Roy grinned at Rivets' question.  "Accomplished what we intended...Hermes wasn't anywhere close to docking, so the people we went in after hadn't buttoned up their hideouts yet.  Three for three, plus plenty of additional personnel lost on their side, and with no Delta Fleet in port, they aren't gonna know who to blame.  We tried to plant some tidbits to make it look like an internal struggle within the EDT and their allies."

He shrugged, and added, "If it works, they'll be killing each other for us for a while.  And if it doesn't, well..."  He shrugged again.  "Not like we're out anything for the effort.  We had a few wounded, but nobody lost, so they DEFINITELY got the short end of the stick."

He waved for the others to head along and start getting ready, as Lyri led the female part of their little contingent off to go get prettied up at the Captain's quarters.

  Rivets gave a hard nod,well? that's  good, Isn't it... beat them bastards  down.. If it was me.. I'd  send  any captured  ship that coulding be   repaires, into  Lad V's   asteriod  web, and   Blow up some of them  rocks, turn  her pathway into  death traps..we  did it once..but no enough, by half!

Then he gave   Roy a comic   look,Captain Shadow   went up with them Girls?  I'm thinkin' ya  need to get ready, aye? as he  smiled   and turned, he stopped.That wee Larg Master  we have.. I think he's  havin some troubles? You should   stop by his home sometime... Since he's official now, he chose the marine   unifrom, and SEC  desigination, for his Larg master  outfit... I think, The LC was helpin' him out..But he seems  ta  talk  'bout  you and Zob alot when he  takes his turn on the hanger dec.

Roy's face softened visibly at the comment about Roll talking about him.  "He's a good kid, who deserves a helluva lot better than he got."  He grinned fondly, and continued, "He chose Marine colors, huh?  We'll have to do something about making that official...otherwise, Shadow's gonna steal him away to be Navy..."

He grinned sidelong at Rivets, and added, "Nothing personal, Captain.  But that kid's got Marine-level fortitude and he'd be wasted in the Navy."  He chuckled...the two branches had operated side by side since someone decided that sailing ships needed foot-soldiers to do the hard in-fighting that sometimes came along, and there was a kind of good-natured (most of the time) pseudo-sibling-rivalry between them.

Not waiting for Rivets to come up with a retort, he continued, "And, yes, I'd best go get cleaned up and put my party dress on.  The good captain isn't pushy enough to demand attention, but she deserves it."  He gave Rivets a nod and a casual salute and headed for his quarters, adjacent to Security.

<<<<<<<  From LC Shadow's  quarters

 The   4 of them stepped  off  there was a  'wolfette  whistle'..Looking Good! brivet calle dout.

 well..Thanks..I..

 not y0u!..  The Larg Master!  she grinned  as  Shadow looked embarrassed...

Roll  beamed, Thank you Ma;am.. I like your  shirt too!

Brivet looked at her  ..'near' thigh high  dress and it was her  turn  be embarrassed ..but not much!

 That's her Party Dress,  Roll.

 oh!  Wow...  well, she has  really long legs?  and  because of how short it is , it should save time when she  has to...

 Shadow  put his hand Over  Roll's Mouth  and  Hustled him forward  as he   said in a whisper  , what things  you don't talk about

 Brivet was  embarrassed a bit more , but  was smiling. Cindy Luv was   laughing..gods!..that was  funny! what are you smiling at..

 even  the Little  guy noticed  my legs...

 Cindy   Rolled her eyes,alright  Miss   legs, lets  get to the hnager.. I want to ride  with Shadow...

Jason arrives at the hanger dec after a brief pause to take a quick shower and get dressed. He takes a moment to look around before boarding a limo.

Justin shrugged, after the others had exited he waited then stepped out of the lift. Making his way to the lines of Skeeters where he waited until the LC's shuttle had taken off. Joining any crew for the next available shuttle.

Roy caught the tail end of the exchange between Roll and Brivet, carefully managing the grin on his face to prevent it from turning into full-blown laughter.  He shortly caught up with Shadow, Shade, and Roll...  "Sweet-talking the lady pilots already?" he asked, with an obviously-joking tease in his voice.  He shook his head, still grinning, and added, "The kid's definitely cut from Marine Corps cloth...put him in dress blues and the ladies can't help but notice..."  He reached out to clap Roll on the shoulder, giving the boy a wink.

 Shadow   chuckled  softly,well, he chosen the  'srvice ' colors. Said that  the Largs  were  SEC, and alot , if not most SEC  are marines

   The ladies  were flowing in, not that the  men weren't, its  just , all eyes were on the ladies  in their Dresses.

  Rivets  came over,We Got us three of them Long ones... Brass goes in there  first..Then those  who  have thier partners, then The  LC
 and anyone  wants  to be seen with him

 Larry came over, looking mournful with the 'larg Blanket; on and his  rank and  awards... Roll  rubbed his  noggin.I guess  i'm supposed to have larry with  me...an'  i guys Haley ... Mila should be here  with larry. Which Limo should i go in?

"Well," Roy began, looking thoughtfully down at Roll and Larry.  "The Master Chief and I usually travel with Admiral Hack and Captain Si, as a security detail.  You and Larry would be a good addition to that...but it would mean that Haley wouldn't have anyone to walk in with."  He gave Roll a serious look, presenting a new wrinkle to the problems of growing up, and having duty interfere with personal wishes.

"So, if you want to be part of the security detail for the Fleet Brass, you'll go in the first one, with Master Chief Mullins and myself.  If you want to walk in with Haley, you'd go in the second one."  He grimaced, and added, "You could go in the third one with the LC and the ladies, but you'd attract a lot of attention and I don't think you'd like the kind of attention it would be."  He shrugged, continuing, "Or, you can go in the first one with us, and wait at the front doors for Haley so she has an escort in.  Right now, the choice is completely up to you."

  Magin  arrived  with Dusk  ,

 Dusk   posed  for Roy...The  Dark green  Metallic ..what do you Think..SM....

  Shadow shook his head  as he looked at her.  Shade  and Magin stood there,  Maria popped up  and she and   Magin gave  eat other a  'tolerable' smile.

   Larry  looked up  at Shadow.You're Lucky... Largs  don't have to worry about Ladies! Larry thumped his tail a  couple times.

 Frakas and Lirg were  dressed in  the  ESN  uniforms, both has Marine Uniforms on

Roy grinned at Dusk.  "I think I'm very fortunate that my date for the ball is also part of the Fleet brass, so I don't have the dilemma our young largmaster is suffering right now.  All of my reasons for going put me in the first limo out...Command Sergeant Major for the Fleet, security detail for the Admiral...and escort to one of the most alluring Captains in the Fleet."

His grin widened.  "I could say more, but young ears are present, and it's not appropriate for even a Sergeant Major to talk to a Captain in that fashion."  He gave a soft snort of laughter, his grin turning sly, and he glanced in Shadow's direction.

"And I know it's not ESN protocol, but I was raised to not discuss certain things about your date's appearance in front of her father..."

  Shadow  Chuckled,There  are   time, Roy? That i  feel i can hear  Lady  laughing. All the 'in jokes' she ha d with Hannah , at my expense...

 Dusk was pleased with Roy's answer. She Giggled at  Shadow. ...you did  not too bad  of a Job as a Father. Look  at were  My Brother  and I are...

 I don't think  any of that is because of me... well..With Shade, he had to figure out which bad  guys to kill , and which to let slide.. I always said..Killed them, if we are wrong, we'll apologize later.

 larry thumped  his tail at that. Roll looked up at  Roy,I think... I wil go with Haley  and we  can go in the Middle car? They got all fixed up for this....so..i would not  want her to feel bad.... Unless..One of you would Order me...

 OHHHHH  no you don't Little Larg Master...  we've been around the  sector a few time... you're not gonna have us  make  that choices for you  . You might  be a tad slick...but  I'm well oiled..

Rolls sorta got  embarrassed..

 Raven came over in a  black Dress, plunged down the  front  and Back, Red water  was with her..Hello!..wow. Captains sure clean up nice... Hey.. Kray.. i gotta ask.. you gonna kill anyone at the Ball, I would like to know, because  I can';t  fight good when i'm drunk..

 Don't  know?I mean. if  some one were to get overly  jerkish, they may have to go to Med tech, so , it will come down to how many of his or her friends  want to join them in Med tech

Roy grinned at Dusk's comments to Shadow, choosing to keep his mouth shut.  When Roll made his decision, and Shadow weighed in that he was not going to give Roll an order, Roy gave a gentle smile, and added, "If we were going to order you, I wouldn't have said that it was your choice to make.  Good officers...and ESPECIALLY good NCOs...don't give you a choice and then penalize you for making a choice they may not like by turning it into an order."

He faced Roll, bending a little at the knees (and noticing that he wasn't having to bend quite as far as he used to) to look Roll in the eyes and resting a hand on his shoulder.  "You made a thoughtful and considerate decision.  I want you to keep on making decisions like that, as much as you can."  He gave Roll's shoulder a gentle squeeze, his eyes full of pride at the maturity shown by such a young man.

As Raven finished her information request, he straightened up, turning to her with a grin.  "Let's face it...history being what it is, there's enough of a track record that you felt like it was a valid question.  That means there's a not-inconsiderable chance that the pattern will repeat.  So, I'd say you should decide in advance where the priority is.  If you want to be able to fight, you should go easy on the drinking.  If you want to drink, you shouldn't plan on fighting."  He shrugged.

"It's not like there's a shortage of willing and capable fighters who will be there.  You sober and fighting well isn't likely to make a huge impact over you drunk and fighting poorly...because, let's face it, if you're drunk enough that you can't fight well, you're going to be too drunk to tell yourself to stay out of it.  So, decide now which way you want to enjoy the night...busting chops or killing bottles."  He chuckled, and added, "Just don't start complaining if you decide to stay clear-headed and no serious fighting breaks out.  It'd be nice to have one of these where someone's tactical analysis worked better than their out-of-control ego, for a change."

------> From Civie Quarters

After getting cleaned up and suited up he made his way down to the hanger dec to wait for Sam who he was excited to see after being out for quite a while, 'keep it cool Zob you got this' he thought to himself as he stood there waiting a warm smile on his face.

------>>>>> from Captain Si's Quarters

 Sam walked in with Nikki, Haley, Jug and a few others. Sam walked onto the hanger dec and easily spotted Zob all dressed up and he looked very handsome. Sam walked towards Zob, he seemed to notice her as she walked towards him and gave him a big hug and kiss then said," You look very handsome Zob, I am glad things went well and all of you got back."

Bog and 2 other gavas came to the Hangar Dec in their dress tunics. He wondered where their leader was.  Only when seeing Roy did he approach him "I cannot find Lt Jug.  She usually is ready to attend parties.  3 other gava will go down rest will help fill SEC aboard ship"

several minutes later as the ladies came down did Jug exit the elevator. Bog staired wide-eyed.

Nikki and Haley had exited the lift. Mitch and Benny weren't there just yet. she pointed towards Roy and Dusk, they made a handsome couple. nearby was Roll and Larry "There is Roll and Larry" she pointed. then led them over "SM, Dusk. Gorgeous dress" she said with a gentle smile.  She turned to Roll "I hear congratultions are in order. You're a Larg Master JG now"
"Cool" Haley said with a bright smile "Is it just Larry going with us?" she reached and skritched behind an earhole.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:13, Thu 18 Apr.

——> Captain Si’s Quarters

Tarja would walk with Meari and Nikki down to the hangar dec, trying desperately to remember how to look elegant whilst walking in heels as she did so.

She would follow the others over to the waiting limousines where she would start anxiously looking around for her date.

 Roll   gave a bit of  a smile to Roy, Yes, Mr  SM, i will try to be smart when  i make choices....The LArgs are  smart too.. They  don't do stupid  stuff...

   Roll looked  as Nikki and Company  appeared , Gee, Haley, you look very nice? Like   one of the  older ladies!
Shadow winced  at the 'older Ladies", then shrugged.  Roll was  young enough to get away with it.

  Seeing the others   walk in, and eye Brow  raised..  Vanska?.. You look much differant  with out your hair  pulled back so tight you eyebrows look surprised all the time!... This is a Good  change ... he looked at   the other ladies.I can honestly  say, I have  never  seen Ladies  from the Hermes, who were out done  bu the locals!

Ariv and Hirr  camera  by, Ariv   brushed  a shoulder  against the LC...you are  to be meaning that  for all..or just the Humans?

 Shadow chuckled at the 'trap', but waded right through it.you are a  Felrite, Not a Creshian.. and the  fur  you Ladies have just adds to the allure...

Ariv smiled ,Maybe there will be a time for  a dance... LT  Hirr had to look away  trying to hide the embarrassed  smile.

 Maybe,  Don't Know if my Date is  comign down or not, and even if she  does, i have to dance with some notables  and such, ..But  I try to dance  with  some of  ..OUR ..Ladies  , as much as i can, though   i am not polished as a dancer.

 Beth and Floes arrived, Beth giggled,Ladies  give you a pass, Shadow, its  not how you dance with them, Its  ...you are dancing with them!

Flores  giggled,yeah, its not like you are Steele?

an indagate  'HEY'  sounded from the gathering of people.

  Arnie  was looking  for Billie.

 There was a  high pitched  whist5le   with Mitch  yelling Hey!  OZARK!  over here!  Mithc  and Benny where  as the top of the Loading  ramp for the Middle  doors.. The  Bow   door  had  wheeled  tram carts  with stacks  of  supplies coming in.. while some dec Hands had hover carts.

 Mitch and  Benny where  dressed in their  Whites,  Benny's looked almost brand new.

The Lifts  opened , Admirals Hack, Roles and Hennings  stepped off , with Captain Si...Miller ..and Emmy  behind them, Bale  walked with  Lilly  and  Captain Morris  walked Dana.

 Sneak had Found   Jax, and  was hugging hem as they talked softly, though she seemed to be  relived  rather then chatty.

—-> Captain Si’s Quarters

Hand in hand with Lizzy, a giggling Izzy would practically skip out of the lift and head towards the waiting limousines making a b-line to the couple’s limousine so they could find a seat. With Izzy eager to get to the ball and show off her beautiful new wife.

Justin gives them a smile as he congratulates the pair on their choices.

----->>>>> From Captain Si's Quarters

 Lizzy walked out of the lifts holding Izzy's hand, she was smiling as well. " Yes lets head for the Couples Limo." As they walked Justin smiled at them, Lizzy smiled and waved back.

In reply to Samantha Robertson (msg # 748):

Zob smiled and gave her a kiss back, "You look incredible Sam, shall we head to the couples limo?" he asked her as he turned his gaze to their ride extending his hand for her to take when she was ready.

 Sam smiled and accepted the kiss back, then replied," Awww thank you so much, sure Izzy and Lizzy are heading there too you lead the way I trust you with my life." Sam took Zob's hand and they headed for the couples Limo, Sam let Zob lead the way.

---->>>>>> From Captain Si's Quarters


 Meari walked with Nikki, and Tarja. Meari heard Mitch and saw a very nice-looking Benny, Tarja's date. " Tarja he is over there, I \will look for Frakas, I will see you in the couples limo."

 Meari gave her friend a hug and then headed over to look for Frakas.