Special notes: I didn't write an excerpt for each team. Maybe another time I'll fill it in, but I got the important ones needed for the story. And if you are wondering what the image has to do with the story... nothing. Absolutely nothing. [Saran-Alliance] [Moeth supplemental story] Saran-Lane, 18, senior graduating team. Trained as a diplomatic team, to be assigned as a replacement team at an off-world Raven Embassy. Saran may select teams from his student alliance to accompany him, but how many teams are permitted to go with Saran will be determined by how many Raven teams at the gaining Embassy are nearing retirement. Once at the Embassy, Saran will work years, advancing as his talent permits; it is not a guarantee that Saran will ever again be a lead. He has the opportunity to rise to the Ambassador position, but it is ultimately his demonstration of ability that will determine how far he rises. ***Saran Excerpt*** Saran walked along the rows of cradles holding small Daraian eggs. The hundreds of heating lamps glowed in the hatching chamber and lent comfortable warmth to the room. “Ah, there you are,” said Saran. “I thought you would be in here.” Lane sat on the floor between two cradles, rocking an egg and humming softly to it. The egg he held was a nice deep black with soft pink spots. “It’s not fair,” said Lane. “Why was I hatched a male.” “I don’t know, love,” said Saran. “Sometimes the universe just makes a mistake.” Lane stroked the egg gently and held it to his face. “I want to have an egg so much,” said Lane. “Not even Carinian medicine can accomplish that,” said Saran. “But there is another way, almost just as good.” “I know,” said Lane. “There are plenty of orphaned eggs in here.” “We can apply in a few years once we get established in our posting,” said Saran. “You promise,” said Lane. “I can’t apply without you, I’m a Zoomie, I don’t even have the right to apply on my own.” “It’s a touchy point of law whether I can even apply,” said Saran, “but the High Priestess told me once that she would recommend approval.” “You know if we had been hatched two-hundred years ago, they would have burned us at the stake for what we are,” said Lane. “Yea, it’s amazing that the Ravens, the most fanatical religious order on the planet is the ones that led the way to changing the laws and the way our culture thinks.” Saran stepped out of the way as a Demonian Hatching Tarlock approached and knelt next to Lane. The Tarlock placed a finger on the egg and then cupped his hand. “She’s getting cold,” said the Tarlock. Lane transferred the egg to the Tarlock and waited for him to place the egg back in a cradle and retrieve another one for Lane to hold. “The Kitsune would bust a seam if they knew we had Demonians here on the planet,” said Saran. “They can bite my pin feathers,” said Lane. “There is nobody better at egg care than our cousins.” Saran sat down next to Lane and motioned to the Hatching Tarlock. The large Demonian carefully picked out an egg in need of attention and handed it to Saran. The two partners softly sang to the eggs. ***End Saran Excerpt*** Peran-Sigil, 18, senior graduating team. Trained as a medical team. During the first year after graduation from the Temple. Peran will be evaluated on her abilities and the determination will be made by a Senior Medical Doctor as to where Peran will serve; it is possible, if she shows the necessary talent, to be sent to Medical school. *****Peran Excerpt***** Peran didn’t bother with the protection circles, but she still kept an eye out for where one was at. “What are we doing down here?” asked Sigil. “I want to take a bath,” said Peran. “Why here?” replied Sigil. “We have a safe house, lets just go get permission to leave the Temple for a few hours and go there.” “I miss the Temple baths,” said Peran. “Remember our first time?” “Stop,” whispered Sigil. Peran stopped and heard what had alerted her Zoomie. The sound was off to left, deep in the shadows. Peran glanced back at Sigil but he had already melted into the shadows. Peran side-stepped towards a circle and waited. “It’s okay,” said Sigil. “Get over here, it’s a couple Chirps.” Peran headed to the sound of her mate and saw them; Sigil was kneeling next to two Chirps in a protection circle. The Chirp Zoomie was holding his partner in his arms and crying; his partner was bleeding out from a wound on her leg. Peran started to reach into the circle but the Chirp Zoomie held up his talon dagger. “I can’t reach into the circle if you believe I am attacking you,” said Peran. “Let me help.” The Chirp Zoomie hesitated and dropped his dagger. “It doesn’t matter,” sobbed the Chirp Zoomie. “Finish us off, she’s dying anyway.” Peran reached in and straightened his partner’s leg out and looked at the wound. The cut was expertly done; a small puncture wound intended to cut an artery in the leg. “Who did this,” Peran was angry, this wasn’t a fight wound. “They caught us between protection circles and held us down, then one of them made that cut and then they just left us here.” Peran knew exactly what this was, and it was disgusting. A senior student must have done it; a single cut in the leg and then leave the Chirp to die slowly while her Zoomie watched helplessly. “Sigil, Med-kit,” ordered Peran. Sigil knew what his partner needed and retrieved the clamps and scalpel and held them out. “I have to open the wound up so I can clamp the artery,” said Peran. “I’m cold,” whispered the girl. “Saran,” whispered Peran. “I’m in the tunnel leading to the baths; I need the whole alliance to clear the tunnels towards the Hospital.” “Peran?” whispered Saran’s voice. “Are you injured?” “A Chirp,” Peran whispered back while she cut the wound open and inserted the clamps. “Oh Peran love, you can’t save them all,” whispered Lane’s voice. “Please,” whispered Peran. “Do it,” whispered Saran. “Everyone, clear the tunnels from the baths to the Hospital.” “Sigil,” said Peran. “You carry, lets go.” Sigil lifted the little Chirp up into his arms and ran with Peran holding the clamps and running alongside. The Zoomie Chirp ran behind the two seniors, his eyes blurry through his tears. Peran and Sigil passed members of their alliance, standing threateningly at cross-tunnels, holding back anyone trying to enter the tunnel. Saran and Lane caught up with them quickly and ran alongside with their daggers out, providing protection. Peran passed through the arches to the Hospital; a Raven with outstretched wings above the doors. Saran and Lane sheathed their blades before passing through the archway and followed. The attending Priestess Physician motioned for Peran to put her charge on one of the beds and started barking orders to her staff; the Zoomie Chirp curled up in a corner out of the way and cried. Twenty minutes later the Priestess had stabilized the girl and sent her to be prepped for surgery. Peran walked over and knelt down next to the Zoomie Chirp and pulled her talon dagger out and held it up. “There is a price to be paid for this,” said Peran. “I’ll pay it,” said the Zoomie Chirp. “Don’t flinch,” ordered Peran. A stone Raven landed on Peran’s shoulder, it’s head swiveled from Peran to the Zoomie Chirp. Peran quickly lashed out with her talon dagger and left a shallow cut running down the Zoomie’s cheek. The stone raven swiveled it’s head and inspected the cut and then flew back to it’s position above the door. “Never forget,” said Peran, “and never fail her again.” *****End Peran Excerpt***** Vora-Traneth, 18, senior graduating team. Vora has shown a talent for mechanical engineering. Vora is being looked at for attendance to Engineering School; it is possible for Vora to be selected in a wide range of positions from weapons development to spacecraft engine design. ***Vora Excerpt*** “Hand me a spanner wrench,” said Vora. Traneth picked up the requested tool and held it out to her. Vora was lying under a Dart engine on an engine mount. Traneth sat next to his partner watching her fix the broken engine. “Micro-gage,” said Vora. Traneth handed over the gage and then put his hand on Vora’s leg. “Stop it,” said Vora. “I’m not in heat anymore.” “But I am,” said Traneth. “You’re just feeling the residual effects,” said Vora. “Now stop it.” “Oh come on,” said Traneth falling back to lie on the ground and put his hands over his eyes in frustration. “I’ll tell you what,” said Vora. “You go get some Pip from Lane and I’ll take it.” “No way!” said Traneth. “You know what his price is.” Vora laughed and threw an oily rag at him. “I know exactly what his price is,” teased Vora. “Well, I’m not doing it,” said Traneth. “He’s a dark twisted creep; I don’t even know why Saran likes him, Lane cheats on him all the time.” “You’ve cheated on me and I still love you,” said Vora. “I said I was sorry, Maku tricked me.” Vora turned her head and looked at her mate. She knew he felt guilty for the incident, but she wasn’t done torturing him over it. “I doubt it was very hard for Maku to trick you.” “I’m really really sorry, but it was months ago, just forgive me already.” “I do forgive you, this is just the punishment phase,” said Vora. “I’m sorry I asked, forget it,” said Traneth. “You’re not in heat and I’m being selfish.” “Oh, I guess we won’t be needing this?” teased Vora holding up a small glass vial. “Vora?” Traneth’s eyes went wide and he sat up. Vora pressed the vial to her neck and pressed the button. Traneth hit his head on the engine twice trying to crawl over to her. Vora held up her hand. “Tell me again what I want to hear,” said Vora. “Then we can go back to our room.” Traneth grinned, he wouldn’t have to lie, he really did mean it. “I can’t wait until we have our own egg some day,” said Traneth. “One that we don’t have to give to the Temple.” “Do you really mean it?” asked Vora. “I do,” said Traneth. “I hope it’s a boy.” “I want a girl,” said Vora. “I’ll bet she would be as pretty as you,” said Traneth. The two partners stood up and walked hand-in-hand back to their room. ***End Vora Except*** Grek’Betae-Suet’Cao, 18, senior graduating team. Despite being on a student alliance at the Temple, Grek has displayed a preference for remaining secluded; Grek has been selected for a remote long-term surveillance post. They are one of the few teams from Grackle Province. ***Grek Excerpt*** Grek and Suet sat on a wooden beam in the heights looking out over the city. Suet was softly singing a song to Grek, his voice matching with the other males singing in the Heights. “I’ve got news,” said Grek. Suet kept singing but looked at his partner questioningly. She liked to hold surprises out as long as possible and knew if he asked she would make him wait longer. “I love the stars,” said Grek. “Don’t you?” Suet nodded and kept singing. “If I went to the stars and left you behind,” asked Grek. “What would you do?” Suet stopped singing. “I would clip my glider wings, and throw myself from the heights and plunge to the ground in despair.” “You are such a liar,” said Grek. Suet flipped around and lay flat on his back, his hands out, and his head on her lap. “If you do not believe me,” said Suet. “Push me from the heights now; I will do nothing to stop my descent to the ground below.” Grek pushed him off the beam. Suet flayed his arms and legs madly and grabbed the beam just in time to hang by his fingers. “Hey!” shouted Suet. “You weren’t supposed to actually do it!” “The High Priestess gave me the letter today,” said Grek, ignoring her partner’s distress. “We are posted to a deep space surveillance outpost.” Suet scrambled back up on the beam. “Really?” asked Suet. “The one we wanted?” “Yes,” Grek smiled. “There are never any smugglers out that way,” said Suet. “We are…” Grek leaned in close to her partners face. “Yes, my love,” said Grek. “We are free, we survived this horrid place and we are free as we can ever be.” “Forever?” asked Suet. “It is a lifetime posting,” said Grek. “Unless we request a reassignment.” Suet lifted his fingers and touched his collar. Grek leaned in closer and pressed her mouth to his ear. “Once we are there,” whispered Grek. “You can take it off and never wear it again.” Suet’s tears flowed down his face, she had really kept that promise she made him long ago on the first day when they arrived. She had found a way to free him. ***End Grek Excerpt*** Sialia-Gaener, 18, senior graduating team. Sialia has shown a talent for weapons. She is personable and blends well into a crowd. Sialia is a possible candidate for the Intelligence College and posting in the Raven Intelligence Service. Sialia has excelled in writing and has attracted the attention of the Senior Editor of the Raven Intelligence Brief. Meas-Lare, 17, senior graduating team. Meas has an unusual talent with bone dice, card games, and other games of chance. Meas has an easy-going personality and blends well. Meas has an interview with the Gaming Commission in two weeks and could receive a posting at a Raven Casino. Ameath-Mars, 16, third year students. Ameath and her partner have demonstrated an unusual tolerance to all forms of recreational drugs. Yet despite this, they have never shown any interest in using drugs, even to the point of trying to skip out on the drug familiarization classes. The Raven Alcohol and Drug Enforcement Commissioner has placed Ameath on the top ten list for recruitment to the Enforcement Agency. Wren-Parus, 15, second year students. Wren has shown no particular special interests other than glider flight. Though, that alone is not unusual for any Daraian. Evaluation pending. Petrel-Ruddy, 12, first year students. Petrel was selected for the Saran-alliance on Lane’s recommendation; it is unknown what Lane saw in this team other than perhaps they have a talent for breaking into places they shouldn’t be. Perhaps that is what amused Lane enough to select them. Evaluation pending. *****Petrel Excerpt***** “You’re going to break it.” “I’m not going to break it.” “You’re wiggling it too hard.” “Shut up beak brain.” “Hurry, we’re going to get caught.” “We’re not going to get caught, and so what if we do. Are they going to send us to a dungeon to get chased around by crazy knife carrying maniacs?” Ruddy laughed and got up to go check the corner of the tunnel. “Bird feathers!” said Petrel. “I broke it.” “I got a spare,” said Ruddy, returning and kneeling down. “Move over.” Petrel pulled the broken lock-pick out and dropped it in her pocket while Ruddy settled in front of the door. “You were using a number ten,” said Ruddy. “This lock calls for a number eight, you always forget.” The lock clicked and the door swung open. “Show off,” said Petrel. The two young Ravens slipped into the room and started filling their pockets with the loot. “Okay, lets get out of here,” said Ruddy. Petrel found a little bit more room in a pocket and stuffed some more of the ill-gotten treasure in her pockets. Ruddy pulled the door shut and the two ran off to their secret hiding place. Two hours later Petrel and Ruddy approached the stairs where Saran’s alliance liked to hang out. They weren’t even trying to stay in the protection circles, but no senior would touch them; everyone knew they were Saran’s pet Chirps and wouldn’t dare take on his alliance. Saran looked up at the two young Chirps; their faces were covered with chocolate and they were holding their hands over their stomachs. “My tummy hurts,” said Petrel. “You two broke into the candy locker again, didn’t you?” said Saran. “I should let you suffer, you know candy is poison and only for class demonstration, when are you two going to learn?” Sigil rummaged through his pack and found the medicine that would calm their stomachs; both took the medicine and Petrel sat next to Saran and leaned into him while Ruddy climbed into Lane’s lap to be held. Lane stroked the boy’s forehead and hummed softly. ***End Petrel Excerpt*** Moeth-Raen, 14, first year students. This team’s file is classified, but it must be noted that their file is a red sealed folder instead of the typical black. This is not unusual for students that were pressed into service versus those that volunteered. Both team members were forced into Raven service to avoid prosecution.