Aberrant: War Journal - War Journal

[Bahamut810]

"Even if he doesent...I do. Go ahead and start the paper work to have her moved to Warpstation Bravo. Set up to have someone watch her on a monents notice. For now we can have Mon...errr...Epstein commute via teleporter between zere and here. Zat should be best for ze child for now."

((For shats and giggles, ima activate Commanding presence because I have all these QP and nothing to use htem on...and it seems like the only thing I have really had him do as far))

[Alex Green]

"How about, 'I know zat it is safer and healthier for ze girl at ze core' zen?  Better?"

Captain Delacroix [says] There are safer places than here, but I don't think the Core is one of them - they get hit harder and more often than anybody else. Maybe Warpstation Bravo or one of the camps up north, but I wouldn't send a kid to the Core, even if I didn't like 'em.

"Zen to warpstation Bravo."

Mike says, "So basically it's 'anywhere but here', right?"

[ezekiel]

"Even if he doesent...I do. Go ahead and start the paper work to have her moved to Warpstation Bravo. Set up to have someone watch her on a monents notice. For now we can have Mon...errr...Epstein commute via teleporter between zere and here. Zat should be best for ze child for now."

((For shats and giggles, ima activate Commanding presence because I have all these QP and nothing to use htem on...and it seems like the only thing I have really had him do as far))

Mike says, "So basically it's 'anywhere but here', right?"

Havoc steps into the room and looks at the Frenchman

"Shut up Frenchie...It's already been decided, surprisingly, without consulting your wishes."

Havoc then walks up to Epstein and hugs her. (more of a fatherly hug than a horny hug if you're wondering... ::wink )

"Don't worry Lynn, I've decided to give you full custody over Julia until my fate has been decided; with express permission to let her stay with you at X4. I've asked Med Corps to bring the proper forms so Frenchie's computer brain would approve. - Havoc steps back a little and looks into Epstein's eyes, lowering his voice as he does so. - I've also asked Jubersky to arrange for her to be fitted with a mini-path, Bertie-butt or some such thing. Make sure that thing doesn't hurt her...I...I trust you."

Havoc's voice quavers a bit though he quickly regains himself and steps up to Delacroix.

"I'm sorry we had to meet like this Captain, hopefully next time will be under better circumstances."

[Bahamut810]

"Shut up Frenchie...It's already been decided, surprisingly, without consulting your wishes."

"Why dont you go ahead and die, you sick bastard." He says, obviously disturbed that he still has custody of the child.

"Don't worry Lynn, I've decided to give you full custody over Julia until my fate has been decided; with express permission to let her stay with you at X4. I've asked Med Corps to bring the proper forms so Frenchie's computer brain would approve.

"Good...now someone who isent a terrorist can take care of her."

"I'm sorry we had to meet like this Captain, hopefully next time will be under better circumstances."

"Yes...like your exicution. You are the reason he came out here. I would be happy to see it as well. Ill expect it will be slow and painful like what you deserve."

[Heritage]

OOC: Oh, god - I just lost a massive post. F@ck, f@ck, fuuuuuuuuuuuuck! I have to go to bed now, but I'll try to recreate it later. (sigh!)

[Heritage]

"Don't worry Lynn, I've decided to give you full custody over Julia until my fate has been decided; with express permission to let her stay with you at X4. I've asked Med Corps to bring the proper forms so Frenchie's computer brain would approve. - Havoc steps back a little and looks into Epstein's eyes, lowering his voice as he does so. - I've also asked Jubersky to arrange for her to be fitted with a mini-path, Bertie-butt or some such thing. Make sure that thing doesn't hurt her...I...I trust you."

Epstein nods fiercely, her eyes wet with tears.

I won’t let you down, sir – I’ll take good care of her.

She looks to the grim faces around her, then runs down the hall towards Havoc’s quarters.

Havoc's voice quavers a bit though he quickly regains himself and steps up to Delacroix.

"I'm sorry we had to meet like this Captain, hopefully next time will be under better circumstances."

Delacroix simply nods, his expression unreadable.

"Why dont you go ahead and die, you sick bastard." He says, obviously disturbed that he still has custody of the child.

"Good...now someone who isent a terrorist can take care of her."

"Yes...like your exicution. You are the reason he came out here. I would be happy to see it as well. Ill expect it will be slow and painful like what you deserve."

Delacroix raises his eyebrows slightly.

Sounds to me like you’d like to see him tortured to death. ::sly

Imminent t-port from Battalion HQ, arriving in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1…

The door to the t-port opens, and two massive guards in 6th Battalion parade dress step out of the portal, followed by a stunning African-American woman, whose beautiful smile is as warm as the guards are severe. She’s wearing camo pants, a loose cotton blouse and sandals, and she somehow smells like clean linen sheets and fresh-baked bread; peace, happiness and safety radiate from her in waves. The guards snap to attention, and the woman steps over to the captain and crisply salutes.

Senior Specialist Khrysta Hawthorne, reporting for duty, sir.

Delacroix casually returns her salute.

Doctor.

Despite himself, the captain starts sniffing the air, a confused smile on his face.

What is that delightful smell? It’s like-

Hawthorne smiles crookedly and looks at her sandals. ::blush

That would be me, sir – there’s a reason my handle is ‘Mother Figure’.

Delacroix colors a little himself.

Ah. Well, that all makes sense, then. ::blush There seems to be a slight change of plans, but you’ll find the girl in the room at the end of the hall.

Hawthorne looks puzzled, but then she just shrugs and wafts out of the room. The captain shakes his head to clear it.

Damn – now that whole Oedipus thing makes sense.

He turns to the guards.

Gentlemen - Sergeant Major Havoc is to be escorted back to Battalion HQ for questioning and most likely a full hearing. He has expressed that he is willing to go peacefully, and I want you to honor that request – this, of course, does not mean you should let your guard down, but please keep the manhandling to a minimum, okay?

He stops to rub his chin.

And give the man a chance to say goodbye to his daughter – lord knows when he’ll get to see her again.

Delacroix glares at Frenchie.

Not a word from you in front of her – don’t take it out on the kid, understand me?

Colby stalks into the room.

Sir, what the hell is going on? Lynn said-

She stops short when the guards swivel their gaze at her.

Whoa, holy shit.

The captain almost smiles.

Sergeant, would you please fetch Miss Julia to say goodbye to her father?

Yeah, sure, okay. ::blink

Colby stumbles back down the hall. Delacroix murmurs to the guards.

If you gentlemen could take a step back?

They do so reluctantly, just as a small Havoc-seeking missile shrieks into the room.

Daddy, daddy, daddy!

Julia latches onto her father like a Velcro crab.

Lynn said you had a go away, but I get to stay with her, and Khrysta smells like pancakes!

[ezekiel]

and Khrysta smells like pancakes!

*What? No she doesn't, she smells like tatter-tot blood...*

Havoc kneels and holds his daughter in his arms whispering in her ear. She nods through tears as he keeps whispering and encircles the room with his arm then points to each person in the room. She keeps nodding and sniffing as he talks. Finally he removes a shoelace from one of her shoes as she looks upon him quizzically. A ripple glides over his ring finger glove and a gold ring is pushed through the eufiber. Havoc shows the ring to his daughter, letting her read the engraving on the inside. He threads the shoelace through the ring and hangs it around her neck. He whispers some last gentle words to Julia and slowly gets up. As he stands Julia is going through the post-crying-chronic-gasping phase that children tend to have. He nods at Lynn to approach then glances at the guards.

"Let's go..."

With a last look at the room Havoc addresses no one in particular

"Goodbye"

Then leaves with the guards.

[Heritage]

Epstein picks up the clearly-devasted Julia and takes her out of the room. Hawthorne approaches Delacroix, who seems to be struggling with several powerful emotions.

I'll check on her twice a week, making sure she's doing alright; if at any time I feel she is being mistreated or neglected, I will not hesitate to take her away from Miss Epstein.

She turns to the others in the room.

And if any of you need someone to talk to, I can be reached at Battalion HQ at any time.

She smiles an amazing smile, like sunrise through the trees, and for a minute everything's alright, and everything makes sense. There's a sound like windchimes, then she steps to the t-port and she's gone.

[Bahamut810]

Frenchie almost looks sad as he watches Epstein leave with the girl.

"Well...I zink zat I need to go ahead and leave as well. I have already requested transfer. I just need to finalise it, and possibly push it through. I dont want to traumatise E...anyone else with my presence...or my ethics. Ill send someone for my zings later. It was a pleasure meetings you all. Adeu(sic)."

He then takes his own walk of shame through the transporter.

[Heritage]

For a moment, there is silence in the room; at length, Pvt Mortimer speaks up.

Dibs on Frenchie's stuff. ::biggrin

Everybody laughs at the joke, which shakes up the somber mood a bit. Epstein returns from Havoc's old room.

I've got her watching Sleeping Beauty on the HUDset; I'll go back and check on her in a minute.

Delacroix nods.

Alright then - I'll push through the paperwork for Frenchie, get his stuff over to him.

He shoots a mock-concerned look over to Mortimer, who holds up his hands in surrender. He then opens his portfolio and starts digging through it.

Anyone else need to get arrested? Leave on moral grounds? Take a piss? No? Good...now we can finally get down to business.

There are going to be some changes here at X4, hopefully all for the better. As some of you may know, I have a reputation as a 'handyman' - can't go anywhere and not try and fix it up. I don't come to disrupt people lives, I come to make life easier.

I think the fundamental problem with this operation is that it is still based on an outdated model; we have a lot of redundancy and waste, people bumping elbows and such-

He stops.

Is Raphael still hovering over the base, or am I missing him in this throng? Someone get him if he ain't here.

He pulls out a fat stack of brown envelopes.

Now to start with, to my mind there is no reason why anyone under the rank of corporal is stationed at this facility, so first things first, we're gonna put an end to that.

Chambers, Daniels and Mortimer all go pale, but the captain waves away their concern.

No, no, no, you ain't going anywhere. Let's see...Chambers and Mortimer, you both have communications experience?

They both nod.

Congratulations, you are both now communications specialists - welcome to the Engineers, gentlemen.

He tosses them both packets, which they eagerly tear into. Daniels looks a little left out.

Daniels, why the long face? Old man like me needs help in a big place like this; congratulations, Corporal, you're now my assistant.

Daniels grabs his packet out the air, and starts eagerly comparing notes with his two buddies. Kelso's eyes look like their going to pop - Delacroix just grins.

These things are easy, son - just gotta know who to ask. Don't worry, sergeant, Santa's got something for you, too - saving you for last.

Kelso looks like he doesn't know whether to smile or cringe. Delacroix keeps sorting through packets, reading off the labels.

Okay, who's next on Santa's list...um, Mr. Jubersky.

The Engineer looks startled, like he's never heard of Christmas.

You think I'm gonna let those fools look after themselves?

He flips him a packet.

Congratulations, you're Senior Specialist, Chambers and Mortimer answer to you now.

Jubersky swells with nerd pride as looks over his new charges, who appear a little unsure of their new leader.

Okay. Scoville, front and center.

Doc Scoville steps forward, still clutching his blanket, his face wary.

Several months ago, when Captain Blacknell was transferred over to New 21, you requested a transfer there as well.

Scoville nods. Delacroix indicates Lobe with a toss of his head.

Well, now that we got ourselves a senior medical officer, we don't need your sick ass over here. Get your things together, your going to 21. Say hi to everyone at Goose Prairie for me.

Scoville is too stunned to move.

Go on, get outta here, before I change my mind.

Scoville nods eagerly and throws of his blanket as he races back to his quarters to pack. The captain shakes his head and chuckles.

A miraculous recovery, just as I expected - you can't keep blood brothers apart. Okay, we're getting near the bottom of my stack of goodies. Scout, First Grade Epstein.

She looks a little unsure.

Uh, yes?

Now I want you all to understand, these new assignments change everything, but also change nothing. Chambers and Mortimer still know how to use their guns, one hopes, so they're still available to fight or do whatever when the need arises; it's just that their primary functions have changed. So, Lynn Epstein-

She looks a bit more expectant now.

We have a senior medical officer, but no matter how skilled a man is, even a nova, he still needs help from time to time. You will assist Lt Smith when you are not in the field - as a Scout, your advanced medical training will no doubt be useful, as will your enhanced senses. You will also be given some additional training on top of what the lieutenant shows you as time and schedules permit. Think you can handle that, Second Grade?

Epstein nods vigorously.

Yes, sir, I see no problem - 'Second Grade'?

The captain grins as he hands her a packet as well.

Caught that, did you? See, it's those keen Scout senses, nothing gets by them!

He holds up the last two packets.

Okay, people this is it. Sgt Colby, do you want what's behind door number one, or door number two?

Colby laughs in disbelief.

What, I can just pick one-?

Bzz!, wrong answer. You have worked tirelessly to hold this base together, just as you did back at the Falls - you are going places, sergeant, and this is the first step.

She tears open the packet and quickly scans through its contents, then her eyes go wide with joy.

Holy shit, I made First Sergeant?! Omigod, thank you, sir, I -

She moves to hug him, but stops at the last second. ::blush

Oh, ah, I'm sorry to - ah, f@ck it!

She crushes him as best she can, and Delacroix laughs as he pries her off.

Whoa, whoa, we got rules against that, sergeant, but the sentiment is appreciated

Kelso is now seething, trying not to go ballistic at this circus. Delacroix lazily waves the last packet.

First Sergeant Kelso. I can see you're not too thrilled by this prize giveaway. And you’re right, this is not the proper way to do this sort of thing. Formal ceremonies will be held at the proper time, and I can assure that every one of these promotions was earned. So, at last on to you. I'm sure your aware that a base this small does not need two first sergeants.

Kelso nods curtly.

And I know that you've had to put up with the slings and arrows of outrageous personnel.

He nods again, but now he looks a little puzzled.

This is no place for you - you need organization, a proper office, and the proper tools an administrator needs to get the job done.

Kelso looks like you could knock him down with feather as Delacroix hands him the final packet.

Warpstation Bravo. Transport and Supply. Sergeant Major.

Kelso's eyes are wet as he looks from his new orders back to the captain.

Get your things, son.

The new sergeant major moves towards the door, then abruptly hugs the captain as well, if anything harder than Colby! It's now Delacroix's turn to stunned, but he manages to awkwardly pat the pudgy bureaucrat on the back. After Kelso shuffles off sobbing with happiness, the captain finally recovers his dignity.

Okay. Didn't see that one coming, big brain and all. That takes care of the existing personnel. We'll also being seeing some new faces around here. We're going to get an Intelligence officer in here, Lt Emma Majors, who'll be arriving sometime today. We now have two vacancies that need to be filled, but there is a waiting list for X-Ped assignments, so I'm sure those will be filled quickly. It's possible there might be yet another officer coming our way, a Lieutenant...

He looks over some forms.

Lieutenant Ernold Ficklestein. Now why does that name sound familiar...

Suddenly, he goes pale.

Oh god, no! Not Ficklestein!

[ezekiel]

Imminent t-port from Battalion HQ, arriving in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1…

A slim man steps onto the warp pad with a huge (baseline huge) army backpack on his back and a large cardboard box in his arms. His whole aura screams DORK! as he struggles with the box and lays it on the floor with a slight grunt, reveiling the big red "S" on his blue T-shirt. He squints at the box at the box then looks around the room.

"I, ahhh...is this..X4? I'm..whoah.. - The man notices Epstein and gawks for half a second before continuing - I'm Ernold, I mean Lt. Ficklestein, reporting in."

He barely looks old enough to shave, let alone carry a big gun.

"Ah, I brought a TV and some vids, that's ok, right?"

He drags the box off the warp pad...

[tooho]

Imminent t-port from Battalion HQ, arriving in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1

Smiling happily, the average-looking red-headed Intel Officer steps out of the transport carefully tugging along a violin case and her duffel. Her blue eyes look around excitedly marking all the faces as she enters, addressing each by their proper names if not their correct rank.

“Resident spook in attendance!” she sings out as she steps into the room and lays her bags down. “Hunny, I’m home!”

Noticing Capt. Delacroix, her black leather jacket and jeans quickly reform to the proper uniform. "Sorry, sir, didn't mean to appear undisciplined. Lt Emma Majors reporting for duty..." Looking about curiously, she marks the assembled faces. "I really rather hoped to come in as a surprise, but what with all the uproar I guess that's impossible."

With an air of the girl next door meets your little sister, Emma siddles up to Colby and Epstein. "A little gift." Two bunches of wild flowers appear from behind Emma's back as she hands one to each of the women. "No reason we can't have beauty in the middle of war."

Turning back to Delacroix, “Might I inquire if all problems have been seen to, sir? I’ve read the reports, and seeing as how you are here, I expect that you’ve seen to the issues that were plaguing this base.”

[Bahamut810]

((I was going to save this untill things calmed down a little but I got bored)

Imminent t-port from Battalion HQ, arriving in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1

A 5'9" man walks out of the transporter. The first thing you notice about him is his pitch black eyes, followed by hair of the same color. He is wearing an extremely baggy set of large legged, black many-pocketed pants. There is a chain running about 3 feet long from them as well. He has a skin-tight black wife-beater shirt ticked into the pants (which seem to need no belt remarkably). Covering that is an opened black overshirt that has blue flames licking up from the bottom. All in all, he looks like he cant be more then 16 (and his fashion sense is quite a bit outdated!). By baseline standards, he is a good lookin' guy though!

He looks around at everyone, his frown seems etched into his face. He shakes his head. "A party? Wow..."

[ProfPotts]

When the officers ::rolleyes start to 'port in Rex yawns, stretches, & heads towards his quarters with the parting comment,

"Seein' as it looks like I ain't gettin' no promotion any time soon, I'm gonna' give th' ol' bed another try." Then, with a wink to Colby he adds, "Wanna' tuck me in, First Sergeant?" ::wink ::devil ::sly

[Heritage]

For some reason, Delacroix actually seems...well, scared of Ficklestein; not like 'scared of mortal danger' scared, but more like he was contagious or something. He puts as much room betweeen the two of them as possible.

For her part, Epstein is used to people's reactions to her, and shrugs it off with a smile; in fact, she approaches him and sticks out her hand.

Hi, welcome to X4. Scout, Second Grade Esptein.

She looks back to Colby.

God, I just love saying that. ::biggrin

She turns back to to the new arrival.

C'mon, I'll help you store you stuff. So what kind of vids did you bring us?

Smiling happily, the average-looking red-headed Intel Officer steps out of the transport carefully tugging along a violin case and her duffel. Her blue eyes look around excitedly marking all the faces as she enters, addressing each by their proper names if not their correct rank.

“Resident spook in attendance!” she sings out as she steps into the room and lays her bags down. “Hunny, I’m home!”

At first, people seem nervous about the arrival of the new Intel officer, but her attitude does a lot to put them at ease.

Noticing Capt. Delacroix, her black leather jacket and jeans quickly reform to the proper uniform. "Sorry, sir, didn't mean to appear undisciplined. Lt Emma Majors reporting for duty..." Looking about curiously, she marks the assembled faces. "I really rather hoped to come in as a surprise, but what with all the uproar I guess that's impossible."

The captain dismisses her concerns with a wave of his hand.

I woudn't worry about it - uniforms are important, but I don't mind things being a bit looser out her in the boonies. 'Sides, with your eufiber, you'll be ready for inspection faster than the rest of us. Just no bikinis, unless you're down by the lake, okay? ::sly

With an air of the girl next door meets your little sister, Emma siddles up to Colby and Epstein. "A little gift." Two bunches of wild flowers appear from behind Emma's back as she hands one to each of the women. "No reason we can't have beauty in the middle of war."

Epstein takes the flowers with a simple grin.

Thanks!

She takes a big whiff, then she continues to help Ficklestein get his stuff in order. Colby, on the other hand, seems genuinely touched by the gesture.

Thank you, m'am. Sergeant, well, now First Sergeant Marena Colby. Welcome to X4.

She gives Majors a firm, warm handshake.

Nice to have a female officer again; our last spook was female, too, but only in the literal sense. Scared the shit out of me, to be honest. Let me help you get squared away.

She grabs the lieutenant's duffel.

Y'know, there are some very pretty flowers on the east side of the mountain, but there out of season now; I'll show you sometime.

Turning back to Delacroix, “Might I inquire if all problems have been seen to, sir? I’ve read the reports, and seeing as how you are here, I expect that you’ve seen to the issues that were plaguing this base.”

The captain shrugs.

Still a work in progress, but we're getting there. You come highly recommended - glad you could make it, lieutenant.

A 5'9" man walks out of the transporter. The first thing you notice about him is his pitch black eyes, followed by hair of the same color. He is wearing an extremely baggy set of large legged, black many-pocketed pants. There is a chain running about 3 feet long from them as well. He has a skin-tight black wife-beater shirt ticked into the pants (which seem to need no belt remarkably). Covering that is an opened black overshirt that has blue flames licking up from the bottom. All in all, he looks like he cant be more then 16 (and his fashion sense is quite a bit outdated!). By baseline standards, he is a good lookin' guy though!

He looks around at everyone, his frown seems etched into his face. He shakes his head. "A party? Wow..."

Colby laughs softly in disbelief.

Oh my god, it's a goth - I've never seen one outside of captivity. Chambers, can you help the young man settle in?

Chambers nods.

Can-do, Top.

He walks over to the boy, his head tilted to one side like a dog.

Um, are you an officer, too? Damn, if they don't just keep gettin' younger!

He offers his hand.

Specialist Chambers - I can get you anything you need, man, my door is always open. Y'know, if I had a door.

When the officers start to 'port in Rex yawns, stretches, & heads towards his quarters with the parting comment,

"Seein' as it looks like I ain't gettin' no promotion any time soon, I'm gonna' give th' ol' bed another try." Then, with a wink to Colby he adds, "Wanna' tuck me in, First Sergeant?"

Colby laughs and rolls her eyes as she hefts Majors' duffel.

I'll get back to you, sergeant!

Delacroix calls over his shoulder to Rex.

By the way, sergeant, I put in an order for some new beds. Temperfoam, ten by eight. Six inches, nice and thick.

He holds up a hand to show the thickness.

Should be here by tonight. Don't ever say I never did nothin' for you.::wink

[Bahamut810]

Colby laughs softly in disbelief.

Oh my god, it's a goth - I've never seen one outside of captivity. Chambers, can you help the young man settle in?

"Right...because as we know, all of us little gothies are animals ready to kill people who slight us...oh wait..." He lifts an eyebrow at Colby. "Didnt you just do that?"

He walks over to the boy, his head tilted to one side like a dog.

Um, are you an officer, too? Damn, if they don't just keep gettin' younger!

"Yes...I am. Dont let that fool you though, I can still tear things apart with the best of 'em...And I have been fully potty trained and everything." He shoots a look at Colby.

He offers his hand.

Specialist Chambers - I can get you anything you need, man, my door is always open. Y'know, if I had a door.

He looks at the hand for a second, then takes and shakes.

"Thanks. You really should, they help sometimes. Name is Damien. SSO Damien Mackenzie. Codename: Lucifer..."

He looks to the side briefly and sighs, then nods. (tell me if anyone is listening/can listen to a path radio).

He looks back at Chambers. "Sorry about that...got a call. You guys have any sugar packs? I need to feed the path."

[Heritage]

"Right...because as we know, all of us little gothies are animals ready to kill people who slight us...oh wait..." He lifts an eyebrow at Colby. "Didnt you just do that?"

"Yes...I am. Dont let that fool you though, I can still tear things apart with the best of 'em...And I have been fully potty trained and everything." He shoots a look at Colby.

He looks at the hand for a second, then takes and shakes.

"Thanks. You really should, they help sometimes. Name is Damien. SSO Damien Mackenzie. Codename: Lucifer..."

Colby's eyes go wide and she slaps herself across the face.

Idiot!

She sets aside the duffel and approaches Damien.

Sarge, I'm a dumb bitch, and you have every right to kill me - I should know better about the age thing. Just let me put the lieutenant's stuff away, and then you can kill me; there's a shower, so you can wash up afterwards.

[Bahamut810]

Sarge, I'm a dumb bitch, and you have every right to kill me - I should know better about the age thing. Just let me put the lieutenant's stuff away, and then you can kill me; there's a shower, so you can wash up afterwards.

"Mabey later...I dont want to take a shower right now. Though if you really want me to...I could give you a thrashing that you woulden't forget. you really seem to get off on that."

[tooho]

The captain dismisses her concerns with a wave of his hand.

I woudn't worry about it - uniforms are important, but I don't mind things being a bit looser out her in the boonies. 'Sides, with your eufiber, you'll be ready for inspection faster than the rest of us. Just no bikinis, unless you're down by the lake, okay?

Laughing she nods. "Gotcha, forewarned is forarmed!" ::devilangel

Epstein takes the flowers with a simple grin.

Thanks!

"You are very welcome!" ::biggrin

Colby, on the other hand, seems genuinely touched by the gesture.

Thank you, m'am. Sergeant, well, now First Sergeant Marena Colby. Welcome to X4.

She gives Majors a firm, warm handshake.

"Ahem," whispering under her breath, "Emma when ever possible please. I mean.. really, if you are watching my back as much as I'm watching yalls, we really shouldn't need titles. I'm honored to be on board, and frankly, I'm in awe that I'm stationed with you, First Sergeant Marena Colby."

Nice to have a female officer again; our last spook was female, too, but only in the literal sense. Scared the shit out of me, to be honest. Let me help you get squared away.

She grabs the lieutenant's duffel.

Y'know, there are some very pretty flowers on the east side of the mountain, but there out of season now; I'll show you sometime.

"Hmm.. was it her personality or her actions that bothered you, Colby?" A pained look crosses Emma's face and is quickly covered by a smile. "That would be nice. Flowers are my weakness."

The captain shrugs.

Still a work in progress, but we're getting there. You come highly recommended - glad you could make it, lieutenant.

"Ahh, Captain Delacroix.. you are turning my head! If there is anyway I can help, sir, I'm a shout away." ::tongue

She sets aside the duffel and approaches Damien.

Sarge, I'm a dumb bitch, and you have every right to kill me - I should know better about the age thing. Just let me put the lieutenant's stuff away, and then you can kill me; there's a shower, so you can wash up afterwards.

Laughing, "Appearances can be deceiving. It is nice to meet you, SSO Mackenzie. Lt Emma Majors." She curtsy's politely with a huge grin. "If u wish to kill Colby first, I can always find my way to an empty bunk. I am if nothing else, resourceful!" ::wink

[Bahamut810]

"If u wish to kill Colby first, I can always find my way to an empty bunk. I am if nothing else, resourceful!"

"No...thats fine. Im sure she can wait till later. I need to get to my own bunk...I need to put my stuff away too. Mabey she would preffer a whipping to a thrashing or killing though...Hmmm... "

Now that I remember to mention, you do notice that he has a neaer empty duffleback over his shoulder...if you care to look at it, it looks like it does have a thin volume in it, not much else but a bulge at the bottom that could be a few things.

He looks at his helping hand. "Well, lets go before Colby puts the other foot in her mouth. I would hate to have to upgrade the physical punishments I seem to be giving out now...I dont even know when the last time I whipped someone was..."

He nods at Emma. "It was good to meet you Lt Majors."

[ProfPotts]

I'll get back to you, sergeant!

The big dino-guy grins,

"I'll hold ya' t' that..." ::devil

By the way, sergeant, I put in an order for some new beds. Temperfoam, ten by eight. Six inches, nice and thick... Should be here by tonight. Don't ever say I never did nothin' for you.

Rex has a moment of genuine surprise, then grins even wider (again with the fang-filled jaws ::biggrin ),

"Now that, sir, is th' way t' motivate people. Cheers." ::thumbsup

"No...thats fine. Im sure she can wait till later. I need to get to my own bunk...I need to put my stuff away too. Mabey she would preffer a whipping to a thrashing or killing though...Hmmm... "

The reptile man frowns as the new kid's 'joke' seems to stretch on a bit too long, a low growl appearing to involuntarily escape from deep within his heavily-muscled chest as he steps between 'goth-boy' & Colby,

"Maybe you should drop it, right kid? If ya' really need someone t' beat-up on then I'd be up fer some sparin' - but I tend ta' hit back somethin' fierce..." ::sly

[Bahamut810]

"Maybe you should drop it, right kid? If ya' really need someone t' beat-up on then I'd be up fer some sparin' - but I tend ta' hit back somethin' fierce..."

He looks the lizard up and down. Its hard to tell, but he almost seems 'ho-hum' about the threat. "My...protective of her, arent you. Dont worry...I wasent going to *touch* her. And she was the one who started it after all. But if you still want, we can practice sometime after I settle in. It never hurts to practice, as long as it dosent go too far. Oh yes...Im Damien, you are?"

[ProfPotts]

"My...protective of her, arent you..."

"Sure," counters 'the lizard', "I'm protective of my friends. Aren't you?" ::sly

"... Dont worry...I wasent going to *touch* her..."

Rex smiles his fanged grin,

"Oh, that I know..." ::devil

"... And she was the one who started it after all. But if you still want, we can practice sometime after I settle in. It never hurts to practice, as long as it dosent go too far. Oh yes...Im Damien, you are?"

"Sure - I wouldn't have offered if I wasn't prepared t' follow through. In any case, I need some sorta' work-out soon or I'll go crazy... well, crazier, I guess... Most folks just call me 'Rex', although I also answer to 'the jolly green giant' &, for children's birthdays, 'Barney'..." at the last comment, colours rippled for a moment or two over Rex's reptilian skin, before settling into a lurid purple. Rex offers his hand to the kid, adding, "Oh, & I'll be calling you 'kid', 'goth-boy', or 'Lassie', depending on th' mood that takes me..." ::tongue ::wink

[Bahamut810]

"Oh, & I'll be calling you 'kid', 'goth-boy', or 'Lassie', depending on th' mood that takes me..."

Damiens frown somehow gets a bit deeper, but he takes the hand and pumps a few times in a friendly manner. "Damien will do fine, thanks. Im not one much for Nicknames. Hell...I only use my codename in the field, and thats just for traditions sake. Good ta meet you."

[ezekiel]

For her part, Epstein is used to people's reactions to her, and shrugs it off with a smile; in fact, she approaches him and sticks out her hand.

Hi, welcome to X4. Scout, Second Grade Esptein.

Ficklestein was just standing there looking at the box with his hands on his hips, elbows pointed backwards, accentuating his dorkiness as Epstein approaches and offers her hand. His eyes grow wide as he instinctively offers his hand then looks at it..

"Ah.."

and wipes his hand on his jeans before taking her hand in his

"Penis to meet you, Second Grade Eps...Epstein!"

He then slaps his forehead and turns red

"Pleased! I mean Pleased to meet you! Ah heheh, yeah, pleased...."

She turns back to to the new arrival.

C'mon, I'll help you store you stuff.

"Thanks, you're the breast!..Best! You're the best!"

Ficklestein looks thoroughly embarassed for a moment..

So what kind of vids did you bring us?

His whole being beams as he recalls the vids

"Oh, some cassettes my grandfather recorded and gave me plus some dvds. I've got all the classics! The singing frog, Elmer Fudd, Bugs Bunny, Daffy, of course Daffy and Marvin, boy I love Marvin, ever seen the one where..."

Epstein takes the box effortlessly as Ficklestein follows her out of the room.

[Prince of Boredom]

"Oh, & I'll be calling you 'kid', 'goth-boy', or 'Lassie', depending on th' mood that takes me..."

Lobe can't help but laugh at that, "Good one Godzilla."

[ProfPotts]

"Good one Godzilla."

"You know," retorts Rex, feigning deep thought, "there's never a Tokyo tower around when you need one. They used to have one in the Power Rangers every week..." ::biggrin ::wink

[Bahamut810]

They used to have one in the Power Rangers every week..."

"That depends on what part of the part of the world you were in. There was an american version that was based in the US. No Tokyo Tower in that one."

[Heritage]

Rex has a moment of genuine surprise, then grins even wider (again with the fang-filled jaws  ),

"Now that, sir, is th' way t' motivate people. Cheers." 

Delacroix raises his beer to Rex, then takes a swig.

"Ahem," whispering under her breath, "Emma when ever possible please. I mean.. really, if you are watching my back as much as I'm watching yalls, we really shouldn't need titles. I'm honored to be on board, and frankly, I'm in awe that I'm stationed with you, First Sergeant Marena Colby."

Colby turns fairly pink at Emma's comment, and smiles self-consciously.

Uh, thanks, thanks.... ::blush Damn, has everyone heard my boring war stories?

Just so you know, I'm probably just going to call you 'Em' - I tend to be monosyllabic with nicknames, no offense.

"Hmm.. was it her personality or her actions that bothered you, Colby?" A pained look crosses Emma's face and is quickly covered by a smile. "That would be nice. Flowers are my weakness."

She was something of a robot - actually, I've met robots with warmer personalities than hers. Plus plants died around her, so we had to keep her out of the garden.

Personally, nice piles of ammo do it for me, but putting 'em in a basket of flowers would be a nice touch ::wink C'mon, there's some spare rooms over here. And you can call me 'Reena'...y'know, if you want. ::smile

Ficklestein was just standing there looking at the box with his hands on his hips, elbows pointed backwards, accentuating his dorkiness as Epstein approaches and offers her hand. His eyes grow wide as he instinctively offers his hand then looks at it..

"Ah.."

and wipes his hand on his jeans before taking her hand in his

"Penis to meet you, Second Grade Eps...Epstein!"

He then slaps his forehead and turns red

"Pleased! I mean Pleased to meet you! Ah heheh, yeah, pleased...."

Epstein laughs out loud and covers her mouth.

Oh my god! Words are clearly a problem for you - you should probably stop using them.

"Thanks, you're the breast!..Best! You're the best!"

Ficklestein looks thoroughly embarassed for a moment..

She nearly doubles over this time; when she finally recovers, she looks around, then leans in close to him.

You know, you may not have noticed, but I'm unusually attractive.

She gives him a big 'secret wink' ::wink, then laughs.

It's okay, really; guys say stupid stuff to me all the time...usually while they're grabbing my ass. ::angry

She puts an arm around his shoulder and gives him a little reassuring hug.

Just be cool, and we'll get along fine.

His whole being beams as he recalls the vids

"Oh, some cassettes my grandfather recorded and gave me plus some dvds. I've got all the classics! The singing frog, Elmer Fudd, Bugs Bunny, Daffy, of course Daffy and Marvin, boy I love Marvin, ever seen the one where..."

Really? I'm into Disney - I think Sleeping Beauty is my favorite, either that or Little Mermaid. And Aladdin's so funny! Plus I've got every episode of 'Kim Possible' on chip...

Epstein takes the box effortlessly as Ficklestein follows her out of the room.

Delacroix looks up when Lobe speaks.

By the way, lieutenant, not only will you have a lovely young assitant to aid you, I have plans for converting part of the crew quarters into a proper med ward with a directly adjacent warp muster room. Just room for one bed in a base this small, but it will give you room to work on folks that don't need to go to all the way to Bravo.

[tooho]

Uh, thanks, thanks....  Damn, has everyone heard my boring war stories?

Just so you know, I'm probably just going to call you 'Em' - I tend to be monosyllabic with nicknames, no offense.

::biggrin "None taken. Sounds great to me!" ::wink

She was something of a robot - actually, I've met robots with warmer personalities than hers. Plus plants died around her, so we had to keep her out of the garden.

*sigh* "Hopefully they'll reinstate her after her emotion chip is properly installed." ::devilangel

Personally, nice piles of ammo do it for me, but putting 'em in a basket of flowers would be a nice touch  C'mon, there's some spare rooms over here. And you can call me 'Reena'...y'know, if you want.

"Check, check and check. ::bigsmile Reena it is. Hmm.. maybe I could tour the place after I put down my stuff. Don't want to be caught with my pants down should a problem arise." ::lookaround

Dumping her duffel on an empty cot, she carefully slides the violin under the bed.

"Thank you for the help, Reena. I'm glad I asked for the transfer. Getting to work with a member of the first again is like coming home. Any idea when we'll get some action? I'm feeling a bit rusty around the edges. I need to... I don't know.. nab something. I'm going through withdrawal!" ::wacko

[ezekiel]

She puts an arm around his shoulder and gives him a little reassuring hug.

Just be cool, and we'll get along fine.

Ficklestein grins so widely as he's hugged that his head is liable to explode. Wisely, he keeps his mouth closed though an embarassed chuckle still manages to escape his lips

"Aheheh" ::blush ::bigsmile

Really? I'm into Disney - I think Sleeping Beauty is my favorite, either that or Little Mermaid. And Aladdin's so funny! Plus I've got every episode of 'Kim Possible' on chip...

"Yeah, Aladdin! Genie's great! I've brought quite a few Disney's as well, ever seen Who Framed Roger Rabbit?"

Epstein takes the box effortlessly as Ficklestein follows her out of the room.

[ProfPotts]

"That depends on what part of the part of the world you were in. There was an american version that was based in the US. No Tokyo Tower in that one."

::blink

Rex looks a little stunned that the kid took his comment seriously, but replies all the same,

"What? You believe that 'Angel Grove' happened t' have an exact replica of th' Tokyo tower that got smashed in th' giant monster fight scene every week? Sorry Lassie, you'll have t' be a little sharper than that around these parts..." ::sly

[Bahamut810]

Damien shrugs. "Whatever..."

He looks over at his escort. "You ready to show me where I sleep, or am I sleeping here?"

[Heritage]

Damien shrugs. "Whatever..."

He looks over at his escort. "You ready to show me where I sleep, or am I sleeping here?"

Chambers grins.

Follow me, kind sir!

He leads him to one of the spare officer's rooms (not many left!), and sets his things on top of his cot.

You need anything, just give me a call - number 17 on the intercom.

He backs out of the room, mock-Arabic bowing.

[ProfPotts]

With (seemingly) very little for him to do at the moment, Rex heads back to bed to attempt to get some sleep. ::sleeping

[Bahamut810]

Damien nods to chambers, his frown lessening a second. "Thanks, Im just gonna settle in. If anything happens you know where I am."

[Heritage]

Captain Delacroix suggests that everyone get settled in, and use the rest of the day to get familiar with the base and with each other. He also feels that waiting until tonight or even tomorrow night on the recon might be a good idea, to give Joey time to relax and drop his guard once more.

(OOC: I think a mini-time jump here is a good idea, to get new characters time to get sorted out, and give missing players time to catch up. Post in OOC if you have questions about the time jump, otherwise post what your PC is doing for the rest of the day - projects you're working on, which PCs or NPCs you hang out with, etc.)

[Bahamut810]

Dameon unpacks his...uhh...bag. He has a thick notebook, some pencils, and a photo in a frame. Though he would never admit it, he actually smiles slightly as he looks at it and puts it on the desk in his room.

He grabs his notebook and a few pencils and makes his way back out to the common room. He grabs himself a seat in a corner and begins to draw whoever is around while listening to everything thats going on, getting used to the way things are done.

[Prince of Boredom]

Seemingly bored with everything that's been going on, Lobe follows the new Intel officer and Colby to her room and tour of the base. "So, Emma, intel covers a lot of ground. What is it that you really do?"

[Heritage]

"Yeah, Aladdin! Genie's great! I've brought quite a few Disney's as well, ever seen Who Framed Roger Rabbit?"

Epstein's eyes go wide with glee.

I looooove that movie! God, I haven't seen it in years!