( continued )

     Morgan and Kira  Both stepped forward, and began to hammer on the Doors...These are  Thicker.....but haven't been Maintained? We'll get through... but if  anything on the other  side is alive..they know we're  here...

  Shade      trots up  with his   SMG....he watcyes    the Doors   aas the    pound on them.

In reply to wreck (msg # 1):

Zob who had his rifle raised kept a eye out for trouble as they beat down the doors, "They knew we were here the moment we bombarded the ship with live fire from the Hermes" he then looked to shade and gave him a nod and spoke to those around, "Whatever is on the other side of that door you make it regret the day it came up against the 351 Hermes!"

  Frans  comes   aroudn the Buiding. Takign a park from  the other  Two Ladies... Shadow follows   after  he, and was ready to ask a  Question when he  saw  Maddy and Flores..

 Frans  Lay's out  and Puffs up her clothes. and she looked at him...Come on , Shadow? You've  seen more then this? before?

   There  was a shake of his head  as he looked at the three.Yeah...well...it doesn't ever get boring, You know?

 Flores  giggled...and that folks? is the best compliment you might get from our beloved  LC...

 what's up? or  are you just doing your version of Steele...?

 I don't mind....

 Frans  giggled...I didn't say i mined...so?  What's...up?

 Shadow  gave her  a   tilted head  and a shake of his head...Did you get the aircraft ordered...... She laid down on the other side of Flores...staring at Shadow.

 Yes... i did....

 he  cleared his throat a bit...we have anyone who can't fly?

 I don't think Vosts  should go up...

 Is she wounded?

 now?  but she's flying scared... she going to get someone killed

 I'll talk to her   before  we have to mount up again...but she'll be going up.. we need  every pilot..

 ..but she might get herself  Killed...maybe  Lizzy or Nikki trying to cover her ass>

  Alright.... Then you talk to her.. and you can make the Call..because you know what mine will be.... you talk to her, and what ever call you make? I'll stand by it..your the Asst WC.... if I can't  trust your judgement, I can't trust anyone's

  She nodded  with a bit of a smile, he turned to go...You can stay?... we  trust you..

 'm gign to my Bunk to get some sleep. Admiral ordered me to stand down... that's not happening if i stay here... he  winks  with a wry  smiled, heading around the corner  to the  door, Moving  his armor  and Jack he   plopped onto the  bunk, and tried to get some sleep..

Henry followed the door-openers, and inspected whatever they discovered...

The sun felt warm and soothing on Madison's skin. As her muscles relaxed, all her recent anxieties played briefly in her head, then faded. Steele's walking in on her in the shower room. Having to take several passes to land. The entire ride back from the fight. The random encounter with the enemy craft. The really violent reaction from her skeeter when she was hit by the anti-aircraft guns -  that was a big one. And then, the fray itself. It all just evaporated, drifting away like steam off the surface of a tranquil lake. The calm melted into her and she felt herself drifting way until the voices called her back.

At the sound of Frans and Shadow's conversation, Madison opened her eyes and propped herself up on her elbows to see what was going on. It started with the light -  but not at all subtle - flirting. Madison was used to flirting between two people, but this wasn't that. Both here and when they were laying out earlier, it was between Shadow and the group. Whatever each lady said for herself felt like it was taken to be from all of them, and whatever Shadow said back sounded like it was directed to everyone. Whether that was true or not, that's the way it felt. Examining her own feelings on the matter, Madison was never once indignant or ever felt the need to make a disclaimer, or even to cover up.

Once past the flirting, they went on to business. From the sound of it, one fighter was having a hard time. Madison never met Vosts. She wondered whether she was new or if she was just war weary and coming apart at the seams. One thing was clear, Shadow was of a mind to use her until there was nothing left; even in spite of the real risks brought up by Frans. Madison had a hard time reconciling that against the rationale judgement Shadow used to send Madison back to base. With an escort, no less. Was a damaged fighter any worse than a damaged pilot? Maybe he just expected Vosts to suck it up, or maybe it was like he said. They really needed every pilot. Madison was relieved to hear Shadow eventually leave it to Frans.

The conversation ended with the flirting. It was going to be a consistent thing, Madison concluded. A cycle of fighting and playing, like a pride of lions. Letting the lesson churn, she laid back and closed her eyes.

Taking the collection of journals, Izzy would flick through the pages of the first one in order to gauge exactly how much was written inside before looking up at Cora "you know this is going to take me ages right?" she said without a hint of complaint in her voice, with her simply pointing out that they shouldn't expect anything back from her anytime soon, especially without any form of guidance of what she was looking for.

With the stack of journals in her arms she would find somewhere relatively well lit to sit down before removing her headgear and beginning to read, with her vidboard sat beside her so she could take note of anything she found "Is there anything in particular I'm looking for or just general intel?" she asked just in case Zob or the SM had asked for anything in particular.

Nikki walked with Vosts and Lizzy into the mess and began grabbing some chow.  "Want to eat outside in some sunshine?  does a body good" she asked.  "We can talk about getting into and out of tight spaces?" she suggested.

I trust my attempted accent wasn't too off the mark. Justin prompted.

  Shade  Bleeped  Loudly    after the  Mechs   took a few more slams at the door. He  Bleeped  and   whirls.. he  made a sign  with  two fingers on each hand   sliding together.. then   pointes   at the  center,  that was  dented  and Bowed,, but  creased..

 walking  over to the left side  of the  door, he  made a motion with his hands  as Flat.. and  spaced the  wide  apart.. then tapped the   ended of the doors  again.

Zob shouted to hold when Shade went off on his whirling and beeping and pointing at the door, although he didn't understand what he was saying he took a guess worse case he would call Orria to translate, "You want us to pull the door open from the left and right side?" he asked Shade.

Kira held off on pounding the door as she listened in on what they had to say, "It's worth a shot Morgan ill get the right hand side you can get the left" she then moved into place put her hands on the door and when Morgan was ready would pull with all the servos would allow so the doors could try and come together.

  Waggles  laughed as he stood...You sould like the LC, trying to talk like  Hemsly

 I'm gonna rest a bit.. see you when the Balloon goes up...

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

 Shadow was  almost asleep  when Steele   put a  Hand on his   chest to wake Him Up, Shadow'sarm    Grabbed his  throat, the other hand , had a  throwing  dagger Inches   away from his throat..

 God's be damned Steele..you want to die! Shadow relaxed,  Steele's eyes were wide..

 where the  9 hells  did you learn that!

 New York.. Now?  what the hell is so important, that you had to almost die to tell me..

 ..I don't  think the LAdies like me...

 Shadow Blinked....

 No?  I mean..no matter what I do...

 Jeez  Steele... you walk in on two of  your flight mates, take a shower..you waggle  your wienie at them, and you can't  understand ..what?.. why they didn't have a bitch fight over  who gets first?

 when you say it like that? It sounds  Stupid...

 IT IS STUPID!!!..Look? you're  not hitting on one ladie..you're  hitting on them all, what the 9 hells  do you think is going to happen?..Just?  Act like a Normal guy for a change..

 what a bout you?   You  do all kinds of  stuff  with them..  The throwing  dagger vanished in a slight of hand,  Steele's  eyebrows  furrowed as  he wonder where it went..

 and there you have your answer.., My rock headed friend... I do things ..WITH... then, , not..TO..them..if i would have  done   what you did, I have to believe the   reactions would have  been the same...

 ..No it  wouldn't, they like you...

 yeah? your right, I was   just trying to make you feel better

Steele  frowned and Got back up.. rubbing his throat...

 Just relax..right?  don't do any more stupid stuff..wait until next shore leave and spread yourself  around then..

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

  Frans   , Flores and Maddy laid out... Frans said  quietly...Eckles wants to  know  if you , Beth  and Shadow, do a three  way...You Know, at the Condo?
 Flores   starts  to laugh..Frans  giggles... as her head rolled to  look at her.

 Lots of times, one of us    found some fresh game on the beach or  at the  ball.... Sometime  one of us gets  Lucky..or he does? take your pick.... buts  its more just the sleeping..right?.. you got this guy who is larger then life..right here..There are Flag officers  that want him..but there  he  is..  and , most of the time?  all we do is sleep... i mean?...we aren't wearing  much, if anything, but that helps the who'playboy front' Shadow has to keep up.. You said yourself? Eckles  wonders?.. Lots of folks  wonder..Guys, Girls..maybe  even largs? but its  damn nice  to settle into  bed with someone and just feel....comfortable..

 Shade   Gave a Thumb  up  and   backed  away.  Margon      Pounded on the  Door    right next  to where it  came out... The Door Bucked  a  Bit, and the  end  that slid into  the   wall was  starting to show.

Zob gave a thumbs up back to Shade, "Make it so mechs" he then stepped back as he let the two work on getting the door open he took a moment to com Jax back at the check point, "I need a status report Jax hows the situation back at the checkpoint?" They made quite a bit of noise so far and they haven't run into any opposition at all and that didn't sit right with him where was the enemy hiding.

In reply to pilots (msg # 12):

"I still don't get it." Madison sat up, adjusting her bra strap that had fallen down her arm. "Okay, maybe I get some of it. Shadow's a specimen. He's good looking, he's strong, he's in charge... That all makes him very desirable. But everyone talks about him like he's the only guy here. It's like Shadow worship. There are literally hundreds of other guys all around." She waves at all the people in view going about their business. "A few of them have to be worthy of some giggle talk too. Come on. Who else is interesting here?"

  Flores   just smiles  her  eyes  closed  facing the sun.Maybe it is?.. You know the whole..BMOC  thing...   his not the  'white  knight'..heck , he's closer to a Black night, if you were work with him, he's a ruthless  as  any demon you'll meet?..but..he's on our side.. Lady V escaped assassinations by us, Three progged attack... two were successful.. one, not so much.. There are tales   what Shadow , Hemsley and  Hunter  did on thier   leg of the Mission... But?.. he's on ourside....now? the 'personal; side' Yeah... we like that too.

Frans added,Other  Guys?   Foster is the 'married version' of Shadow... so he's a great guy, but boy would  you take  flack if you made a run at him...he and his   new wife, went through some crap..so....

 almost any of the Pilots are good  guys,  You'll see   them coming out of   someone's quarters  now and then, or someone entering his? Almost all of them know the rules, on how to treat the Ladies  SEC Troopers? some of them have  a Lady...others...the Vets? They  know the rules too

 Flores  holds  a hand up  from its  position on the ground,Machins  is a 'smarter'  Steele. He knew  Shadow , back in the day...got  put up against the walk for 'harassing '  waitresses. He knows the score now..and? he's a Captain..so? More creds to  spend on shore leave.

 Frans   giggled,The whole thing  in a nut shell..the worst thing that Happened to Shadow , was being  made WC.....he takes his responsibilities   wayyyyy too seriously, But that's good for us.. Its like having a Big Brother  , you can go to bed with...

 a Giggle from Flores,Let's say Step Brother...brother would be weird..

  they used to talk about Aircraft carriers, being floating Cities.. Cap ships  are  Like small countries...  we have all kinds of   people here, even aliens  if you want to give that a try... we have   folks  who are  just trying to get through  the 'next day'.. we have folks  who are burning the candle at both  ends?  You need something? Its probably out there,,,

Giving Waggles a wave Justin headed back to the servery for another three course meal. Weaving his way back to the table and started on the course. From.his seat near the window he heard female laugher, prompting him to glance outside.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:05, Thu 02 June 2022.

Henry was busy taking samples, but did his best to keep up with the others and not get left behind.

In reply to ladies (msg # 16):

It was probably just the vernacular but 'The Rules' came up again. "So what are these rules? I mean aside from the usual rules of human civilization. Is there really a need to put down rules on how to treat a lady? Or is it something else I'm failing to follow?"

She considered the description of the Cap ships. "See I think that's really cool. It's a ship but it's so big that you can get lost in it. Maybe I'll just walk around and see what's here. You know like an adventure. Maybe put on plain clothes so people don't assume too much."

  Flores    smiles  again  with out opening her  eyes,not  much to see..right?   barracks, Officer  country.. The OB  is  nice.... Civie section and the fam, I never been down to the Farm, Rutledge takes  the kids she takes  care of there.. they are  'country folk'... You got the mezzanine  above the football field, that's all  Civie shops  except for  The officer's  Club..The Pulse is the night club

 Frans adds  with a bit of a tinge in her voice... Shadow, and Roles.. You'll see Roles  around when it comes time  for  a major Jump off.... anyway... they were like Vigilantes in new York.. and  i mean in every way you could think of...That's  why Hack   brought them into the Academy...it was not because of what they could become, it was because of what they are,,,, Beth too... she may look little and sweet, but she'd  cut you off  at the Ankles if she though you were  hurting someone..and she can do it in more ways then the boys..

 Shadow only knew HAck and  Captain Si.. they were both LTs  then..but  The Hermes would be his.. he spent time  , overseeing the building, and   going  to the academy...so? imagine  Shadow's surprise when he  found  out, there weren't many officers who were gentlemen.. He could have  just shrugged  and went  along?.. Me and my crew did..but we had money....

 Ladies  were wronged..bodies  started to drop..'accidents'  happened..and Shadow  had to set a record  for going  to the mast. He should have  been shit canned   along with Roles  100 times..but...he had   Hack and Si in his  corner, and you don't  make the eldest daughter of Ge-Fi angry.

 so?  Shadow  and  his 'teachings; can't be everywhere... EVERYTIME..we get a new batch of  people in, there are a always a few dumbasses mixed in..they learn  quick or they get transferred...if they are lucky, they don't have to walk to the next ship

 Flores  sighs,it will happen?  always does... we'll be at the beach and some   Dropship troopers  who want them some fine CAp ship Ladies.... or  Just want to measure dicks, will do something  stupid..people get beat up.. Largs eat some, never stops the party..

Frans Giggles...Had to be a few dozen brown coats  died  as they thought they would  cut  down the SM  and LC, and get a Big Payday..... Rumor has it  one of those  Stem Kid SEC troopers  dropped some from Shadow's  Balcony....

 Flores grins...Nifty!... he's the mellow  side of Steele.. he likes ladies  wayyyyy too much  for  being around  18? give or take a year..but he grew up in the Stem, so his life lessons  make him about 30!...anyway? he's not  shy about   hitting on  Ladies..but he's not a creeper.. He keeps flirting with Lyri... I think Lyri  just wants to lock him in his quarters until jump offs... Kids  a damn good  sniper. According to Beth, he met   the SM on Olympus  when  we were there.. his job was to sit  on some of the  ruined brownstones  and Pick off  enemy Gangers  for  Gresh..her's a good Kid though.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:58, Wed 01 June 2022.

While listening, Madison propped on her elbows and just watched the people around the compound moving about from one place to another. Some doing their jobs, while others were just just taking some down time before the next thing came. Every one of them trying to live their best lives in a rush because it could all just end at any moment. She didn't love that her thoughts were so gloomy. She wondered if they were really gloomy in the first place. Laying near naked on a hostile world, amid savage enemies and equally intense allies was her reality. The specter of death loomed. Was it morose to recognize that?

"I'm way too young to be thinking about dying." She put spoken words to her thoughts, but mostly to herself. "I know it can happen at any time, but it just feels so weird. If a big ole bomb fell on us right now, I just think about all the stuff I haven't done yet, and wouldn't get a chance to do. War sucks."

"So, how old are you guys? Is there anything you regret not having done yet? Nothing comes to mind when I ask that of myself, but if I get specific, like, Madison, do you regret not competing in the rodeo riding competition? I do wish that I had."

She looked over at Candy and Carole. "Am I being ridiculous?"

   Frans  says I'm closing in on 27 'earth years'..Angel food makes that  almost  worthless as  a age, except towards your pension!

 I bailed a year  early, Shadow's   around 27 , I'm 26...I think beth is 25..but  we will look  like this when we're 100, if  they are right about  Angel food.

  I got to do everything i wanted... i had  money... i had pull... but i wish i wouldn't have been such a Bitch  to the LC when we got here... I don't know why he didn't 'friendly fire' me.

 I wish i would have went to  the EMS  and Flown for Roles, instead of the EVOLs..that was a waste of creds and time.

Madison let out a rare laugh. "Forever young? I definitely want in on that. Might as well die pretty. I'm 22. High school, College, Academy, War. I may regret not slowing down one day, but not yet." She thought about that some more. "I guess there's no real point in regretting anything. We make choices and get the experiences we asked for. Maybe one day I can go back and do the things I didn't choose the first time. Maybe I won't care later either."

"What I see now is that there are so many new and weird things I want to experience. Other worlds, alien cultures.... so much wonder out there..."

Frans   smiled a bit,high school 18... Academy 22... five years out here 27... no Angel food?  I bet i would look like i was 60!

 I had  1 less  year of Academy... Captain Morris  credited   me with 1 year  since i was flying   for the EVOLs... so?  My  pension will reflect that of an academy grad.

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

 Hack was   with  Larry. Maria  had  wondered over to  , climbed up   the Lookout post.can you see  anything of  our Amigos , Admiral?

 Hack frowned  as he lowered his Bino, then looked to MAria..No one is running to shuttles.. Drop ship troopers  are  combing the other  Holes and setting boobie traps on the top holes....most of the shooting is  coming from below... I do see Vassar walking around up there., SM didn't let her in  yet.

 she is no good..Si? She is.sanguijuela.

 I would  have to agreed, Mia  Amiga...

 Larry snorted.

  The mechs   Banged  on the   doors , as close to the edges  are they were able,  and  were now  Gripping the   metal, and   pulling on Kicking   to  break it  further from the seam they rested in.

 Jax  here... all Intersections have  three  of is  facing   left , right and forward..nothing happening yet

Zob commed back, "If you spot anything let us know asap" he then turned his attention back to the door and frowned slightly it was taking way longer then it should to get through the door and he felt like a sitting duck... whatever was on the other side wanted to be sure they weren't gonna get in easily but if they didn't get through very quick here he was just gonna C10 the rest of it open.

Justin gave a shrug finished his meal then headed over to the flight line to chat with the Techs.

After a bit of waiting and making very little headway Zob had enough they needed to get inside right now, "Mech's hold... Demo techs front and center get C10 on that door we been sitting here long enough" he then approached the door and added his 3 3/4 lbs of C-10 to the door on the already weakened parts of the door fixing it all in place to blow with the others.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:41, Wed 01 June 2022.

In reply to Admiral Hack (msg # 24):

"So tell me about the Angel food. Is that standard in all the meals or is it something you have to consume separately? And where do I get some?" She grinned.

  Lizzy and   Nikki  sat with  Vosts near the  center of the  compound, catching a little  sun, as Lizzy tried  to  Get Vosts to calm down.

  Vosts  was over  wrought , about  having to go up  again, she was sure she wouldn't  come back this time.

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

  frans looked at the clouds and the sun... Unless the Horn sounds, we got  about   an hour of tanning light  yet

 Flores   sighed..one thing we do know?  doesn't matter what time of  day or  what weather.. if the shuttles need us, we'll be goign up.night

"It is okay to be scared, Vosts.  It happens" Nikki stated finishing up a bite and swig "Thing is you can't let that fear control you or your life.  You need to use it and use it hard to help you be better and stronger" which is true.  the more yiu use it the more you can control over it, make her fear her bitch.

 Both the Ladies    chuckled  at  Lindsey...one of the fruist things the Angels  did  was clean up the planet... the oceans , lakes... all that... Powercells were introduced... its  Mind  numbing  how simple they are..That's what caused the Oil Lords  to go  nuts..  they were only of use in lest then 1% of the world!....

 while they did this, they knew they had to do somehting about   our life spans, what goos is  a  Human who  falls  aprt  before he  can even  shoot his first demon?.. so.. all the water  sources  were seeded with  angel food...   the fam lands  were  dusted  with is... everythign we  ate and drank has it in..Like our Gen?  I think the Porfs  said..800 years?.... next gen after  1000?... Angels  live  like 2000..some alot longer.. all those    long aged folks  in all those books, were  halfbred  Angel-Humans or Demon humans..they say we all have some  angel  or demon in us, because both sides weren't afraid  of  'populating' earth with half breeds

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

 Lizzy says,If you have to go..you can do this!  and Kick  ass  with me  and Fury!

 Vosts   was listening..she was still shaking

Madison laid back and closed her eyes. They would be going back up soon. Resting in the sun seemed like the best way to get some calm before the next storm.

   the chargers  were set... Hemsley  , brooks  and   Karson ran back  By  Zob. The mechs  took a knee to help provide   cover.

 With  a Nod from  Zob,  Hemsley turned the switch on his hand held  and  pressed the trigger. the  explosions went off in succession.. when the    right  hand   side  Blew, the door  groaned  and  should of cracking were heard.. it lai8d  at a 45  degree angle... Morgan and Kira approached, lamps lighting  the inside... teo kicks  and the door   rell the rest of the way in.....it was indeed the Bridge, set back a bit from the Bow, like most Cap vessels, this bright  was massive...

 there didn't   seem to be   anyone around... Shade   slipped through some troopers   as he looked around, Gla  followed him in , looking around.

  after using his   Vidboard  like  a  scanner,    the little undesnese,  ripped off   the side of a  console  and began to  bleep and whirl as he  fussed with the Guts.  meari stood close with her  30 Cal ready.

 about  5 minutes  of  fussing, bleeping and blaring.. the  emergency lights  came on  the  bridge... some screens  were shattered..other   came to life.

Zob gave Shade a pat on the shoulder and a thumbs up, "Shade can you try and get the logs from these terminals or maybe a layout of the ship?" he then stepped away and looked around the room before coming the admiral, "Admiral Hack sir we have secured the bridge, it looks like most of the ships crew that we found so far killed themselves in some sort of ritualistic sacrifice from the looks of it, and we encountered one dead creshian human hybrid but not as far gone as the last one we encountered earlier"

  Shade   started   tracing the  Consoles with his Vid board, Maygin  followed with him as she   marked  certain paths in her machine.

 The Admiral COMed back...let me know  what you find...


 Sitting  in the Command chair was a dead human , Chinese offcier....he looked to be dead  about a year...but relatively preserved  by the dry air,

  shade  guessed at some  links and switches... a few screens  came to life...  the areas  on the screen showed  some dark rooms... one that was tellign was 'the Hold'..you didn't need the  label to understand that were it was... thousands of unopened crates, and  100s that were  opened,,,but that wasn't the  horrific part... Two Brood Mothers...unlike any they have seen thus  far..the Chinese females   reclined on an customized  bed,,long, hideous  egg  sacks  hung from them as the  eggs  undulated ..

  There were humans, frail..weak,, carrying Coffee table  sized eggs to wards a  mounts of others...Shade beelped  and  fed the   footage to all the   Screens.... as he moved the camera  around, they could see  some  eggs  splitting open, and the hunched over   creatures  falling out... 'successful' human -bug  hybrids  were wiping them  down and  dressing them.. then sending them over to  piles of dead bodies to eat.

Zob commed the Admiral back and shared his video feed as the broadcast displayed the scene to the Admiral, "The hold is massively infested with a unknown amount of Creshian human hybrids and two massive brood mothers... what are your orders Admiral?"

 Clean the bridge.. see what all you can see from there.. bring  back what hard info you find..

 Shade  TRattles  away, meari tries to listen, but  she can barely get a 'hint' of what he is  trying to tell folks.

 Will, and a few other   troopers  went to the  starboard  side to check the...it looks like  some of the superstructure  was peeled away by the landing, as the  door on that side   is  covered in rubble.

 Jumping Lion says..There is a case of   chinese weapons here.. 6 hard  Ammo, and  6 Pulse...

 Lyri says,Pulse rifles means they were outfitted before  take off..the HArd ammo would have  been, what they brought along.

After chatting with the Techs Justin heads back to the rooms to get some sleep before the next briefing.

After another 30 or so minutes, Madison got up to check her clothes. Everything looked dry, so she folded them and put them in a neat pile.
"Candy, Carolle, I'm going to go inside and rinse off one more time before I put these clean clothes back on. Besides, my skin is pretty fair and I don't need a sun burn. See you guys inside."

Madison picked up her bundle and towel, and walked back into the barracks. After dropping her stuff at her bunk, she went into the showers and rinsed quickly with soap, making sure to keep her hair dry. She then rinsed and dabbed her undergarments. It was no use trying to only get them a little wet. Next time she was going to be sure to bring extras. It was frustrating being so unprepared but if the worst thing that happened was that she had to fly the next mission commando, she could live with it.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:10, Thu 02 June 2022.

walking in, she  could  see Shadow asleep by the  main droo His  boots  were on but his shirt was off, his  COM and Sanri sidearm close  by.

   walking towards the showers   , she saw the Green skinned  Bura-angel hybrids DR-NO and HE-LA sitting next to each other playing some kind of   game on a vidboard..a few others  were sleeping, but most were  enjoying the  sun

After showering Madison went to the mirrors to dry off. As she had feared, her skin was a bit on the red side. It didn't hurt but it wasn't exactly the tanned look she was going for. Still, the color was better than space-pale.

At her bunk, Madison hung her damp undergarments on the post and then slid under the covers. Maybe a short nap would help too. When the bell rang she would be fresh and ready to go.

Sitting on the dusty floor, Izzy would flick through the pages of the journals with most of them appearing to be crew rosters detailing the names, ranks and occupations of the ships crew. The last book however was a med tech roster detailing an operation We Join the Gods assuming of course that she had correctly translated it. With yet more names listed and highlighted in various colours it would appear that the journal was listing potential candidates for experimentation or possibly even the results of such experiments, however with no medical or scientific background Izzy wasn’t able to decipher much more. She did briefly consider cross referencing the med tech journal with the other journals only to abandon the idea as it would take her hours to do so and considering that the crew were dead wouldn’t yield any worthwhile intel. Instead she would note down what she had found and continue reading in case there was anything else to be found.

Henry looked at the screens.

"Any way of downloading their database?" he asked.

Then he saw the 'hold' screen.

"I'd better get down there."

 Cora  moved from time to time,   They wouldn't move the Body , unless   Henry asked  for it/

  Cora Got on the COMsHey ,  Gunny?... how  long you want us back here?..Stir Fry's  reading, but  it sounds like  rosters and such?

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

On the Bridge,  Shade  was  fussing  with the   consoles,,a  few  times   Punching a Hole in one that wouldn't work.

 Shoey says to  Henry,..you're not going down there  , any time soon.. that's  about  3/4  of a Mile or  more straight do..who knows  what's in between us.I think the Hermes needs to load up, Cap-ship Class Bunker Busters.. and  wipe the  whole thing out

  Lizzy, Nikki and Vosts were headed to the Barracks. Frans saw them as she came around the corner, she held up a Hand for the three of them to stop, as Shadow, got  up and  was leaving  the Barracks, buttoning up  his shirt as he headed to the Mess hall.

 Frans  Looks at the three of them  i have a feeling  , we'll be going up, sooner, rather then Later... LC's  Job is to put every pilot in the air... the way he views it..we have a damn nice life in this war... Troopers   have to bust their asses,  training  and i battles.... he  has a very  closed mind   when some one things  they 'shouldn't go up'

 now? we had  people  beofre who didn't go up..Steele sat out  once.. Kase  sat out  and then was shipped off.. This is a damn ugly war.... What i need to hear, is  should  we sent  up Vosts..where she  might get someone else killed

 Lizzy bites her  lip,..She was struggling for sure, Carole......

 Vosts  was shaking again..I can't...i can't.. I'll die...

 Carole  turned to Nikki..

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

  Shadow   left the Mess  hall with a Flat tray  with  a Plate of   Doughnuts , Two Coffees  and a  Bucket of water  for Larry.

 he reached the Admiral  setting the  plate  down on the   top of the look out post, he tossed a dough nut to   Larry,  who gobbled it in a second and  stared  drinking the water.   The Admiral Handed Shadow the Binos  as  he sat to eat and drink the coffee..

 Looks like some Lighting?

 yeah.. they reached the bridge... sent some footage down.. there  are  Brood mothers in the Hold   pumping out eggs.

 Shadow  sad down,anyone   Get killed today?

 Hack shook his head...SM has a Command post... Zob is   running  the people down the , to the  Bridge..everythign by the numbers..if there is  an ambush.. it won't go well for the bad  guys

  when are mu people going up again...

 In the morning , first light

 The LC  nods  and takes a bit. of a doughnut..Sounds good..what  will we do...

 search  and destroy around this  Mountain.. say? 300 mile radius with that mountain in the Middle..kill anything that remotely looks like  the Empire.

  Shadow breaks of a   half a dough nut, tossing it to larry... larry gobbled  again.

 Larry eats Doughnuts?

 fall under the heading of 'it didn't eat him first'

 Larry thumped his tail rapidly..the two  men laughed.

Nikki could see Vosts struggling.  "Is there a craft that needs a co-pilot?  like a shuttle?  send Vost up in one of those" She understood the concept of get her back on that horse, but maybe not an unbroken mustang, but a worn draft might be the alternative.  "I know the torpedo is down for now, but Lt. regal might need a extra pair of hands" she was thinking of anything that might help.

In reply to pilots (msg # 46):

Irrelevant post removed
This message was last edited by the player at 01:27, Sun 05 June 2022.

Henry arranged for the body to be bagged and tagged for transport to his lab.

He nodded.

"Guess you are right if it's that far away, Shoey. Can we record that feed?"

A vile view to be sure, but one he wanted to study.

  Two  SEC troopers  came  with a Bag to haul away the officer... Robbins  shouts,    to them...Put that on the meadowlark, when we leave here, we can send it straight  to The Hermes.

  Stoly  had the    Pilots   near their machine with   rifles, as they waited to see what happened  next.

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

 On the Bridge, Shade pulled one of his back up  Vidboards out of the  satchel  across his  back... using the  Trench  Knife to , utter destroy the  Console casing,, he  and Maybin worked  on hooking the vidboard into the  ships  CAMs..

  He   looked around  for  Zob or Roy and waved them over.. he bleeped a  few  times  and showed  the  screens that appeared on the vidboard , but would have been on the screens that had been shattered...

 Maybin shook her  head  and said  to whomever came over......... The Ambassador  is  asking...I think.... if you want lights on  in those  screens on his vidboard?... if we turn the lights  out, things  will know there are more of us aboard?..and we might  'activaite' anything sleeping, or  otherwise dormant ...

 Shade gave a thumbs up.. he pointed to  4  screens on his  vidboard, that they had hooked into the feed.

"They're for some kind of medical testing" Izzy said, having overheard Cora speaking on her comms unit, her eyes not even leaving the page as she does so "...it's a list of candidates for testing or maybe even the results...I don't know, I'm not a doctor I can't understand a lot of this...you'd need Doc Henry or someone" and then they'd need to learn Chinese she silently added knowing that they were in a kind of catch 22 situation where the person that could read it couldn't understand it and the person that could understand it couldn't read it. Either way she didn't think she would learn anything else from the journals, with what little she had learnt not being mission critical as it was.

With no alarms and no one coming to wake her, Madison drifted off to sleep. Some time later she shook awake, sitting up straight. The air on her bare skin reminded her to cover up. She had a bad dream but the images were already fading away, just like the daylight light coming in through the main door. She shook her head to clear it then pulled her undergarments down to dress.

Unless they would be going on a night mission, it didn't look like another mission was imminent. She would have time to kill again. Socializing was always a good option, but she felt like she would rather explore the base. She had only seen the LZ, the mess tent and the pilots barracks. With a flight mission looking unlikely she dressed only to her pants and undershirt. Still, the call could come at any time, or there could be a ground raid, so she also put on her armor and weapons. After taking a last look around for no reason, she went out of the barracks and turned left. Whatever she found in that direction, she would see what she would see.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:37, Sat 04 June 2022.

 As Maddy walked  she found her  self in the compound where   the ladies had  laid out in the sun.

 without the  Shuttles in the way she  could see the building at was the   HQ, one of the troopers  barracks..two 'towers'.. the other  troper  Barracks,  the  small building that  Hemsly got the   ingrediencies for his  Phosphorus    bombs.. the  makeshift gate, and the tower that the Admiral and   LC was on, though they  seemed to be eating, with Larry  sitting attentively at the bottom of the stairs. only a handful of SEC tropers were on the  ground here..everyone else was at the Mountain where   stand up light  light the area, like some sort of  Contruction site.

 Lizzy, Vosts and  Nikki talked to frans  who had her  arms crossed  listening to the   arguments.

Madison wanted to explore but she couldn't not say hi to the ladies having what looked like a heated conversation. She walked up to here they were gathered.

"Hi ladies." She smiled as she came within a few feet. "You all look so serious. Is everything okay?"

Nikki listened as well.  It was obvious Vosts was scared of going back up "Vosts, A lot of training was put into you.  be a waste if no one thought you couldn't do this, or you can and don't want to out of fear" she sighed slightly "If you're gonna be Hermes you are gonna have to put your big girl panties on and look fear in the eye and tear it's ass a new one.  Control your fear, own it. Make it your bitch, not you being it's bitch." her eyes narrowed on Vosts.

 Lizzy looked concerned, as Miki spoke up. Frans motioned to Vosts  as Maddy   arrived,Ensign  Vosts, is more or less , fresh out of the Box... i think the realization of  seeing people she just talked, turned to atoms, has  soured her taste in flying.... LC  wants her up..... But he's letting me decide.

Justin stared at the women for several minutes. A mostly disinterested expression on his face as they chatted about the situation they were attempting to resolve. Tiring of the pod-drama that was being fed to his notepad Justin accessed the Admin section filled out& submitted the routine admin docs then reviewed the next day's SOP's.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:00, Sun 05 June 2022.

Madison, remembered the conversation between Shadow and Frans. Poor Vosts was shaken. Madison understood. She went over to Vosts, taking her hands. "Hey." She put her hands on Vosts cheeks, locking her with a gaze swimming in compassion. "Listen. This is my first time. I'm scared too. It's okay to be scared. We'd be crazy not to be. These crazy bitches, they have our backs. Yes, Shadow needs every pilot, but if you can't fly, you're not a pilot. So it's up to you." Madison wrapped her in her arms and hugged tight. "Whatever you decide, we're here for you, okay." She stepped back.

 Lizzy got her composure, she watched and listened and then said to Vosts," Hey I know this is tough, you have to decide right now, do you want to be a fighter pilot and use your training to kick ass, you stay with Nikki and I we will keep you safe as possible. This is the moment of truth Vosts are you in it to win it as a fighter pilot or do you need to move on, what will it be." Lizzy talked calmly and caringly, she took Vosts hand as she spoke to her to try and calm her down and let Vosts regain her composure and make the right decision for her.

 Lizzy looked at Maddy, she smiled and replied," Everything is fine Ens. Vosts just figuring out what she would like to do to win this damn war. I think we will be Madison, thank you."

 Lizzy then listened to the others try and help Vosts, she just listened to Nikki, Frans and Madison talk to her. After Maddy's hug of Vosts Lizzy hugged her as well and added," We are a team and we will help all us kick ass, you just need to search inside yourself to see if you can do this and it is the right thing for you."

Having offered her support, Madison stepped out of the way. They certainly didn't need another gawker, and Vosts didn't need another fellow pilot adding yet more pressure with an expectant stare. With a wave to the ladies, she continued on her exploration.

Seeing that she was already familiar with that part of the compound, Madison turned right. There were other tents and structures and some activity, so she headed there for a closer look.

 Cora  frowned  at what Izzy said.You know? I was sorta forced into the  SSN..Ellen too?..damn scum balls in their  red Uniforms and hats,  bowing down to the  damn empire...... But the people in this ship? we shouldn't even worried  about.. just fry them all and lets  go home...They  sold out thier planet..and  now...Medical experiments... we..as women, know exactly what that means..

  she sighed,lets move up to the bridge, see what other  goodies they got  for you to read....maybe we'll find  something  for  Peking  duck or something..

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

  Hemsly   was  kicking a door, that was  behind  the  Captain chair.. could be an armory..could be quarters. Officer's Mess.. hard to tell..

 the largs were sniffing around , they didn't seem interested in the bodies.

Mila trotted over to Hemsly and sniffed at the door he was kicking, making sure to keep well clear of his boot.

 from where Maddy stoop,  going  right  would take her out the  Gate where the 'dead  ATV sat..a  trooper still maned the  gun., not thoughts of  fixing it seemed to enter anyone's  mind.

 that  gate lead out to the   Fighter area,  lots of lights  on there some brand  new  skeeters  had been off loaded, and the  tail fin numbers  were being added

 The road up to the  wreck and be  strung with lights  by the   dropship troopers.. and she could hear the sound for  weapons  fire  as the drop ship troopers increased their  foothold  on the lower lever.

 Now  and then a trooper with a  rocket launcher, sent  a missle into the  doors that the hermes  people entered before, Just to blow things up and keep the fires  going.

 She  saw The Admiral get up and looked to the  wreck with his bino.

 Shadow   came down the   steps of the lookout  spot  and  began to   wrestle  with Larry, when lary  stoon on the back 4 of his  6 legs, he was over  a  head  taller then the  LC  But they   Tussled  a bit, neither one   trying to  hurt the other,

 .......................

 Vosts  looked at  all the Ladies...Thank..you..all...I...I am so scared..... I know..i know i will die  up there...

  Frans points   to the Admiral and LC in the distance...The Admiral expects  any one  who isn't  wounded, to fight..troopers..larhs..pilots..whatever.   The LC will send you up, ebcause that's his  job..what happens to you once your  skids leave the ground.. that's all on you?... Your friends  say you can do it... your training says  you can do it...I need  an answer...

 Vosts  was  almost hugging herself   as she loked  from Nikki to   Lizzy, she  watched  MAddy walk away,

 Lizzy took Vosts hand and added," I know you are scared; I certainly was the first few times I went up. I know you have seen friends die already, but you are still alive and I know you can do this, but you have to want it, are you in this war to win it Vosts?" Lizzy hugged her and then added," I will do everything in my power to keep you alive but you need to be confident in that fighter ok Vosts."

"Vosts.." she said calmly "We could tell you what to do, but it would not be right.  You have been trained.  We've helped you along showing maneuvers.  Kept you alive so far.  We have faith in you..." She looked at Lizzy and Frans, then turned back to Vosts "But Sweetie, you need faith in yourself.  You keep thinking your gonna die.  Truth is, one day you will...but it does not mean today or in the air.  You can die just as easily on the ground walking to the head, or even in your sleep.  Your worried about what might be, not what is.  What is, is you can change that" She tried saying it in different ways, hoping she would get the hint.  truth though, only Vosts could get Vosts to do the right thing...whichever she chose.

  Frans Looked to Lizzy  and Nikki, the to Vosts...Ok Vosts... there is a damn good chance  we  don't go up until tomorrow...if we leave at night, it will be  to go home.. But the  LC  won't leave until the shuttles  do....when it comes  time in the Morning? You show up  for muster  and climb in that Skeeter....if you don't?..well... you won't be flying for the Hermes  any longer.. There  isn;t   one of us  who  isn't  scared  , that we  may not come back....but  they trained us, they pay  us..and were no different  then some   Trooper    hiding behind a rock, trying to shoot  some Empire bastard  be  he gets shot himself......Its On you now? You show up..good.. You don't  Show  up, I'll tell the LC  we tried..and you'll be flying   in the Deltas  some where

 Frans  moved off....

 Vosts was breaking down...I'm going to go...lie  down...

Madison looked back the way she came, getting her bearings. It looked like the skeeters that couldn't be repaired in place were replaced. She walked the line looking for one with her number. She didn't see it but many were still being painted. Dodging the work crews she continued through to the other side of the compound.

 Lizzy smiled at Vosts and said," Yes get rest calm your mind and dont forget we help each other come back safe we are Hermes flight, remember that Vosts."

 Lizzy then said to Nikki," I am going to go check out my fighter see if they coud repair it or I got a new one hopefully, see you later Nikki." Lizzy then headed for the fighters to check out her fighter.

Nikki nodded as the other ladies walked off.  She had noticed Madison and others had gathered about. "Did mine earlier.  Think I'll go take a shower." She returned to the mess first taking her trash and to recycle.

”Hmm maybe…it doesn’t really say what they were doing” Izzy quietly replied not really wanting to get into a political debate right now, with her suspecting that the Chinese government would have said something about protecting their country’s interests and independence in response. That and she really didn’t know what these experiments, if indeed that was what she found,  involved.

When it was suggested that they head up to the bridge Izzy would nod her head in agreement before placing the journal’s on the floor in a neat stack and putting her headgear back on ”ok let’s go and see what we can find” she said in business like tone as she followed Cora out the room.

  Cora   and  Izzy Moved through the  crowd, She  gave Will a  pat on the shoulder  and smile that was  returned as they moved onto the bridge.

  well...  we know they weren't  working on Crops...and if they were doing Med tech reseacrth it  must have crashed and burned because people killed themselves... That  Bug Lady  That Harry was supposed to wax> she was a Bood  mother, and somehow got her eggsack removed  and   stepped right into   the SEC?...That was a turning point  in Delta  Nights....for sure.We never got to study her, she might have been from one of those arks?

 They stopped   near Shade  and Maygin, as they  fussed with  the consoles,  Shade  having ridded  a Vidboard  to upload what he could..The Live  CAMs showed the 'bug factory'

 the fighters  were  more or less lined up... the new ones,  for the badly  Damaged  fighters   were Getting thier Numbers   Painted on.. Kat was swearing in russian   as she  tried  to  make her  nose  art with the limited  supplies.

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

 Larry stayed with the Admiral as   Shadow  moved off to check the fighters. The Big Ugly was leaving  with the  aircafts that were either  'write offs'..or  too damaged form field  repair

 Lizzy went over and saw her number painted on an ESN blue fighter, either hers was unfixable or they can't fix it down here.

 Lizzy then began her checks, she made sure her emergency gear and weapon were securely stored and everything was there.

 Then she began the checks of the fighter and the controls. She did everything she could do to check other then powering up and taking off. Lizzy made sure her fighter was ready and then she checked the ammo belts.

   when Cora  and  Izzy  arrived, Lyir   looked at them and  Pointed to the console area where  some  more   books were stacked,

  Hemsly    made some   'shoestring  C-10' and   lined the    door  with it, karson  did the  wiring. Brooks had the trigger.

   smoke started to come from  Shade   Vidboard that  was  downloading.  and he blared  in   Anger using  his trench knife to  cut the  Feed    wire, then mashed the   console  with his fists   for a few Moments.. Maygin watched, with  a calm eye  as she checked the  Vidboard to see how much damage there  might be... with a wry smile ( for a Verian)..

 ...The Ambassador is...not pleased.

 crew  were taking   everything from  cabinets... derm foam and Plast ( they let med techs  check them later)... all the weapons, and  a bank of power cells that seemed  in good  shape, though, underpowered'

 Shoey had    Hodden take two metal boxes that contained  Cred chips  and paper  creds..they'd have to see if the paper was  stil 'legal tender'..but the  Cred chip would be good for certain

  Rolfe said,I dunno Gunny? you think we should be on our way, after  Hemsly gets that door opened.

After completing her solo tour of the beach head, Madison went back to where the fighters were being prepped. Right where she parked her damaged skeeter stood a brand new one, now painted with her number. She had no doubts about the efficiency and diligence of the service crews, but she still took the opportunity to climb in and do a complete check up.

The ship looked and smelled new. She wasn't sentimental about her fighters. All she cared about was that they worked as expected. After a full battery of tests, she was satisfied that this one did. Her last check was that her emergency kit and weapons were right where they should be. With everything checked and rechecked, she climbed out and headed to the mess hall.

”Like I said I’m not a scientist, you’d need doc Henry to figure out what exactly they were trying to do” Izzy replied as they walked up to the bridge and went inside. Upon entering they would be pointed towards another stack of books that Izzy would pick up and start flicking through ”any idea what we’ve got here?” she asked, not really expecting a useful answer as she made herself comfortable and started going through the first book.

    Ffolkes     had  checked the  dead Captain, to see 'how human  he was', he turned to  Izzy and said...we have books.... Books  from  one of the world's biggest traitor countries ... and  None of us, or  very, very few of us  can read their  writings... I think its plain enough to see what they did here.. we can  only imagine  what they did to the people in their  country.

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

  The team began to  pack up.. Shoey got  Nugest to help  Izzy with the stacks of books

Henry pitched in to help gather stuff. He wished he'd learned to read Chinese... but there had been so many other things to learn.

 Maddy saw  a few pilots  , including Shadow enter  the    fighter  space., while the other Pilots  went to their   machines. Shadow went to the Guy who was in charge of the   repairs.. The LT  was gruff..Shadow was gruffer  as they haggle out, 'just when' the 'fixable air craft would be  ready...Shadow   won the argument, but  saying

 Tell you what, LT? when we take of,in some  10 hours or less?... I'll pick out on of the fighters  that are questionable...and you'll right in the Jump seat opf that fighter..

 You can't do that. Colonel Cummings  is over you...

 Maybe?.. But  I am the Fleet WC.. Captain Morris  is the  Fleet ADJ.. Admiral  Hennings  and Admiral  Hack are all...over   Cummings...and? lets take it to ground level?..is there  any doubt  in your mind, that i  could beat you senseless and stuff you into a  jumpseat?

 The LT  had an  inch on  Shadow..and maybe  20 pounds, but they weren't 'good pounds"..right..LC.. we'll do our best.


 That's all i can ask..right?..cause, we can get out   and fix them in the air... and if we go down..there's no guarantee we'll make it  back

 Understood  LC... he saluted  and called for crew chiefs   to get  thier assessments

In reply to wreck (msg # 74):

Zob got lost in thought for a bit as he looked over everything before finally responding, "Yeah lets get heading out we lingered here long enough, Hemsly hows that door coming along?"

 Lizzy had just finished all her checks on her new fighter and then saw Maddy leaving her fighter heading to the mess hall. Lizzy ran to catch up to her and she said," Hi Madison getting some chow? Yeah, they gave me a new fighter had to check everything, oh did you make sure your emergency equipment was in your compartment?" Lizzy was bubbly and seemed pretty happy and her Bostonian accent was really bad right now.

 Lizzy walked with Maddy as they went to the Mess Hall, she got in line and got whatever they were offering, and she got a large water.  After they got their food Lizz said," Want to sit together, so how is it going in the illustrious B-Flight with the LC?"

Madison was delighted when Lizzy caught up to her. "Hi Lizzy. Yeah. I checked out my new skeeter. Everything's there and I tested all the systems. I just went and roamed the entire base, now I'm going for something to eat. How are you doing? Did your skeeter check out okay?"

Once in the mess hall, Madison let Lizzy go first. She too took whatever they were serving. She really wanted a cheese burger, but apparently that wasn't on the menu. She was so looking forward to getting back to the Hermes.

"Yeah, for sure. We can sit together. Did you want to hang out just the two of us or does it matter if others join?"

 Lizzy smiled and replied," I am doing good, and my new Skeeter checked out fine, did you check your belts?"

 After they sat Lizzy replied to Maddy with a huge smile," I am happy with either Madison, I just want to get back to the Hermes and plan my wedding before we have another jump off. Also kill as many Empire scum bags I can before we head back."

 Lizzy wondered how things were going at the wreck and she hoped Izzy was ok and doing a great job.

  Hemsly waved  People  back....the  C-10 string charges  went  off   blowing  the  door  apart as  it fell into the  room.. weapons were ready. The saw the Body of a Chinese Admiral... He was in his  dress uniform,, beside him three empty  vials of  poison. In the body , dried hand clutched  a small journal... Flags  hung in the  room, most were dry but  rotted.

 Shade left Maygin to   pack up the  gear  and entered the room, his  head lamp  spotted the    sword near the body,  he grabbed it, taking it  out of its moldy  sheath, the blade seemed sharp and clean, though  the  sheath and  Belt, wouldn't hold up long..he took the blade,  He pointed to a desk at the other side of the room, where   books were sacked.

     Howe  entered  the mess  hall he looked for the other  flight leaders, but none were in yet, he went to grab a tray and  was rewarded  with Spam  sandwich covered in  a creamy gravy with some bit, that How  , hoped, was meat. he got a bowl of what passed  for   'canned peaches'.

  Shadow  entered, seemingly less on edge   since his talk with the  ground crew officer.. he  took his food  and a cup of  coffee, moving down the   serving line to the table he sat at before.

In reply to pilots (msg # 85):

Justin joined the queue that was lined up for meals. Grabbing a tray he selected three dishes from those available then made his way to a corner table.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:03, Wed 08 June 2022.

In reply to Lizzy O'conner (msg # 83):

After getting her tray of whatever it was they put on it, Madison found a table in the center of the room. Upon sitting, she started right on on her meal, speaking between mouthfuls.

"So how's Vosts doing? Did anything we said help one bit? It would be a shame to lose her."

 Lizzy ate as she talked to Madison as well. Lizzy's face got less bubbly with a more dire look and replied," She is scared shitless she will die if she goes back up, if you think like that then you will die. She headed to get some rest I hope she can pull through this or maybe she just doesn't have what it takes to be a fighter pilot on the Hermes. I really hope she can pull herself together because I will do everything I can too keep both of us alive."

 Lizzy then smiled again and asked Madison," How are you handling it, this is your first combat as well. Yeah my first time was a fucking furball fight from hell against the Vampics. Now some time later I have 46 kills and 10 ground targets before this jump off, you are doing great and every time you go up and come back your survival rate increases. Hey I have been shot down a few times, badly shot up, podded out and got beat up when I landed and then had to run for my life with Nikki to get to a safe zone." Lizzy took a few more bites then remembered the tunnel runs.

 Lizzy giggled and then added," Yeah the main reason Nikki and I made it, is the LC's harsh 3 mile tunnel runs, that is just one lap, some of us do more than one, alot of the troopers run a second one, some pilots do as well, I usually try to run a second lap. The LC runs us hard knowing it can save our lives if we crash or have to pod out in enemy territory." Lizzy was all smiles again as she continued eating.

Madison frowned at the report on Vosts. It was sad that she worked so hard to get there, only to be sidelined by a nervous breakdown. As Lizzy said, hopefully she would feel better in the morning. She wondered what it was that would make Vosts so freaked out, but not bother her. Sure, Madison had anxiety. She had been fielding existential questions in her head since the campaign started, but there was nothing that made her hesitate to go back up. Lizzy was wondering the same thing.

"Me? I'm fine. I was hit twice. The second time my skeeter was really bad and I had to come back here with Candy riding escort. I mean, is it scary? Yeah, I guess. But I don't think about that. I just go after the enemy birds and knock them down. I don't know why it doesn't freak me out."

Madison listened as Lizzy recounted her kill rate and the time she had to run to escape the enemy on the ground. She had already told her all that before, but this wasn't the first time Lizzy repeated the stories she was most proud of. It was always impressive to hear, so she let her continue without interruption.

"Yeap, I know about the tunnel runs. When we get back I plan on making that part of my regular workout. So when are you an Izzy getting married? Do you have special plans or are you just going to do one of those quiet ceremonies?"

 Lizzy smiled and saw confidence in Madison and that made her very happy, she hoped Vosts would get that confidence. " Thats good you made it back and we all try to help each other get back safely. I think seeing a few friends she came on with get killed freaked her out. That is the way to deal with it, hell yes I am scared too, but I am up there to do a job, kill bad guys and help my flight mates get back alive."

 Lizzy smiled and replied," Yes tunnel runs will save your life for sure." Lizzy looked dumb founded for a second and said," I dont know Izzy and I havent had time to talk about it, but I think it will be a special wedding not sure if a quiet wedding fits me. You should have seen the birthday party my scum bag Father threw for me to try and have me go with him, I am so glad the LC wouldnt let him take me from the Hermes."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:23, Wed 08 June 2022.

Listening to the women chat Justin glanced across the handfull of tables separating Kray and himself. Chinned in the direction of the women; rolled his eyes then gave a shurg.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:24, Wed 08 June 2022.

Despite her misgivings as to how useful the books would prove to be Izzy would gather them up, quietly mouthing a thank you to Nugest for his help. Standing well back, Izzy would watch as the charges went off holding her carbine at the ready just in case there was anything waiting on the other side.

Following the others into what appeared to be the admirals quarters, Izzy would wait until Shade had retrieved the dead man’s sword  before carefully retrieving the journal and reading through the first couple of pages in the hope that the admiral would shed some light on what had happened to the ship and it’s crew.

Back at the barracks Nikki took time to get a real good shower.  nice hot, she even started singing.  Of course, her voice carried everywhere.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXD5wMr2-qI

In reply to Lizzy O'conner (msg # 90):

"I'm sure when you get back, you''ll have plenty of time to plan. If you guys need help with anything, let me know. I'd be thrilled to lend a hand."

 Lizzy smiled as she finished her meal and then replied to Madison," Oh yes Izzy and I will get to planning the wedding when we get back to the Hermes. Oh thank you so much Madison the more helping out the better."

 Nugest took  any and all books   Izzy gave  him, in two  duffle  bags  he  would   carry out. It was odd seeing her  next the Apeman, as she only came up  to his waist,  and his thighs  were almost  as big  around as she was.

 Shoey Called out... for the Demo Teams  to  line the  ceiling  and    other doorways, with C-10,  they would repeat the   gesture   the   whole way back  to the shuttles

   Lyri would stop at each intersection   until the  demo  teams Rigged it, and  Moved on..

 Roy was on  the LZ,  sending dead bodies   and   Vilas of poison  to the Hermes  Via   The Meadowlark.. TI-JO  would go as well.. getting the Largs  into the  Shuttles... Roy  gave  Henry the choice to go back to the Compound, or go  to The Hermes.

  Pilots came in and Out    With no  real time tables, some  just went to bed/

 Shadow   sat   and   looked at His  Vidboard  typing something, now and then., other times  just reading Flores  sat with Higgins and  Buot, a feltite male..she was  working the  crowd  well.

  frans      came in  Eckles  was chatting   up Jeb Harmon,  She   sat  down  a table away from Maddy and Lizzy.

Madison finished her food, pushing the plate away. Eckles sat at the next table with someone Madison hadn't seen before. There were probably a lot of people she had yet to meet. This was only her third day, and she had spent more time on the planet than on the Hermes. Still, she thought she should at least know who all the pilots were.
"Hi Betty. Who's your friend. I don't think we've met."

   Eckles   smiled,..This is  Jeb Harmon..he's  one of the newer pilots, he is flyign with  LT Ariv's Felrights, because..well.. we're  Running out of felrites..This  is   Madison..LC calls her Maddy..

 Jeb was  a younger  guy..maybe? 2 months out of the academyUm..Hi, Ma'am...

 "Hi Jeb." Madison waved. "Pleae. I'm not a ma'am. Just Madison. Besides, I bet I've been here less time than you have. This is my third day on the job."

 Jed   shrugged with a  small smile,um... well.... This is only  my second Jump off..I do have  2  Kills from last time, i'm hoping they confirm enough i get ace status  so i can paint my plane.

 Fitz  walked  by, heading  for Howe, the other flight leaders  were getting thier   food as well...don't worry about  nose  art and paint scheme  , until you get home... there's alot of  'dead aces' who never  got to paint thier nose art.

Sckles  frowned at Fitz and his dark humor..  Hamron seemed a  bit chastized,

 Lizzy smiled at Eckles as she sat near them, and Madison and her began too talk. Lizzy didnt know Jed either. Lizzy smiled and added," That is good just keep going up and keep killing bad guys and helping your other pilots. Just remember kills will come dont chase them, fly with your wingmate or mates keep each other safe and the kills will come. Also never leave your wingman got it that will get you tossed quickly it has happened before." Lizzy thought of Harry, and she wondered how her friend if she could still call her that was doing.

Henry smiled at Roy.

"I'd best go to the compound and check on Larry first. Anyway, if we still have largs on planet they will need people to supervise them. Mila may also be useful if there is more exploration to be done before everything's blown to bits."

  Fitz, Foster and Steele  sat  down with Howe , talking, Ariv was  with  a felrite talking about  their fighters.

    Shadow     rolled  up his  lap top  and gathered his things on the Tray... he stopped  By Lizzy , Maddy and the rest.

  Saw y9ou making the Rounds? You fitting  in...

 Eckles  grins and  Said,  Jeb was  telling  Maddy of his  2 Kills...

Jeb Looked  embarrassed.

 I remember  my first few kills..when we found and  took that Demon Cruiser ... we all got a few kills  Frans  and  I had it out on the Hanger Dec because she didn't
 like my choice of  tactics...

 Eckles Giggles,That's when you got Hannah  to check on Lady!...  as soon as she said  that, her  smile dropped  and she Looked at Shadow.

  Shadow  was stunned  at first, he recovered, he answered slowly, with a bit  of a sad smile.aye, it was.... he looked at Jeb,Its good to  be proud of those  kills, Gods will only know who many we get credited   with  when we go home?  So? be  proud  of those kills..Just remember, there's a good chance there
 a pilot on the other side, who has more...

 You...you..have   170?

 175!eckles interjected.

 how many , unconfirmed?

 close to  30?

 so you have almost 200!

 No?...175.. the rest... are just  icing on the cake.. you will, almost never, get full confirmation on all kills...too many guns, explosions  and aircraft, in a furball...  it evens out, because there are some that cannot be denied.  Carry on....

 and he  went  to take his things to the  servers.

Madison smiled up at Shadow. She was delighted that he stopped by to check on her. She was also impressed he noticed her exploring the camp. He always seemed so occupied with whatever business demanded his attention.

"Hi Shadow, yeah." She replied.  "I just wanted to look around and watch people doing their thing. I also checked out my new fighter. I did the full inspection and everything. Maybe I'm going a little stir crazy with all this down time. But sincerely, thank you for asking."

 The LC  nodded to  Maddy with a smile,its good for pilots  to get around,  Red Dec  is the best place?..but we're on our own alot.... Troopers  have it hard thier won way?..but at elast they have folks around  them, in and out of battles. We've had our share of Pilots lose it.. and rather then become part of  The Hermes, then become  a blight of sorts?

  we get to a carrier  station, or friendly planet, you'll have a bit more  fun on your down time. even  being on the Hermes , is better then being stuck in the compound, well..except you ladies seem to take  advantage of  the  resources here.

 He  Gave Lizzy a Pat on the shoulder,I'm Sure Candy, Lizzy and others   filled you in..but make sure you have   your crash kit  stowed.. Tunnel runs  will keep you alive as  far as being able to run..but you need  a weapon and some gear to make a longer  trip....

 Eckles  looked at him.....like the  Green Moon?

 well, I gonna take the Admiral  and larry food.. they won't leave that look put post, until the shuttle lifet off.., then i have to check my fighter.. see ya   all later...

Justin continued to eat  Ten minutes after Kray left Justin finished eating returned the crock and utensils to the used table then headed to his biller from some downtime.

 Lizzy nodded at the LC when he walked by and talked. " LC yes she will fit in great, yes I enjoyed getting some sun, I think the guys did too." Lizzy giggled and added after Shadow left, " He can be a bit harsh, but he only does it to make sure you come back after every jumpoff. I owe the LC my life not just in the air, if he let my Father take me off the Hermes, I would probably be dead by now because I would never join the Empire." Lizzy looked like she might lose it but she got a hold of herself and cleaned up her area.

Reaching his billet Justin checked for any incoming messages then hitting Sack.

Reading what transpired to be the #2 Admirals diary, it would quickly become apparent that he and some of the others had had serious misgivings concerning the agreement they’d made with the Empire especially when the experiments to make the crew “Fully join the Empire” started going wrong, with more of the subjects turning into horrific hunchback mutants or hideous spider things than Creshian’s ”It doesn’t sound like these guys were as committed to the Empire as we thought they were” Izzy quietly said to no one in particular as she carefully turned a page, with her wondering how many on board had fully understood what they were signing up to when they boarded the ship.

Tulliun lifted off   with TI-JO  with  a pair of  bodies and  sampled of poison,,he headed to the   Hermes.

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

 The rest of the   troops   gathered  and  began to  board the   Shuttles, cramming people in, though  there was more  room since a few people   were missing.

 Once in the Air , Roy  Gave  Hemsly the OK  to light up  the  Bridge  dec of the vessels.. a walking series of  explosions   started under the    ground to the  west...making its  way  towards the  parts of the wreck that could be seen,

 some  of the  walls  blew outwards  , sending gouts of   dirt and metal, others  were Muffled  as  the  top of the Mountain collapsed  into the   Bridge  Dec.. after  10 minutes or so, the   explosions  stopped,  the dirst  had started an avalanche, of  sorts...the top of the Mountain, now, showed very few signs of smoke tendrils, as the dust and latent smoke hovered over the top like a  crown.

 by contrast, thicker smoke was  now  coming-out  of the  Engine  area  the  team had  entered before,  and some smoke was   coming out of the 'beachhead' the drop ship troopers   made...already they were pulling back  and sealing any holes that might   help creatures  get out.

  Shoey was in The Diamond, Robbins oin the Club... Lyri, Roy and Zob were in the Spade.

 Vasser  snarled at them...I will have no people left!..they will die   from the creatures, mor  smoke , or fire!

<<< shadow from mess hall

 Walking back to the    Look out   post, Shadow  carried a tray for  The Admiral and  another Bucket  for Larry.

   The   Larg sat down slurping out of the  Bucket,   Shadow  handed   The Admiral a the tray , Hack looked ... worried  about me starving?

 ..who is the  2nd   Person , Captain Si will wired out on, if you  aren't  eating... you're lucky she didn't get the board to bring you up..

 He  gave  Shadow an exasperated look,'fleet Admiral'..has to make sure he  eats  all of his supper..

  ..yeah? well? we all answer to someone?.. remember  when she  slapped  me for flying through the largran hanger dec the 2ndtime.

 Hack  chuckled .  They saw one  shuttle   take off   for the Hermes.. they other  three   back off... troops  at the LZ  were retreating back... the Mountain top began to light up  with  explosions.  and jets of  debris
 shot  out..  there  were  signs  of heavy  Welding and Melding Go on at the  LZ , at the base of the   Ship.

 Shadow watched...so?  now  what?

 I sent Beth a COM to  send  the COMs feed out  to  show  what happened  with the Chinese..  This  is the ESN Planet now..so   we'll have  to remove the infestations.

After a good shower Nikki cleaned up and dressed, in case she was needed in the air again.  She felt human again.  Not needed anywhere at the moment she checked her weapons and gear.  She made minor repairs as needed.  Then moved to the comms station to see if she could get a link to Hermes and see how Haley was doing.

Henry saw to the largs, getting them settled around the compound with ample supplies of food and water. Then he made his way to the Admiral's hut, Mila trotting at his heels, to check on Larry.

In reply to wreck (msg # 111):

Zob took a seat and that is when Vassar opened her mouth, "Do yourself a favor and stop talking before you get into more trouble it might help you live longer"

  Roy Called Cora   and  Izzy over...we have sent the poisons  and   bodies up to  The Hermes .. the Books  are comign down with us... They will be  sent  to the  HQ  building... once we land, get cleaned up  and  get food, then we can have a sit  down with the Admirla, Henry and  whomever  Else the  Admiral thinks  we need in on this.

 Vassar  was indignant to say the  least.. Lyri   nodded   at Zob's  words...Your people are dead. And if they aren't, they soon will be.  This is a Planet that we need to colonize...that means wiping out  any  Empire  assests ..sadly..that will mean  we have to  kill any of your people that may...somehow, still be alive.

 Will Grins.but it does mean, we  get to take out Oil Lords.

Shoey chuckled,always looking at the bright side..

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

 The  3  Hermes  assault  shuttles  Land.  people   disembark, heading for the barracks to shower and  change, then get food.. vassar  heads to the   HQ  to do the same... Robbins  calls maria  over  to help   take the Books  to the HQ...

 Robbins  waves  Vassar  away,.. You can go to  you billet and get a shower..but you stay away from these books until the Admiral  says other wise.


 Larry  greeted  the  other  LArgs, the mess   folks   ran out   trimmings  and leavings, as well as  Buckets and buckets of water. for them, As Henry sorted them out.

 The Admiral told  Roy, Lyri, Zob, Shoey, Robbins  and  Shadow  to meet with  him, Cora and Izzy, when   Izzy had   cleaned up and  washed up..

 Lizzy got up smiled at Madison and said," See you around I hear the shuttles coming back I zzy is with them I hope." Lizzy took care of her tray and trash and then headed out to see the shuttles land and too look for Izzy.

Zob huffed in amusement the exchange as he stepped off the shuttle and made his way towards the HQ.

As he arrived at HQ he greeted the troopers standing watch and made his way inside where the admiral was waiting.

  The Admiral, Zob, Roy, Lyri, Shoey and the  LC  reported to the HQ... Henry was asked to  Came,  and Vassar  was  permitted to sit in, but  keep quiet. Cora   and Will escorted   Izzy to the  HQ.,

 The admiral offered them tea  or Coffee.. the food  would  have to be  at the Mess Hall.After  everone was settled in, The Admiral turned to Cora.So? what do you have  for us Corp  Aspen?

 Cora shakes her head, pointing to Izzy...Stir  Fry...i..um..mean Ensign  Sakura  did  all the reading, i just sorta  stood guard  and looked for things.

 Hack nodded a  slight   smile at Cora's introduction.Well Ensign?  what did you glean from the   books

Billie made it a point to shower and take care of those basic needs before going to check on her skeeter to make sure everything was in working order. When that was done, she took out a book from her pocket and found a spot to sit, a little ways from others to read.

Henry came in and accepted some coffee. He sat down to listen with Mila curled on his feet.

Still clutching the Admiral's diary, Izzy had withdrawn from the ship along with the rest of the troopers by boarding one of the cramped shuttles for the uncomfortable ride down to the surface where she had hoped for a little down time with Lizzy before the stage stage of the operation, whatever they were, got underway. Sadly however such hopes were quickly dashed as she was first informed of and then escorted to a meeting with the Admiral and several other notables from the Hermes.

And so still dressed in her armour Izzy would find herself standing before the Admiral politely accepting a cup of black coffee before considering how best to answer his question "hmm that depends...if you're after actionable intel on either the Chinese or Creshian's...um...nothing...However I have learned that the Chinese were not as loyal to the Empire as we were lead to believe and that they were mislead into volunteering for experiments that turned them into the creatures we encountered within the ship, and it is my belief that if we were to leak copies of this diary into China then we may have a propaganda victory on our hands, especially when people in the Chinese government learn that their people were mislead, used as guinea pigs, turned into monsters and then abandoned by their so called imperial allies" she replied, with her experience in journalism telling her that although the Chinese government was unlikely to suddenly swap sides they just might think twice before offering any further assistance to the Empire "...There are also several other books containing what appear to be data on the experiments they were running but...um...I'm not a scientist so I can't say for sure what they contain or how useful it is" she then added before waiting to see if either the Admiral or any of the others had any questions for her.

 Lizzy saw Izzy escorted to the command tent with others, she must have found something of interest and Lizzy was happy Izzy was being a part of the War verses the Empire. Lizzy relaxed and waited for Izzy to be done in the command tent.

  Admiral Hack  nodded slowly as  he listened. Well.. Can  you read that  in Chinese?  If  so  , we''ll  get Beth to have you Broadcast  what the Journal says  By reading it...along with the Admiral's  Name....

 Roy  was  stern, as to what   they should  do.

 Lyri shrugged,They   made thier  Bed... Let those  at home know..maybe there will be a revelotion .. get them out of  everyone's  hair while  they torch each other

  Pilots  were sorting themselves out not, most heading to the  Bunks.

 Flores  sighed  as she  watched the shuttles landing , and the  people getting out.They're gonna need to wind  down.. I'm going to sleep..

   The   troopers   disembarked. Some looked  really tired.. Vassar   followed Cora  , Will and  Izzy  to the HQ..Doc  henry  ad  Mila  made their way  there  as well.

 most of the   troopers  went  to  the  two barracks  to wash up , before eating..The top of the  Mountain glowed  again... only tiny tendrils  of smoke cane out of the  top now....    The drop ship troopers   were   have   short fire fights  as the  sound of   weapons  bursts  were  quick, with little  or no return fire.

After finishing her meal, Madison followed the other pilots back to the barracks. After a quick run to the bathroom to freshen up, she went to her bed, stripped and went to sleep. As far as unexpected days off went, it turned out to be pretty good.

"I would be interested in the scientific data, but I shall need assistance to translate it," said Henry quietly.

  Hack  nodded slowly...  Doc Henry... Sakura..  Robbins  take  up  1/3 of the   troopers and Half the largs.... Doc? you and Sakura start working on the books  and translations, so we can get that feed out

 The rest   will stay here until we  all Go up, Incase the drop ship  troopers need us...

  LC? Sent up one flight of  fighters to escort the   Club up to the hermes...

  Already Done, Admiral.

 Vassar speaks up.I wish to go up as well...

 Sorry, Ms  Vassar... you're staying here, until we all go..

 The woman looked  angry as she said,why can't you communicate with those in the Hold?.. The  Brood  Mothers.. or whatever is in charge there?

 Shadow  spoke  quietly and sternly,These  are not the  Brood mothers  from a Hive Ship..these are special..they Volunteered, they  were 'modifed'  and  they  WANTED..the job... We had one on Everest... she inserted  herself into EVERSEC.... she had her   egg sac removed, and could still fuction  as  a  humanoid... She, was one of these...we had an Op to take her out, and  it failed the first time around, and we had to call more teams in to  do the job... We need to wipe out everything in there...we have to assume the other   arks are doing the same thing... the fact that some of these people didn't go along, Doesn't change the  fact  that it happened, whether  volunteers, or forced.. we need to remove the  supply from the demand..and  eliminate the  end product

 Vasar looked  at Shadow,what kind of cold hearted bastard  are you..there might be...

 Shadow snarled,There is nothing... we want to 'save' from there.. if you were strapped to  one of those recliners  pumping out  eggs as you ate , whatever the  fed you.., would you want to  stay alive?  Or , worse..if you  swung over to thier side... we would not want you to survive....here is the  end of it...had  we did, what we were supposed to do? we don't even know they are there..and  when colonists started to   build, they would help feed the  Empire's  foothold here...

 The  LC is right.... The reports from around the  planet..and E-2, tell us , this is  the  'hive'.. Drop ship tropers have   cleaned out  miles of  tunnels and  found some  bases that were either destroyed  or taken over., So..the APF is getting a stronger foothold..all that is  left, is to cleanse this  mountain..

 but the artifacts and the  things we could learn...

 we can  gather  artifacts  after we kill everything. Doc Henry has samples of   bodies....right  now? destroying  any foothold they have, and  reinforcing our own, is the most important thing

  move Out, Carry on....

   Shadow COMed  Fitz.... Fitz? get your flight ready to escort the Club.... they should be ready to go in an hour or so.

 what are the rest doing?

 Mostly  hanging around  until we are ready to go and Help drop ship troopers when the   wipe out the bugs..

 Can someone else go?  I'd really like to stay

 Doc, Sakura, Robbins  and 1/3 of  our troopers and Half the Largs  are going.. Get O'Cooner o  the ship, and  Vosts is worthless unless we get her  head screwed on right..

 dammit..ok, LC..already done...

 Fitz COMed his  pilots to get ready.

 Disna  and  Puskie  gathered largs,  to heard towards The Club. Larry refused   and walked away towards   The Admiral's HQ... mean while , drop ship troopers  , scouted the  wreck in sq2uads,  marking  openings  for engineers to seal.

 Supe  had  come out of the Barracks with Hodden... do you think there are any arch-techs  or  Oil lords   in there?

Supe shruged,Don't know? don't care..Arch techs  know the  danger of thier  jobs, and a few less Oil lords is never a bad thing..

"I can do that...but...if they find out the transmission came from us they'll just say it's lies, seeing a copy of the pages written in the admiral's own hand is a lot harder to refute" Izzy cautiously pointed out, not wanting to waste the opportunity presented to them. At Lyri's comment she would simply shake her head as she replied "It will take a lot more to start a revolution, let's face it the EDT have been spreading all sorts of stuff about the ESN and we haven't exactly been plagued by mass desertions within the fleet...no, the best we can hope for is to muddy the waters a bit and get them to ask the Empire some uncomfortable questions" she said, although she had to admit that starting a revolution did sound pretty good.

With her report on the intel, such as it was, given Izzy would then be ordered to accompany Doc Henry and a few others so as to try and translate the scientific data, whilst the rest of the troopers were sent elsewhere with Izzy replying "already done" before moving to join Henry, hoping that between them that they may be able to muddle their way through the scientific data they had found.

  Hack Nodded to Izzy,agreed..i am  certain  Beth will come  up some  some  Idea, on how to make the  thing  works. Pictures  of those Bodies  will  help as well.

 The Admiral sends  everyone to go take care of thier   people, as he, himself Contacts Hennings

  Robbins  is less then happy, with having to leave his comraded, nor  all those  who have to board..

 Iron Guard
LT  Walt Cross Darh Hair (M)

CPL Vinnie  Esposito Dark Hair (m) Sniper

SGT Luke  Forth  (B)  (M) HW

SGT  Betsy  Liggins Blonde (f)

CPL  Sally Frade Red Hair (f) Med tech

CPL Mick O'Day Strawberry Blonde (m)

apt McCloud

Colour SGT Hemsly

SGT Brooks m

CPL Minnet f HW

CPL Lewis F - OMNI COM

EN Sakura
 CPL Aspen
SGT  Call


Doc Henry

mila

Vaka

 meari

Stee
Nok
Tess
Gla

 the rest   would stay. Andre would stay as well, with his mech
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:33, Mon 13 June 2022.

 Lizzy was watching the tent for Izzy to be done, but she got a message on her comms to get ready to escort shuttle. Lizzy replied to Fitz's message." Already done Chief we will be ready." Lizzy went to the barracks where she had her bunk and got her armor back on and got ready to deploy. She looked for Nikki and Vosts as she got ready.

Mila watched Her Human get everything he'd collected in order and then round up the largs that were returning to the Hermes. She kept close, having no desire to be left behind. She didn't like this planet much!

 Lizzy finds Nikki and Vosts and thry head for their fighters. Lizzy put her hand on Vosts and said, Hey I know your scared we are escorting shuttle to Hermes. Now are you ready Vosts after we land thats when you will know if you want to go out again ok. Lizzy gave her a hig, gave Nikki a high five and they got into their fighters and followed thr shuttle to the Hermes.

------->>>>> to Hanger Dec

yes pictures would certainly help Izzy silently agreed before saying ”I’m sure CE-VA would be able to help us with that” not that she knew where she currently was seeing as she hadn’t seen her since they had arrived.

Once she had gathered her kit, not to mention several of the books she had found, she would join Doc Henry and the others as they boarded the shuttle that would take them back up to the Hermes.

——> Hangar Dec

  After the Club took off, The Admiral came out of the  HQ building.

  he looked around   as he made an ALL COMs..

  Attention, Delta Fleet.... I want all enemy  areas flooded  with   flammable  gas, and  flammable mixtures...  I want Drop ship engineers to seal  whatever Buildings, wrecks or
  Tunnels  they  fined, leaving  a port to pump in the hot sauce.

 Those  actions will be gin..NOW..we aren't worried  about  prisoners.. they is  a barbeque...I want the operations done in 2  hours or  Less. Then we'll light the planet up...both planets....  I do not want any  troops  near the   targeted  areas...

 once we set that off,  we  take out  any enemies  we  find that found  escape....

 he  waited a bit  as he added,..after wards, Drop ship troopers  will build , strong, solid  bases and begin to   clear  certain areas  for Colonies... this should have been down a while  ago...its happening now. Everyone COM me when you targets   are Pumped up and   areas sealed   Hack , out..

  Turning   to look around  he called Shadow and Roy over...Roy,  Take Zob and make sure  anything  we need is Loaded on board..make sure al the Largs  are on board..... Shadow?...  i want you people in the  air in.... he looked at his COM..1 hour and 42  Minutes..

 Already dones, followed..Roy Called  Zob and they began to  get thier people ready.

  Stoly was shouting to the   Shuttle  Jocks, to have  guns loaded  and  lose  things  stowed.

 Shadow  went  from the mess, to the Bunks, to the  landing area....I want everyone   armed and armored and By their  ride  in 1 hour and 30 minutes..starting NOW!

  all round  the area..  the big blobs of Big Uglies overed  over   tunnels, bases  and the Wreck as  hoses  we secured, and  Gases   or  napalm were pumped in..

Justin made up the bunk tidied up his area grabbed, showered changed grabbed his gear and headed to the flight line for a pre flight check.

The bellow of Shadow's order roused Madison from her dozing slumber. She was already half awake, but had been resisting waking up for some time. It wasn't that she was still tired, she just wanted to hold onto that last dream. Having gone to bed early, she was well rested. If anything she maybe slept too long.

Propping herself up on her elbows she looked around the barracks. Some pilots were moving, some were still shaking out the cobwebs. There was no sense lingering, she decided. She had to freshen up, smooth out any embarrassing bad-head, dress and then eat. With a wide sweep of her arm she tossed off her covers and swung her legs over the side of the bunk.

When Madison stood, Candy was still laying in her bunk, eyes closed. She didn't look asleep. It was more like she just didn't want to open her eyes. Madison gave her a few semi-gentle shoves on the shoulder. "Let's go sleepy head. I need a chow partner. You wouldn't want me to hurt myself, would you?" Madison waited for Candy to join her with her feet on the floor.

After shuffling into the washroom, Madison spent all her time in front of the sink. Her hair was mostly okay, only needing a little fixing. Then she went back and dressed. All her clothes were clean and dry and she was fresh and ready to go. After Candy was ready they headed to the mess tent.

  Time  was passing.. only one  drop ship shuttle remainded at the  LZ by the   wreck.

  Captain Nilsson was  in the    air, as one, by one, the Nig Uglies   returned  home. Like  'resvrse meteorites ' The Big Uglies   head back to thier homes in the fleet.. Drop ship shuttles  taking  90% of the  troops from the  ground, the Last 10 %  would stay to  gun down  , anything , that might escape.

  The Compound  was  locked  down as best as it could be, as the troops  there , were  ready  to defend  any retreats  that the LZ  troops might need.

 Boarding  The Spade  with Larry, Roy ,Zob and Lyri,   Teh shuttles  began to    rise into the   air.. they   would spread out, and hover  1000 feet or more  above  the compound...

 ...............

 Shadow  looked at His COM, it was just about  time for  his people to show up... He  called after them to Mount up, the shuttles were rising, and he  wanted fighters  around them.

 Once   the Piltosd  werre accounted for , Shadow   Yelled  , before  closing his Cockpit... By the Numbers!!!/... gert around the shuttles... and hover..we wait for The Admiral to tell us when to go home..

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

  Lyri sat  next to   Roy  and  Zob...didn't turn out the way we thought?

Roy answered  with a rueful smile, Well its a win as fasr  as getting rid of the bugs.... but we'll lose  whatever is in there..

After a brief meal, Madison and Candy went out to the Fighter field. She had already checked out her new Skeeter the  night before but she went ahead and dd another check out. Meanwhile, Shadow was calling for shuttle escorts. Since she was in his wing, and he said the previous day that they would be on search and destroy, she needed clarification.

"Hey Boss" She called out over her COM. "Do you want us with shuttles or are we waiting for you?"

  Shadow  answered..... We all go  up and protect the shuttles... if anything comes up after us..or tries to escape, I'll send a flight  or two, to Intercept. At no time, do  we not have at lest two flights   for  the shuttles and The Morningstar

 My flight always takes  off  first, Lands last... be ready.

"Already in seat and checked out" Madison answered. "Ready to take off at your word"

After assisting with making and loading ammo belts Justin ran through a preflight check; while chatting with the Flight Crew Techs as they went about the various preparations of the Skeeters. His preflight check completed Justin claimed into the 25 and readied it for take-off. When approval came to launch Justin followed the others in C Flight into the sky. Forming up with the waiting Flights as they headed towards the Shuttles & Morningstar.

In reply to E1 (msg # 140):

Zob settled into his seat and turned his head as Lyri spoke, "It also means the Empire and the bugs don't have those supplies either and on the plus side we didint need them before so not much of a loss in the grand scheme of things... well that also means we can drop ms never shuts her trap on the nearest asteroid" he chuckled even if he was being somewhat serious.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:32, Thu 16 June 2022.

   The Admiral slid the  shield  to open the  windows to watch the  Wreck

   LC?  make sure you have  flights  ready  to chase down and destroy , ANY aircraft, nit  ESN or APF, trying to leave... Pass the word to the other ships WCs...

  Aye , Sir, Already done, Passing  the  word..

 Captain Si..Pass  word to Picket ships... I want an active  attack on any  enemy ships  on our  perimeter.... The  attacks  are to  begin ...AFTER.. the  wreck starts to explode... i want to trap any  aircraft that might   flee  E-1  and E-2

 Aye Admiral, already done...

 Beth..I want a Live  feed from the   Brood cavern, until they are dead... record it as  well for our  files...once the Wreck is  done.. Sakura  can start her 'message".. Have CE-VA..set up the  show, you make sure it gets  broadcast live, then record it for files.

 Aye Admiral... Already done..

 Turning to Hemsly... Light them up...

 Aye, Sir, Already Done..... into  ALL COMs, Hemsly said..On me  Cout of  3... lets  try ta light up  all these holes  at the same time....1.......2.........THREE!

 He  Hit  the trigger, changed  a Dial  did  it  again and repeated it  10  times..There were his counterparts  from the Drop ships, all over, both worlds. doing the   same.

 Explosions  shook the  planet..gouts of  Flame  , debris  and  bodies  shot   out into the air... CAMs from  allover  showed  the  Spider-things  Getting engulfed in  'gas  fires' and , right behind them, Napalm mixtures  catting on  fire.

  Hunched   creatures were seen running for their  lives, but there was no were to  run as the superheated  gases  and  oozing  napalm ..Silent screams of  fear and PAin came to many of thier  faces... dozens  tried to protect the Brood Mothers,,who were  Now screaming in Terros..but  it  didn't matter.. there  would be   near the last of those  to  die, by the cleansing fire.

  Hack watched the   wreck from the  view  window.. the   wreck was slowly  caving in on itself...he had a cold smile of satisfaction...everyone? start  looking  now, if they are Going to run, it  should be soon..

 Lyri pointed out to the others.. that  Drop ship  troopers  stationed  at 'known' sally ports, were firing  weapons.. small explosions  sent  more air into the wreck  and   Oil Lords  and   Hunched things  tried to escape..only to be gunned down.

 Beth?  send  word to  Cummings, for  the troopers to recover  any and all equipment they are  able,  so we might  distribute them among Colonists..

 already  Done, Admiral

   Shadow  says  to ALOL COMs...we got  runners..... knock them down.... they are either Offciers..or  'speical ' half breeds... or Oil Lord... and Folks?  We don't need prisoners...

  Two shuttles   broke  through a  hidden blind,  both were  Chinese Navy Shuttles..a bit worse for wear, but moving well...

  B Flight   with me....... Ariv?  there are two more to the south..gio get them....Frans? next batch   you says who goes where.

  below  the troopers   were gunning  down bodies  that tried to escape..some were on fire

 The Shuttles were   Armed with Heavy Pulse.. They fired  as  soon as  B  flight was in  range.

ESN Fighters...  Back Off.. we are  mercy shuttles..we have eggs  aboard!

 LC Kray Shadow, ESN 351  Hermes .. we are going to shoot you down.. Those  eggs? are not   ESN or APF... they are  part of Empire experiments...sorry guys......well? No..I'm not...

The  Heavy  pulse guns, just one top Bubble on each shuttle, fired blindly now...knowing the end was  near..

 Everyone take your shots.. , I'll go last...either way..they die right here..righjt now..

 in the distance , blossoms  of fire  told of  other such  Shuttle's  deaths.

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

 Vassar heard the ALL COMs...The bastard  is  going to murder Eggs..!

 Hack wacthed..  he  chuckled.

 Lyri said,They are bugs..... its extermination....

Per Shadow's orders, Madison fell into formation on him. She was ready to fight. Too much time laying about had her getting a bit antsy in her seat. "Ready to go, LC. Do want me to hold for you or can I go after some targets?"

In reply to E-1 (msg # 147):

Justin was watching the enemy runners attempting to escape the area. Listening to the Chatter Justin waited with his C Flight Comerad's for
targets to present themselves.

 B-flight went after  the pair of Shuttles who were, at once, pleading for  safe passage, and  firing on the fighters...

  Billie   Stitched the foremost shuttle.. Flores  Got  the  second  one... Shadow  Nodded to himself   as  the lead them Back  around to the  Admiral  and the  Wreck  shook and   shuddered ..flames  rise   every now  and again.

   Frans   COMed  to Steele...Ok Steele , Your turn..two   Runners in the Gorge going south... take your Flight  to stop them...

 Already Done!..Lets  go folks!

 Steele's   flight peeled off and  went    down into the gorge.. Steel    peeling back  and High , as over  watch, allowing the Others  to attack first.

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

  Hack watched  with the others,..therer is  something  wrong, you'd  thing  there  would be  bigger  explosions....

 Maybe  there are, but its   Buried too deep.

  Doesn't seem right?... they ship had  weapons, Power Cells..they had  to have  ammunition  for thier troops?

 Gai and  Waggles    manage to bring  down. the  2 shuttles in the Gorge... Steele leads his    flight  back up to the   Admiral and the rest of the  Hermes  aircraft.

  Hack COMed   Karl....take a    wrap around that  mountain.. use  up your Ordinance around the  Wreck, make sure  we don't  miss  any strangers....

  Beth COMs...Admiral? we are  picking Up  high levels of  Power  from  , the lower  reaches of there wreck.... I would Advise the Dropship troops to get the   9 hells out of there...

  ..send the word....  Shuttles.. LC...   back off and head  to the South  100  miles  downrange.. 20 miles   up...

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

 On the  ground the drop ship  troops scrambled to the   Shuttle...

   There were reports of  other aircraft being downed...  on both Planets. seems like   there wouldn't be  many  survives..if any, of the Creshian  and Largran forces..

  The Admiral was  about to Order  everyone  home... when  Its happened... The Drops ship troops from the compound  and LZ    had  Lifted over. making a  45 degree rise towards the south-east. As the   Dropship reached  150 miles and  growing, the   wreck began to glow   with a  blue-white light... seconds  later.. the     Burst  upwards , like  a  popping Tar bubble.. The  wreckage  shattered  and   fell  in on itself, the  debris  fell over  a 200  mile range.... the   stern of the   wreck  fell into the Abyss , that was created  by  the Blast..

 Reports  were coming in from  All-Coms, of  similar  blasts at, at least  a dozen mor sites. Hack, Roy, Zob, Lyri and Shoey looked at the Admiral's vidboard .. the  turbulence hit the  shuttles and Fighters..Flames , rose up from the   massive  crater.

 Hack Said to All COMs,Attention, Delta Fleet... well done... we did not start  this operation, with this result in mind..but, we have  solidified  the  Corridor  from Matterhorn and  Etna, to Aqra  and  Anzio....I want all troops  to be withdrawn, everyone go home, Bring up any outpost troopers who were there before   we came..I will  issue   , occupation orders   after  I Talk with the leaders of the APF...Lets go Home,,,,

 Shadow  said into all COMs...All WCs  on planet..escort any shuttels  comign up, to thier homes....

'already dones'  filtered through

 Frans?  Take the  lead  for  our  shuttles... Steel to the port, Foster to the starboard..Arive  Under..Howe  over and Mu flight will ne  rear guard... let's go!

>>>>>>>>>>> troops and pilots  to Hanger dec

"Roger that." Assigned to Shadow's wing, Madison stayed in formation with him. She knew they would probably be the last to return to the ship, but the mission just ended s suddenly, she was fine hanging back until everyone else was back safe. While she was at it, she kept here eyes out for any potential ambushes hoping to take advantage of the withdrawal.

To Hangar Dec >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
This message was last edited by the player at 14:01, Tue 21 June 2022.

Justin brought the 25 to a halt in his assigned bay. Powered down he opened the canopy collected the guncam disc and headed to the shed to hand it in.
Joining Gai and Waggles Justin gave them a friendly pat on the shoulder congratulating them for downing the 2 shuttles in the Gorge.Would that merit a congratulatory drink from our entrepid Flight Leader? he prompted Steele.