45,120 / 50,000
Chapter 25: The Presentation.
The dinner was not as Stromson had expected, and he stated as such, which amused Robert and Shannon to no end. "This is the best meal I've ever had, and my father was a world class chef at a 5 star resort!" Ted has a twinkle in his eyes as he said, "And you were complaining that the food was going to be average at best?" Stromson looked at him. "I have very high standards, you realize." This got the entire table laughing. A shaggy looking human in a jet black tuxedo had been walking around and had overheard the conversation. he turned to the table. "Good evening gentlemen and the fair Ma'dam. Is there a problem with how our chef has prepared your repast?" Shannon spoke for the entire table. "No sir. This is probably the best meal we've had in a few weeks, if the truth be known." The human nodded gravely. "In times of war, good food often becomes a secondary priority, sadly. And Sir, how are you feeling this evening?" This last question was directed at Robert. Robert looked at him, and saw for a brief instant a mirror image of himself. "I- uh... You are one of the Three, aren't you." The human nodded. "Yes. You actually have my nickname, I think. We are both referred to as Bear. I do apologize somewhat for my appearance. I seldom take human form anymore, and frankly I probably should start to again, especially if we are going to be hosting more of these events." Robert nodded. "sir, you look marvelous if I do say so myself. I hear the 'shaggy' look is back in vogue, if one follows that sort of trend." Shannon giggled and slugged Robert on the arm. "Goof. Quit buttering up our host." Bear chuckled. "Enjoy the presentation. I must be off to check in on the rest of my guests." He turned and lumbered off.
James came back on stage after 40 minutes had passed. "Now that we have all enjoyed this excellent meal, I think we should begin the presentation." He stepped off the stage as the house lights dimmed and a large projector turned on in the auditorium, and a slide shot started. The slideshow had an audible componant as well, which consisted mostly of the group being displayed on the screen saying thank you in a variety of languages and ways. At almsot every picture there were comments whispered in the audience. Then an image was displayed on the screen that made Robert gasp. There on the screen was a human female that robert knew very well, as he had made a voice call to her just before all this began. "Hello. The pilots that are hearing this will know my voice rather well. I am the designer of the Buzzsaw's Computer Assist Program, and I would like to thank all of you for protecting my home." There was some mutterings a few tables over, but it was largely appreciative. Shannon leaned over and whispered to Robert. "She's pretty attractive for being nearly 70. I'll bet she was hot when she was my age." Robert leaned back over and beep'd Shannon on the nose. "Quiet, silly."
The presentation continued for a bit more, and then there was a picture on the screen that made Shannon gasp: It was her parents. "To our daughter and all the people who ride the machines she keeps running: Thank you." Robert leaned over, but was stopped by a firm grip on his throat. It didn't stop him from breathing, but it was not exactly a nice feeling. Shannon whispered "One word, and I tighten my grip." Robert nodded while Ted looked at both of them. He rolled his eyes. "Newlyweds."
The presentation finished after another ten minutes, and then Bear and James came up on the stage. This ends the presentation. In a few minutes will be the formal portion of this de-briefing, which will be led by the Fleet Admiral. Again, Thank you for attending." They both walked off the stage, and everyone chatted for about ten minutes. The chatter quieted down when a very tired looking Tigearean stepped up on the stage. "Can I have you attention for a bit." The room went quiet. "Thanks. I'll try to keep this as short and as fast as possible, because I know that no one likes these meetings, but we have to have them anyhow. First and foremost: WE WON. Secondly-" The Tigerean was cut off by the massive appalause. He waved his hands and suddenly the entire room went quiet for a few seconds. The noise returned, but quickly died away. "Folks, if you interrupt me with clapping, it's gonan take forever to slog through this, and I know that some of you want to get back to your ships to either get back to work, or to sleep. So. Secondly, Alliance casalties were as such: We had a total of 20 capital ships, some 100 fighters, 50 bombers, and a special 'sapper' squad of 10 fighters running in a custom configuration. We lost two capital ships: the Pacifica is no longer safe to move out of orbit, but can act as a way point or a temporary station for the time being, as the hulk is stripped of useful gear and cut up for scrap. The second capital ship was the Tigerean cruiser Sh'Maa, which was lost with all hands on board. We had 20 fighters that were lost with their pilots, and another 5 that are unrepairable. We lost one bomber due to a malfuntion with the payload release. Fortunately, the crew were able to eject their lifepod safely, and they survived. Of the sapper squad, there were no losses, dispite their discovery by the Hive Mind and it's feeble attempt to interdict them. As for crew losses aboard the remainder of the fleet: On average there were 10 lives lost on each of the remaining ships. All the dead will be given posthumous promotions and be awarded the Bronze star for outstanding service and courage under fire." The auditorum grew somber and quiet as Tigra stopped for a moment to honor the dead.
"The Shivans deployed against us: 20 drone carrier ships, each with a full loadout of 50,000 drones. There were also 5 factory ships with a half load of drones for each of the droneships in it's hold. There were three battleships that proved no match for the Pacifica and the Sh'Maa, although the latter was destroyed in it's fight with the battleship, which did not deal the fatal blow, but rather the Sh'Maa was overwhelmed with drones after it's fight, and could not defend itself, dispite the outstanding efforts of the fighters to protect her. Finally, there was the Hive-mind itself, which was destroyed by the sapper team a minute into the battle. In total, we estimate that our force of fighters was up against almost a million drones, and it won dispite what some might consider overwhlming odds."
"Now for happier news: The list of promotions will be posted in two days. the Hotel Sierra listings will be published as soon as we finish reviewing the flight and gun cameras for confirmed kills. In addition, as soon as the Fleet gets back to their safe harbor, everyone will get shore leave until the ships are fully repaired. That is all. The gates are open to take those that are bunked at their ships back, while the folks were have been displaced will continue to stay here overnight while we prepare the remainder of the Pacifica for you. That is all. Dismissed." The room stayed quiet for a second, and then erupted into a long applause and cheers from the assembled crowd for over twenty minutes.
The table where Shannon and Robert were at had been discussing the plans for the next few days. As luck would have it, they were all without a usuable billet, due to battle damage. In addition, they had all somehow gotten rooms next to each other. Stromson stated that he'd sleep in the wardroom if it was up to him, although Tigra had 86'd that idea hands down. Shannon was eager to help out, and Steuben was eager to get back to work as well. Those three decided to head back to the Hillary to see what else could done to at least make the airless corridors airtight once again. This left Ted, Alex, and Robert. Ted mentioned booze, and Alex agreed. "Robert, you wanna come with?" Robert shrugged. "I don't know. my last experience with booze left me with a killer headache, and with more fur on then I normally wear." Ted laughed. "Of course. Ch'Mee gave you his special mead. It's designed to taste like whatever the were's racial animal is supposed to fancy. Your case: honey. My case: well... I don't like to talk about it. Gave me a helluva hangover in the morning too." Robert nodded thoughtfully. "However, I know of a bar in the town, and it's not too far to walk. I grew up around here, if you were wondering why I know this stuff." Alex made an "ahh" noise, and they all went to talk to their hosts to see if they could borrow some coats for the trip. To their surprise, Bear offered to drive them down and back. "Besides, someone needs to make sure you three stay out of trouble." was his response.
Robert woke up the next morning with yet another hangover, and in bear form once again. Fortunately, the headache was not as bad, and he could remember the last night. Shannon had returned in the middle of the night, and Robert woke up with Shannon's panties tied around his muzzle. Her comment as he started to fumble with his paws to get them off was that his breath smelled like a sewer. Finally he gave up and tried to shift down, and got the shock of his life when he could not.
(1673/1667)
The dinner was not as Stromson had expected, and he stated as such, which amused Robert and Shannon to no end. "This is the best meal I've ever had, and my father was a world class chef at a 5 star resort!" Ted has a twinkle in his eyes as he said, "And you were complaining that the food was going to be average at best?" Stromson looked at him. "I have very high standards, you realize." This got the entire table laughing. A shaggy looking human in a jet black tuxedo had been walking around and had overheard the conversation. he turned to the table. "Good evening gentlemen and the fair Ma'dam. Is there a problem with how our chef has prepared your repast?" Shannon spoke for the entire table. "No sir. This is probably the best meal we've had in a few weeks, if the truth be known." The human nodded gravely. "In times of war, good food often becomes a secondary priority, sadly. And Sir, how are you feeling this evening?" This last question was directed at Robert. Robert looked at him, and saw for a brief instant a mirror image of himself. "I- uh... You are one of the Three, aren't you." The human nodded. "Yes. You actually have my nickname, I think. We are both referred to as Bear. I do apologize somewhat for my appearance. I seldom take human form anymore, and frankly I probably should start to again, especially if we are going to be hosting more of these events." Robert nodded. "sir, you look marvelous if I do say so myself. I hear the 'shaggy' look is back in vogue, if one follows that sort of trend." Shannon giggled and slugged Robert on the arm. "Goof. Quit buttering up our host." Bear chuckled. "Enjoy the presentation. I must be off to check in on the rest of my guests." He turned and lumbered off.
James came back on stage after 40 minutes had passed. "Now that we have all enjoyed this excellent meal, I think we should begin the presentation." He stepped off the stage as the house lights dimmed and a large projector turned on in the auditorium, and a slide shot started. The slideshow had an audible componant as well, which consisted mostly of the group being displayed on the screen saying thank you in a variety of languages and ways. At almsot every picture there were comments whispered in the audience. Then an image was displayed on the screen that made Robert gasp. There on the screen was a human female that robert knew very well, as he had made a voice call to her just before all this began. "Hello. The pilots that are hearing this will know my voice rather well. I am the designer of the Buzzsaw's Computer Assist Program, and I would like to thank all of you for protecting my home." There was some mutterings a few tables over, but it was largely appreciative. Shannon leaned over and whispered to Robert. "She's pretty attractive for being nearly 70. I'll bet she was hot when she was my age." Robert leaned back over and beep'd Shannon on the nose. "Quiet, silly."
The presentation continued for a bit more, and then there was a picture on the screen that made Shannon gasp: It was her parents. "To our daughter and all the people who ride the machines she keeps running: Thank you." Robert leaned over, but was stopped by a firm grip on his throat. It didn't stop him from breathing, but it was not exactly a nice feeling. Shannon whispered "One word, and I tighten my grip." Robert nodded while Ted looked at both of them. He rolled his eyes. "Newlyweds."
The presentation finished after another ten minutes, and then Bear and James came up on the stage. This ends the presentation. In a few minutes will be the formal portion of this de-briefing, which will be led by the Fleet Admiral. Again, Thank you for attending." They both walked off the stage, and everyone chatted for about ten minutes. The chatter quieted down when a very tired looking Tigearean stepped up on the stage. "Can I have you attention for a bit." The room went quiet. "Thanks. I'll try to keep this as short and as fast as possible, because I know that no one likes these meetings, but we have to have them anyhow. First and foremost: WE WON. Secondly-" The Tigerean was cut off by the massive appalause. He waved his hands and suddenly the entire room went quiet for a few seconds. The noise returned, but quickly died away. "Folks, if you interrupt me with clapping, it's gonan take forever to slog through this, and I know that some of you want to get back to your ships to either get back to work, or to sleep. So. Secondly, Alliance casalties were as such: We had a total of 20 capital ships, some 100 fighters, 50 bombers, and a special 'sapper' squad of 10 fighters running in a custom configuration. We lost two capital ships: the Pacifica is no longer safe to move out of orbit, but can act as a way point or a temporary station for the time being, as the hulk is stripped of useful gear and cut up for scrap. The second capital ship was the Tigerean cruiser Sh'Maa, which was lost with all hands on board. We had 20 fighters that were lost with their pilots, and another 5 that are unrepairable. We lost one bomber due to a malfuntion with the payload release. Fortunately, the crew were able to eject their lifepod safely, and they survived. Of the sapper squad, there were no losses, dispite their discovery by the Hive Mind and it's feeble attempt to interdict them. As for crew losses aboard the remainder of the fleet: On average there were 10 lives lost on each of the remaining ships. All the dead will be given posthumous promotions and be awarded the Bronze star for outstanding service and courage under fire." The auditorum grew somber and quiet as Tigra stopped for a moment to honor the dead.
"The Shivans deployed against us: 20 drone carrier ships, each with a full loadout of 50,000 drones. There were also 5 factory ships with a half load of drones for each of the droneships in it's hold. There were three battleships that proved no match for the Pacifica and the Sh'Maa, although the latter was destroyed in it's fight with the battleship, which did not deal the fatal blow, but rather the Sh'Maa was overwhelmed with drones after it's fight, and could not defend itself, dispite the outstanding efforts of the fighters to protect her. Finally, there was the Hive-mind itself, which was destroyed by the sapper team a minute into the battle. In total, we estimate that our force of fighters was up against almost a million drones, and it won dispite what some might consider overwhlming odds."
"Now for happier news: The list of promotions will be posted in two days. the Hotel Sierra listings will be published as soon as we finish reviewing the flight and gun cameras for confirmed kills. In addition, as soon as the Fleet gets back to their safe harbor, everyone will get shore leave until the ships are fully repaired. That is all. The gates are open to take those that are bunked at their ships back, while the folks were have been displaced will continue to stay here overnight while we prepare the remainder of the Pacifica for you. That is all. Dismissed." The room stayed quiet for a second, and then erupted into a long applause and cheers from the assembled crowd for over twenty minutes.
The table where Shannon and Robert were at had been discussing the plans for the next few days. As luck would have it, they were all without a usuable billet, due to battle damage. In addition, they had all somehow gotten rooms next to each other. Stromson stated that he'd sleep in the wardroom if it was up to him, although Tigra had 86'd that idea hands down. Shannon was eager to help out, and Steuben was eager to get back to work as well. Those three decided to head back to the Hillary to see what else could done to at least make the airless corridors airtight once again. This left Ted, Alex, and Robert. Ted mentioned booze, and Alex agreed. "Robert, you wanna come with?" Robert shrugged. "I don't know. my last experience with booze left me with a killer headache, and with more fur on then I normally wear." Ted laughed. "Of course. Ch'Mee gave you his special mead. It's designed to taste like whatever the were's racial animal is supposed to fancy. Your case: honey. My case: well... I don't like to talk about it. Gave me a helluva hangover in the morning too." Robert nodded thoughtfully. "However, I know of a bar in the town, and it's not too far to walk. I grew up around here, if you were wondering why I know this stuff." Alex made an "ahh" noise, and they all went to talk to their hosts to see if they could borrow some coats for the trip. To their surprise, Bear offered to drive them down and back. "Besides, someone needs to make sure you three stay out of trouble." was his response.
Robert woke up the next morning with yet another hangover, and in bear form once again. Fortunately, the headache was not as bad, and he could remember the last night. Shannon had returned in the middle of the night, and Robert woke up with Shannon's panties tied around his muzzle. Her comment as he started to fumble with his paws to get them off was that his breath smelled like a sewer. Finally he gave up and tried to shift down, and got the shock of his life when he could not.
(1673/1667)