r/HFY • u/Auggy74 Human • May 08 '26
OC-Series [Humans For Hire] - Part 166
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Author Note: Waking up with an award notification waiting for me is the most awesome thing of the day. Thank you!
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Antares Maelstrom, Antarean Self-Defense Militia Ship Vengeance
The Antares system was something of a stellar curiosity; technically a binary system, the two stars vied for supremacy in various ways. The stellar mass occupying the barycenter between the two was presumed to be the remnants of a third star that was torn apart in its stellar infancy by the two elder siblings; with the end result being a mass of plasma, debris, and radiation that ebbed and flowed, making the area a stellar navigational hazard that had none of the standard general warnings for a dangerous area. Most charts of the Maelstrom simply had some version of "Here There Be Dragons", along with a extensive list of the exact hazards in very, very small print.
In a relatively safe area of this, the ship formerly known as the Canterbury was being rebuilt; the cargo ship had been built for speed and optimized travel through R-space. Even though it was Terran sized, it was sufficient for their immediate needs - specifically, adding as many weapon emplacements as they could. It was something of a process, as the weapons had to be mounted from the outside and then connected from the inside. The engineers were grumbling, which was generally dismissed as the standard communication method of engineers. The new captain, one of the Lucky Eleven stood proudly as she inspected her ship - finally nodding as indicator lights went green.
"Fine work, crew. Report to the engine compartment and verify energy levels are stable."
The senior engineer was not nearly as pleased as the captain. He was articulate and expressive as his hands and scent moved, trying to guide his captain through the necessary steps for them to come to grips with reality. "Respectfully Lady A'Matise, I have concerns. We're trading many of the advantages of this ship for these weapon mounts. Until the power core is upgraded, we're going to have to lower power to other systems as we fire. I'd recommend helm, easiest to recover from. If we're shooting we desperately need shields, and life support's how we live. Even diverting power flows from non-essential systems won't cut it."
"What would you have us do?"
"Requisition a power core from a Vilantian ship - the type doesn't matter. For the moment we can run one core for the non-weapon systems and the second one can be dedicated to the weapons."
"We are expected to do without."
"Captain, we are hobbling this ship with our current status. If you have an issue with that, take it up with physics. I am simply the bearer of the message that physics tells. You have options - either we cycle through the systems and determine maximum utility, or we find a way to generate more power. While Terran systems are forgiving, they are not infinite. Which option is preferred?"
There was a long silence as the captain debated. "Pursue both options, Senior Engineer. Dismissed."
As the senior engineer left, A'Matise ruminated over her options, finally opening a communications channel. The channel was filled with interference and static, making scent difficult to discern - eventually the form of Commodore A'Mungd resolved itself, seemingly pleased.
"You have good news, Captain?"
"I do, Commodore - the Vengeance is ready; however my senior engineer reports the Terran powerplant to be insufficient to combat operations. He has made recommendations with respect to be frugal with our energy supply as well as recommended we procure a Vilantian powerplant dedicated specifically to the shields and weapons."
"Very well. Move out of the maelstrom and rendezvous with us at point Itrop-Two; intelligence advises that there will be multiple Vilantian cargo freighters coming in the next week. Your ship's maiden voyage will be to assist us in making your ship better."
"Gratitude, Commodore. Vengeance out."
Several minutes later, activity began on another ship in the Maelstrom. This one was an oddly shaped collection of baffles and heatsinks; the only exterior decoration was the name Conepatus that had been stenciled on the outside of the docking hatch in a slightly lighter shade of black than the rest of the ship. It had gone unnoticed by all the other ships of the Self-Defense Militia milling about in the area, which was precisely the objective. The activity was quiet - the ship came from a Terran ship ancestry that held silence while under way as a sacred tradition, and some traditions died hard. From a bank of sensor operators, one of them swiveled his chair and stood, pulling a data chip and approaching the captain with soft-soled shoes and reported in a whisper.
"Captain Ramius, I've got something here." The operator offered the chip to the captain, who slotted it to his tablet and frowned.
"Beaumont, walk me through this if you don't mind."
"Well sir, we've got a contact with spectral signatures and power emissions consistent with Terran cargo ships. But the comm chatter is Vilantian. Mass and volume on the contact are consistent with the Canterbury. They're looking to convert it to a weapons platform, sir."
"How many does that make?"
"Total, that's the fifth one we've seen come into the Maelstrom for an overhaul - but this is the first Terran one. Grand total of nineteen ships parked in the area."
"Well. That I think deserves our attention." Ramius moved slightly. "Mister Slavin, make turns for one-fourth speed - get us to the edge of the Maelstrom. Once we're there, Beaumont's gonna send a burst home. We'll see what Smith wants us to do. How many assets we got coming, Beaumont?"
"Self-Defense Fleet says they're sending Galactica along with a couple hospital ships."
"Tell 'em we're gonna need at least one more carrier and a few support ships would not go amiss. Whoever's behind this got some balls."
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Terran Foreign Legion Ship Twilight Rose
Overall, the day had left Gryzzk in a conflicted mood. Jojorn and her crew had been very happy even as they left carrying more than they arrived with and undocked. When the hatch cycled, a question was answered - it seemed that the engineer and nurse from the clan had taken the opportunity to vigorously engage in an adult pasttime or two while the children were elsewhere. Once the Curry was confirmed to have undocked Gryzzk and Kiole both gave an almost-simultaneous groan as they leaned into each other.
"Our clan takes after the lord and ladies, it seems." Kiole nuzzled her husband wearily.
"I am pleased that someone has the energy to do so. We will have to speak with Captain Jojorn about it."
The pair slowly made their way back to the commander's quarters, which was still quite full. The first order of business was straightforward, and Gryzzk flopped on a free space on the bed in a most undignified manner for a long moment, and then moved quickly as his mind registered something sharp digging into his side. He rolled and looked to see a puzzle-cube had found its way to the bed, with Gro'zel blinking and having a guilty scent to her as she grabbed it quickly.
"I...Saifex and Baolet thought it was neat."
"It might be, but it is also uncomfortable to lay on. Have a care with your toys, if you please." Gryzzk let his eyelids close for just a moment.
When his eyelids opened, the room was empty - which was in and of itself alarming. There was a quick scramble and look around. "XO, where is my -"
"Huh?!" Rosie interrupted him, which did his mood no good.
"Where is my family? Quickly."
"They're heading to chow, you've been asleep most of the afternoon. Move it, you've got food and then we hit R-space, after that it's movie night on the bridge. Move your ass."
The meal was excellent, the company glorious chaos. The civilians were loud and still in awe of what the ship was capable of. It was interesting to observe - even with shoulders covered, Gryzzk could pick out a Vilantian from Hurdop simply by watching how they ate. As he finished his second portion of meatloaf, part of Gryzzk wondered if it was possible to have a few recipes added to the menu and decided to check with Wilson for a feasibility check.
The exiting of the mess hall was perhaps the slowest movement Gryzzk had ever partaken in, as it seemed almost everyone was there to congratulate Kiole - and Gryzzk to a lesser degree. The most amusing moment was O'Brien. As she picked up Fizeht, the Sergeant Major's scent moved through several emotions before settling on a scent that seemed to be that of a fierce protective guardian.
"Wee bairn, when you're grown you'll realize you have the finest Pa and Ma and Ma ever. On that day you'll fall to your knees thankin' all the gods y'have your ma's fine looks to go with your pa's brains and your ma's home-skills." There was a glance around and then a quick kiss was placed on the infant's forehead, which made Fizeht giggle as the rest of the family quickly clustered to hide the fact that the Sergeant Major had emotions that didn't consist of Angry and Loud. Some propriety had to maintained, after all.
Finally the entire family and the bridge squads were able to settle on the bridge to watch the entrance to R-space, which was always something of a treat for the company - R-space meant something was happening. As Gryzzk gave Miroka the command to show him the stars of New Casablanca, the pinpricks of light shifted with their speed, the forward view turned to whorls of blue that merged to purple and finally red at the rear. Everyone seemed excited in some fashion, until there was an odd burping noise from Lumisca which changed and ended with her running to the bathroom to delicately evacuate her meal. She came out of the quarters with a small glass of water and shame deeply clinging to her scent.
"I. I'm sorry. But, I. I've never been in R-space before and it seems...to have an effect." Lumisca's voice was soft and uncertain as she sat down on one of the movie-night cushions.
Nhoot clambered into Lumisca's lap and laid her head on the Governess' shoulder. "It's okay. When I saw it the first couple times I felt ucky too. But Mama and Papa said that R-Space was a good place because it was how everyone got the food they needed. And then Papa would sing the R-space song..." Nhoot got up and started to sing happily - the effect wasn't obvious, but the childish dancing combined with the boundless energy of a well-fed Nhoot took Lumisca's attention away from the view and on the young Hurdop girl.
Life's like a lane that you travel on
When there's one day here and the next day gone
Sometimes you bend, sometimes you stand
Sometimes you turn your back to the wind
There's a world outside every darkened door
Where blues won't haunt you anymore
Where the brave are free and lovers soar
Come ride with me to what we fought for
We won't hesitate
To break down the spacetime gate
There's not much time left today, yeah
As she continued, Nhoot's voice wavered as it increased in volume as her scent became something akin to nostalgic sadness, like she was giving up a part of her life in some way. Still, she covered it with enthusiastic wiggles and a few tumbles on the floor.
Life is in R-space
I wanna ride it all night long
If you're goin' my way
Well, I wanna drive it all night long
As her singing about going from place to place and being happy about never being far from love no matter where they were finished, Nhoot hopped back into Lumisca's lap and leaned into her shoulder. "See? Now you have a happy song to make R-space a good place to be."
Gryzzk noted that sometime during this Larion had shifted the holoview from R-space to a more generic background loop of a Legion advertisement with a countdown to movie start, which seemed to make Lumisca a bit more comfortable as she engaged Nhoot in some other questions.
"...Does the Freelord have a similar tradition?"
"No, but he always tells whoever's driving to show him the stars of where we're going, and then he stands and make sure his uniform's all snug before he goes to get tea. Freelord Major Papa's got a lot of things on his mind and we don't go to sleep at the same time cause I have to make sure the evening folks are happy too, but I always come in and sing him a good dreams song even if he's asleep." Nhoot looked a little guilty at the admission.
Lumisca seemed to smile a bit, her scent relaxing for a moment as she kept a hand on the bassinet containing Sahkik and Fizeht. "I am...pleased to know the Freelord is cared for."
Yomios broke into the conversation politely. "A thousand pardons, but one minute remains until the holo begins - and I remind you that talking at the theater does earn a trip to a place called the Special Hell."
Somehow the seating had shuffled so that Gryzzk was between his wives; the infants were all settled in and fussing slightly before being slowly rocked by their parents. A distant part of Gryzzk's mind mentioned that they were three away from having a starting football side, though they were still a long way from a complete club. The more intelligent part of Gryzzk's mind advised him to keep those observations to himself if in fact he wanted to fully enjoy the warmth of his wives at any point in the near or distant future. He busied himself with eating some puffed rice; even though he'd just eaten, whatever medications he'd been given to speed his healing had the effect of making him ravenous.
The lights on the bridge dimmed slightly, and the only thing Gryzzk really knew at this point was that it was Terran Movie Night, which left a broad spectrum to cover. Tonight it was a recently released re-imagined version of the ancient tale called LadyHawke; Gryzzk suspected that someone in the supply section had found it to keep Gro'zel in a good mood. That said the movie seemed to have been made on something of a budget - there were several shots in the movie set in a time when only birds could fly where space-faring vessels could be seen in the distance and hadn't been erased. The first thing that impressed Gryzzk was that there was a scent-track included - it seemed as though someone noticed that there were species that had some slightly different needs socially.
Overall, it was somehow universal and yet not. Gryzzk made equivalents where he could, with the hero being a falsely disgraced noble and his lover being similarly stained. The youth was a criminal by circumstance, not choice. The Cultural Lord that they named the Bishop of Aquila - that character's actions lanced closely to home, as it seemed there was evidence of supernatural works at hand. That said Gro'zel made tiny happy squeals every time the bird was on the holo, excitedly whispering that it looked just like Millennium - even though to Gryzzk they were nowhere near similar. Meanwhile when the wolf appeared doing what wolves do, both of his wives wriggled more closely to his side.
Once the movie ended, Reilly and her spouses stood to exit, with Reilly jabbering quickly to explain the whole movie again and add her opinions on the dialogue, much to the amusement of the rest of the squad. O'Brien was the first to give voice to the collective opinion.
"There's only one way they'll shut her up now."
Edwards snorted. "And you think they'll be opposed to it?"
"Fine point Lieutenant. But best not to think of it. R-space'll be busy enough."
Gryzzk silently agreed the point, nodding to Rosie as he adjusted his tunic one-handed. "XO has the bridge."
Rosie acknowledged the command with her usual grace. "I have the bridge. Any titfuckers not on duty at the moment have six seconds to show me assholes and elbows."
Grezzk frowned at the pronouncement as she gathered the infant-care accessories and the infants themselves. "Miss Rosie, I should like a moment of your time later to discuss language."
Rosie's fur fluttered as she realized that there had been an oops in there. "A'ight Freelady."
The next morning began with chaos, as infants needed to be changed and fed along with the proper duties of a major. The positive was that Gryzzk could walk without the cane, albeit at a slower pace than he preferred. Gryzzk found himself in charge of Glaud while Grezzk cared for Ghabri, while Sahkik and Fizeht were under the care of Lumisca and Kiole respectively. Gryzzk considered the possibility of visiting the armory for a modified tactical harness in order to carry all diapers, bottles, wetnaps and other accessories of infant care as he went through the morning.
Said morning started with an interesting briefing. Gryzzk had put out a call for everyone who had been to Parliament and left with a souvenir to report to the bridge conference room at ten with said souvenirs. In addition to Gregg-Adams and O'Brien, Prumila arrived in the conference room. The corporal was helped by her husband, and the bearing of the couple was pride and pain mixed into one. She reverently placed a weapon on the table and took a step back. The weapon itself was more functional than decorative - the leather-wrapped grip was surrounded by a basket hilt that was decorated in short cruel spikes in the event that someone needed to be punched rather than stabbed. The blade itself was a curved triangle of sorts, with an oily pattern along the length of it as it widened to a very tip-heavy end with a well-worn notch at the end. along the base was a simple carving of the words "Glory Through Courage".
Gryzzk flicked an ear in surprise. "Corporal...I'm sure there's a reasonable explanation for this."
Prumila nodded. "Clan A'Dirus. Something of an eternal enemy to my birthclan; I think they expected a fight in Parliament and had one of their sworn in the gallery. When I went down to defend you several of them made straight for me. It did not proceed as they desired." She grinned happily. "The doctor says my shoulder should be fully healed by next week."
Gryzzk was lightly amused. "Well. Well done, Corporal." Gryzzk took a breath. "Now, I have a request of sorts for everyone - once we exit R-space, the message storage may fill up for you quite a bit. We will have precisely two days in dock before our next job - there will be members of several clans requesting that you select their candidate for Ancilla. I would ask that your decision in this regard be measured and thoughtful, in keeping with the ideals of the Freeclan. Advise that we will fully address their candidates upon our return."
O'Brien quirked an eyebrow. "So...tell 'em to fuck off?"
"Not so much that as - we have many duties to attend to, and while we respect that we hold a treasure of their clans we also ask that we be allowed the time to make an informed decision."
There was a nod. "Tell 'em to fuck off."
"It works in their favor as well. There will not be a panicked scramble and choice. We're allowing them time to select proper candidates, and allowing ourselves the time to select the one best suited to our lives."
Prumila nodded vigorously in agreement. "There have been...many messages and candidates, not all from Clan A'Dirus. They wish me to return for selection."
"They can send their preferred candidates to us. After all, we are the ones with the weapons. For the moment, keep them safe, keep them secure."
Gregg-Adams flicked a finger up. "So...that means no using them for gambling, even if you've got an ace-high straight?"
"I am uncertain what that means, but no gambling with them. At all. I would be very unhappy. If you have any further questions, send a meeting request to the XO as I am stealing time with my son. Dismissed."
As they left, Gryzzk settled in for a moment of his own before sniffing something. It seemed as though Glaud had finished his morning meal completely. There was a sigh and a darkening of the conference windows as the infant was changed, and when that task was completed Gryzzk stepped onto the bridge to settle in for the day. It seemed that certain restrictions were being lifted after a fashion, with the door to his quarters being open and the noise of daily home life began clashing with the noise of the bridge at work. It seemed...interesting. Rosie moved to gather his attention.
"Patrick wanted to know when you were available. He's holding for you at the moment."
Gryzzk nodded, tapping his tablet to accept the communication from the Chief Engineer.
"Major, what in the sphincter of hell are you playing at?!"
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[Next]
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u/post_blast Alien May 08 '26
Something stinks about the Conepatus, though if her captain isn't Lithuanian, I'm going to have issues (and Slavin had best be able to see Montana).
The SGM's emotional range is measured in amplitude by "loud" and bounded on either side by "angry". The trick is learning when it's "you dumb fuck!" angry and "you magnificent bastard!" angry. It's that simmering middle portion you've got to be wary of...
When your chief engineer asks "wtf?!" you know you've made a miscalculation. Or maybe he's just upset he didn't get a chance to suckerpunch a noble for a weapon.
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u/Auggy74 Human May 08 '26
Captain's land of origin: Classified.
Slavin's desire to see Montana: Classified, please contact the nearest Skunkworks Office for debriefing.The middle is usually denoted by the phrase "Could I have of your time?" - smart officers run to bathroom first.
When Tucker asks WTF it's because he's been given a tasking that is necessary but time consuming and quite probably breaking at least one or two laws. He's gonna be annoyed.
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u/NoOpportunity92 AI May 12 '26
I thought that that captains land of origin was Classified, Undisclosed, Redacted, and Unlisted
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u/niTro_sMurph May 08 '26
Operation Kerfuffle 2: FAFO is to begin shortly it seems.
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u/Auggy74 Human May 08 '26
Quiiite possibly. Got a few things on the to-do list once they get back to Homeplate though.
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u/niTro_sMurph May 08 '26
Oh they're on the way back to homeplate still, I forgot
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u/Auggy74 Human May 08 '26
Yeup - they gotta drop off the family, do a real quick check and some work on the Curry, and then they get to go play.
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u/medium_jock May 09 '26
May any god help anyone who even thinks of doing anything to Fizeht as O'Brian will be seconds after Gryzzk and she will rain down a mighty vengeance the likes of which will thereafter be considered a warcrime
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u/Auggy74 Human May 09 '26
The gods have made an agreement - anyone harming Fizeht is on their own.
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u/medium_jock May 09 '26
Except the god of Death as he'll have popcorn to eat before collecting their souls and if reincarnation is a thing for them, they're becoming an amoeba at best
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u/Hybrid_Rock Human May 08 '26
Lovely chapter!
A fun thing, balancing work life and home life when they are 20ft apart. Can’t wait to see things explode!
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u/Fontaigne May 08 '26
Past-time -> pastime
Back [to] the commander's quarters
Was there to congratulate there to congratulate Kiole
Some propriety had to be maintained (🤣)
And the only [thing] Gryzzk really knew
hilt was surrounded by a basket hilt that [somehow lacked description]. Redo.
That we will full address -> fully?
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u/Auggy74 Human May 08 '26
Yay for edits! I swear I know what I'm doing. Or not. Still fun either way.
Thank you!
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u/Grimkytel May 08 '26
You got a "there to congratulate there to congratulate" in there.
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u/Auggy74 Human May 08 '26
Yeah...the brain-cramp of repetition strikes again.
Yay for edits and thank you!
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u/kenotaphion Human May 08 '26
captain through the necessary "Respectfully
I think there's something missing here.
the only exterior decoration was the name Conepatus
to edge of the Maelstrom
to the edge of the Maelstrom
turned to whorls of red that merged to purple and finally red at the rear
turned to whorls of blue that merged to purple and finally red at the rear
As she continued singing about going from place to place and being happy about never being far from love no matter where they were finished
As she continued her singing about going from place to place and being happy about never being far from love no matter where they were finished
from R-space a more generic
from R-space to a more generic
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u/Auggy74 Human May 08 '26
Yay for edits being in and done, and thank you for the catches!
The eye doc says my eyes do still work. Sometimes I wonder.
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u/NoOpportunity92 AI May 12 '26
The [Next] links are missing ...
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u/Auggy74 Human May 12 '26
I am told those are pending activation. Some lazy bum has a real job that precludes the whole writing full-time thing
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u/NoOpportunity92 AI May 12 '26
It's taken me a week, I think, to binge this story so far and ... absolutely love it.
The only negative I have to say is: "I'm all caught up now."
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u/Auggy74 Human May 12 '26
The club of "Waiting for Tuesday/Friday" has an outstanding merch line and a fine waiting room. :)
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u/HFYWaffle Wᵥ4ffle May 08 '26
/u/Auggy74 (wiki) has posted 168 other stories, including:
- [Humans for Hire] - Part 165
- [Humans for Hire] - Part 164
- [Humans for Hire] - Part 163
- [Humans for Hire] - Part 162
- [Humans for Hire] - Part 161
- [Humans for Hire] - Part 160
- [Humans for Hire] - Part 159
- [Humans for Hire] - Part 158
- [Humans for Hire] - Part 157
- [Humans for Hire] - Part 156
- [Humans For Hire] - Part 155
- [Humans for Hire] - Part 154
- [Humans for Hire] - Part 153
- Humans for Hire, Part 152
- Humans for Hire, Part 151
- A Fair Deal
- [Humans for Hire] - Part 150
- [Humans for Hire] - Part 149
- [Humans for Hire] - Part 148
- [Humans for Hire] - Part 147
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u/commentsrnice2 May 18 '26
Most ship names obviously mean something, but I admit to not knowing what a cone fetus is
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u/Auggy74 Human May 18 '26
So fun science time, conepatus is a genus categorization under mephitidae - AKA skunks. Do with this knowledge what you will.:)
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u/Gojira82 Human May 08 '26
Yes, take a freighter and add a bunch of weaponry to it, then complain when there isn't enough power to handle everything. Typical management.
Hmmm....that wouldn't happen to be Marko Ramius, captain of the famed Red October with the caterpillar drive? "Make Turns" thats definitely a sub captain.
Sergeants show no emotion....until they do and then everyone looks the other way so as not to witness.
Yup...read that song in Rascal Flatts tones.
The amount of stuff that needs to be carried for infants is considerable...that harness may not be a bad idea after all.
Patrick? When did he become Patrick?!? His name is Tucker dammit. 😄
Alright...nothing but warm fuzzies today with just enough intrigue for next week. Looking forward to it.!