NationStates Jolt Archive

Music played throughout the area, vendors on the streets sold their goods, people having a good time with their friends and family. It was apparent that this was about that thing that the military was building in the middle of the city and they were about to reveal their newest creation to the public, since it had been under wraps during its entire project duration. This festival could be the Ganoxian people's largest since the founding of the Alliance thirty years ago, covering the entire metropolitan area of New Severail City.

Salas, a new recruit in the Aero-Space Force who just turned eighteen, was enjoying his time off at the festival with a couple of buddies, Lotty and Rane, before he had to ship off to an unknown location. The military couldn't disclose the destination until after today, so it had something to do with the unveiling he thought. They three were walking down the sidewalk, chatting up a storm, remembering old times until Salas bumped into a young woman, immediately catching her. The woman, who was in her early twenties, looked up at Salas.

"I'm sorry about that, are you okay?" Salas asked, helping her stand up.

"Um...thank you," she blushed.

"That would have been a nasty fall their!" he chuckled.

"Thank you very much, but I must be going." she began running again.

What her hurry? he thought

Suddenly one of his buddies slapped him on the back, "Ow!"

"C'mon we'll be late for the ceremony."

People began crowding into the center square of the city. A large platform was situated in front of a large building. Two lines of seats on each side of the podium were filled with gentlemen and ladies in business suits and military
officers in their dress uniforms. Unfortunately for Salas he was in the back of the large crowd looking from a emergency exit platform with some binoculars, while his buddies started to clamber up the ladder. The music began to turn down as a man appeared behind the podium. Salas could recognize him as Chairman Wraith Kotor of the Council.

"Wow this must be big for the General to arrive," he said.

"What? Lemme see," Salas pushed Lotty back, "aw."

"It is a great pleasure to see you, people of Ganoxa."

The crowd cheered.

"Since the Cyveron War and the Great Exodus our people have struggled against innumerable odds to survive the harsh realities of the universe. Our people had suffered from several wars, domestic and foreign, and we survived. Our people had suffered horrors that none should never see and pulled through. Our people was forced from their homes and built new ones. Our people. It should be seen as a tradition rather than a trait, our ability to survive. Now, my people, my friends, my family, I hereby unveil our next step in our people's survival."

The large building disappeared behind the podium to reveal the construction (http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a287/GeneralZhukov3333/Linguna.jpg).

"A SHIP!?" Salas shouted.

"Behold the GCS Linguna, the first colony ship to leave this system."

The cheer that roared from the crowd could have been heard in neighboring cities. Salas smiled as he looked at his buddies, "I guess that's where I'm going boys."

"To my left is the Captain of this ship, Fleet Admiral Everest Gerardas. Along with his command crew sitting."

Salas panned the command crew to view his future superiors, but one of them caught his eye. "No way!"

"What?"

"Its that woman from before, shes on the command crew," he explained

"Oh shit!" Rane laughed.

About thirty minutes later and some more accreditation, Kotor drank some water and wiped his brow. "Finally that's out of the way. Now for the finale, now my people look at the Linguna." Music (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6bhBAjC6HM) started to play as the ship roared. The crowd sat in awe as the ship made its ascent into the heavens. Its engines blared as it cleared the cityscape, steadily climbing into space.

A couple months had passed, with a massive media campaign promoting the colonization program to the people. They're were some skeptics to the program, seeing it as the government's excuse for imperial expansion, instead of it benefiting the public. However, the positions had been filled and the final batch of colonists have arrived at the station, to which the Linguna was docked with. Salas was piloting his new Shield-Class fighter (http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a287/GeneralZhukov3333/ShieldClass.jpg), making a routine patrol around the station.

"Attention Red Squadron, Attention Red Squadron. The ship is preparing its jump into hyperspace, please return to base."

"Roger that," Red Squadron leader, Captain Max Walburg acknowledged, "You heard the lady.

The squadron began landing in one of the giant hangar arms. of the Linguna. Lieutenant Misa Likosia turned to Captain Gerardas, "All fighters have returned to base Captain."

"Are we clear of Station 2236?" he asked.

"Yes sir and we are linking up with the fleet." one of the other officers said.

"All craft prepare the jump to hyperspace."

The Linguna was the first to lance off as the rest of the fleet followed suit. GCF-01 has left the system.

The Linguna came out of hyperspace and began to cruise along as the rest of the fleet followed suit surrounding the ship. Captain Gerardas sat back in his chair as the ensuing asteroid field showed up on one of the TacDisplays. He looked over to Lieutenant Likosia, "Task a squadron to investigate that field Lieutenant."

"Yes sir," she turned back to the screen. She brought up the squadrons available and touched on Red Squadron. "Attention Red Squadron. Blue Alert."

"Attention Red Squadron, Blue Alert." Salas heard the alert in his apartment, as the rest of the Squadron could hear it throughout the city. After hailing a taxi he got in and was on his way to the hangar area his squadron was based off of. After putting on his flightsuit, he ran to his fighter and climbed into the cockpit, closing the canopy.

"Red Squadron, ready."

"Roger RS-1, you have a go."

"Roger that!" he punched (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxml4TtIX2I) the throttle along with the rest of his squadron.

"Red Squadron you are to proceed to area 0-1-8, information will be uploaded into your systems."

"Roger, Alright boys and gals, simple routine scouting mission. I don't want any funny business, no fancy maneuvers."

A series of acknowledgments rang through Salas' cockpit as they tightly maneuvered through the asteroid field. It wasn't a violent one like the Haling Asteroid field back in the home system, but very much like the Naguma Asteroids he trained in.

"Red Seven. Red Seven!"

"Huh? Oh...yes sir?"

"Pay attention will ya. You're falling behind, get back into formation." Max ordered.

"Yes sir."

They flew deeper into the field unknowing that someone was watching them.

OOC: If you want an invite TG me.

"Sir I think I'm picking up something, it lo -AHHHH," suddenly Red Twelve exploded into a large fireball. There was no way it could have been a meteoroid or some other object that could have struck his fighter, Max knew something was up.

"Spread out into your teams and stick together like glue, I don't want any reckless acts out their. Command come in."

Suddenly Misa's face showed up on the right hand mini-display on Sala's instrument panel. "Copy RS-1, whats your status."

"Red Twelve is KIA, I repeat Red Twelve is KIA. This area is hot."

"Roger," she confirmed

Salas on the other hand was flying behind his team leader Lieutenant Quezal Kiliin, a Zentradi rescued from the Megaroad incident, and two others. Learning from his past mistake, he immediately caught up with the rest of the formation. Their was an unusual clearing in the middle of the asteroids coming up into view. Kiliin immediately stopped his fighter by going into Gerwalk mode, which transforms the fuselage and engines into arms and legs, respectively, and keeps the canopy intact. The rest of his team followed suit with Sala's being the slowest.

"What's the ma-" Salas was interrupted.

"Be quiet," he immediately transformed the fighter to its Arm Slave mode, and made signals with his manipulators to hide behind certain asteroids. The rest of the team once again followed their leader's example by switching to AS mode and followed his signals. They all crouched up on the top of the asteroids which weren't spinning like the rest were.

"Alright, sergeant."

"Sir."

"I want you to take a two shots in the center of that clearing."

"Yes sir."

Salas watched as Sergeant Woolsley fired some tethers into the asteroid to keep him more stable and placed his sniper cannon's bipod on the asteroid. He carefully pulled the trigger as a shot ran out into the clearing and raced out into open space. He fired a second shot and expected the same result, hoping for the same result. It hit something, the round stopped dead in its tracks. "What the..." the Woolsley said.

"We need to leave! NOW!"

Suddenly something appeared in the middle of the field, a rather large object almost the size of a small moon. It was a space station situated in a very large asteroid and it started to launch out small objects. Only one could assume that it was either missiles or fighters, but Kiliin didn't want to wait to find out. The team sped through the field, as the massive swarm was barreling behind them.

"Red Two to Red One, we encountered hostiles. I repeat, we encountered hostiles."

"Copy I'll bring around Teams Five and Three to hel-"

"Negative, there is too many hostiles, I suggest we retreat to the Linguna."

"Copy that, seems our mission is over anyways. Red Squadron return to base."

Some of the teams had gotten out in time while two were unlucky and were destroyed by the swarm or swallowed up never to be heard from again.

"Captain!"

"I see it, open up artillery on that position."

"Yes sir," Misa turned to her podium,"Red Squadron you are to get clear of the area. Artillery will be firing on your position in thirty seconds."

"Roger,"

The fighters began to scramble out of position, as the swarm was instantly fried by the artillery ships' creation cannons. Salas, like any other rookie, was amazed by the firepower.

"Set the fleet to Red Alert, prepare for attack."

"Yes sir."

"Whats the status on the hyperdrive?"

"It won't be fully charged for another two hours."

Red Squadron had made it back to the hangar area of the right arm. Salas opened his cockpit, when he got an alert from Captain Walburg. "What the hell are you doing? Get back in, we're not done yet."

"But,"

"We're on Red Alert now!"

"Yes sir," Salas closed his cockpit, and watched the ground crews refuel his fighter for another sortie.

As the Ganoxan fleet proper was moving to prepare for further trouble, one member of it--a decidedly non-Ganoxan element--was preparing to join the battles ahead. The New Dornalians, as a gesture of good will and part of a desire to learn about the Universe in General, managed to strike a deal to send a team in with the Colonization fleet to explore and assist.

Thus, the "Solidarity Force" was attached to the Linguna and her followers. It was comprised of a simple Commissariat of Science vessel named NDS Voortrekker, a Mao Zedong Mark IIIa battleship named NDS Mindanao, and a unit of Dornalian fighters--Marineskos and Komsomol IIIs mixed--based on the Linguna itself known officially as the 442nd Fighter Wing and the 100th Fighter Squadron. The latter was known as "Spartacus Squadron," and reportedly one of the best in the Naval Aviation Arm. Or one of the battiest. It remained to be seen just what it would do.

For now though, it was time to get ready. The call for Red Alert led Captain Rosa Jacinta-Chibi blow a whistle and scream, "Alright, Spartacus Squadron! Let's go! We ain't got all day! Arriba! Allons-y!" As she walked around the ranks, the Dornalians fueled their fighters and their heavier Komsomol III fighter-bombers. Heavier cousins to the Shield-class of the Ganoxans, they were built using a different fashion, but had enough commonality but were heavier.

The pilots, meanwhile, formed up in their jets. The names were a mix of Dornalian nationalities. "Cronje," from South Africa, was Elven and aggressive. "Hinojosa," from Latin America. "Wong," Cantonese Chinese. "Miyazaki," "McKinnon," and so on. They all assembled, and the fighters fueled up. Well, more like spun up. The way their engines worked was a little different, being singularity based.

The Voortrekker, meanwhile, quickly hailed the Linguna, saying, "This is Commodore Korematsu from the Voortrekker. What's going on over there, and what are we to do, over?"

"I assume that there will something coming from the asteroid field. We are to defend against an immediate assault until the Linguna's hyperdrives are ready for jump."

"Sir, we are getting a visual. Hostile fighters incoming."

A picture of one of the fighters showed up on one of Gerardas' TacDis.

"Scramble..."

"Yes sir," each tactical officer acknowledged turning to their podiums.

"Attention! All squadrons, scramble. Attention! All squadrons, scramble," pilots heard the alert and began running to their fighters, but Red Squadron was already out in open space, ready to engage. Some of the Hostile fighters turned their attention towards them and began racing to their position. Suddenly missile alerts began to rang through most of the squadron's cockpits.

"Evasive maneuvers!" Walburg ordered.

Salas saw two of his squadron mates get blasted into oblivion and was nearly hit himself when he wildly turned. Fortunately his intruments was telling him he had a lock and he immediately fired, catching the hostile by surprise. Walburg on the other fired a series of micro-missiles on three other hostile fighters, some exploded behind the tails but they eventually caught up to their intended targets and destroyed them. Salas initiated another lock and continued with the battle. The rest of the Linguna's fighters began pouring out of the hangars as destroyers and cruisers began moving in providing screens for the Linguna and other capital ships. Even more fighters poured out of the asteroid field, thousands of them. The battle had started.

OOC: Apologies for the low quality post--waiting to really get stuck in.

IC:

"Squadronfags, report!"

That cry as the Dornalians left the hangar caused replies to come from their ranks, often consisting of "Spartacus" and their number in line for the 100th. The same perfunctory assessment came from the 442nd's men too, using the call sign "Leonidas." That part having been done, Captain Rosa screamed, "Come on, you fucks! Let's show these miserable bastards how we do this! Spartacus Squadron, form up on me! The rest of you, follow Leonidas One!"

Then, over the comms, a cry rose out from the Dornalians as they witnessed the hordes of enemy fighters moving in. An old battlecry used to raise spirits and deny the possibility of death, it signified almost incredibly stupid and brave defiance of the odds. It simply said, "LEEEERRROOOOYYYYY......JENKINS!"

With that, Spartacus Squadron assembled around Rosa, assuming the characteristic Dornalian "figure five," a half-of-a-V that frankly could vary in number as the situation progressed; Leonidas One and his team did similarly. With that, the fighters then immediately began moving in to support Red Squadron at all due speed, roaring in and almost resembling bluish streaks, caused by the color of their paint schemes.

Flanking in from the left and then scattering into four kill teams of three, one Komsomol III and two Marinesko IIs, Spartacus Squadron opened fire on the enemy fighters. Meanwhile, the 442nd joined the rest of the Ganoxan reinforcements in holding the line.....

In all this, the NDS Mindanao joined the battle. Commodore Korematsu had witnessed the scene, and Gracie replied, "Commodore, it's looking bad out there. Recommend move to support immediately. As in, NOW!"

Thusly, the Mao moved to the Ganoxan destroyers' positions whilst ordering the Voortrekker to stay back. Then, she began opening fire to support their allies, mixing in Ion and Conventional Torpedoes fired in volleys to cause area-of-effect damage whilst aiming to avoid both the 100th/442nd and the Ganoxans.

The fighters seemed to have taken heavy casualties but kept on coming out of the asteroid field in increasing numbers, an endless stream. Gerardas looked on his TacDis to find that most of the fighters were engaging the hostile forces, along with the Dornalian detachment that was stationed aboard.

"LEEEERRROOOOYYYYY......JENKINS!" he wondered what the hell kind of battlecry was that but still kept an eye on the information coming at him.

"Captain, Green and Opal Squadrons have been wiped out. Razor Squadron taking heavy damage."

"Carriers are to commence missile barrage on these three points," Gerardas touched the screen, "limit to just the field, not open space."

"Yes Captain."

"Mace Squadron, cover Blue Squadron as they return to base. Red Squadron take over Mace Squadron's position until further notice..." Misa continued on

"Copy that. Red Squadron finish them off and move out." Walburg ordered.

Salas maneuvered toward the indicated position on his navigations when he saw Red Thirty exploded along with Red Nineteen. He gulped and made his way their firing a couple missiles at some incoming foes, destroying one and disabling another which began floating freely towards the Linguna. Salas saw Mace Squadron, which was made up of Mace heavy-bombers loaded with dozens of micro-missiles, hightail it away from the position. Suddenly he heard the missile alert, cursed as jinked and juked until he was free of the lock. He immediately started to engage the nearest fighter.

"What is that coming at the ship?" Gerardas asked.

"Looks like one of their fighters, scans show it took heavy damage. Trajectory seems to be the city area, sector A."

"Any tractor projectors in that area?"

"Yes sir,"

"I want to know what we're dealing with here, retrieve it."

"Yes sir."

OOC: Jolt ate my post.

IC:

With the imminent Massive Missile Massacre and the orders to retreat, Commodore Korematsu radioed the Dornalians and said, "All ships. Cover the allies and fall back. Ganoxan forces are about to execute an Alpha Strike. We will join in. Repeat fall back and provide cover, over."

Rosa and her units immediately fell back to cover the allies, directing thrust backwards to keep themselves within visual contact of the enemy. As they formed up to protect their allies against the enemy, someone got the bright idea of popping in Chuck Berry's "Johnny B. Goode" just as the gunfire started, before the Mindanao and the Spartacus and Leonidas units proceeded to introduce their own torpedo fire into the equation.

After the fireballs subsided, it revealed the most of the asteroid field was gone, however it revealed something not right.

"What is that!?" Gerardas surprised at what was before his eyes.

"A factory satellite," a micronized Zentradi officer said.

"Whats its purpose?" Gerardas asked.

"The factory satellites were built five hundred thousand years ago in order to construct our warships. Fully automated there was really no need to fully garrison Zentradi within it. Although I find it unusual to see that it is producing those," he pointed out the viewport,"probably one the satellites the microns captured and perhaps abandoned.

"I see, automated. Hmm, have the salvage crews picked up that fighter yet?"

"Yes sir they are beginning the inv-- wait sir we are getting something now, there is no one in the fighter, it seems to be a drone!"

"Now I see why they can throw them out like cannon fodder. When is our hyperdrive ready?"

"Another thirty."

"Concentrate all artillery on that station."

Salas was in AS mode firing off the 40mm gunpod at hostile units, after running out of missiles. He saw more of his comrades being shot down, as several broad blue streaks lance across hitting into the recently revealed station in the former asteroid field.

"This is RS-1, we are running low on ammo, requesting an RTB."

"Roger RS-1, we'll have Spartacus Squadron cover you."

Most of the fighters started to head for the left main arm of the Linguna, when some were blown to pieces. Salas immediately went into fighter mode and raced towards the hangar. Suddenly two hostiles appeared on his tail and fired on him. He jinked and juked to avoid a missile lock. He was close until he heard the missile lock alert and immediately tried to evade. The missile came close, too close. He was beginning to lose control and couldnt transform into the other modes, as he raced into the hangar. Not able to get the landing gear down he started to skid across flightdeck intensely, as people began diving out of the way. By the time he was caught by the emergency grav cushions, his fighter was badly damaged with the fuselage total screwed up, the lower tail wrecked and the left wing was gone.

"Roger RS-1, we'll have Spartacus Squadron cover you."



On command, Rosa barked to Spartacus Squadron, "Listen up! We've got new orders. I'm marking something on your IFFs right now, your Gracies should update it. GO! NOW!"

At that point, the fighters in her Killteam, as well as those of another team, rushed in from the side to cover RS-1. Jinking and weaving to avoid enemy fire, they fanned out to flank and assault the incoming fighters.

------------

Lieutenant 1st Class Balthazar Cronje's Marinesko II fighter raced along with his wingman Chaing and his Komsomol, piloted by a stout Russian named Gorshkov. The man had had plenty of flying time beforehand, but this was his first real combat as a member of Spartacus. Rosa had let him in based on "talent."

Now, the pilot would prove it.

"Alright. Let's tune some grief, hey? Donner those fucks!" he screamed, before ululating and kicking his engine into overdrive. His GRACIE unit replied in Afrikaans, "I doubt they understood what you said." He ignored that and immediately unleashed a burst of gauss onto an incoming enemy. Meanwhile, he saw Chaing and the others off to his side dash down with him, and then he ordered Chaing to, "Peel off on my mark, execute the Banana. Ready?"

Chaing and Gorshkov replied, "Aye, Spartacus Five."

"It's not Spartacus Five! Its.....what's that dinges....."

"Dinges?"

"NO! Ah, nevermind!" He then shouted, "MARK!" and peeled off, the three of them taking on multiple targets with gauss and torpedoes, remaining within eyesight of one another.

---------------------------

From the bottom, a more disciplined assault came from Lieutenant Commander Michael Reisz. Witnessing Cronje's "Banana," he sighed. The Banana was a stunt manuever, one used to show off. It wasn't used often for battles, mainly due to the fact one could get easily hit as they were splitting off.

He then ordered his wingmen to, "Space out, go in, guns blazing."

Thus, the killteam engaged the enemy, widening out to allow maximum coverage, and opening fire.

Massive explosions were everywhere on the factory station as the energy from the creation cannons ripped into its hull. The bombardment did slow the production of the fighters, but they still were a challenge to the squadrons defending the fleet. Gerardas looked over to the Zentradi advisor Britai Telius, "What else can this factory produce?"

"Warships."

"Warships? How large?"

"Considering that it still has the same configuration, building Zentradi warships, you'll have ships ranging from 1000 to 10 000 meters."

Gerardas was a bit shocked to hear such information, and immediately looked at his tactical officers, "I need more concentration on that factory at once," he ordered.

"We have directed all artillery to the factory already sir, all ships are trying to screen the fighters away from artillery and our bomber squadrons are tied up in the massive fighter swarms."

"How long till the station sends those warships?"

"If it was a standard procedure, and considering the time taken that we have engaged the station, I would saw in about thirty minutes."

"Thirty minutes..."

"Sir our hyperdrive will not be charged for another hour, we won't make it in time."

Gerardas looked at the massive factory station, then looked back at Misa, "Fire the main gun."

"But sir, the main gun would drain our power supplies sharply, we would be sitting ducks if we fired it."

"If that station unleashes the very ships he said their were, then we're all screwed. Prepare to fire the main gun."

"Yes sir," she turned over to the podium.

"Attention all squadrons, attention all squadrons. The Linguna will be preparing to fire the main gun. You will have sixty seconds to vacate the area. The Linguna will be preparing to fire the main gun. You will have sixty seconds to vacate the area."

All fighters began to peel off, allowing the cruiser and destroyer screens to pick off fighters chasing them down. Near the main gun a light began to emerge from the gun's barrel as the timer counted down. "Power levels are at 100 percent."

"Thirty seconds."

"Barrel heat, nominal."

"Twenty seconds."

"Engines running at 75 percent."

"Ten...nine...eight...seven...six...five...four...three...two...one..."

"Fire," Gerardas ordered.

The barrel began to light intensely until the energy began to release forward. A massive beam emanated from the Lingun racing down towards the factory station. The station was ripped in half as the beam shot through it. The two halves drifted away from each other, the exposed areas exploding and venting out into open space.

The barrel began to light intensely until the energy began to release forward. A massive beam emanated from the Lingun racing down towards the factory station. The station was ripped in half as the beam shot through it. The two halves drifted away from each other, the exposed areas exploding and venting out into open space.

The call to break off sent Spartacus Squadron and Leonidas Wing flurrying out of the way of the impending shot, regrouping around where the other Ganoxans were. Someone got the bright idea of cueing up some music, and before long, had a track ready to go for the moment.

Commodore Korematsu then proceeded to witness the massive assault of the Linguna's cannon as it tore through the enemy sattelite. Then, over his comms, he heard the familiar driving guitar opening and screams of:

WAAAAH!!!! AH!
WAAAAH!!!! AH!

Come from the land of ice and snow.....

Oddly enough, Korematsu was not offended. Indeed, Gracie simply said, "You know...that wailing is oddly appropriate."

Korematsu held his hand up and said, "Not now."

When the factory was destroyed, Korematsu radioed Spartacus Squadron and said, "This is the Commodore. Thank you for the DJ work, you can stop now."

Thus, the music cut out.....and Korematsu consulted the Ganoxans on what was to happen now.

"Sir power levels have dropped severely in several sectors, engineers are working on restoring it but it will take a few days. Back up power has activated for the main city however." Misa reported

"Very well, recall most of the squadrons, set a few to patrol duty." Gerardas ordered sitting back down in his command chair watching the ensuing destruction of the factory satellite on his TacDis.

"Yes sir," she noticed something on the podium,"and we are getting a transmission from the Dornalian commander. They want to know whats going on."

"Patch it through,"

"Yes sir."

"Ah Commodore, glad to speak to you again. As you very well seen our ship unleashed its main weapon on the hostile satellite, which resulted in a massive power outage in our engines and other miscellaneous systems. We have activated back up power to our main city, so all the colonist operations should be normal. We will not be able to jump for a few days so I invite your people to come aboard and enjoy some R&R in the city."

Salas woke up, to find himself in a hospital bed. He saw Colonel Walburg standing over him, "Sir?"

"Ah you're awake! Man you have to be tough as nails to survive that crash, and a lucky bastard at that. Doc, said you only had scratch and bruises."

"Ah I see," he looked over by the door to see someone walking in. It was a woman, but she looked familiar. Thinking back as hard as he can, he started to recognize her, "You!?"

"Huh? You recognize me?"

"I bumped into you at the ceremony."

"Oh! I knew I recognized you before. So you're part of Red Squadron now?

"Sure is." Walburg said.

"What brings you here anyways?" Salas asked

"I'm visiting all the pilots injured in the battle..."

"How many?"

"So far I visited twenty, but there was hundreds more."

"I see..."

"Well don't feel so bad alright, they did their duty. They knew what they were getting into."

"Alright."

"Well it was nice seeing you, but I must be going."

"I understand."

Misa walked out the door as Walburg jabbed his chest with his elbow, "Ow!"

"Got the hots for the Lieutenant eh?"

"What?! I barely know her."

"I saw how you looked at her, you sly devil."

"It was nothing."

"Sure. You keep thinking that." he laughed.

"Hey!"

"Well anyways she forgot to mention something?"

"What?"

"You've been promoted to Sargent. Now you'll be in charged of a team."

"What? A team."

"Yea," he started walking towards the door, "good luck." he saluted.

"A team?" he looked up at the cieling,"what the hell I'm going to do with a team?"

With Spartacus and Leonidas units back in their hangars, Rosa immediately walked up to a drink machine, getting a bottle of Haterade. As she drank it down, an adjutant said, "Captain. Command from the Commodore. Says you're all given Shore Leave for the next week or so. Ganoxans won't be able to jump for a bit."

Rosa nodded, and then picked up a cowbell and hit it repeatedly, crying out, "Fall in, shits!"

The pilots lined up, and then stood ramrod straight as Rosa screamed, "Commodore Korematsu says we've done a good job, and because that the Ganoxans are doing matenance, we're on shore leave for the week. So remember! Keep your pants on, keep your hands to yourselves and don't spend your money all in one place! Got it!"

The pilots screamed back, "MA'AM, YES MA'AM!"

"Good! Now, DIS-MISSED!" They then fell out, as they rushed to get cleaned up and prepared for a night on the town. Well, at least what the Ganoxans had for a night on the town.

--------

"So, these Ganoxans have a whole city on this ship. A whole city?"

Cronje looked at his wingman skeptically, and got a reply of "Shyah" from Chiang, who looked at the Boer elf like he was from another dimension. Replying in a rapid Southern accent, he said "Y'all ain't ever heard of cityships before? Popular Science done talk about them a while ago. Where've you been?"

Cronje shrugged, he wondered how these Uitlanders could afford such miracles. "God did not mean for men to live in such things," he thought. His only reply was to say, slightly offended, "I've been piloting, is all--no time to read, tune grief, et cetera. Except the Bybel, hey?"

"Well, you gotta get out more, Bal. No offense, but I think you're too loose to be a certified Holy Roller." Turning to Gorshkov, who looked at them and nodded, Chiang asked, "Am I right?"

Gorshkov said laconically, "Captain Cronje hasn't taken a vacation yet" and walked off.

Chaing then said, slapping Balthazar's back, "Right! Time for you to go on the town. With those looks, I guarantee--chicks'll be all over you in hours."

Bal smiled nervously, "But we don't have relations before marraige.....you know that."

"I ain't asking you to do that. I'm just asking you to relax a little. Spend some time with social company outside of Jesus and the Twelve Apostles and Lieutenant Theron."

Cronje, at that, snapped, "Don't take His name in vain! Ever!"

Chiang sighed and said, "Jeez. No wonder why you ain't got no friends. Now I know I gotta get y'all out of the barracks. Besides, it's looking a little.....off."

Cronje sighed; he knew what that meant. He then said, "Fine."

As they left to catch a transport to the city in their finest uniforms, Reisz met up with his friend for the evening. A "Friend With Benefits," one might say. A tall Korean-American woman with sunglasses and her own People's Navy glamour uniform on. She was slightly taller than him, yet somehow the uniform fit her like a glove. Tilting the glasses down slightly, she said, "I see you're laughing inside at the Elf again. What's your problem?"

Reisz smiled and said, sauntering up to his date, "I got issues with arrogant shits like him, Marnie. That's all."

"Well, let's not think about him tonight, schtazie. We got Shore Leave to spend."

Marnie and Reisz then entered the transport afterwards.....heading to the Ganoxan city.

After a short duration in the hospital Salas was having a beer in a very popular bar, General Quarters. Lively place with music blaring at the dark dance floor which seemed to have holo and lighting effects amidst it. Men and women having a great time all but Salas who was deep in thought. Until Max Walburg came over and gave him a hard pat on the back, "OW!" he screamed.

"Shit, sorry forgot about that. Heh."

"Like hell you did!"

"Hey you need to get some relaxation thoughts into your head instead about thinking about what happened in the past."

"How did yo-"

"Hey we were all rookies once. Now c'mon lets find you a ladyfriend," he gestured. Salas didn't budge, "What waiting for the lieutenant?"

"Hey it not lik--"

"She over there you know," pointing at her."

"WHAT?!"

"And you say its nothing." he laughed.

Salas was a bit flustered at his laughing but quickly sighed, "Alright lets go."

"Atta boy, lets do this," somewhere in the background he heard someone yell out LEEROOOOOOY JENKINS. Shaking his head as if it was nothing he continued with Salas towards Misa Likosia's table, where she was speaking with the other tactical officers from the bridge. "Hey where are we going? No I can't."

"Hey c'mon. Don't be shy unless you're one of those chickenshit momma's boys,"

"Lets go!" Salas said angrily at him.

Max smiled as he walked with him to the table. "Hello ma'am." Salas said.

Misa excused herself from talking with the other girls, "Oh! Its you! From the hospital, you know you don't really have to call me ma'am I'm off duty right now. Just call me Misa."

"Alright...Misa."

"Oh hurry up, will ya. He wants to know if we could sit with you fine ladies."

Misa blushed a bit at the comment, as did the other officers. The other girls then nodded their heads, intermittently saying "Yes" or "Yeah" , until Misa finally acknowledged. Max stuffed Salas next to Misa, having his legs touch hers. If felt warm to Salas who was blushing along with Misa. The others began to giggle as Max sat next to the others, "Waitress, round of drinks for my friends here." he laughed.

"Alright...Misa."

"Oh hurry up, will ya. He wants to know if we could sit with you fine ladies."

Misa blushed a bit at the comment, as did the other officers. The other girls then nodded their heads, intermittently saying "Yes" or "Yeah" , until Misa finally acknowledged. Max stuffed Salas next to Misa, having his legs touch hers. If felt warm to Salas who was blushing along with Misa. The others began to giggle as Max sat next to the others, "Waitress, round of drinks for my friends here." he laughed.

The stronger Ganoxan liquor struck all the Dornalian officers warmly. Bal Cronje was used to the strong witblits distilled on the sly by his cousins on the veldt; but this took the cake. As his friend Chiang screamed, "DRINK--IT! DRINK--IT!" Cronje slurped down another shot of the powerful local brew, and then slammed the glass down. Exhaling heavily, he shouted over the shouts of "Yeah!" from the two others Chaing had assembled at the table, "Jislaaik! This is strong! How can you uitlanders drink so much!?"

Chaing then downed two shots at once, and then said, "Easy. Like that." Laughing, he then heard the man scream "LEEERROOOYYY JENKINS!" and sighed. "It's Corelli. That man can never handle his alcohol." Turning to see him, he saw three of the most beautiful women in his life wander to a booth with a Ganoxan man. Sitting at a table full of what Dornalians could only describe as "really hot chicks," Chaing then smiled slyly.

"I've an idea."

Cronje then winced, and immedately shook his head. "No. NO! Voetsek! I will not do such a thing.....you already have me drinking, I will not do anything further."

Chaing then scowled and said, "Come on, pretty boy! What's wrong? Chicken?!"

Cronje then looked proudly at his friend, and then said, "No."

The two stared at one another, and then Cronje, out of the pride of his people, muttered to himself in Afrikaans, "Lord, deliver me from these foul uitlanders and their lecherous ways. They know not the sin of fornication." He then said in English, getting up, "Fine. I will prove myself in your degenerate terms. I will talk to them."

Chaing then laughed and said, "That-a-boy, Holy Roller!"

----------

As Misa and her friends were at the table, an unusually tall, slender yet sturdy Dornalian man, with pointed ears, a People's Navy cap, and a Navy Blue Naval Aviation uniforn would walk up to their table. He was a handsome fellow--rugged, and yet not so much he couldn't be recognized as an elf.

He then spoked with a voice accented with a mixture of Dutch and English accents, "Good day."

He then said, laying down some of the local currency, "I couldn't help but notice you had such a large group. One must look after their brothers and sisters, I was taught. So, this is to help pay for your tab--"

He then looked at one of the young girls and said, "--juffrou--er, Miss."

Another round of music (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2vpqd9gKXk) began to play in the room, as the girls looked at the elf putting down money on the table. They began to whisper to each other as Salas, Misa, and Walburg continued to look on. "Hes strange," one of them said.

"I know but hes sort of cute, and the others definitely keepers."

"Should we?" the previous asked.

"Why not?" the middle one looked at the guys, "Sure we got room."

"Eh? I was getting comfortable amongst you ladies," Walburg laughed, "Can't be greedy I suppose." Walburg got up along with his date to let the Dornalians in the booth. "So what squadron you guys in?" Walburg said while sitting back down with his ladyfriend, noticing their uniforms.

Another round of music (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2vpqd9gKXk) began to play in the room, as the girls looked at the elf putting down money on the table. They began to whisper to each other as Salas, Misa, and Walburg continued to look on. "Hes strange," one of them said.

"I know but hes sort of cute, and the others definitely keepers."

"Should we?" the previous asked.

"Why not?" the middle one looked at the guys, "Sure we got room."

"Eh? I was getting comfortable amongst you ladies," Walburg laughed, "Can't be greedy I suppose." Walburg got up along with his date to let the Dornalians in the booth. "So what squadron you guys in?" Walburg said while sitting back down with his ladyfriend, noticing their uniforms.

Chaing took the opportunity along with the two other friends he was with, ensuring Cronje had no choice but to follow suit and sit in the booth. He was squished awkwardly between Chiang and one of the other Ganoxans, his slight frame barely allowing him access. He laughed and said, "This is nice."

Chaing nodded and said heroically, "We're from Spartacus Squadron, officially the 100th Fighter Squadron, People's Navy Aviation Arm." He then shouted out, with a surprising amount of decorum, "Who is Spartacus!?"

The man next to Chaing said, "I am Spartacus."

Another man at the table over said, "No, I am Spartacus!"

And the chant went on. Cronje eventually said, "No, I am Spartacus."

"Heh. Grow some muscles, you may look the part." Chiang then slapped him on the back and said to Walburg, "Well, that's our team. What's yours?"

Cronje meanwhile, looked at the one who called him "cute," and said, "Um, thanks" in a rather hesitant manner. He was embarassed at himself now; he was not only doing something that would get him a talking-to at home, but he was also just unsure of what to do next. His looks got him somewhere, but he wanted to be thought of something else other than his looks.

By now, he was turning a beet red....

"Well I'm Colonel Max Walburg Red Squadron leader, that over there is Sargeant Salas Roanis, and Lieutenant Misa Likosia."

"Hey what about us," the four girls said simultaneously.

"Well, I don't really know you. Hey don't look at me with those mean faces," he said grimacing at them.

"Well I'm Karen Solfis, shes Teresa Holguin, thats Jennifer Godland next to the strange one, and theres Mysterica Grants." each of them saying hi as they were called."

"Well I'm Colonel Max Walburg Red Squadron leader, that over there is Sargeant Salas Roanis, and Lieutenant Misa Likosia."

"Hey what about us," the four girls said simultaneously.

"Well, I don't really know you. Hey don't look at me with those mean faces," he said grimacing at them.

"Well I'm Karen Solfis, shes Teresa Holguin, thats Jennifer Godland next to the strange one, and theres Mysterica Grants." each of them saying hi as they were called."

Chaing laughed and shook of their hands, replying, "Charmed, ladies. I'm Lieutenant Louis Chaing, from Richmond, Virginia, Earth, inside the fine bosom of the Workers State of New Dornalia. Enchante."

He then pointed out his retinue, proudly showing them off with a smile and a proud tone that made it seem he was in charge.

"This here's Ensign Donnie Masters--he's a damnyankee from Boston, but a damn fine Komsomol pilot. And that elven fellow is Lieutenant Balthazar Cronje. Our resident Holy Roller. He's my killteam leader, technically--but for this flight, he's my wingman."

Bal then chuckled; privately, he wanted to kick Chiang's balls for that insubordinate attitude. But, he merely laughed and said, being a good sport, "Sure, sure.....just call me when you've ridden across the veldt on a horse for a hundred miles living off of only bunny chow. Every day."

Masters interjected with, "That's what your mom said last night."

Chaing stopped him, saying as he motioned to the assembled Ganoxans, "Hold on, hold on....let's show these ladies Mother Dornalia's raised us with a good sense of humor." Slapping Masters in the back, he said jokingly, "We're not in Fifth Grade, man. Shape up!"

Cronje nodded and thought, "Thank you, Lieutenant. I might spare you the lecture."

Chaing then said, turning to Walburg, "Especially since we're Lieutenants, and Walburg technically outranks us, after converting Dornie ranks to Ganoxan. After all, let's give respect where it's due."

He then raised his shot glass and said, "To Colonel Walburg and Red Squadron. Some of the best pilots I've seen in a bit."

"To Colonel Walburg and Red Squadron. Some of the best pilots I've seen in a bit."

"Now I wouldn't say that," a man said.

"And who the he-- oh its you." Walburg sat back in dissatisfaction.

"Who are they?" asked Misa Likosia.

"We are the Silver Dragons. THE best squadron in the AeroSpace Force." the man stood proudly with his fists on his hips as if he was some sort of superhero, along with his other friends who laughed in the background. Of course this annoyed Walburg to now end.

"More like the Flying Circus, eh Manfred?" Walburg brought up. It was known for the Silver Dragon's style of flying to be mostly flashy stunts throughout the ASF.

"I despise that term, but yes, people have called us that. He looked over at Misa and immediately grabbed her hands,"and who do I, Colonel Manfred Fon Sabre make this pleasure."

Misa was a bit annoyed with this man's straightforwardness as Seli cut in, "Oh a feisty one." he grabbed Seli by the collar, to which Seli was a bit pissed, looking up at the towering man

"Manfred I wouldn't do that."

"And what is he going to d-o-o-o!?" he yelled as he was flown into a wall.

"I guess they are the flying circus," Misa laughed with the other girls.

Manfred was a bit disoriented as he got up, being helped up by his squadronmates. He shook them off, "Get 'em!"

"Dammit Salas see what you gotten us into! Excuse me ladies."

One of the dragons came in and tried to swing a punch at Salas who ducked, grabbed the the man and gave him a knee to the chest as he hit the floor hard. He blocked another blow coming from right and immediately gave a left jab to the ribs along with a punch to his right face in quick succession.

Walburg on the other hand had taken a few punches and was punched to face a table, he drank the beer on the table and smashed across the guy's face, and knocked him out cold with a punch. Another man came from behind with a chair, when the girls screamed "Look out!" He immediately ducked as the man swung the chair and hit another Dragon. He elbowed the man tossed him over his shoulder knocking him out.

Cronje and Chaing were immediately stunned by the sudden turn of events, and Cronje proceeded to try and slink out of there, saying "Let's go, Chaing. We have no quarrel here."

Chaing then held Cronje back, glaring at the fight. "Uh uh. I think its time to kick some ass. No one puts Baby in a corner." As Cronje pondered that last statement, he caught the man Salas knocked back and tossed him into a group of Dragons, screaming, "Grow a helmet, bitches!"

As Cronje witnessed this, several other members of Spartacus Squadron rushed in, fueled with the local spirits, to do battle with their new rivals. Cronje sighed, and went over to the ladies, saying, "Are you interested in maybe....going somewhere more civilized?"

Karen Teresa and Mystearica were too excited to care what Cronje said, but Jennifer was a bit tired of the testosterone pool party and grabbed his hand and headed out the door. Just in time too, as MPs started to enter the bar, splitting up the fighters and separating them into corners like school children. A short truck ride later, in the hangar stood Admiral Gerardas and Commodore Korematsu, of which the former was a bit disappointed with the rabble that stood before him. As the Dornalian squadrons stood before Korematsu, Gerardas began to berate two Red pilots and Silver Dragon Squadron. "Never in my godsdamn life in this great service have I seen this behavior amongst my command. Especially from you two," Gerardas stared sternly at the two colonels, of whom began to choke up and standing even more firmly then the others," You two should be ashamed of yourselves, and thank the gods that I have not demoted you two on the spot. Fon Sabre, dismiss your men. Silver Squadron will spend the rest of the week in the barracks is that understood."

"Sir! What about the-"

"IS that understood colonel! I have something else in mind for them."

"Yes sir. Dragons left face, forward march."

Gerardas watched as they marched off into the distance and then turned towards to the Walburg, "So how badly did you kick their ass?"

Salas' mouth gaped as he heard what he think he just heard. "Well sir, Salas hear quite frankly handled them all, me and our friends over there mopped things up."

"Um what is happening here?"

"Oh the Silver Dragons have been a big thorn in my side since I took command of this fleet. During their supposed training exercises they have caused several maintenance crews to transfer to other units."

"Also that hes was the former Red Squadron leader before Colonel Torry, who I think is a Ranger now."

"Yes quite. Well Salas do not think that you're off the hook, you still hit a superior officer, and I'm afraid that you will be restricted to the barracks as well as you Max."

"What me too?!"

"Starting tomorrow morning," he smiled.

"Yes sir." they simultaneously said with a grin on their faces.

"You're dismissed."

Karen Teresa and Mystearica were too excited to care what Cronje said, but Jennifer was a bit tired of the testosterone pool party and grabbed his hand and headed out the door. Just in time too, as MPs started to enter the bar, splitting up the fighters and separating them into corners like school children.

Cronje held Jennifer's hand tight as they walked out the door, the MPs coming in to crash the party. Letting go, he then muttered, "Well, that was to be expected......"

Looking about the city, he took in its splendor for the first time. Tightly packed and all within a single ship, he marveled at its size. It was like Manhattan, in New York City, or the hives of Luxembourgia. The only big city he had been in was Johannesburg, and that was bush league as far as big cities went in this day and age. Then again, he was a child of the veldt--any city was bound to be amazing for him.

Snapping out of his wonderment, he then said smiling to Jennifer, "Righty. Where's a nice, quiet restaurant around here? I will admit....I am new in town."

A short truck ride later, in the hangar stood Admiral Gerardas and Commodore Korematsu, of which the former was a bit disappointed with the rabble that stood before him. As the Dornalian squadrons stood before Korematsu, Gerardas began to berate two Red pilots and Silver Dragon Squadron. "Never in my godsdamn life in this great service have I seen this behavior amongst my command. Especially from you two," Gerardas stared sternly at the two colonels, of whom began to choke up and standing even more firmly then the others," You two should be ashamed of yourselves, and thank the gods that I have not demoted you two on the spot. Fon Sabre, dismiss your men. Silver Squadron will spend the rest of the week in the barracks is that understood."

Commodore Korematsu facepalmed as he gazed upon the men from the barfight. He said simply, "I can't believe this. I thought you were told NOT to do exactly what you just did. Bar fights are bad for Dornalian image, bad for cooperation, and they also leave you unable to function in combat."

Shaking his head out of frustration now, he exclaimed, "It's--I mean, we've told you so much in Officer Candidate School, or Naval War College....Jesus."

He then singled out Chaing and the others who participated.

"Right. You guys are going to be spending three days in the Mindanao's brig. I'll have Captain Jacinta-chibi call out your understudies while you think about what you did. Also, you get the standard administrative punishment of ten lashes, or five hits with a rattan cane. I think we'll use the lashes, since this was the first bar fight. Except for Chaing--he gets the cane because he disobeyed orders--which reminds me: an extra 10 hits with the cane for insubordination. Don't do it again. GO!"

The soldiers being punished saluted, and followed a group of Dornalian Naval Armsmen, who beamed them to the Mindanao.

"Yeah I know a great place," Jennifer grabbed Cronje's hand and dragged him towards their next destination. A few moments later they found themselves standing in front of a restaurant's doors. Outside, on a very large sign, lay the name of the restaurant they were to dine in, the Nyan Nyan subtitling the large Xinhuan (Mandarin) characters.

"This place is great. Great food, great mood, and great people."

Suddenly some music (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_CBwg9u7azk) started to play throughout the room, "Oh and great music! I just love this song."

"Yeah I know a great place," Jennifer grabbed Cronje's hand and dragged him towards their next destination. A few moments later they found themselves standing in front of a restaurant's doors. Outside, on a very large sign, lay the name of the restaurant they were to dine in, the Nyan Nyan subtitling the large Xinhuan (Mandarin) characters.

"This place is great. Great food, great mood, and great people."

Suddenly some music (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_CBwg9u7azk) started to play throughout the room, "Oh and great music! I just love this song."

Cronje nodded, taking in the big Chinese sign and the decor. It was certainly different than the Chinese restaurants he knew in Johnannesburg. Those were tiny "takeaway" places--nothing like this marvel of an eatery. He walked inside, part of him still marveling at how these people could fit so much plenty into a small space, part of him knowing that technology and need was the reason why.

As he entered with Jennifer, the sounds of the music came in. Though synthesized and harsh to Cronje's ears, used to plaintive church hymns and old Afrikaner music, he couldn't help but be struck by its sincere nature. He thus began singing, almost as if to reply to Minmay's voice,

"My Sarie Marais is so ver van my hart,
Maar'k hoop om haar weer te sien...."

He then stopped and said to Jennifer, "My apologies. I was merely moved by the music; it put me in a bit of a dwaal, hey? Let's get a table."

*dwaal--South African English for "confusion"
Hey?--used in SA English at times as Canadians are said to use "eh"--as in, "Am I right?"

The restaurant was just as lively (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6AafeI68bOA) as what Jeniffer had described. People of all sorts populate the dinner tables, from loving couples, to overworked office workers, and even pilots from the defense force. Jennifer and Cronje were seated at a table by a waiter. After confirming their beverages Jennifer looked over at the wall which had all sorts of pictures, including a picture of the first Ganoxian based Nyan Nyan on the Megaroad (http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a287/GeneralZhukov3333/Megaroad-01.jpg), to which it was signed by Dr Albert Walliston and Tomira Milson, who rebuilt the original and established a well known chain. Although a rumor has been floating that the two were on their way to engagement but that may not be far off.

Jennifer looked over at Cronje, "So how do you like the place?"

The restaurant was just as lively (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6AafeI68bOA) as what Jeniffer had described. People of all sorts populate the dinner tables, from loving couples, to overworked office workers, and even pilots from the defense force. Jennifer and Cronje were seated at a table by a waiter. After confirming their beverages Jennifer looked over at the wall which had all sorts of pictures, including a picture of the first Ganoxian based Nyan Nyan on the Megaroad (http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a287/GeneralZhukov3333/Megaroad-01.jpg), to which it was signed by Dr Albert Walliston and Tomira Milson, who rebuilt the original and established a well known chain. Although a rumor has been floating that the two were on their way to engagement but that may not be far off.

Jennifer looked over at Cronje, "So how do you like the place?"

"Well, it's a bit different than the Chinese restaurants I'm used to back home. In Johannesburg, the last large city I visited, the restaurants weren't nearly like this." Cronje said that with a bit of amazement, although he was beginning to be amazed less now that the initial shock of just how much was placed into this ship was wearing off. With a look about, Balthazar Cronje looked at the scene with some curiousity. The founders of the restaurant no doubt, glorified on the walls like they were family to the management. The decor, the happy people. It was quite the place.

He hadn't eaten much Chinese-Japanese food in, well, a while--and in fact, that was the first thing he said to Jennifer as he looked at the menu with a hungry grin.

"Well, it's been a while since I've eaten at one of these sorts of places. What's their speciality?"

"Uh lets see," she said skimming the menu, "ah yes its still here, the Kitsune Udon. Although the Tempura is very good here too," she said. The waitress was walking by until she screamed as she took a nasty spill, dropping their selected beverages on the floor. She got back up and walked over to Jennifer and Cronje.

"My goodness are you alright?" Jennifer asked.

"I'm sorry, its my first day," she laughed nervously,"just a bit anxious I suppose. I'll get you your drinks as soon as possible, "

"Its alright, just take it easy," she looked at the menu one last time and decided, "I think I'll have the Tempura Udon, please."

"Alright and you sir?" the waitress asked.

"Uh lets see," she said skimming the menu, "ah yes its still here, the Kitsune Udon. Although the Tempura is very good here too," she said. The waitress was walking by until she screamed as she took a nasty spill, dropping their selected beverages on the floor. She got back up and walked over to Jennifer and Cronje.

"My goodness are you alright?" Jennifer asked.

"I'm sorry, its my first day," she laughed nervously,"just a bit anxious I suppose. I'll get you your drinks as soon as possible, "

"Its alright, just take it easy," she looked at the menu one last time and decided, "I think I'll have the Tempura Udon, please."

"Alright and you sir?" the waitress asked.

Cronje looked at the menu, and thought for a minute. It was quite, quite different. But, he supposed that the uitlander creed of "try everything at least once" was going to be king here. He eyed the tempura, noting how it looked somewhat like the fried dishes he was used to at home. He looked at the waitress and replied, "Right. I would like some of the...." He then mangled the Japanese word, "Tempura? Chicken, if possible."

He then asked, "Also, did you need any help with the spill?"

"Right. I would like some of the...." He then mangled the Japanese word, "Tempura? Chicken, if possible."

"Alright another tempura right away," the waitress confirmed the order, writing it on the notepad.

"Also, did you need any help with the spill?"

"No that's alright. Its my mess I'll clean it up and get you your drinks. Please enjoy your evening," she walked off and headed towards the double doors. Jennifer looked on, then turned towards Cronje, "She seems like a nice person."

Salas and Walburg were walking down a street, about an hour after the stern talking to by Fleet Admiral Gerardas. They were just chatting about some matters concerning the squadron or what not until they met up with some familiar faces. It was Misa and Karen who were also talking to each other. Walburg began to wave to them, shouting their names. Surprised they came running towards them, waving their hands themselves.

"We were a bit worried when the MPs took you away." Karen said.

"Aw they let us off today," Walburg said.

"Oh that's good," Karen smiled hugging Walburg.

"Ooh we're at that stage eh?"

"Yeah, what the hell," they both started to laugh.

"So..." Misa and Salas said simultaneously blushing a bit and then slightly laughed. "You first." Salas gestured.

"Well... I was wondering...if well..."

"Yeah?"

"Will you guys join us for the night?"

"Sure!" Salas didn't hesitate to answer quickly accepting the tactical officer's invite.

"Right. I would like some of the...." He then mangled the Japanese word, "Tempura? Chicken, if possible."

"Alright another tempura right away," the waitress confirmed the order, writing it on the notepad.

"Also, did you need any help with the spill?"

"No that's alright. Its my mess I'll clean it up and get you your drinks. Please enjoy your evening," she walked off and headed towards the double doors. Jennifer looked on, then turned towards Cronje, "She seems like a nice person."


"I suppose," the Boer elf went. "Earnest, kind...if a little clumsy somewhat." Cronje said the last part with a shrug. Usually, he would have added the part "Not bad for an uitlander" at the end, but he was in mixed company. It behooved him to behave, and if it was one thing his people knew how to do, it was how to behave!

He looked at Jennifer, and asked, "Right. What do you do aboard the Linguna? I know you know my rank and service--but I have yet to know yours."

Jennifer looked to the side, "Well actually I'm a tactical officer, junior lieutenant, stationed on the main bridge of the ship," she turned to him, "My duties are to ensure that squadrons such as yours are well taken care of during the heat of battle. Ensuring weapon load outs are full, fighters are in working order, and other such things like that. Misa, or Lieutenant Likosia, is the main tactical officer and coordinates the squadrons and other military units to perform the strategies and tactics laid out by the Admiral. Its a real stressful job, so I come here a lot to relieve that stress. It has a sort of tranquility about it." she looked around the room looking at other people chatting and laughing, a smile growing on her face.

"Here's your beverages," the waitress came back, this time with a mop in the other hand while holding the tray in another.

"Thank you," Jennifer smiled at her, graciously taking the beverage.

Jennifer looked to the side, "Well actually I'm a tactical officer, junior lieutenant, stationed on the main bridge of the ship," she turned to him, "My duties are to ensure that squadrons such as yours are well taken care of during the heat of battle. Ensuring weapon load outs are full, fighters are in working order, and other such things like that. Misa, or Lieutenant Likosia, is the main tactical officer and coordinates the squadrons and other military units to perform the strategies and tactics laid out by the Admiral. Its a real stressful job, so I come here a lot to relieve that stress. It has a sort of tranquility about it." she looked around the room looking at other people chatting and laughing, a smile growing on her face.

"Here's your beverages," the waitress came back, this time with a mop in the other hand while holding the tray in another.

"Thank you," Jennifer smiled at her, graciously taking the beverage.

Sipping the water, he finds it has a surprsingly fresh taste about it considering they're based on a cityship. He says nothing though, only saying "Aah" in enjoyment.

Putting the glass down, he goes on with his retort.

"Not bad, not bad. I have to do a similar sort of babysitting too. I keep a log of kills made per mission, see that jets get fixed, coordinate actions in combat, et cetera--lots of responsibility. And yes, it is stressful, like yours." Sipping his water again, he notes, "There's a certain glamour about it, but it's not as good as people say. It distracts you from actually doing what you do best. Flying a plane, challenging a pilot in single combat, and taking him down, or he takes you down. It has a certain chivalry to it, but its a shame that chivalry is encumbered with so much nowadays."

Coughing he then goes, "It's just not like the old days on the veldt."