anywhere but that isn't' covered by the other threads.

——> Hangar Dec

Tarja would sit in silence at the back of the BU with her legs either side of her pack, her eyes closed and wearing a set of ear buds as she tried to block out her thoughts and the other people in the transport with her music. Needless to say she wasn’t really in the mood for small talk with her just wanting to get down to the moon so she could start her shore leave.

Once the BU had landed and the ramp had dropped, she would gather her things and disembark with everyone else, with her making a B-line to the cab stand and climb into the first unoccupied vehicle and give the driver the exact location location she wanted dropping off in the same way she would deliver the co-ordinates for an air strike. If the driver was surprised by the out of the way location she wished to travel he didn’t show it as he turned the sleek air car round and headed out into the countryside.

Sitting in the back of the air car Tarja would watch as the scenery rolled by, with her passing through a small village before going into the open countryside which would transition from fields to woodland around about the same time that the road transitioned from glassy smooth resin bonded macadam to dusty gravel, before finally running out entirely.

It was as the road came to an end that what appeared to be a timber blockhouse would appear in amongst the trees. Next to it there was what looked to be a grassed picnic area and a fairly rugged looking all terrain vehicle that had obviously seen some heavy use. Gathering her things Tarja would thank the driver before hopping out and walking towards the building, with the cab turning around and driving off before she’d even opened the door.

Despite its outward appearance the interior of the building was modern looking with a large map and a couple of displays on the walls and a U shape of desks with monitors on it, manned by a youngish looking Angel in a knaki uniform, with an older looking Angel in the same uniform sorting through some boxes ”Can I help you with anything?” the older Angel asked as he got up to approach Tarja before giving the rifle case slung over her shoulder a suspicious look as he added ”…you are aware that hunting is strictly prohibited here, right?”
”Oh…um…yeah this is my first time here and I wasn’t sure how dangerous the local wildlife was” Tarja replied, with the ranger giving her an understanding, if slightly dubious, nod before walking over to the map on the wall ”Well…we have a couple of packs of Fenrix in the area, but they shouldn’t cause you any problems, and the larger Angors may charge, but only if you get too close to their young, to be honest you’re still too close to civilisation for the larger predators…now there’s a camping spot about a click north of here, it’s nothing fancy, just a clearing with a composting toilet and a water point, but from there you can reach the Abaxi cairns located to the east, and Steel Crag which has some amazing views especially at sunrise and sunset…” the ranger explained as he pointed out the separate points on the map, with Tarja taking careful note of each one as he does so ”…it’s a hard climb, but well worth it, though something tells me it won’t cause you any problems…are you with the fleet perchance?” he asked eyeing her muscular physique, with Tarja wondering not for the first time whether she had the word Soldier branded onto her forehead ”I am, First Armoured Infantry”
”93rd Infantry…though that was back when we thought Paradise was on our side” he replied with a note of disgust entering his voice at the mention of Paradise ”well I’ll let you enjoy your RnR, if you need anything give us a call, there’s always someone on duty here” he said before leaving Tarja to study the map awhile longer before she finally departed.

After leaving the ranger’s station Tarja would follow a narrow dirt track into the trees where it would steadily rise before eventually plateauing out. It was after walking slightly more than a mile that Tarja would find the clearing that the ranger had mentioned; surrounded on three sides by coniferous trees, the third dropped away down a steep, rocky escarpment to offer a view across the wooded valley beyond.

After taking the time to enjoy the view before her, Tarja would set about setting up the small one man tent she’d brought with her so she could make the most of the slowly dying light and get some sketching done.

<  Comm Call Request From: Nate "Rip" Charles. To: Tarja Vanska >


Rip sat on his bunk aboard the Hermès, eyes narrowed; his K-bar still in hand, tapping against his battered chin.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:05, Sun 06 Aug 2023.

Tarja hadn’t long  started putting up her tent when her comms unit started to chime within her pocket, causing her to mutter a few choice words as she fished it out. Although she didn’t recognise the number it did have a military code at the beginning, meaning that it would probably be ill advised to ignore it.

Hitting the Accept button she would sit back on the grass as she said ”This is Corporal Vanska, who is speaking please?” in heavily accented English.

< Comm Call from Hermes >

Rip eyes widen when he heard the voice on the other end.  He had never heard an accent like that.  Not on his colony.  Before he spoke he remembered he should show respect instead of being his usual self.

"Rip.  Errr.  Trooper Nate Charles, Ma'am."  Rip screwed up his face.  Were non-coms called ma'am?  He should have listened closer in training.  "I be meaning Corporal."  His accent is slow, drawn out, and not from Earth.  His voice was heavy, but hopefully seen as an attempt to be respectful.

"Captain Morris be giving me your comm, see't if you'p be needing a warm body for the Armoured Infantry."  He Got out staring at his Commd display in disgust at how he was handling this so far.

The voice that greeted her on the other end of the comms call was gruff and had an unfamiliar accent, something offworld perhaps? but was clearly trying to be polite and make a good impression as he asked if there was an opening in her unit "Please, do not call me ma'am I work for living..." she casually replied, hoping to put the guy at ease with the bad joke before continuing "...Corporal Vanska, or Tarja will do and yes, I may have opening in unit but we would need to have talk in person before I make any promises" she continued, pronouncing the J in her name like a I.

Nate's request to join her unit wasn't the best timed in the world with herself and everyone else on RnR, but then again Brian had made his request in the middle of a planetary assault so nothing was new there "Where on moon are you? perhaps we can meet for drink and chat?" she suggested figuring that they could always get the ball rolling and see where it went from there.

< Comm Call from Hermès >


Rip knew his people communications skills were lacking, but the tone of Tarja's joke was needed.  He smirked a toothy grin.

"That be fair, Corporal Vanska."  He grunted as he sheathed his blade into its his belt.  "Need to know if my my metal meet the snuff.  Be testing any grub that need be join me gang as't well."  Though, he doubted she would beat him to a bloody pulp in the process.

Or she might.  Why he needed to get this started, and know where he stood.  He wouldn't sit on his hands here.

He grimaced.  He stood up and looked around.  He was on the ship, and she must be at the Ball.  "I be up'n ship.  Not much for Ritz'n Glitter."

He walked over to the locker that held his pristine issued uniform.  "Not been Angel world before.  But, best start now.  Be riding down the BU ASAP."  The venomous in the way he said Angel was clear he had an issue with them.

”Nor am I Trooper Charles, which is why I’m at a nature reserve” Tarja replied, sensing the man’s reluctance over what she assumed to be the ball. She also heard a familiar tone in his voice when he said the word Angel. A similar tone to the one she used when she spoke about Russians ”…the ball is mainly for cake eaters, most of team are in local bars getting drunk…you should come down, it’s not often you get chance of fresh air and sunshine” she said hinting very strongly that he needed to get his ass off of the ship and start enjoying his RnR whilst he could.

< Comm Call from Hermès >

Rip smirked at the thought that this Tarja wasn't for rich shiny things.  She was a Trooper, and a good one if the "news reports" meant anything.  His thoughts were fuzzy about what those were.  Maybe he could ask her about her actions.

"Albright.  Be taking dee next BUs downward."  Rip's lips twitched in amusement at her comment about them cake eaters.  "Beam me cords for where we meet, Corporal, if you be kind.  Be there ASAP."  The if you be kind was an afterthought and an attempt to be respectful.  Something he would have to get used too.

”Ok I will see you when you arrive” Tarja replied before ending the call, with her drumming her fingers on her leg as she tried to decide where they should meet.

She initially considered going to the village she’d passed through on the way here before discarding the idea, not knowing if it actually had a bar they could meet in. Not to mention the fact that she didn’t fancy the idea of walking back to her tent in the dark. So instead she would send him the co-ordinates for the rangers station followed by a set of instructions on how to reach the campsite deciding that it would make for a good initial test of trooper Charles’ abilities. If he arrived totally exhausted and out of breath or got completely lost then he probably wasn’t cut out for her unit.

Having sent her message to Rip, she would get back to setting up her tent.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:38, Tue 08 Aug 2023.

< Aboard the BU >

Rip sat alone.  The semi-permanent scowl etched on his face might have been the reason.  Or his tattoos and scars might have given an aura of danger, saying "Stay Away."  Or the fact he claimed two seats, his legs spread open, elbows resting on his knees as he held his chin in one hand, leaning forward more like a marble stature from older times, portraying man in thought, or something to thst affect.

Rip didn't glare eyes of death at all the Angel envoys and dignitaries shuttling back and forth from the Hermès.  Though he wouldn't blame them if they did.  But he was too lost in thought to pay much attention to them.

He almost missed the fact that the BU landed at the spaceport.  He also missed the stares from the Angel Customs officials when they saw the scars and tattos that covered his visible skin.  The K-Bar knife strapped to his right calf muscle, didn't seem to draw any attention.
 He didn't need it, but he was sure as hell not going to part with it.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:23, Mon 07 Aug 2023.

It wouldn’t take Tarja long to get her tent set up with the woodland camouflage on the outside of it’s reversible canvas, with her then collecting some water from the solitary tap by the timber shed that contained a rudimentary toilet, and putting the kettle on her camp stove to boil.

It was as the water was heating up that Tarja would settle down on the grass with a pad of paper and a pencil and begin sketching the view of the valley beyond with only the sound of birdsong for company as she waited for trooper Charles to arrive. With her already finding herself beginning to relax and decompress as the stress of the last few days melted away.

< Blue Moon Space Port >

Rip had expected more of a hassle and drawn-out exchange with the Customs, but being a Trooper for the ESN was paying off.  He glanced at the coordinates and information about where to meet Corporal Vanska.  His skin paled as he stepped out into the streets of Blue Moon.  So open.  So widely open.  It almost made him want to dive into the nearest subway/metro system or sewer pipes.

Rip was not one to cower in fear, ever!  But without a confined space and a solid mass of rock above his head, he felt like he would float away from the loose dirt surface of this world.  His breathing became labored and forced.

Closing his eyes for a moment, he worked to calm himself.  The images he sought to center himself, working.  Rip opened his eyes, newly driven and his self-confidence iron-clad.  His eyes glanced around, his hand raised, he hailed the first taxi air-car to take him to the drop-off point at the ranger station.  The furthest it would go.  He used the chip that Morris gave him, leaving a big tip.  The ESN could bill him if he was out of line, but he would not dare start falling back into his old ways.

< Remote Ranger Station before the hike to Tarja's campsite. >

Rip glared at the log and timber house for a moment.  He had heard people use to make houses out of them, but he always thought they were draft.  A handsome, if older Angel in the ranger uniform of their Natural Preserve Service actually stepped out to greet him.  Again, Rip got a good few stares at his Tattoos and scars that didn't register.  Though he did fight not to spit right in front of the Ranger.  Angel or not.

"How can I help you?"  The Ranger asked.

Rip looked around for a moment, rolled his neck, and met the Angel Ranger's eyes.  "Be looking to Corporal Vanska's camping-site.  She beamed me direction to'p here, and the cords for de hike."  Rip's guttural voice was more evident in dealing with the Angel than before.

The ranger eyed him for a moment.  Noting he wasn't armed like the other.  But then pointed in one direction and nodded his head.  Rip nodded back and looked at the Sun, noting he would have to really move his long thick legs before nightfall.  He only hope he didn't end up taking forever to get there and the sunset.

He tossed the small sack of provisions, and change of clothes over his back and began the march.  His hand reaches into his uniform pocket and pulls out his pack of smokes, smacking the end to knock a cigarette loose and flip it into his mouth.  He also mentally kicked himself, hoping he didn't run out by the time he could get back aboard the Hermes.  It was going to be a good hike.  At least that was what he kept telling himself.

When Rip finally entered the clearing he would find Tarja sat on the grass in front of a low, single person tent sketching something on the pad resting in her lap. Dressed in T-shirt, jeans and a flannel shirt it was clear that she was more aiming for practicality and comfort than style ”Trooper Charles I presume?” she said, looking up at him with a pair of dark eyes. The pale skin of her face framed by dark, straight hair that fell just short of her shoulders. It would also be hard to miss the white washed assault rifle propped up within easy reach by a tree and her hand resting almost casually by her hip where there was presumably a sidearm hidden beneath the tail of her flannel shirt. Although she wasn’t a small woman by any stretch Tarja was under no illusions that if the trooper meant her ill then she would lose, and so was understandably a little cautious.

However once he had confirmed that he was indeed who she was expecting, Tarja would relax and wave a hand towards the camp stove ”Come, sit…would you like coffee?” she said, inviting him to join her before proceeding to ask ”…how did you find hike? And what interested you in my unit?”

< Before Tarja's camp >

Rip realized quickly how much of a mistake it was to hike in uniform after a few minutes.  Pulling his top to his waist, tying it around his waist by its sleeves.  Leaving him in a white tanktop, his arms free to instinctively flex as he trended carefully on the path.

Halfway to the coordination, he heard a howl of something feral in the distance.  His hand reflexively grabbing for his strapped K-Bar at his leg.  His eyes narrowed as he scanned the trees and bush around him.

After a moment, he got up from a kneeling position, confident nothing was around.  Hiking on, his knife occasionally tapping against his chest.


<Tarja's camp >

He saw what had to be the clearing where her camp was a few hundred feet off.  But unsure, he kept his knife ready, tucking it in the tied folds of his uniform sleeves.

Hands out in front of him, holding his small sack, his grayish-green eyes spotted the rifle in easy reach.  His lips breaking into a sly grin of approval.  He took a moment to respond to her question of whom he was.

A fool would dare to take liberties with this woman, he thought to himself.  She was a soldier.  Built solid, which didn't bely her own feminine charms.  Even dressed casually in a fannel shirt she was ready to defend herself.

He wondered how he looked to her.  Nearly a foot taller then her, by his estimation.  His muscular arms covered in faded tats, many overlapping older ones.  His sister and niece's names scripted almost flowery on his neck.  The chain necklace which held his father's battered dogtags hidden under his sweat soaked white tanktop.  His hair shaved from the side of his head to end in a white tipped short dirty brown mowhawk.  A scar under his left eye hooking back to his ear.  The battered chin from constant fighting.

He bet he was not her idea of a proper soldier.  But one way to find out.

"Aye.  But call me Rip.  if you please, Corporal Tarja Vanska."  His voice was gravely, deep, and showing respect to her.

At her indicated gesture he tossed his sack to the ground, and knelt beside the stove, keeping it between them.  He shook his head no to the offer of coffee.  Instead pulling a bottle of water, splashing some on his face and taking a big mouthful, emptying the contents and sighing.

"I  bet it.... it eye opening.  Spent me life underground.  Not... Hating it.  was good for'p de legs."  He revealed.  Keeping his eyes on her own.  He did note the bulge of a sidearm at her hip.  His grin slyly approving.  He wish he had thought of that.

He barked a laugh.  His eyes breaking with hers to glance around the campsite.  Straight to the point.  He approved of her forwardness.

Nodding, he rematched his eyes on her own.  "Simple be tip of de edge of truth.
Aye , me, be wantin' tee smash more Tankards.  They Demon-ilk destroyed me home.  Be trype tee kill me sister.  Me niece. No." He shook his head and spat behind him.  "Not on me watch.  Aye.  Be wanting to prove me good atas you Heroes abroad the Hermès.   You'p AI git me de chance."

He stopped as he met her eyes again.  Eyes like a ready flint to spark a fire.  His voice almost edging to begging. But still leveled.  Showing hate for the Demons, and respect for the crew of the Hermès, all in the same tone.  "Just test me.  Challenge me'p.  Aye be ready to prove me-self."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:02, Thu 10 Aug 2023.

Her eyes would widen ever so slightly as the man calling himself Rip drew closer; nearly a foot taller than her and with broad shoulders the guy was a veritable tank and would no doubt be a welcome addition to the either the marines or an American football team. Covered in scars and tattoos it would be very easy to dismiss the guy as a thug, however the way he endeavoured to remain polite led her to suspect that there was more to him than meets the eye ”Likewise, call me Tarja” she said as he took a seat on the grass

As he spoke of his hike up to the campsite a slight smile would briefly appear on her lips before giving him a curious look at his mention of growing up underground ”I grew up in countryside, lots of mountains, pine trees and lakes…I try to get out into country whenever I can, breath fresh air, feel grass under fingers…relax” she replied, which perhaps explained why they had met here rather than in a bar.

Sipping her coffee, Tarja would listen as he explained why he wished to join the AI, though it was clear that she was having to concentrate in order to understand his strange accent and phrasing. Despite this there was no denying that he enthusiastic enough and seemed to have the attitude she was looking for ”You have combat experience, yes…” she said, speaking the words as a statement rather than a question before continuing ”…do you have any experience with mechs or heavy armour? Any skills you think will be asset? Also how tall are you?” she asked running a critical eye over his muscular physique before taking another sip of her coffee.

Rip took note to call her Tarja.  At least in private.  The PR folks would have a field day, if he was brought up "disrespect of the chain of command" charges or the sort.  They had worked hard to make sure he would be semi-representable.

He couldn't deny that the tress, views, and air even, were breath-taking.  She had a point, even if nerve-wracking to his preference and self-being.  "All de same.  Aye like tighter spaces.  Aye be feeling floating away."  He grumbled.

He sighed out loud at her question about experience, his eyes downcast as he stared at a patch of grass that flowed back and forth with the breeze.  He knew this was the hardest part of his request.  The PR folks had always acknowledged, if down played his former occupation.  She must be able to tell he knew his way in a fight.  But must not have heard about his defense of his Colony.  At least perhaps not fully.


His eyes closed, the image of his sister, her husband, and his niece, all waving goodbye as they boarded the transport to Earth.  A better life.

"Aye, I have fought the Tankards.
In stolen, forgotten, modified mining mechs.  Aye learned de work them, for me gang.  Bypass de lock-codes.  Make them fit 'ound me body.  To'p... keep 'em operating.  Not de standards you'p have't."  He open his eyes part way through his explanation.  He met her eyes again.  Might as well be up front as possible.  "Aye was boss of criminals.  Hap de making me own'p way in life.  But-"   He held a finger up.  "That was'p then.  Now, Aye new man."

Tarja would silently listen as Rip spoke of his previous combat experience and how he had been a gang leader, with her seemingly thinking over what he had said before slowly replying ”o-kay…just so I fully understand…you fought demons in mining mech with safety protocols you overridden?…I think we can find position for you in team, if you want it” she said, clearly impressed that not only had he used an industrial mech in combat but had survived the experience. It would also appear that he had some leadership skills should the need ever arise though it did mean that she needed to address the elephant in the room ”…of course I will expect you to follow orders and not cause any trouble for either myself or the team, I also expect a certain level of loyalty from my people” she said, fixing him with a cool look that said she didn’t care how big or mean he was and that she would put him in the hospital followed by the first ship to the colonies if he didn’t play the game and do as he was told.

Rip's lips tighten.  His eyes matching hers.  He nodded, without breaking eye contact.  He could tell she was a woman of her word.  He pulled out his knife from the sleeves of his torso uniform wrapped around his waist.

It was a slow movement, not to show any sign of hostility, he keptthe tip pointed at his neck.  Fluid in handling,  tossing it to catch the K-Bar by its blade, he offered the handle to Tarja.  His grip tight.  She would slice his palm if she accepted.  But the trust and submitting to her was unspoken.  It was his way of a blood pact.  Blood spilled, to accept her as Boss.

He would wait to see how she reacted.

If she was worried by Rip producing the rather large knife, she didn’t show it with her instead giving him a questioning look as he offered the blade to her handle first. His intention implicit. With a sigh that seemed to say ok, so we’re doing this are we? with her feeling it to be a touch dramatic she would take hold of handle and look him in the eyes as she said ”If you follow my orders and fight like devil himself, I will have your back and do upmost to bring you back alive” before pulling the knife out of his hand in a single fluid motion, hoping that she had correctly interpreted what he was after.

Rip didn't winch, but he did grunt, as his grayish-green eyes stared back at Tarja, and nodded as she finished pulling the knife.  He clenched his hand and dripped some blood over the spot.  It was dramatic, and not necessary, but in many ways, it was as if Rip was giving up the last of his former life as blood was squeezed from the cut on his hand.


"You da boss.  Boss."  He smiled happily.  "You point, Aye charge."  Rip reached over to his sack to grab a piece of cloth from it.  Wrapping it around his hand he stood up and looked around.  Confused for a moment now.  Now what would he do?  He wasn't a camping person.

Waving Rip to sit back down as he reached for his bag, Tarja would crawl halfway into her tent and a little rifling around would come back out and toss a small first aid kit over to him that would have some plast in it for his hand ”We’ll get the paperwork signed once we’re back on the Hermes then we’ll get you and the other new guy started on basic training” Tarja said, quietly happy with how her little unit was growing I’ll get a whole platoon at this rate!

Seeing the slightly confused look on Rips face as if he’d just realised that he was in the middle of a forest that was rapidly growing darker, Tarja would speak up feeling that she should help him out ”I can walk with you back to rangers station and wait for cab if you like?” she offered, recalling how he wasn’t used to being in the countryside and would probably prefer being in the nearby town instead ”…or failing that you can share tent until morning…I plan on heading up to Steel Crag for a bit before going into town and meeting up with team” she continued, just in case a cab wasn’t willing come out here at this time of the evening.

Rip bent his knees, squatting not far from Farms as she looked for what turn out to be a first aid kit.  He stared at his cloth-bandaged hand, not wanting to let his eye wandered, as she searched her tent.  Unwrapping the cloth, he caught the first aid kit, and fished the plast-applier out.  He looked back at his new future boss, nodding in understanding about the paperwork.  Ever since he signed up, the ESN seemed to thrive on it.  The training, he looked forward to.  He needed to do something.  Physical, mental, demanding.

Using the plaster on his hand, he sighed.  If only he had something like this when he was growing up.  Well, he was proud of his scars.  His eyes off Tarja when she offered to walk him back to the Ranger Station, he balked at the thought.  "Nah.  Just not use to any freedom... Errr free time.  At best nope in the forest.  But, might learn what to do, be limited."

His eyes did dart at the tent, sizing it up, back to Tarja, and he smirked.  Not sure if the two of them could share the tent together without rubbing against each other or knee the other in the face.  It looked far too small for one, let alone two, his hand instinctively grabbing at his pack of cigarettes in his pocket, his mind wandering.

Pack shook, raised to his mouth, loose cigarette pinched between his lips, eyes glazed over in thought, when he realized he was being rude. Offering the pack to Tarja, he grumbled "No to the walk back down.  No to... Let be saying, Aye am a roller when sleeping.  Nah, I sleep..."   His other hand took the unlit cigarette out of from its perch between his lips as he thought how to answer.  "What they say?  Under them stars?"  He did shudder at the thought.  "Got be use to this.  No good for you, aye not able to rough it."

He stared at his unlit cigarette for a moment, clasped between two rough mutt digits.  His eyes rose back to Tarja and the pack of his coffin nails he held towards her.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:27, Tue 15 Aug 2023.

She would give an understanding nod when Rip turned down the offer of walking down to the ranger station, with her not really blaming him as she didn’t really fancy the idea of walking through the forest in the dark herself.

She was a little surprised by his suggestion that he sleep under the stars, but that was again understandable as the tent wasn’t particularly big and it would be a touch cramped, especially seeing as they had only just met ”To be fair I would probably try to kill you in sleep” Tarja sighed, looking down at the plast covering the knuckles of one of her hands before realising that perhaps a little context was needed ”…I…um…having the reoccurring dream, it causes me to wake at night and sometimes lash out…I was trying to get it dealt with but my shrink caught bullet” she explained, frustrated that she was back to square one.

At the offer a cigarette, she hesitate a moment before taking one, with her leaning forward so he could light it up ”I don’t normally do the smoking…usually only when on session with friends but…fuck it…I have rough morning” she said as she leaned back onto the grass ”also I not know what climate like on planet, so if it get really cold or rains offer to share tent is still open” she said in a tone of voice that said she would endure a little discomfort if it meant he didn’t catch hypothermia ”so…this is first military posting, yes?”

Rip grinned as Tarja fought over whether she would take the cigarette or not.  Putting his back between his lips and pulling out his lighter.  Giving Tarja a wink as he flicked the stub that brought the orange little flame to life, waiting for her to take advantage of one of mankind's best creations.  At least in his opinion.  His eyes dart to her plast-covered knuckles as she spoke of dreams.  He wouldn't ask about that.  His own nightmares haunted him, so he understood.

"Aye bet you be able to pummel me'self awake or asleep Boss."  He muttered around his own cigarette.  Bringing his lighter to his own lips, he inhaled and took a long moment to enjoy the smoke in his lungs.  He almost did comment on her shrink catching a bullet, but just nodded his head in understanding.  He wasn't one to openly share his feelings.  At least not before he woke up on the med-tech ship.  He exhaled away from her.

"These nails, do help clear me mind they do."  Taking another long drag.  "Just sounds like you be needing to punch something.  Need a punching bag, Aye got me a large body, another handful of bruises won't make big dif."  He chuckled.  He did side-eye her bringing up the request to share the tent.  "Welp, Aye need it, be sure toot tie you'p so'p you'p don' kill me."

Changed from his squatting position to sitting flat on his ass, his legs kicking out wide and taking up room.  "It be.  Starting late, have lot catching up with."  Rip responded to her question about military posting.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:24, Wed 16 Aug 2023.

”If you lucky…” Tarja said, pausing to take a drag of the cigarette and slowly exhale before continuing ”…I may pull knife on you instead…have done that before” she said with a wry shake of her head, hinting that military training and flight or fight responses were a bad mix, especially in the dead of night.

It was then that Rip simply suggested that she needed to hit something…or someone, with him even going so far as to offer himself up as a punching bag. Taking another drag it was clear that she was thinking over the concept ”maybe…” wondering whether he may have a point, not that she was going to start beating her own teammates in an attempt to deal with her own problems. Although it did appear Rip had a solution for having to share tent with her, with him managing to crack her usually cool and reserved demeanour as she burst into laughter.

It wasn’t the fact that she thought being tied up was particularly funny, it was just the way he had said it along the sheer randomness of the comment ”yes…you…you should do that” she said between gales of laughter that she would fight to control before she asked whether this was his first posting, with him confirming that it was ”This is my first time serving on ship too…previously I served on frontline in Second Winter War, but that was nothing like Hermes…tomorrow if you like I will try and introduce you to Meari and the team, or at least those I can find” they were on RnR after all.

Rip grinned, his cigarette still betweenhis lips.  Her comment about pulling a knife on him.  His thought that she would make a good member of his former gang, running through his head as he inhaled on his death stick.  He pulled the 'nail' from his lips to exhale and shrug to her maybe comment about letting her pummel him.

He was use to violence, pain, able to take a punch as well as dish it.  And he harbored no disillusionment about how hard she might be able to punch him.  He suspected the other members of the AI unit could also twist him into knots.  He was a brawler, but he lacked their years of experience.

Rip's grin widen, and he joined Tarja in laughter.  His a deep chested, horse gaggle.  If it was one memory he could keep forever, it would be of his ability to make his sister laugh.  Before they grew apart because of his criminal ways.  Something he did, if only to keep her safe.

"Welp.  You and your knife..."  He spoke through a cloud of smoke as he took his K-bar back and strapped it to his leg.  His eyes imagining her eyes filled with murderous intent if he did try and tie her up.  "Most likely cut through me bindings before I fall asleep."

Rip felt the laugh was much needed from his new, if unofficial for now, unit boss.  Plus he wanted to stay on her good side.  At least until she took a boot to his neck to make him into a proper soldier.  He shook thoughts away about other reasons she may pin his thick neck to the ground.

"Was just me, and me gang, against the Tankards.  The piss poor Break-Sticks scattering right as they invaded.  Had to smash some heads in-"  Rip's eyes clouded over with how brutal he was with some of the knocking of heads he did. "-Be good to have... a family like that again."  He said his eyes watch a bellow of smoke as he pictured his former gang.  The cigarette reaching the filter, burning his lip, causing Rip to grunt and spit it to the ground.

”I could if I needed to…but it would stop me hurting you while I woke up” Tarja replied, confirming that tying her up was only a temporary and most likely limited measure.

Along with the burst of laughter, the tension within her seemed to fade away as she relaxed on the grass with her seemingly deciding that she quite liked the scarred giant and felt they were going to get along just fine, with him going on to talk about fighting the demons and he hoped to regain that feeling of family he’d had with his people ”I can understand that…I was close to squad during war…very close to some of them…sitting in frozen foxhole waiting for Ruskie rocket to hit and end it all “ she said taking one last drag of her dying cigarette before grinding it out ”is still early days but current team are pretty solid…well most of them” she said with a brief flash of something, anger perhaps? Entering her eyes before disappearing just as quickly.

Rip reached over to smother the cigarette butt with his boot.  After a moment of staring at it, he picked up the smoshed remains and slide it into his pack.  Something about being out here in nature like this conflicted his usual don't care attitude.  He felt the need not to leave his presence like he use too.

Rip nodded as he went through his sack to find his water bottle again.  He wondered how much Tarja said about hurting him was in jest, or serious.  He looked at her as he took another drink of water, debating how he would respond.

"Could just use me as a pillow.  You don't want to be attacking your pillow?"  He jabbed back.  "Me sis use to do that..."  He mumbled the last part and sighed.

Rip watched Tarja's lips and then back to her eyes as she furthered her description of her war experience.  He decided not to further his.  But it felt very much like the two could relate.  Different backgrounds, different situations, but still feeling the weight of what they went through.  He tapped his chin, reminding himself to look into what went down on Earth and the "Ruskies."  His knowledge of history was not the best.  So he nodded for to go on.

Rip almost missed that flash of something.  Someone on the team an issue?  He didn't like that.  "Whelp, best we, I, work hard to fit in.  I be betting things will be not easy for us and Hermès crew.  I don't usually get along with others.  But I be trying.  Life too easy to go Dark."

Rip, having eaten many burgers just earlier aboard ship, felt his stomach rumble.  Damn his large body.  He only brought a few energy bars.  And he also felt the need to put on something for more comfortable then his uniform.  He grabbed his spare set of pants and one of his energy bars.  "Err, I go change me pants."  He muttered through ripping into the energy bars packaging, and standing up.

”It wouldn’t matter…” Tarja started in a melancholy tone ”…shrink said it was more like hallucinating than dreaming…I wouldn’t realise I’d woken up and just see Ruskie and then try and defend myself before brain has chance to say differently” she explained, anxiously running her fingers through her dark hair as she did so. She did hear him add something about his sister but not knowing whether she was alive or not, Tarja decided not to pry just yet. Instead letting him talk about fitting in with his new unit and how he didn’t normally play well with others with her hoping for his sake that he would make the effort as she didn’t think Meari in particular would react well to him causing trouble.

As he got up to change, Tarja point across to a timber shed at the edge of the tree-line ”theres a toilet block over there if you need privacy” she said in a voice that said she’d seen it all before so wasn’t concerned if he changed there or not.

Rip nodded in response again.  He was no shrink.  He doubted he could add anything.  Not that he didn't feel a need to help.  Like he use to for his sister.  But he just huffed, giving her a look that she was strong.  She would get through this.  He could tell she was a survivor.  His face, normally unreadable, showing understanding.


He looked at wooden shed, the one pointed by Tarja.  He huffed again.  He glanced back at her, knowing she must have seen men undress before.  If they were going to be a unit, might as well get use to it.  It wasn't he was shy, he had undressed before women, gang members, lovers, or whoever, many a time before.

But he was debating in his mind how he should act in the civilized world.  Screw it.  This was the forest, and she would most likely see it anyways.  He stepped only to the side of her tent, unwrapping the sleeves of his upper uniform.  Turning his back to her as he dropped his uniform pants.

Tarja would see the faded Neon Bulldog tattoo on his right back shoulder, half covered by the white tanktop he wore. It's snarling face ripping an arm off someone.
 Along with a deep scar running from his left shoulder to the center of his back, partly covered by the tanktop.

His black underwear was tight, but modest in how it covered his backside as he bent down to pull his boots off.  Followed by his pants around his ankles.  More scars, many overlapping more faded tattoos, most just random tribal markings he had no idea of their meaning, done in black ink.  The scars, if Tarja looked and could tell, were caused by acid or industrial waste products.  Heirlooms of his poor upbringing living in the mines.

Like the rest of Rip, his legs were muscular, thick, and long.  He didn't skip leg day.  He grumbled as he fought to get the gray, tight fitting cargo pants past his calf muscles, loosing his balance, tripping in a hopping attempt to get his pants up his legs, going face first into a bush.  "Ah, fuck!"  He muttered.

Although she would try not to stare, with her taking the opportunity to tidy away her sketch pad and dig out something to eat, she couldn’t help but notice the scars and tattoos adorning the large man’s body. The fact that he had scars was no real shock, after all she had several of her own though they were mainly the result of gunshots and shrapnel, it was the shear quantity that caught her attention. Confirming her suspicions that he seen his fair share of combat over the course of his life.

It was as she was setting up one of the American style ration packs that she would hear the thump and crackle of branches, followed by indistinct swearing. Getting to her feet she would walk around to find Rip sprawled in a bush ”need some help?” she asked in the same cool, emotionless voice she always used, however it was impossible to miss the look of amusement in her eyes as she moved to help him up if he needed it.

With a bush leave up his nose, Rip turned to look back at Tarja.  His face screamed unpleasantness.  Fueled by both his current predicament, Tarja's laughing eyes, his boxer covered butt sticking up in the air, and that he hadn't checked to see if the issued pants would fit, he kicked them off and struggled for a moment to right himself up.

He failed.  "Yes, I could be using a hand."  He admitted in grumbled defeat.  The bush having him tangled up, he was able to get his left hand out to reach to Tarja.

He bit his tongue to block an ever seething torrent of curse words.  His pale, slightly gray skin, boiling an embarrassing shade of red.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:21, Sun 20 Aug 2023.

Finding Rip tangled up both in his own pants and the bush he had fallen into, Tarja; a girl that had grown up in the countryside, found the entire scene to be rather amusing including the irate look on Rips face. However to her credit she was good enough not to laugh or tease him as she offered him her arm.

As he took her arm he would be able to feel the muscles hidden beneath the flannel shirt, and the strength of her own grip on his arm about which her fingers were unable to meet ”ok, on three…one…two…three” Tarja said before trying help pull Rip back onto his feet. Had anyone been watching the result would have been quite comical as Tarja, discovering that Rip was about as heavy as he looked, managed to get him about halfway up before she overbalanced and was dragged into the bush with a startled cry, though luckily for her she had a relatively soft landing in the form of Rip.

After much thrashing around, swearing in both Finnish and what Tarja assumed was street slang, and awkward apologies for poorly placed hands the pair would manage to extricate themselves with Tarja proceeding to remove several twigs and leaves from her hair ”Well…that did not go to…” Tarja’s words suddenly stopped dead in their tracks as she saw the sleek shapes of several animals close to their camp.

With blueish grey fur, they were fox like in appearance but without the bushy tail and were closer in size to a German Shepherd. A quick glance would quickly tell her that she would be unable to reach her assault rifle before they got to her ”please tell me you brought sidearm? she whispered to Rip as she slowly drew a whitewashed Sig Sauer from its holster as six of the animals cautiously approached their camp, though she was pretty sure she could now hear movement off to their right as well leaving her uncertain as to whether she could win if it came to a fight.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:45, Sun 20 Aug 2023.

Rip would have to thank his new unit boss later for not overtly laughing or poking fun at his current misfortune.  He would have been laughing and throwing jabs at any of his former gang members, if he had come upon them in a similar situation.  Good thing Tarja was not Rip, and he would have to remember to be similarly patient with any crew members if he found them in an unfavorable position.

She had some steel under her skin.  Rip thought to himself as he grabbed hold of her arm.  Once again reminded that she wasn't just a woman, but a well trained soldier.  "Alright, on three... one, two, three!"  He valiantly pushed with his right hand, was halfway upright when his feet slide on his now discarded pants.  He pulled Tarja back down with him, having her almost bounce off him.

It was a jumbled mess of bodies and bush, Rip grabbing onto parts that wasn't acceptable in civil society, with Tarja doing the same to him.  He spat off a string of muttered words as she spoke in a language he couldn't even begin to describe.  "Gat-spit!  Muck-stain!"  And other words that were only strung together back on his former colony.  He did remember saying sorry at least twice as he pulled his arm or leg away from her.

He was panting, and hanging his head in shame, as he and Tarja, together, pulled themselves out of tge bush.  Some of the leaves leaving fresh scars on his face and arms, he heard her speaking for a bit only to trail off.  He looked up, but it was a snarling growl that focused his eyes on the shapes of blue and gray furred things.  He had never laid eyes on anything like it.  Sort of reminding him of a stuff animal his sister use to have.

"No.  I be left it aboard Hermès."  He whispered back to her.  His breathing steady, no longer huffing, kneeling beside Tarja, his hand went to his right leg, and he bit off a curse.  His uniform pants still held the knife and strap.  Luckily it was only a few inches away, sliding his hand around behind Tarja, Rip gently pulled them closer, and slowly pulled his knife free.

Holding his knife up, he noticed she had her pistol in hand.  But the rifle was too far away.  "I do be hoping this be not a black mark on me ready-to-fight report Boss."  He whispered again.  One of the sharp fang furry beast was sniffing at her ration.  The other 5 looking at Rip and her.

He glanced to the side, hearing a sound in the underbrush, they were being surrounded.  "If I bullpop them, you be getting the rifle?"  He again whispered, holding the palm of his left hand over the butt of his knife, his right hand gripped firmly around the handle, the tip aimed away from him, ready to spring at the hungry forest dwellers.  He did not move until Tarja gave an order, or some other command.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:55, Sun 20 Aug 2023.

After giving Rip a sharp look as he confessed to having left his sidearm behind Tarja would turn her attention back to the animals, one of which was taking a keen interest in her rations whilst a couple of others were sniffing her pack and the entrance to her tent leaving the rest of them to watch the pair of humans that had dragged themselves out of a bush. The fact that they hadn’t attacked already led her to hope that they were just as wary of them as they were.

Hearing Rips whispered plan she would consider it for a moment before shaking her head ”no, you go for rifle…I try and scare them with pistol shots” she suggested instead, hoping that a couple of shots would scare them off…if it didn’t then two people with guns would fair better than one.

Rip nodded soberly.  Her words did make sense.  Short, and to the point, she had made a choice, and he would follow.  He suspected he would get chewed out for being weaponless.  The sharp look more or less told him so, which he had only gave her a shrug in response.  He slide slightly away from her, on the balls of his feet.  Without boots on, his feet were quiet.

"On three?". He whispered to her when he was three feet further away from her.  One of the underbrush pack animals growing at him.  When she would give the word, he would scream, and make himself the center of their attention.  He would wave his hands around, but even without training, he knew he needed full control of his blade or he would as easily hurt if not kill himself with it, if he lost control.

Hopefully these beasts, his eyes clearly focused on the nearest one, would pick him as the main threat, leaving Tarja alone to pick them off.  He braced his knees, ready to spring when the count down or order came.

Thumbing the safety off of her pistol Tarja would sight just above the largest creatures head, feeling reluctant to kill them, after all this was their home and they were only doing their thing, not to mention that she’d promised the Ranger that she wasn’t here to hunt. After pausing to consider the fact that was reluctant to kill potentially dangerous animals but would have no issue in gunning down her fellow humans, Tarja would raise her hand and silently count down to three on her fingers before squeezing the trigger.

The creatures would jump with fright at the sound of her pistol going off, with the one that had felt the bullet whistle past its ear making a strange yipping noise before retreating several steps. She would fire another pair of shots as Rip charged towards them brandishing a knife causing them to scatter and flee, though not before one of them snatched the cooked ration pack and fled leaving only one of them to snarl in defiance, though with the rest of its pack gone it was debatable how long it would stand. Especially with Rip baring down on it.

Rip had only dealt with humans, a couple of Angels, and Demon Tankards in his life.  Any type of animal was more foreign to him than the Gava he had already run into briefly aboard Hermes.  But he heard of the stories and hoped they were just as afraid of him as he was.  As much as he tried to hide it behind his gruff exterior.  So when Tarja, whom he kept in the corner of his eye line, began to silently count down with her hand, he was already rushing towards the rifle when she fired.

Rip's focus, then, was only on the rifle and the beast closest to him, as he charged forward, while not swinging madly, he did have the knife pointed toward the beast.  He inhaled and began emptying his lungs in a very bravado type of scream.  He bet his screaming was just a notch under the crack of the pistol shot.  Two more shots went off from Tarja, Rip having to inhale to fill his lungs again for a moment when most of them began to scatter from his field of vision.  Except for the one between him and the rifle.

The beast snarled at him, and he snarled at the beast!  Thrusting his knife forward only to have it lock its drooling maw of a mouth, locking around his right wrist and attempting to pull him to the ground.  He easily slid the knife's handle around so it was firmly in his left as he swung the blade down at the beast, missing it as it hopped against his chest.  The movement was enough to trip Rip up, falling to his side, but Rip never stopped fighting when his life was on the line, and a swift knee to the beast's middle, sent it tumbling over his head.  His left hand swung to wing the beast in its rear left flank.

His right hand free, but mauled by the beast's fangs, he rolled over to grab the rifle.  His handling of the rifle with a wounded wrist was completely poor, he knew that as he rolled to his knees, holding the gun.   So he did the most instinctive thing he could think of, tossing it to Tarja as the beast turned to look at him, hopping around its wounded leg.

With most of the creatures fleeing into the forest, seemingly content to just steal her lunch, Tarja would turn her attention to the final creature that was stubbornly holding its ground. After a bit of a scuffle with Rip, Tarja would awkwardly catch the thrown rifle, dropping her sidearm in the process, and then raise it just as the creature was moving in to attack again. There was a single crack of rifle fire followed by a yelp of pain as she neatly clipped off the tip of one of its ears in what was either a display of superb marksmanship or a lucky shot. Either way there was a yelp of pain followed by a series of yipping sounds as it vaulted over Rip and ran for the treeline.

”Well…that was…exhilarating? Is correct word, yes?” Tarja would say with a bit of a laugh as she retrieved her pistol and returned it to its holster, as the adrenaline began to wear off ”Let me get kit and I will see to hand…um…perhaps you finish getting dressed, yes?” she then suggested with her suddenly noticing that Rip still wasn’t wearing any trousers.

Heading over to her pack Tarja would once again retrieve her first aid kit so she could treat Rips hand for the second time this evening.

Rip stared the beast down, securing tightly his knife in his left hand, keeping the tip pointed at the creature.  He would berate himself for not bringing a pistol with him.  But he also preferred the knife over firearms or his own fists.  His grayish-green eyes staring down into the animal's feral gold eyes.  "Come at me". Rip roared as a crack of a shot clipped it in the ears.  The fight in it gone has it leaped over him, yelping as it took off.

Rip sighed and gave Tarja a nod of his head.  Planting the knife into the ground, kneeling where he was, holding his right arm.  His heart thumping madly, Rip fighting the panic of being in the the "open" affecting him more than the fight.  He enjoyed the fight, even the pain if his wrist helped him feel alive.  But as it was over, he felt too exposed, too much wide space around hum, his ears ringing from the shot if the rifle and his own demons.

He missed what Tarja said, his eyes closed, applying pressure to his wounded wrist.  Deep breaths helping him to come down, the mixture of the high from the fight and his panic attack of feeling like he would float away, calming.  He blinked and looked at Tarja holding the first aid kit.

"What?". He asked, and then his mind caught up.  Looking down, remembering he was only in his tanktop and boxers.  Laughing, having forgotten he was almost naked, he stood up, grabbing his knife and went over to look for those damn tight gray pants.  He didn't care if he got in trouble with the higher ups, cutting the portion of the legs off at the knees.  A bit of blood dripping on the remaining pants, he hopped into the "shorts" far easier now that the lower part wasn't interfering with his calf muscles.  Securing the zipper and button, he grinned.  "That happen lot when you be go camping?"

A look of concern would enter her eyes as she saw Rip staring off into the middle distance, having seen a similar look on the faces of soldiers during the war, usually fresh recruits experiencing their first artillery bombardment. Thankfully however Rip would snap out of it fairly quickly and proceed to butcher a pair of trousers into shorts and finish getting dressed.

Once he had finished, Tarja would proceed to treat his hand with plast as he spoke ”No, I don’t normally get predators showing up when I camp, they must have been hungry…also we should expect visit from rangers” she replied, figuring the multiple gun shots would attract their attention, with her only hoping that they wouldn’t react too badly to them firing upon the local wildlife, with her then adding ”…just so you are aware ship regs state that knife and sidearm are to be carried at all times” delivering the message as a friendly reminder rather than a reprimand. After all she wasn’t his squad leader yet and they were both on RnR, however having another gun would have been helpful, and probably would have saved his hand.

”so…um…how are you finding the whole camping thing?” she then asked in a cautious voice as she applied the finishing touches to his injured hand.

Rip avoided Tarja's eyes as she treated his wrist.  Just kneeling before her, holding his arm out.  He was not use just care.  He was lucky if they could even find a band-aid.  Or steal one.

He nodded as she spoke of the rangers.  He didn't look forward to a visit by them.  "Well, best I let you be handling that."  He was surprised she didn't lay the law down.  "May hap read and heard that.  Trust be me.  I be having my gun on me from now on."  He soberly replied.

As she finished, he pulled his cigarettes back out.  Popping one in his mouth.  "Love it.  Except the wide open and and friendly  attractions, I be sure to leave a glowing review."  Rip said in a humorous tone.  He flexed his fingers and admired how good modern med-tech was.  A pity.  He was looking forward to new scars to remind him of this evening.

"Thanks."  He added finally looking back to her eyes.

”Take injury as lesson, yes?” Tarja replied, giving him a friendly slap on his shoulder to show she was done treating him, although she hoped he understood that if it happened again then she wouldn’t be quite so forgiving and if an officer caught him he was in for a world of trouble.

Chuckling softly at his observations of the evening so far, Tarja would get the impression that he wouldn’t be buying a tent of his own anytime soon with her quietly replying ”Don’t mention it” when he thanked her for patching up his hand ”Here, set this going and I will split it with you once I get off call to Rangers station” she said deciding that it was perhaps best if she got out in front of things and called them rather than wait for them to turn up. Before putting the call through however, she would hand Rip a pack that claimed to contain stew from out of her pack. A glance at the instructions would tell him that it was the kind that cooked itself once water was added to the packet.

After giving Rip a look that seemed to say wish me luck before calling the rangers station in order to explain herself.

Injury as a lesson was something he knew all too well, so he simply nodded to that.  He wouldn't be caught unarmed again.  Not when feral beasts roamed the forests of worlds he might have to be on.  He laughed as she slapped him on the shoulder, far more in spirit than he was a moment.  He gave her his patent grin, the one saying 'I'll behave until I don't have to.'  Granted she might not know that grin meant that.

For setting his wrist, he rummaged through the first aid kit looking for the items to help him set his arm.  Pulling a roll of old-fashioned bandages out, this was something he was familiar with.  He wouldn't need to mention thanking her again, as he knew she knew he owed her.  "Aye Boss." He calmly replied as he began wrapping the bandage around his arm.  The split would come later.  As for the rangers, he tried to ignore her call to them, but he doubted that he would succeed.  He found one of his bottles of water that had rolled out of his sack during the fight, how that happened he didn't know.  Grabbing it, his eyes narrowed as he read the instructions, not believing how simple it was to prepare a meal by just pouring water into the pack, resealing it, and shaking it up.  Witchcraft he thought in his head as he mocked the ration with a disbelieving shake of his head.

While he waited for the reaction of the ration and water, he overheard the Ranger Station responding to Tarja's initial request to communicate with them.  "They don't sound happy."  He grumbled, unsealing the ration pack and getting a good steam of fresh hot stew in his face.  Oh god, he loved this.  He looked around for a spoon.  Remembering he did have a set in his survival kit he brought with him.  Digging through his pack, he found the kit, pulled the spoon out, and dug in, happy as a Rip can be when having food in his belly.  Digging in, not caring how hot it was, he ate the fresh, actually tasty, hot stew and watched Tarja as she spoke with the Rangers.  A thought struck his head, and he reached over for the bowl in his pack poured half of the ration contents into it, and was holding it for Tarja when she finally got off the call with the Rangers.

"So, the Forest Break-Sticks going to arrest us?"  He asked as he finished off what was left in the pack, licking his spoon clean, and offering her the bowl.  Leaving the spoon between his lips he then grabbed the empty ration pack, peering into it to see if he did indeed miss anything.  The injured hand is a minor issue with Rip, being used to broken bits.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:06, Wed 23 Aug 2023.

After getting through to the station Tarja would explain the situation first to the female that had answered the comms call, and then again to her commanding officer. Needless to say they had indeed heard the sound of gunfire coming from relatively close by and had begun calling people in to investigate the situation, with it sounding like an SEC tac-team was on standby incase it had been connected to other reports of gunfire in the city.

After several minutes of this a rather chastised Tarja would end the call with yet another apology before replying to Rip ”No, but perhaps on thin ice…they did not like us…me…opening fire in reserve at animals, said we should have called it in…however fact that we didn’t kill any of them and you were hurt means they won’t press the matter, also ranger remembered I had rifle for self defence so spoke on our behalf” she explained as she took the bowl of stew from him and started to eat ”…They’re going have a couple of people check area and move pack along…I get impression it wasn’t it wasn’t supposed to be in area” she added, suspecting that had as much to do with their willingness to forget about it all as anything.

If nothing else it meant they wouldn’t have to leave early and Tarja would be able to spend a little time in the reserve before went into the city for the rest of her RnR.

Rip simply nodded at first.  Having finished off his portion of of the stew, listening to Tarja.  He narrowed his eyes.  His relationship with authorities was not always good.  He was just glad they wouldn't be visited by the rangers.  While she would go on, he felt restless and starting to clean up.  Once again, that odd feeling of keeping the location pristine seeping into his head.

"Good.  No need to be talking with any Break Sticks.  Those sharp teeth be looking for trouble, but be betting they be hungry.  Understand that.  Even glad I didn't kill one.  Would have liked ... people have ...."  Rip was confused about a term.  His face screwing up.  "People keep such beasts with family?  I could be seeing one at me feet, keeping me company.  Biting annoying Break-Sticks that be knocking on me door.  What do they call that?"  Having repacked most of his stuff, placing the garbage into the former ration pack.

He was no camper, but he took his cues from Tarja's actions in how she was already respecting the natural habitat they were in.  He also had cleared an area, putting down a tarp that would be too small for his body to sleep on.  The intention that he was still going to sleep under the stars.  All while relishing the slight pain in his arm.  He seemed to actually like it, wincing then smiling as he flexed his fingers.

Done, with his clean up, he would sit, still listening to Tarja while she would eat, or looking around.  Mostly at the trees and ground, or her.  "I be cutting into you off time?"  He responded, having forgotten why she was out here until just now.

Tarja would pause in the act of eating her stew to consider what Rip was trying to say and then try and translate it into English ”a pet?” she cautiously suggested clearly uncertain she had the right word herself. Though it did seem to fit with her supposing that you could indeed have have one of those creatures for a pet and walk it like a dog.

As she finished off her portion of the stew she would watch as Rip tidied up the area with a touch of approval in her eyes before laying out a tarp for him to sleep under, with Tarja figuring that it would soon be time for her to do likewise. It was then that he would ask if he was intruding on her time off, with her considering it for a second before replying ”Not really, I was only going to sketch a little before going to sleep tonight…and to be honest I have enjoyed the company” she truthfully replied despite having come out here to get away from it all ”tomorrow I intend to get up early and climb crag, before heading into city and maybe meeting up with others in team…you can join me if you like? Or head into city if you prefer” Tarja continued knowing that the outdoors was not really his thing.

Rip snapped his finger when Tarja brought up pet.  "Pet.  Don't you think?  They look like the bull on me back shoulder.  Very good teeth.  If not snarling at me, I be patting them on the head."  Rip said all excited and happy.  He could see it in his mind.  His sister, her husband, his niece, with a smaller version walking along beside them.  In a different life where he didn't grow up like he did.

Rip was glad at the very least for not be a hindering memoryin her time off.  Even back home, he would have like his alone time to be alone.  But now, he actually wasn't looking forward to that.  As he couldn't remember a time he was truly alone.  His sister with him as long as he could remember of his childhood.  Then his gang.  Stealing, even killing to stay alive.  Fighting together against the Tankards.  He chuckled at how he needed people in his life and then a memory came to him.

"Does be you unit have a tattoo?  To show for the bond?"  Rip pulled his shirt off in a hurry.  Pointing to a faded green circle on the center of his chest.  A bloody knife tattooed as if it was erupting out of his chest.  "We called out selves The Blood Daggers."  He said with pride about his former gang.  "Units get them, no?  You could sketch one for you unit.  So they all remember where they come from.  Who they fought with!"

He had been so excited, walking over to Tarja, squatting beside her so she could see the actual impressive artistry that covered most of his upper chest.  Along with other tattoos and wounds, like the three old deep gouges right above his pelvis.  He forgot to tell her about he did decide to go with her to the Crag.  He really had no where else to be.  The open air be damn.

There was a look of relief on Tarja’s face as Rip confirmed that Pet was indeed the word he was looking for, with Tarja still not feeling confident about her English most of the time ”Yes, I could see them as pet” she agreed, with the vision of her walking down a snowy path with two of the animals wearing collars bounding ahead of her entering her mind.

It was then that the conversation would turn to that of tattoos with Rip asking if there was a unit tat for the AI before excitedly pulling off his shirt to show off his gang tattoo, along with the other tattoos and scars that adorned his body, with Tarja taking a moment to admire the dagger exploding from out of his chest before pulling off her flannel shirt and pulling up the right sleeve of the Nightwish T-shirt she was wearing underneath ”yes, I am knowing what you mean…” she said, proudly displaying the tattoo for her old Jaeger unit, along with the well muscled bicep Rip had felt earlier and what looked to be a small shrapnel scar ”…unit doesn’t have a tattoo…in fact unit doesn’t even really have badge yet…but I like idea” she continued, though she would have to see what Meari and the rest of unit thought first as she couldn’t really force them to get tattoos.

Rip had not realized that he was leaning in close to Tarja, admiring her tattoo.  He was trying to remember if she had mentioned that fact before.  He couldn't remember.  He also saw her well defined bicep muscle with an old scar.  He chuckled.  Again he thought of the reasons he wouldn't like her mad with him.  She was a warrior.

""A pity.  Art like this, and one that shows pride in the unit should be displayed.  So those around you know, as you down beer after beer, you mess with me.  You mess with every member of the gang... err unit.  And with muscles like yours.  They be a fool to even try, but I can see many a fool thinking of a reason to try.  Err, not that I would."  He spoke again excited, fumbling over what he meant to say, and his usual way of just being blunt.  His eyes were looking into hers when he realized that she was an attractive woman.

At that moment he realized he was shirtless next to her.  His heavy muscle chest slowly rising as he breathed in air next to her. His tattoos and scars bare for her to see.  Her well sculptured muscular arm, tattoo and wound there for him.  Her eyes shining with similar pride he shared in his tattoos.

He mumbled something about sleep.  He wasn't use to reacting like that with someone, especially someone who was his new boss.  He had always been his own boss.  And he took what he wanted.  Right now he was telling himself he wanted sleep.

He stood back up.  Slipping his tanktop back on.  Telling himself it was the adrenaline from the fight with the beasts earlier, and Tattoo sharing excitement.  He wasn't the person he use to be.

As his grey-green eyes met her dark brown eyes there seemed to be a…moment…she wasn’t really sure how to put it into words but there was the feeling of there being some kind of connection between them, and all she had to do was to reach out and take it. However just as quickly as it had appeared it was gone again, leaving feeling confused as Rip got up and put his shirt back on whilst mumbling something about bed ”Ah…yeah…um…sleep…yes, good idea” she said as she removed her boots in preparation to going to sleep. Hesitating before the entrance of her tent it would obvious that she was psyching herself up to say something before speaking ”Rip I was wondering if you would…um.. like to…gah…keep hold of rifle until morning…just in case” she said, waving her hand towards the assault rifle. Inwardly cursing herself for chickening out at the last second but knowing deep down that it was probably for the best ”having good night, I will see you in morning” she quietly said before crawling into her tent and zipping it closed behind her.

Once inside she would awkwardly wriggle out of her jeans and then into her sleeping bag in order to get some sleep.

Rip curled the fingers of his wounded hand, staring at them.  The pain, while welcomed, didn't change that damn lingering feeling.  His eyes clouded.  Urges damning the senses.  He stopped when she spoke his name, turning slightly to look Tarja from the corner of his right eye.  Not wanting her to see what was in them.

He half expected her to order him to pack up and leave.  Another part hungered for her to order him to just join her in the tent.  His new sense of duty fighting that back.  He did not expect her suggestion that he hold the rifle, his eyes darting to the white washed assault weapon.  He wanted to laugh, his lips cracking into a smile.  A jerky nod of his head and a roll of his shoulders answered her.  Daring not to speak.  When had he become a coward he thought.

He didn't answer her final words only picking up the rifle, sitting down on his laid out tarp.  His fingers dancing up the barrel as he held the rifle across his chest and laid back, his travel sack a comfortable pillow.  No, he told himself.  It was lumpy and crackle under his shoulders.

He laid there, staring into the night sky.  Gun held tight, as if a replacement for something else.  He realized, as he admired the stars, he wasn't having a panic attack.  Hell, even laying there on that small tarp, lumpy sack, he thought he might actually like the outdoors.

He never knew when he finally fell asleep.  Just one moment, he did.

Sleep would elude Tarja for several hours, her body still alive with the adrenaline from the fight and...other desires that had bubbled to the surface, causing her to toss and turn within her sleeping bag, though thankfully sleep would eventually find her.

She ran through the snow covered forest, her breath coming out in great puffs of steam as she shouted "Tuomas! Erik! This isn't funny I want to go home!" her mother was going to be furious with her, she wasn't allowed to be out in the forest on her own. Her brothers were supposed to be looking after her, not hiding from her!

Snow continued to fall all around her with the forest growing increasingly darker and colder, with her beginning to shiver despite the pink puffer jacket she was wearing "Tuomas! Erik! where are you? I don't want to play anymore!" she continued to shout as she pushed her way through some bushes hoping to see her parents cottage on the other side...

The body lay before her in the snow, blood gurgling up through the young boys fingers as he tried to stem the bleeding from the severed artery. His eyes looking up accusingly at Tarja as she held the bloody Burian steel knife Andruss had given her, Andruss? that isn't right…there is the sudden cracking of a branch behind her causing her her to turn around just in time to get the image of a snarling maw full of fangs as the monster got her...

She would sit bolt upright with a gasp and a cry of terror, her arms briefly fighting against her sleeping bag so she could defend herself before remembering where she was. The inside of her tent grey with the early light of dawn.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:07, Mon 28 Aug 2023.

Rip was a boulder as he slept.  He rarely remembered his dreams, he did dream alot, but this night all he felt was a sense of almost floating away.  But the rifle in his arm kept him in place. Tarja's suggestion to hold it was better then he would have guess.  It felt heavy.
As did the feeling of-.

The scream of terror awoke him immediately.  He felt like he fell to the ground, his eyes opened, he was already rolling to his feet.  The rifle held in a loose, but close hold to his body, as he rose to his knees.

He scanned the area around him.  Looking for a threat in the breaking dawn light.  The scream.  It reminded him of his sister when she was young.  Needing him to hold her tight.  But-

"Tarja!"  Rip shouted.  He bolted to her tent.  Reaching for the zipper, unzipping it fast, the rifle in his arms, he poked his head to check on her.

With her heart pounding within her chest and her breath coming in short gasps, Tarja would lunge for her pistol when she heard the zip on her tent undoing only stopping when she saw it was Rip that had opened it ”I am sorry I…I didn’t mean to wake you” Tarja quietly apologised upon realising that he had come running in response to her scream ”…I had my…um…nightmare again” she continued, looking equal parts shaken and embarrassed by what had just happened, with her trying her best to get herself back under control.

Rip knelt there a moment in the flap of Tarja's tent.  Nodding to himself, not speaking.  It was something he was far to use to, if only when he was young, and with his sister.  He couldn't remember if he ever was like that, having to be a rock for Debs.  And there were the screams of the colonists when the Demons invaded.  Debs being strong for her daughter, and him.  He never admitted to anyone, but he was afraid something would happen to them both.  The only dreams he had ever any memory of was ones where she and his niece died in his arms.

He would look at Tarja for a moment more.  Remembering how she spoke about how this would happen if they shared the tent.  His face almost unreadable, as he weighed his options.  While his eyes felt Tarja's pain.  He decided what was best.  Only hope it was the right choice.

Waddling into the tent, his shoulders and head brushing against the fabric, he reached out slowly to hold her shoulders gently.  His eyes saying things he couldn't.  Being a rock for Tarja if she choose to accept his presence.  No judgement.  No wasted words.  Just someone there for another.

There was a moments resistance from Tarja as Rip placed his hands about her shoulders, with her clearly more used to dealing with issues alone, before she leaned in and allowed herself to be held by him. Her own arms going around him as she rested her head on his shoulder and just sat there until she had calmed down, her breathing returning to something approximating normal ”Would…would you like to stay in tent for little while?” she would eventually ask in a quiet voice that said she didn’t want to be alone right now ”…just until we need to get up” she added as she laid back down in the vain hope of snatching another hour or so of sleep before they needed to get up.

Rip simply nodded.  Laying down beside Tarja, he would follow her lead.  He did wish he had something to say.  But words were not coming to mind.  But he felt it was more important he was here for her.  Actually surprised how he saw the bravery in her asking that.  It was something he didn't think he could do.

He also wished the tents was a bit longer.  He grumbled to himself as he would close his eyes.  He liked the tent, despite it small size, compared to the tarp on the ground and open sky.  Good thing he doesn't snore.

Considering the size of the tent there was no need for Tarja to move in order to nestle up against him, with her simply rolling onto her side so that her back was against his chest, with her not objecting one way or another over whether he chose to put his arm around her. Part of her mind pointed out that she was alone in a tent with a large, and very strong man she didn’t really know and that she wasn’t wearing very much in the way of clothing. Another part however found that same size and strength to be deeply reassuring, like nothing could hurt her whilst he was lying next to her, with him having already proved that he wasn’t the kind of guy to try and take advantage her. She would briefly wonder whether this was what people referred to as Daddy issues or something else entirely before drifting off to sleep.

She would awaken an hour or two later to the quiet beeping of her alarm with her carefully sitting up and stretching, briefly pulling the t-shirt taut against her body before speaking to Rip with a yawn ”we’d better get up and dressed and having something to eat, if we’re wanting to go up crag” she said as she retrieved her jeans from where she had left them before looking up at him again and softly saying ”…also thank you for…um…you know”

Rip grumbled as Tarja sat up.  His hand around her waist falling to her thigh as she sat up.  He pulled it back after a second when he noticed she didn't have pants on.  He rolled off her and away when he realized that, hoping she hadn't noticed his face blush. He had not meant to do that, but couldn't deny he liked it.  She was a woman, with the right parts in his opinion. Also hoping she hadn't noticed anything else about his male body reaction.  Wincing, his hand grabbing his ribs.  "Did you poke me in the ribs?"  He rubbed his abdomen, grumbling as he reached for the zipper of the tent and crab-walked out.  Wanting to give her a bit of privacy as she dressed.

He stopped as only his head was still in the tent.  Glancing back at her, he smiled and nodded.  "Yeah.  Hey, it was warmer in your tent.  And... Thanks for not killing me."   He chuckled lightly, his eyes looking into hers and not her legs.  He fought the urge to linger longer, looking back out of the tent.  He ducked out, adjusting his short pants with a curse as he stood up.  Damn human biology.  He never took a class in it, but he knew enough about the birds and bees.  And his new unit boss might change his singing voice if she caught wind of that.

He was already grabbing a couple of energy bars and looking for water to heat up.  Being used to having to always boil water before drinking it, he didn't know about decontamination tablets or other tech for survival in the woods.  Getting some water boiling, he was stretching when Tarja should/would be exiting her tent.  "Wonder if the crew of the Heremes had fun at their Ritz and Razzle event.  Bet not half as much fun as we be having with those sharp teeth beasts."  He mumbled.  "I dread the day I be having to be shiny and presented to some high fannzy bees."  He would pause mid forward toe touch to see if there was anything that needed to be done.

A thought struck him.  Do they shower or bathe while camping?

”elbow may have caught you while I got up” Tarja replied in an innocent voice as Rip rubbed his ribs, with her having surreptitiously encouraged him to wake up with a quick prod in the ribs with her finger so she could get up. As much as she had enjoyed being held by him, and judging by what had been poking her in the leg he had enjoyed it too, the simple fact was he was too heavy for her to easily move by herself.

After watching him awkwardly make his way out of the tent, Tarja would chuckle at his comment before replying ”you are being most welcome” though whether that was in regards to him spending some time in the tent or for her not murdering him was unclear.

Once she had the tent to herself Tarja would change into a fresh set of underwear before pulling on her T-shirt and wriggling into her jeans, though considering Rip had already seen her in nothing but a shirt and knickers she wasn’t really sure why she hadn’t just pulled them on outside where she had room to stand because you don’t want him to watch you getting dressed but undressed her mind supplied causing her to blush, with her quickly scolding herself for being unprofessional and reminding herself that she would be his squad leader.

These thoughts were not helped by the sight of him stretching outside just as she was crawling out of her tent, giving her a good look at the muscles he had on display whilst she pulled on her boots. Hearing his comment about the ball compared to their own entertainment last night Tarja would chuckle along with him ”No, I don’t expect they had as much fun as we did…oh and don’t worry they don’t make us get dressed up often” she replied with her getting the distinct impression that much like herself he wasn’t one for getting dressed up ”French toast or Tuna melt?” she would then ask after producing the last pair of foil packets from her bag along with some coffee, with her noting with some approval that he had already set some water boiling.

Rip suspected that it was more then an elbow.  He was a heavy sleeper, usually, even more so when he was overly comfortable.  So he grumbled in response to that.  He only hoped in the future he wouldn't be caught sleeping past roll call.  Innocent voice or not, he hate to be dragged out of bed by his hair.

He also found her chuckle response suspect.  If only cause of where his mind drifted.  He'll have to behave.  Damnit.

"Well that be something.  I be wanting to face Tankards then the cameras.  When, be sign up, the Face Smiles try to keep me to parade around.  Not a fan of that.  Peace and quiet, or a good fight.  That how I live."  He stood back up as he watched her get her boots on.  Grabbing a mug from his sack, as he saw the foiled packs for coffee.  Checking the boiled water, happy with the steam.  His face screwed up thinking about her question.  "What makes Toast French?  Or what be making melted tuna?"  Rip's selection in food was a limited pallette of edible or not.

Rip stared at Tarja as he relaced his own boots, change his socks, and shrugged.  He was happy with his own energy bars.  But wasn't against trying something new.  "Be your choice.  Toast though never a wrong choice."  Instant  coffee he was familiar with.  Grabbing her mug and the Instant packets, so she could start on her breakfast.  Pouring the contents evenly into their mugs, adding the hot water, stirred and tasted his.  "Thanks those that thought up coffee."  He sighed, holding her mug for when she was ready for it.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:08, Fri 01 Sept 2023.

As Rip asked his question, Tarja would pause to think about it, with her never having really considered it before. With her then searching for the words to answer him ”Egg…I think…Tuna melt is cheese and tuna toasted sandwich” she cautiously replied with her being far more confident about the second one.

Like the stew last night the sandwiches were in self-cooking packets with them beginning to steam within moments of her adding the water ”I like peace and quiet too…and nature…I always try to spend time in the countryside when I can, breathe fresh air and feel sun on skin…ah…thank you” she said in a wistful voice before taking the cup of coffee from Rip with a smile before eagerly agreeing with him ”Yes, coffee is very important!”

Once their breakfast had finished cooking she would hand him the one containing the French toast, before taking a bite of her Tuna melt before casually asking ”So you have family back on colony? Siblings, parents, girlfriend?”

Rip nodded.  He knew egg, but still didn't answer his question, not her fault.  He was not use to things outside dry packed ration bars and the synthetic foodstuff that was shipped out to the colonies.  So he shrugged, at knowing a toasted sandwich but not knowing tuna.  It smelt good, both did.  The French toast was fluffy and smelled a bit of cinnamon.  He grin, also noticing a warm packet of some light gold and brown goop.  Not fully liquid, but not jam.  He gave Tarja a look before shrugging, assuming it was supposedly goes with the fluffy creamy yellow bread.  Ripping into the packet, he tasted it, and closed his eyes.  It was a warm buttery nectar.  "Oh good flaff." He muttered before squirt it over the French toast.  Biting into it, he now had a favorite food.  His eyes wide as he chewed on it.

"Never saw the sun much.  Grew up on a domed mining outpost.  But found plenty of quiet in the abandoned tunnels.  Trying to survive.  Me gang wanted action.  I just want the BreakSticks and Boss Angels to leave me alone."  Rip said around bites and swallows of his breakfast.  Taking time to enjoy the French Toast.  Sipping his coffee, which was miles better then the diluted synth' stuff he was use too.

He tried to avoid the question about family.  His eyes clouded as he finally looked her in the eyes.  "No parents.  Died in a tunnel collapse when young.  Told an Angel saved money not putting in the right beams."  His nose flared as he spoke of that.  "No girlfriend.  I needed company, there was usually a member of the gang that would be willing.  Female."  He added the last part.  He didn't care who people slept with.  But he felt it important to let her know.  His eyes drifting down her body.  Knowing if they were back home, he would actually prefer her company far more.  She wasn't the type to use sleeping with him as a power move in the gang.  And- He shook his head to look her back in the eyes.

"Me sister.  Debs.  Looked after her since I was 8.  But she didn't like me being in the gang.  When the boss before me tried to have his way with her, I grabbed a stolen mining mech.  Ripped his arms off, kicked him into the acid sludge waste.  Where I got the name Rip from.  His arms flexed in memory, A vein in his neck bulging.  She met a good man.  Phil.  A tech that helped smuggle tech to us in the tunnels, to survive.  They had a kid.  Me niece.  Chel's.". He thumbed the only non-faded tattoo on him.  The flowery scripted names of his most important family.  He smiled briefly.

"They were who I fought for.  When the Tankards came.  She pulled me out of the mech I was using, as the ESN finally came.  Now she, her husband, and me niece are back Earth-side."  He finished the last bit of French toast, his coffee and looked hungry still.  He cleaned up the trash stuffing it into the slightly sticky pouch, from the syrup.  Almost dreading the question to her.

"You have a family?  Boyfriend?"  He would be crushed if she did have a partner.  But he'll live.  Most likely for the best.  Though his eyes did drift over her again.  Wishful thinking.

Judging by how Rip spoke family was a…sensitive…subject, with his parents dead; killed because someone decided to cut corners for profit, and his sister, niece and son in law now on their way to Earth after the ESN had finally liberated his former home from the demons. He was also single, though it also sounded like he’d not been in a relationship for a while if ever. She would also learn the gory origins of his nickname.

Unsurprisingly the question was sent back her way with Tarja nodding her head as she sipped her coffee before beginning to reply in her characteristically cool voice ”Parents were killed during the war when Russian pilots strafed refugee convoy…they claim it was accident…that there were soldiers hidden amongst them…but it is lie!” she said her eyes flaring angrily as she recalled the incident with it clear that family was a sensitive subject for her too ”…my older brothers Tuomas and Erik were killed in action as was my long term boyfriend…there was someone else…the friend with benefits, I think term is? But that is over now” she said with it clear by the tone of her voice that it hadn’t ended well.

Rip saw the venom in her eyes.  His head nodding.  He never met a Russian, but he could already seeing himself hate the bastards.  A part of him would hate that she lost her family.  Something they almost fully shared.  Her voice was cool toned, but he could imagine it cursing her enemies in the same way.

He reached over, taking her trash when she was finished with her tuna melt.  Washing his mug out.  And double checking that the portal stove was off.  While he didn't camp, he knew of keeping an area tidy and not leaving something with gas going.

"Did you get your revenge?"  He asked, looking at her.  For reasons, as he had fought, thinking he was getting his revenge, he still felt empty inside.  He wondered if it was the same for her.

”How?” Tarja quietly asked as she looked down into her coffee cup with a forlorn look ”I have no name, no one to go after…besides it wasn’t personal…not like man who went after your sister…they were soldiers following orders like I was” she continued, wishing there was someone she could go after and punish or just blame. She wanted to scream at someone and tell them how angry and upset she was that her family was dead and then beat them to a pulp or rip off their arms in an attempt to make herself feel better. But no. All she had was it was a Russian and even that was tenuous at best as there had been a lot of Eastern Bloc soldiers fighting by the end of the war.

There was an ache inside of her like an old wound that hadn’t healed properly. A wound she had just given a prod to discover that, yes, it still hurt. However Tarja, for better and for worse, had become a master at her feelings under control and mostly hidden so she finished the last of her coffee in a single mouthful before calmly saying ”I should start getting tent packed away so we can make a start” before starting to get up to do just that.

Rip could see that she had those Demons she needed to fight like he did.  They were untouchable even after all she had done.  He didn't have an answer for her in 'How'.  Not sure if it was his place to give one.  Other then help her break her tent down, and focus on the climb she was going for.

Again he saw similar scars.  He carried his on his skin.  She carried hers on her soul.  She didn't show it.  She was strong.  Controlled.

He would walk to the other side of the Tent and copy her movements in removing the poles and covering.  "So, have you ever climbed this 'Crag' before?"  He asked.

After rolling up her sleeping bag and roll mat in an efficient manner that spoke of much practice Tarja would begin to break down her tent with the aid of Rip, with her only breaking her silence to instruct him on how to do the next part.

When he asked her whether she had ever climbed the crag before she would shake her head before replying "No...this is first time on Blue Moon, it shouldn't be too bad it is mainly on trail" she replied, seemingly relieved to be speaking about something other than her family "Ranger said the views were amazing" she said, looking up at him as she took the folded canvas from him and placed it into her bag with the ghost of a smile touching her lips.

Once everything had been packed away so that only a flattened patch of grass told of their presence here, Tarja would shoulder her pack and rifle before waving for Rip to follow her as she started walking down a narrow dirt path that led into the trees.

The path would wind it's way through what looked to be pine trees, with the early morning light just beginning to shine through the branches, and with it the sound of bird song causing Tarja's mood to brighten, with her starting to quietly hum as she walked.

After a while the track would grow rockier, and steeper as they started to ascend the side of a ridge "are we still good back there? I not leave you behind, yes?" Tarja would ask Rip at one point, looking over her shoulder at him with that same mischievous gleam in her eyes that he had no doubt seen last night.

Rip growled at Tarja as he brought up the rear, his eyes saying he was more annoyedat himselft then her.  He wasn't tired, just not built for long distance travel.  Short bursts was what he was use to.  And lots of weight lifting.  Plus the open skies didn't help.  Oh how he wished he was in a tunnel.  As long as he kept his eyes on the ground, or Tarja's rear, which was what he did mostly, he found he could brave it.

Rip carried his sack by the strap over his left shoulder.  Happy that Tarja was enjoying herself.  He was glad the traveling distracted them both from their Demons.  More so for Tarja, the glint in her eyes was very welcoming.

"I'll admit it.  The view has its merits.  Growing up in tunnels, you couldn't see a view like this.  The Rangers weren't wrong, or you for wanting to see it for yourself."  He smiled, grasping a sturdy rock to balance himself more.  Looking her in the eyes and not the sky.  Or her rear.  Either helped.  Just not the sky.  Why did it feel like he could float away.

He grumbled and pulled himself closer to her.  That way she took up more of his field of vision.  Taking deep breaths.  "I assume you have even raced to a top like this?"  He said, glancing past her, and nearly tripping on his face.  Catching himself at the last second.  Damn the sky.

”Ah but we not at top yet” Tarja replied with that glint in her eyes before continuing on once she was certain that Rip was keeping up with her.

As they continued upward the path would grow ever steeper, with it eventually turned into what amounted to an uneven rocky staircase that took them up the side if a cliff with a sheer drop on their right ”Race, no…but I have been up mountains before…this is fairly…um…thinking word is tame?” she would say over her shoulder as the path caused her to reach and stretch with every step, with her quietly envious of Rip’s height, with the path not even seeming to slow him down.

By the time they reached the last few few hundred metres Tarja was having to scramble and climb over the rocky ground with it even looking like she need a little assistance from Rip on occasion before the path plateaued out at the top of the crag. The ground beneath their feet glittering with the metal that had given the crag its name ”Ok that last section…was…strenuous…but view is…amazing” Tarja said as she flopped down on a rock and tried to catch her breath as she gazed out at the dramatic view of the entire valley.

Rip closed his eyes as he heard Tarja say they weren't up to the top yet.  Grumbled that he was not going to float away.  He was enjoying the climb.  It was a good workout.  He needed to do this.  He needed to keep climbing.  What good would he be if he froze up in a fight in the wide open.  He growled loud enough for Tarja to hear him as he psyched himself to keep up with her.

Rip kept his eyes on the steep steps.  Breathing heavy.  He chuckled when he heard her say this was tame.  He would look to the sheer drop.  Finding it amazing how high they were up.  The drop not bothering him.  Again it was the open sky above him. "Well that is good.  I thought this was a walk in a ...  eeerr.   Park.  that's it."  He said through gritted teeth.

Rip didn't notice the dizziness in his head as he looked at the sky when Tarja had what he assumed was a bit of difficulty.  Only moving to help, but by the time he would reach her, she had it sorted.  Clearing the top before he could do anything.

On the top, Rip dropped his sack, and laid face down, hugging the ground.  Kissing the metal rock surface of the crag.  Not wanting to look up, he didn't see the view she saw at first.  Groaning with sore muscles,  crawling to his feet.

He felt his breath taken away.  It was a view worth the climb.  Focusing his eyes more down then outward.  He smiled and nodded his head.  "Nothing I have ever seen before."  Pulling himself onto the rock next to Tarja, catching his breath, he leaned against her.  Admiring the view, he didn't mind the open sky as his eyes drifted up.  He wondered if it was so he didn't show Tarja his phobia of the open sky, or if it was her.  "Thanks for letting me tag along."

He reached into his sack to pull out his water bottle, offering Tarja the first drink.

She would chuckle as Rip sprawled across the rocky ground in apparent relief at having finally reached the top of the crag seemingly just as out of breath as she was from the climb. Once he had got to his feet she would hutch up a bit so he could sit on the rock beside her and admire the view ”yes…this is certainly a view worth seeing…and not one I would trade for all the glitz and glamour of a ball” she said, unconsciously leaning into Rip. A genuine smile appearing on her face as he thanked her for letting him tag along ”thank you for tagging along with me Nate” she replied, once again glad to have his company and being able to share this experience with someone.

Once again there was another…moment…between the two of them, or at least in Tarja’s mind there was, as they sat close together with her eyes looking into his and the feeling that if she could just do the right thing then everything could be hers, and it would be amazing.

And then just like that the moment was gone leaving her feeling dazed as she accepted Rips water bottle ”oh…um…thank you” she said before taking a mouthful of the cool, refreshing water within. After handing him the bottle she would fish out a pad and pencil and begin to quickly sketch out the view in front of them.

Rip would take the water back and take a sip.  His view from the crag's top was amazing.  He would admit to himself that he wouldn't have even taken the trip if not for Tar'.  Also realized he thought of her as a friend, shorten her name in his mind.  She might be the boss, when they returned to the Hermès, but he hoped... no wanted it to grow more.  He never had a friend.  Let alone someone he wanted to spend time with.

The choice to sign up and serve aboard the Hermès was turning out to be a good one.  Rip glanced at Tar' as she looked out on the view.  Not even wanting to correct her use of his first name.  Only his sister and niece used it.  She did have an amazing smile.

Taking another sip of his water, he would respond to her comments.  Offering her another sip, "Yeah.  They be keep the fancy dancing.  Give me more of this."  He didn't know if it was the view, or spending time with Tar'.  "Thanks for be letting me tag along.   I need this.  Still, getting use to the open sky and no ceiling.  But be good."

"Do you have a nickname?  eeerrr Call... Name?  No.  Call Sign?  Tar?  I mean, Tarja."  He would ask as he leaned in to her.  A bit flustered his shorten of her name slipped out.  His arm resting behind her, finding its way to the small of her back.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:51, Sun 03 Sept 2023.

Looking from her sketch, Tarja would smile when Rip said he wanted more of this with her hoping that if nothing else that she would have someone that would go walking with her. At the mention of the open sky she would give a nod, not really understanding what he was going through but feeling that it wouldn’t be pleasant ”Normally I ask recruits how they are with tight spaces…but something telling me you will have no problem with armour” she said, with her even wondering if the confines of an armoured suit would help him with his problems concerning wide open spaces.

It was then that he would ask about nicknames causing Tarja to wince slightly ”Um…during war some people called me…um…Ice Maiden” she said with it clear that it wasn’t a nickname that she particularly liked. wait did he just call me Tar? she thought to herself and finding that she didn’t hate it before then thinking …and when did he put his arm around me!? with her finding that she didn’t hate that either.

Rip nodded.  Taking a deep breath, letting the sun shine on him.  It felt so different then uv lights they used in the tunnels.  It felt good on his dark skin.  "Much prefer it.  All I knew.  When I was covered in the mining mech's metal, felt stronger.  Not that I needed it."  He laughed and looked at her.  The smile breaking his attempt to look menacing.  "Fear was a great factor in keeping the gang in line.  And the BreakSticks from wanting to invade our space."

He adjusted his neck, so he could look at her sketch.  Again thinking he would like a tattoo of her making on him.  He would wear it with pride.  He narrowed his eyes, hearing how she disliked the term Ice Maiden.  Having heard a bit of the venom on her cool voice as she described her life before, he wasn't sure it was meant kindly.

"Need a name that strikes Fear in the Tankards.  Bet they trembling thinking about you charging at them in your battle armor."  He tiled his head, but nothing came to mind.  He would have to see her in combat.  It was how he picked names for new members of the gang.  Wondering if he could find one.  She was cool when the beasts invaded the camp.  But calculated.

He would have to think on that.  Looking back at the view, amazed how he felt good around her. Less worried about the open sky.  "Err.  So, I heard there was a swim party later?"  He mumbled.  Imagining Tar' in a bikini made his skin lighten and impure thoughts come forward.  "You planning on going?"  He realized he didn't have swim trucks.  Damn he was unprepared in many ways.

”Yes! I know feeling…out of armour I am good, but in armour I am goddess!” she exclaimed, excited to finally find someone that felt the same as she did and knew of the intoxicating feeling of power that a suit of power armour could bring though she also suspected that he didn’t experience the same low as she did upon shedding her armour and becoming a mere mortal once again ”…I am thinking that you will like armour” she continued with a smile before going back to her sketch.

As Rip watched her sketch he would be see the pencil drawing of the below them; thick stands of coniferous trees interspersed with wide grassy clearings, one of which containing a trio of deer like animals grazing. There was also what appeared to be several small earthen mounds clustered together at the edge of the forest.

At the mention of a swim party she would offer him a surprised look that said she hadn’t been aware of such an event ”oh…I hadn’t realised there was one…I…um…would need to buy bathing suit first…so…um…were you thinking of going?” she asked, before quickly adding ”…maybe team members will be there? I could introduce you”

Rip nodded.  He hope he would fit in some armor.  Also wondering if there were rules about decorating it.  He like the idea of his face plate a big grinning skull.  He would ask her about it later.  "Yep.  Gotta love the way others tremble before you in it."  He said in a low tone, admiring her sketch.

"Huh.  That is amazing."  He had no creative skills.  But touching his knife at his shin, he did like the idea of carving.  He would have to grab some wood, and get a proper carving knife.  Not wanting to use his issued one.  That was for slicing bad guys.

Blinking he looked away, confused for a moment.  Did he hear wrong?  "Thought I heard Cap'n Morris mentioned it.  Today?  After their ball"  Looking flushed, his skin pink tinting.  "Figured it would be... err good to meet the others at.  Only really met you, Justin, and Morris.  Guess I should not be trapped in my quarters the whole time."  He would like to get Shadow's autograph.  And the others his niece had collected figures of.  Not for himself, for Chel's.  God he rubbed the back of his neck.

"Yeah.  guess I need to get my own trunks, they call them?  So, guess i would go."  He was still rubbing his neck, glancing at her sideways.  Why was it hard to say he wanted to see her in a bikini.  He saw her in a shirt and panties, damnit.  Also he worried about her seeing him in swim trunks.  Hoping she would... like it.

”Oh…I must just have missed it” Tarja replied, with her having left the Hermes in a bit of a hurry, not to mention that other than a message from Meari she hadn’t spoken to anyone other than Rip since leaving.

Truth be told she kind of liked the idea of spending some time on the beach as it had been literally years since she had last gone swimming, and although she would never say as much out loud she kind of wanted to see Rips muscles again…

”ok so we finish walk, head into town and get swim wear and towels then go to beach, yes?” she suggested, feeling strangely anxious for some reason that had nothing to do with her wearing a swimsuit…or maybe a bikini? Perhaps she should drop Meari or NA-CE a message when it became a more sociable hour and see if they were going.

After applying a few finishing touches to her sketch and taking another mouthful of water, she would turn to Rip and ask ”Ready to move on?”

Rip looked at Tar'.  Realized they both lived solitary lives.  Her because of her war experience, and him because of his outsider upbringing.  He knew he was trying to change, wanting to be part of something.  And actually thankful it was her that he saw a way to be with others.  Justin was a friendly person here he met.  And if Tar' was eager to meet with the others, he knew he could.  A little hero worshipping aside, He wss looking forward to it.

He nodded as she spoke about going into town.  Though one thought came up.  "I... remember how to swim.  But, that was when I was young, and me parents were still alive.  I be betting I swim like a rock now."  He warned her.  No shame in his voice.  Only so she understand that he wasn't A great swimmer.  The only lakes he was used to recently were acid industrial waste filled ones.  But being in open water, unlike open sky, intrigued him.  "I hope they have trunks my size."  He said with a grin as he stood up.

He stretched to limber for the walk back, giving Tar' A thumbs up when she asked if he was ready.  He would once more follow her lead back down the crag.  Again, looking at her rear as they would traverse the rocky terrain.

” Is ok, it’s been years since I swim in lakes…we can drown in shallows together” she joked in a deadpan voice before continuing ”…I am certain they having trunks in your size” after all there were apefolk and Sanri within the fleet.

Collecting her backpack and rifle Tarja would lead them along a path that ran parallel to the edge of the crag before descending steeply downward. Once again Tarja would require a little assistance from Rip as she was forced to scramble and climb down the rocky steps before the path levelled out allowing them walk normally. The path would offer them views of the valley before heading down in amongst the trees once again, with the path becoming wide enough to allow them to walk side by side if they wanted to.

The rest of the walk would prove rather pleasant as the track wound its way through the trees with Tarja pausing to look at the collection of ancient burial mounds they’d seen from atop the crag, which now loomed high above them ”I’ll have to see if there’s room at condo, or find hotel room before shopping…this pack is getting heavy” Tarja would say as they started the final part of the journey, with Tarja judging that had maybe another two miles or so before they arrived back at the Rangers station. With her also suspecting that the local shopkeepers wouldn’t take well to the idea of her shopping with an assault rifle over her shoulder.

Rip shook his head at Tar's delivery about her swimming skills.  A grin on his lips.  "That'll be a sight.  2 feet of water, and calling for help."  Rip didn't know about the other large species.   He did know of Angels that came in different sizes like humans.  He'll just have to see.

Putting his sack back over his shoulder, he was ready this time to give Tar' a hand down the steeper path.  Smiling far more often, in good spirits.  Something he was not use to.  It helped that he was often beside Tar' and the sights from the path, often pointed by Tar', Rip would even tap her on the shoulder.  Pointed out a pair of birds that seemed to be in a mating dance of some kind.  He found it fascinating, "It true that male birds usually put on a display to attract a partner?"  He asked her after nudging her in the hip with his.

Rip stood looking at the burial mound, a bit longer then Tar' did.  He fished out the dog tags hanging from his neck, hidden behind his tanktop.  He looked at the pair, the only thing visible was the name Charles on it.  No idea if it was a first or last name.  The colony hadn't kept good records, most lost after the Demon invasion.  His eyes clouded.

"May need to bathe.  Sure the Angel folk won't like to smell sweaty me."  Rip joked, still wearing his Tanktop and cut shorts, both matted down in sweat.  He offered to carry Tar's pack at the comment about it being heavy.

It was then that a Ranger stepped out of the brush.  Rip didn't recognize him, but the Ranger seemed to recognize Tarja.  He walked over, waving them down.  "Hello.  Glad I caught you before you left. Just wanted to thank you for not hurting the Fenrix too much.  The alpha, you did is already being taken care of by a vet.  They seemed to be spooked by something,
but we don't know caused them to be riled up."  The Ranger spoke to Tarja, while Rip fought not to glare at the Angel.  Why did all Angels look like they walked out of a GQ cover.

”Yes, I am thinking shower may be good idea too” Tarja replied as she walked next to Rip, taking a moment to wipe a few strands of dark hair from where they had stuck to her forehead, with the day beginning to warm up as the sun rose higher into the sky.

Tarja had enjoyed herself immensely whilst they had been out walking with her putting much of it down to Rips company as they had watched the pair of birds fluttering on a nearby branch as they performed an elaborate display, admired the ancient burial mounds, and even the way he had offered her a steadying arm as she had descended some of the steeper sections of the trail down. He would even go as far as to offer to carry her bag for her ”Is ok, I carried bag this far” Tarja replied, though she wouldn’t put up any resistance if he insisted.

With the arrival of the ranger a few minutes later Tarja would listen as he explained that something must have spooked the animals last night and that he was grateful that they hadn’t hurt any of them too badly ”I…um…have a soft spot for animals” Tarja would confess before continuing ”…also we’re glad we got the chance to spend some time here, it it was only for a little while”
This message was last edited by the player at 17:45, Wed 06 Sept 2023.

Rip wouldn't push the issue with the bag.  He respected Tar's strength, and independence. He admired the way her hair stuck to her forehead.  He would glance down her body, before looking back up to her face, grinning.  What is it about strong women, he thought, like Tar', that he couldn't help but think how hard they could punch.  He chuckled at this thought.

He sighed.  Having nothing to say to the Ranger.  He was glad Tar' took the lead.  He only hoped he could get over his distrust of Angels.  Not wanting to male a poor example for her or the Hermès.  So he kept his lips shut, and crossed his arms across his chest.

The Ranger nodded to Tarja's comments.  "Special place for us.  And I shouldn't be surprised.  Most of you humans seem to like to have pets.  Well, have a good day."


After the ranger walked away, Rip had to agree on one thing.  "I do be wondering if they have... Fernix?  As pets.  Found the sharp fangs like to wrestle."  Rip thought out loud, not expecting an answer from Tarja.

He would walk beside her the rest of the trip to the station.  Ready to lighten her load still, but admiring her strength and ability to carry such a pack so far.

She would chuckle softly at Rips musing about the Fenrix and whether they would make good pets before waving goodbye to the ranger as he continued his rounds ”Well he seems nice, former soldier too…though a little too pretty for my tastes” she would say as they continued walking down the trail.

After another hour or so they would arrive back at the ranger’s station with Tarja gratefully shedding her pack and taking a seat on a bench carved from a tree trunk. The sides and back carved into the likeness of birds and animals; including their new friend the Fenrix ”I will call cab and see if there is room at condo” Tarja would say as she produced her comms unit from a pocket and started looking up the numbers.

Meanwhile not far ahead of them there were a collection of feeders that the rangers had obviously set up, on which there were several birds fluttering around the offerings and singing cheerfully to one another.

Rip rubbed his chin, feeling he would need to shave from the stubble he found against his fingers.  He grunted at Tar's response about the Ranger being too handsome. Something Rip could only agree with.  But his grumbling audio response was all he gave.

He would walk in somewhat silence beside Tarja, humming a tune he tried to remember from his childhood.  He could only remember the line: "I would walk 500 miles..." thinking about that sort of distance, glancing at Tar' and shrugging.  He didn't know why that song came to mind.

As Tarja would relax against the carved bench, Rip went in to grab some fresh cold water inside the station.  The Ranger on duty just pointing to a fridge unit.  Inside the unit Rip found an assortment of electrolit drinks of varying flavors.  He grabbed a couple of bottles, an orange and purple, nodded to the Ranger, and went back to offer either bottle to Tar.

He would sit next to Tar, grabbing her pack and pulling against his knees.  Not to look through, hoping she would get the hint he would happily lug it around for her.  Granted she had did the heavy lifting to this point, but now he would deal with it.  He rested his sack atop of her pack and drink his drink.

Waiting for the cab, he noticed the birds at the feeders.  A gray one seemed to be fluttering its wings in a rapid movement and make a whistling sound to a black and white feather one.  The gray, a male, getting the black and white one, female, to eat with it from the offering it placed in front of her.  Even at one point from the gray one's beak.  Rip smiled at the sight.

"Me sis and niece would like this.  Hope they be seeing something like this back on earth."  He muttered, glancing over to Tar' and mentally pinching himself.  "What is earth like?"  He asked, changing the subject slightly.

As Rip sat beside her Tarja would silently mouth a thank you as she took the purple drink he’d offered her before returning to her call . She would be on her comms unit for around ten minutes before she finally thanked whoever was on the other end and hung up, with her then cracking open the top of the bottle and taking a drink ”Taxi will be here in twenty minutes or so…and whoever answered phone wasn’t certain on how many if any rooms were available in condo so we may have to go elsewhere if unlucky” she said as she watched the birds on the feeder in front of them.

There was a slight moment of panic when Rip asked what Earth was like, with Tarja uncertain that she possessed the English to answer such a potentially complex question ”Earth is…varied…some of it is very nice, other parts not so much…same with the people really…do you know which country they are going to?” she asked hoping that the additional information would help her answer.

Rip would do his best to not distract Tarja as she was on her comm.  Watching the birds, he felt a kind of peace as he watched the birds.

On that subject of waiting for the cab and condo, he rubbed his face.  "That is life isn't it?  Waiting and looking. Heh. You have friends you could share with?"  He asked.  He wasn't concerned for himself.  He was use to, limited accommodations.

Rip was still grasping the concept of nations and governments, only knowledgeable of his Colony.  "Phillip is... Indonesian?" He said.  The only thing he had ever cared about was that Phil' had made his sister happy.  "He has family there, and in Japan and... America?  Know he is in demand for his tech skills.  So he wasn't  worried about a job.  From what I remember, me da was from America, but had no family.  My mum from... South America?  No family she ever spoke of.  Remember they were looking for a fresh start.  For me and Debs."

Thinking to her words about her family being gone, and fighting Russians he did have a concern that Earth might not be safe.  "You are from... Europe?"  He really needed a history and geography lessons.

”maybe…I not been on ship long, there’s couple of people I could ask but I wouldn’t want to impose, especially if they are with boyfriends” she’d replied, not wanting to wind up being a third wheel and intruding on someone’s private time. If it came to it she was sure she would be able to find a hotel and if not she did have a tent with her.

Rip would then speak of his brother in law and how he had family in Indonesia, Japan and possibly even America ”America is varied and depends on state but can be good place to live…I hear Japan is nice” she cautiously replied having never visited any of them and with limited knowledge about them, with her quietly relieved when he asked where she was from ”Northern Europe, yes…I am from Finland” she replied, pausing to look around at the trees and the birds before continuing ”This is kind of like home…in summer at least, in winter we would be knee deep in snow or mud…or both…and it would be dark” she said with a hint of homesickness. Home hadn’t been perfect but she still missed it all  the same ”Earth not as safe as it used to be…but brother in law sounds like smart man so I think sister will be happy there” she confidently stated as what looked to be their taxi slowly made its way down the road towards them.

Rip was struck by that statement.  Wondering about the crew involvement with each other.  He would stare into Tar's eyes, a slight smile, remembering that she wasn't with anyone.  At least not anymore.  But as much as he wanted to, he couldn't ask her about that.  Also he didn't want to impose on her about doubling up on accommodations or seeing her outside of their crew responsibilities.  Damn.  He was feeling like a coward.



He would listen to her explain things.  But he had no knowledge either way to dispute her words.  He could tell she wasn't sure herself.  But was enthralled hearing her speak about her home Finland being like this.  He could believe it being beautiful when not covered in mud, but a sight in snow.  "Sounds like a nice place either way.  Would like to visit, Finland that is.  As for Phillip, he is.  He got paid well.  Was happy for me sis.  Through I had to break heads of a couple that wanted to steal from him.  He did a lot to help us."

When the taxi pulled up, Rip grabbed the backs, holding them over his left shoulder and smiled to Tar', still even offering his hand, so she could stand up.  "Odd hearing Earth isn't safe.  The way the Angels said, it was made better because of their arrival."  He grumbled with a bit of venom.

He would let Tar handle the driver while he placed their stuff in the back, including her rifle.  Double checking the safety on it before joining her in the cab.  He was glad for a moment Angels were tall, not having to crush Tar' in the back.

 Meari sends Tarja a text comm message," Yes there is a beach party not far from the Condo, Frakas and I will be there, sure drop by and who am I meeting?"

 Meari sent Tarja another comm text message." Oh that is cool, the trooper must be new? As far as bathing suit go sexy as hell. lol."

Hearing Rip say that he would like to visit her home one day Tarja couldn’t help but think that she would like to go home one day too, but with the way things were at the moment it wasn’t really an option, especially in her current line of work.

As the taxi pulled up Tarja would take a moment to read the message from Meari and quickly send one back before turning to find that Rip had already grabbed her bag and hefted it over his shoulder and was offering her a helping hand up. She would hesitate a little uncertainly before taking his hand and getting to her feet ”Earth has never really been completely safe…Angels just gave us something new to fight about” she said with a weary sigh, as if the people of Earth were just squabbling siblings that needed to sit in the corner and think about what they did ”…but honestly sister will be ok on Earth” she said, reaching out to give his hand a reassuring squeeze, trying her best to alleviate any fears he might have about his sister and niece, though she suspected that she wasn’t quite hitting the mark.

After climbing into the back, Tarja would ask the driver to take them to the condo before giving him its location with the same military precision she’d used the previous night, before sending another message to Meari, wondering how on earth she was supposed to achieve sexy as hell though Rips arrival put those thoughts out of her head as she sat beside him in the back of the taxi.

——> Condo

Rip nodded, though he agreed perhaps in a different way, about the Angels being a reason humans had a different  reason to fight for.  He enjoyed her hand on his, squeezing back.  "Well, she is there.  Philip will see them through anything."  He would smile, but the thoughts didn't stop with Earth not the paradise the Angels said it was because of them.

Rip would rub his chin on the trip to town.  Eyes narrowed, glancing over at Tar' every few minutes.  He wasn't worried about meeting the rest of the crew before.  Now, he was wanting to put his best foot forward for her.


---To Condo---

——> Blue Moon Beach

With Izzy still a bundle of nerves they would leave the beach and start heading into town, with the pair of them holding hands as they did so. To Izzy it still felt like only yesterday that she was getting hit on by this gorgeous, amazing woman and feeling deeply confused by what she was feeling and now she was getting married to her the next day!

Following KE-NA’s directions they would find the shop easily enough, it’s large glass frontage sandblasted with the shop’s name in both Angelic and English, and decorated with hanging baskets full of exotically coloured flowers. Upon stepping inside they would be greeted by an Angel woman in an expensive looking navy blue suit jacket and dress ”Would you happen to be Elizabeth and Isobel?” she asked them both in a posh sounding accent ”yes, I’m Isobel and this is Lizzy”
”Excellent, KE-NA called ahead and said you would be paying us a visit…my name is KI-LI, if you ladies would like to follow me we can get started” she said before leading them over to a set of comfortable looking armchairs arranged around a glass topped coffee table, with KI-LI waiting until they were both seated before sitting opposite them and speaking ”Now what can I interest you ladies in today? And can I interest either of you in something to drink whilst we talk?”

------->>>>>> From Blue Moon Beach

 Lizzy walked with Izzy holding her hand and they got to the store, Lizzy noticed KE-NA had followed them and walked into the store after they did.

 They walked in and they we were greeted by a beautiful Angel KI-LI, " Yes I am Lizzy and umm KE-NA is right behind us as well. I saw her coming to the store when I came in. Of course, lets get this started."

 " Some wine would be nice, and we are looking for a pair Zibrumn Rings to use them as wedding bands." Lizzy was all smiles and very bubbly.

”Oh congratulations to you both, when is the big day?” KI-LI said with a genuine smile before picking up a small, elegant looking comms unit and speaking a few words into it ”we’re…um…looking at midday tomorrow…I know it’s a little short notice” Izzy shyly replied, half expecting the Angel woman to tell them it was impossible. Instead she would give an understanding nod before replying ”Well I expect you are both excited that you’re big day is nearly here…ah…thank you LA-ZO, MA-KE she said as a pair of young Angel men arrived, one carrying a bottle of wine in cooler and some delicate looking glasses, and the other a wooden box that he would set on the coffee table in front of them before lifting the lid to reveal several rings laid out in a red, velvet cushioning. There was a variety of different different styles; ranging from traditional to contemporary, with some clearly intended to be “His and Her” pairings and others of a more feminine design, all however were made of the same silver flecked gold material that shone beautifully in the light ”These are the wedding bands we currently have available in Zibrumm, unfortunately due to the time constraints we are unable to offer some of our more bespoke designs and services, however we are more than willing to accommodate your desires where possible…is there anything you would like to ask or take a closer look at?”

 KE-NA  stood off to the  side, she was  doing things on her COM  unit....The High Chair, would be.....most pelased... if  this   mate pairing wuld be as good   as  can be under the  rush...

 Lizzy smiled as she looked at the rings," I like the more feminine designs personally, what do you think Izzy these are for both of us, they need to be matching rings. They all look so beautiful."

 Lizzy smiled at KE-NA when she entered and spoke. Lizzy found a set that was feminine, and they were beautiful, and it seemed like the surface of the ring flowed. " I love this set can you tell me more about the rings and the metal?"

  The rings  are believed to be the  minerals that Angel  silk is made from, as the  plant feeds on the soil... it is also assumed that it is what gets   into the plants, that provide  our   Derma  Foam and Derma plast.. when   DNA  is added   it  makes   a  living    foam, that   joins  with the flesh and   such of the  new host... At least, that is  what  instructors  say.. Those plants  still produce   the same sap one other plants and even aboard  ship  board  farms..so?  nothing can be proven

 There is  myths  that  those who are paired,  may bain benefits from wearing the rings. ..calmness... focus?..but there  can be discord  if the pairing isn;t meant  to be...of course? that isa  Myth...now?  Having said this? I know, no Angel, who wear wear these unless they are a Mated  paring.

Izzy would examine the rings in front of her and much like Lizzy was more drawn towards the elegant, feminine designs with her not really liking the “His and Her” designs with her finding them to be a little too chunky for her tastes ”Oh, they’re beautiful” Izzy would say as she saw the rings Lizzy had found; their slender design seeming to flow as if it was living thing, highlighted by the subtlest of decoration upon its surface.

KI-LI would go on to talk about the metal and the mythology surrounding it and how they were supposed to impart certain properties upon the wearer ”I really like these…what do you think Liz? Are these the ones?”

 Lizzy listened, smiled then responded to Izzy," Yes these are our rings Izzy, now the big question how much are they?" Lizzy was getting right down to the cost, she knew they were not going to be cheap but they were amazing and cost didnt really matter to Lizzy, it was what felt right, and these rings felt right to Lizzy and the Angels would get this vibe from Lizzy.

 KI-LI said,..well, they normally go for......

her  eyes  went to  KE-NA  who  Just  shook  her head, and gave a stern, thin lipped  smile. KI-LI looked stricken  by said slowly...1000  Creds   each,,, That is the   Fleet  price... she  pushed a smile on her face.

 KE-NA  smiled  as she  added,Avery good price , indeed. I can only imagine    how many creds you will make  as other fleet people stop by when they see the exquiste   worksmanship of these  rings..

 Lizzy had stopped breathing for a second and when she said 1,000 each she thought that was very low and noticed KE-NA had something to do with it.

 Lizzy then said happily," Yes that is awesome we will take the pair, and I ill give a 1000 credit tip as well, so charge 3000 please and we are good, an thank you very much."

The rings she and Lizzy had chosen were beautiful and the more she thought about it the more perfect they seemed, which made it so much harder when the subject of price inevitably arose. Izzy hadn’t realised that she was holding her breath until she heard the price, finding it to be substantially lower than she feared, though she suspected that KE-NA had something to do with that, as to why she wasn’t sure ”yes, that sounds wonderful! I’ll be sure to tell my friends in the media industry about how beautiful these rings are” Izzy enthused, having met several bloggers and magazine columnists during her time as a journalist that would love to hear about something as exotic as Zibrumm jewellery, and no doubt the store would appreciate some free advertising.

With the price now out of the way all that was less was to get the rings sized, especially for Izzy’s small and dainty hands that would require something a little smaller than usual to fit her properly.

 Lizzy, Izzy  KE-NA and  KI-LI went  into the  pack

  they   used  'sizer  blanks'  to get the women's   sizes.  then the Tech  , one of the few 'old looking' Angels , anyone ever saw.  had a  box with dozens of  that style of  ring. Matching Up the  Blanks, he slid the rings on each woman's  finger. they were a tad  too  lose. Going to the work bench ,a  some .transformer with  slips was  brought out.

 I must size these. The  machine will heat the  rings  up, much faster then you Body temperature  would do..., it might get , uncomfortable.  But its  better then losing a 10,000 cred  ring ,!

KE-NA did a face palm., The fellow looked  confused, but he struggled,  clipping the  contact onto  Lizzy fingers.. it a minute it was snug, but not tight.

 Lizzy did feel the  heat and..the ring seemed almost alive.

 He repeated the task with Izzy.

 KI-LI  and a  stone  box  with  velvet and two slots, the rings  were placed in there, and  handed to 'whomever' was going to carry them,.

  Lizzy felt the heat and the ring felt alive and then when they were done they took it off. Then the same was done with Izzy's ting and the rings where put into a box.

 Lizzy smiled, and took the stone box and said," Thank you very much, they are so beautiful, are you sure we are good on the price, I do not want these great craftsmen to loose credits over me, these amazing rings are worth every credit I have to spend they are perfect thank you."

 KE-NA  smiles   as she stares at the 'old" angel,They aren't losing any credits...Just think of it as the 'fleet discount'.

 she  held her hands out, brought them together  and clasped her  hand,what is  next?

Following KE-NA and KI-LI into a back room in order to get the rings properly sized, Izzy’s eyes would grow wide as the true price of the rings was revealed causing her to once again question what was going on.

When it came time for her ring to be sized Izzy would feel the warmth as the metal was shrunk down until it fit snuggly about her finger, with her taking a moment to admire how it looked on her hand before removing it and placing it within the stone box. It was then that KE-NA would ask what was next on the agenda ”um…a bouquet for Lizzy and maybe a trip out to see the venue?” she suggested, looking to Lizzy to see if she had anything to add.

  KE-NA nodded,we can go, i have a car waiting outside  for me, they can take us there. keep in mine thry are working  yet and should be  finished  some time tonight

She looks at them both to see if that is their choice.

 Lizzy smiled and nodded at KE-NA on that they were going to get paid enough for the rings that made Lizzy feel better at least.

" Yes I would love to see it first, and I bet it will look amazing. Yes just my bouquet of flower is all that is left, you have taken care of everything else, thank you." Lizzy put the box safely away and then got ready to head out with KE-NA.

 The Car was a very nice hovercar, sleek and   dark blue..   the three  women  got in the back, the driver  drove  for  about  15 minutes.

 KE-NA looked at her COM...The place is  about 15 Minutes  from the Jeweler , so that's another  10 Minutes  from the Hotel

 the car pulled into  Chapel driver.. it  was  a stone  Building, looking very much like an old   Irish or Scottish Castle.  the   courtyard  walls  were  12  feet height. moss  was growing on  some,  KE-NA lead  them into the gate, the  pave  walkway was well tended, Moveable pews  were being set up facing the   door to the Building.

  KE-NA pointe to the   entrance to the   Building. she was looking at  Notes on her COMs.The Bride that will represent the Feminine  side , will come through that  doorway  with , who will be her witnesses?

 pointing to the right she says...The bring who represents the male aspect. will come though that side  door with  heer witnesses... You Captain will be   standing  on this  diaz , with  Provost genral  Bale.. Thus   have   two leagal represetnives , in the Ship's Captain, and the Provost General

 The  band will be set up  on the  west wall,  and  play entranc e and  exit   muisc... when the ceremony is over, you will   follow your witnesses  out the gate and greet guest and  have  pictures... The food  will be served  inside the chapel. by the time you are done  greeting, and eating , the courtyard  well be ready for Dancing  and   whatever esle goes on with human weddings

 a younger angel woman  came with a  Refridgerated m she opened it  showing  a  bouquet  of flowered that  had  hundreds of  colors we showed these thigns  to the Captain and the others who helped plan this. The one  Male said  he liked the  multicolor  flowers, because   rainbows had a image of sorts   for you 'non-traditional' marraige?.. Do you like it?

 Lizzy got into the car with Izzy and when they got close Lizzy's eyes began to tear up, it was so beautiful. The one story her Father told her she hoped was true was her Mother was born in Ireland, and moved to Boston (Southie) when she was 10. This looked so much like the house her Father described to her. Lizzy was beyond joy and Izzy could see the joy and happiness in her eyes, even with the tears.

 Thye got out and Lizzy took Izzy's hand and just said," Wow it is absolutely amazing KE-NA, this place is perfect thank you. Yes I am the Bride, Admiral Hack with be giving me away, walking me down the Aisle as my God Father. " Lizzy was in heaven no matter what this was going to be the best day of her life getting married to Izzy in this place on an Angel Moon, Admiral Hack walking her down the Aisle in a special dress, and having Captain Si perform the Ceremony, that was so very special to Lizzy. Her Mom's good friend getting to Marry her friend's daughter was so very special to Lizzy.

 Lizzy snapped out of it and paid attention as they walked around and looked at everything and where things would be.  Lizzy loved it all and replied," Wow you did think of everything, and also thank everyone that helped you, this will be a very special day for us both thanks to all of you."

 Lizzy smiled and then the young Angel showed up and showed her the most amazingly gorgeous flowers she had ever seen," Yes ... yes, yes, I love them oh wow those are so beautiful, yes it is a symbol for us wow thank you." Lizzy couldn't hold it anymore and then hugged KE-NA, " Thank you very much, this is truly special, thank you."

KE-NA  laughed. as she was  Hugged.it was  said, a Cake needed to be made. A certain Uno Foster is  making it  now? her  Husband is one of your  Fighter Pilots.. we will bring it ti the chapel and have it on display   during the dinner, then when the    dance starts it will be moved to a  table  in the courtyard, for you to  cut  and  people  to  snack on what the   dancing and such goes on.

 I am Just doing  my Job.. I hlkpe to facilitate things. I  helped Nil and  Oliver  with thier  wedding..it was a very Nice human wedding.

With the rings safely in Lizzy’s possession they would get into the back of a waiting car, with Izzy holding Lizzy’s hand as they were driven to the venue, which was only a short distance away the city.

As the old stone building, reminiscent of the castle’s Izzy had seen in films, came into view Lizzy would start to tear as she grew increasingly emotional. Though to be fair even Izzy was beginning to feel a little emotional as KE-NA showed them around and explained how everything was going to work ”Gah! Cake! I knew I’d forgotten something!” Izzy would exclaim when it was revealed that Uno was making them a cake. In the back of her mind she could recall having a cake made by one of the crew but the guy had transferred out not long after their discussion and the whole thing had been forgotten about in amongst everything else.

”Thank you KE-NA this means the world to us…everything here just looks amazing! And the flowers are gorgeous!” Izzy gushed enthusiastically whilst slipping her arm around Lizzy’s waist, glad they’d waited until the morning to come here so they could fully appreciate the plants growing within the courtyard, and the sound of birdsong all around them ”are you going to be alright baby?” Izzy would softly ask, knowing how emotional Lizzy could get and suspecting that her emotions were currently going into overdrive.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:16, Sun 24 Sept 2023.

 Lizzy let KE-NA go and was a little embarrassed, and then held Izzy's hand and said, " I am fine Izzy it is just a dream come true and I wish my mom was here."

 Lizzy got composure and then smiled and said," Yes this is wonderful and thank you all, in making tomorrow a very special day for Izzy and me. Ok anything else we need to go over, sounds like everything is under control. Now what time do you want us here tomorrow, do you have hair stylists available?" 

 KE-NA  tapped on her  COMs  and  nodded as she looked up...You will bear with us?  But  we wil have two hair people here  tomorrow ..One  will be  in the priests   chambers  to do  Lizzy's hair.  another  will be  in a Shuttle  on the side where  Izzy is  to enter to  do her hair..and of course  there will be attendants  to help with the dresses

 Captain Si  set the time  for 12:00, so i would suggest you show  up around 10 with your witness party?

There was an understanding nod, and a reassuring squeeze of her hand as Lizzy spoke of her mother not being here to see her getting married "I know baby, and I know it's not the same but I wish my mom was here too" she quietly replied, knowing that her mother would be able to help with the mess of emotions going on in her head...she'd probably be able to help Lizzy too "...I think I might give her a call tonight...it'd be nice to talk with her about things" Izzy softly added before looking up and listening as KE-NA spoke.

"well...I mean...my party is literally my best friend Sam, I'm not sure if Lizzy has a couple of bridesmaids picked out to go with Nikki and Haley?" Izzy would say, turning to look at Lizzy, unsure if she had asked anyone like Maddy or Brivet to be her bridesmaids. However with a time firmly in place Izzy would quickly send a message to Sam telling her when and where to meet her for the wedding.

 Lizzy smiled at Izzy and then then replied," Yes we can do that Izzy, and I can try to get a hold of Garret."

 Lizzy said," How many people do we need, I have Nikki as my Maid of Honor and Haley as a flower girl, we also have two Ushers who can be witnesses as well. I can ask a few others if we need more people ."

”well, traditionally the bride would have a couple of bridesmaids to follow her down the aisle, however we’re not exactly having a traditional wedding so I guess it’s all up to whether you would like to ask anyone?” Izzy replied. From a legal perspective they had everyone they needed to witness the wedding so it was entirely up to Lizzy whether she wanted any bridesmaids. Though with the ceremony taking place midday tomorrow they would have to act fast if she did want any.

 Lizzy smiled and said, " There is only three I would even consider, Madison, Brivet, and Mara, because her father saved me." Lizzy was still very excited and waited for KE-NA to let them know if they needed anymore people before she asked anyone else.

Having seen all they could of the venue and the preparations, including the lighting as the day started to wane, Izzy would turn to Lizzy and take her hand as she spoke ”I think we’re as prepared as we’re going to be, so I say we head back to the beach, have a drink and try to relax” …and then I’m going to you take you back to our room, rip off that T-shirt, and try our best to break the bed she silently added, not that you could tell from the sweet smile on her lips. It would also give Lizzy the opportunity to decide if she wanted any bridesmaids and ask them ”…so what do you say Liz? Want to head back?”

 KE-NA listened to them   banter  a bit, then  waved to the Car...The  venue is in good hands. These people have set up events  for  The High Chair.  The only differences  . are  Human traditions and such?  But, as the saying goes, One  cannot have  everything. so  we will do the best  with what we have  available. I would, however.. send  some word to those who are supposed to join your party, I have a feeling ...none..of them Know?

she looked though her COM, there is a  small smile,The Pilot's  Wife, who is making you cake, has  The  Tiers  done ... I suppose the rest of the  night  for her, will be  decorating it  and putting it together..it would seem her  Husband  and   a waitress from the Hermes is  helping as well... we do have  the   High  Bakers  there too... she giggled and gave a shake of her  head  as she read the COM text,she has  taken over the Kitchen and out people  are merely her helpers!

 Lizzy smiled took Izzy's hand and said," Thak you for everything we will see you tomorrow at 10 am. Oh ok we will get the word out thank you." Lizzy was thinking of asking Maddy to be another brides maid, maybe he will ask her when she sees her hopefully he has a dress she can wear.

 Lizzy laughed about the pilot's wife, taking over the kitchen." Wow that will be an amazing cake, good night KE-NA."

 Lizzy took Izzy's hand they got into the car and headed back to the beach, she was starving.

--->>>>> To Blue moon lake and Beach

”Yes, it may be wise to send out some messages and let everyone know when and where” Izzy quietly agreed with KE-NA as the car came around, imagining that it would be rather depressing if no one showed up because they simply hadn’t told anyone what was going on.

At the mention of the Most High’s personal chef being relegated to a kitchen hand Izzy would quietly giggle at the thought before climbing into the back of the car so they could go back to the beach and spend a little time together.

——> The Beach

------->>>>>>> From Condo

Zob had a content smile on his face as they rode towards the steakhouse upon reaching their destination he paid the driver and set off towards the building, "Well what can i say... not all guardians are angels" he chuckled hard at that joke as he stepped inside letting the waitress know a table for two.

 Sam gave Zob a hug and a kiss on his cheek and replied," Does that mean I have a Guardian Demon now?" Sam smiled and giggled.

 They went in Sam was enjoying herself and then waited for the waitress to bring them to their table.

In reply to Samantha Robertson (msg # 130):

If Zob blushed from the kiss it wasn't apparent due to his already orange skin, "Quite so" he said as a server brought them to their table he requested two glasses and a bottle of wine as well as a juicy steak for what passed as cows here on the moon.

 Sam smiled and knew now Zob would always watch over her and protect her, that made her feel real safe. Sam ordered," Yes I will have the Burian steak special, I will have the potato things, with garden fresh veggies with side of Blue Moon sauce, medium to medium rare on the steak please. I like a little pink." Sam giggled and let Zob order the wine, Sam did ask for water as well. Sam was having a great time, and Zob was so much more than a killing machine, even though he did that job very well.

After the server left to get the order another returned with the wine and drinks, he then poured both her and him a glass, "Almost makes you forget we are fighting a war, its nice to sit down and have dinner with such pleasant company"

 Sam smiled as Zob poured the wine, " Yes it does, thank you very much. You are also very pleasant company." Sam was having a great time, she was scared of bringing something up but she would before the night was over that is for sure, but not yet.

 Sam held her glass up and said," To us, thank you for a wonderful day."
 Sam then clocked her glass to Zob's then took a sip of the wine.

In reply to Samantha Robertson (msg # 134):

Zob smilied and clinked his glass with hers theb he took a sip, "I'll admit it wasent always like this but I'm truly happy for the person the delta fleet has turned me into"

As he was about to say something else the food arrived, "Well this all looks great shall we?" he was having a great time but also worried a bit about boring her.

 Sam smiled and replied," I saw the old reports, but you earned their trust and now are a valuable member of the Hermes. "

 Then the food arrived, " Yes it looks great, thank you very much." Sam dug in and the food was amazing.

After a good bit Zob finished his dinner and when the bill came he got scanned, "I know it seems unlikely but i can't shake this strange feeling that somebody is gonna cause issues at that wedding tomorrow... i hope not but my time here has taught me to never rule out the possibility"  he said taking another dip of the wine.

 Sam looked at Zob and replied," Izzy has a lot of enemies but everyone loves Lizzy, so I am not sure. Hey you will be there and a lot of other Hermites. If something happens we will take care of it like Hermites."

Zob frowned just slightly, "I haven't been around when many of these things happen with her so all i have to go off of is peoples reports and gossip... truth be told i don't care as long as its not getting our people killed, would not be a good thing to get married then sent off to the deltas having to bust rocks until the end of days... but i digress if something does happen will do our best to remedy the situation... speaking of which i have a question what exactly does a Usher do they weren't very clear to me about what that means" in the end Zob kept a open mind about the situation.

  <<<<<< from Condo.

 The Hover  car   came down, surprisingly  there wasn't  an Occui  driver,  But  an Angel.. He looked at  Roy and  Dusk where  too?  I  can Go inywhere with In  20  Miles  from The City... we ..um..might want to  stay away from the East..there seems to have been  a fire  and  some attacks?.. alot of  people dead..

 Sam replied," Well I have seen her do dumb stuff but I think Lizzy is changing her slowly and she is very good for Izzy. She is my best friend. Oh an Usher is usually someone the Bride and Groom trust, and respect, they help people find their seats and basically are personal security for the bride and groom."

Roy shrugged.  "Looking for a good place to eat, preferably where people aren't going to stare at us because we're offworlders.  Not too picky about where, as long as the food is good and the service is friendly."

  The Angel Laughed,well.. all  places  are good.. the  thing you  have to ask yourself.. do you want good APF  food, where there won't be as many Angels? Of  Good Angel Fod, where there  will be  Angels?

In reply to Samantha Robertson (msg # 141):

Zob listened and nodded his head, "Sounds pretty straight forward the fancy balls are pretty much the only formal occasion i get invited to so my experience is rather limited when it comes to actual weddings" Once the glass was empty he set it off to the side having had enough he had to be up rather early tomorrow for the wedding.

 Sam smiled and replied," Oh thats fine I think Izzy and Lizzy just want you there, because they want their friends there. "

 Sam finished ehr meal and her drink and said," It is gettig alte should we head back to the Comdo or back to the beach?"

Zob nodded and dialed in for a taxi to come pick them up outside, "We should head back to the condo its been an eventful day that and we shouldn't be up to much later don't wanna wake up late for the wedding" he said as his eyes casually glanced over her form once again but it was the crystal blue eyes that sold it everytime.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:55, Tue 10 Oct 2023.

 Sam smiled and replied," Ok that sounds great and it has been an amazing day thank you Zob. Well we dont have to be there till 10 am so we do have some time." Sam got up and got ready to head back.

Roy snorted softly.  "I don't care how many Angels are there, as long as they aren't assholes..."  He looked over at Dusk.

"Do you want to play it safe?  Or go with the local fare?"

Zob got up with her as well and made his way out front where the cab was waiting for them, "I'm glad you enjoyed it Sam will have to do this again very soon, next time ill have to make us dinner back at my place" he then opened the door for her to let her in the cab before entering himself, "If you wish we could ride together tomorrow if you desire?" he offered her.

------> To Condo
This message was last edited by the player at 03:47, Tue 10 Oct 2023.

 Sam walked out with Zob, him towering over her. " That sounds wonderful Zob I am really looking forward to that." Sam loved him being the perfect gentleman, Sam got in the cab and moved over to let Zob have some room she would end up very close to him though.

 Sam then had a big smile and replied," That would be amazing, I also have an idea, you could go get your stuff and you can stay with me in my VIP room and we could leave a lot quicker together?" There Sam did it, she really wanted him to say yes, and she had a sparkle in her eye as before he could answer she gave him another kiss on his cheek and added," Would you like to stay with me Zob?"

------->>>>>>> To Condo

    in the heart of the  city was a   , rather large, eating Place. It had a   picture  of   Angel warrior with a  Pulse rifle in one hna d and a   Dish of   some kind of meat and veggies...'BATTLE  BUFFET "

  The  Driver gave   Roy a  'call button'...That  Call Button  is good  until the Fleet cast's  off , if you need it.. I try to stay arpund the city, so i'm easy to call..

He points to the  Building...Nice place? You have to order your drinks from  a server, but once you get your table  You can go to the Buffet and  take whatever you want,..its pricey?  But i'm sure a Human  Marie  can   eat enough to make it  cost effective!

 Nodding to people going in and out,You'll see   Fleet and  APF  folks in there, But  ..i don't know? 60% will me native Angels..The Mooners  won't mind you.. transplants from prime?  they may not be happy to see you. What do you think?

  Dusk  shrugs..I say we go in? if they do not like us, they can leave.. we may only get to stop here once!

Roy shrugged and nodded.  "Not likely to get anything much more welcoming than that.  And I care shit-all for what any Prime transplants have to say about us..."  He gave the driver a nod as he took the call button.

"If anyone who ISN'T from the Hermes asks where you dropped us off, send them somewhere else, okay?" he asked, as he scanned his wrist for the credits due plus a significant tip.

  The  Angel nodded.Upu  bet... she  should have a good Night here..and enough Fleet folks around in case there are  some bores?  Have a Good   dinner..

 they walked  in a rather  Fetching  Angel dresses in a  sexy version of  .Light armor, greeted them , leading them to a  quiet table .

There were all sorts there.  even a Female Demon, colored in the same  way as  Zobe, she  say  with Two Ape men  and a  female Apefolk.

 If  I may suggest? You  could  order the  Buffet and help yourselves, except for Drinks which i will bring you. Or , You may  order  from the Menu.. The pages  are  sorted  by Race  types? she places  a  menu book down in front of  each.

She waited  for them,  Dusk asked  for  a Glass  Of  Blue  Astra Wine, Then Looked at Roy.The  buffet sounds  intriguing , or would  your  rather  order  from the 'Earth page'?

Roy grinned a little, after indicating that he'd have the same to drink...he didn't normally bother with wine, although he didn't necessarily dislike it...or, at least, certain varieties of it.  "I'm a Marine...they say they teach us to eat things that a billy goat wouldn't touch, although that probably doesn't mean much to people who didn't grow up around goats.  But I get to eat Earth food all the time...or, at least, Earth menu items prepared with equivalent ingredients from somewhere else.  We're having a little fun and exploring some new adventures here...pretty sure we can take a risk on some Angel cuisine."  There were only a handful of Earth dishes he wouldn't eat, and he recognized them more by smell than by appearance, so he was pretty sure that he could handle whatever the buffet threw at them...anything that smelled too strongly like shellfish or liver, he could steer clear of and just focus on the stuff that smelled either innocuous or enjoyable.

  There were  Little signs up on some of the foods, there were  soups and fruits and Veggies.

 Dusk took some meats, mas Veggies and  Gout a  Bug-type Bowl of come creamy soup.I fugure, since its  a Buffet..whatever  I do not  Like, I will leave, and go try somehting else!

Roy nodded, adding small portions of almost everything to his plate as they moved through the buffet.  A few items he skipped, as the smell (or apparent texture) gave him pause, but he was otherwise pretty liberal with selections, looking to try a little bit of almost everything, rather than load up on a few 'safe' options.  "That really is the basic premise of a buffet," he commented, and then grinned slightly.

"I never thought about it before...but where did the notion of buffet-style serving get started, anyway?  I mean, it's pretty common on Earth...but is it something that migrated out from Earth, or something that Earth adopted?  And if Earth adopted it, who started it?"  He chuckled a little as he thought about it, and added, "Another one of the galaxy's great imponderable questions...we'll probably never know, and everyone out there who has anything resembling a buffet service probably claims they developed it on their own..."

   Dusk  shook her head  as she   ate, she frowned  at something, but sw3allowed it  any way..other things  she   ate   with a smile.

..we did not have such things  on Vera. They had   regular eat8ing places. There was some Off  world places. run by aliens. but not Many. I think , Uden might have places like this. , I did not go out much there.  I have  to  guess, that the Carrier Stations have buffets?

Roy nodded.  "I'd bet you good money that pretty much anywhere that's had humans settled in for any significant length of time is gonna have a buffet somewhere.  Well, maybe not the Delta Colonies, but that's because they're still new enough that everyone's working on getting past survival mode.  You've got to have a certain degree of leisure built into your society before you start seeing the development of eating establishments like this...people need the luxury of paying someone else to make their food for them, and the time to go somewhere else for them to do it.  When your daily routine consists of using every last minute to keep your people fed and your home intact, you don't have discretionary funds to pay someone else to make your food, and by the time you get a chance to sit down and eat, you don't want to go somewhere else to get food...unless it's like some kind of communal dining area..."  He shrugged.

The food was, overall, pleasant...some of it was a delight, but most of it was a bit on the bland side after growing up in the Southwest US, where chilis of one sort or another were an almost ubiquitous ingredient.  Roy made mental notes as he tried the various foods, what he wanted to go back and get more of, what he wanted to avoid, and what he wanted to ask more questions about, although he'd probably wait on that and ask Captain Si or Na-Ce back on the ship, rather than look too much like a tourist.

  Dusk  points to some of the colorful fruits  on his dish.these are good.. Juciey and somewhat sweet./. they are noted as being from Astra

I like   meats? The  bright ornage  meet..is not so good. It is from Occui  homework..But the  Bright  Blue  meet, is  from Aqra.it is some kind of  swamp...um?  Bovine?..it is very good.

 when   we  go back up? I am going to  get a Milkshake.

Roy nodded.  "Meats can be really hit or miss...a lot of their flavor is influenced by the diet of the animal, but when you get into animals from different worlds, it's further complicated by variations in standard body chemistry..."  He shrugged, adding, "And as a general rule, prey animals live bovines are usually more tasty than predators."  He looked at the orange stuff, and shrugged.

"Of course, we don't even know for sure what kind of animal that is, much less whether it's a predator or prey, so there's plenty of room for error in that theory."

He shrugged, seeming to dismiss the dilemma with the gesture, and popped a piece of some kind of purplish fruit in his mouth.  He took a second to chew it, savoring the juices the pulp released, and pushed it into his cheek long enough to say, "And a milkshake would be a great way to wrap up the night.  Hard to go wrong, there, unless your body can't digest milk..."

He grinned as he chewed some more, and then swallowed the fruit.  "But if it tastes good enough going in, a little digestive misery could be worth it, I suppose..."

FLEX

The meal proceeded very much as expected...they each went back and got more of their favorites from their first go around, offering each other bites of dishes they'd gotten that the other hadn't, talking quietly about growing up and what Human parents were like, about their time at the beach, about sights they'd like to see (not just on the Blue Moon, but as they continued talking, about places on various planets they'd been to or stellar phenomena they'd heard about)...trying to focus on anything except the Fleet and what they'd done or where they might be going next.

When they'd finally had their fill, Roy buzzed for the taxi that had brought them there, as they continued chatting quietly while waiting for the car to arrive, and then headed back to the hotel, heading up to the condos later than most (after leaving yet another generous tip for the driver), and called it a night.

(( after leaving the   Condo)

 Arnie   rented  a Hover  Nike from Missy's people.  He   Got on  and said..I have heard  how Pilots  fly?  so... I'll drive to  the  town, you can drive  back.

 Taking off,   it  took them a few Moments  to  get into town.. to the  east, there was a glow of  light, and shuttles   flew  out and back from that direction.

  Stopping   at the third  Club then  aw.' MoonLess Night".. the  music   was thumping   and   people were hanging outside with a drink or  smoke sticks... the Hover  Bike  secured, then  went inside  , it was Mostly  dark, with Flashed of  colored lights   while muti colored  orbs  seemed to flight around the  ceiling on their  own.. the Live  band   was made up of Humans  and Angels with a  Female Skyth sinking... good choice  by the  band  with the Skyth's  hormone aura adding to the delight of her Voice.

She laughed at Arnie's comment with how pilots fly and playfully smacked his shoulder before saddling up behind him, wrapping her arms around his waist. The sensation was thrilling as she clung to him, eyes darting around, trying to take in their surroundings as they went. Pulling up to the club, Billie smiled, that heavy beat calling to her...enticing her. She bit her bottom lip in anticipation as Arnie parked and once it was stopped, she hopped off eagerly. Taking ahold of Arnie's hand, she eagerly made her way towards the Club.

As odd as it was, Billie hated large crowds but the music made it better, the beat coursing through her and drowning out everything, everyone (save Arnie). Every fiber in her being just called out, wanting to move, to just let the music guide her as she gave herself over. Managing some semblance of control, Billie turned and gave Arnie a deep kiss before dragging him towards the dance floor.