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."