Ben came over.

"Hello, everybody. Any insights, Adam?"

He sat down at the end of the table, still sipping his coffee.

  Wade  sat down,  Cruz  put his coffee  down, he  put a  paper plate with two  sugar  doughnuts  in between hm and   Lindsey as he and Salcedo  moved off to another  table.

 I was thnking that too? and we can't  control the Movie..but we can pick where we want to go eat.

....

Adam    shrugged as he shook his head, clicking through frames  with baIts thgere...somewhere,,,, I'll find it.. somethig they haven;'t used   for a while,,, right now, we have that new release to use, and  the  'Dip and go' pattern, even if they can cover us, that takes the  defense out of the picture to  cover on screens  and  run plays.rely a hesitation..

 He   grinned   for a second at heather,that would be scary , i you thought like me..

Lindsey waved to Cruz and Salcido, "Good morning guys. Thanks!"

"So, we had our unveiling yesterday. New jack Films is now Dragon Studios. That's probably better than Big King Films. Anyway, I met the director and some of the other actors. Carlton Cross took us all out for dinner and drinks. We had a good night. What did you do last night?"

"Who can I block?"

Ben had rediscovered the delight in flattening defenders during the last game.

"As for what you are missing... is there a play they used early in the season that they haven't used for a while. Do you have all this season's film on there?"

  Adam Nodded  as Ben asked.I got  the last  5   game films from Coach Fry, he  emailed  me the files... I have ourt last game o on dics,..  Theybhave to attack our Corners, ,  That's   the weakest part, since its mostly one  on one... they'll  try to unload in the middle, but our people tackle   hard, hardly ever do we have some on slip a tackle..Thier  runnign game isn't bad, but   Cal  will just take the Holes away?. Make them Bounce out side..

 For Us?   we  Just need to  catch the ball and Run...and? if you have a  chance  for a  Block, take it. Now , Unless  they have  one of  those newer  guys  that wants to shoot thier Mouth off?.. I'll be hitting  folks  Hard, If   they have a guy  who presses  Buttons..then    I make sure he gets to watch  the rest of the game

 Mindy  says...well?  I mean?  who is this havers  Guy covering.. he's  just sirt of standing there?

  what?   He gets like  15-18 tackles   a game, i think he has..like  8  sacks, three picks?

 Mindy  looked  around the table...But he isn't  activie....

Adam looked annoyed  but the  ran  back play , after play...after Ply...and sure  enough.. there it  was... On Run plays  Havers  would be there  to clean up the runners,  or  knock them out of bounds, , On pass  plays he   stood  in the Middle  with his head  on a swivel. passing receivers off  as he  then made  hits  on the player  who  caught the ball..

 Adamm say back  and sipped the fress  coffee...and there it is!!!...he's  'all over the place'..because he doesn;t go anywhere!!.. he cahses  down screens and  sweeps.. he meets  giuys  who get passed the Laine, and he  'owns the Middle' because he sets up shop there...I didn't  notcie it? everythime i looked at  the screen he was takign his  steps, then  he was making a tackle

 he grinned at Mik  and Ben,,,Yhat's who we hit.. we  can  feed the Ball into the  middle  as  Long as  we  have  another  reciver   comign in to block him.. 6-8 yard pass plays  gcould go for  2-30..Mik and th Back can   run me and Bens  way, I can cut down the Corner, and Ben can take on Havers.., the Guard  can get the OLB..on crosses  it will be the same, except  Ben  and I switch targets!!

 Mik?  take her  anywhere she wants to go tonight,  send me the bill!

 Mindy stood  up  and  did  a hip sway Victory dance. Giggling

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

  The  other  LBs   msiled ,,but moved on. Eade  took a bite of the sugar  donut...I went for a run on the  beach..its becoming a thing  now.. bronk used to do that all the  Time, if it can help a  smaller guy like him, it was to  help us?..  my legs   do feel stronger. we'll see  sunday...after that, I grabbed a couple Big King Bomb Burgers  and watched  film, before  killing the Night off   that   sci-fi thing ' Ghost Contain '..its a little goofy, but the action is worth it.

Complex ---->>

Bronko got a healthy breakfast of fruit juice and oatmeal.  He added a bit of honey and cinnamon with a dash of nutmeg.

Taking a seat near a window, he ate while contemplating the change his life had taken over the last month.

"Oh yeah, speaking of those..." Lindsey put tapped the air with her finger tip "Sage and I will be doing a commercial Friday for the Bomb Burger. There's a new one with bacon. Adam will be in it also. The deets are fuzzy, but It sounds like a fun concept."

"I guess you don't like the goofiness in the action movies?"

 Wade shrugged,Comic  relief is fine. we do it on the field al the time in realife..but, don't screw up a good action flix  with over use of stupidness..i hate that.

 somehtign funny, ot w twist of some words  as the   unti goes ihto battle is  fine. but  don't make  a action show a comdey, unless you label it that way.

"Yep. I hear you. Excessive comedy can be jarring when you don't expect it. Hopefully we won't see that tonight."

  Sims, and the Coaching Staff  came out of the  VIP room, Eva  with them  as well, Hall followed  them  walking  next to Eva.. he  had  metal brace on his    jaw.. he glared  at Adam, Adam Just waved  with a  Smile , he held up a Donut as if to offer it to him..  Hall tried to talk but couldn't.

  Tracy came from the coffee machine,you can be a real Jerk, You know that?

 Adam began to   fold up his computer, he  just  gave Tracy a  slight  smile and  went back to   packing the , back pack for the trip to the Big room,Yeah?   A bastard  too, or so I am told..I'm pretty good at it, if the motivation is there.

  As they walked Out of the  Den.. Wade, ( who excused himself  and chased  After Sims), Cruz  and Salcido   had  Sims, Cal,  , Duke and   Payne there. They waited for heather  as well,, and Wade shouted  for Adam.. who looked at the  ground  , but  went over.

 Adam  frowned.Look..if this is what I think its  about.. You don't need me here, I wasn't even there.

 Heather packed up her stuff and headed over to where Wade was calling a group together. " Hey everyone whats up, did I miss something?"

  Wade   was 'the spokesman' and went into the watchparty, and   Rock causing  Cruz  and Salcedo , to not only leave..but he stayed!  and continued  with  rmarks, . he said  he had to wait for Lindsey to leave, before He  Told  Rock to leave.. ending with 'the whole night was ruined"..Cruz  asked how are they supposed to play with a  guy on the field like that, who doesn't have  faith in his teammates..

 Sims grabbed the bridge of his  nose,  Cal scowled, everyone looked at Adam..WTF?  I'm not a Captain...

  Sims  sighed,you're  like our Moral officer...

  so? No one listens to me... If people Listened to me, Steele  would have been punished after his first curfew violation.. and I wouldn't have  been punished  after my first while steel was on his 3rd!.. If people listened to  me, two of the receivers who are out of football now, might still be on the team..and Hall wouldn't have had his face rearranged!

 He Looked  at Wade.. You were the Host? You should have told him to leave, rather then let two guys you  fought  along side since may, to leave!.. I'm sorry...The guy doesn't have manners, outside  what he can show off, Sadly? there isn't  any team violations  mixed in there... So Me?... I'm going to the Meeting room.. You guys handle this..but i don;t see how  you can 'OURIGHT' punish him. he nodded  and left, and not smiling.

 Sims nodded as he saw Adam look him in the eyes  and say 'OUTRIGHT"

 well..so much  for  help..right?  So what do you folks think? Cal asked/

  Payne was   unhappy,Don't like it.. My  guys here, don't get riled too often,  They are Upset  right now.

   if it was an Offensive Player, I'd have   apologize,  don't know how that works   for  Defensive guys though..

 Heather listened then responded," Well he didnt break any rules other than being a dick to teammates, I say the leaders of the defense have a talk with hm and discuss the issues and go from there, I mean I can talk to him since he is a returner which falls under Special Teams, but I think it should come from you guys." Heather got her gear and then headed for the meetings.

In reply to goihg (msg # 22):

When Lindsey saw that specific mix of people huddling off, she had a pretty good idea of what it was about. The whole episode made her sad. The guys were already riled up about Rock harping on the schedule, though why they even cared about that was a mystery. It was odd for Dragons to defend the league. So, while she could see how Rock's  criticism of the practice schedule would sound out of bounds to those who have been winning with the way things were done, she didn't think it warranted so much anger.

The real issue was the statement he made before that about the team being untested. She felt like she understood what he meant: that the Dragons had yet to face a team that was really their equal, but she also understood how it had to sound to those who endured the doubt and even ridicule all season. At the heart of it, it was a misunderstanding between people with completely different experiences. It would be a shame if Rock were punished for his inexperience.

The most unfortunate thing was that while she was there to witness it, she couldn't do much about it. And worse, the episode as news and she'd have to report on it in some way. It was one of those tough positions that arise when you're too close or too embedded in your topic. She was allowed to be biased for the team, but this was the team on different sides of the line with itself. She really needed guidance, but she'd have to wait until she could get Bart alone. Maybe after the meeting.

After gathering up her things, Lindsey topped off her coffee and headed to the meeting.

To Meetings

Bronko finished his breakfast and made his way to the meeting room.

---->> Meetings

(( after    Gym workouts))

  entering  the Den,   some guys  still  had  towels  around their  necks , but all sported    White Dragon T-shirts  and  Dragon green shorts,

 Adam  got two club sandwich's  and  fries , with a large soda, and sat down his lap top opened  once, more, now he concentrated on  Havers..

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

 The Actors   and  most of the crew showed up, Lead  Ny   Carlson  and Yuto,  Bob  and Echo Bill  walked with the   crews  explain  some of the  Buildings  and , they would be  permitted  to be on the Track with Bob and Bill as practice took place.  The actors  and  Director and such would be in the stands, near the 'home' press corps.

The actors  and shut  were permitted to  get  something to eat ( on the amotas ) and  free to mingle with whom they wished.

Ben came in and checked the food on offer before choosing a cheeseburger, slaw, and fries with some lemonade to wash it down. He settled at a window table, keeping an eye out for Lu-Ti as he began to eat. Guests got a friendly smile if they looked or came his way.

From Dragon Gym

Lindsey got to the Den after the team was already there. She nudged Mindy. "The party continues, right?" They weren't too far behind as most of the guys were still up getting their lunch. She was just deciding on what she wanted to eat when Carlton and Yuto came with Paulo and the Dragon Studios people. Bob and Bill were there, but hanging back with the behind the camera crews

"Hey there, good afternoon." Lindsey lit up, giving hello hugs to Carlton, Yuto and the rest. "Glad you all could make it. Hey, this is Mindy Lacey. She's the Director of Sports content at NJN, and one of my dearest friends." She turned to Mindy

"So, this is Paulo Santos, he's the director extraordinaire. Cole Hamilton and Harley Donovan are actors, and Lizzy Boone here is Paulo's P.A."

"Nice to meet you, Mindy." Cole offered his hand. "Didn't I see you on the ESPN desk?"

"Hi," Harley likewise offered her hand. "Nice to meet you."

"The team is in there. Why don't you all grab some lunch and mingle. I'll help break the ice if you want."

"That'd be great. I'd love and introduction to Duke Fillings."

"Sure, no problem." She looked around. "Um. Where's Sage?" Seeing all the blank stares, she pulled out her phone. "I'll join you all in a minute. Grab some lunch and then we can make intros."

To Sage: Yo, Chica. Where are you? The whole DS crew is here for lunch.

 yeah, but   well some  are nice to look at, others   ..well.. turn me off..., because of their  actions... The group approached.

Mindy  Smiled and  greeted  them, She   Pointed to the table  next to  Adam's ,That Player there Is  Mik, next to Adam's  table? He's  a running back, and   one of Adam's best friends on the team she gave a  bit of a smile,Yeah , I have the desk  here.. i haunt the sidelines   during games. when i can. Lindsey and Jenny do the heavy lifting there.

 Paulo was looking over the  people seated,  and walking in, or standing in line, They all look  so big,even with out the Pads. Bronk  looked  solid  yesterday, but some of these  men are monsters. he looks  small!

well... i like a  smaller   , solid guy. Lizzy looked  at    Mik who was talking  Stalls,  Adam  was taking a bite of  a sandwich  and  tapping away  at his laptop, as he took a note..

 You want to have  some fun?  Pull up   the  last  few games and see how many 'big guy"... Adam and Mik destroyed   with Block., they can take hits  and dish them out.. Mindy said in her  ESPN   voice.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:06, Fri 08 Sept 2023.

 The Coaches  were  by the   table, just out side the VIP  room.

  carlton   ( after getting Hungs  from Mindy and  Lindsey, tuned to Lizzy,Both of these Ladies, and NMik were in our last Commercial we shot.. it  was rated  in the Top   five commercials, and top 3 in food  commercials

 he    went over   and    patted Mik on the back, Mik smiled  and  shook his hand   and Chatted,   he walked around to then other  Tbale  and said  Adam   Name.. Adam  stood,  wiped  his hand   and Lips from the  clubsandwich,  while  taking Carlton's hand.

 Nice to see you  so soon again?.. You get to see  us at  our  Office, in about  30 Minutes or so.. we'll be going down to get our ankles tapped..Its  semi-Light  today..  shorts , shoulder  pads  and Head  gear... we have some things  to work on, but nmost of it
 is skil drills, hitting  sleds and  such, and then we'll finish  with a  10 play scrimmage..
  he gave   The Man a grin...

 Jest should be here  by the time  we   are in the last bit of practice... when we share the place, we  like to   show them  what they have to  face.. so me a Duke have some  fun with the opposing  team  for 1  'play'

 Heather finished up and joined the others for lunch in the Den, she got a burger and a large salad and fruit. She smiled at everyone then took a seat got her laptop out and worked on the Jets defense and Special teams.

To Lindsey: Running late. No one told me we were supposed to be there for lunch

After Sage's mostly immediate response, Lindsey followed the group into the Den. She ran through and god a chicken Caesar's salad, then joined Cole and Harley at a table. Cole had Harley each had burgers and were already into their meals.

"Hey guys, making sure to leave some room for dessert, I hope?" Lindsey teased, joining Cole and Harley at the table with her salad in tow.

"Absolutely, I always have room for dessert." Cole said with a broad grin, making some room for Lindsey to sit. "Especially if they're as good as these burgers. Damn!"

"Speaking of Damn, I couldn't help but notice the, uh, ‘scenery’ around here." Harley chimed in with a smirk, her gaze drifting off towards the group of linebackers at the next table. Wade was there glancing over, but mostly eyeing Lindsey

"Oh, enjoying the view, are we?" Lindsey chuckled, following Harley's gaze. "You should have seen the view I had in the gym this morning." Her eyebrows popped a couple times. "I'll introduce you to some of the guys in a bit. Too many of them are single, so if you see anyone especially interesting, just let me know."

"It was cool meeting the Bomb last night, but I guess he's just one of many in here." Cole commented, his eyes drifting around the Den with evident fascination. "You used to date him, right? What happened?"

"Oh, about last night, thanks again for the ride home, Cole." Lindsey gave Cole a warm smile, her gratitude genuine. "Yeah, Adam and I were a big thing, but I guess we weren't really compatible. Let's just leave it there."

"Okay." He took a huge bite of his burger, snatching up his napkin to catch the drip from his lip.

"So, Lindsey, now your single and surrounded by..." She swept her arms "This. Are they, uh... keeping you busy?"

Lindsey shot Harley a look, wondering if the blonde was suggesting something or just making playful banter. "I've only been single a week, and... well there are moments my mind wanders to some very happy places, but nah. They are all very respectful... well mostly all. I do have a date later though with Wade." She pointed to him at the next table.

"Oh God. That guy is huge. I'll visit you in the hospital after you get fitted for a body cast. I'll definitely be wanting juicy details." She eyed Cole with some mischief in her eyes. "Yeah, so I'm interested in their training. What’s the daily regimen here like?" Harley's curiosity piqued as she momentarily tore her gaze away from the players to look at Lindsey.

"They get here for strategy meetings that start at 6:30 AM. This morning they hit the gym just before lunch. That was a treat to watch. Nut then after lunch they have practice where they stretch, then perform position drills. At the end they usually do a scrimmage and then run a mile. It's tougher than it sounds, but you'll see."

"So they plan out their routines and then rehearse. Sounds familiar"

"Yeah except they play live once a week. And if they get it wrong, they get beat up."

"Still familiar."

From Sage's Apartment

When Sage entered the Den, she stopped at the door to scan where everyone was. She saw Carlton and Yuto off to the side chatting together, Adam was with Mik and Mindy reviewing something on his laptop, Lindsey was there with Cole and Harley eating lunch, and Paulo was having a conversation with Coach Sims. There were a bunch of other non-players in the room, but she didn't know who any of them were. They could have been associated with the studio, or support staff for the team. She shrugged with her eyebrows.

"Hey!" Sage popped up behind Adam, wrapping her arms around his neck. "Are you guys reviewing best-ofs from my filmography?" She looked at the the screen. "Oh.... game films. Who would've believed that old games were so re-watchable."

"Anyway, I see that the studio crew is all here. I'm going to go say hi." She patted his chest and was off.

Circling around behind, Sage covered Lindsey's eyes "Guess who!"

 Adam smiled broadly when she arrived, he gave  her a  quick  Kiss on the  cheek,yep..study time..hey? you get to see me  work to do..this  stuff is class room,  we  got out on the   field  in a bit.. see you later..

Mindy and Mik smiled  and gave little waves  as Sage hustled off.

  tracy  came  marching over to  Adam.. alright hero..stand up...

  Now  what?

How's the Rib...Lift your shirt.

 Now ? See that Mik.. if  we said that to her....

 Blody unfair world, Mate..Bloody Unfair..

 Tracy  looked at the greenish  yellow  mark.,,,,she pressed it.. Adam's  eyebrow furrowed.shut up you two... Tell me that doesn't hurt...

 That doesn't  hurt...

 she  whacked him..  and  He  frowned...Liar!

 You just told me  to say that!..didn;t she tell me to say that...

 Me  mate's  right...you said that...

 Mindy  shrugged,you did say that  tracy?
 she glared...alright  dammit, I have to list you as  'Full participant'... Don't
 do anything stupid today...

Adam looked at her...

 yeah...right....  she went off in the  direction to the coaches  table where Eva  was  sitting with  Sims and the staff.

 Mindy  says...she  likes you.,,she worries   so much about you?

 Adam  tucked his shirt back in is shorts,yeah.. the whole pain thing tells be  , she just adores  me..

he spins the screen around...look here..last time  we played.. You were open in the flat.. same thing happened  with the Chargers, but they didn't get the ball off soon enough..

 we're  gonna eat big, if  Coach don't  throw water on the fire ...