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Post by Creator on May 19, 2014 23:27:10 GMT -5
December 21, 2758
New Oslo City Hall
2105 Hours
59 degrees Fahrenheit
The bus had finally arrived to City Hall. And it would have been here an hour earlier if the two of the tires hadn’t suffered a blow out. It was an oxymoron to call this the “Christmas Dance” held every year by the planetary government who as they had every year invited the Naval and members of the Corps. Even the Special Security personnel were invited. It had always been held, except during the Republican Civil War which had been some eight hundred years ago. The bus opened its door and Captain Jones was the first to walk off. Everyone had been in their dress maroon reds. The multiple medals he had won over the years were shining on his chest. The cap that he also wore looked magnificent on him. As members of the company walked off of the bus, he realized that some people were still arriving. The parking lot was enormous with multiple vehicles parked. The building itself was large. City hall had five stories to it. The building had two old fashioned wooden doors that had to be pulled, which were almost always open. Cast iron handles completed it.
The company walked through the doors and proceeded inside. There they saw the large desk that on either side had a sign that said “Christmas Party Fourth Floor” Only then did they travel by elevator to the floor. As members exited they saw a large room that practically was the entire floor. The room was very well lit and the red carpet was complementary. People in their dress reds or for the navy dark blue crowded the room. Only the SS personnel had the jet black uniforms in the room. Civilians had very bright colors of dresses and suits. On the other side of the dance floor was a large banquet of free food from Earth imported lobster to Statacan hulzean and just about enough alcohol to make someone have a bad hang over. There were also tables and chairs on the far side of the room. But right now no one was eating at all. Hundreds of people were here for the party. The entire place was full of people but they were all focused on the activity happening in the center of the room. The Corps Band had just finished their number when Kilo Company arrived. A thunderous applause overcame them as they exited the elevators. Someone on the microphone said “The Naval Band will be doing something different this year. Alexia Sockalove, Captain of the Troopship Dauntless Fury will be performing for us a traditional dance with her wife and dance partner Alla. The song is called Oh Chyane or in English: Dark Eyes.” The announcer had pronounced the last name and the song wrong…………
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Post by Alexia "Alex" Sokolov on Jun 4, 2014 8:54:40 GMT -5
*click on the link to hear the song. Forgive me describing the dance it’s very hard to put into words what I see in my head*
The lights in the room went off and darkness soon ensued the room. Conversation fell off as silence came over the room, people wondering what the Naval Band was about to play. Then one light shone on the dance floor. On the dance floor was a woman. Alla was standing in the middle, wearing a beautiful bright red dress. The back of her dress was open down to the middle of her back. The front of her dress was simpler and the entire dress shone. Her black hair was tied tonight in a long braid. A old record player began, the song began to play. Alla stood in the center and moved very slowly, closing her eyes not opening them for the first few moments of the song. Her arms went up and she moved them left to right…..almost like a snake. She then spun very fast but it only lasted for a short time. Another light then came on. It was shining in the far left corner of the dance floor with Alexia in a similar outfit. Her hair was not in any braid or pony tail it was straight down.
Alexia’s outfit was red as well although not as bright, it was actually a maroon color. Alexia moved closer to Alla who was now standing still watching Alexia’s every move. As Alexia slowly moved the chorus in the song suddenly came to life. Alla then began to move forward towards Alexia and the two came together. Each of them put their right hand up touching their palms. With this they both circled each other, hands still touching as the song still played. Then after five circles, they both stopped and Alexia grabbed Alla by her waist and lifted her up. Alla then lifted her up above her head as Alla stretched herself out. This actually lasted for fifteen seconds before she was placed down on the dance floor. Alexia then grabbed Alla’s hands and began to slowly sway to the music. Both of them continued to sway. The music suddenly stopped and both Alla and Alexia stood as the crowd cheered both of them clapping and yelling. It seemed short but this was only because the song they had selected was short.
The lights came back on and the announcement was given. This year unlike the previous five years the Naval Band won. A little protest was given from the Corps band who were furious that a choreographed dance was allowed but all in all it was allowed. The mayor of the city gave a short speech but no one really listened. The party then resumed for the remainder of the night.
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Post by Christopher Reed on Jun 4, 2014 9:38:46 GMT -5
Walking into the elevator, Reed just couldn’t shut up. “Man I love this thing, I didn’t know what to do before I had the Nebula 2400! You have one Wei?” he asked as other members of the company entered the elevator. “Nah, I’m not the technical type. Am an engineer? Yeah but I really don’t care for all those fancy communicators. That thing is a waste of your time anyways Reed and more importantly a waste of some good credits. Besides it’s really just something that Outerer’s buy to say they have credits. It’s Outerer technology” Zhour said. A few people quickly ganced at him but then turned away. “What did you say?” Reed said and looked at Zhour. “I called it Outerer technology, technology that’s for Outerers. Now don’t say I’m planetest I’m not at all, I’m just saying people who are stupid buy this stuff just to show off to others and act as if they have money.” The door finally opened and people got out.
Reed put his communicator in his pocket and walked out. “Woah.” Was all he could say when he saw the enormous crowd of people. As he walked out he saw that or rather heard the Corps band play their last note. A large applause followed. He looked to the far left and saw that there was a large banquet of food on the far side of the room. Walking over he began to make his way through the packed room. He wasn’t halfway there when the lights went out and he had to stop. Looking where there was a light he saw a woman in the middle of the dance floor begin to move. Reed just rolled his eyes, all he cared about now was getting some food, and especially some Hulzean, a Statacan meat that was extremely sweet without sauces or spices added to it. He hadn’t had a chance of eating some…..yet. Finally the dance finished and the lights came back on. After getting through the crowd he approached the line buffet. There were no servers every item had been placed on heaters. He got two places full of food and sat down. One plate was just Hulzean while the other was lobster with melted butter. As he cut into the Hulzean he saw more people coming over towards him now that the dance and contest was over. He began to eat the Hulzean, and it was amazing almost as good as he expected…except it was much better.
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Post by Michael Hobbar on Jun 9, 2014 23:24:02 GMT -5
Hobbar finally sighed after the dance. It was a good dance and he liked it, but personally he just wanted to get a bite of something to eat. He’d been stuck on that bus for longer then he could remember. His dress uniform looked very sharp. The sword that he also carried was visible, as he walked across the room towards the buffet. Of course as fate would have it he would have to wait longer. There was a small gathering around someone but Hobbar tried to get around it. He was so hungry and wanted to get anything to eat. “Excuse me.” He started to say and the person in front of him moved foreward to get out of his way. Hobbar then turned to see who these people were all talking to. It was the uniformed woman who’d been dancing earlier. “It’s actually an old pre space Russian song from the 19th century, and the announcer didn’t pronounce my last name correctly. It’s Sokolov not Sokolove.” Hobbar wasn’t one to indulge himself in conversation but he decided to stay because he wanted to know how long it took to choreograph something that complicated.
She continued to talk and slowly people walked away before he was the only one who was left. She smiled at him “Yes?”. Michael for a second went blank he wasn’t sure what he was going to ask her. “The dance, how long did it take for you and your dance partner to choreograph something that complicated?” he asked her. She chuckled a little. “It took us all together a week, she was very eager to dance and it made it easy.” She then saw on Hobbar’s uniform the medal for the campaign at Sisyphus. “I see that you were at Sisyphus.” She told him. Michael then looked down and smiled before looking back. “Yes, yes I was at Sisyphus. It was not an easy campaign especially the first day. That was a day to remember. What ship are you in command of?” he asked her. “The Dauntless Fury a troop ship.” She told him. Hobbar then remembered. “Ah, that was the starship my division was on. I’m a platoon lieutenant. I have to say you ran a pretty tight starship.” He then smiled. “Thank you….I’m glad your stay on my starship was a good one.” She said. “Tell me Captain Sokolov, how does one become a starship captain?”
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Post by Michael Hobbar on Jun 15, 2014 22:22:58 GMT -5
Post here for the Christmas Party.
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Post by Wei Zhour on Jun 23, 2014 15:34:33 GMT -5
Zhour was impressed with how easy it looked to move in that dance. He was an admirer of people who could dance. He couldn’t. Wei Zhour had never been good at dancing and always found an excuse to not dance at parties. He often tripped and fell flat on his face. It wasn’t important to him , to him dancing was almost always a waste of someone’s time. Walking through the crowd he passed many civilians dressed elegantly in the latest fashion, a few Corps officers here and there. He even passed by the Senator of Statca who was talking to some civilians. He never cared for anyone in politics, much less the party itself. The only reason he came was because he’d been ordered to come…..well it was tradition.
Walking over towards the banquet area he grabbed himself a plate and began to pile on the food. Grabbing some sort of meat, mashed potato, vegetables and the mysterious looking Hulzean . He looked over for a table and found one that Reed was at. Sitting down, Reed was chewing and waved at him. “Didn’t your mother ever teach you not to stuff your face?” he said to him. “Yeah she did. But I didn’t listen.” He said and looked up when three service members sat themselves down. “Hi.” One of the men said, he had a dark skin complexion. His eyes were a light green, his head was shaved. He was wearing a crème coated uniform. “Private Muller, Statcan Army.” He said. “This is Private Rollen and Private Miller.” He said and waved his hands to his compatriots. Zhour just started to cut into the Hulzean when Miller interrupted him. “Your not supposed to cut it up that small. Your supposed to have it in large chunks to get the juice that comes with the meat. That’s the best part.”
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Post by Berlioz Lamond on Jun 28, 2014 16:20:04 GMT -5
Despite the years he'd spent in the armed forces, this was the first event like this Berlioz had ever been to. The lights, the bright colours of the uniforms and suits. Everything was so vibrant and full of life and energy, it made a welcome change from the journey here. No had said a word to him, even the trooper who had taken the seat next to him preffered to talk across the centre parting that attempt to make conversation. Even after 5 months people still remembered. While he wasn't certain, he could guess from the regular glances the few guards he could spot would throw him meant that someone had let them know to keep an eye on him.
That was fine. Berlioz had no intention of causing trouble. While this wasn't exactly his idea of a good time, his low rank meant he could generally pass through crowds without someone trying to grab his attention. It was a nice habit that most people checked the lapels on his shoulders before bothering to look at the ribbons on his chest. That said, the two bronze stars on the purple heart stood out amongst all the fabric and earned him a couple of raised eyebrows. Not enough to chat about, enough to judge you for though.
In the end it didn't take him particularly long to find the food. The long trip had taken its toll and there wouldn't be a meal like this for some time, so taking advantage of the offer now was in Berlioz's best interest. As he got to the front, a familiar voice caught his attention. Looking for only a split second, he saw Lt. Hobbar talking to the woman who'd been dancing only moments earlier. The multitude of medals, ribbons and the Captain's lapels meant that she was likely in charge of her own starship, although which one he didn't have a clue. He didn't stare long enough to know if Hobbar saw him as well. If the Lieutenant wanted to speak to him the he would, but the likelihood would be that this Captain would be the focus of his attention for now.
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Post by Jorge Silva on Jun 29, 2014 22:27:34 GMT -5
Jorge took another gulp of the extremely thick eggnog. His favorite part of the holiday, except for the reason of Christ being born was eggnog. During November as a child he and his older sister Olivia would buy the eggnog right on the first day it came out. And they’d have a large stash down in their basement, and it would usually last till April. The party was going nicely he’d seen a few other people from the division. He was standing near the drink section of the massive buffet. Eggnog, almost every kind of alcoholic beverage, juices and pop were all provided. He was scanning the room, he noticed that the lieutenant had decided to try his luck with the dancer. Heathen.
He was almost sad that the year was almost over. In a few days it would be 3359. It had been quite the year as he reflected it. Coming to the planet around March, the ARM attacked the central bank that month he arrived. The hostages and shoot out that followed were bloody for him and the unit as a whole. Then the campaign to get rid of the ARM and it’s leader rouge ex Republican Army General Jason Sneer. He was still contemplating how he had gotten away, the navy had him right there! And they had returned back in September only to go on leave until December. The past few weeks there hadn’t been much of drilling.
He began to walk out into the crowd, maybe someone talking to him would get his mind off of past events. Most civilians were talking amongst themselves or talking to other service members. Off in the distance he saw Lamond looking dumb founded, not really looking like he belonged here. He was a fish out of water, or so that’s what Silva saw when he saw him. He was just…staring off into space. Taking a sip of the eggnog as he headed towards him he was glad to find someone to talk to. Approaching him from behind and slapping his hand on Lamond’s right shoulder he said “You sure look like you loath this place Lamond. Come on, cheer up, there’s tons of food!”
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Post by Berlioz Lamond on Jun 30, 2014 20:41:37 GMT -5
The sudden clap on his shoulder snapped Berlioz out of his daze. In shock he whipped around grabbing the person's arm fully prepared to throw them to the ground. Thankfully he recognised the Staff Sergeant before he completed the action. He let go as fast as he had grabbed and fervently apologised, "Sergeant Silva! I am so sorry!"
His heart still racing he straightened himself up not wanting to draw any further attention to himself. "The food is the best part about this place Sir, I don't know anyone here besides those in our platoon." It was difficult to look the Sergeant in the eye, he hadn't spoken to him since his visit in the Medical Bay of the Fury. It wasn't that long ago, Berlioz still could remember it practically word for word.
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Post by Jorge Silva on Jun 30, 2014 22:43:37 GMT -5
Silva frowned and said “Don’t call me sir, I work for a living.” He then started to walk towards the buffet. He always loved food and tonight he’d eat as much as he could. “You did seem out of place though, you must really not like this huh?” he told Lamond as they walked together. “Don’t mind me I’m not really enjoying this either. But if you don’t know anyone well that’s life. You see them.” He said nodding towards Alexia and Hobbar. “Those two hardly knew each other and are now hitting it off, of course I doubt we’ll see much of her since she’s the captain of a starship if we ever are on her starship. Now let’s go see what all that fuss is about over that strange aquatic food known as Hulzean, it’s supposed to be very good.”
Approaching the buffet he grabbed himself a plate and stacked it high with as many shrimp as it could hold. He also got four small cups of that special sauce that went with it. Grabbing himself another plate he grabbed some of the Hulzean and walked towards a table. He saw Zhour and Reed sitting together with some Statacan army soldiers. Sitting down he listened in on a conversation of the Statacans telling a story about basic training. Jorge ate the shrimp as he listened.
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Post by Alex Huxley on Jul 2, 2014 22:58:21 GMT -5
Alex slowly walked into the party and immediately felt out of place. The words the hardened sergeant spoke to him a few weeks ago had still stayed with him. He wasn't suppose to make friends or at least outright find some. In a few months, hell maybe even in a few days, they'd be fighting and killing the enemy. Any moment his life could end and that sergeant was right. None of these guys would want to get to know someone just to have them day days later. It probably happened so often it's become the horrid norm.
His dress reds were very bright, brand new straight from the vacuum seal he had put them in when he graduated from basic. His ribbon shows bright and his jump medal shines brighter. This also caught his attention. All the others had dress reds that, although looked good, were faded. Faded by time and wear. A lot of them had been here done that. Probably lost count at how many parties they had attended in their military careers. A statistic that made Alex feel even more insignificant and small. He joined the military and the drop core to be the best. To show everyone who doubted him that he could be a warrior. He wanted to opportunity to make friends, band of brothers and sisters, who he would give his life for. Now all his expectations had been crushed all because of some ignorant NCO on the flight in.
Alex made his way over to the refreshments and asked for a glass of scotch. In one swig he downed it, wincing at the burn. He let out a cough that he tried to keep down but all he managed to do was make his face beat red. The bartender shook his head and laughed which caused Alex to laugh as well. Maybe the key to having a good time was drinking? He looked around and than agreed with himself as he downed another glass.
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Post by Alexia "Alex" Sokolov on Jul 2, 2014 23:24:32 GMT -5
“Why I never knew it took that long to become a captain.” Hobbar began to say, “I cannot say that I’d enjoy being on a starship for my posting.” He then inhaled deeply as someone else arrived behind Alexia. “I managed to get back our vinyl and its now in the car.” The woman had long dark black hair and a very beautiful red dress. “Who is this?” she said. “Ah, Hobbar this is my wife Alla. Alla this is Hobbar. He was on my starship during the campaign to reclaim Sisyphus from ARM.” She said. Alla held out her hand and Hobbar shook it. She held his gaze for a few seconds before talking again. “It’s a pleasure to meet you Michael. I hope she hasn’t pestered you too much with questions.” She said. “I haven’t asked him anything, on the contrary he was asking me how I became a captain.” She said to her. “Mmmmhmmm. Have you met Senator Barnes yet?” she said to Hobbar. Hobbar was stunned. “I didn’t know he was going to be here. Are all the people running for Council and the Senate for the seats for the Hancock system all here?” he asked. “Yes, Barnes is hoping to be elected for another term, but I suspect it won’t work out.” She told him.
Hobbar was not very political at all, unlike his parents who were political nerds he never cared for it. He only voted because he could and he only voted for whomever was running in the Outer Colonial Party or OCP. From what his parents had told him a few months ago the OCP was about to become the large power player in Republican politics, especially with the current speaker being indited over not paying taxes five years ago. A week ago it had also been reported that the Speaker had taken bribes from other politicans to help support their own platforms. He knew politics was always messy but the OCP currently was the least of the evils. He didn’t really care who was running he just cared about them getting the job done. “I take it you’re a Solarian Conservative?” Alla said. “Alla!” Alexia suddenly snapped at her . “No it’s ok Captain. No I am not a Solarian Conservative, I am a member of the Outer Colonial Party.” He told her. It was very odd that she straight out asked him what party he was. “Alla go and get us something to drink I’m dying of thirst.” She said. “I’ll be back.” Alla said and walked off into the crowd. Alexia suddenly waved her hands in front of her. “I’m so sorry about that Lieutenant, she isn’t very sociable and not good at these kind of parties. It was very rude of her to ask you that question.” She said.
“No it’s fine I would rather have that then a bullet being fired at me. Being a Solarian Conservative, I take it you are from Earth?” He asked her. “Yes I’m from Earth. I’m actually half Russian, my mother was from the Union of North America, Father is from Russia.” She told him. “And I take it you are not from the Inner Colonies you don’t have an Innie’s accent.” She said. “ I am from Hyarkin. Both of my parents were natives and are also doctors, my dad is a radiologist and my mother is the head of a hospital. She recently got the position I cannot remember which hospital it is.” He told her. “Lieutenant you can sit at our table with Alla and I. We are not expecting anyone else to sit with us, you can invite your platoon to sit with us if you wish.” She told him.
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Post by Berlioz Lamond on Jul 3, 2014 7:54:45 GMT -5
Berlioz followed for a second, but then left him to his own devices. He just wasn't particularly in the mood to socialise with the Sergeant right now. As comfortable as the uniform was, just being in it made him feel uneasy. Situations where simply speaking to the wrong person could cause problems were minefields to him. Lt. Hobbar and the Captain he was talking to had been joined by the woman that had she was dancing with earlier. Over the moderately loud murmur of voices it was impossible to even guess at what they were talking about, but standing around awkwardly in the middle of a crowd wasn't doing his now growing anxiety any favours.
He should find somewhere to sit, preferably on his own but anyone from his platoon would be acceptable at this point.
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Post by Alex Huxley on Jul 3, 2014 9:27:29 GMT -5
Maybe it was the fourth shot of scotch that made him feel loose or the mingling and laughter of everyone around him but Alex felt as if he wanted to start a conversation. Nope, it was definitely the alcohol. He said thank you to the bartender mostly to see if he was slurring his words and pushed off into the sea of people.
It took a few moments but he locked sights on a guy in his squad. He remembered him from the introduction and they saw each other every day at work. Lamond was his name. Alex made a b-line for him and raised his hand to say "Hi".
"What's up I'm Ale-urmm Huxley" he stammered "So I've avoided making friends tonight in account of not wanting to die and piss you guys off because of what that Sergeant said but I'm really bored so Hi" he rushed through his introduction.
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Post by Berlioz Lamond on Jul 3, 2014 10:53:38 GMT -5
The sudden appearance of another platoon member calling himself Huxley stunned Berlioz for a moment. However the rambling introduction that he gave was enough time for him to collect his thoughts. Deciding to take advantage of the rather obviously intoxicated state the trooper was in, Berlioz was able to break the usual, awkward introductory stage of a conversation and jump straight to the part that caught his attention. "What the Sergeant said? Are we talking about Staff Sergeant Silva here?"
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