That's a  good  way to look at it.  We have some  folks who thought they  could go alone..never worked out  well.. I would go after  an assassin  if there was on the table..because   its sorta  even, but everyone else  you need a couple folks. Just remember this?... the two main goals  is to Kill the marks, and  find creds and information, if you happen to  keep a few  hundred creds for yourself, that's  fine..but the Big creds go to the fleet

 he Nods to Admiral Hennings, he  is dancing  with a Pretty Burnette  and the  Angel  silk makes her even better looking. See that  Chick with Hennings? I was  supposed to kill her.. the woman who was my contact,,set it up..I also  had to eliminate a pair of  Old  woman..gods  know  how old with Angel food, but they looked old..killed them and there   Male hooker..sent a bomb, that was meant  for me , in the guys  bath room, who had set it  for me.. and Blew the whole Hotel on the mountain, On Everest up.. Killed alot of  folks..probaly some good  ones..but a bunch of high ticket  bad ones.. I didn't Kill Emmie,  ..Good move..she is an Heiress to a freight Liner  company, they help keep us stocked ..anyway.. that's all instinct after you did it   awhile.. when in doubt..you kill the mark.

 Fritz  came Over  with NO-CA..Hey LC...  NO-CA  and i were daancing  and it occured to us , we only Know yur   Wingman  by someone pointing at her  and  say " That's Shadow's  wingman.."  Im Master Chief  Fitsimmons, Flight leader of E  Flight, This  Is NO-Ca

 She offers her  hand,I am in G  fl;ight  with the other Green Angels.

 Sam looked at Smuggings and replied," Very well Admiral, then dont except friendship from Bura until you apologize, but Admiral Roles and his EMS are welcome anytime Admiral you have a nice day before I scream and say you touched me inappropriately and Zob and Larry here will rip you too pieces, Have a nice Ball admiral Smug."

 Sam rubbed Larrys's head, and said to Larry," Watch him and his buddies if they get out of line Larry you know what to do ok." Sam smiled at Smuggins and took Zob's hand to get drinks.

In reply to ball (msg # 108):

Zob nodded before turning back to Sam and taking her hand, "Those drinks sound good lets hit the tables" with that said he would take her over to the tables and get more burian berry juice he would go with wine but he had to work tonight, "Great work on that groin kick, that captain was lucky he only got a broken arm if i had punched him in the face they maybe taking him to the morgue" he chuckled a bit at that cause with his strength that was quite possible.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:26, Wed 02 Aug 2023.

Spotting a NFEMS Chief watching him, which he found a mix of intriguing and suspicious of her amusement. Figuring buying her a round or twelve he'd be able to find out what was so amusing.
This message was last edited by the player at 10:04, Wed 02 Aug 2023.

Mila went over to Beth, wagging her tail and pushing her nose into Beth's hand, reassuring her and checking that she was all right.

Billie was having fun dancing with Arnie for most of the time, pausing occasionally to grab a drink based on Arnie's recommendations or a bite to eat. Otherwise, she gave herself fully to the music and the moment, clearly enjoying herself.

 Sam smiled at Zob as they headed for the drink table. " Yes I need a drink but we are working tonight so juice will do."

 After they got their drinks and headed to their table, Sam responded," Thank you when your my size you work on the basics right. Oh I bet it would not have been gone for him. Why do assholes do that, no wonder they are pirates they have to steal everything and dont earn it right."

There was a look of hurt confusion in response to Lizzy’s words, with her having thought it obvious by now that wasn’t the case with her wondering where this was coming from ”Are…are you alright Liz? Only…you’re acting a little weird” she asked in a concerned voice.

In reply to Kray Shadow (msg # 110):

Madison winced at Kray's story. She didn't like the idea of blowing up a whole hotel for two marks. War was hell, but she felt like there had to be better way. But then again, she wasn't there. She had to wonder how many bystanders she herself killed on Paradise. A dark cloud settled over her. It was the price of war: lives in exchange for victory. Thinking too hard about it would only make her crazy. She had to accept that she was trading bits of her soul for the sake of the future.

Her funk was broken by Master Chief Fitsimmons and his green angel escort NO-CA. Madison accepted her hand. "Hi, nice to meet you both. Ensign Madison Perry. Unless you have to address me otherwise, just call me Madison...  or Maddy. I'm getting used to that." She glanced over at Shadow, giving him the stink eye for messing with her name.

"But, yeah. I'm the LC's wingman. I have to say he's makes for a hell of a ride." She smirked at her own inside quip.

  Shadow   chuckled  as she gave him that look...She's done well so far, it frees up  Kat and Flores  to help break in other    pilots

NO-CA  smiled, maybe a tinge of envy,I never got  to wing with the LC..it seems like a...spot that is hard to get into..

 Fitz  chuckled..Comes down to numbers, there are only so manyslots , and  New pilots  go to whom the  Captain and LC choose. it al works  out in the long  run. then  left   for the snacks,

HE-LA  and DR-NO arrived next, HE-LA's  Periwinkle colored  dress offsetting her Green Angel skin.. DR-NO  in his captain   unifrom ..

 LC...  We saw  Fitx and NO-Ca  come over, we felt that we should as well...I am HE-LA  I am the Flight leder of G  flight, DR-NO is  my #2  in the flight

DR-NO takes   Maddy's  Hand..I too, am from Bura... Unhappily, I am the last pilot to have  Flown, Shadow's  Lady, before she was assassinated  by The  EVOL, Jonny Blu..it was  fitting that  the LC beat him to Death on Bura..since that is were he Killed lady... I was also honored to bring the  DNA  sticks   that lady forced on me, so that   teh LC's  son and daughter  could be brother... both of his   sirelings have made an impact for the Fleet.

 Shadow just nodded  and motioned to Maddy  for her to return introductions.

In reply to ball (msg # 119):

Having fun in her own head with the phrases being tossed out, Madison nodded to the smalltalk offered by Fitz and NO-CA. Their statements didn't really demand much response from her. They were more talking to each other and to the LC, yet still she was the object of discussion. They didn't stay long, but were quickly replaced by another pair of angels, HE-LA and DR-NO. They introduced themselves, with DR-NO taking her hand as he told of how he was with Kray's ex before she was killed, as if Madison needed to know that. She was sure he was just offering a story, trying to say more than a simple hello, but no one really wanted to know their place in line.

"Nice to meet you." Madison gave her own introduction at Shadow's prompt. "I'm Ensign Madison Perry. You can call me Madison or Maddy, or ensign, as needed. I've actually only been in the Hermes for a few weeks, but I've been on the LC's wing the entire time. It's certainly been exciting, even more so in the last few days."

In reply to Samantha Robertson (msg # 116):

Zob took a sip of the juice, "It's more about technique but their is no doubting the basics as being effective" he said as he polished off the glass of juice, "Self entitlement most likely but a cutthroat is a cutthroat no matter how you try and sugar coat it"

 Lizzy looked at Izzy, " Izzy if I didnt like something you truly loved, I wouldnt run off I would try to support you the best I could or stay close in case you needed me. Maybe party at the Condo you wont have to spend credits at the condo. I mean we do have a room there right. Maybe you can offer your Omicron services, there is so much you could to support ne and back me on something Izzy I have to do I made a promise to the Mom I never met, ok ."

 Lizzy wanted to say more, but she couldnt hold it back and cried on Izzy's shoulder.

 Sam giggled and replied," When you are ummm are as weak as I am physically, I use by brain and destroy them. Have you ever heard the saying knowledge is Power, well thats what I live by, because I can barely fight my way out of a wet paper bag." Sam giggled, she was having a great time with Zob and she just felt at ease opening up to him for some reason, considering it was Orange Demons like him that branded, beat, whipped and tortured her at a very young age. Sam finished her drink after she was done replying to Zob and smiled at him. " I am ready for some more dances, I wont be as aggressive on the fast songs, my hip is a little sore."

In reply to Samantha Robertson (msg # 123):

Zob chuckled, "Well Sam ill be happy to tell you, you can have both and ill be happy to help with that" when she spoke of wanting to go for another round of dances he stood up and held out his hand to her, "Will move at your pace" he said as he made his way out to the dance floor with her.

Seeing how the first drink he'd sent the NFEMS Chief didn't even get a glance or raise of her glass, he decided not to waste any more time. Making one last circuit for any of the AI that weren't dancing.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:32, Thu 03 Aug 2023.

   There  was  another slow  song  , Shadow led M=Maddy out to the  Floor. as they dance, Shadow was about to say something, When another  EMS  officer    came by with his partner, who looked to be an Athena  Pilot

 hey? You're   that LC Shadow?

 Shadow didn't turn his head   from looking at Maddy,Thank you for that? You know? I keep forgeting who i am, but there is  always some  one who will tell me who i am..

The Athenian Giggled..the Guy ,got a looked ticked off..do you know  who  I am?

 Again, Shadow  appeared to be looking  at Maddy's eyes,I...really  don't  give  one damn there , Buddy... More  giggles from the lady.

 I''m Commander  Royce, of the EMS Stardog..

 Congrates. You must be....VERY..proud.

 I have 15 kills!

 Shadow stooped and finally looked  at the fellow, Tall Blonde , brown eyed..In the Last   for  days...  i have had  pilots   who got that many, and several who push thier totals  high enough to get The Blue Max... he  slips  his  hand under maddy's   Blue  Max, having his hand rest on her  chestThis is what it looks like..

 The Woman reached over  and Touched Maddy's arm...I need  3 more to get mine...

 wow? she needs   3 more..lets see....3 from 20 is 17 kills?... I bet you got at least  12  these last  4 days?

 13...good guess though..I only flew the last 2 days, I was a replacement

 Gee..Commander   '15 kills'  i am...PRETTY sure..17 is more then  15...Is it More  Ensign?   Numbers  clutter my head some times? he looks  to  maddy still not taking his hand from where it was nestled.
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:24, Thu 07 Sept 2023.

 Sam smiled at Zob and replied," Thank you very much Zob." They went out to the dance floor Sam was good but she took it easy as they danced and Sam was all smiles.

In reply to ball (msg # 126):

With the next slow song, Madison went with Shadow out to the dance floor for a relaxing dance, but then another person rushed up to introduce himself. This time, though, it wasn't to meet her. She had to close her eyes so no one would see them roll as the Commander announced his own importance. Where did these guys come from? And his escort... what was her deal? She was walking around on this guys arm, but then openly giggles at his humiliation as Kray blew him off. If she had so little respect for him, then why were they even together. The whole episode was just embarrassing. She didn't like openly ridiculing people, but this guy literally seemed to be asking for it. She wanted it all to be over, but then Kray brought her in by showing off her Blue Max and asking her to deal with the numbers.

"Yep. Seventeen is higher than fifteen." She couldn't help look over at the pair. "Good job." She smiled at the still unidentified woman. She was almost there, but sometimes the enemy didn't cooperate with letting you kill them. And maybe this pilot will get blown out of the sky on her next jump off.

"Seriously commander, a lot of people are wearing these Blue Max awards here tonight. Maybe you should read the room a bit before making boasts." She wanted to taunt him about how he just ruined any chance of getting laid, but she didn't want to be too disrespectful to a superior officer.

  Now?  Commander. I suggest you move off. I hear Astra  is  plannign a  big shipment of Astra  Bull manure to the Moons  to help  enrich thier soil.. I am sure, you'll want to be prepared for  such a Vital Mission..

 The fellow  looks at   The LC...Are yiu trying to Dismiss me?

 I dismissed you  the Moment i saw your unifrom...you aren't even a pribateer..your   a merc.. ..and    Ma'am.. There are a bunch of   hermes  guys   hangign out   on the far side of the room, that would ..LOVE..to fight over  which one  gets the next dance... aye?

 the woman smiled  at  Shadow  , then  winked   to Maddy...Aye, Sir... coordinates  copied , losing in on the high targe   AO... she detached herself   as    walked  towards the cluster of  20 or so  Hermites who were hanging out.

  Royce trying to grab her  arm  But Shoey stepped between them...Everything ok, LC?

 yes? that  Pilot there?  she  just broke off  from her  Kill and  is  going in to  find another..perhaps  a troper to guide her on her way...

 Already Done , LC.... and shoey caught up to her , and they chatted,,they were 20 yards from the hermites  when the  woman started to dance   with him, smiling as she did.

 Royce glared  at  Shadow...crash and Burn..huh?..  don't know what that feels like pesonally..must suck..a WHOLE lot though... you should go to the bar, put those flames out.

 He stormed off , Shadow's  have  smile vanished  as soon he was out of range...yeah.. I can almost bet  there are going to be alot less  EMS  folks  her in the moring. I can;t wait to see the mark list.

"I don't understand. If all these mercenaries are so useless, why are they even here? And even if we use them as supplemental help, why would they be marks?"

well..you see    Roles and Raven a  few others.. they are EMS, but they  are allied to the Fleet..hence the modified  uniforms . The 'pure blood  EMS.. they are in for the creds... we'll see  just as many of them escorting  caravans, as  yiu will see attackign them. 

 I have to believe  that the  moons  used them , so no REAL  fighting ships would be wasted. The bad thing? creds as your   loyality, means    the person who offe4rs you more, becomes your  'leader'..  They say  , Back  on Earth when Captain Morris still flew jets.. a south amrican   drug/slaver  guy offerd  EMS  twice the  Creds the  ESN did, and the    pilots  chnaced  sides  right in the middle of a dogfight...From what Morris said.. No one , won that fight.. ESN limpd  home..  SA's  limpoed home , and the few  mercs that survived became rich..so? maybe they won... I'd like to know what happened when they landed to collect..SA's  are  nice people.

 You'll meet gresh..old  friend from  Olympus. Black marker guy..he's   better friends  with Roy..anyway.. he  digs stuff up.. if  any of these guys  are  EDT or Empire.. we'll know... just the things that have been happening,  with me, and   Zob taking care of that  buy with Beth and Roles.. I think they are trying to get a measure..

 But , time is running out.. lets  enjoy this, until  the next dumbass comes over.. he   will pull her a bit closer  as they  move to the Music.

”Yes…but babe, I’m not signing up for a suicide mission after three straight days of combat!” Izzy responded in a low voice, with it clear that she was getting annoyed ”…and how do you think this makes me feel, huh? That my fiancé would rather go and pick a fight with street thugs than spend time with me! And now you say you want me to hang around in the hotel worrying about you, I’ve just spent two days doing that, before joining an assault team just so I didn’t have to listen to people shooting at you anymore” she continued, hoping that Lizzy would understand what she was saying to her.

With the tears starting to fall, Izzy would lead Lizzy away to a quiet corner where they could talk a little more privately ”what do you want me to do Liz? They don’t need an omni-comm operator, and they won’t let me help even if I wanted to” patiently said whilst gently rubbing Lizzy’s as she waited for her to gain enough control to talk to her.

Roy kept an eye on the various exchanges around the room.  Yes, it was supposed to be friendly territory...but they'd had someone try to put a knife between their ribs pretty much every time they stopped at a 'friendly' location.  "Looks like a lot of those non-Fleet EMS personnel are working on getting their asses served up on a silver platter," he muttered to Lyri, as they stood at the edge of the dance floor. The drink he was nursing wasn't even intoxicating, but it served as a distraction for those who thought they might find an easy mark.

"Wonder how many of them are sizing up the room and trying to decide if there's any way they could collect Shadow's bounty..."  Last he'd heard, the Empire was still offering a few million credits for Shadow's corpse, although anyone who tried to collect the money--if they survived tangling with Shadow--would likely wind up on a Demon dinner platter.

But money like that was awfully tempting for mercenaries whose only loyalty was their own credit balance...

In reply to Kray Shadow (msg # 131):

Madison was still confused by the whole mercenary thing. If their loyalty was for sale to the highest bidder, then why would anyone bother ever hiring them. It sounded like a terrible business model to not honor commitments. And even if they were useful cannon fodder, why would they ever be invited to the ball. She decided that it was all above her pay grade.

"Yep. Let's just dance. These idiots are making my head hurt." She pressed in closer and let Kray lead her where he would.