So here's my first shot at publishing a story. I've started with what would and hopefully will be chapter 1 of the story. If it goes well I'll keep the story going till it reaches completion. So without further ado let's dive in..

The lights hung low and the smoke machines were doing their job of giving the "smoke filled bar" without the actual smell of cigarettes or tobacco. It was almost time for the main act.

In one corner of the room sat a group of women trying to keep a low profile, but not fully succeeding given a pair of rather excitable blonds with twin ponytails. They were more interested in having fun and enjoying the show.

"Come on, you two settle down until the show starts. Then go back to acting crazy." Bremerton shouted with a laugh. Hornet and Guam rolled their eyes in sync then smirked.

"I still think going out the night before the new commander arrives might not be the greatest idea!" Arizona piped up. she still wasn't sure how she got talked into coming with on the outing but did hope she'd enjoy it.

"You could have stayed and done paperwork with Brooklyn and Northampton." Ticonderoga said after downing her drink.

"Hey Tico that wasn't nice!" Guam snapped back "Ari it's okay firstly she didn't intend to sound that mean. Secondly I think it'll be okay. And I'll take the heat for having you come with us if it comes to that." She finished with a smile that seemed to calm Arizona and Ticonderoga gave a look of apology. Hornet gave a whistle to get the group's attention, and unintentionally some people around them as well.

Well all that was happening, John Carver was preparing to hit the stage. Or more accurately his stage self 'Johnny Byrd' was about to. He had two weeks leave before assuming command of his new base. A KAN-SEN base to boot. He'd seen them in combat a few times and interacted with some at the base in San Diego but never in a command role. But for now he was living his side gig as a musician.

Making his way through the crowd discreetly towards the stage after the band was set and ready he heard a super loud whistle, looked and saw a sight that took his breath away. A beautiful girl with long blond hair in a black jacket and wearing a cowboy hat. He kept his tipped up slightly as he walked on stage to cheers and the long opening sound of a saxophone

"On a long and lonesome highway, east of Omaha.. You can listen to the engine moanin' out his one note song" he sang in a slightly pained voice. Trying to convey the feelings of the song. As the crowd went wild, clearly loving the song he opened the show with. Going for variety they played Tom Petty's 'I Won't Back Down' next before switching to country. 'Play Something Country,' 'Callin' Baton Rouge.' The band paused for a drink after that as he looked around and caught sight of the blond haired women he'd seen earlier. Thinking of a quick lyric change he whispered which song was next to the band.

He looked in her direction, they started again. Playing a guitar himself for this song. "When I was 14 I was fallin' fast for a green eyed girl in the homeroom class…" he went on singing 'Life's A Dance' with a couple of changes

Across the room, Hornet had felt herself drawn to the singer all night since he got on stage. But now, now it felt like he was singing to her and her alone and her heart was lapping it up, her mind knew nothing would ever come of this. She had to get back to the base tonight but her mind could help and dream a little on what her heart was feeling…