Beth, Sam couldnt hide how she felt about Beth, she was amazing and the best Computer hacker she has ever seen. "  Well listen to Beth she knows her shit, she is way better then me in a lot of areas. Well if you want to do field work, then ask to do it, umm Izzy what are you doing with Tali?" Sam wondered what happened to Tali , her drone after she moved to SEC.

Haley thanked Mitch for the soda with a smile as they went to go play for a bit more. "I got a Papaw...but Nikki told me he's in jail or somethin' like that.  My mamaw was killed by bad men along with brothers and sisters.  Nikki usta babysit us all now and then, thats why she gets to watch me now.  She said we was like family then, so I'm part of her family now." She seemed like she was sad but then gave a bit of a skip or two "But DocChristie and Val gittin' married...You gets to have a mommy and daddy that love each other and you"

  Time  came   and Mitch ordered  finger foods and  drinks.. Roll said he was going to stay, Mitch got him and Can a meal to , and the Two boys  waved to Haley and Mitch as they  left

 they sat  and ate a  hot  dog with a soda  and  coin cut  fries.

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

 Shadow    Told the Largs  to saddle up, they would have to go to the Lab and  get rest.. The Lc  Helped the  Stall guys  put  the  half eaten  times on the  carts, giving them each another 5 cred tip.

 Roll looked at Henry,Id  Can needs a place to stay tonight  with the married stuff going on? He  can stay with me at my house?

 The largs  moved out. Thor , trying valiantly ,to keep Up Shadow  scooped him up, like a 2 footlong Football and  carried him.. Thor  looked about, Tail thumping in the  air.

 I'm taking them down, and let Disna and Puskie settled them in, then cleaned up for   the  wedding.. see you then!


Shadow   to  Shadow's  quarters ( after dropping off Largs )>>>>>>>>>>>

<<<<<<<<<<<< from Hanger Dec

  The   4 APF   warriors  arrived, Nugest  was hunger, Lirg and Frakas were as well, but  looked more for a drink.. They sat  down  in the middle were SEC  folks Normally sat

---->>> From hanger Dec

 Meari walked in with Nugest, Lirg and Frakas but she was walking closer too Frakas.  Meari sat with them, ordered some food but mostly pitchers of beer.

Many of the Gava showed up with their casual tunics and such.  They ate as well.  there were 5 of them,  Each was going to take turns for someone to stay and help Onnu, who really just seemed to want to sleep the wounds off.  Grabbing a few meals they of course sat looking away as to the way they ate.
Getting sustenance, let the others dance and do as they wanted  Jug got up and said she be back in a few moments.  She walked toward the kids playing.  She gave a slight 'nondangerous' grin.  She approached Can.  "Hello Can.  Are you doing well?" she hoped he would remember her from just after the football game when she sat on the grass and talked before helping by bringing him to the apartment with other kids.  "I am sorry I have not seen you sooner.  I have heard that Doctor Christie and Val are becoming a bonded pair tonight.  Congratulations on having a mother and father pair"

  Can looked at  Jug and Smiled , Roll smiled a bit too.. Can offered Jug some  'coin fries'.

  Doc Daddy has had me getting used to  where i am to live with him?... i am going to have  my own room...Roll says we  might get to go to the beach on Etna, since there is  all kinds of important stuff going on with the  big party .

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

 The  4  Taller  warriors  sat. most of the Talk was about the attack on the station

 Nugest said,we should have  killed  all the  empire on the  station..we should not have left.

 ...we could not stay, they out numbered us by big numbers..the only thing that saved us, was the funny looking aircraft  blew up some elevator  tubes

 Frakas  agreed,....The Admiral called us back, when he  saw feeds from the bowels of the station...we have too many more Empire people to kill, to die  on one  we can blow up.

"I'll be there. Captain Si," said Henry, "And, thank you."

Now, what else needed sorting? 2 plain metal bands. Can could be ring bearer. Oh. And he'd need a best man. He looked round... who could he ask? Roy? Kray? Jug? Zob?

With her friend’s cheeks looking very bright against her pale hair, Izzy would giggle as her friend said that although she was unsure as to the nature of her relationship with Steve that she did know of a couple of Burians that would be more than willing to keep her entertained ”I wish I could help you with that but I kind of hooked up with the first woman willing to sleep with me…all I can say is that you need to decide whether you want to take things further with Steve and if so talk to him about it, or whether you would like to get someone else to scratch your itches for a while” she gently said as she leaned across to give Sam’s hand a reassuring squeeze before continuing ”you know sometimes I regret having not played the field a little before meeting Liz, I mean including her I’ve only had sex with two people and the other was a man! It kind of makes me feel very naive especially knowing that I wasn’t even Lizzy’s first lover on the Hermes” Izzy confessed a soft whisper that would keep what she was saying just between the two of them ”…also for the record I was almost certain Harry was going to make a move on you, she couldn’t keep her eyes off of you when we were at the spa together!”

As the conversation turned back to work, with Sam suggesting she talked to Beth, with just a hint of hero worship in her voice, Izzy would look just a little uncertain as she replied ”I dunno…I think she may be a little too advanced for me, I’m pretty good with communications but the whole hacking, computer thing is a little beyond me at the minute, as for field work I’m not sure they would let me even if I did ask” She sighed giving her a curious look when she asked her what her plans for Tali were, with Izzy being unaware that Sam knew about her little drone before replying ”she’s in storage at the moment though I do have a project in mind for her, I just need to talk to the right people before I go much further with it”

 Meari listened and sat next to Frakas, she then added," Well it was hard going, it was better to pull back and then just blow them up too many forces on what was suppose to be a simple support ship. It seemed more like a vessel for attacking to me with that many troops on it." Meari took a sip of her 'pitcher' of beer. " Well in the end the ship and the troops where destroyed, a victory for the APF but a costly one. "

 Meari then decided to see how this group liked the Paradise Angels that where on their way. " Well this Ball will be very different when the weak gutless Paradise Angels show up, how could you sit by for a 1000 years selling off your people. Then want to join in and LEAD the APF, yes I will take their resources but like all of us they need to prove themselves first and yes they have been fighting for a long time BUT Admiral Hack has done more in 6 years then the Paradise Angels have done in 6,000 years. I spit at them and their cowardice."

 Sam smiled at Izzy and replied," You found someone special, and Lizzy is umm very unique I think is a very good way too describe her. Well did you decide to sleep with her, or did Lizzy seduce you." Sam giggled and smile dat her good friend. " I will talk with Howe at the Ball and see where we go from here, but with me stationed on the Burian Fleet it will be hard to maintain a true relationship."

 Sam held Izzy's hand and said," Well you found someone special right off the bat, go with it Izzy, feel lucky, and enjoy it we are fighting a war and we dont know what tomorrow will bring other then stuck up cowardly Paradise Angels. Oh Izzy yes Lizzy has been around from what I hear but you should feel honored you seem to have tamed her." Sam giggled even more.

 When Izzy said Harry had the hots for her, Sam blushed and replied," Oh yes I sort of noticed she was checking me out, I had one bad experience with a woman I am not against trying again, also how is Harry I heard she was severely wounded on her first battle with SEC?" Being a secured comm's officer Sam pretty much knew everything that was going on in the fleet and she did pay close attention to any Hermes news she heard.

 Sam smiled again and replied," Well Izzy she is almost out of my league as well, I could give you some pointers or Beth could set up classes for you if you wish to pursue it more. Hey I would ask if that is what you wish too do." Sam saw Izzy's look and replied," I was just wondering if you had to return Tali since you where no longer part of the Media, and that is great Tali could be very useful in the field with the right modifications, if you need any help with that please let me know, I would love to help re-program Tali for you."

There was a bit of a blush and a giggle when Sam pointed out that Izzy had simply found someone special on her first try and shouldn’t worry about her relative inexperience with her claiming that she should be proud because she had managed to tame her ”I don’t know about that, I just think she was done with the whole free spirit thing and looking to settle down with someone…and yeah she definitely seduced me” Izzy giggled before giving Sam a sympathetic look as she spoke of Steve and how them being not only on different ships but in different fleets would make maintaining a serious relationship very hard ”Like I said you need to have a long hard think about whether having a long distance relationship with Steve is really what you want or whether you wouldn’t be better off staying as just friends” she said hoping that Sam really would give it some thought and wouldn’t rush into anything.

The conversation had then meandered to that of Harry, with Sam having noticed the other woman’s interest in her during the spa trip and with her seemingly open to the idea of having a girlfriend should the right one come along. It was then that she would ask how Harry was doing having heard that she had been injured during the recent fighting ”I’m not sure really…I saw her on the rec dec earlier looking very pale and with her arm in a sling, but she didn’t come and sot us…I…um…take it you’ve heard that she had a bit of a breakdown?” she said dropping her voice for the last part, uncertain as to how much Sam had heard as well as not wanting to broadcast the topic of their conversation to the entire dec. She actually kind of liked Harry as she had been pretty much the only person to stand up for her back when she was in the media and she kind of wanted to return the favour, not that she was sure on how to do that.

It was around that point that Izzy’s comm’s unit would buzz with her giggling as she read the message from Lizzy ” oh dear, it looks like someone is getting a little excitable” Izzy giggled as she showed Sam the message before quickly writing out a reply ”ok Liz, deep breath’s, I’ll come see you in a bit I’m currently with Sam on the rec dec…how about that nice red dress you have?” Izzy suggested, smiling as she recalled the low cut red dress Lizzy had, though to be fair Lizzy had a lot nice dresses and would look ravishing in any of them.

With the message sent she would pick up where she had left off with Sam as they spoke of work ”hmm maybe a few pointers wouldn’t hurt seeing as I seem to have been attached to Beth’s team, and it would be great if you could help me with a little off the books programming work though I need to speak to some people first before I go any further with the project” She said knowing that the entire thing was still very much in the early stages and entirely dependent on whether she could sell the idea to people higher up the chain of command before she proceeded any further with it.

  The  4 bigger warriors, chatted Lirg and Frakas a bit  more eloquently .

 Lirg stated,it will not be for  ones, such as us to decide... alot will happen   at the conferance  the day after the Ball...that will be the Fate of the  ESN and APF.

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

 Ellen her arm no longer in the sling  but she  carried it   a bit  tenderly. Scarlett was  with her and Chatting  to  Folkes  as the  stopped at Sam and Izzy's table.

 Scarlett Looked at the  two of them.You two know about  dress day tomorrow..right?

 Sam smiled and replied to Izzy," Well either way she seems settled down and yes doesnt that make you feel good she came after you ?" Sam giggled with Izzy, then she talked about Steve and the long distance relationship. Sam then said," Yes I will think about it, and talk with Steve and go from there.

 Then they talked about Harry, Sam was Happy she was recovering from her injuries, then she asked if she heard about Harry. Sam smiled and replied," I hear about everything Izzy, I am plugged into Beth's Network. I heard about her transfer to SEC for Medical Psyche. I dont know what happened I just heard about her transfer."

 Then Izzy answered her comms, Sam read the message and giggles, Lizzy did seem very excited about a wedding. Sam waited for Izzy to get done and then said," Yes I would say so, there is wedding tonight here on the Hermes?" Lizzy was very emotional, but Sam wondered if that was why she was such a good fighter pilot she could channel that emotional into her piloting.

 Sam smiled and replied," Sure I can show you a few things, and yes if you need my help with Tali just let  me know I would love to help out."

 Sam then smiled at Scarlett and replied," Yes I got a message from Captain Si, thank you I will be there."
This message was last edited by the player at 09:44, Fri 09 July 2021.

"It would be nice to go.  If several of us are there we can play the Gavan game so many of you liked" She grinned.  Being polite she took 1 of the coin fries.  She knew it was the stem kids way of showing friendship.  "I am glad you are with us"

 Meari smiled and replied," Yes it wont be up to us, but if they ask me I will tell them they have no right to lead. I have a good feeling how War Lord Lilit will respond to the Paradise Angels, she hates them more then I do I think." Meari talked and laughed with tte other three warriors. Meari thought it would be bad for someone to piss of this table all they where missing was Zob to complete the group. " Yes they will and I have a feeling Admiral Hack will not back down to this blow hard."

Zob continued to listen to Orria talk about all the various com work she was doing for Beth etc and while most of it went over his head he was still proud of her, "I was planning on getting you a new computer for work at home, but you and Beth are much better informed then me so if you find something you like let me know and ill see about getting it for you"

Zob had overheard a few other conversations about the angels and there was no doubt in his mind he was gonna have a scuffle with several of them during this stay at Etna for no other reason then simply he was demonkin, "Dr Henry's wedding is gonna be starting in about a hour did you wish to attend? if not i can bring you back home, mother should be off duty by then"
This message was last edited by the player at 12:36, Fri 09 July 2021.

”It feels better knowing that she didn’t leave me when then this happened” she replied indicating the scars on her face and neck. Although they had healed up and looked better than when her and Sam had last spoken they were still very obvious not to mention the tiny details you noticed when you got up close to her such as the corner of her mouth being slightly misshaped and half of her eyebrow having not grown back properly ”…before I was just something young and pretty to keep her entertained, but now I actually know that she wants to stay with me” Izzy continued with a coy flush on her cheeks that showed how much that gesture and Lizzy meant to her ”I really love her Sam” she whispered looking dangerously close to tears before quickly changing the topic of conversation.

”I’m not really sure what happened with Harry, you’d have to ask her” Izzy said with a shrug, though whether she would actually tell Sam what had happened was debatable, then again she may appreciate Sam showing an interest in her as so many people just seemed to avoid her entirely. It was then that Sam would enquire about the wedding causing a cheeky grin to appear on Izzy’s face ”I thought you knew everything that happened on the Hermes?” she teased giggling mischievously before answering her question ”From what I hear Dr Christie and Val are getting married in an hour or so, hey here’s an idea why don’t you come back to mine, Lizzy will be getting ready by now, you can borrow one of my dresses, go to the wedding and then maybe the three of us could hit the pulse afterwards, what do you think?”
This message was last edited by the player at 22:32, Fri 09 July 2021.

 The  SEC folks nodded to Sam, they looked at each other  and  walked away.

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

  workers  were setting up the tables ( after  Shooing some patrons to the Back or to sit in the tiers.)

  A Semi circle was Being formed with the Open  end facing the  Elevator,  and a 'red carpet  beign laid out from the Lift to the  Vid Machine, that was near the Middle of the  Dec.

   Extra  folks from the  Civie  section were called up to help stage the  Stalls for the food  thay would be serving.

The group eating decided to move for the table set up.bog grabbed Jugs meal and drink as well to take to her.  one gava finished his meal and went to change shifts with Onnu.  Uvuvu decided to go shopping and those remaining followed her into the civie area.

Zob checked the time and flagged down a waitress to pay for his and Orria's food before deciding to take her back home and get changed for the event.

------> To Civie Section

 Sam smiled and said," Well I could tell Lizzy saw more than your looks Izzy."  Sam looked at Izzy and replied," I dont think that at all, like I said I think there was more from the start Izzy."  Sam listened and kind of felt what was coming next, Sam took her hand and said," I can tell Izzy and I bet she can as well." Sam said quietly. Izzy looked close to tears and then she completely changed the subject.

 After Izzy mentioned talk to Harry, Sam replied," Well not sure how long I will be on board but I can also talk to her at the Ball."  Then Izzy poked fun at Sam for not knowing about the wedding. " Well I am not at my Comm Station am I, I still need my gadgets Izzy." Sam giggled with Izzy and then listened and then replied happily." Oh yes I heard they where planning a wedding and I did help them adopt Can, I will be there. Yes we can do that, lets head back and get ready I feel I should be there."

 Sam then paid for the bill and left a big tip, and then said," Well come on Izzy they need these seats anyways." Sam then headed for the lifts to the Officer Quarters.

---->>>>> To Officer Quarters

With Sam agreeing to her proposal that she borrowed one of her dresses for the wedding, with Izzy probably being the only person on the Hermes from whom the diminutive Sam could borrow clothes from, Izzy would swallow the last mouthful of soda before getting up and tossing a twenty cred tip of her own onto the table before joining Sam as they headed back towards her quarters to get ready for the wedding.

---> Officers Quarters

  The Admiral Arrived  with Hennings  and Bale.. Bale of course, when handle the  'legal' end of the marriage, while  The Admiral Handled the ceremony

 They Moved to   the Vid  machine.  Hemsly was there  hooking things up  to broadcast on a lower channel for the Hermes crew who might have  wanted to take part, but could not.

  Dana  had a table set up  with a  bottle  of  wine in a  Ice Caddy, there  were  some long stem glasses there.

a 'sideboard' of  sorts was  set up  with shots  for toasting the  happy Couple.

------> From Civie Section

Zob pulled out all the stops getting dressed up for Dr Henrys wedding if it wasn't for him he would of likely been spaced long time ago when the elevator dinged on the rec dec he stepped off and adjusted his glasses as he stood out of the way to let the workers do their business.

The black trench coat is made from a very fine Burian wool with angel silk lining on the inside, with it features a double breasted button closure, broad lapels, four external pockets and a textured design, the buttons are made from a very fine astra silver that glistens in the light like moonlight.

The black dress suit itself is made of the finest silk which forms very well over his physique, with this he sports a pair of gold rimmed luxury men's sunglasses tying the look together in one impressive display of badassery.

<<<<<<<<< Shadow, Shade  from quarters

 The two entered  Rec dec,  Moving  along the gathering groups , Shadow frowned a bit  at alot of the dress unifroms..but htere were a few who just had off duty clothes on.

Preceeded by the larg pack, Mila by his side, Henry entered the Rec Dec, dressed in a black suit, white shirt, white bow tie, and a billowing scarlet gown with blue silk facings and sleeves (an Oxford DPhil gown, actually).

He looked round, saw Zob, and beckoned to him.

"Would you do me the honour," he said nervously, "Of being the best man. You stand beside me and make sure I don't run away at the last minute. And hand over the rings at the appropriate point in the ceremony. Find Can. He's to stand with us as ring-bearer. He gives them to you when they are needed. Here they are."

Roy arrived shortly before the ceremony was scheduled to begin, in full dress--unlike Shadow, Roy had multiple uniforms.  He'd ruined enough of them to find it prudent.  But it had necessitated stripping all his decorations off one and putting the on the other, which had been much of the delay to his arrival.  It was, however, the most formal attire he owned, and he felt the occasion called for it.

He looked around, pleased to see the turnout, ambivalent about what some people chose to wear to celebrate what was, to him, such an auspicious occasion...but he kept his thoughts to himself.  This time was for Henry and Val, and he wasn't going to draw focus away from them by showing seeds of contention.

He'd made arrangements so that Security duties were covered by newer crew members, freeing up the more senior personnel who'd served with Dr. Christie the longest, to attend the ceremonies, with explicit instructions to the Duty Officer to notify him immediately of any incidents outside the normal daily events they dealt with.

He grinned as Henry, visibly agitated, moved across the deck, in his professorial regalia, walking over to him as he stood talking with Zob.  "Congratulations, Dr. Christie...Henry," he offered, and then corrected.  While it felt like a formal event, the use of his title and last name felt oddly impersonal.

   Jax, Nifty and Jumping Lion served  as Ushers. Guiding  people to the large  Semi-circle of chairs.

 Nifty met   Nic and Harry at the Lifts, they were ushered into  a row, about halfway up, sitting next to  Frans and Eckles with Mara closet to the   bulkhead.( to the right of the Recdec as you neter)

  Jax met Izzy Lizzy and Sam, leading them, across the Dec, to  Sit  with Maria, Folkes,Ellen  along with  Cora  and Will. ( to the Left as you enter.)

  Can had a Little suit on, Sneak  and taken him to th4e Civi store  and got him one.The Little  kid  was smiling, whether it was because of the suit...The wedding, or both!

 The Largs where Lined up Just to the Back of where Zob and Henry would stands..Disna  and Puskie nehimnd them ( with a rather wiggly Thor.

 Roll stood  at the  end of the line( the Largs lined up from Largest to smallest..though the drop of  was , rather pronounced  when they Got to Gregor. Roll worn his Unifrom with his little  'sword" all polished

The Admiral  stood  by the table ( with Dana dressed in one of  her past Angel Silk dresses)  Admiral Hennings  to his left, General Bale  to his  right, a spot left open, presumed to be  for Captain Si.

 Haley had been  'adducted" by Cora who had  to rush her down to  captain Si's  quarters.

 Nikki and  Mitch  were seated  at the Back..Nikki was give  the Option to remain in her  chair, or, dismount and sit.

 Melia showed in a dress uniform , sitting at the Back, she looked  a bit pleased.

 Shadow greeted   Henry after  Roy, shook his hand  and gave him a   bump on the Shoulder,Congrates  , Doc..nice to seem   good people, have good stuff happen.

 There was a place  for  Shadow, Roy , Beth, Lyri, Captain Morris ,Stefi,and Rivets  on the front  right...on the  front  Left were The QM, and Henry's 6 Lab folks.

 Morgan, Kira  and  Andre, were  in the Row  behind Lizzy and will and the rest

 there was  faint  sounds  of  food being cooked all the stalls   had joined together to cook the dishes  that Henry had Outlined...except one of the Pizza stalls, that made pizza for 'back up"

 others  filed in, Most of the Pilots letting  SEC troopers  take seats   closer, since they served  with henry on the Ground.  Lucky stood  with Vaka in the BAck Lirg and  'his group' stood behind them

Arnie had come in, with Billie, he would be working the  'drinks' table, but not until the meals  were eaten.

 CE-VA was like a Felrite on speed, as she  moved  about  , catching the  Ceremony on Vids..which were  also sent to  The  Fleet...Garrat's ship had a direct feed, so he and others with him  could watch, if he did not make it.

 Lilit  and Dusk entered, Both wore   Full dress, they were seated  behind  Shadow, Until Shadow stoof up, Had  Dusk take his  place,  and he sat with Lilit...Dusk and Shade where 'hatched ' in Bio-Tech, after all. Dusk Smiled  at  Roy as she sat next to him, and  the two siblings gave each other  'thumbs up'
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:44, Sat 10 July 2021.

Hemsly's COM  Buzzed, The Brass turned and Looked  at Him, McCloud  stood   and stared  at him, Cat pulling him down in his seat   as  she whispered something and turned to look at the  Lift.

 Hemsly Grinned  at The Admiral and winked, he  nodded to the doors  and   some  Soft music( Burian)  lilted through the   rec dec.

The  Doors  opened As Henry and Zob stood at the front to the left of  The Admiral ( right as you walk in)..

 Teddy Vorse  walked  out, Pulse  riflr shining, he was  in Dress Marine blues.  He stpeed out of  the doors, stopping    where the chairs  began, By  Nikki's chair, then stepped off the  red Carpet.

  Orria  followed,walking down the  aisle dressed in a pale Blue angel silk dress, tailored by The Captain's  seamstresses..her   hair had been  done up, and a tiny bit of make up to add to her  position. She   walked  up rather slowly,   and smiled  at people who gave little waves. or  winks. She stood on the  right  hand side of the Admiral when she reached the spot.

  The Music Continued as  Haley walked  out, she  also wore a  Angel silk dress  that had been tailored for her..she held  a basket of Flowers , she tossed   multicolored   flower petals  as she tried to measure her steps,,counting to her self..Blushing  at the Poeple who smiled and made comments  of how 'cute' she looked, with her own dash of makeup..but her   lips would go back to silently counting her steps..she finally reached the  Admiral and stepped off to the side, Orria   touching her  arm and whispering something  that made Haley smile big.

 Then...the Music  changed...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kD1p8uvQCn4

    The Captain stepped out in Full dress, offering her   arm  to  Val... Val was dressed in a Long angel silk Gown of  White, a Veil hand been added  and preened into  her  hair. A arrangement of   fresh Burian Flowers ( most Likely flown in on the shuttles) was in her grasp   as they  walked up the Carpet, while the  Music played.

 Her hair  came over  each shoudler,, breaided from the top, but  loose , like brushed  at the  end,  the  scooped  front, gave hints of her charms, while maintaining  a bride's modesty.

  They Reached the    Admiral, , The Captain Gave her a  little  Hug, then  stepped to the spot next  to Hennings.

 Val looked at   Henry.....hi....

In reply to Henry Christie (msg # 43):

(Minor Flex)

Zob looked a tad bit surprised but after a few moments nodded, "It be a honor Dr Henry, again congratulations" he then would follow Henry into the appropriate position as he waited for things to start it would be a new experience being a part of a earth style wedding.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:46, Sat 10 July 2021.

Kira came in her dress uniform and took a seat in the assigned area, "That is absolutely adorable" she said in reference to the young girls walking down the aisle before looking to Morgan, "So this is a earth style wedding yes?" she asked considering she grew up in a Occui society and it was different.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:41, Sat 10 July 2021.

She smiled softly as she looked over everyone that was gathered. Admittedly, she really didn't know Henry or Val but she would show her support regardless. Leaning over, Billie kissed Arnie on the cheek and moved to help him setup if needed.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:46, Sat 10 July 2021.

   Can stood next to  Zob Lookign up, he grinned  as the Music  stared and the Girls began to come  down the 'aisle'

 Morgan whispered...I'm sure, if they had, had time to prepare, Val would have picked  clsoe   friends to  be bridesmaids or bridesmen.... Orria  would  he 'Maid of  Honor" since she is the   main bridesmaid... Haley  seems to  cover  both,  as a Junior bridesmaid  and Flower Girl...The Captain appears  to be filling in for  'Father of the bride" as she will 'give her away' to Henry.

 Zob, is Henry's 'best man' to stand  with him in this,  He'll get the rings from Can, who appears to be the Ring Bearer... some Human folks  have Massive, over the top weddings  with 10 or more attendants..so..just go to a  Official had have papers  signed.... he shrugs,....the size and scope of the wedding  does not  equate to if that marriage will last?...

 Arnie smiled  at  Billie,Time enough to set up after  the  ceremony ..Beta  will be  down as well, so people might get drinks , other then what the  Rec dec will provide.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:48, Sat 10 July 2021.

"Thanks, Zob," said Henry, still looking nervous. Mila sat down on his right foot.

He accepted the congratulations of Roy and Kray, thanking them for coming. He noted all the medals and wondered if he ought to have worn his. Bit late to haul them out now.

He took his place with Zob towering beside him and Mila close by, positively radiating joy. Where was Can? He'd beckon the little guy over to stand with them and hold the rings as soon as he saw him.

Then, the procession began. Henry's heart caught in his throat and his mouth went dry, in contrast to his palms which were sweaty. He held his breath as Val appeared, a vision of loviless. He was a lucky man indeed.

---> Officers quarters

Arriving on Nic's arm, having given up any pretence of keeping their budding relationship quiet, Harry would offer Nifty a nervous smile before following him to their seats. Despite her choice of clothing being a little casual compared to the dress uniforms being worn by some of the others it would be obvious that she had gone to some effort to look nice for the occasion with her even having gone as far as to polish her boots to a military sheen and wear a touch of black lipstick making her deathly pallor seem a deliberate fashion statement rather than the simple truth that she was currently recovering from a nasty injury, with her look only slightly ruined by the sling she was wearing.

Once she was seated next to Nic, she would take his hand in hers and silently watch the procession, only leaning in once to whisper to him "Oh they look so adorable, and she's beautiful...she looks like a princess in that dress" with just a touch of envy and longing in her voice as she watched the bride walking down the aisle towards Henry.

[From Officer's Dec]

The pair used the lift to get to the Rec dec and then off to the side to a spot that Harry could see everything. From there the pair would watch as the Doc walked up to his bride-to-be for the main event. He clasped Harry's hand between his, curious since he had really never met the bride and groom before. At least not more than in passing.

He glanced to the side at her a moment and then gave her hand a squeeze at her whispered words. Just the tone told him that some dreams she had never given up. Well that was a thing. They watched the procession, Harry's hand in his, as the bride started down what ever was considered the aisle. Leaning a little bit he wondered who was taking the position as the father of the bride.

 Meari had gone back to her quarters and got got into her dress uniform and then came back and sat with Lirg, Nugest and of course Frakas. She watched the ceremony this was the first time she had seen a human wedding.

——> Officers Quarters

The trio of smiling women would step out of the lift to greeted by Jax who would escort them to their seats, with Izzy offering a smile and a bit of a wave to the SEC troopers with whom she had recently served before taking a seat between Lizzy and Sam. Taking Lizzy’s hand within her own she would gently kiss the backs of her fingers before holding her hand within her lap as Val walked down the aisle in an Angel silk dress to die for as she contemplated not for the first time the possibility of getting married herself should she ever find the money and courage to buy her beloved an engagement ring, though that was a problem for another day. Tonight they were here to celebrate Val and Henry’s marriage and what would hopefully be many happy years to come.

----->>>>> From Officer Quarters

 Lizzy came walking onto the rec dec all dressed up for an amazing wedding she smiled at Jax and followed him to their seats. Lizzy would wave at Nikki and Harry as she walked by them to get to her seat, she smiled and waved at Will, Cora and the others. Lizzy then saw Cora run off with Haley.

 Lizzy took Izzy's hand as Val came down the aisle with Captain Si., Lizzy couldnt control herself and began crying she was so happy for Doc Christy and Val. Lizzy looked at Izzy and gave her a look she would love to be wearing a wedding gown.

------>>>>>> From Officer's Quarters

 Sam walked onto the Rec Dec with Izzy and Lizzy, she smiled at Jax and followed him to their seats. She smiled at waved at Doctor Christy she hoped he remembered who she was, she also waved at Can they met when he was getting onto the shuttle too Bura.

 Sam sat next to Izzy on the other side of Lizzy, so Izzy was between them. Sam watched and listened as Val walked sown the aisle with Captain Si, she saw Zob standing with Doctor Christy as well. She smiled as Val got to the front and the service was about to start.

 When the music  stopped,, At the Admiral  truned the Mic on, for everyone to hear, including those in  the  Fleet and the IS.

 Shipmates...Fleet mates  and fellow federation folks.  Though there have  been many   weddings, of sorts , since the  Hermes left Earth. But those wedding   either took place on other vessels, Stations  or Colonies . This is a first for  The Hermes, ..but our second
 wedding, As SGT Zobaich and PO  Kristensen were  wed on  Roussa...

  Before I begin.. I wish to say, Both of  these Shipmates, have  worked hard for the Fleet and the Goal of  why we are out here.... The Fact  that they have found each other, Stayed Ture and are willing  to Commint, is  a inspiration to us all... Now?...let us begin...

  He Opened a   Book , recited the regs ,allowing him to preform the  ritual. Turning to look from one to the other..... You have both  went through, things , any  run-of-the mill group of people might only have nightmares about...now, you will join together, stronger as a Team.

  Do you,  Henry Christie, Take Val Delune to be your lawfully wedded  wife... To share  Lives good times and bad times, and to  Remain together  as long as you both shall live?

   The people listen and watched. some   taking COM pics.. some  explaining what was goign on to those who had never saw an event like this.

 Cora's head  rested on  Wills  Shoulder, he slipped  an arm around her.

  Dusk watched    as she  had  eyes  of  green. Beth smiled a  soft peaceful  smile  The largs  remained  still, maybe a turn of  a ehad, here  or there. Thor was still wiggling about, By  Disna  and Puskie ahd he  under control

 Mara  whispered somethign  about Val looking great in her Gown.  Eckles  sighed at that. Frans  Just nodded  and watched.

Roy was surprised to realize that the few weddings he'd been to in his life had been filtered through his own bitterness at his father remarrying after his mother had passed away...for the first time he could recall, he watched the proceedings with peace in his heart.  What made the difference, he couldn't quite put his finger on...his best guess was that both bride and groom were as good as family to him, by his standards.  Yes, Val was a vision in her gown...but he'd seen beautiful brides before, and nervous grooms in their finery.

But this time, as no other wedding he'd attended before, was different.  Everyone around him was part of the Hermes crew...they'd fought and bled together, endured the loss of friends and loved ones. There was no worry about whether they were right for each other, no concern about whether the families would get along or how the in-laws would take to their respective new additions. Everyone was there for both Henry and Val.

And that, to Roy, added special significance.  He let out a quiet sigh, releasing the tension he'd expected to carry through the ceremony, and relaxed minutely.

Henry took a deep breath. It didn't seem to contain any oxygen. His eyes blurred and time stood still.

He took another deep breath, resisted the words that had slippd into his mind and said what he was supposed to...

"I do."

A smile spread across his face, as he waited for the next part of the ceremony.

 Lizzy had her Comm out taking pictures and video, she was crying tears of Joy. She knew of Doctor Christy, she didnt know him well but he was a part of the Hermes Family. Lizzy was happy, smiling and crying all at once. She heard Doctor Christy say I do and her heart jumped. Lizzy did look at Izzy and wondered when Izzy would ask her too get married.

 Sam smiled and was very happy for both Val and Doctor Christy, she was very happy for Can, he now has a fully married pair of parents. Sam was very happy she found the best home for Can. She of course was recording the ceremony.

Nikki and Haley, as well as Mitch were there.  A space was made for her hoverchair.  Nikki wore loose pants as they dermas were still on.
Cora asked Haley to go and of course Nikki Nodded.  She showed up later in a new gown and small head piece and basket.  Nikki smiled as Haley turned into a flower girl.  she ld Mitches hand smiling.  Roll in his uniform with his larg squad.  It was all nice as everyone looked on.  Can happily showed off his new suit.

She enjoyed weddings.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:47, Sun 11 July 2021.

  Val  saw  smiling, her  eyes  a bit glassy, her  eyes studied    Henry  as he   said his words...then smiles  as her  eyes  blinked  sending a  happy  tear  down her left  cheek.

  The Admiral  smiled Turning to Val; with a bit of a tilt of his Head....  Do You Val  DelLune, Take this man as your Lawfully wedded  Husband, To share  Life's good times and bad times, and to  Remain together  as long as you both shall live?

  her eyes   moving slightly as she studied  Henry's face He  Voice  was a whisper as she tried to fight  through the husky feeling in thier throat.....I....Do....

   The Admiral  Smiled  as he Looked towards  Zob...The Rings...Please...

 Can was smiling Beth Hissed  at him and nodded to Zob.. Can  hurriedly  got the Box  and Gave it to Zob

Zob leaned down and took the rings from Can and presented them to the couple with a small smile.

Henry took the box, saying "Thank you, Zob, and thank you too, Can."

He opened it and looked to the Admiral. Some traditions had the officiant direct the giving of rings, others left it as an opportunity for those getting married to make their own vows - and he suddenly realised he didn't know what was in Hack's book. He started to panic...

 The Admiral  smiled, we are using the Colony version....'  with this  ring..I thee wed..."

 Looking to   Val, to see if she  understood..Val nodded her head rapidly.. a few people chuckled...

  Proceed , Herny

Henry opened his mouth, then closed it again. How did it go?

He reached for Val's hand, taking the smaller ring out of the box. Then he found himself short a hand, so he gave the box back to Zob. Then held dearest Val's hand, the ring poised.

"With this Ring I thee wed, with my body I thee worship, and with all my worldly goods I thee endow: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen."

He slid the ring onto her finger.

  Val Took the next ring. she shook for a  second , before  speaking the words...With this Ring, I thee  wed...to entwine  our futures  from this  day forward.

 she slipped it on his  finger...

 The Admiral Closed his  book and said,You May kiss the bride...

Can voice  was heard...he can do that, he practices....

As Lizzy inevitably started to cry, Izzy would open her purse and hand her a tissue, having fully expected this from her highly emotional girlfriend before putting her arm around her and pulling her in close. Izzy would also catch the looks Lizzy was giving her that rather heavily hinted that she would like to be where Val was currently standing causing Izzy’s stomach to nervously twist in response with her thinking that she may have give her mother a call and take a look at the jewellery stores that Etna had to offer.

Harry had smiled in response to Lizzy’s wave as she Izzy and Sam taken their seats with Harry then quietly watching the ceremony as Nic held her hand. When it came time for Henry to kiss the bride Harry would quietly chuckle as she heard a little voice speak up about Henry practicing  , recalling the old saying that you should never work with animals or children as she watched the rest of the ceremony with a smile as she gave Nic’s hand a bit of a squeeze, glad that she had decided to come.

 The Ladies from the rec dec  Handed out  Confetti poppers to each   person on the  red dec..( gregor  ate  one)

 Shadow  chucked at Roll, and the  rapid  nodding of Val.  Thge woman were  staring, with thoughtful smiles of 'one day'..

 Men watched , perhaps thoughts of being lucky enough to choose to go down that road.

 The  Brass watched  with some smiling satisfaction. A brief bright light in a few days of darkness.

 When the Kiss  was over,  Admiral Hack raised his hands...  The Happy Couple  will now Move to the Filed, CE-VA will take some pictures there.. by the time the Pictures  are over  the  Rec dec   people will have the tables  in place  for the weddign dinner and some dancing... Dr Christy has footed the Bill..you will see your  choice of meals  and sides  near the stalls. We  wil have a  special table for the Bride  and  Groom  and  the  weddign party... Now?.. I give You...  Henry and Val Christie..

 Hemsly hit the Music...


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a69RtpGI9Yg

people rose  to use the confetti poppers to celebrate.

When others popped theirs she popped hers as well after the rings were presented and vows made.  Eventually Haley came back and sat with Nikki.  It looked like Izzys friend Tali if Haley recalled was taking footage of the wedding.  The floating camera did catch Haley a little off guard, but she was a trooper.  She blushed a bit, waved and smiled, blew a kiss and tossed a few more flower petals at it.  She watched it as it panned the largs and Roll, then on up to Can and Zob.  It circled a distance around Val, Doc, and the admiral as they made their vows.

 Lizzy took the tissue from Izzy and wiped her happy tears,  Lizzy watched as Can gave Zob the rings, then the ring ceremony then came the kiss, she also heard Can and she smiled as she watched the ceremony. She was beaming and happy.

 When the ceremony was over she cried more happy tears, and then popped her popper.

  CE-VA Called to Haley... Her, Orria, Can and Zob  had to go down to the field  to get pictures take  for Henry and Val's  wedding Album.

  while they were away the 'head table was set up for Henry , Val, Haley, orria  Can and Zob..( Mila  would have a  Dish in front of the table. )

   Dana told the people  to get in line  and chose from two dishes  Henry ordered..Steak..or Fride  Cauliflower ( both has  two sides  they could choose. )...and Pizza  as a back up!

   Arnie  had  set up a bar, and would  have mixed drinks , while beer could be had  at the  Stalls  The  Brass sat  close to the head  table, others  scattered around.

 Shadow with Dusk and Shade  sat  a bit away..Shadow looking over the   steak with mashed potatoes  and Corn.. This should be good..I  haven't had steak in a while..

 Dusk looked around to see who would Join them, Lilit  sat with the brass.

 Henry and the  party came back , as they were lead back to the Table... the waitresses  asked them what they wanted to eat and   would bring the  food and drink to them

Zob thanked CE-VA and slipped the disc inside his coat pocket and once he returned to the reception he asked the waitress for steak and some red wine as he found his assigned seat at the table, "Again congratulations to the both of you this was my first ever earth style wedding... so its certainly been a learning experience for me" he chuckled awkwardly.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:16, Mon 12 July 2021.

 Meari watched the ceremony and watched the reactions, when it was all over she smiled and then headed over to the table with her cousins and her Uncle. Meari smiled and said," May I join you Captain, Ambassador, and LC ?"  Meari would stand there smiling as she waited for a response.

 Dusk smiled up....Of Course, there are a few seats open...

 Shade gave a Thumbs up.

 Shadow  nodded with a smile, as he tried to remember  how to cut a steak

 Meari smiled even more, she would order the steak, she didnt want to eat a flower. Meari replied," Thank you cousin, that was wonderful, I assume that was a traditional human mating ceremony?' She said as she took a seat with them.

 Shadow gave a  shrug,..It wqs the best  that could be mustered with the time... some Human folks..rich ones..will sped over a year planning , ordering. and being  really bitchy... then cry when it comes time to pay, or because some one  came  and didn't wear the right color  suit or something..There are lots of variations. This was nice...It was enough ceremony, so it  wasn't a sideshow...and causal enough  not to be  'stuck up'

 not over  yet?... there will be dancing... the Cutting of the Cake... and then the bridal dance...where Herny will sweep  Val off to...I guess their  quarters...and the
 the rest of us  wind down the party Until The Curfew blows.

She watched the ceremony with a soft smile, happy for the couple but it wasn’t wistful or longing for her own. Marriage and children were not on Billie’s immediately list. Having more freedom than she ever had back home, she wanted to enjoy it. Taking a popper when it was brought around, Billie waited for the appropriate time and popped it. When it was all said and done, Billie cheered for the couple, congratulated them and proceeded to get in line for food. It was a nice ceremony, simple and quaint if anything, something Billie could really appreciate. She got steak with some mashed potatoes before heading to a table that was closer to the bar and Arnie.

Roy approached Shadow's table, carrying his steak platter with an experienced hand.  "Dammit, LC, a man with your expertise with a blade should not be making such a bad spectacle out of cutting up a steak," he joked, a broad grin on his face.  "You need to eat real food more often, stop shoving those cheese-covered bread-frisbees in your mouth all the time..."

He stopped next to Dusk, looking down at her.  "Is this seat taken, Captain?" he asked, a hint of a teasing tone in his voice.

     After helping to put som temporary patches on fleet and prize ships, Garrat had boarded once again to attend the wedding with Tesla.  She was still having issues but walked well with her hand on Garrat’s arm, ever the Graceful dark beauty.

    Garrat took a moment to congratulate Dr Christy after the pictures.

    “If it isn’t the man of the hour, I hope the fates grant you a long and happy life in each other’s arms.”

As the ceremony came to an end, Harry would unsteadily get to her feet with a little help from Nic before awkwardly pulling the popper with one arm in a sling trying her best not to shoot herself, or anyone else for that matter, in the eye as she did so. With the bride and groom then disappearing to get some pictures taken Harry would lean up to give Nic a quick kiss before making her way towards Lizzy ”Hey Lizzy, you and Izzy are looking good as always” Harry said with a nervous smile, quietly amused to see that Lizzy was in tears of joy with Harry giving little Izzy a look as if to ask you got this? with her knowing from past experience just how emotional Lizzy could get and how quickly her mood could flip to something entirely different.

   Dusk  smiled up at  Roy and  Nudged  Shade  who moved to the otherside of  Shadow, next to meari, giving  Roy a seat next to her.

   Please..sit here.... there was a giggle  as Roy  pointed out  Shadow's normal choice of   foods.

 Shadow  frowned,I could chop it  up or slice it Like i was asking it  questions..but.... He looks around the table as  Beth stopped on her way to a Table  with Lyri and Maria.

 ..but no one  ever  Tau7ght him the whole  'dinner thing'..even at the academy, he would go for pasta or burgers  rather then  steak or porkchops , so he didn't have to cut it up.. she  smiled  and walked  to the other table.

 Yeah?... well?  Mom..she made decent Money..but her Money went  to  Bills  and  clothes  for me and My brother..... Dad, made real good money when the started  working  on The Hermes, but..his money went to rent, ebcause the rates tripled when the landlords knew people needed places to live when the Angels  tore  down The Battery and places  around it..so  we had ..like..Salisbury steak... and  burgers, pasta , soups.....we'd have  Beth or Roles..or Both at our house sometimes..

 I never paid much attention to the 'finer points' of being an officer. until i  found out  i needed to know how to  act during Balls  and stuff...

 Lyri said  from the adjoining table...Yes..because,  Mr Shadow, you are the   very essence  of Posh and  Decorum   Lyri said  with a fake upper crust , English accent. There was laughing from that table.

  Shadow  sighed and managed to get a piece of  steak  cut  and  into his mouth...

 Shade Bleeped   and whirled , looking at Roy.

 Dusk laughed,..Shade says.. "pizza and Pasta  are the perfect food!"

 People moved  around, mostly gettign food  and eating, gearing up for the Dancing  and the   Cake   Cutting... Largs were removed to 'the ;larg area' were the  enjoyed fresh  scraps and fat from trimmed steaks  with  plenty of  bones and such to go around.

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

 After their chat with Garrat.. they took thier seats  as the  waitresses  brought the food around.  Val was  smilign as they began to eat, she chose  steak ( unlike  Shade, cut it deftly with out lookign like she was asking the steak where its hideout was).

 She leaned  close to  Henry  and  said , softly,..Thank You , Henry.

 People  began the tap thier glasses  with  forks or  knives.. Val looked around  Dana  whispered behind them when they do that..you have to kiss..they'll do it alot..

Val looked embarrassed  as  people  kept tapping the  glasses.

 all around the  Rec Dec. those who knew the custom  repeated it to others. and  more noise would start.

When the Admiral suggested kissing the bride, Henry smiled broadly at Val then swept her into his arms to kiss her... a kiss that seemed to last for all eternity.

He stepped back and bent to pick up Can. Turning to the assembled crowd he called out with that lecture-hall trained voice that carred so well.

"Friends, my I introduce our son, Henry Christie, Junior, known as Can."

He put his other arm around his wife - his wife! he liked the sound of that - and they both kieed Can then smiled out as the Admiral made his announcements. Can was by then wiggling so Henry put him down.

"C'mon, you can be in the pictures too. And Mila of course."

After going off for photos...

Henry shook Zob's hand.

"I hope you don't mind being dropped in it - as the most recently married person it seemed appropriate. Thank you very much, appreciated more than you can know."

Then Garrat came up. Henry grinned.

"Thank you, Garrat. So glad you could be with us to share this moment."

Eventually Val and Henry got to their assigned seats. Henry asked for a rare steak (and one for Mila) and made sure that Can felt comfortable asking for whatever he wanted.

Then people started banging glasses and Dana explained what it meant. Henry raised an eyebrow at Val.

"Shall we?"

Not that he didn't want to, but when he was busy eating?

  Val leaned over to kiss him the  the people clapped. It would be  an on goign thing, every  few moments.

 Can was eating
some steak, Dana helped  cut it foe him. he looked at it , and said to Zob who was between him and  henry at the 'main' table..never had this kinda  food  before..at least not this much!

 Roll sat with the largmasters, keeping an  eye on the happy , feeding largs...he  had a small steak, he shared the other half   with gregor and  Thor. The  waitress  gave him  extra mashed potatoes .

 Orria was on the other side of  Val as she ate, she seemed a litle better  at the who 'fancy eating  thing' then most kids.

Izzy would watch the remainder of the ceremony with her arm around Lizzy and a smile on her face, quietly giggling as she heard Can’s comment. After setting off her popper along with everyone else’s, Izzy would get up in order join the other guests as they got a meal with her arm once again about Lizzy’s waist. It was as she was doing this that a nervous looking Harry would come up to them ”thank you Harry, how are you doing? I saw you getting stretchered off the dec yesterday” Izzy kindly replied thinking that Harry was looking pretty good for someone that had been shot. She would also notice the look Harry gave her and simply smile back in response.

In reply to Henry Christie (msg # 88):

Zob looked sternly at Dr Henry, "No... thank you Dr Henry, without you i wouldn't even be alive today and that's appreciated more then you know, enjoy this day" he then went about eating and when Can nudged him this prompted him to look down at Can curiously, "You never need to worry about that ever again Can you got some of the best parents in the black to look after you" he then toasted with the others and took a sip of the wine.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:26, Mon 12 July 2021.

Garrat and Teela exchanged a few more words with the bride and groom before moving on. Garrat took in the surroundings and made his way over to Izzy pausing to make sure he wasn’t interrupting her  conversation with Harry.

 Lizzy smiled at Izzy and Sam and then went to get her steak, and potatoes. Then Harry came over and complemented Izzy and her, Lizzy smiled, happy tears rolling down her cheeks still. " Thank you Harry wasnt it amazing, I cried through almost the whole thing. You look really good for getting shot as bad as you did Harry." Lizzy thought for a second was she just a sucker or was she just a really nice person who always wants to help others. Lizzy got up and whispered into Harry's ear," Harry I will always be your friend you ever need to talk, a shoulder to cry on, I will be there for you. I think you know that now ."  Lizzy smiled then bubbly turned around and saw Garrat approach.

 Lizzy was in whirlwind emotion mode, she jumped up seeing the man that saved Izzy and brought her back to her, he also gave her a hover bike and he was a good friend. Lizzy then yelled," Garret thank you soooo much for bringing Izzy back to me." As she yelled she literally would try to leap up in her heels to hug hug the giant man. Lizzy was in full emotional bubbly mood.

 Sam watched the ceremony but watched Can closely, he looked so happy and she could see the love between that newly formed family. Sam then began to cry herself that she helped build this family and it made her happy and warm inside. That doesn't happen to much these days during the hellish war.

 When the Ceremony ended Sam popped her popper, and joined Izzy and Lizzy at their table too eat, she got the fried cauliflower. Sam smiled at Harry as she came over, and began to eat her meal as Lizzy seemed to go a little crazy, jump around, yell and then jump into Garrat's arms. Lizzy was a very unique woman that was for sure, but she was all in for the fight that was for sure. Sam just shook her head and continued eating with a smile on her face.

Roy shook his head, chuckling softly.  "Pizza's good convenience food...some of it is better than other, depending on what you put on it...but it's a glorified snack, not a real meal.  Pasta's good quick-energy food, for humans, but how good it actually is for you all comes down to what you eat with it."  He grinned selfishly and added, " I can't speak for your Udenese ancestry...but your Human ancestors didn't rise to the top of the food chain eating pizza and pasta."  He pointed at the steak with his knife.

"Protein...high protein diets have always been a staple of the strongest life forms on Earth.  Now, meat's not the only place you can get it...but it's the fastest way to get it in high doses."

He expertly cut a bite of steak and held it up on his fork, punctuating his words as he added, "And it's been part of my good-luck ritual from my earliest missions on the Hermes."  He popped the bit of meat in his mouth and chewed for a few moments before adding, "Pizza and pasta have their place...but they're never gonna take the place of a good steak dinner."

  Shadow   swallowed a  spoonful of  Potatoes and corn( after mixing them together).

 All I have to say?  if thier would have been Pizza plants  and Pasta  trees  way back then..those   veggie  eaters   would have been all carbo loaded and the meat eaters  would have had to run them down

 Dusk   took a bite of her steak,I have learned to like Steak. We have it with many meals when   officers come aboard   for  Granmod to go over tactics and such..she does not like...'pizza'

 Shadow shrugged  as he sawed off another bit of  meat,All i know?  The Pizza  Eating guy, beat Lilit , 3 out  of 3 in her little test thing..

  Bleeps from   Shade, a giggle from Dusk..You cheated on 2 of them

  Did not!..she was  too over  confident on the last one...and the Middles one, i went by the letter of the rules...besides?... had that been a real battle, no one would have  cared , how you make the bad  guys die!

 Dusk looked to Roy...

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

 Several  more Rounds  of  glass tapping happened, until the Admiral  stood up, laughing a bit...Lets  let the  wedding party  eat, so the dancing can begin!

 there were some  comic groans, as the  couple  were permitted to eat without  any further tappings.

In reply to Harriet Lynch (msg # 85):

Nic smiled at Harry and rose up, helping her to her feet when everyone else did, following her example and pulling the popper at the newlyweds. The kiss had him smiling even more and he watched her start to walk away and he followed but gave her room to talk to Lizzy and Izzy. It looked like everyone was starting to find seats. He gave a nod to the two women Harry was talking to.

Roy shrugged.  "He has a point.  There's no such thing as cheating in actual combat.  And while it may not have been 'real combat', there's no denying the immense consequences that would have come from him losing."  He grinned and looked at Shadow and added, "And just because you're a genetic sport who thrives on carbs doesn't mean it would have helped humankind.  The way most humans react to pizza and pasta, if there had been pizza trees back then, we would never have survived because we'd have been too fat and lazy to run away from the predators."  He paused, and added, "Or have you never met anyone who suffers pasta shock any time they have a huge plate of spaghetti and ends up needing a nap for a couple of hours?  Top sergeant in my first outfit absolutely forbade MREs with pasta in them while we were in the field..."

He cleared his throat slightly and continued, "None of which explains how you can possibly be that clumsy with a steak knife..."  He chuckled, and quipped, "Do we need to stick it up against a wall so you can throw the knife at it?"

He grinned at Dusk, and added, "See, his ancestors probably weren't hunters, at least in the traditional methods.  They might have been trappers, or they may have been from those ancient tribes that used to run their prey until it was exhausted and then killed it.  But his reluctance to acknowledge steak as a superior meal and his lack of marksmanship skills point to a genetic history that didn't involve ranged weapons used to provide sustenance..." There was no mistaking the the good-natured teasing in his voice, and it wasn't hard to spot the glances he threw in Shadow's direction.

Shade  Bleeped    his laughter, Dusk Giggled   lookign from  Roy to Shadow and Back...

 Shadow  shrugged,yeah?..wel... i do the   'ranged  weapon ' thing pretty good inside  a fighter....I can use a bow  a little, I mean..Not Like Flores  or the Little green guys?..but  I can hit  what I'm aiming at

 Dusk looks around the Table,...I think we have enough people here  who can shoot weapons...we like you in the air!

 That does not answer  the question of why Shade and I  are able to  shoot firearms...

 Shade Bleeped   a few times, a pose of 'sagelyness' about him.

 Shadow  frowned a comic  frown....he said it was  Lady's   side of the gene pool...

 The two siblings laughed.

Roy shrugged and held up his hands in a gesture of helpless surrender, a grin on his face.  "They said it, not me..." he began, before continuing, "But they're probably right..."  The grin broke into a wide smile.

"It's all those carbs...got your blood sugars keyed so high that you can't keep your hands still to shoot..."

“Honestly it’s just a T-shirt and jeans…and yeah I’m feeling a little better thanks for asking, Nic has been taking good care of me” Harry replied to the pair of women before turning to flash Nic a quick a smile that showed how grateful she was to him, and how fond of him she’d grown. When Lizzy leaned in and whispered to her, she would give Lizzy a sheepish look as she softly replied ”I know, I’m not doing very well with people at the moment…I was going to sit with you this morning but kind of chickened out” with her then watching in amusement as an excitable Lizzy then practically leapt into Garrat’s arms before she had chance to say anything more to her with her instead giving Izzy a look that hinted that she had her work cut out for her tonight ”perhaps we should go and get something to eat?” she quietly suggested to the group, assuming of course that they could calm Lizzy down for long enough to eat!

With her happy to hear that Harry was at least feeling a little better she would offer Nic a friendly smile as he nodded in her direction, though she would probably punch him if he tried kissing hand again ”Hey Nic, how are things with you?” she asked as Harry as Lizzy started whispering to one another with her deciding to leave them to it. She had also noticed Garrat’s arrival however with Lizzy leaping into his arms she didn’t think he would be speaking to anyone just yet.

 Sam smiled at Harry and Nic and said,"Hello Harry good too see you well. Who is this handsome devil on your arm Harry. Sam smiled at Nic and held out her hand. Hello I am Lt. Samantha Robinson N2 for the Burian Fleet nice too meet you. Sam smiled at him and Harry.

Mila sat contentedly under the table beside Her Human's feet. She'd been given a steak of her own to eat, and now felt pleasantly full, sitting basking in the happiness that Her Human was radiating... no implant needed to know how happy he was.

 as  people   went to the stalls to get thier  food, and  settled  down to  eat...the  clinking of the glasses stopped at The Admiral  spoke to the people for  'mercy' on the  bride and groom.

 People  ate  and  talking Buzzed,  laughter  here and there. Arnie  made Beta  eat first, and she manned the  'bar'. He sat with  Billie   digging into  the steak. There's  been ..heck? 20-30  marriages in the Civie section since the Hermes Sailed 6 years  ago.  No
 crew were ever  married, that i know of Until  SGT  Zob  and  PO  Melia  got linked on Roussa.  Now  we have a full blown wedding here.

 He shrugs... Some Thought Mara  was going to get Married, but the guy she was seeing got  torched a few years ago.... Steele  and Raven looked like  they might have been headed that way?..But he had a happens on hitting on other chicks?  and , well Of course the LC  and  The COMs Tech he was close to..but? there isn't anyone on board now  who seems tight  enough to make that jump now.

...........

 Shadow just chuckled and shook his head,yeah?..i didn't  teach  anyone to shoot. So it narrows the  possibilities down...

 then he  held his  hands out, they were  steady,I dunno?..maybe if i Stopped eating that stuff  i turn into some guy in the alley with the shakes...asking people   for the crust from thier pizza  boxes or something..

 Shade   laughed his   metallic  laugh and bleeped.

 ..no...i would not  eat the box...Back in  New York though? there was some shopes the  sauce and chessex would stick to the lid, and? they way they made thier pizza's... the box might have  tasted better...more fiber too...

 Shade  loked at Dusk , they Both looked to Roy  to see if  Shadow was kidding.

 Lookign to meari, Shadow asked,..what do you tghink SGT?  Do you like Pizza?

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

 Dana stepped out into the Middle of  the   dance area  and saaid,Excuse me, everyone..... GFinish up your Dinner, we will then Cut the Cake, and Have  Mr and Mrs  Christy, and the Bridal Party   do  'The First Dance'  and then we'll  turn you all loose while  we  get the cake   set up for the bridal Dance.  she  went Bake towards  a  table that was on a hover cart, it had a box  sitting on top while two Civie women  who looked  Tired  but excited   guided it to another Table set up , on the way to the Lifts, where the Cake would be  cut, and the  slices handed out to people who left after the bridal dance,

Nic gave Harry a wry grin as she gave him that grateful look then his attention got taken by Izzy and he shrugged slightly. "Take out a Admiral and they want to interview you. Everything's good though so far. Just dragging Harry places she should be so she stops being anti-social," he said, his words teasingly directed at the woman in question as he gave Izzy a wink. "She'll say she's resting thought."

He chuckled as Sam spoke and shook her hand. "Lt. Nicholas Vasilakos. Nice to meet you Samantha." He wasn't familiar with the Burian Fleet for the most part. "So if I can ask, what is it you do for the Fleet?"

"And we should probably look for a table before they are all taken up otherwise I wont be around for Harry to gnaw on my arm and all." He grinned at the group.

 Meari had been eating, watching and learning about the human mating rituals. She listened to the talk of food and then Shadow asked her about pizza. Meari looked at Shadow and replied,I do not mind pizza, there is not much too it, I enjoy a more hearty meal but it is good as a filler meal

After the ceremony Nikki let Haley run about a bit to see Orria, Roll and Can, as well as Gregor, Thor, and the other largs.  She was there for a few more pictures of the wedding party and all.  Even a pic of just the kids.
Nikki sat and ate a bit with Mitch who did excuse himself to say hello to someone now and again.
Nikki waved at a few saying hi to her and all.  She even waves at the Sm and over at Shadow and Shade

Giggling at Nic’s response she would glance over at Harry to see how she would respond to him teasing her before replying ”It’s good that there is someone to drag her out of her room, you should try and drag her to our table more often, Liz says I need more friends so I’d love to get to know the two of you a little better, also I suspect Liz and Nikki would like the chance to pass judgment on her choice of men” she giggled, quietly allowing Sam and Nic to introduce one another before eagerly replying to the suggestion that they grab a table and get something to eat ”oh hell yes! I’m starving! Come on Liz let the poor man breath it’s high time we got something to eat” she said turning to Lizzy with a smile before heading for a table with the others so she could have a much needed steak dinner and a glass of wine.

 Shade   and Shadow give a  wave  to  Nikki.  Mitch was making his rounds  and would  settled  down By Nikki with a fresh drink for her, and some sort of  dish of cookies.

 the 'Cookie table' was getting  raided by Kids from the Civie section, no one seemed to mind. Even the 'non-stem' kids seemed to be welcome.

  There was a bit of  grin as Shadow said,well..i mean.. this stuff is good..sorta takes  long to eat...Lasagna  is good..plenty of  meat in there..

 Lyri , from the other table  says,..hey?  didn't you used to talk about 'stuff Cabbage'  and  Halushka   and things like that?

Galushka, with cabbage and Onions!..Stuffed Cabbage  and  Chicken
paprikash..i might never get that stuff again, unless we pick up a load of Hungarian  colonists or something.

.........

  sitting at thier table with  some  SEC folks, there was Laughter  as Cora popped a fried  cauliflower in  Will's  mouth to get him to taste it..but he was  staying with his steak.

 others, pilots  and SEC mingled  with techs from   Bio-Tech.. Largs  where tail thumping as they  recived more scarps, gravy  and such.

...........

 The Admiral  was making the rounds  too, stopping at every table   as he  made his  way from One Direction, while the Captain made her way from the other.

 The  Admiral veered off  and Said to Henry,..when you are ready to cut the Cake..let us  Know, Dana  has  taken full command  of the rec dec!  he  chuckled.  Val  smiled.

 The Captain talked  with a few  Folks, Stopping at the Table with   Harry and others...Well, Ensign  Lynch?  I see you are out  and about. That is good to see... we will have the Dress  fitting about an Hour before  we dock to make sure all the Ladies  get thier garment of choice.... I Hope you are settling in on your new Station?

 she smiled at Harry, but Si's eyes   were focused on harry's.

  Captain Morris  stopped by Nikki...On the mend then? Think you will be  able to   prance  about the Ball room , tomorrow?

"Hoping so...get a med check in less than 12 hours or so.  Hoping to get out and atleast get a few slow dances in" she glanced at Mitch and reached for his hand.  "Either that or see if some crew help me make this hover chair into a dragster....get some speed out of her, paint her black with orange, yellow, and red flames on the side....neun-nuhn-nuhn" she mad a sort of pseudo harley noises and handlebar gestures with a big smile.  "Some chrome fins on top like a 1950's-60's gangster cars"

 Sam smiled at Nic and replied," You can call me Sam, Lt. well I am the N2 which is in charge of Communications, technology and Information gathering.  I served on Fuji as a Comm Officer before I got chosen for the Burian job. I also served on the Heimdell during the Battle of Matterhorn, as a Comm's officer I usually talked with the pilots."

 Sam wouls then reply," Yes I am starving lets get our food I also need to talk to Doctor Christy before they leave." Sam had come to the Hermes for another reason, she was carrying with her the official documents that made Can Henry's and Val's son.

  The Admiral chuckled at Nikki's descriptions,and that's why i am very glad there isn't  a large market for   fuels on  earth any longer !  People still collide  in Hover cars..or
 drive like  maniacs... But  at least  its  a clean explosion!

 .. Come to  get dressed  any way... Nil takes alot of  pride  and Making the Hermes Ladies look good..

 he winks  and Moves off, Stopping to  Take to  Frakas, Lirg, Nugest and Vaka...Vaka looked so out of place with the massive  aliens.

 Meari smiled and replied," If you can get me a recipe I am a pretty good cook LC." Meari was a good Udenese cook hmmm. Meari was enjoying herself alot.

“Wait…LC…Shadow and some COMs Tech…in a serious relationship? Now that I can’t picture at all,” she chuckled, shaking her head. “How did that go over with all the girls that seem to hang around him all the time?” Based on how he presented himself, she couldn’t imagine it going over well but then again, she could be very wrong as well. Admittedly, she didn’t know him as well as Arnie did.

  Arnie  laughed a bit,Shadow and  Frans  were butting heads. I was  just in  the  Commissary  group  and would help out here or there, until the Admiral Bumped  me up the Line.


 the COM tech was good.. Shadow had her  work on Lady..some of the Girls  liked   her, some  didn't, mostly because they thought she was 'poaching'..and way , they got along  pretty Good  Until  Jonny Blu showed up..he was a teaxas  Boy..Ribal with   Shadow   in football.... in the end , She has to take some assignments.. the last one, she stayed on Earth.. l;ast  I heard, she was  married  and  had a  Kid, working with  Hunter  and some of our other people on Earth.

  he looked around, GE-Fi  tried to get his Other Daughter, UN-LI to take Shadow  as 'her Chosen... that led to some  Angel Elite  fights..her people were found to have been spying on us  for the Empire..   The Admiral  sent her back to her Father..but  some  Nut  Job from the Hermes  chased after her, because he thought she did some 'Angel  Mind" trick on his.. the ship he was  on was accused of Blowing up her  shuttle...then his ship was blown  up as well..

 looking around the dec he says  softly,..Right Now, almost  any  woman on this  boat would  trust him with thier life..and that's a damn good measuring stick, for who you gotta  watch out for.

Roy shrugged when Dusk and Shade looked to him for verification.  "Arizona is a long ways from New York...I don't know what the pizza places were like there.  But I know there were a few places out west where the pizza crust felt like they were just recycling old boxes and covering them with sauce and cheese.  Sometimes, the pepperonis felt about as chewy as old cardboard, too..."

He grinned over at Shadow, and added, "That's part of why I learned to survive on steak.  I knew exactly what I was getting with that."

 Dusk looked between the  two,..I canot  imagine bad tasting food... why would they have such a thing?

  Owners, for the most part. Cut  some ingredients, but  cheaper  stuff..make the employees  worry more about  'making the  Order'..Rather then 'make it right'...

Shade Bleeped

 sure? there are bad steaks as well..some meat might not even be...what they said it was? Thieves  come in all forms..

 Dusk Turned to Roy...when they allow  people to dance.. will you dance with me?

 From behind Roy , Lyri chuckled....now? that's Shadow's genes... go right for the target

 Shadow  was almost finishing , slaughtering his  steak.  he chuckled as well, the turned to meari..so?.. Admiral is pulling  out all stops, Lost of  Noncoms get to  dance  tomorrow... are You going?

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

 Meari smiled at Dusk and gave her a nod of approval, then the LC ask her if she was going to the dance. Meari responded," Yes I was told I was going as a Udenese member of the Hermes LC., and also Sgt Frakas of the Sanri Scouts will be my escort. I hope I can get another Angel silk dress I am surprise they had one that was long enough for me." Meari chuckled and it seemed she was really getting the handle of it.

 Shadow shrugs, Beth says the Dress    'fit themselves ',  Two of  The Captain's  Yeoman are Angel seamstresses..You saw Orria  and Haley.. They  don't make dresses like that
 for  small folks.. I don'tever thing i've  seen an Angel Under 6 foot tall?

Roy grinned at the question, his grin broadening slightly with Lyri's comment.  "It would be my most sincere honor and pleasure, Captain Shadow," he said with mock formality, giving her a wink to let her know that the stilted language was meant for humor.

Considering Lyri's words for a fraction of a moment, he continued, "In fact, I'd be deeply honored if you allowed me to be your escort at the ball tomorrow night.  And I don't suppose it would hurt the APF cause any to have the Paradise contingent see a close connection between the various factions of the APF.  Might even be kinda fun to flaunt it a bit for them...I get the feeling Zu-Is really isn't the type to approve of all of us 'lesser beings' cavorting around together, and that just kinda makes me want to do what I can to piss him off without being obvious about it."

He leaned in close, and added in a murmur, "Besides, I enjoy spending time with you and don't get many chances when we're cruising deep space between battles..."

Henry finished his steak and looked over at Val.

"You ready to do this cake thing?"

He looked to the hovering Dana.

"What do we need to do?"

    Dusk  smiled  , there was a Hit of a giggle,yes....well, we will have to make the  Grand High Admiral, as  Uncomfortable   as possible..

Shade held a Thumbs  up  and Shadow  just chuckled .

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

  Dana  waved to the  waitresses  to   get the   table ready,  as she lead  Henry and Val Over to the   Cake.Whne    you get  behind the Cake, you each hold the   cutter, and will slive it  together.... then  each  give a small bite to the other...some folks smear the  cake  in each others  face?.. I..um..don't like that..some folks think it is cute or  funny...but it doesn't matter what anyone thinks...it is your Moment?.. do as you see  fit.

 Dana  stepped out in front of the table  as  Amy  held   a box open , showing a silver Cake  cutter inside.

 ATTENSION!... we will now have the Cutting of the Cake... for those  who wish to take  pictures Afterwards, we will have the 'First Dances' of the Wedding party, and  then everyone
 may join in....

 In, about an hour or so, we will have the Bridal Dance... those  who take part, will recieve a  piece of  wedding Cake...If you need to  leave before that, or simple  do not want to take   Part in the bridal Dance , you may pick up a piece of   Cake as you leave the Dec........

 turning to  Henry and Val with a grin, then back to speak once more...Also we will have the   Throwing of the  Bouquet..and  the Garter.

    Stepping, well out of the  way with CE-VA hovering    out of  cameras hot , to get her own shots, and Vids. the 'box  is  removed to show a rather large, ( if not a bit flatter...maybe  3 feet high..4  f0ot  wide  and  5 foot long )  Cake , made to look like the  Hermes . Is sat upon another  flat cake that was   blue and Green ( earth?  Bura?).. and there with   crafted Marzipan that looks  like   tin cans ties to the  stern.. with a sign over the 'thrusters' saying  "just Married"

  Val smiled   as she nodded to Henry for when he was ready to slice it.

The group would happily chatter to one another for a couple of minutes, with Sam taking the opportunity to introduce herself to Nic who thankfully spared her from answering who the hunk was, though there were more than a few sheepish looks from Harry in response to the continued teasing, before moving off to get some food. With her steak dinner being the first real meal, or at least one she couldn’t eat with just a fork, Harry would struggle to cut up her food whilst wearing her arm in a sling.

It was as she was fighting with her steak that Captain Si would stop by and inform her of the dress fitting ”Yeah Nic has asked me to be his date so I guess I’ll have to try and find something I’ll look halfway decent in” Harry meekly replied not really wanting to point out that her outfit of choice would be jeans and a T-shirt. When asked how she was settling in there would be barest glimmer of hesitation before Harry seized upon the sight of Henry and Val getting up to cut the cake to try and dodge the question rather outright lying to her ”…um…yeah…speaking of dresses, Val’s wedding dress is something else, I don’t think I’ve seen one like that before, was that from your collection or did you have shipped in specially?” she asked with an interested look on her face which was followed shortly by the announcement that the cake was about to be cut.

Henry looked at the cake and started giggling. It was so... perfect! He took the cutter out of the proffered box and looked round.

"Can... get over here!"

He held out the cutter so that Val and Can could hold it, then let Val lead in making the slice. She'd always been better at cutting things than he was.

The first small bit went to Val, then a larger bit to Can, then he took a piece for himself.

Nic grinned back. "Call me Nic, then." He nodded to her explanation though paused, brows furrowing a little. "Hmm, I don't recall you on the Heimdall. I came from there to the Hermes here not too long ago. I think I would remember you unless it was before my time."

Izzy's words caught his attention and he rolled his eyes slightly. "I don't suppose there's anyway to get past that one at least. But its not their choice, its Harry's in the long run."

He nodded to Sam and moved with the rest of the group to a table. And Nic, like the nice guy he was, took her fork and knife from her hand and cut up the steak for her without asking before handing them back like it was normal. "There you go," he said quietly to her and then turned back to his own meal while she talked to the Captain.

 Captain Si looked at  Harry, there was a thin line of  disapproval on her Lips at her Question not  being answered, her eyes Shifted to   the  Ex Reporter as well, then to the  group as a whole. She   Just gave an  Understanding   Nod.

 her voice changed  just as bit  as she said,It was a Ball Gown, i never  was able to wear, after I was  wounded on Nivar...My seamstresses , did a rather  fine job making it  look as if it was worthy of a bride.

 Enjoy the rest of the night,  dress  fitting will begin an hour after  we dock. I think Oliver  Bumped up our cruise time, he ....really...wants to make sure we arrive before The Paradise Fleet.  she took a few steps  and said over her shoudler,

 ..as do I... she headed towards the  tables that contained alot of the SEC

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

 With the Cake  being  cut, most folks stopped to watch.. as the cutting was  Done.. Can was smiling  with Icing on his   face. Val beamed for CE-VA to take the pictures.

 Can looked around  and  grabbed a slice   and Gave it to Mila. petting her head.

 Admiral Hack   guided the two  Civie Ladies  who had Baked  and decorated the  Cake  to stand   by it with  Henry, Val  and Can. CE-VA took a few pictures , taking   the names of the Two women  so she  could send them hard Copy  prints. The Admiral then Motioned for the ladies to 'help themselves ' and join in the celebration..which they eagerly did.

  Dana   grabbed the  Mic  from  Hemsly who chuckled  at here  taking command.

 As  our   Rec dec crew  slice the Cake..Let Me Announce the 'First Dance"

 Val  and Henry  Christie!....

 people cheered and clapped  the music  started  as Henry and Val  danced,  , Val had   tears   leaking down her  cheeks  as she smiled  and  held  Henry   close..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3A6BSf9qKU

 after   half way through the Song,  Dana  announced.....The  Best Man SGT Zobitch and   Maid of Honor, Orria  Christensen-Zobaich

  Frans  scuttled  over to Zob and whispered that he was to dance with   Orris.. and Gave him a  slight push...

 Henry, 'Can"  Christy, JR  and    Haley...

  Sneak  herded the two little ones out on the floor to dance.

  Dana  smiled   as she said...Filling in as Mother   and father, of the bride  and Groom... Admiral  Oliver  Hack  nad Captain  Nil Si-Hack

 The Admiral and   Captain were taken by surprise,  it seemed to affect them  both as they  smiled and  The Captain's  Cool poise  seem to waver for a moment.

Mila accepted cake from Can and sat wagging her tail - keeping it well away from this 'dancing' the humans liked to indulge in.

In reply to reception (msg # 120):

 Meari smiled, nodded, then replied," Well that is true LC, they did seem to fit it self last time, I hope I may be able to get a dance as well LC?"

  Shadow   gives a bit of a smile,..oh course? But  i never promise. I have found  out, a few years ago, that these things , do not always  leave me  a chance to dance...of course, it is no one's loss to see me..NOT..dance..

 Shade  Nods  and Bleeps.

 yeah yeah..but you practice!

 Dusk Giggles.

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

  Now... we will have  the  'Father of  the bride, dance with her.. while the 'Mother Of the Groom' dances with henry..

 The Admiral Steped over  to  Val holding out his  hand  with a bit of a bow. to  take her   onto the floor  again... while  Captain Si  smiled at henry   and held out her hand.

The Music   was soft, yet a bit more  fast paced then the wedding  dance.

 Sam smiled at Nic and replied," Thank you Nic, I left right before the new Captain came onboard that is when I went to Fuji. I am not sure you where there yet Nic." Sam gave Nic a big smile, and smiled at Harry as well. They headed got their food and then took seats all together.

 Sam ate her Cauliflower and then watched the cake cutting and the dances.

 Lizzy hugged and kissed Garret on the cheek and then followed Izzy and everyone else to get food and take their seats too eat. Lizzy was staying close too Izzy and was bubbly and beaming during the cake ceremony. She waved to Captain Si, with happy tears when she headed towards the SEC group.

 Then the dancing came, Lizzy ate, watched and cried happy tears. " Izzy can we dance after we eat?" Lizzy also smiled at Nic as he walked and talked with Sam. Lizzy also smiled at Harry, she really hoped Harry was on a better road now and she would help her as much as she could. Lizzy was on an emotional high right now and was having a blast.

Henry contained a grimace, he was not a dancer and only did so because Val liked it. He put a smile on his face and bowed to Captain Si, holding out a hand towards her.

"Shall we?"

  When the Song was Over, The Admiral led Val back to  henry, she was  smiling   and giggling with a bit of embarrassment.

  we are skipping the order,  here  as this is  still a military vessels  and   people  will have to leave to get ready for thier  watches..so?  we  will Have the   throwing of the Garter... and the  throwing of the Bouquet ...

  Dana  tells  Henry to  remove the garter  from  Val's thigh....   once  done, he will  turn his back and   and Fling the Garter over   his shoulder  for the 'Unmarried'  Guys to try and grab.

 Once that is  done... VaL will toss the  Bouquet over her  shoulder  as the Umarried  Ladies  try to  grab it.

   When the announcement  was made, several  people  Guys stood up, alot of them Looked at Shadow...


The LC waved them  to go out, as he would sit this out.

Shade Bleeped...

  two reasons, Buddy. One..I should be able to get the garter before most of them..its just not fair...2nd?..there are a coupl guys who might beat me..and then back off..even more, not  fair?... Let them have fun...

 Beth stood up,You're  just afraid you'll have to put the garter on someone!

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

 Jax, and Nifty went out.. Cora, Maria  and Ellen   made Will and Nagy  go out... Hodden pushed Sup  and Tucker out..Shoey went  on.. Morgan Grinned  at Kira  and went out..Andre  went out at elast 10 of the MAle Pilots  went out.. Foster sat with his wife and Kids, there was no need for him to go..a few other SEC   Guys went out.. Vaka  and  Frakas went out.. Nugust  Just sat  watching in wonder, while Lirg  sipped his drink.

 Dusk stood up  to go out with the Ladies..she looked at Roy...You shoudl go out to Grab the stocking Holder?

 Sneak, Cora , Ellen, Scarlett, Maria, Frans  Eckles  and Mara..Brivet, NO-CA Gia and  a few other Ladies went out

She would giggle at his response as their little group went to find a table ”Nope, none whatsoever, and yes it is Harry’s decision as to who she spends her time with…however seeing as I get judged everywhere I go, what makes you think you’ll get off scot free?” she said with a cheery smile and a questioning brow.

Izzy would quietly enjoy her meal, smiling happily as she tapped on the side of her wine glass along with the others before watching as the cake was cut and the bride and groom had their first dance together. She would offer Captain Si a cheerful smile, still nurturing a bit of a crush on the Angel captain from her university days, as she spoke to a seemingly reluctant Harry before moving on.

It was Izzy was finishing off the last of her steak that Lizzy asked if she would like dance when the chance finally arose ”of course, like I’d pass up the chance to dance with the prettiest girl in the fleet” she softly replied as she tenderly kissed Lizzy’s fingers, smiling as she looked into her emerald green eyes as she did so.

Zob had to lean down fairly far to be able to dance with Orria which was rather awkward but he did his best regardless and once the song was over he returned to the table and took a seat and let out a small chuckle as he went back to his drink.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:06, Wed 14 July 2021.

Kira put her drink down for a moment and stood up to join the women it wasn't likely she would get it but it would never hurt to try.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:05, Wed 14 July 2021.

 When they announced the throwing of the bouquet Lizzy jumped up, quickly and said," Omg if either of us catches it Izzy come lets try." Lizzy would wait to see if Izzy joins her, then she will head to the catching area and go after the bouquet when it is thrown.

 Sam followed Lizzy, she smiled at izzy and said," Hey one way too find out right." Sam hoped Izzy would pick up that she was talking about Howe. She tried to move between the taller woman to get a good read on the throw.

 Meari smiled and replied to Shadow," Well of course a lot could happen at this Ball." When the throwing of the bouquet came out Meari didnt know what it was about, she was single, so they told her to catch the bouquet. Meari stood ready to go after it as soon as it was thrown.

Jug and other Gava had been sitting off side watching, seeing what a human wedding ceremony was.  As well how could they not honor Doctor Christie.
Unmarried men in one group and unmarried women in another seemed odd at a ceremony to unite them all.  Jug was very curious.  She saw Haley there in the pack, she decided to at least prevent harm to her.  The the women went berzerk!  Ducking and covering and moving about.

Bog joined the other men as it looked kinda fun and he also wanted more involvement
This message was last edited by the player at 22:22, Wed 14 July 2021.

 Shadow watched Shade and Dusk  follow Lyri beth and others  to the Floor.

 who would have ever thought , i would have two kids,  taking part in a human  wedding  game,On the  Hermes


 Morris appeared   next to Shadow, handed him his COM...The LC read it..then Handed it back.

 I say, What a  good Chap, I had visions of you  jumping about...coloful Lanauge  all all that rot?  his  smile   was easy to see.

 Yeah?.. But in the end?  that doesn't mean a damn thing , until after the Big Meeting..right?... and I'm not  ruining  Henry and Val's  time to  enjoy...

 ..Good Lad,  You'll get  your  chance,, 'eh..Tomorrow  at the Ball... Unless the Angels chose   not to  ruffle   any feathers..

 They'll all be   Homeworld , Purbreds... They'll wanna let us know they are....and?  Taht's fine  by me.

Zob finished his food and wine and took a cloth and wiped his chin before standing up and moving over by Shadow so he could get a better look at all the people going to try and catch some sort of object, "Human weddings are interesting... yet strange Shadow" he said in small talk as he looked onward.

Yeah?  all kinds of traditions.. this one is more.. secular , rather then worrying about  Mythic   folks ruining a good time.

  The woman who catches  the  Flowers, is  supposed to be the 'next to get married".. the  Guy who catches the garter , gets to put it on that  woman's leg..

 There will be  dancing after... and then the Bridal dance were everyone  hgets in Line and   takes a swing or two with the bride.. they drop  some  Credits into the apron..  some one will be holding, and get a free shot of   whiskey... then can collect a slice  of  wedding  cake...

 Meanwhile, those who danced  with the bride  will form a  circle around   her, Holding  hands  as the   revolve  with the music...Then Henry must 'break through', sweep her  up and   whisk her away... The rest of the people  either  keep partying  or leave...

 Since none of us had a chance  to  get weddign presents, I'm hoping they use  the creds to offset the cost of the  party..I Think the Admiral will make  sure things  are taken care of.

Zob was quite impressed by the complexity of it all, "Ill pass on the whiskey but ill be sure to drop them a few credits, i think its my turn to pull guard duty tonight but we shall see... let Will have a proper night off" he chuckled at that last comment.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:31, Thu 15 July 2021.

Roy grinned at Dusk.  "If I should try catching the garter, you should try catching the bouquet," he challenged, with a light tease in his voice, as if daring her to do it.  "Dr. Christie basically incubated your egg, and Shade's, until they hatched.  I don't know if your dad follows the practice of picking god-parents for his children...but if he did, Henry's probably top of the list..."

Regardless of whether or not she rose to the bait, he got up from the table and made his way over to the cluster, pausing just long enough to leave his cover with Shadow.  It would be awkward enough trying to grab for the garter with the ribbons on his dress uniform in place...the last thing he needed was to worry about whether his hat got knocked off in the crowd and stomped on.

With the announcement that they were going to be throwing the bouquet and the garter early, Karl set down his drink.  "Excuse me, guys," he said to his ground crew and the couple of ground troops that had joined them.  "Time for me to go prove yet another old tradition wrong..."  He'd always heard that the man who caught the garter was supposed to be the next man married out of the group...and he had a collection of caught garters with no marriage.  It had been long enough...time to try and add to that collection...

 The    Men surged  forth  as Henry threw   the Garter over his  shoulder

  With Val following  after the  women staged


  the two  winners  would be led top a chair, where  the  Garter Catcher  would have to put the garter on  the Bouquet  winner;s leg.

  Arnie  sat  back down by BillieLoks like i have to get in better shape

 Dusk was  Laughing  as she  came  back her head shakign   tossing her   humanish  hair  around...That  was fun!.. we need to  do that more!

The garter racing through the air, Karl was laser-focused...while he didn't have the aid of the Morningstar's AI to help him with timing, he didn't really need it...he'd been selected for the Morningstar program because he was already a solid CAS pilot on his own.

Instinct had him visually tracking its parabolic flight, tracking it, and figuring out his best intercept point.  He was, apparently, not the only one...because he crashed, hard, into Spencer as they both went up, intent on the garter.  For whatever reason, though...slightly longer arms, maybe, or just better mobility since he wasn't in a full dress uniform, or not having one arm in a sling...or some combination of factors...his fingers closed on the garter just above Spencer's, snatching the ornamental clothing item away with a triumphant, "HA!"

He gave the Sergeant Major a grin, acknowledging how close it had been, before he tossed the garter lightly in the air and grabbed it again.  "Sorry, guys, this one is mine..." he said to the assembled group before he turned to see who had caught the bouquet.

Surprise crossed his features as he realized that it had been one of the shortest in the group of women (and certainly the shortest adult) who'd caught the bouquet.  With a minute shrug, he stepped over to the chair, waiting for her to come take the seat as had been outlined.  As she sat down, he flashed a mischievous grin.  "How high up your leg do you want it?" he asked in a saucy tone.

Kira frowned a bit as the bouquet landed nowhere near her so she had no chance of being able to grab it so she simply backed out of the pile and returned to the table, "Was no way in hells i was gonna get that" she chuckled as she had another glass of wine.

 Lizzy went for the bouquet but she got her heel caught on something and fell way before the bouquet got to her, she was very sad but she was happy, this was amazing. Lizzy headed back to their seats after.

 Sam ran for the bouquet and she thought she was close but it bounced to another group of three ladies. Sam tried and she was close but it wasnt in the cards for her today.

 Meari wasnt sure how this worked she moved towards the bouquet but wasnt sure how strong she could go for it, she didnt want too hurt anyone. She saw Jug get it and that made Meari happy, she liked the Gava leader. Meari would turn with Dusk to their table. " Good try Cousin you almost got it."

Thankfully the captain didn’t press the point about her being in SEC with her instead explaining how she had come across what would eventually become Val’s wedding dress ”Well it’s a lovely dress, and at least this way you know it’s found a home with someone who will cherish it” Harry replied glancing over in Val’s direction. As the captain left to go elsewhere, once again reiterating when the fitting was, there would be a very obvious look of relief on her face as she quietly resumed eating the dinner that Nic had cut up for her, with her having found the entire conversation to be awkward and intimidating.

When it was announced that the bouquet and garter would be thrown, Harry would find herself sitting by herself at the table, absently picking at what was left of her meal. With an injured shoulder and her arm in a sling she didn’t stand a chance in hell of catching the bouquet and was just liable to hurt herself in the process, though even if she hadn’t been injured she doubted that she would have found the courage to join the knot of women with her instead silently kidding herself that it was a silly girly thing that she wanted no part of, though even she wasn’t buying that lie.

Izzy jumped to her eagerly enough when it was announced that they would be throwing the bouquet, though she wasn’t all that optimistic about catching it as she was probably the shortest one there. However she would give it her best shot with her even being in the right place. Sadly however she would find the flowers arcing over her outstretched fingers to be caught by Jug who was standing a little further back, proving that at least height wasn’t everything.

Returning to their table, Izzy would slip her arm around Lizzy’s waist and give her a comforting squeeze as she softly spoke having noticed the disappointed look in her eyes ”Hey don’t worry about it, it doesn’t mean anything, it’s just a bit of fun” she said hoping that Lizzy wasn’t too upset about her having not caught it.

Mila stayed close to Her Human, who was finding all these antics bewildering to say the least. So did she, but she had the excuse of being a dog. Perhaps they were drawing in customs from various traditions, none of which He was familar with. She watched Her Human play along with determination, embarrassment and a measure of confusion.

  Amy lead  Jug to the  Chair, while instructing her  and explaining what was  going to happen ( and  some  traditional back round)

  Dana  Nodded to  Karl as he asked Jug the Question, she was Giggling as she told   Hemsly to pick a song  for  the next couple minutes..

  Hemsly dug through the  Machines massive  listing  and started to  play one.

 https://www.youtube.com/result...h_query=the+stripper+

 The Ladies  were laughing  and  Clapping  the Guys hooting and hollering  at Karl.

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


 Shadow watched  with a bit of a smile, , making his way towards   Henry and Val, He  Shhok Henry's  hand  and Gave  Val a Hug, he  fuzzy Mila.. Can was out a bot  further  standing  next to Roll watching the Goings on  with awe...he had never seen a big party, let alone  a wedding ( for that matter, neither had Roll)

  Congrates  again you  two..or  4? Mila's go  a new  Brother too... Val's gonna get spoiled...Wedding today..Big Fancy Ball in less then 24 hours? You might never get her in a lab coat again..

 Val Giggled,..The Captain and Dana  went into  full blown , miracle mode.....I  do not believe  we would see this anywhere else...

 you are right.... Captain Si takes her  ship seriously, As well as all the people on it..which, is good  or bad , depending  on what see feels  your  effect on  the rest of the crew is? You and Henry have  went  above   and beyond..

 Tilting his head to   Henry he asks,So? why didn't you Give  Can the Name ' Warrior Prof  Jr "?

 Val broke out in a fit of giggles.

...........

 Sneak  was showing one of the nwer Grils where to take her  Big tray of  wedding  cake slices..there  was a Mix  of 'planet' ( Vanilla with the  blue-green  icing)  or Chocolate, ( the  Hermes )

 They were trying to deliver cake  to people who were sitting  down,  and, that way, when people left the Rec dec at the end, they could Grab more.

 Cora  with a beer  in hand , While Will was talking with  Mann and  Rolfe waved them over to Harry's  table.

 The New  girl looked   embarrassed  about missing some of the   'rim' tables.. Sneak asked everyone  what flavor they wanted.  Cora  said  to Harry , by way of   pointing to the tray..Making sure no one gets Missed.... she gave an exaggerated  wink to  Harry.

 Cora   smiled at Nic  and said,Harry gave  me and Ellen some  advice not long ago..turns out  to be the best advice  i had recived for a while!

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

 Dana  Called out  to everyone....Well?... Every thing is  done, except the Bridal Dance..and that's not until the end..or so...now its  time to ..PARTY!!!!!!

 The  crowd  cheered..the SEC section  shouted.. HENRY..VAL...HOO-RAH!!!!

 Hemsly  put on  fast music  right away,adn people flowed to the dance area...

........

 The Two Cake ladies   approached  Can, and held out a little plastic  back that  had the  12 'cans ' that had been attached to the   cake Hermes.We thought you should have these... they taste pretty good!

 Can Looked in the  bag and  smiled, , the marzipan and thin whips of  red Licorice that had served as the 'string"..  Can cave one to Haley, and  Orria, and Roll.. then  Moved to henry and Val holding  up the bag as he  ate one himself.....the cake ladies  gave me this!

Nic returned and settled down next to Harry, taking a sip of beer. He leaned towards her and slipped an arm around her, giving her cheek a kiss and then leaning back. He was eyeing Harry a little bit but then the cake came over and he turned only to see Cora there giving some waitress a hard time and Harry too. His gaze moved from the waitress to Sneak and then to Cora and he looked her up and down a moment. Then his head shook sadly and he turned his attention to Sneak. "Vanilla is fine for me. Harry?"

"Let me give you another piece of advice, girl. Skata na fas ke pethanees," Nic said and shooed Cora off like she was nothing to him. For the waitress though, he turned and smiled back to her, thanking her and Sneak while leaving the trash to guzzle its beer and make a rather poor attempt at insults that Nic didn't give a fuck about.

 Cora gave Nic a  sweet smile,I really...don't take advice   from strangers...and?  You should be happy...Harry's advice gave you an......in.

 she went off to   find friends or  snag  Will, to get him to dance... there were some smiles  directed  Cora's way by most of the SEC folks within hearing range.

 Sneak seemed  'professional' as she placed the  cakes  by them, and  went back to  leading the  newer  waitress on what to  do , and who was who.

 With Nic's  words, Howe and Fitz, got up from thier  table  and moved to another table a bit away from  them, there was a good chance they didn't  understand what he said, but they could understand  what Cora  said.

Gai sat  a two tables  away, sipping a drink as she  talked to  Chatty Smith and Art Moore, she watched, and gave a slight shake of her head, and went back to chatting.

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

 Captain Si Stopped to bring  Shadow out onto the  floor for a slow  song Hennings  was Dancing with Emmie, and Lilit had The Admiral dance....others  were pairing up.

Ellen   Grabbed Will and waved to  Cora  who grinned and nodded her head  rapidly, and will was escorted to the  floor  by the 'sling-armed'  trooper.

Henry accepted Shadow's congratulations.

"Thank you, Kray. It's all a bit over the top. I'm not sure where all these 'customs' and 'traditions' have come from. The only ones I am familiar with are the bride and groom cutting the cake and having the first dance together."

He watched Shadow fuzzing Mila, who was enjoying it and started wagging her tail.

"My family is growing in leaps and bounds. Can chose his adoptive name, it's what he wanted. After all, it's my name..."

He spread the scarlet gown.

"You see, this is my formal academic dress - an Oxford Doctoral gown. It seemed more appropriate than turning up wearing a bunch of medals. Those belong on fighting personnel like you... although they keep turning up in my mailbox too. I did wonder about putting them on, but thought it might be a little silly really."

He did have them in his pocket, still, and showed them momentarily.

Nic just shook his head as Hoew and Fitz left. "Such a pretty face... shame she's all rotted inside," he said in parting to Cora.

 Lizzy smiled at Izzy and said,Oh it is ok a lot if ladies going for it, it was fun Lizzy smiled at Izzy and yes she was disappointed in not getting it but she was having fun and enjoying the wedding. Lizzy smiled at Cora as she came over to talk to Harry and Nic. Lizzy just smiled at Nic took Izzy's hand and said,May I have this dance?

 Sam waved at Howe and smiled, she shook her head at Nic and then said to the table,I need to go see the happy newlyweds Sam smiled again and then headed for Val and Henry. She got there took out the official hard copy of the adoption handed it too Henry and said, Congratulations Doctor and Val Christy, this is your official copy of the paperwork for Can Christy, I am so happy for your new family.

   Shadow  gave a smile,..You're out there waving a gun around and getting shot at , like the rest of us... You earned them... Congrates  again....

 I think Captain Si picked  some of the things from Northeastern PA and  in New York? lots of the same stuff there... Dana moved things around so there  would be  more dance time at the end.

as for the academic  gown?..be proud. there might be  5...maybe  6  crewmembers , who are not in a tech Lab , who can sport one of those..I was lucky to be allowed to wear a cap and  gown to graduate!and he was taken away  by Captain Si.

.....

after   two slow  songs..faster  songs came up,, Will was dragged onto the flor  with the rest of the  Guys  as they Danced... Shadow was intercepted  By beth and had to dance...Maria and Lippen  danced with Shade.

  Dusk   looked at Roy...would you like to dance, or would you rather wait for something less 'energetic'?

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

 Sneak made her  way  through the  Crowd  with her 'apprentice' in tow, stopping by tables   until they reached Henry and  Val. Sneak  waited for Sam to finish  and  said to henry...I don't know where you and  Mrs  Christie  will go for  tonight? But Roll seems  set on 'hosting' Can tonight... Jax  and  I can keep an eye  on  them...?

Henry grinned at Shadow.

"Guess you're right, but it all seems a bit playacting. Just as well I am not still lecturing, the students would have a field day with all this 'Warrior Prof' stuff and the action figures. Ah, so these are American wedding traditions. We English do things a bit differently. It's all a bit of fun, even if it seems strange at times."

Henry smiled as Samantha approached with the adoption certificate.

"Thank you, Lieutenant Robertson. Now my cup really floweth over... You do have him down as Henry Christie Junior, though, don't you? That's his choice of name and I couldn't be prouder... Can is just the name he's known by."

Henry tucked the paper away. It could disappear into his office with all the other administrivia. The intent was important for this one, though.

"Hello, Sneak. I suppose we'll be going home, my quarters.. sorry. Our quarters in BioTech. If Can wants a sleepover he's welcome but he has his own room so isn't underfoot or anything. It's very kind of you and the others to think of him and of us. Just make sure we know where he is and to get home by noon, please."

In reply to reception (msg # 160):

With Shadow occupied Zob found Melia and with a smile took her out to the dance floor to join in with the others it had been a busy day and a half and he just wanted to spend a bit of time with her before they had to go back to their duties.

Kira watched as Morgan returned to the table and grinned, "Where do you think you're going Morgan?" she said standing up and taking his hand and heading towards the dance floor to join the others.

 Sneak  gave a smile, we will.. and  with  Roll and  Can in a house, i doubt anyhtign  will happen, they sued to have to hide in pipes and sewers....'roughing it' on a couch or Bed will be  fine.

 she  and her charge  went off to 'reload' on cake.

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

 Morgan grinned , pivoting  and following her out onto the Floor  Holding her as the moved with the other.

......
 other folks waited  for differant Music..Buzzing was all around  as people chatted  about the wedding, and the Up coming Ball.

 Sam smiled and replied to Henry," Yes Doctor Christy his legal name is Henry Christy Junior, and I am so happy for you Doctor and I am glad I could help." Sam smiled and headed towards Howe and asked," Would you like to dance Lt.?"

When asked what flavour cake she wanted Harry would raise her hand and gently shake her head to show she didn’t want any, with her appetite not being great at this point in time with her not having finished her dinner. She would ignore Cora, leaving Nic to tell her where to stick her opinion, with Harry instead opting to give Will a look that seemed to ask this is what you left me for? This tart? This isn’t even a side step let alone an upgrade! though she would give a single bark of laughter when Cora stated she didn’t take advice from strangers, thinking that she would come to regret that.

Once they had left Harry would gently lean in to rest her head on Nic’s shoulder with a weary sigh ”…stupid too, I mean she actually thinks she outwitted me” Harry quietly said before going on to explain the advice she had given them ”I suspected that Will wanted to leave me for something pretty that smile and hang off of his arm while he spoke to the big wigs at parties, and those two had been giving me a hard time for weeks so I told them to take their shot figuring he would he would either turn them down giving me all the excuse I needed to tell them to sling their hook or he wouldn’t and I would know for certain that things were over between us…I got my answer, it hurt learning I was right and it hurt even more when he didn’t even have the guts to tell me to my face but at least I wasn’t wasting my time with someone that didn’t want to be with me” She quietly explained as everyone else seemed to head for the dance floor.

  Howe  smiled and  sat his  Drink on the  a table that contained  Nagy and  Lt Hirr  talked  and nodded to Howe  as he went to the Flor. he was  movign  gingerly , but  he  stepped out.

  How did you get away from the   Burian Fleet.. we don't have to worry about the SM locking you up...do we?  he grinned.

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

 Will looked  at Harry's  table,, then his eyes shifted to Cora as he smiled when she  came into view to  Dance.

 Shadow  was lookign at His   COMs and seemed  on a direct path to Harry's  TAble, , when AZ-EL  pulled him out on the Dance  floor.

Lona  Lake was   dancing  with Noles.. it would  soon be  time for some fast songs to  pop up.

....

 Dusk  , lead  Roy  to the 'bar table". Her  eyes shifted over the  whole scene   as she  asked   Arnie  for a  Burian Sunburst.

  Roy?.... This does not feel right...The Paradise  Fleet coming?... They have not left thier  system for 1000 years..now.. the demons go away..and ..NOW..they are ready to fight? Granmod has been talkign to  ambassadors  and  officers of the APF...most of them , do not trust The Paradise system Angels

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

  Shade   walked up  to  Henry and Val who, were resting  after   all the attention thrown thier way.. He  Bleeped  and Whirled  , offering his  hand with  green eyes shining... he would offer   Val a Hug, and she readily took it.

 Lyri hand  made her way over  to say Congrates, as she said,I don't understand  what  he's saying, but i'm assuming  he is happy for you both...

Shade gave a thumbs up.

She would give a wary glance in the direction of Cora and Harry, knowing that the pair didn’t like one another and half expecting whatever was going on between them to explode into violence. However Harry would remain pretty much silent throughout the exchange meaning that they wouldn’t have to intervene, although she did lose respect for the people giving Harry disapproving looks seeing as she hadn’t done anything.

When asked if she would like to dance Izzy would smile as she took Lizzy’s hand and started heading for the dance floor ”sure, I’d love to” always happy for the opportunity to dance with her girlfriend, especially after a combat mission. Once they were on the dance floor she would place her hands upon Lizzy’s hips and begin moving to the music.

Billie smiled when Arnie came back to sit by her, having not participated herself. She felt as though she had relied a little too much on the lime green stuff…so she was giving herself a brief break from it. There was that burning tingly sensation that kept radiating up and down her forearms and while it was an unpleasant feeling, she could power through it. Plus, with Arnie, those sensations were easily replaced with different ones. “Maybe next time since,” she said with a chuckle, figuring that Zob and Meila married…and now the Dr and Val. It was only a matter of time before someone else decided to get married as well. If she had her guess on any of those that she knew, she’d guess that Izzy and Lizzy would be next.

Her gaze darted between Roy and Dusk when they approached, Arnie getting up to do his job, a soft smile on her lips as she noted their interaction. Seemed there was something going on between the two…so Billie made a mental note to tease him about it later.

<Flex recap>

Jug standing among the other women and Haley, stood in the group for the bouquet.  More really interest in protecting Haley than the flowers was her intent.  out of the corner of her eye she spotted it.  It bounced hands a few times as Jug pushed a few ladies from landing Haley as she ducked a woman.  It landed solidly in Jugs hands as she was shoved a bit.  Getting up quickly she was as surprised and anyone she had it.  A few women near by approached.  Jug went into a martial arts stand and smiled ...threateningly, with her full barb like teeth.  Then immediately realized it was part of the party and relaxed.  her grimace softening "My apologies" she said calmly.  Another lady led Jug to a chair to sit.  the woman whispered as men were to catch the garter, including Bog.  A cheer came as the garter was caught.  Tall Karl caught it.  to her all male humans were tall, some more than others.  He moved to a chair opposite her.  All eyes on them for a moment.  As he sathe asked Jug about how high.  Jug actually blushed a bit, a few shades of a darker green.  she recovered quickly and sat up straight to gain composure "Gava are not bashful"  Her bare foot she held out.  Her Gavan leg was rather muscular, but was pretty (she thought atleast).  Green with touches of yellows and purples, even a few dots of silver.  As Karl put it on it managed to go up just past her knee. "It fits" she stated grinning.  some of her Gavan teeth showing.  "Do we dance now?" she asked Karl.

<end flex recap...close enough>

 Sam went slowly and wasnt in a rush, she didnt want Steve to hurt himself. Then hge asked his questions, Sam giggled and replied," Well I had too come and deliver adoption certificate to Doctor Christy and Sarah, I mean Commodore McKeon told me too come and deliver it inperson and relax a bit." Sam smiled and danced easily with Howe.

 Howe   smiled  again,  they Moved  to the  music, another  slow  song came on.. Howe  kept her there,I should be a lot better  tomorrow, still don't know if  i can help  with  driving or anything , for our Delta   night

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

 AZ-EL  walked Shadow  over to his table and  seemed to be  in deep  discussion, The  Pilot looked  around the  room for a moment, then looked her in the eyes saying something. AZ-EL  gave a  firm  nod, to go with a firm smile  and  went off into the  mass of table. Standing with his  hands on his hips, he looked around, scanning the  people who were   enjoying themselves, then sat down Asking one of the waitresses  for a soda.

........

 Hemsly set up the  Box to play  3  fast moving  songs,he approached  Shadow's  table   waving for a beer.

  been hearin' alot of  scuttlebutt. 'bout them Paradise  Angels.. Just lettin' ye  know, Me 'an the Lads and Lasses  'ave  yer back  'eh..?

 Thanks Hemsly.. I know.  Most of the folks here won't let the Angels  get away with too much

Nic turned his head when Harry rested her head on his shoulder. "Well I don't know any of them being new here but I am not very sure at this point if I traded up from the move from Hemidal to here. Feels like a sideways move. Even a little down. Same old shit, different day. I avoided Icehole so I didn't gain any attention. Here, I'm surrounded by people that demand I have their opinion. Problem is, I haven't even talked to many of them and then they judge me because they expect me to blindly follow their lead." He snorted. "Fat chance of that. The more I see, the less I like. I guess that I should just do my duty and ignore the rest."

Nic shook his head slowly and then briefly rested his head against Harry's. "If you are tired I can help you back to your quarters. Seems the rest at least are having fun." It really irritated him when it shouldn't but... well Harry can defend herself. She had enough of a sharp tongue. "Sorry, I should have just let you have at it," he said softly.

 Lizzy danced close with Izzy during the slow songs and when a fast song came Lizzy's hips went wild and she really got into it. Lizzy held Izzy close and began to have tears of joy again, a real wedding on the Hermes, once Melia had more free time they would do a part for her and Zob. Lizzy then said," Isn't this amazing Izzy I love weddings so much fun."

 Sam smiled and stayed for another slow dance with Howe. " Well i am just glad you are recovering, dont push it too fast. I will be helping Beth out in the command center I suppose if they let me."

Roy had shrugged off being beaten out for the garter with casual ease.  He'd made a good showing...as he understood it, the competition for the garter was intended to be a compliment to the bride's desirable nature, and he felt like there'd been enough effort to compliment both Henry and Val.

He spent some time dancing with Dusk...more slow dances than fast ones, but he felt awkward trying to dance to fast songs, and that was before the rigid fit of the dress uniform was considered, but enough dances that when she led the way to the bar, he was ready for a break.

She expressed her uncertainty about the Paradise Angels, and he snorted and shrugged, having discussed it at length with a few others over the past day or so.  "The biggest target on any Angel is ego, it seems...with few exceptions.  But certainly, any of the 'old guard' Angels from Paradise.  When Captain Si's sister was on board and trying to lure in Shadow, she had a detachment of Elites assigned to her and they acted like they should have been credited with every success that had ever been managed against the Demons...right up to the point where Shadow put their captain in Medical with a serious concussion and a broken jaw.  So I'm not surprised to see them crawl out of their holes now that the threat has been chased away and start claiming right of dominance."  He shrugged dismissively.

"Problem for them is, the galaxy's changed a lot in the last thousand years.  They might have had the Occui and Sanri ready to follow them, but that was before they went to ground and left all the other anti-Demon species to fend for themselves.  Even if we hadn't come along, I don't think the Sanri would be particularly inclined to let the Angels start calling the shots again, and the best-case scenario for the Angels would be the Occui on an even split as to whether or not to follow their lead.  Personally, I've seen too damned many Angels in command positions who ended up having EDT connections to trust anyone from Paradise until they've fought and bled alongside me for a few months.  And I sure as hell don't plan to take any advice on fighting a war from someone who got their own forces hemmed in to a single planet.  So I think they're in for a big surprise when they demand to be put in charge and everyone says, "No thanks...""

 Dusk tapped the drink for  Arnie to refill it...he took the glass and  made a fresh one.

Some Line dances poped up, Most of the ladies  and a few of the Guys  joined in on that. Frans , Eckles and Cora took the lead on that, waving for others to join in.

 a few more slow  songs where played...and a few more fast one,  Billie was  able to get Arnie out on the floor  .. several others  , such a Jumping  Lion . Jax  and a few others. gave thier best shot.

 Dana  waved  Val over  after a bit more then an Hour. she  announced Now?..the Bridal Dance . Everyone  form aa line starting  at Amy, drop a cred or two in her apron,  you get a  few spins  with Val, and you move on to get a shot....then , those who have had thier Dance, hold  hands   and  dance in a circle... Our Groom, will , try to break  in and whisk his bride off to there  quarters

 The Admiral  and Captain were first in Line ,dropped  some cred Bills into the apron, doing a couple spins and getting thier shot of  whisky  as they began the Parade  around  Val..  Beth   Pushed  Shadow out into the line, he dropped   a  Handful of paper creds, and  did the  Same  thing..Holding up his  empty shot glass  far drinking it, for Arnie to see.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RIBonlHz1bQ

( all the weddings i was at, they only played the first song, with out  singing )

 Shade   hurried into Line... he followed the tradition.. he  looked at Shadow when  Beta gave him a shot  glass..  Shadow  shrugged.

 Shade   downed in  , his eyes  truned  red  and he coughed.. and  , Beta gave him  come  chocolate Milk to  think out the Shot... When   Shade staggered  into the   circling  group, Grabbing   Cora's  Hand.. Shadow called out...well?  we know?..no beer..no whiskey!

 Dusk looked at Roy, her smile excited..Let us  join in!

 Howe Pulled Sam into the line as well

 Sam went with Howe dropped a few creds as well, and danced with Howe circling the bride.

 Meari went to Frakas and said, " Care to join in and after we can dance Sgt.?" Meari smiled as she waited for his response.

Harry would give an understanding nod as she watched the people dancing, not even daring to consider joining the ring of people, fully understanding what he was saying with him going on to apologise for intervening on her behalf ”No, it was nice to have someone standing up for me for a change…besides I’m done telling people to back off, they never take me seriously and no one respects you for standing up for yourself…they’ll learn their mistake when it’s too late” Harry quietly spoke, giving his hand a squeeze to show how much she had appreciated the gesture ”…maybe one slow dance so it doesn’t look like I’m running away, that and I want to dance and do a whole load of other things with you, and then you can take me home” she said, not really feeling up to a party. She had wanted to ask Lizzy something but she didn’t think that would be happening tonight.

  The Crew had  formed a rather  larg  set of  two rings, and more people were getting  in line, even a waitress or  two, now that food  serving and such would stop until this  part of the event  was over.

 Poeple laughing, Holding hands  as  they  circled the bride, Crewmates, shipmates..becoming more family.

 Dana  watched with a big smile as she said to  HenryCircles  aren't getting any smaller , Doc...
 one would  study the   faces of the peopole seeing the  happiness..laughters, but  smiles and special looks Captain Smiled  and   laughed  as she  talked  with some  people in the rings while they  danced around... The Admiral had a big smile Tossing a wink here and there to Frans, or  Cora, or  Ariv as they passed.  Stefi joined the   rings late, after leaving  Med tech  and getting up on the dec , right about  Bouquet toss time.

Henry looked at Val, waiting for the moment that she grew tired of being passed from dance partner to dance partner. With Dana's urging, he judged that the moment had come.

He stepped forwards, the scarlet robe flapping as he strode out and began to excuse his way through the crowd. That wasn't working so well, so he tried joining in the circle dance instead, gradually working his way towards the centre.

Once he got there, he bowed low to his beloved and held out a hand.

"Shall we go, my darling?"

When she took the hand, he took a deep breath and swept he up into his arms and carried her towards the exit.

-> Henry's residence

Mila watched the latest antics. These humans! To her dog mind, you wanted to mate you just got on with it. Not that she'd ever found a dog she wanted to mate with. They were all so stupid, seemingly unaware of anything beyond a food bowl and walkies.

She shook herself as Her Human carried His mate off. He likely wanted some peace. She wandered over to the largs and sat down with them.

  When  Henry  Left with his Bride in His Arms,  Teddy opened the elevator    and let them  in, standing  firm so none could follow.

 The  crowd  cheered. laughter and shouts were Given  as  Dana  said into the Mic...OK  folks!... This is still a War Ship..Party Vurfew  is   at 1:00AM.. you have  a bit over an hour...Enjoy!

 Brooks   went to the Vid  Machine,  playing two fast songs  and two slow  songs at a Time.

 The  Captain stood   with  The Admiral, both looked Tired   and happy, Si have  Oliver a kiss and Moved off, Glancing at Nic   and   Harry as she Passed. The Admiral  walked over  to sit  at Shadow's table. Grabbing a glass of  whiskey from the Bar table.

 Shadow  have   Zob a  'punch' in the shoulder....long way from being a Demonic  Prisoner, to being  Best Man for the Warrior  Prof... you did good..

 Shade was  having alot of  Fun,  seems like   the ladies  would   dance  fast Dances and slow  dances  with him, Pilots  , SEC, even ground crew... sometimes they would  urge him to 'do the dance' he  and Shadow did   at the  Dockmasters, where they had one hand in the  arm, a hand on thier  stomach and   moved thier  hips  one  way, then turn   and switch up the other.

 sitting at the table,  The Admiral smiled  at Shadow....Shade  is becoming the life of the party,,,,

 I think he might ne  drunk?.. he took a whiskey  after the  dance..but? its nice to  see  he has friends across the board..troopers, Pilots, groundcrew...

Hack nodded,Things like this, helps   sort people out.

 he sipped from his own whiskey...You ready for tomorrow...er....i mean tonight?

 Always  ready , Admiral...

Dusk and Roy returned.....the big question is...are they ready  for me?

 Hack laughed  and clicked his whiskey to  Shadow's Cola

 Slow  songs  Came on..Beta, Pushed Arnie towards   Billie  and he offered his hand.

 People  found  Partner, Coar  dancing with Will her  head on the top of his  choulder, eyes closed  and a soft smile. Lippen managed to get Nagy to  dance. Marie and Shoey  wwere out there, Frans  had a Gunnerymate from the AA array  Stefi danced  with Captain Morris. Hennings again  held  Emmie as they danced. Beth and  Fitz  danced   as well as Howe  and  Sam. Fosters   wife had her arms around his neck her head on his chest.. Flores  and  Egger left  right after   Henry... the crowd  did thin out a bit, but there was still alot of people.

 Larry   stalked over to the Table  and sat down  by the Admiral.. he laid his ehad  on his front paws.

 Meanwhile, Puskie and  Disna  were herding the other  Largs to the elevator.

 Roll, Haley  and  Can were sitting near the cookie table, gobbling up  the fare.

 Dana  pulled a chair over  and sat near   Larry , she had a tall  mixed drink and shook her head with a smile...well?  we  pulled it off.. Thanks to The Admiral, and captain, and the Rec dec Crew...

 I didn't do  anything?   Nil provided  a dress?, the rest is the Crew, coming together like a family.. he looked at  Shadow  and   Roy.

 Shadow nodded slowly as he looked out  at Shade.....most of the crew...

With a laugh at Beta's insistence, Billie took the offered hand and headed to the dance floor with Arnie. "This was such a sweet wedding. It kind of reminds me of home since I grew up in a very small town."

 Arnie  held  her  as they danced,..every one came together..Officers.  noncoms, enlisted..APF   ESN, civies.. great time.. Good to  see  Doc Henry and Val have that  kind of support

 I herd MaChins will be  ready for the Ball... You still want to take a bartender?

Zob had returned to the table for a moment it was then Shadow gave him a playful punch on the shoulder this prompted him to turn to Shadow with a grin, "You know there is a good reason why i don't do that to you, there is certainly more deserving people on this ship but regardless its been a honor to stand with the Dr during this special moment"

  Shadow nodded,...Big thing? though  most folks might make light of it... Guy chooses some one he  likes and Trusts?... you don't  just grab a guy and say..he, stand in for me.

  this , most like, was one of  the bigger chocies of his life,.. Shadow  sipped his  soda... Larry was starting to snore a larg like  snore.

Mila got up and followed the larg pack. She took one last glance at Larry before departing.

She laughed and rolled her eyes. "Of course I still want to take you...why wouldn't I? Besides, he has the hots for Gia I believe according to our talk earlier." She leaned in a bit. "So what is the deal with the SM and Dusk?"

Giggling joyously, Izzy would dance with her beautiful girlfriend, kindly smiling when she saw the happy tears in her eyes ”oh you big softy” Izzy softly spoke as she reached up to gently wipe the tears from Lizzy’s eyes with her thumb before dashing off to join the ring of people around Val with a delighted laugh, clearly enjoying herself.

When Henry was finally allowed to retrieve his beautiful bride, Izzy would place her arms around Lizzy in and embrace as she spoke ”so…does my girl want to dance? Or shall we get a glass of wine and a piece of cake to enjoy?” more than happy to do whatever her girl desired.

 Lizzy smiled and danced with Izzy, Lizzy smiled and replied," Yup that is me Ensign Big Softy, it was beautiful though I would love a wedding like this someday." Lizzy smiled when Izzy wiped away her happy tears. When they did the getaway dance Lizzy dropped some credits to Val, and danced in the ring with Izzy to protect her.

 After Henry was able to finally get to Val Izzy embraced her and asked what she wanted too do. Lizzy quickly replied," Oh we need to get some wine and cake Izzy then can we dance some more?" Lizzy's hips where still moving to the beat of the song.

  Getting Up, Shadow  says to those  at the Table,..Arnie and Beta have to  have some of that Bura-berry Juice..right.. I'm goign to get me a big cold  glass,, anyone else what anything?

 The Admiral waved him  off, he still had  half a glass of Whiskey.

  walking around the   rim of the  dance floor, he  reached  The  'bar Table, Arnie and   Billie were dancing.Hey Beta?... i need a big  glass of Bura-Berry jucie on the rocks..


 Beta  smirked,what would your fans  think, if they found out thier  hero  drinks berry Juice?

 There is a big grin,They know i drink chocolate Milk, and Soda?..so..I should be fine. besides, as long as thier 'hero' kills bad  guys, they should be plenty happy

 she hands  the tall bluish-green Glass  a( and any other orders) to him...LC?  My Mother, was on one of the first tribute   transports  GE-FI sent  from the Moons,  I never saw her  again..i..well..


 ....do we need thier resources.. Yes.... does the war depend on it?..I don't think so..you'll see at the Ball...

  I don't have an escort..I...

 Shadow   held up a  finger and Tapped  away on his  COM, a  few  seconds  Later Lt Cross   appeared...what do you need..LC?

 You folks goign to the Ball?

 Yeah..'cept me,  Can't  find a date and...

 LT  Cross.  meet PO  Beta..her   real  Name is BE-TA..but she  turned it  away from Paradise  spelling and  such..anyway... I would really like her to be there to meet the  Paradise Folks..and ..perhaps witness some Hi Jinks... How about you guys  go together,,, get you both inside the doors?..then you can Hang out or not?

 Cross looked at the Dark haired , Green Eyed Angel.....sure..i thought there might be  Hi-ji8nks... i would have hated to Miss it...

 Beta smiles, and  her and cross  began to  take  Shadow got the drinks and headed for his table..

CE-VA  said from behind him..kind of smooth move, stacking the Deck for the Ball...

 no need for stacking..Admiral Richards is one of us.... if things turn bad..well... I wouldn't want to be wearing Angel  Blue..


 he returns to the table with the drinks ( if anyone  ordered) and sipped his  drink with a smile.

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

 Arnie  shrugs...LC and SM have  been d own the throat of the beast since the ship cast off..they work delta Nights together..when Shade  and  Dusk Hatched..Doc henry and Garrat  fished  Shade out of the  vents, he was carring  Dusk's  egg , like a football... Killed  three  stem rats in the Vets... anyway.. SM watches out for Shade... Dusk and Shade  are pretty close to him... seems  Dusk  has taken a bit more interest...I guess  even Udenses-Verian-Human  hybrids  grow up?

Nic frowned a little. "Yes, when being insulted, only come back is I'm new? At least I was deliberately insulting, granted it was in my native language." He suspected that Cora was going to be a bitch towards him. He glanced over as she squeezed his hand and he gave her a smile. "Sure, we can dance as much as you want." He could tell she was already weary of the party.

The glance given to him and Harry by the Captain had him puzzled and he gave a questioning glance to Harry. "You know, that seems to be the second time the Captain has given us a look since you dodged her question," he said softly.

((OOC: Sorry, post got lost in the melee apparently))

With a giggle, Billie wrapped her arms around his neck. "I can very much see that interest...and it gives me something to tease Roy about." There was a soft sigh, her smile still there. It was clear that she was enjoying herself and also thankful that Arnie seemed to help turn off some of those more painful receptors in her body.

Nikki just relaxed with Mitch eating a piece of wedding cake and smootching.  Haley (known for her dancing skills), helped Can and Roll to dance and danced with both.  There was another ball tomorrow she overheard.  Usually they had her go with roll, but maybe go down all 3.  To her it would be nice. and she said Can and Roll to remember that Nikkis place was a place they could come if lost scared, lonely or what have you.  She let can know that if he got separated they could go to any Hermes personnel and ask for Ensign Rutledge.

Roy grinned as he watched Shade dance.  In an introspective moment, he considered how distant he had been from everyone when he first came aboard the Hermes...years of operating in a small team or as a stand-alone field asset, reinforcing the solitary life he'd made for himself growing up, left him slow to associate with anyone...

His first foray with Shadow hadn't exactly been a massive trust-builder, either...ending up riding in the jump-seat of a fighter stolen from Mars, when he wasn't particularly fond of flying in the first place, hadn't done much to build any sense of comraderie--but that had come with time and experience.  Getting thrust into command status as the Security Chief had forced him to interact more, and learning who was ready to put themselves at risk for the benefit of others had given him waypoints to build some semblance of a social life.

It was definitely an odd one.  Shadow had become, in some ways, a brother that he'd never had in his earlier life...they didn't always agree, but when push came to shove, they always had each other's back.  That made it easy to be fond of, and proud of, Shade as he grew and came into his own...which, in its own way, made things even more awkward with Dusk, at least until they had sat down and talked through it and come to the understanding that the assignment was always going to take precedence, for both of them...an understanding he'd only been able to reach with a handful of others, and they were all the people he considered his inner circle...Hack, Si, Lyri, Shadow, Shoemaker, Shade, and a handful of others.  And realizing that had made dealing with Dusk's interest in him a lot less awkward.

He grinned, taking a sip of his drink, and let his free arm drape across her back, his hand on her waist.  He'd been uncommonly blunt when he told her he enjoyed her company...and while she wasn't the first he'd gotten close to in that sense, he felt like she understood him better than most.  Maybe it had something to do with being an outsider, herself, that had been welcomed in...or the fact that she, also, had chosen to focus on her duty above all else.  What, exactly, it was didn't really matter, he realized...they understood each other, and accepted each other, and that was the most important thing.

She would chuckle as Nic voiced his opinion on Cora’s rather pathetic comeback, and although she hadn’t understood what he’d said she’d recognised the tone he’d used ”Like I said, something pretty and stupid that will giggle at his jokes while he talks to the suits, I mean I kind of wish I had the whole foreign language thing as that must come in handy…all I’ve got is a little gang sign and some Cockney rhyming slang” She said with it being clear from their previous conversations that she wasn’t that kind of girl and wouldn’t be forced into doing it either, with the fact that she had even attempted it saying how much Will had meant to her at the time. She was also rather frustrated that she couldn’t deal with the situation the way she wanted to and was instead having to bide her time and wait.

She would smile when Nic agreed to dance with her for as long as she wanted with her giving him a quick peck on the cheek in response before listening as he pointed out that Captain Si had glanced their way a couple of times now and wondering what was on her mind ”Dunno…She’s probably just worked out why I dodged her question, like I was ever going answer that truthfully” she quietly replied as she waited for the next slow song to play.

He sighed softly and ran his hand down her back lightly. "You were never going to be an arm piece to anyone, Harry. Maybe a full partner but not a side piece." His gaze moved towards the other groups, Cora there acting like someone that had only had fluff between her ears. "And that sort of woman doesn't attract me at all." He shrugged and grinned at Harry. "Apparently I like the hard cases," he teased, smiling at her.

Chuckling, he smiled more when she gave him that quick peck and then stood up and offered his hand to her. "Harry, you need to not hide things and she is the Captain. I don't even pretend to know what you are doing or saying or how others are reacting to you because its obvious from gatherings like this that some are bullies. And I don't like bullies."

Once she was up, he pulled her into the fringe of the slow dancers to dance with her on the slow songs before they turned faster. This he enjoyed and if someone tried to intentionally/unintentionally bump into Harry's 'bad' shoulder he would be blocking with a soft pardon given as if he had no idea and had moved into someone else's space.

"Well let's go then!" Izzy gleefully replied as she took Lizzy by the hand and lead her back to their table after making a quick detour to collect a slice of wedding cake and a glass of wine. Unsurprisingly Izzy would indulge her sweet tooth by going for the chocolate cake with her grinning at Harry and Nic as they passed them on the way back from the dance floor with Izzy clearly having the time of her life "you know if the ball is half as fun as tonight we're in for a good night, I just hope that certain elements won't spoil for things for everyone else" Izzy said as she started on her cake, knowing deep down that a fight between the Paradise and Delta fleets was almost guaranteed, though maybe they would get lucky and they would arrange to have their fight away from the dance floor so that she and Lizzy could enjoy themselves.

  As the Dancing   went on, More then a few pairs would  'steer' away from Nic and harry.  some with neutral expressions, some with  looks of  analyzation.  Cora     gave them 'little ' quick smiles  as she and Wil would  step passed, the dancing rather smooth, as if the  were practicing for  the Ball.

  Beth Made  Shadow dance  with her once more, before she disappeared  , Taking  the offered slice of  cake to her  quarters. 0600 came early, and it would be a long and busy day.

  Flores   talked to  Shadow the Gunnerymate looking a bit  nervous  being   close to the LC, The LC shook the man's hand, and   leaned to to say somehting, that made the   Gunnerymate look a bit  Shocked, Flores  laughed  and gave  Shadow a playful whack on the shoulder and the two let, each receiving, a slice of  cake.

  Amy had  boxed up  'the  Bridge' of the Cake-Hermes to serve  as   Henry and Val's  cake topper It would be sent to Henry's quarters in the afternoon, so that  no one 'interrupted ' any honeymooning...

 .........

 Returning to the table after the Dance, Shadow  looked at  Mila  sitting By , what appeared to be, a sleeping Larry.

 Hey?  Mila? You know?  Gregor  went  witht he rest of the LArgs?.... Do you think you would Like to  go with Roll and Can, to Roll's house?... Keep them  safe?  Not that  Two Stem kids can't  handle themselves  with another Pair  of stem kids on overwatch?

 He Gives   Larry a whack on the  hind Leg , and the  Larg snout  turns towards  Shadow lookign at him...Now?  I know you both  enjoyed  havign  wedding food and such... I think maybe you two should  dance? Everyone esle is?..One  dance won't  Kill either of  You..Do a fast dance? it  will suit you guy's  legs...

 Larry snorted   and  went to the floor  with Mila... the Brooks  started   a set of 2  fast dances

 Larry    stood up on his   4  hind legs, to  wave his forlegs  around   and  spin about..Along with   Mila.. CE-VA  saw that  and  focused the  CAM  on them.

.........

  Dusk led   Roy back to the Table, sitting  down, she Smiled at the Admiral,  hack raised his glass to both Dusk and Roy.

Shadow was chuckling at the  two  animal Crew, as other  shipmates   clapped for them and smiled.Half those  people  out there   are enjoying  a larg and a Dog dancing..the other Have  are enjoying  a pair of Multilegged  shipmates dancing, but i wonder how many of them know, they are dancing  ...on purpose..and not as a 'pet trick'...

 Lyri plopped down she  was gettign worn down from dancing  alot. Will seems  to have struck gold, huh?

Shadow nodded,We'll see this Ball...  his  EMH will attract alot of  people... I assume Paradise  Angels will try to  minimize  its worth...but, she'll be there, and her  grasp of tactics will help keep alot of SEC  folks alive.

 You know? You never  said much  about when  you used her  on Anzio.

 Didn't have to.... he motioned to  The Admiral  and Roy,..she was in the aircar with Kase, Shade and Myself... i threatened to  dump her out   at the  Top of  the  Polar tubes when she came up with some information we needed... we followed though , and it was the real deal...I mean?  she's not Beth, by any means.. but she's  aggressive enough, and a team player. Never hid  what she had to do in the SSN....we get a few dozen more like her, the war might be shorten a year or so,

  The Admiral chuckled  and he Leaned in,Ok?..I want to know what the  9 hells  this 'cheerleader' thing is.. do you know, Frans  has the tech  guys makign little  sliver  pins that looks like a Megaphone?  and she's handing them out  to Ladies....I mean, when i first heard it, it was ..i don't know.. contempt? Now its turned into  a status symbol..

 Shadow rolled his  eyes, his face held a visage most folks don't want to see... Lyri  Giggled  and Put a hand on  The LC's  arm  and spoke up.

 ..Yeah..it was, contempt...Jealousy , for certain,  for those folks, especially , Ladies, who were in Shadow's  corner...but..it evolved to anyone who was a strong shipmate, someone you could count on...

 she pointed  to the Cuff of her shirt, a silver mega-phone was there. She laughed a bit,but her voice  dropped  down, and her smile grew more serious...I think  Frans  started it as a joke, to push back on the idiots who seem to want to undermine  the crew? Now its like a badge of honor...

 Hack nodded and shook his head, He Motioned to  Mara and Pointed to Frans...Mara grabbed  Frans arm   and she  approached the table...

 Aye , Sir?

  Frist off , get your  Posse  together  for arriving with the LC in the usual way... We aren't changing anything  for the Paradise  Angels..

 Aye , Sir  , we'll talk about it at the Dress fittings, those with  Dates  will arrive  separately , except for those  in your Car  and Shadows... that's what we have been doing.

 ..now..what's this  thing  with the 'Cheerleader' pins.

 Frans looked a bit flustered, she looked at Lyri  who just winked...Just somehting, to bring the  ship together, Sir..I mean.. we didn't need  much, only  a few malcontents ..but..its sorta grew, its  a fun thing..and..i paid for  the silverwork, Admiral hack?

 The Admiral laughed,..At ease... I think its a good thing? What I want to know, is  Does Nil know?

 Frans  Relaxed as she leaned into the  table.I Sir?... um... she was the second one  to get one..I took the first.....

 Dusk frowned...I want one!

 there was a giggle from Frans  as she  opened a little pouch and handed  Dusk a small silver megaphone pin.. she   smiled  and  pinned it on her  cuff like Lyri did,

 The Admiral  wavered a finger between  Dusk and  Frans ..do only  women  get  those?

 what?  I mean..I.... her  eyebrows  furrowed  as she bit her lip, she looked at Lyri  who just smiled.Turning back to the Admiral, she asked,You want a cheerleader's  pin?

 The Admiral shrugged, he had a soft smile,Its ytour invention, right?... I mean? there are guy cheerleaders., But if you want to keep it a  woman's thing.. I am fine with that.

  She looked  a bit flustered, which is uncommon for Frans.

 ..Sir, if I may, I think this is for the Ladies ...The Gys are easy enough to sort out, the ladies get to have a thing of thier own...and?  Um, they wouldn't let me have one, because they said   , i'm part of the reason  Frans made them... good thing to have though,helps   give  the ladies thier own  pride thing, not that they need it. Most of the ladies on this  boat wear more  bling on thier chests  then a Paradise Admiral.

  The  Admiral gave   Frans   a wink,As you were, Carole..go have  fun, and thanks for  enlightening   me...

 She smiled  and Moved off.. Dusk grinned, as she showed Roy,I'm a Cheerleader!

 Lyri loked at Shadow.. 6 years ago? I thought you would have shot her down....now look...

 Shadow smiled as  Hack laughed,well, we butted head  since  highschool, when my  little rundown highschool beat her 'rich people' highschool..and Her and Eckles were  cheerleaders there...it continued through the Academy and the first couple eyars out here...But  i have  no qualms  about letting her take over the wing when i need to.. she's grown alot..and people know that now.

 Dusk loked at Roy and the Admiral,Frans and   Father did not like each other? Was Beth a Cheerleader ?

 Shadow shook his head,Beth's Mom  wasn't around much, and her Dad worked Tech jobs, repairs   all that stuff, just to keep them  in an apartment  and food... they couldn't afford   cheerleader stuff...but? she came to every game.. Me and Roles  could look up , and see her  in the same  seat, every home game.

 Lizzy smiled went with Izzy to get two pieces of cake one of each flavor. Lizzy was on cloud 9 enjoying the wedding the party it felt like things where normal for a few minutes, and they where not is a god forsaken war for their very lives. As they made their way back to the table Lizzy smiled and waved at Harry, and smiled at Nic. Lizzy wanted to help Harry get back on her feet, but the right way. What Nic was doing was going to get him hated by most of the ship if he wasnt careful. Lizzy wondered if Nic was just too much of a goodie two shoes too really make it in this war, we will see. Nic needed to get Harry a lot better before he started really defending her and find out exactly what she did to who would also be smart. Lizzy then smiled an decided fuck it she was going to have fun with her girlfriend and enjoy the night.

 After they got back to the table Lizzy responded," Yes this has been amazing and they did a great job in such a short time. Yeah well assholes who have sold off their own to stay alive have no business leading us, cowards they are they can kiss my ass before I follow them. I wonder if they had to eat kids too, too be safe from the Demons instead of fighting?" Lizzy did not like the Paradise Angels at all, she just thought they where cowards, pompous blow hearted assholes who think they are better than everyone else, but fold under a fight. Lizzy ate her pieces of cake and took her wine glass and said," Here's to us Izzy, after we win this war things in the black will be so different, I hope we are still here too see it together." Lizzy clicks Izzy's glass and takes a sip and smiles at Izzy.

 Lizzy smiled and giggled as she watched Larry and Mila really dance on the dance floor. Larry saved her life  and she would never forget that.

  Eckles grabs the Mic  in-between songs and says,Alright!..All the Ladies!..Lets do one of our Favs..it will be a good  warm up  for tomorrow!!

 The Ladies    either waved  or   nudged thier  partners away  and Lined up... Lyri   nodded to Dusk...Lets go Captain..show  folks  what an Udenese  Human  can do...

  They Lined Up, Hemsly was griinign as he had  returned to9 the machine( perhaps to be closer to the dancers?)

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3xn_sMxB0M

  the Music  started and  the Ladies  moved  ,  The Guys  Hooted  and cheered

Roy grinned and even chuckled a little bit when Dusk requested one of the 'Cheeleader' pins.  "It's kind of like how the Canadian/American commando groups in World War II adopted the title of "The Devil's Brigade".  It was originally said about them as an insult...part of their choice of it was to demonstrate just how little the opinions of their detractors meant," he commented to Hack.

Turning to Dusk, he continued, "And it wasn't just your father that didn't like her.  At one point, I threatened to shoot her for the security of the ship...and it wasn't an idle threat.  I really thought about it..."

He took another sip of his drink, carefully nursing it so as to avoid becoming tipsy.  "We've come a long way since then..."  He appeared contemplative for a moment, before adding, "A war like this...it sifts people.  Everyone starts at whatever point...but after a while, the ones who actually care enough to sacrifice themselves for their friends become apparent from those who are either seeking their own glory or just going through the motions...if they live long enough.  Frans is here because she cares, even if it took her a year or two to realize it...her dad is all about his personal glory, but he's too short-sighted to realize that collaborating will only glorify him in the short term...in the long run, the moment he stops being useful to them, the Demons will get rid of him, and he'll be little more than a footnote, no matter how much money and power he accumulated."  He shrugged.

"Same with those SSN people who pitched in here.  Some, as we saw, did it for their own benefit...and weeded themselves out at some point.  Others realized that we really were out here fighting FOR Earth, not trying to conquer her, and got in line to help out.  That's the thing, out here...you've gotta believe in something, and believe strongly, to keep at it.  If you're just out here on a lark...running from your past, just collecting a paycheck, whatever...eventually, the price asked of you is too much and you stumble and fall aside."

He sat back and chuckled, suddenly self-conscious.  "Sorry...I wax philosophical, sometimes.  But that's why I'm sure we're going to win...too many people on the other side are doing it for their own edification, and when the pressure's on, they're going to crumble.  They're only willing to sacrifice so much for their cause, and the moment they stop getting what they want, they fold up like cheap lawn furniture in a windstorm."

  The Admiral nodded,I hear  from the fleet, a few people..maybe ..20?..in the whole of the fleet,  took a transfer to 'help out' on Earth....but we know  what they are really goign for... Either to see if they can 'save ' someone personal, or flat out join up with GE-FI.. We  let them go  when  we sailed from The Nest-station... GE-FI's  selling out to the Empire...again... will be a good stick to measure folks  by, when the time comes   to visit Earth....but for us?  That time is  well off in the distance...GE-FI and Qer La Cal? they  are thinking that will draw us in?.... But it won't..2, maybe three years ago, it might have... But we have the whole damn Black to worry about, and we have people on Earth now, fighting  the good fight.... won't be long though, until  vids and pics pop up with  ;loved ones' faces on, to try and  cause discord..it might be a good thing, we haven't been getting  replacements directly  from Earth for the last couple  years.

 Shadow watched the Ladies  dancing.Doesn't matter?... Humans have spread to the stars. I sure wanted to play in the NFL  though?

 Angel food  has made us able to come back and do things we couldn't have done 200 years ago.... you might  get your chance. Playing Fleet football?  There's alot of Competition there, you won't  find on Earth.

 Shade  came over  and Bleeped  and whirled, Scarlett and Ellen were watching from the floor, after the dance was over.

 First off?... you have..um..grown, enough you can make yourown  decisions..... 2nd?...DON'T  drink any  hard stuff... we're goign to need you the next  2 days..

 Shade gave a thumbs up , Saluted  The Admiral and took off with Ellen and Scarlett grinning as they headed towards The Pulse.

 ,,Growing Up?

 I guess?  I just hope they  really  like him being around, and  don't treat him as a Novelity...

 Dusk was on the floor  as Hemsly picked out another   'line type, fast moving dance'...

 he motioned to Dusk as he looked at  The  Admiral  but  included   Roy,..and for Dusk, I hope  we... he motioned to   Roy and himself,..don't have to   take apart any  Verian or Udenses officers.

The Admiral smiled

She enjoyed the slow dances with Arnie, inwardly thanking Beta once again for letting them get some time together. She gave him a kiss when he had to go back but stayed on the dance floor, letting the music take over. When the Ladies moved up to dance, Billie took a step back, watching, making note of the moves and storing them into her own. When she was sure of the steps, Billie jump in towards the back, matching the steps but adding in her own as well. That joy of dancing and having fun was clearly seen on her fair features.

She would softly snort at his observation about keeping thing’s from the captain as she took his hand and carefully got to her feet ” The only thing telling her the truth would get me is a lecture, it’s not like she’d do anything about it, besides at least she can’t say I lied to her” Harry pointed out before placing her one good hand on his back and slowly began to move to the music, with her having offered her friends a weary smile as they had passed her. Oblivious to those around her Harry would dance with Nic until Eckles grabbed the mic and the music started to speed up at which point she remove her hand and say ”I think I’d like to call it a night now…maybe say goodnight to Lizzy and Izzy before go?” she said, uncertain as to where exactly Nikki was but having seen the others at the table. Besides which she still wanted to ask them something.

Nic arched a brow at that and shrugged a little. "Because apparently the rest have been lecturing you about how bad you are and you are worthless?" There was no hint of insult, it was said evenly. "You're not worthless. Don't think I don't see how everyone treats you Harry. Yes you made mistakes. We all do even if yours could have cost someone their life. Owning up to that helps even if these people don't see it. Means you have to work twice as hard."

A sigh followed that. "I know you want to be back in a fighter, Harry," he added softly.

They danced till Eckles decided to spice things up and he backed out with her. "Sure," he looked around for the pair to see if he could spot them. It wasn't hard to spot Lizzy's hair in this crowd. He wasn't as familiar with Nikki as the other two. A few slow steps at a time was what it would take to get Harry in a better place mentally. Now if they rest of them would act like adults instead of high school cliques, things would be better all around.

 The party was heating up, even as the time was runnign down, as if everyone tried to hang  on to  every minute  they  could.

 Frans  Waved to  Shadow  to come up...Shadow said to The Admiral...Once more, into the breech...

 Dusk loked at  Roy in question and  watched...

 Ok..One last chance to embarrass the LC before the Ball..there's a good bet we  won't  Get a chance then! there were  Cheers - She Talks to Hemsly  and Shadow, they look at the Vid, and  Shadow's  shoulders  Slump  and  Frans gave him a  Quick hug and went  to stand by Eckles.

 Hemlsy being a little shorter  was grinning , Shadow sighed  the Music  played    and they  began to act the  parts  as the Vid  played.

 People laughed  and Cheered


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2h4PhgobI8

Roy grinned at Dusk's look.  "One of the things people love about your father is also one of the things people hate...just depends on which people.  But he's not the least bit afraid of making a fool of himself if it will help morale.  It doesn't work for everyone...but nothing works for everyone."  He shrugged.

"In my experience, the people who get offended by it are the ones who take themselves too seriously. Why they're so serious varies...often, but not always, it's because they've built up command to some kind of sacred duty that you have to consecrate your life to, and they see it as a personal affront that he doesn't treat it the same way.  Sometimes, they're just so self-absorbed that they can't imagine setting aside personal dignity for others' entertainment...I'm sure there's a bundle of other reasons, and their validity often depends on the honesty of the person in question."

He chuckled as he watched.  "He's got his flaws...but he works when it's time to work, and plays when it's time to play...and I'll take that at my side any day."

 Dusk   smiled softly at  Roy's  words. Her eyes  went to the Vid  and she Giggled  at Hemsly and  Shadow's   head   jerking  , as  well as Frans  and Eckles playing the   Ladies.

 at one Point  Mara   called out,That's not   any differant  then the LC's  regular dance!!

 People layghed     and some even joined in the  song..some of the SEC  guys were jerking thier  heads  .. and thier  dates  were laughing  trying to hide thier eyes  , as if they didn't know them.

 when the Song was over  Frans  and Eckles  gave  them each a Hug,  Shadow  fist Bumped  Hemsly who was grinning away.

 Shadow sat  down , Dana  still giggling, brought him over  a small milkshake.

 When Dana  left, the Admiral got a bit serious,Kray?....tomorrow  night, You'll  have ...no leash..during or after the  Ball

 wait? I had a leash?

 Hack smiled,a Rather Long one.... but yes....Now tomorrow, there is  goign to  be chest puffing contest , like you wouldn't believe.. I don't care how many you knock  down...i don't even care if they get up again...but..They have to start it...and i believe they will.

 Shadow looked at Roy, then back, there was a shrug as he sipped his shake...I can do that?.. I mean...as Likable  as i am, i have been known to have a  few people rather   cross with me... he said the last few words in an foppish  english accent

 Dusk  giggles.

 we going Delta tomorrow?

 Aye...after  the Ball, we'll all be at the Condos, as always,  Hennings and I will make our  way  as if to grace your party with our presence ..Beth will have her boards up..and  we'll get the marks... you have to  be done, by 10:00 am station time, because   we'll be starting that Big meeting witht he APF and  The Paradise  Angels I need you and Roy there for that, Dusk and Shade  are a Given, since thier places  at the  big table are  known, You and  Roy will be the voices  of  the ESN'APF since you were here   the whole time  the ship has been in service.... Rivets    looked over the repair lists,  we'll leave  Etna  for Matterhorn,at midnight  the following day, Give everyone  another bit of shore leave..Matterhorn will be simpler,, we'll top off supplies  and decide where we are going....

 He stood up, Grabbed  Shadow's  shoulder and shook him a bit,I'm Going to bed..might be the last night of  real rest   for a bit.

  Shadow smiled at the  shake he got, The Admiral moved off. Dusk watched  h The Admiral move off, waving at folks  and  giving a smile here and there.

 ..He Likes you...

 He and The Captain were my second Mom and Dad... I'd be  in new York  Knifing  Mobsters, and  druggies...or..at this point, setting up ambushed  for Enemy Angels  and EDT  folks..or?..maybe dead by now?

 Dusk  relaxed as she loked to Roy...After that  sham of a meeting, we need to hit the beach on Etna..i have found out, i am fond of swimming  and sand!

 ..........

 Roll and Can  made thier  way to Roll's house, armed  with a fresh Milkshake, two pieces each of  cake, and a  pizza.

 more  folks streamed out... Dana  called out  Last Call...15 Minutes until curfew...
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:19, Sun 18 July 2021.

Nikki call Haley over with her prize of extra cake.  It was time for them to get some sleep.  she had to see if she was going to get out of the chair tomorrow before docking.  And there was a Ball to get ready for and all plus some shopping.  "When going ashore for liberty would you like to join us Mitch?" she asked as they cleaned their things and a bit more to help the RecDec Ladies.  Looking at one she winked and spoke "You and your co-servers as well cooks did a wonderful job.  Thank them for us" she smiled.  They headed for the lift and home

=====> officers quarters.

Roy grinned and nodded.  "Some beach time sounds good, but we'll have to see how things unfold."  He reached over, giving Shadow a whap on the arm.

"Just because you've been given free run, don't take it upon yourself to knock down every Paradise Angel at the Ball.  It'll look better if someone else gets involved first...that way you don't look like you came in spoiling for a fight, you just look really ready to finish what someone else started.  And don't even try and play innocent on that one, because I've known you too long for that to fly."  He grinned, but there was a serious look in his eye.

"It's important for it to look like the whole ESN and APF are resolved against Paradise control, and not just that it looks like LC Shadow's got an ego too big to take orders from Angels.  Well, from OTHER Angels..."

When the dancing was done, Billie headed back over to where Arnie was to help him and Beta pack things up and such.

the gava headed to their quarters.  A large slice of wedding cake for Onnu.  Jug brought home her bouquet, they smell good.


===> non comm quarters

For a little while at least Harry had been able to forget herself and simply enjoy being with someone that cared about her. However feeling both emotionally and physically drained from the party it was time to call it a night with Nic kindly walking her over to Lizzy's table where the two women were currently enjoying a slice of wedding cake and a glass of wine, with both of them looking to be having far more fun than she was "Hey guys, I'm going to call it a night but...um...Nic has asked me to be his date to the ball could...could I go to the dress fitting with you guys?" she nervously asked. She didn't like the Captain's dress fittings at the best of times as she felt like she was in over her head when it came to dresses and makeup, but this time around she was clearly terrified about even setting foot within the room full of women and wanted if nothing else a little moral support to get her through what she suspected would be a rather unpleasant morning.

”I wouldn’t be so quick to jump on the cowards bandwagon, a millennium is a long time even for them, and we don’t know what they’ve been up to, it’s still possible that they’ll turn up with tactics and tech that will make us look like kids playing with sticks…not that I think that’s going to happen!” Izzy quietly cautioned as Lizzy’s mood suddenly flipped and her temper threatened to bubble over, although even she had to admit that the angel’s sitting on their hands all this time didn’t look good especially with them sending tributes to the enemy ”…besides if they were sympathisers, why join up with us? They could have just signed up with GE-FI and the SSN and paint us as terrorists….they may be arrogant pricks and timidly led but they are on our side” Izzy continued before offering Lizzy a kindly smile as she gently caressed her cheek ”don’t let them wind you up babe, they’re not worth it and I can think of far more enjoyable things we could do instead” she said with an impish grin as her eyes dropped to admire the low cut neckline of Lizzy’s dress.

It wasn’t long afterwards that Harry and Nic would arrive to bid them both goodnight with Harry then going on to nervously ask if she could meet up them tomorrow for the dress fitting ”sure, I’ve no problem with that, but are really going home soon? she asked wondering why Harry was so nervous about everything as they tended to hang out with one another at these things anyway so wasn’t sure why she felt she needed to ask.

 Lizzy smiled and replied to Izzy," Well Izzy you sit on your asses for 1000 years then they are released and come right out to take over, maybe they have made a deal with the Demons to under mind the APF from the inside. I just dont trust anyone who will allow their people to be taken as food and slaves cant do it sorry. If they want to help add resources to the fight hell yes join us but they havent bled enough to be in charge."  Lizzy was wound up but not out of control yet, but she was done with the Paradise angels for now. " Yes Izzy so can I, shall we have one more dance and then head to our quarters I need to ravish my sexy girlfriend." Lizzy smiled looked at Izzy gave her a seductive wink.

 Then Harry came over and asked if she could be with them for Captain Si's dress fitting. Lizzy smiled even more and she replied," Of course Harry you can hang with us I will help get you an amazing dress and help with everything else, Izzy and I are both very good at makeup. Lizzy knew Harry didnt like any event that had a lot of people in it, plus there would be a lot of females that didnt like her there. Harry to change that, Lizzy couldnt help her with that, but she could help with a dress and makeup for sure.

 Sam had an amazing time with Howe they danced , ate, had a great time but it was getting late and he still needed rest. Sam replied," Steve this was amazing I am so happy I was able to enjoy this with the Hermes crew. I will see you for the Ball tomorrow, if you need me I am staying in Beth's spare room."

  Shadow  grins a Bit  at Roy,..I'm Sure   some Press  folks  will slant  the  articles that way. But..The Bottom line, They'll Have started it..and  we'll damn well finish it!

  Now  I'm gonna  hit the sack.. we're gonna have a long day tomorrow, and it will be  tougher  during the end..

 Dusk looks  at   Roy and  Shadow,how do you think the  Etna  Press  will  treat this all?

 don't trust  reporters too much, and I haven't been wrong... but you can bet there is  still some old  guard  hacks  , that will try to turn their  reports thier  way... so?  you see  Enta  Media, be careful what you say.

 He gives them a wave , leaving a  20 cred bill on the table.

Nic rubbed his hand up and down Harry's back supportingly as she spoke to the women then he nodded to Izzy and Lizzy. "Thank you for helping her. She needs her friends at least." Someone that wasn't him actually showing a friendly face because he suspected that she got scowls all the time otherwise. He waited for them to finish before heading to the lift to take it back up to the Officer's Quarters with Harry.

  Dusk st9ood   after  Shadow made his   way towards the lifts.would you care to  escort me to Granmod's  quarters....It  will be a busy day for Me as well.

 The Horn sounded  and people  groaned  as then began to move to the  Lifts

Roy nodded.  "Gladly," he answered, offering his arm to her.  As they walked, he spoke, addressing her earlier question.
t"I don't know that the media based out of Etna will be a big problem...I suppose it depends on how popular Admiral Richards is with the locals, but their past leadership was very much into buying and selling influence and that tends to not sit well with a lot of media places, unless they can afford to buy into the right circles.  But there will likely be media from other locations there, as well...the Paradise Angels are coming out of the woodwork for the first time in a millenium, and they want to meet with the leadership of the APF?  EVERYONE is going to want to get their first-hand shot at reporting that story.  So, there will be plenty of media there that isn't from Etna, as well."

He sighed as he considered the prospect, and continued, "Some of those are very definitely going to be in Lady V's sphere of influence, and they're going to be looking for any excuse for a story that casts the Delta Fleet, and especially the Hermes, in a bad light...and that's if we're lucky and they're not particularly ambitious.  If they're ambitious, they're going to try and leverage their media access into some kind of attack.  It's been tried before...on Etna, no less."  He grinned a little sadly and shook his head.

"So, when media is around, watch more than just what you say.  If something feels wrong, it probably is, and don't talk yourself out of those suspicions just because it's a reporter.  Reporters can be bought...and media credentials can be forged."

 Sam said good night to Howe and then Headed for Beth's Quarters and sleep.

---->>>> To Officer quarters.

There was a relieved look when both Izzy and Lizzy said it was as alright for her to tag along with them to the fitting tomorrow ”Thanks guys, I really appreciate that…I’m not too worried about the dress and makeup, I just need someone to watch my back while I’m in there” Harry said making it sound like she was going behind enemy lines or into a particularly dodgy part of town. After briefly looking up at Nic to show him that she was ready to go she would turn her attention back to her friends to say ”ok in which case I’ll meet you at yours tomorrow morning then” before allowing Nic to take her back her quarters.

——> Officers Quarters

Faced with the choice of either a long conversation discussing the merits and demerits of the Angel fleet and their past and present involvement in the war effort or a night of passionate sex with a busty redhead Izzy was more than happy to agree to disagree and let the whole thing drop.

With Harry heading off to bed after saying she would meet them at their quarters Izzy would offer the poor girl a kind smile “Ok Harry, have a nice night, we’ll see you tomorrow” she said giving her and Nic a wave as they left. She would then lead Lizzy out onto the dance floor for one last dance before heading back to their own quarters for what should prove an enjoyable evening.

 Lizzy smiled at Harry and then went onto the dance floor for one more dance. Lizzy then kissed Izzy and without a word bit with a seductive look on her face headed for the lift,and their quarters for a fun night.

---->>> to Officer Quarters

 Meari danced and enjoyed Frakas's and the other tall warriors company, she had a great time. It was getting late and she wasnt sure what her duty would be during this stop but she hoped she could go to the Ball with Frakas. She said good night to Frakas and told him she would be at the Ball hopefully on one of his 4 arms. Meari said goodnight to everyone she knew as she left the Rec Dec and headed for her Quarters.


--->>>> To Non-Com Quarters

[From OQ]

Nic made his way to the Rec dec and sat down to have a quiet meal and coffee. Once he was done he would pay and leave, heading back up to the Officer's quarters and sit and relax, reading some technical manual.

[Back to OQ]