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<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>Rebecca stumbled as the floor under her feet lurched
and bucked like a maddened bronco. She waited for the most recent tremor to
pass before she trusted her footing enough to pelt for a nearby bulkhead. Just
her luck to draw damage control duty at the moment when things were getting
interesting in the full sense of the Chinese proverb. She keyed the commo net,
opening up communications with the rest of her team.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>"Kendricks here," she said, scowling
through the bulkhead doorway at the fire that burned merrily beyond it.
"We need to get this door closed so we can starve that fire. Any of you
fine, strapping men know where we left the remote?"<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>"In the sofa," replied her wing-man,
reaching out to tap the close button. The door stubbornly remained open despite
this display of low cunning. "Well, that would've been too easy..."<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>"C'mon kids," replied the other trooper,
kneeling his Tornado armor down in front of an access panel. "The manual
garage door closer is right here. Kendricks, give me a hand here getting this
here panel off..."<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>Rebecca shifted over and began to help her wing-man
pry the port loose to reveal a hand-cranked door control. With a grin, she
knelt down and used it to begin closing the access door.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>"Great. At least we can get this hotspot dealt
with. One down and six million to--"<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>The Lenny Bruce rocked as it was wracked by another
volley of enemy fire. Sadly, that fire stuck all too close for comfort to the
trio's location. Three troopers were knocked ass over appetite as the ship
lurched and did its level best to make the three humans regret having ever
evolved a sense of kinesthesia. Then came an ominous creaking noise... which
miraculously ceased a moment after it had begun.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>"...is everyone okay?" Kendricks began,
sitting up. She took the sudden silence as a good sign. Especially as it had
sounded like the bulkhead above had been buckling. "That was close. I
think, boys, we'd better finish up and get gone before anything even worse
happens--"<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>Not quite so miraculously, the creaking sound
returned, only to be quickly replaced by the groaning of over-stressed metal
giving way. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>Three troopers were buried under a deluge of metal
and debris, vanishing from sight.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>Outside the ship, the battle raged on.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>*****************<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>Not long after the altercation between Thor and
Nikon Ninja, TDSM trudged irritably down the hallway that led towards the
medical lab. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>Moose Illuminati or not, he was damned if he was
going to put up with much more of this.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>And the doubly frustrating thing was that he really
liked his teammates. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>He thought about the accident that had transformed
him from one of the Mega-Intelligence-Bureau's leading research scientists into
the hairy eight-appendage freak that it seemed only Dog Thing could love. He
wriggled his one damaged stub of an arm experimentally as it re-grew.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>Imagine that. Poor weak Spectrum had cojones of
awesomantium, to match his grappling hook. And what did I do? Did I rip him to
shreds? No, I took my licks and hopefully proved to everyone that I will follow
that man through the core of a supernova if I have to. He grudgingly had to
respect someone that would take him on in such a violent and provocative way.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>And that was the trebly frustrating thing. More than
an assignment, more than a teammate, Spectrum was someone he could count on.
Someone he could call friend. He needed someone who was not afraid to call him
out and smack some sense into him when he is being a royal pain in the butt,
which he admittedly had been now for some time. While the West Coast Defenders
were purportedly staunch defenders of law and justice, it seemed that
everywhere they went, chaos followed. TDSM had chafed under the yoke of working
for the MiB, but back then it was just his own personal dislike for order. Then
along came the M.I. to recruit him. He couldn't stand the militaristic
structure of these sheep working for <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on">Aurora</st1:City></st1:place>,
but with the Defenders and Spectrum himself, an unwitting seed of chaos and
destruction, here in the mix....<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>His reverie was ended as he referenced a hallway
sign that directed him to the medlab. Counting down, he found the correct
entrance, 5-23, and stepped through the automatic doors.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>A man blanched and excused himself, as he snatched
up his clothing and muttering an apology, darted out the door, still wearing
only an examination gown. Dr. Sloan wiggled his eyebrows in consternation, and
turned, regarding the arachnid. "Step into my lair, said the WASP to the
spider..."<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>"Thatssss not very funny." TDSM muttered.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>"Doctor Dick van Sloan, sir. A pleasure, a real
pleasure. I'll be your medic on this trip, and I just wanted to set up
appointments with each of you. Just to get some baselines, just to make sure I
know what I'm patching up when push comes to shove. It appears you are next on
my appointment list, especially since I had just had a last minute
cancellation." He reached behind with a foot and pushed a drawer shut the
rest of the way until it latched. "Pity that; I was about to check his
reflexes too."<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>Foxy, Spectrum and British Airwave walked the
hallways in another part of the ship. As crew-members encountered Foxy, their
reactions ran the gamut from curiosity to fear. Spectrum put his arm around her
comfortingly. "You okay?"<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>"It's alright sailor. I'm a big girl; I'm used
to getting the looks after all. But you're sweet for asking."<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>Drumming his chest like a jungle man, he grinned.
"Hey I am just looking out for my wife-to-be." He snapped his
fingers, "When we get back from this trip, we're going to have to register
at some of the stores. Can't get wedding gifts if people don't know what you
want!"<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>Up ahead the sounds of an air-wrench rattled in
another service bay.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>Along a far wall, suits of armor in various stages
of repair could be seen. Hesitating by the entrance, he looked back at Randall
Ames. The elder superhero was leaning against a bulkhead, his face ashen.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>"Randall, are you feeling well? I was going to
ask you if we could poke our head in here for a minute and check things out,
but..."<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>British Airwave straightened and smiled affably,
"No problem, just a little winded--yes, you two go right ahead. I will go
on to my compartment and have a cup of tea and rest a bit. Tis nothing a spot
of tea can't resolve."<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>"Okay, if you're sure..."<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>"Oh get on with it lad. It's just a bit of
jet-lag. I'll be fine." He smiled and waved casually. "Just don't be
late for the meeting with this Captain Tonk!" He strode arrogantly off,
around a corner and out of sight before clutching his left shoulder in pain.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>"Pills..."<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>Spectrum looked back at Foxy and shrugged.
"Lets take a peek in here hon, I want to get a look at this battle armor
they use."<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>"Looking for a trade-in?" She smiled.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>"More like a refit, or maybe an
upgrade...." Spectrum replied. They turned and walked in together, as
various techs looked up at the pair from their work.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>"Fascinating absolutely fascinating..."
Dr. Sloan looked up from the readings on the almost completely regenerated
stump. "What is this, gene-splicing? Nanotechnology? Please hold still for
the scanner just a bit longer, please."<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>TDSM stood naked in front of the doctor,
spread-eagled and with all of his arms and legs fully extended, as the Doctor
busily waved a scanning wand over each section of TDSM's black muscular frame.
"No, sssserum based radiotherapy with mutagenic sssubstancesss. Before the
accident I wassss working on the regenerative propertiessss of a rare form of
Amazonian trapdoor ssssspider...I have an itch..."<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>"Hold still."<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>"Another doctor once tried to examine me...I
ate hissss liver with sssssome fritossss and a nice Margarita."<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>"Isn't that supposed to be 'Fava Beans'"?
Dr. Sloan retorted.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>"He wasssss Mexican."<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>"Ah." Dr. Sloan nodded. "And you
expect me to believe you. Don't move, TDSM."<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>The doors hissed open and <st1:place w:st="on">Clark</st1:place>
strode in, carrying a disheveled woman over his shoulder. His stance and
positioning did not allow him to see who it was the Doctor was with, since his
burden obscured his view in that direction. "Hello Doctor, looks like
Commander Tonk will need that vitamin shot now..." he not too gently
offloaded her onto an examination table head on towards TDSM. Turning, he
began, "I warned her that she needed to </span></font><font size=2
face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Tahoma'>–</span></font><font
size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New"'>
iiiyyaahhh!"<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>Captain Tonk lifted her head from its face down
position on the pads.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>"How the bloody Hell(tm) am I supposed to go
'eeeyah'? I can't even flamin' spell that. Jess gonna go back to sleep
now..." An instant before she started to lower her head, her eyes
refocused and she looked TDSM up and down with a critical eye. "My, you're
a big one. New assignment?"<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>"Yessss. You could ssssay that." TDSM
grinned. "Pardon my undresssss, I wassss being examined." The Doctor
tossed a towel in TDSM's direction, but he ignored it and remained still.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>"Yep, anna shay you ssstill are." Tonk muttered.
"Doing anything later?" <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><st1:place w:st="on"><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New"'>Clark</span></font></st1:place><font
size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New"'>
began to stammer something, but was cut short by a look from TDSM.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>"You can call me <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region
w:st="on">Lydia</st1:country-region></st1:place>."<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>A deep rumbling chuckle came from TDSM. "And
you may call me Samuel. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>Unfortunately I have to meet with the Captain of thissss
sssship, but perhapsss later we can have dinner."<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>"Ah! Sshes a swhell lady! Aye shooould
know...OUCH!"<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>The doctor moved swiftly to the Captain's side and
injected a cocktail of B-complex, stimulants, and a few other god-knows-what,
into her backside. "There you go ma'am. You can take her back to her cabin
now, <st1:place w:st="on">Clark</st1:place>. I suspect she will be right as
rain in just a few minutes."<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>"Toodles Sammy!" Tonk waved airily as <st1:place
w:st="on">Clark</st1:place> scooped her up and hustled out the doorway, her
head narrowly missing the door-frame.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><st1:place w:st="on"><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New"'>Clark</span></font></st1:place><font
size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New"'>
shouted, "I'll be back later Doctor to discuss the medical stores being
brought aboard!" Turning his attention to Tonk, "Captain, you sure
handled that a lot better than I did. Between you me and the four walls, that
Trapdoor Spider Man scares the crap out of me." He set her standing on her
still wobbly feet.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>Tonk did a double-take, "What? You mean I
wasn't imagining that man had six hairy arms!? Bugger. Okay, now I am really
sober."<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><st1:place w:st="on"><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New"'>Clark</span></font></st1:place><font
size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New"'>
leaned over, barely containing his smirk. "And may I remind you that not
only do you have a meeting scheduled with the West Coast Defenders, but you
just accepted a dinner date with TDSM."<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>"I did?"<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>"Yes."<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>Tonk pulled him close and whispered, "Hide the
rum."<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>*****************<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>The Lenny Bruce managed to heave about, presenting
an undamaged shield facing towards the incoming missiles just moments before
they kissed the ship. Despite the shielding some damage managed to blow through
to the ship proper, but in the end the internal damage did not prove enough to
significantly degrade operational capability.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>Or in other words, the mofo had taken its best shot,
and now the crap be -on-.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>"Dial up the ECCM to eleven," Tonk
commanded, carefully inserting a straw into her Capri Sun pack of Canned Heat,
guaranteed -not- to spill. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>"I want a clean shot through their static.
Unload everything we've got at two klicks and then take us on past. Once we're
beyond firing range, trade ECCM power for ECM and circle 'round. We're gonna
need some time to lick our wounds."<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on"><font size=2
face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New"'>Sparks</span></font></st1:City></st1:place><font
size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New"'>
nodded, handing out orders to weapons and engineering as he laid in the plot.
Two ships circled one other, neither willing to turn to present a prow to the
other. While a forward facing attack would allow either vessel the luxury of
bringing more weapons to bear on its foe, it would also commit that ship to a
direct approach, making evasive maneuvers extremely problematic. Tonk wished
that she still had full burrito power to pull exactly that stunt for a second
time, but her dinner was already cooled enough that she didn't dare tap it to
that level. The Lenny Bruce still needed the deadly entree to supplement its
depleted power output and draining it too hard, too fast might leave them dead
in the water.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>"Missiles away. Beams fired. Their
shields..." <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on">Sparks</st1:City></st1:place>
blinked in surprise, and then grinned. "Their shields are -not- coming
back up. I think we blew out a fuse!"<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>"You'll excuse my rude manners if I don't offer
to help fix it," replied Tonk. "Time to missile strike?"<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>"Ten seconds. Bad news; they're redirecting as
much of their shield power as they can into electronic chaff. The strike's not
going to be as nice as it could've been."<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>"Yeah, life sucks all over, but then you
die," said Tonk, with a shrug. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>"Give me the good news: was that a hit?"<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>"That was a hit, sir. Three of our cloud got
through. The ship's venting like an old person at Wal*Store."<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>"Bring us around. Time to give them their
goodnight kiss."<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>"Yessir. Coming around sir. They're
launching!"<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>"Had a feeling. Turn up the ECM... put as much
chaff into the airwaves as we can. Use our beams as point defense. What I want
is to stuff some missiles down their miserable gullets while their trou are
dow--"<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>"Captain! Their launch is... big."<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>"It's not the size of the launch, <st1:place
w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on">Sparks</st1:City></st1:place>, no matter what
your female crew-mates say behind your back--wait, what?"<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>"They should -not- have the launcher capacity
for a strike this big and yet there it is, flying towards us. It's not sensor
ghosts... there's just no effin' way..."<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>"Are we committed to the run?"<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>"Yessir, we passed the point of no return ten
seconds ago. No turning back without opening up our cat-flap to enemy
response."<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>"Guts or glory, Sparks. Come Hell(tm) or high
water, we're gonna show them that the Lenny Bruce is not afraid."<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>"Yes Captain. Weapons is reporting racks ready
for launch. Also Captain, I should point out that our burrito has cooled to
seventy-five percent."<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>"Momma always told me to eat my dinner before
it got cold," Tonk muttered to herself. "Chaff and whatever shields
we got anyway. Drain all our batteries for it. We won't much care about having
reserve power if we're floating dead in the black!"<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>*****************<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>Spectrum leaned over the repair bench, looking at
the suit internals. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>"So, Oliver, it uses internal battery
systems?"<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>"Yes sir. Not really a field serviceable or
removable item. It has to be repaired here. " Oliver replied, eager to
make a good impression on the two visitors. "The Tornado armor is a
slightly modified version of the powered armor worn by some other groups, most
notably the Tornado Knights. It's personal powered armor; has excellent
resistance to small arms fire and offers limited protection from heavier weapons.
It augments strength by dint of muscle-guided servo mechanisms, controlled from
here and here." He pointed to the receptor pads within the arms and legs.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>"Darn it. I was hoping to scrounge up some
power sources for my suit. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>Speaking of which, you have a power outlet I can
jack into, my battery needs a boost." He caught the technician stealing
glances at Foxy's outfit, and was about to say something. Foxy glanced at
Spectrum and winked as she scooched up her crossed arms and leaned over just a
fraction more to check out the armor. Gonna have to get used to being with a
flirt...he thought to himself.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>"Um, sure. What kind of power system does it
use?" The technician blushed and tore his eyes away from the PDA he was
holding as a prop to get a better look. He gestured to a recharging bay for the
armor systems.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>"Its okay, I think I can get my suit to
adapt." Spectrum brought up the damage control subroutines that allowed
him limited access to the nanotech, and issued a recharge command. "What I
really wish was that those suits came in extra-extra-large."<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>"Beg Pardon?" Oliver gasped.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>"Foxy, is there something somewhere you could
go look at while I talk with this guy for a few minutes, undistracted?"<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>"There is an R&D lab next door, they have
some pretty cool stuff there. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>Ask Stan, he could show you something he's working
on."<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>As Foxy sauntered next door, Oliver quickly thumbed
the save button, and pocketed his PDA, focusing his attention on Spectrum.
"Man, if you don't mind my saying so, sir, she's something else..."<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>"I guess I don't mind ..." Spectrum
shrugged. "Okay. Let's talk about these suits of armor. They come in
different makes and models, right?"<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>"Well, they are all standard combat units. But
we do have a couple experimental heavies. All suits come with the standard
communications array, but some armor has been fitted with scout features to
provide more extensive command, control and countermeasure functions. Tornado
armors possess micro-missile racks, and they have limited medical monitoring/auto-doc
functionality. Lastly, they are capable of LOS laser communications as well as
passive and active scanning..." Oliver looked over at one of the
camouflaged armor units. "...though the scout armors tend to be better at
that role. Maybe I don't understand your question."<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>Spectrum sat back as his suit continued to recharge.
"I had an idea. Is there any way to make the armor a bit roomier inside?
Say, where I could wear my ManCo PoWer Armor inside the Tornado unit?"<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>Oliver whistled and shook his head. "...don't
know... I really don't know. He fished out his PDA and quickly turned off the
camera mode, switching to document data retrieval. The heavies are
semi-modular; if we stripped out some of the secondary equipment and life
support....that's a tall order man. And we aren't even talking about how to get
the suits to interlink either..."<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>Spectrum scratched his chin, "How about telling
me this: How quick could I learn to use the suit?"<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>"Oh, the troopers undergo extensive training,
but even I can make one move around and do the basic functions. I bet if you
are used to powered armor you're gonna have a much shorter learning
curve."<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>Spectrum was about to reply when there was a loud
crash and yelling from the room Foxy had entered. Spectrum started to move to
the door, but tethered to the charging station he could only shout, "What
was that?" <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>He quickly set to unplugging himself.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>Oliver dashed to the doors and flung them open, then
in the next second yelped and flattened on the ground. Foxy flew into the room
and out the repair bay doors, riding a metallic surfboard. She let out a cowboy
yell and blasted down the hallway out of sight.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>Another technician, taller and slimmer than Oliver,
dashed in pursuit.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>"WAIT! The mobile transport is not calibrated
for your size! It's made for heavy armor use!"<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>"<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on">STANLEY</st1:City></st1:place>!"
Oliver shouted.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>Pausing at the exit, Stan panted. "She wanted
to know if I could install an iPod dock on it! I don't know what came over
me... she was really interested in how it worked and I just suddenly wanted her
to have it, so I gave her the control wristband, and..."<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>Spectrum, now freed, ran up to <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:City
w:st="on">Stanley</st1:City></st1:place>. "Is that thing safe?"<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>"Of course not! It's a prototype! It was a test
idea for finding a way to move the heavy armor to a location quickly."<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>"How quickly?"<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>"Ummm... do the words 'meep meep' mean anything
to you?"<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>There was a whooshing sound as Foxy suddenly
reappeared at the end of the hallway, scraping the wall as she made the turn.
"WHEEEEEEEE!"<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>"Foxy! Slow down, you'll wreak that
thing!"<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>"Not much chance of that," Stan muttered,
"weapons grade alloys. Tougher than steel."<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>"Use the brakes!" Spectrum shouted as she
went flying past.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>"That's where she might have a problem."
Stan rolled his eyes. "Those are being delivered this evening."<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>The entire ship gonged as Foxy powered into the
bulkhead at the other end.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>The trio dashed to the impact spot, and as Stan
snatched the control band from the tether and killed the power, Spectrum and
Oliver peeled Foxy's pancaked body from the wall.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>Oliver glowered, "Oh my god, Stan! You killed
Foxy! You bastard!"<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>"No, wait!" Spectrum calmed the two.
Taking an enormous breath, he planted his lips on Foxy's and blew mightily.
After a couple lungfuls, Foxy popped back into normal shape and staggered
around in a circle.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>"Whee HEehEEE, This Ride requires YoU to be
THIS tall to ..." She then shook herself and recomposed. "I LOVE
IT!" Fishing into her pocket, she scribbled rapidly on a notepad and tore
the paper off. "Here, have the accessories and color options installed,
and give her two coats of clear-coat. We'll pick it up later!" She planted
a peck on Stan's cheek and dashed off with Spectrum in tow.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>"But..."<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>"And get those brakes installed!"<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>Oliver crossed his arms and shook his head.
"Mmmph!"<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>A moment later, the intercom sounded.
"Technicians Hardee and Lorrel. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>Please report to the bridge on the double."<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>"Well, that's another fine mess..."<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>*****************<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>The Lenny Bruce's electronic countermeasures sang a
song of confusion in the approaching missiles' primitive electronic brains.
Some veered off-course, but at this range many more were still able to
recognize their intended target and continued on their suicidal course. The
ship's beam weapons reached out, swatting away as many of those missiles as
they could. But beam emitters were expensive and missile launches were cheap,
so there were only so many that could be batted into oblivion before the first
wave struck.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>Thus were the Lenny Bruce's shields once again to
come between the ship and a violent end. The Auroran starship rocked with the
force of the strike, battered about despite having just barely managed to
prevent the missiles from coming into direct metal-to-metal contact.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>"Shields down, Captain," said <st1:place
w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on">Sparks</st1:City></st1:place>, handing off an
order for someone to coordinate Damage Control, like -now-. "Engineering
says we'll have them back in a coupla minutes..."<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>"Right, tell 'em not to rush. It's not like
we've got a space battle going on or anything. Launch!"<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>"Aye. Missiles away. Suggest we turn -hard-
because wave two is coming our way."<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>"Turn! What the -Hell(tm)- is with that anyway?
Where did they suddenly pull another set of launchers from? Their as--"<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>"Assistance requested in the rear sections,
ma'am! We've got at least one DamCon team missing. Don't have anyone to spare
for a search. What do we do?"<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>"Ping those Westerners. Time for -them- to pay
for their ride on this boat. How close are the missiles?"<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>"Two hundred meters and closing fast. ECM chaff
is having -no- effect."<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>"The HELL(TM)? Do they have someone in those
things driving them? <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>...hey, that's not a bad idea. I could round up
everyone onboard who sasses me and--"<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>"Judging from their maneuver patterns, I'd say
that's exactly what we've got here, Captain. Time to our missiles hitting...
ten seconds."<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>"Damn it!"<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>"Sir?"<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>"I've finally met a commander more heartless
and cruel than me! That's it, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on">Sparks</st1:City></st1:place>.
We have -got- to blow this bastard from the sky. I will<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>-not- have my bad name ruined by letting him
live!"<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>"Your wish is my command, Captain. Missiles
impacting. Nintan ship hulled. They are at Sitting Duckcon Level one. Bad news
is, we're about to take our own hit on the count of... now."<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>Everyone on the bridge braced for impact. The Lenny
Bruce shuddered a bit. And the bridge crew stared at each other in surprise.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>"Nothing... happened?"<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>"Did they throw rocks at us or something?"
wondered Tonk. "<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on">Sparks</st1:City></st1:place>,
I want to know exactly which miracle just took place here."<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>"We were hit with -something-, but whatever it
was it wasn't explosive. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>I think we're in the clea--oh crapweasles on toast
with marmalade jam and tea on the side..."<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>"<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on">Sparks</st1:City></st1:place>,
report -right- now or you're the first test pilot of our new human-driven
missile system."<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>"Those 'missiles' that got through... they're
clinging to our hull. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>We're reporting small breaches, everywhere one's
attached."<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>"Explosions?"<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>"No sir. Just cutting. But that's bad enough.
May I recommend we scramble -all- Tornado armored individuals and every hero on
this ship now? Unless I miss my guess, we've just been boarded."<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>******<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>BOARDED!?<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>"Federal Regulation 4.232.57 clearly states
that all passengers must pass through the security checkpoint and turn over all
weapons, liquids, gerbils, and ...."<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>SOMEONE GET MISTER SAFETY OUT OF HERE!<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>WILL OUR HEROES COME FACE TO FACE WITH THE ALIEN
INVADERS?<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>WILL FOXY GET A CUSTOM PAINTJOB ON HER NEW BOARD?<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>WILL <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on">SPARKS</st1:City></st1:place>
HAVE TO TAKE KAMAKAZE MISSILE PILOT CLASSES?<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>UP NEXT: A HERO DIES!<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New"'>SUPERGUY!<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><font size=2
face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>Lawrence</span></font></st1:place></st1:City><font
size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'> Brown<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'>Network / Telecom Geek<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'>TCF Bank<br>
720-200-2505, cell 303-981-7326<br>
<a href="mailto:lbrown@tcfbank.com" title="mailto:jgardell@tcfbank.com">lbrown@tcfbank.com</a><br>
6400 So. Fiddlers Green Cr. #800<br>
<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on">Greenwood Village</st1:City>, <st1:State
w:st="on">CO</st1:State> <st1:PostalCode w:st="on">80111</st1:PostalCode></st1:place><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:7.5pt;
font-family:Arial'>Information contained in this e-mail transmission is the
property of TCF and is intended for the named recipient. If you are not
the intended recipient, do not read, distribute, or reproduce this
transmission. Wait! You are reading this, aren't you!? I just told you
not to and you are still reading it! Okay, wrap your head in tinfoil and
set your microwave oven to defrost 5 min, and stick your head in; that should
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communication is for discussion purposes only, and it does not create a
contract or legally binding agreement. The UETA and E-SIGN do not apply
to this communication. We only contract with manually affixed original
signatures on the original paper contracts, unless you are really hot, then we
pay cash.</span></font><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
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