Rocket Fox – chapter eight, rough ball and lunch

The shrill whistle sounded out, bringing an end to the practise. Millicent Yarborough waved the players toward her, calling for them to gather around. “It was an early mornin’ practise,” Millicent said with a firm nod to the entire group. “But you’ve done well. That may be in part due ta the fact that getting up at five in the mornin’ is common place for everyone here.” She smiled as the players chuckled lightly at the small joke. In truth, it was a compliment to their dedication as air cadets.

“Here’s what I’ll need from each o’ you before tomorrow’s match,” Millicent said, her voice quieting a bit as she took a more serious tone. “I know that you will all be nervous. But we’ve all worked hard ta get where we are durin’ this season. You’ve all done well. It’s not over, though. We’ve got one game left.”

“And then the final match,” one of the players called out, a tall looking Vulpine with black fur. There was a small chuckle from all of the players at the comment.

“Yes, but let’s focus on tomorrow’s game, Gregory,” Millicent said with a friendly reminder. “Tonight, get some rest. A proper bed time for all o’ you.” She looked to each player for a moment before she concluded her small speech. “Alright, get cleaned up, an’ I’ll see you on the pitch tomorrow.” She let out one more shrill whistle and the players began to make their way back to the change rooms.

“A bit of lunch?” Senia asked of Clarfax and Hardy as they walked together back to the change rooms. “I could go for a good meal after a long practise like that.”

“I’d love that, myself,” Hardy replied. She sighed as they walked along. “Funny, isn’t it. How we’ve been together here for six years. And now it’s all comin’ to an end.”

“Not bitter sweet, I’d hope,” Clarfax stated with a smile. “We’ve still got evaluations, and placements. I’m fully confident we’ll all have the proper choice of where we want to go.”

“Which means,” Senia said with a smile as she lift a finger to the sky. “76^th, here we come!”

Lunch on a fifth day of the week was almost always held at The Flying Fox in the village proper. It had become a regular spot for air cadets, visiting pilots and old veterans alike. It wasn’t uncommon to hear one wily old veteran schooling some of the younger cadets on the tactics of air combat, flying the old air craft or even some of the more harrowing escapes that had become legend around the small tavern and diner. Those tales were most often told during the evening hours. During late morning to early afternoon, it seemed much more quiet.

On this day, only a few of the villagers had made their way into the diner for a spot of lunch and maybe some tea. There was old Mr. Crandal, who was always seen at the diner at eleven o’clock, reading his paper and smoking his pipe at the sidewalk tables with a cup of tea at hand. Miss Swifter was there as well, taking a rest from her daily deliveries around the village as she would always complete the mail run in Chattingham. A few of the young kits and cubs from the nearby Chattingham Elementary School would often stop by to purchase sodas. And finally, a few of the Academy students were almost always present.

For Senia, Clarfax and Hardy, they had become just as well known as the others who frequented this place, and they received greetings and salutations as they walked inside and took up their usual table. As was often the case, the proprietor of the Flying Fox would always greet them, as was the case with every customer.

“Just a wee bit before noon time,” Abigail Crenshaw said in her cheerful, sing song tone. “A bit early ta see you three here.” Abigail, or Abby as she was known, was tan coloured Felanus who had come to Foxburrow from the eastern desert of Sandicia years ago with a business prospect in mind. Before the outbreak of the Great Lupine Land War, she had opened her tavern and diner and done quite well for herself.

“Just finished rough ball practise,” Senia informed her.

“Oh that’s right,” Abby said with a big grin. “T’morrow’s the match against House Fennec. Been so busy ’round here I almost forgot.” Abby was the kind of hostess who knew her clientele very, very well, and she could always be able to make dinner and supper suggestions to each customer. “Clarfax, we’ve got a lovely Sandician salad, complete with fresh lettuce, cucumber, a smatterin’ of goat cheese an’ lightly sprinkled with a tasty toppin’ that’s not too spicy an’ not too sweet.”

“I’d love that, Miss Crenshaw,” Clarfax said with a nod as he smiled at the thought of the dish. “And maybe, if I could also have a slice of your famous lemon pie.”

“I’ll get you the pie after the salad,” Abby said, then turned to Hardy. “Thick slices o’ ham, topped with equally thick slices o’ pale cheese, lettuce an’ tomato, with a light sauce, all between two thick slices of rye bread. As an added bonus, a side dish of fresh prawns, lightly battered.”

“Oh, Miss Crenshaw, you make it sound wonderful,” Hardy said, nearly smacking her lips together. “In truth, I know that what you describe is only a teaser for what’s to come.”

Abby grinned and patted Hardy’s shoulder, then turned to Senia. “You look in the mood for a late brunch. A thick, Malayan waffle, topped with rich, whipped cream, strawberries and drowned in a thick Kanatian syrup.”

“Remind me, that should ever I grow despondent, that I just need come here and listen to you speak of food, Miss Crenshaw,” Senia said with a smile as she nodded her approval of the suggested dish.

Abby giggled lightly and clapped her hands, adding one final thing. “It is early in the day, so I believe a tall glass of apple juice would suit. Though, as an added incentive for tomorrow’s match, I just recently procured four kegs of Rose Petal Ale. Come here after the match, and win ‘r lose, I promise one round on the house for the team.”

“Oh, you can count on that, Miss Crenshaw,” Senia replied with a big grin. Hardy and Clarfax nodded quickly in agreement, and Abby, satisfied with her ability to pin point what her customers wanted, hurried back to the kitchen to fill the orders.

“Have I mentioned how much I love this place?” Senia said as the three were left to their own discussion.

“I just hope we’ll find someplace like this when we get our placement,” Hardy remarked. “Though, I’ve heard the main ship that the 76^th is often carried on has an excellent diner like this.”

“I thought deep space carriers had large mess halls,” Clarfax piped up as he tried to recall some obscure information from a book he once read.

“I know for a fact that the Tritan has a mess hall, a forward lounge, and a tavern style diner,” Hardy said with a grin.

“But the Tritan is a star destroyer,” Clarfax argued as he tried to think of his old classes in ship history. “They have limited crew.”

“No no,” Hardy said as she shook her head, stating boldly her knowledge of ships in the Vulpine Fleet. “The Tritan is a star cruiser, and has a crew compliment of three thousand, and an additional air craft support of five hundred.” Hardy turned as she heard chuckling from Senia’s chair. “What?”

“You two,” Senia said as she tried to compose herself. “You always do this. It’s either Hardy’s knowledge of ships, or Clarfax’s absolute certainty of spacial anomalies or even stars in the sky.”

“Keeps life interesting,” Clarfax said with a firm nod. The three chuckled in unison for a moment, then looked up as they were greeted by a cheery voice.

“Hello everyone,” Claudia Whitefur said with a smile. “Wasn’t expecting to see you three here.”

“It’s a traditional spot for air cadets,” Senia said as she motioned for Claudia to sit down. “We’ve been coming here every fifth day of the week for six years now.”

“I don’t often make it here too often,” Claudia said as she took her seat, carefully setting down her bookbag. “And when I do, it’s usually on the second day of the week. But today was a good day, so I wanted to treat myself.”

“A good day?” Clarfax asked as he leaned forward. “What did you do?”

“It was my last final exam,” she replied with confidence.

“I take it by the sound in your voice that you aced it,” Hardy said as she nudged Claudia.

“Naturally,” Claudia replied.

“Well, wasn’t expectin’ a fourth t’day,” came the voice of Abby as she approached the table with a tray. She talked as she set down plates in front of the three air cadets. “Let’s see. I think I have you figured out. Lovely watercress sandwiches on whole wheat bread, three lightly cooked farmer sausages, an’ a bowl o’ strawberries an’ fresh farm cream.”

“Yes please, Miss Crenshaw,” Claudia replied with a smile. She turned back to the others as Abby left once more to take care of the order. “And that is why I like coming here for a treat, because Miss Crenshaw knows exactly what I like.”

“Back to the exam,” Clarfax said as he pulled up his chair to the table. “How’d the others do? Bobby? Gilly?”

“Gilly looked pretty confident,” Claudia said with a nod. “Robert was his usual self, but I think he did fine. He knows the material better than anyone.”

“I heard Robert is more worried about placement after he graduates,” Senia said before taking a sip of her juice. “He’ll have a lot of options open to him, I know that for certain.”

“After the exam, he and Aria went off to the memorial together,” Claudia stated. The conversation paused as Abby returned with Claudia’s order. Once they were all squared away, they began to eat, continuing their conversation between bites.

“I heard Aria and Bobby are going to the graduation ceremonies together,” Hardy said in a quiet tone. “I wonder if Aria’s told Bobby yet.”

“Told Bobby what?” Clarfax asked as he nibbled on some lettuce leaves. Claudia seemed equally curious.

“Hardy!” Senia said as she shook her head. “Aria asked that we not gossip about… you know. It’s disrespectful to do that.”

Clarfax seemed rather confused, but it was Claudia that put two and two together. “Oh, you mean that Aria is the eldest daughter of the Ocata Royal Family?” Hardy looked to Senia and merely motioned to Claudia. “I thought everyone knew that.”

“I didn’t,” Clarfax said with a huff as he finished his salad. “It would appear I’m the last to find these things out.”

“That would be because you have your head in a book all the time,” Hardy teased lightly.

“Why don’t we pop around the memorial after we’re finished,” Senia suggested. “I haven’t walked through there in a few weeks, be nice to remember who came before us. And maybe we’ll run into Aria and Bobby as well.”

The four agreed and continued their meal, chatting about various things such as the upcoming rough ball match, graduation, expectations after school and much more. Including a wish that they never stay out of touch.

June 22, 2012 | Categories: The Barrow's Revenge, Writing | Tags: Lupine Star System, prose, Science fiction, Writing | Leave A Comment »

Rocket Fox – chapter eight, the history and rules of rough ball

Rough Ball is, most likely, the most important sport in the entire history of the planet Vulpinia. It’s history alone spans three thousand years. Every match ever played has been recorded, documented, and referenced. Right from the very first game ever played.

The development of the sport was actually used to help end an ancient war between the Vulpine and the Felanus. Not all Vulpine and Felanus races were involved in the war, mind you. But the five primary nations involved were Foxburrow, the Ocata Nation, the desert nation of Sandicia to the east, the northern tundra nation of Kanata, and the equatorial nation of Mayala had hostile actions toward each other for centuries before.

Fortunately, during that time there were those who had developed civil relations that had no affiliation to any government or crown. Yet, they tired of the constant warring between the five nations. They needed to create a contest that would do away with bloodshed. Something that could be used to salvage peace.

A group of twenty creative Vulpinians came together, using bits and pieces of sport from each nation to create something that would resemble a part of each nation. The pitch represented Foxburrow, the central most nation in the conflict. A small net to be used by a goal keeper that represented Kanata. Ten players on the field to represent the ten different races caught up in the conflict. The size and shape of the ball, to represent the ball used in a popular game in the Ocata nation. Sand semi circles near each of the two goals to represent Sandicia. And finally, no matter whether there was rain, snow or shine, the game was always to be played outdoors in the manner that those of the Mayala nation played their own games.

Now, there was a complex series of rules that needed to be made for such a game. Over the three millennium, those rules were modified and amended and changed to fit the changing times. Today, there has been a solid set of rules that has been unchanging for the last one hundred years.

The standard size of each playing field is 105 meters long by 65 meters wide. There is a center line dividing the field in half, and goals at each end. Each goal is surrounded by a 35 meter wide semi circle of sand, and each goal is five meters wide by three meters tall.

Each team has ten players on the field at all times. Five players are offensive and help direct the rush of the ball forward, while four players act as defenders and protect their own end against oncoming rushes from the opposing team. One player acts as the goal keeper and keeps within the area of the sand to guard against any attempts by the opposing team to score.

To begin each game, the center-men from each team, often called the quarterbacks, meet in the center of the field and wait for the head referee to toss up the ball. Each player would ten jump for the ball, hoping to knock it back to their own teammates. This is when the strategies of offense and defense begins. Defenders will try to tackle the ball carrier, while the ball carrier will attempt to pass the ball off to continue the rush up the field. Ball carriers can only take three steps and then must bounce the ball off the turf and catch it again. Forward, overhand passes are not allowed, but an underhand lateral back to a teammate is. A forward motion with the ball is allowed only if the ball carrier bumps the ball with the heel of their hand.

For scoring purposes there are two types. Either a ball carrier may cross the goal line with the ball and have his or her team awarded three points, or skillfull players may kick the ball through the goal posts and that team is awarded six points. In both scenarios, the goal keeper can use their net to either catch the ball if kicked, or push the player down before crossing the goal line. The net cannot be used as a weapon, either to strike at or trip up a player with the ball. These are the simple and quick rules to the game, there are many more which involve penalties, scrums, and player substitution. Suffice it to say an entire book could be written on the rules of the sport alone.

As it stands, rough ball has become the most popular sport in all of Vulpinia. There is the traditional Five Nations Cup, played every five years to commemorate the end of the war those many millennium ago. The Universities Cup, which different colleges and universities participate in each year. The Eastern and Western Leagues each have their own professional level of rough ball. And then there is the college level of play, as students from different houses have their own rough ball teams and compete against each other throughout the course of the school year.

Even the distant planet of Pau Theta II has a group of four teams that play during the regular run of the rough ball season. Sometimes, the champion of the Pau Theta League is invited to participate during the Five Nations Cup.

To become a rough baller, as it is often called, is just one of the dreams of many young Vulpine and Felanus children. The sport helped end a war on Vulpinia, and therefore it holds a great deal of tradition and honour. It brings people together in a way nothing else ever has. Even the smallest community has a rough ball pitch, where spectators bring out lawn chairs and small picnic lunches to watch a match or two. Naturally, some of the grandest stadiums are in the largest centers on the planet, such as Ocata Stadium, the Fox Den or the Mayala Bowl. Those three alone can seat over one hundred thousand fans each.

So when citizens of Vulpinia talk about rough ball, they aren’t just engaged in idle chatter. It’s very important to them, because it plays such a large role in their lives.

June 20, 2012 | Categories: The Barrow's Revenge, Writing | Tags: Lupine Star System, prose, Science fiction, Writing | Leave A Comment »

Rocket Fox – chapter eight, time for some rough ball

“Alright everyone, gather ’round, gather ’round,” Millicent Yarborough called out as the players of the House Ocelot rough ball team finished their stretches. Millicent was a rather tall Vulpine with long ears and tawny fur. She was a former professional rough baller herself, having once played for the Warrenshire RC in the Nations League. “Tomorrow, as you all know, is the semi-final match against House Fennec. I don’t think I have ta remind any of you that House Fennec only lost one game this year. That bein’ to House Falcon.” The gathered players paid close attention to Millicent as she spoke, knowing full well the grand upset that House Falcon put on House Fennec.

It was considered an easy match for House Fennec, but they let their guard down, and House Falcon went onto take advantage of several miscues from their opponent.

“What House Falcon managed ta do, we’ve got ta try,” Millicent explained carefully. “We’ll be in tough, however, as House Fennec won’t be as over confident against us. Now, we’ll have a wee change o’ strategy and player set up, seein’ how our star striker won’t be with us.” Millicent didn’t need to mention anything else about the events regarding Jada. It was common knowledge now all over campus, and most likely into the village itself. “Hardy Maynard,” Millicent called out with her authoritative voice. Hardy stepped forward quickly, paying close attention. “You’re movin’ ta left inside wing. Yer stronger on the left side I’ve noticed, an’ maybe we can give House Fennec somethin’ ta think about in that area.” Hardy nodded firmly, smiling at the chance to be one of the main offensive rushers.

“Clarfax Billings,” she called out again. Clarfax responded in similar fashion to Hardy. “We’re movin’ you ta the striker position. You’ve got a knack for it, plus the opposition’ll have somethin’ new ta try an’ combat.” Again, Clarfax nodded firmly. “Aria, still jumper. I’ve yet ta see anyone able ta out wit you in the center circle.” Aria smiled with a nod. The jumper was a key position, especially when the match would begin. Jumpers usually set the tone of the match. “Mills, Pinkerton,” Millicent called out again. The two Felanus who had piloted Ocelot Six stepped forward. “I’m movin’ you from second line ta first line. You both will still be on defense, so no change there. As for the rest o’ the line up, no changes.” Millicent tucked a clipboard she was carrying under one arm and held a whistle close to her muzzle. “Alright, everyone. Let’s try a few practice scrums an’ set tone for your game play. This’ll be early practice so no full contact, understood?” The players nodded in reply and waited for the first whistle to blow.

Millicent let out a shrill whistle and the players began moving to their positions like a well oiled machine. Senia took up her position in goal, Aria to the center, Hardy on the left wing, Clarfax on the striker position, as Mills and Pinkerton took their positions on defense along with Margo Talon and Corporal Greta.

The team was quite confident and very professional in their actions. Everything went by the book, and often, Millicent would give several tips on how to better their play. It wasn’t uncommon, after all, for cadets to be offered positions with some of the professional leagues across Vulpinia. Rough Ball was, of course, a planetary past time. The most popular sport among both the Vulpine and Felanus races. It had a long history on the planet, one that held a great deal of tradition.

And I suppose, dear reader, that you might wish to learn something about this. Well then, let us pause as we look to the history and rules of the sport of rough ball.

June 18, 2012 | Categories: The Barrow's Revenge, Writing | Tags: Lupine Star System, prose, Science fiction, Writing | Leave A Comment »

Rocket Fox – chapter seven, evaluations

The cadets gathered in the main conference room, all taking part in an early morning cup of tea. The sun had risen fully now, and the idle chatter seemed to focus between the training run and the fact that breakfast would be in order. The remaining ten pilots joined Mills and Pinkerton, with Senia giving congratulations all around. Even a welcoming smile was given to Jada as she sat down among the pilots for this final debriefing.

The chatter quieted quickly as Captain Mallard entered the room. All cadets rose to their feet and stood at attention, including Jada.

“As you were,” Mallard announced as she stood before a podium that faced the cadets. She placed a data pad on the surface and read carefully from it before speaking aloud. The cadets settled back into their seats as they waited for Captain Mallard to begin. “As you know, this was your last training exercise,” she began, looking to all of the cadets. “I’m happy to say you performed quite admirably. And if it’s any indication, you’ll have no difficulty dealing with House Fennec in the upcoming rough ball match.” The cadets chuckled lightly to the remark before Mallard continued. “Out of a possible 500 points, I award you 475. The only marks withdrawn was the loss of Ocelot Six. It was unavoidable, but the goal is to attempt to get every craft to the target base in time.” She looked to Mills and Pinkerton. “Individually, I’m awarding each of you 50 points. Quick thinking, and excellent marksmanship.” Mills and Pinkerton smiled and offered a nod in thanks.

Mallard turned to Corporal Greta next. “You kept the communication lines open, Corporal. Key in ensuring that the escort was successful. For you, and for those on your team, I award you 50 points each.” There was a small celebratory congratulations that went around the room as the group that made up command central lightly cheered. Next, came the pilots themselves. “Left-tenant Felix and the remaining pilots. Quick thinking, no hesitation, and lastly, sticking to the transport. You understood the importance of the transport and stuck with it. Excellent work. For that, 50 points for each of you.”

The pilots cheered and there were hugs and congratulations that went around the room. They quieted down again, however, as Captain Mallard raised her hand for some order. “There is one last detail that must be addressed,” she said as she looked to Jada. “You may have been stripped of rank, but you’re still a member of House Ocelot. You kept a civil head during the exercise, especially with the unpredictable nature of the civilian students.”

“It wasn’t that difficult, ma’am,” Jada said with a smile. “Half o’ ‘em went back ta sleep, an’ only Bobby was the most problematic. An’ he just had to pee quite badly.” There was some laughter that went through the group.

“I think from now on,” Captain Mallard said with a smile. “It should be impressed upon Mr. Quickfoot to take care of business before anything pressing need be done. Nevertheless, I can still award you 50 points for your actions during the exercise.” There was a cheer that went up through the room, and each cadet congratulated Jada with a pat on the shoulder. For Senia’s part, she gave Jada a hug.

Captain Mallard held her hands up for order and attention once more, speaking when everyone was paying attention to her again. “Now, that is your final training run of the year. Each of you has done extremely well. As House Liaison, I couldn’t be more proud of each and every one of you. Some of you still have some classes,” she said as she looked to Clarfax and a few of the cadets around him. “But also importantly, there is still the rough ball match coming up. There is a practice this afternoon before the upcoming match, so those who are on the team get some rest. All right everyone. Dismissed.”

June 17, 2012 | Categories: The Barrow's Revenge, Writing | Tags: Lupine Star System, prose, Science fiction, Writing | Leave A Comment »

Rocket Fox – chapter seven, command center

Captain Mallard stood quietly in the communications room, watching the movements of all the cadets and listening to the chatter. Each move was carefully cataloged in her memory for later evaluation.

“Ocelot One, reading confirmed. Four fighter craft with House Fennec markings.”

“Advising House Bobcat airbase of situation.”

“Prepare to modulate communication frequency to 3-4-1.”

Mallard was impressed, and though she tried to remain stoic as she watched, she couldn’t help but smile. After all, she was the faculty liaison for House Ocelot, and many of their training exercises were based her own designs that she modified from her own experiences.

“Ocelot Six is breaking off from formation.”

“Understood, Ocelot One through Five are moving formation to cover the opening.”

“Ocelot Six just took out two fighters.”

“She’s taken damage.”

There was a silence that filled the room with that announcement, then confirmation that Ocelot Six was hit and coming down.

“Have a team meet the pilots at the rendezvous point,” Mallard finally said as she broke her silence. “Bring them to the command center.”

With academy training programs, pilots were always expecting to be fired upon. They went through several drills regarding what to do in the event a craft was about to crash and even if a craft has been fired upon. In this situation, all training craft were outfit with holographic weaponry. The weapon units would target tracers on ‘enemy ships’ and if they hit, that ship would suddenly cease to operate at maximum capacity for the area it had been ‘hit’ in. Under normal situations, pilots could guide their craft into base without problem. However, if the pilot found a majority of the systems were destroyed, the air craft’s autopilot would kick in, and begin to steer the craft back to home base. This announced that the craft had been completely destroyed in the training simulation. In this case, pilot Corporal Vivian Mills and co-pilot Private Harry Pinkerton, had succeeded in destroying two enemy aircraft, but had sacrificed themselves to the four fighters.

Nevertheless, they would still get an evaluation of their actions before their time in the exercise ended. Captain Mallard felt they performed quite well. She turned her attention back to the room, once again listening to the chatter.

“House Bobcat has sent reinforcements.”

“The final enemy ships are retreating.”

“House Bobcat has given landing clearance.”

Mallard’s attention shifted as the doors to the command center opened and the two aforementioned pilots walked in. “Corporal Mills. Private Pinkerton. Excellent work. You may get out of your gear and wait in the house conference room,” she said with a nod to the two cadets. Both gave a nod and a salute, then rushed off to get out of their flight suits. Mallard stepped toward the communications console and punched in her codes, allowing her to speak directly to the pilots and those in the room at the same time. “Excellent work, all of you. Now, if you would, gather in the house conference room in thirty minutes. I’ll give your final evaluations.” She paused before cutting the communication, but decided to add one more thing. “I would also like Miss Hawkspur to be present for this.”

June 11, 2012 | Categories: The Barrow's Revenge, Writing | Tags: Lupine Star System, prose, Science fiction, Writing | Leave A Comment »