Date: Wed, 22 Jun 2005 17:10:28 +0000 From: Douglas DD DD Subject: The Boys of Lady Lex Chapter 47 Welcome back loyal readers and thanks for staying with the Lady Lex. As usual, Ben and I apologize for our slowness. Life keeps getting in the way of writing. I didn't post my solo story until it was completely finished, and even then it was slow. I guess Ben and I have learned to temper our enthusiasm some, but even with obstacles to quick writing Lady Lex is warping to its conclusion. Today sets the scene for the upcoming games and introduces a little bit of JFSA tradition. Ben just finished the first draft of Chapter 52, so we're hoping to have Chapter 48 posted soon. Enjoy the chapter. The Boys of the Lady Lex Chapter 47 "Traditions" Written By Douglas DD and Benjamin T. Collins The senior officers of the seven JFSA ships and the Kriton academy ship stood restlessly at separate locations outside of the banquet room. The crews were in separate staging areas, as Olympic tradition dictated that the opposing crews would not see each other until they entered the banquet hall. The Kriton crew was closest to the door; the rest were staged in side rooms.. The hall was full of invited guests, most of them politicians, government officials, and high ranking SFA brass. Some of them were parents of the senior officer cadets or of other cadets in the academy. An invitation to the Banquet of Rules was a prestigious and much sought after item. Commodore Alan Ridgeway stood behind the lectern, making some introductory statements. The tables at the front of the banquet hall were empty. The remarks concluded, it was time to introduce the senior officers. By tradition, the introductions were made in reverse order of finish in the previous year's Olympics. Since two of the ships hadn't participated, they would be the first to enter the hall. "First ship, belonging to our friends from Kriton who are participating in our Olympics for the first time. Please welcome the senior officers and cadets of the `Shaka-Amon'. Captain Lagh-Vorz . Senior leader, Ada Ka." The crew marched in, proudly carrying their ship's flag, a yellow and gold triangle with a colorful characteriture of the Shaka-Amon, a legendary creature much like the Earth dragon. "Next, the newest ship in our expanding program, the JSFA `Orion'. Captain Chase Hunter. Cadet Captain Richard Zimmer." The "Orion" cadets marched in proudly, but it was obvious to all who knew Olympic tradition, that the Ops officer was missing something important; the ship's flag. The missing item brought a murmur to the crowd. Even though rumors of stolen flags had been flying all day, the reality of it couldn't help but elicit a reaction. "Our third ship is a temporary member of the JSFA, an experimental ship until the end of the month." Admiral Natter and Gordon Starr were among the few who cringed at Ridgeway's remark. Natter had tried to discourage him from making that statement, but Ridgeway insisted it was the truth and should be told. Natter, who always liked to pick his fights, gave in, but insisted on the next statement. "Of course, in the unlikely event this ship should win she will become a permanent member of the fleet." Natter made a mental note to talk to Ridgeway. The word "unlikely" wasn't part of the deal. "Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the JSFA `Lexington'." Captain Steven Hatcher. Cadet Captain John Cooper. Hatcher, Creevey, Eli Storm, and the senior cadets of the Lady Lex marched in proudly, to surprisingly loud applause. Douglas, as ops officer was the person designated to carry the ship's flag, and he carried it high and with pride. The cadet officers were dressed in immaculately pressed dress whites, a far cry from the rag tag uniforms they had worn on Phosphorus Prime. Gordon Starr watched the boys and his son with admiration. They wore their uniforms well. The boys went to their table and stood at attention behind their chairs. Douglas placed the flag in the proper stand on the stage, then took his place at the table. The next ship to be introduced was the "Spirit". They had been the last place team the year before. Its crew was conspicuously missing its flag. The crew took its place behind the chairs at its table and stood at attention. Next came the flagless "Gettysburg", followed by the "Oriskanee" and the "Monitor", also without flags. While each crew generated applause, they also brought a mumble of commentary when each ops officer took his or her place at the table with no flag to take to the stage. All of the ships but one were now represented in the banquet hall. Ridgeway started his last introduction. "Last, but certainly not least, the two time defending champion `Port Royal'. Harland Avery, Captain. Christopher Avery, Cadet Captain." The crew came in carrying an air of arrogance. The senior cadet officers were all senior class members. The Lady Lex boys couldn't help but notice they were all big, almost more men than boys. Christopher Avery carried the Olympic trophy that had resided on the ship for the last year. Ramon Santiago, the ops officer, carried the surprise-nothing. By now almost everyone had bought into the theory that the "Port Royal" had stolen the flags and used a disinformation campaign about its own flag being stolen to divert suspicion.. There was definite surprise when the "Port Royal" entered flagless. The stage had eight flag stands. Only two of them had flags. And one of the two was the "Lexington", the "temporary" ship. It was common knowledge she had the "Orion's" flag. The question was, if the "Port Royal" hadn't stolen the flags, then who had? After a few other preliminary opening remarks, dinner was served. The appetizer consisted of a choice of shrimp or slices of roast duck. Next came either cream of tomato or chicken noodle soup. This was followed by salad, with the choices being mixed garden, fruit salad, potato salad, or Caesar salad. The main course was a choice of roasted chicken, T-bone steak, red snapper fillet, or beef lasagna. All but the lasagna was served with baked potato and mixed vegetables. A variety of rolls were also supplied as well as a variety of fruit drinks and sodas. Dessert was a choice of chocolate cake, apple pie ala mode, or New York cheesecake. As the waiters and bussers cleared the tables Commodore Ridgeway started the after dinner program. Admiral Natter had appointed Ridgeway to run the JSFA less than six months ago. While Ridgeway had many strong qualities, he also had his weaknesses, some of which didn't become apparent until after his appointment. While Ridgeway had expressed support for Hatcher's "Lexington" project in the interview, it quickly became apparent he didn't support it as fully as he had indicated. Natter suspected Whitaker may have had a few words with his new appointee. Ridgeway also showed a proclivity for playing favorites. Two of his favorites were Captains Avery and Neeson, whom Natter considered the weakest of the academy captains. on the other hand, they were also the best connected. Ridgeway also showed he had little fondness for Captains Hatcher and Linyu-Wang, whom Natter saw as the strongest. Overall Natter was disappointed in his choice of commandants, but Ridgeway was still new to the job and still had time to grow into it. Ridgeway introduced Admiral Natter, who made a speech welcoming the guests and all of the officers. He spoke of sportsmanship, goals, and tradition. After Ridgeway, Senator Effingham gave the keynote speech, which all of the boys considered to be too dry and way too long. Trevor, still worn out from being sleepless for almost 24 hours fell asleep. TJ, who was sitting next to him, had to nudge him awake more than once when he started snoring. After the two speeches, Ridgeway once again took over the lectern. "As most of you know, the last part of the banquet consists of the return of any flags stolen during the course of the academic year and the return of the permanent trophy, followed by the rules of this year's Olympics, and then the team draws. The individual draws have already been completed and the participants in those events will receive their schedules in their rooms tonight. As we speak, the crews of the eight ships are being shuttled to the planet and taken to their hotel rooms." Ridgeway smiled at the group, took a swallow of water, and went on. "First the flags. There had been a long standing tradition of stealing the flags of rival ships during the year. It is more difficult than one would think. Usually only one or two flag stands are empty. Having six empty ones is, as far as I know, unprecedented. The Kriton flag is in its stand. So is the flag of the `Lexington', which was the property of the `Orion' for a long time and somehow got stolen back. Now, we all know that the `Lexington also managed to bungle its way into stealing the `Orion's' flag, even though one of their crew was caught red handed. " Trevor glared at Ridgeway. He had already decided he didn't like the man, and his little snide remarks about the Lady Lex were getting on his nerves. Ridgeway chuckled and then added, "And somehow they had managed to be the only ship to keep its flag last night. Lady luck does smile on even the undeserving sometimes. One has to wonder how the ship that took the flags managed to miss the target that was potentially the easiest." "Fucking asshole," a grouch Hawke muttered to no one in particular. "And now, as according to long standing JFSA tradition, the ops officers the `Lexington' and the `Orion', along with another officer of their choice, will step to the stage with the flag of the `Orion'. During dinner, Douglas had gone to the reception room set aside for the Lexington and retrieved a large box, which was being diligently guarded by Kalon Masters. Now he opened the box and took out the flag of the "Orion". He and Ben along with Commander Tonia Windhammer and Lieutenant David Lee went up on stage. Douglas and Ben unfurled the flag and handed it to Tonia and David. Tonia smiled a forced smile, but David glared at Douglas, never taking his eyes off him. David had begged Tonia to allow him to accompany her on stage. His look said it all. "You won this one, Douglas, but you are going down!" Tonia and David hooked their flag onto their pole and placed it in the proper stand. The four cadet officers completed the ritual salutes and shaking of hands then left the stage. Ridgeway looked over to the "Port Royal's" table with a broad grin. He had heard the rumors that the "Port Royal" had taken all of the flags by creating a clever radio diversion, and had covered up the fact by claiming their flag had been stolen as well. Most likely they subterfuge was to give them the element of surprise at the banquet, but just about every academy officer had come to the same conclusion and the surprise would soon be non-existent. Ridgeway believed the rumors. What other JFSA was both experienced enough, smart enough, and ruthless enough to pull of the stunt of the decade? Harland Avery looked back at Ridgeway trying to warn him off. He knew where this was heading. Avery mentally kicked himself for not telling Ridgeway ahead of time that they hadn't stolen the flags. "So, Captain Avery, will you have your ops officer and his designated assistant bring up the flag of the `Monitor'. And would the ops officer and designated assistant of the `Monitor' please step forward to receive their flag. Lieutenant Commander Shawn Alexander and special missions officer Lieutenant Faith Manning rose and headed for the stage. Most eyes were on the "Port Royal" table, however, and not only were they not noticed, but neither were Douglas and Scooter as they walked back to the stage with the flag of the "Monitor". When nobody from the "Port Royal's" table got up, the audience looked up at the stage, stunned to find two officers from the "Lexington" occupying the stage along with the two from the "Monitor". A murmur of surprise emanated from the audience. The ceremony complete, the four officers sat back down at their tables. This time, when Ridgeway announced the return of the flag of the "Spirit", his look at the "Port Royal" table was only a glance. Captain Avery studiously avoided eye contact with the Commodore. Ops officer Norman Howard and XO Scott Durban went to the stage, followed by Douglas and TJ Polaski. Once again the brief ceremony was completed. Ridgeway, looking a bit nervous, announced the "Gettysburg". This time he didn't bother to look at the "Port Royal" table at all. Every eye was now on the "Lexington" table. Douglas did not disappoint them, as he once gain got up from his chair, fighting to keep a shit eating grin off his face. This time XO Donkey Mike went up with him to meet Brian McNabb and special missions officer Victor Melrose. The "Oriskanee" was announced next. Captain Alena Neeson and her crew glared at the "Lexington" table with contempt. Neeson had already mentioned to her XO that while losing her flag was inexcusable, she could almost accept the "Port Royal" taking it. No way would she accept losing it to the ruffians of the "Lexington". There were going to be some real surprises when the officers for the next year were named at the closing banquet. Eddie Frampton, the ops officer, and navigator Gianni Baratta went to the stage looking embarrassed and sheepish. Once again Douglas got up and walked to the stage, this time with Ian Brothers. A smattering of applause could be heard from the audience in the banquet hall. The final flag was now to be returned. There was now no doubt that the rumors of a "Port Royal" coup were just that-rumors. It was the lightly regarded "temporary experiment" that had gotten the best of the regal "Port Royal". Ridgeway almost sounded pained as he announced the "Port Royal's" name. Harland Avery had almost considered ordering his cadet officers to refuse to accept the flag, but he knew that would most likely lead to a black mark on his record that even Admiral Whitaker couldn't erase. Word of mouth alone would kill him. But he did tell his officers they didn't have to be happy about it. Ops officer Ramon Santiago went to the stage with Helmsman Bart Harlow. This time when Douglas stood up, along with Trevor the Hawke, Admiral Natter, who was at the head table, stood up. The audience at the guest tables, which included a number of high ranking SFA officers, rose and joined in, presenting the "ruffians" of the Lady Lex, the boys knows as the Lady Lex Losers, the Triple Ls, with a standing ovation for pulling off one of the great pre-game stunts in JSFA Olympic history. Douglas and Trevor went up to the stage proudly. This time Douglas didn't bother to hide his grin. He had saved Trevor for the "Port Royal" because Trevor and his Birds of Prey had been the ones to pull off the feat. While the applause was deafening, the Lady Lex boys couldn't help notice that the tables of the "Port Royal", "Orion", and "Oriskanee" had remained seated during the ovation. The Kritons remained seated as well, but only because cultural differences prevented them from understanding what was going on. Ridgeway then went over the rules and the team draws were completed. It was the draws that interesting the cadets more than anything. Who would be playing whom? And when? That could have so much to do with who finished where, especially in the high scoring war games. When the draws were over it would be time for planning, predicting, and just plain bullshit, because when you know your opponent, the games became more real. The last part of the banquet was the return of the floating trophy by the defending champions, in this case the "Port Royal". The ceremony called for the cadet CO and XO as well as the captain and XO of the ship to bring the trophy to the stage. They would then receive a smaller trophy of a different design from the floating trophy for permanent display on the ship. The design of the permanent story was unique. Tradition called for the guests in the audience to stand and applaud and for the cadets at the ships' tables at the front to stand and salute when the permanent trophy was presented. >From the moment the cadets of the "Port Royal" refused to join in the standing ovation after the flags were returned, Johnny Cooper started plotting his revenge. He figured there were three things the Lady Lex senior cadet officers could do. They could remain sitting as the "Port Royal" had done. They could stand, but not salute. They could stand, turn their backs to the stage, and salute. As Ridgeway droned through the rules, Johnny presented his ideas to Mike. Much to his surprise, his XO rejected all three and suggested they stand and salute like the rest of the tables. "Are you nuts? Did somebody cut off you balls?" Johnny whispered. "They dissed us. We give them the same treatment they gave us. Even if we stand, we don't salute. No, I can't take your advice here. I mean, I figured you'd be ready to hoof them." "Listen to me," Mike whispered back. "Remember what Hatcher told us. We are looked upon as thugs, criminals, losers, kids nobody wants to even be around. Those three tables that didn't stand? They think they're so good their shit doesn't stink. They love to talk about being classy, but when they get asked to show it, they fart in your face." "And your point is?" "My point is, we show we're better than them. We show who has class. Hatcher said it's up to us to make our own reputation. Look, there's admirals, senators, company presidents, all kinds of big time people here. If we ever had a chance to make an impression, this is it. They all saw the `Port Royal' not stand up. They will all see us stand up even after they fucked us over. They will all see who has class. We make our reputation. The Lady Lex is best. That's our revenge. They have all the blue blood, but by standing up we show the world that the so called Triple Ls are twice as good as they are. We aren't the losers, we're the winners." "I don't know," Johnny said. "I think we put it in their face." "We will. Tonight. And then again at the games when we kick their butts. Look Johnny, even if we win the Olympics and the Lady Lex survives we will need support. And from more than Scooter's dad. Those guys in the back of the room...they're that support. Let's show them what kind of cadets the Lady Lex has. Let's show them we're better than those assholes on the `Port Royal'. And one more thing. What happened when we returned the flags was spontaneous. What happens at the trophy ceremony is tradition. Let's show the Lady Lex respects the traditions of the JSFA" "I thought hoofing was your big thing?" Johnny said. "Sometimes I have to be the Diplomatic Donkey," Mike said. "This is one of those times." "Okay," Johnny said reluctantly, "You always did have a way of being right. We stand and salute with the rest." He passed the word down, disappointing those who wanted to make a show of not standing. Johnny and Mike both said they would explain their reasons later, and for now to just do it. "No way I stand," a grumpy Trevor grumbled. "You stand. I'm sitting right here in my seat." "You've been pretty much sleeping in that seat all night anyway," TJ observed. "I took their flag. And then they do that. I won't stand for them." Ridgeway gave the "Lexington" table a quick glare and Trevor shut up. A note was passed to him from Mike. It's contents were simple. "No stand. No play. Mike." He looked at Mike, who just nodded and smiled. It was then that Trevor started to realize that being a senior cadet officer was more than having the epaulet on your shoulder. It was serious responsibility as well. For a moment he wished he was back to being plain old Cadet Hawke. It was now time for the return of the trophy ceremony. The four officers of the "Port Royal" were called up by Commodore Ridgeway. "...only the third ship to win the trophy two straight years, the `Port Royal' can't help but be the favorite to be the first ship to win it for a third straight year." Trevor grumbled yet again after hearing that. He had an intense desire to stuff a sock into the Commodore's mouth. As per tradition, the audience stood. The guests applauded as the cadets of each ship saluted the defending champions. Even the Kritons, who had been coached on what to do, stood and saluted. Quite a few members of the audience, as well as those at the front table, took note of the fact that the "Lexington" table, despite the slight they had received earlier, had stood up and saluted. Commodore Ridgeway turned the lectern over to Admiral Natter, who made the closing remarks. Ridgeway announced that the ships would be dismissed in reverse order of entry, with the "Port Royal" leaving first. As the "Lexington" waited for her turn Admiral Natter and Senator Effingham, who had given the keynote speech, approached the table. The two powerful men gazed over the table, and addressed the nine senior officers through Johnny Cooper. "Captain Cooper, your officers are to be commended on the way they conducted themselves tonight. I know you were all tempted to not stand and salute at the end of the trophy ceremony after the treatment you received from the `Port Royal." Yet you did not give in to that temptation. You showed class and maturity far beyond what some skeptics in our audience expected. You upheld the finest traditions of the JFSA. Captain Cooper, you, and Captain Hatcher, as well as your officers will receive commendations in your file. I am proud to call you JFSA officers." The boys sat silently, not sure what to say, but feeling a real sense of pride at hearing Natter's comments. Johnny looked at Mike with a look saying, "You were right. Standing up was the proper thing to do." Senator Effingham added his bit as well. "I know you boys have a great deal of pressure put on you these next two weeks. I just want you to know I am rooting for you to accomplish your goal. I wish I could do more, but I can't." What he didn't say was he couldn't do more because Admiral Whitaker had a file on him that he couldn't allow to become public, and he couldn't cross Whitaker's wish to have the "Lexington" project come to an end. But he also knew that if the Lady Lex should somehow survive the next two weeks, then Whitaker would be forced to keep her in the JFSA fleet, and the "Lexington" would have a friend where she needed one. But he couldn't say any of that, and his comment struck the boys as sounding hollow. After Natter and Effingham left, Rich, who was at the table next to them leaned back and said, "You guys are not at all what you think you are. We kicked your ass in the prelims. We captured your flag stealer. You can impress all the big brass you want, but in the end you're all a bunch of losers. You're still the Triple Ls and don't forget it." Trevor, tired of hearing a night full of sarcasm, started to stand, but TJ put his hand on his shoulder and forced him back down. "Not now. Don't wreck what we just built up." Trevor said nothing. He simply sat and glared at Rich. When the "Lexington" table was dismissed, Trevor made sure his chair hit Rich's as he stood up. Rich got up and glared at Trevor. Trevor wouldn't back down. This time Mike was the peace maker. Douglas took the ship's flag from the stage and led the Lady Lex cadet officers out of the banquet hall. As they entered their staging area, Ian asked where Trevor was. "He should be here with us," Mike said. "Well, he's not." The same idea struck them all at once. "Oh, shit," Johnny said. Johnny was in the lead as the officers left the room and headed down the corridor back towards the banquet hall. The "Orion" officers were just leaving the banquet hall into the corridor. Trevor was standing at the door. As the officers filed out he stepped in front of Rich. Rich looked at him and laughed. "Out of my way you little punk. As far as I'm concerned there aren't enough Ls to tell how much you guys are losers." Trevor had heard enough. He'd put up with crap all night. He was tired and grumpy. He forgot the accolades the Lady Lex had received and remembered only the insults. Rich was 6'2, 195 pounds. Trevor was 5'1 and 85 pounds. But he didn't care. He was the Hawke. And the Hawke was a bird of action. He clenched his fist to pound Rich in the gut when he felt somebody grab on to him. It was Johnny Copper. He started to struggle, but Johnny said, "Hawke, how many times to I have to tell you not to throw the first punch." Trevor pulled on him attempting to break free. "At least not while I'm here to do it." With that the cadet CO of the "Lexington" punched the cadet CO of the "Orion" square in the jaw. As Rich staggered back and fell on his ass, Mike looked at his counterpart, Todd. Todd nodded and the two XOs stepped in to restore order and prevent further trouble. Rich sat on the floor, rubbing his jaw, looking up at a smiling Johnny Cooper. The preliminaries were over. It was time for the games to begin. To be continued. Author's Note: Below is some information on the schedule of the games if you want something to refer back to. Reading it shouldn't be necessary to enjoying the story, but Ben and I, and our proofreader/editor Richard thought it would be a handy reference. The Banquet of Rules sets both the scoring system and the draw of who plays whom. Here are the matchups, brackets, and the scoring system for the JFSA Olympics for the year in our story. The team sports (hockey, basketball, baseball) are set up as a two division round robin with the top two teams going into a 4 team elimination round. Teams get 3 points per win in the round robin, and 5 points for each win in the elimination. An undefeated team would earn 19 points. Varsity and JV teams play the same schedules. The matchups are as follows HOCKEY Division A Division B Spirit Kritons Lady Lex Orion Gettysburg Port Royal Oriskanee Monitor BASEBALL Division A Division B Lady Lex Oriskanee Orion Kritons Monitor Gettysburg Port Royal Spirit BASKETBALL Division A Division B Lady Lex Port Royal Orion Oriskanee Kritons Monitor Gettysburg Spirit There will be only one cross-country meet. Ships can enter as many runners as they wish, with a minimum of 10. Only the top 5 finishers from each ship will earn points. The ship with the most points will earn 20 points, then the scoring goes 14-12-10-8-6-4-2 Same set up as x-country. One big race. Each ship has 4 singles players and 2 doubles teams. Play is round robin in groups of 4. Three points per win are awarded, and 5 points per win in the elimination rounds. Teams earn points in each match. Competition is an 8 team elemination tourament. Ships particpate in a comples series of academic competitions earning points with wins. Each weight group participates in an 8 person (one per ship) elimination tournament. Same kind of matchup as Cross-Country for each type of competition. War games are split into 3 areas: Ground games, shuttle "Capture the Flag", and shuttle "Mother Ship Attack". The big games are the capture the flag matches for excitement. Points are awarded for hits, eliminating other shuttles, and of course, capturing the flag, which is worth 50 points. The ground games earn points for defending and capturing a ground fort, as well as eliminating particpants from other ships. The "Mother Ship Attack" awards points for hits placed on the mother ship of the opponent as well as the defense of one's own ships. THE SCHEDULE Monday Opening ceremonies Hockey Baseball Basketball Fencing Tuesday Baseball Tennis\ Wrestling Academics Hockey Wednesday Hockey Baseball Basketball Tennis Swimming Thursday Academics Tennis Fencing Wrestling Friday Academics Basketball Tennis Saturday War Games Sunday War Games Monday War Games Tuesday War Games Wednesday Fencing Academics Tennis (Finals) Hockey (elimination) Rowing Thursday Baseball (elimination) Basketball (elimination) Cross-country Fencing (Finals) Friday Academics (Finals) Wrestling (Finals) Hockey (Finals) Saturday Baseball (Finals) Basketball (Finals) Sunday Closing ceremonies Obviously, Ben and I don't plan on writing up every game and every competition. But we hope this will give you and idea of how the Olympics are faring every day.