CHAPTER 3

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CHAPTER 3

 
 
 
SITUATION ROOM
 
 
"You want to talk to me? What for?" demanded Cupid. "Couldn't you tell me now--I'm way too busy.”
 
This attitude crossed Sarina--who was here to watch over the Valentines Day Activity interests of both her and Soldier Sam.
 
'When can you come up to my office and see me?' said Cupid.
 
Right Away,' said Soldier Sam. 'I feel kind of all shaken up, Well, with how close Valentine’s Day is—it’s giving me an excited thrill.'
 
'Sarina really did it and told you all about how special of a day it is?' questioned Cupid.
 
'Yes, Sarina told me all about Valentines Day,' said Soldier Sam. 'And it's worth its weight in gold compared to other holidays. I'm even going to get me a new agent to promote our Valentines Day Activities and bring them to your office.'
 
'I tell you a better plan.' said Cupid hastily, 'I'll get you direct access to the Valentines Day Activity Directorate. They approve some of the scenes.
 
Soldier Sam was overwhelmed by the opportunity. For once he had an opportunity to participate in a Valentine’s Day Activity.
 
"I'm glad you came with me to Cupids Office, Sarina," Soldier Sam said, "you've been great. Did you get my note?"
 
Sarina wasn’t sure what to say. "I thought maybe you had nothing to do so you wrote all those Greeting Cards and you might want to pay me back for all this stuff you have put on me"
 
 
"I don't ask much," Sarina said sharply, "I let the world have fun at  Soldier Sam’s expense behind his back and freeze him out of things. But now I've got something and I'd like you to come over here and consider it"
 
"All right--all right." agreed Cupid.
 
Soldier Sam’s eyebrows lifted as saw how enthusiastic Sarina had become, but he said nothing—still fixing his eyes on the floor with the bottle of Bourbon raised.
 
 
'The trouble this Valentines is Solider Sam doesn’t have any imagination” said Cupid. “He wan’t in jail or anything like that. He had a Word Processer and a Library.
 
But all he did was write stories about Rams Mascot and all we got for a scene was that Rams Stadium.
 
 We got to weave something around that-- like he promises Sarina something and in the end she collects.' Suggested Cupid.
 
'I want time to think it over in my brain' said Soldier Sam. 'If Sarina will agree to go out and do something on Valentines Day--
 
 
'Sarina might take you out, Soldier Sam' said Cupid. 'From now on I'm picking my own Valentines Targets for the Holiday.
 
What do you got?' Sarina looked at Cupids arrows, enough to trick me into going out somewhere with Soldier Sam?”
 
“What’s your plan, anyway, Soldier Sam?” Cupid inquired.
 
Soldier Sam stared at Cupid blankly for a moment; then out of thin air, produced his best piece of imaginative fiction--
 
'I  might take Sarina on an expedition to some Antique Shops,' Soldier Sam answered, 'and try to find some antique Metal Tins. They are useful for so many things!!'
 
Sarina looked excited.
 
'Wait a minute! Wait a minute!' Cupid was on his feet. 'I seem to recall some Antique Shops not too far from here. You two could even stroll down the street on foot. Otherwise you would have to hire a car and hop around all those Strip Malls on the edge of town”
 
What’s your vision, Soldier Sam? Cupid wanted to find out what ideas he had for Antique Metal Tins.
 
'I seem to see Soldier Sam as an Antique Hunting apprentice.' observed Sarina.
 
'Yes.' This hopefully” commented Cupid.
 
Off the top of his head, Soldier Sam had a few ideas, and promised he would think of more before Valentines Day.
 
“An Antique Tin to offers a super-easy way to keep all your Yankees Game Tickets and paperclip the Box Score to it” suggested Soldier Sam. Crack open a popcorn tin or something else. Some are even customisable and put your Tickets to have a special memory. Do this every year until its full. Then get another one!” Soldier Sam’s idea was for sure a good one.
 
Let’s mark your idea as ‘Temporary Complete” Soldier Sam” decided Cupid. “and you can even consider leaving something almost as valuable as Yankees Tickets.
 
“Just think about what that is sparkling that many put in a box for Valentine’s Day.” Suggested Cupid.
 
Cupid turned to check how many Arrows he had brought with him that day. I’ll consider your idea if you promise to come up with several more ideas about what problems Antique Metal Tins could solve.” Added Cupid.
 
Sarina suggested that from now on, Soldier Sam’s bright idea would referred to as the “Antique Surprise Shopping Showdown.”
 
That’s a fantastic name for what is sure to be an Amazing Expedition” Cupid approved.  Now Sarina and Soldier Sam were even more excited for Valentines Day!
 
 
TRAINING
 
Soldier Sam’s Training for New Starship Missions was not at all like what he expected. Rams Mascot was not a typical Instructor.
“Know this,” thundered Rams Mascot, now right in Soldier Sam’s face, “that if you ever do attempt something I have not trained you to do, you will certainly destroy Rams Nation and all that is Great about the Rams.” At this, Soldier Sam looked down at the ground. At that point he wished he was invisible. He did not want to hear more, yet Rams Mascot continued. “Soldier Sam, your orbit is preordained, one from which you cannot stray.”
Those drill instructors have a shared bond and tricks of the trade that have been handed down for generations. Recruits don't hear about them at boot camp - not where it's likely that you'll get smoked with incentive training for simply asking a dumb question. Under the wide brims of smokey hats, the perfectly squared-away uniforms and almost caricature-like demeanors They come from a wide range of occupational specialties. They decide to return to boot camp to fill a special-duty assignment.
 
 
In a Fleet Problem, we would task the CSG to conduct a combat mission-- conduct strikes on, giving it maximum flexibility in timing and mechanism. We then would create scenarios rich in submarine threats. The CSG’s mission would not be ASW, but rather conducting a core combat strike mission in support of the joint fight in a robust submarine threat scenario. Teaming the submarine threat is the means to the end —strike. If you destroyed all enemy submarines and lost no friendly units but were unable to execute the mission assigned—strike—then Blue loses and Red wins. How the CSG commander manages that threat to accomplish the mission is not prescribed. Speed and manoeuvre? Go for it. Aggressive surface ASW? Great. Will the escorts sweep ahead or stay near the CSG? Air assets? Of course. How is that coordination going?
 
Night training.
 
Night vision training has become necessary because of tactical advantages of attack and pursuit, under certain conditions, taking place in darkness. Night vision is not a single capacity but is a complex of innate aptitude plus training. Individual differences are great in night vision.
 
The most obvious effect of darkness is reduced visibility. This affects a soldier's ability to observe friendly troop movements, understand terrain, and especially affects perception of enemy movements and position. Officers find that darkness hampers many aspects of command, including their ability to preserve control, execute movement, firing, maintenance of direction, reconnaissance, security, and mutual support. 
 
Tell me a little bit about your Training experience, Soldier Sam.
 
We were assigned to start a fire low in a valley. You keep the flames low to stay in the darkness and cook food on the fire for sustenance.  We built a makeshift hut out of ice with the equipment we had. You build it high up on a hill so you can see everything around you and take turns watching out for targets.
 
Rams Mascot asked me, "Can you see the target coming up?" "Yes, I see it," I said. "I think we will be there within range if my calculations are correct.
 
We're going moving fast and we’re almost in range..
 
.It’s about time you did something right” responded Rams Mascot. . "I think I will round up some of the others in the barracks to play taps and I’ll listen to see if they are on point."
 
"You brought your rifle?" Rams Mascot was obviously upset.  "You know I don't go anywhere without my rifle” I responded.. He started to move on for the purpose of listening to the others The time quickly passed.


 
Another course that I didn't like, but somehow managed to pass, was Night Training. I went to those drills straight from the rifle marksmanship, which didn't help me any in understanding either subject. I used to get all the instructions mixed up.
 
 But not as mixed up as another recruit in my night training class who came there direct from the orientation. He was a tackle on the Academy’s Football team.
 
 
It seemed to us like Rams Mascot was lenient and helped him along. Rams Mascot gave him more hints, in answering questions, or asked him simpler ones. One day when we were on the subject of transportation and distribution, focus turned to the Tackle.
 
 
It came his turn to answer a question. "Name one means of transportation," Rams Mascot said to him. No light came into the big tackle's eyes.
 
"Just any means of transportation," said Rams Mascot. The recruit just sat staring at him.
 
"That is," pursued Rams Mascot "any medium, agency, or method of going from one place to another."
 
The football player had the look of a man who is being led into a trap. "You may choose among land, air or sea vehicles," said Rams Mascot "I might suggest the largest ship in our fleet that carries aircraft.
 
There was a profound silence in which everybody stirred uneasily, including the target of the questioning as well as myself.
I looked at that Football player, who was looking up in the air to avoid direct eye contact with Rams Mascot. Then he looked down at the ground, thinking about his troubles. What would Rams Mascot think of this?
 
For the first time in his life, Rams Mascot did not care as much as he would normally have. For the moment, this recruit got a reprieve. But as I will tell your later, Rams Mascot would continue to target him throughout the training.
 
 
Anything else you want to tell me, Soldier Sam ?’
 
Yes, Sarina. It goes a little something like this.
 
 
"It is about prioritising what we are going to do, it's about focusing on the long game with you.”
 
TOUR SITE SCENES
 
“Santa’s Computer Travels” 
Sarina and Soldier Sam had arrived at the North Pole!!
 
Are you going to have fun on this North Pole Adventure? I had a lot of fun! I loved going to Santa’s office. The reindeer house was my favorite. The hot chocolate shop was fun! But I think I will never want to drink that much hot chocolate ever again! This was so amazing. I think I will come to Santa’s workshop every year. Will you?
 
 
Wow! We are going to get a Tour of Santa’s office, where all the important Christmas decisions are made!
 
Wow, who knew an office could be so huge. Santa’s desk is huge like a house, and his laptop is redder and brighter than Rudolph’s nose. His chair has pockets and pockets full of candy. I see his naughty or nice list. WOW! He has his own milk bar.
 
 
After seeing Santa’s office, let’s check out another part of the North Pole—Where all the Work gets done. This is where the magic happens!
 
The reindeer house was made of a special kind of metal that was snow-proof. I saw Rudolph! He was munching on candy canes. His nose was really bright. His horns were shiny too!
 
 
 
One evening before Christmas Eve, Santa and the elves were sitting around the fireplace in Santa’s Den.
 
Sarina, sad that her job was almost over for the year, said, “I wish I could go with you to deliver presents to all the boys and girls around the world, Santa.” Soldier Sam agreed.
 
Now Santa thought and thought for a moment, and then he got an idea. “Why, you can all go with me on my journey around the world Christmas Eve,” said Santa, with a twinkle in his eye. “You can go on Santa’s Christmas Eve Travels from the computer!
Where’s Soldier Sam?Production had come to a stop. Sarina had made a startling discovery.
“We’ve got a problem here,” Sarina pointed out to her team of elves. “Soldier Sam has not shown up to work!”
Detective Sarina was called in for an investigation on a sunny morning. Soldier Sam had mysteriously vanished from the house, and Sarina was told. "I'll phone Santa, and get you the address."
 
“Sarina and Soldier Sam. I have a Holiday Mystery for You to solve. Announced Santa..
 
“Oh, Santa. I’m great at Solving Mysteries! Maybe Soldier Sam could help too. What’s your problem, Santa?” Sarina asked.
 
Santa sure did have a mystery that no one at the North Pole could solve.
 
You enter a room where someone is having a phone call. They don't see you and you overhear a big secret that you clearly weren't meant to. You have to tell someone.  A group of villains in a meeting are now in charge of granting a group action to your plan. 
 
 
"Sure I will, Santa! I’ll help you out" Soldier Sam gained a bit of confidence. He believed in Christmas--he believed such things. “I do have a plan for Sarina if she agrees to give me a shot on Christmas Day.
 
“Hey Santa, take us to the North Pole's central station. I bet Soldier Sam and I will find a clue there to Solve your mystery.
 
Santa was skeptical about Soldier Sam’s plan. “Computer Video Machines like the one Sarina wants to use were once popular North Pole hangouts but they have long been replaced by smartphone technology and at-home gaming systems.
 
But Soldier Sam had a plan: “While traditional Computer Video Machines are gone, the mystery-solving machines are still around -- just in different spaces. Sarina and I are going to do some Detective Work on Christmas Day!!”
 
 
"All right," said Santa. He had approved the plan. "There's bourbon in the sideboard there. Talk quick and I'll consider giving Sarina a present. I kinda like having you two  around."
 
 
Ok, Sarina and Soldier Sam. I’ll take you to the North Pole's central station. Maybe you will find a clue to solve this mystery. Just be on your best behavior.
 
You are a Guest at the North Pole. You will learn many useful things about our Operation that will be sure to help you on any mission you might find yourselves on in the Future.
 
Visit of the North Pole's central station
 
 
Welcome to the North Pole central station! I hope you enjoyed your train ride up here. Are you all bundled up in your warmest clothing? It is very cold at the North Pole! We are supposed to visit the North Pole by sled, but I have a problem... all the sleds have been sent to the garage for a tune-up in preparation for Christmas Eve. Santa will show you how to make your own sled so that we can get started on our tour. I'll see you and your sled and we'll begin our visit of the North Pole.
 
“Hey, Santa!” Look Soldier Sam! Look at that Orange Box sitting under the Christmas Tree. What could possibly be in the Orange Box?”
 
“Why don’t you open the Orange Box up, Sarina. Maybe it has something you are looking for!”
 
“Ok, Santa. Come over here and check out this Orange Box with me, Soldier Sam!” Sarina was so excited. They opened the Orange Box together.
 
Look Soldier Sam!” Sarina exclaimed. “It’s the Clue we have been looking for. I just knew we would find something at this Stop on the North Pole Tour!”
 
 
Christmas Treats for all the Elves!
 
Easily transform your kitchen and dining room area into a Christmas baking station! Add a few signs from this dramatic play pack, along with some baked goods to your dramatic play stand to complete this center. Pull out those tins from last year or pick some up at your local dollar store sale tree to add to this center. Make out of this world cookies for your baking center using this Christmas Baking Power Pack.
 
What a Great North Pole Tour you took me and Soldier Sam on, Santa. Now we have the clue to solve your mystery!” Sarina was so happy.
 
“Yes Sarina” Santa appreciated Sarina’s Smart Detective Work. Merry Christmas to you and Soldier Sam from all of us at the North Pole!”
 
 
MYSTERY
 
You enter a room where someone is having a phone call. They don't see you and you overhear a big secret that you clearly weren't meant to. You have to tell someone.  A group of villains in a meeting are now in charge of granting a group action to your plan. 
 
'Listen Mr. Reindeer, Santa is having you followed,' said Soldier Sam. 'I don't know why he's doing it. Sarina tipped me off when I was at the Studio..'
 
'You don't know why?' cried the Reindeer. 'Well, I know why. I got something he wants--that's why!'
 
'You owe him money?? Asked Sarina.
 
'Owe him money. Why that--he owes me money! He owes me for a few weeks of long, hard conferences--I outlined a whole damn picture for him.' Me. Rafael Reindeer. It’s in-- my brain 'What he wants is in here.'
 
So that is what Sarina had heard on the phone that was so shocking.
 
An hour passed at the turbulent table. Soldier Sam waited--and then inevitably, as the bourbon started running its course, Sarina returned to wanting to know all about that mystery.
 
So what happened, Mr. Reindeer. What was Santa so upset about?” Sarina was getting more and more interested.
 
'The funny thing is I told him who stole those cookies from Mrs. Claus” the Reindeer replied. “And I even told Santa where they were hidden and why. And then that  Master Mind Santa forgot.'
 
'But Santa’s secretary remembered about those Stolen Cookies.' Soldier Sam had an inspiration.
 
'She did?' Sarina was shocked 'Secretary—I don't remember a secretary.'
 
'She came in to work late after you had left Santa’s Office to go run that errand for Mrs. Claus,' explained Soldier Sam.
 
'Well then by God he's got to pay me to get the truth or I'll make him wish he had, you can be sure of that.' challenged the Reindeer.
 
'Santa says he's got a better idea about the cookie disappearance.'
 
'The hell he has. My idea was the best.. Listen--' the Reindeer
 
He spoke for a few minutes.
 
'You like it?' he demanded. He looked at Sarina for applause--then he must have seen something in Soldier Sam’s eyes that he was not intended to see.
 
'Why you little skunk,' Soldier Sam cried out. . 'You've talked to Donner and Blitzen about those stolen cookies..-they sent you here!'
 
The Reindeer rose and tore like a rabbit for the door. He would have been out into the street before Soldier Sam could overtake him had it not been for the intervention of Sarina who was positioned at the door.
 
'Where you going?' Sarina demanded, catching the Reindeer by his bells.
 
'Hold him!' cried Soldier Sam coming up.
 
Sarina aimed a blow at the Reindeer which missed and landed right on the door. “Ouch” shouted out Sarina.
 
It has been mentioned that Santa was strong as well a s a powerful man. He went by it and Santa picked the reindeer off the ground, held him high and then in one gigantic pound brought his body down against the floor.
 
 
'No, not you, Mr. Reindeer.' Sarina said, 'I can't cast you in this picture. You are a very standardized product, Mr Reindeer.
 
Mr Reindeer who was a power in pictures in years past and had even been photographed with Santa, the Soldier Sam, the Secret specialist, stepped smoothly out of the way.
 
The Reindeer was not truly upset--in his whole life Mr Reindeer had never been totally upset-but especially not now, for Sarina did not want to cast  Dancer or Dasher or even Blitzen either.
 
 
Sarina had seen the Reindeer in the North Pole Burger King as usual and found he was an actor looking for work, and asked that he be invited to Santa’s party.
 
'You do Christmas scenarios, Mr. Reindeer?” Sarina had asked..
 
'I help,' said the Reindeer. 'Takes more than one Reindeer to lift that Sleigh.”
 
Mr.  Reindeer was grateful for this attention and not a little suspicious. It was only because Soldier Sam was such a wreck that he happened to have a job at all. Soldier Sam had forgotten a week ago that he had hired the Reindeer.
 
When Soldier Sam spotted the reindeer at Burger King and indicted-- what was wanted at Santa’s Office the Reindeer had passed a brief spell.
 
It did not even look like the kind of party that the Reindeer had known in his prosperous days. There was not so much as a Bourbon Drinker causing trouble, except for Soldier Sam of course.
 
'I imagine scenario playing is very well-paid,' said Sarina.
 
The Reindeer glanced around to see who was within hearing. Santa had withdrawn his huge bulk somewhat, but one of his apparently independent eyes seemed fixed on the Reindeer.
 
'Very well paid,' said Mr. Reindeer-and he added in a lower voice, '--if you can get it.'
 
Sarina seemed to understand and lowered her voice too.
 
'You mean Reindeer have trouble getting work?'
 
The Reindeer nodded.
 
And there was the explanation about the Stolen Cookies that had disappeared from Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen.
 
It was another group of Rogue Reindeer that had conspired to stash the cookies in a side closet of the Main Reindeer House at the North Pole.
 
'Too many of those other Reindeer get in these unions.' He raised his voice a little for Santa’s benefit. 'They're all on the take, most of those Reindeer.
 
 
LAST DAY ON EARTH ADVENTURE ACTIVITY
 
 
It was World Series Time and the Yankees were In! Sarina had been invited to spend the night at Yankee Stadium with Soldier Sam. Even though she knew a full variety of Domestic Beers were available at the Game, Sarina had planned ahead and brought a Liquor Flask with her and wanted to fill it before the big night out.
 
“Soldier Sam is taking me to see all the Post Season baseball action at in the Bronx before we head home to celebrate the Yankees likely Win late into the night”, Sarina had explained to her friend earlier that week. “It will be great fun!”
 
Once Sarina arrived the first thing she said to Soldier Sam was “ Great we can take our Liquor in the Flask with us to the Stadium. “ Sarina was so excited.
 
“Oh, no.” Soldier Sam looked surprised. “We cannot take our own Liquor with us to Yankee Stadium. The Yankees owner would not appreciate us not buying our drinks there.”
 
Sarina was very disappointed. Then she had an idea! “We could give them to the vendors and have them fill it to the Top for us”. She suggested.
 
Soldier Sam smiled. He explained that the Yankees have a special selection of domestic beers and they don’t sell Liquor at all. “
 
They are very big on safety at the Stadium and most people would not be able to handle the Liquor and they would cause a scene. Maybe even be ejected from the Game for Unruly Behaviour. But we can get smashed with our own Liquor when we get back from the Game.”
 
“Oh Great!”, Sarina exclaimed. I will be able to mix all the Specialty Drinks then.
 
Soldier Sam almost fell over backwards in shock! “Sarina!!” he laughed at her. “Don’t you know only experience practitioners like me should mix the drinks?”
 
“But…”Sarina protested.
 
“Rail Mixers need to be prepared very carefully”, Soldier Sam explained. Each year there is some unfortunate circumstance where there are serious accidents when people mix drinks without Extensive Training.
 
“Oh, I didn’t know,” replied Sarina.
 
“Ok Sarina, it’s time for you to get ready said Soldier Sam.” It’s getting late and we want to make sure we find good seats at the Stadium so we will not miss the Big Game.”
 
“I’m all ready!” Sarina was excited for the moment. “Let’s Go!”
 
“Sarina”, Soldier Sam cautioned, “Do you have your Yankees Jersey and Hat so you look like the Ultimate Fan? That’s a special tip, Soldier Sam explained. Now you might even get a moment on the Big Board TV in the Outfield and Everyone at the Game will be able to see How You are dressed to the nine.
 
Now they were ready!
 
The atmosphere at the Stadium was Brilliant. Sarina stayed close to Soldier Sam so she wouldn’t get lost when she went to get Beer and Nachos. He insisted she close by because you know how Rowdy Yankee Fans can get when there is a Stampede to the Concessions Stands.
 
Once the Game got started the was a Huge Surprise!! There was a Special Sponsor for the Playoff Game who had promised to set off Fireworks for every Yankee Home Run!
 
The crowd hooted as giant colourful fireworks lit up the autumn sky. Red, white, blue, amber, green there were so many beautiful colours making the night seem as bright as the day, commented Sarina.
 
And everyone cheered with delight as huge rockets soared right in to the sky exploding loudly sending out plumes of crackling, dazzling, glittery colours which seemed to pause in the air, frozen in time if only for a moment before finally twinkling out.
 
“It was So Brilliant”, Sarina exclaimed when she and Soldier Sam finally made it out of the parking garage.
 
Sarina always looked forward to seeing Soldier Sam, working his Magic at the Bar, where he was stationed immediately once they walked through the Door. Soldier Sam was working with an enormous collection of full Liquor Bottles.
 
And he had saved a Big Surprise for Sarina, not telling her about it on the way Home. Yankee Stadium was not the only Place Sarina would see Fireworks that Special Night.
 
Soldier Sam had planned his fireworks display with military precision and would refer to his ‘Order of Ignition Sheet’ which sounded very impressive to Sarina but it was usually written on the back of a Dinner Napkin.
 
Every element of the display was carefully considered. The weekend before the big day, Soldier Sam had Dropped off Sarina at the Liquor store, and while she was busy stocking up for the Night, Soldier Sam slipped out and ran over to the Fireworks Store Across the Street.
 
Soldier Sam and Sarina were both very particular about what to spend their hard-earned cash on and both went to great lengths, Sarina at the Liquor Store and Soldier Sam at the Fireworks Shop to read all the labels and discuss the details of the important purchases with the shop owner.
 
Once they got back to the House, Sarina asked Soldier Sam to help her carry all the Liquor in and Soldier Sam had to spill the beans. He told Sarina all about his plans, plans to light into the Sky Rocket Cones, Screechers, Spitting Comets and names like Tropical Storm, Hornet’s Nest and Crackling Cauldron.
 
Back at the House, Sarina was impatient. “Let’s Get Started!” she said Excitedly.
 
“Fantastic”, agreed Soldier Sam as they started to set up things for what they had planned. We are going to enjoy our Drinks too, but we need to clear some room on the picnic bench and drag it from the Back Yard to the Driveway.
 
I’ll drag it over and why don’t you run in the house to get the Drinks I mixed up. I can’t wait for all this Action!” Soldier Sam exclaimed.
 
“Sarina, please put our Drinks on the table but don’t drink too much. Soldier Sam always monitored her state of affairs whenever they Partied. Soldier Sam was always big on protecting Sarina from anything that might go wrong in all aspects of Life, not just when they were enjoying Fireworks and Drinks.
 
“Now you have to be sure we have a proper rocket launcher so why don’t you start to think about what we should do about that. And also grab a bucket of water, so we will have something to put the sparklers in when they stop crackling.”
 
Sarina was in the house rummaging through various cabinets and other places where she might find what she was looking for, and also stashing a bottle of Liquor in one of the cupboards that Soldier Sam was sure not to notice.
 
Soldier Sam took the Fireworks out of the box and placed them in the tin. “Now Sarina, do you still have your Fireworks Code memorised? We went over it just a couple of months ago for the Fourth of July” he inquired.
 
“I sure do remember. I know all about the fireworks code”, Sarina answered proudly. “It’s a special set of rules that tells you how to be safe next to fireworks. “
 
“Well done, Sarina”. Soldier Sam was excited for the Localised Display of Fun.
 
Sarina whipped out a briefing pamphlet and started reading the code underneath the light of the garage lamp. It was a Good Thing she had not started to drink to heavily yet. There would be plenty of time for that Later.
 
As soon as it was all set up, Solider Sam hooked his iPad up to the speakers and played Frank Sinatra’s “New York, New York” track so they would be taken back to their Yankees experience evening, and what else would you play on your speakers after such an Awesome Yankee Win.
 
Soldier Sam signalled to Sarina that the Fun was just about ready to get started!.
 
A theatrical experience then followed as Soldier Sam performed “Miracles” in the driveway. He would light each fuse with a long taper and call out “Stand well clear… Launch in ten seconds!”
 
Sarina would then yell the countdown, from ten down to one, getting more excited with each number. Most fireworks went off at “four”, always taking Sarina by surprise.
 
Looking back, years later, Sarina realised this was clearly a deliberate strategy but she fell for it every time and then whooped with excitement as each firework worked its Colourful Magic.
 
Soldier Sam liked to watch Sarina, at her station sitting on top of the Picnic Bench waiting for the brief moment when she would be framed by the light of an exploding firework. The look of delight on Sarina’s face was one that Soldier Sam would carry with him for the rest of his life.
 
The climax of the display was the Rockets. Soldier Sam and Sarina would always buy the biggest one they could find with names like “Tornado” or “Meteor” or “Super Storm”.
 
The finale was extra special for Sarina since she would be allowed to light the taper but Soldier Sam always held her arm, ready to snatch her away if there was a problem.
 
Sarina and Solder Sam watched in awe as the rockets soared into the sky before exploding into a shower of coloured lights. It had been such a wonderful night, well with the Yankees Games, with the Drinks and with the Fireworks.
 
Sarina paused from looking at the lights and turned toward Soldier Sam and their eyes met for a Special Moment.
 
“That one’s for you Sarina.” Soldier Sam laughed. “Isn’t She a Beauty?!”
 
 
 
 
 
 
STARSHIP ADVENTURE
 
After Earth’s Sun exploded, your immense Starship was enlisted into action with the mission to sustain as many Rams Fans as needed to fill Rams Stadium, and then some. All of the survivors dream of finding a habitable planet so the Rams can once again, dominate the NFL.
As part of the few expert detectives aboard your Starship you need Soldier Sam to keep the starship in order and mission capable. Soldier Sam has never set foot on Rams Stadium solid ground, but he has heard stories and seen films about NFL Life.
In order to try and win over Soldier Sam, you develop a virtual reality simulator that recreates Rams Football on Screens surrounding the field of view in your Captain’s Communications Headquarters. It depicts the Reality of Rams Football on the ground and is controlled and optimized by a highly advanced artificial intelligence simulator.
However, when Soldier Sam realizes the Trick he begins to hash out a scheme to take control of the ship to set his own course for the future.
Soldier Sam’s intentions are to Discover the Ultimate Planet, with or without the terrain to support Rams Football. Under these conditions, you launched your ship into Hyperspeed, achieving interstellar travel like Soldier Sam had never seen.
Your ship contains thousands of machines programed to terraform a planet in a faraway solar system, building NFL football infrastructure from the ground up.
But Soldier Sam’s crew launched a pod off your ship, set on developing a planet established by and for the machines, not for Rams Fans. After years of plotting time travel, Soldier Sam is poised to execute his master plan. The momentum begins to tip in his favor.
But when your Starship suddenly locks Radar onto a Starship built for another NFL Team, you are able to capitalize off the crisis and rally the support of your crew around you. You have been trained to never let a good crisis go to waste, as all Starship commanders are.
 
Soldier Sam was right. On the big monitors toward the front of the room, Sarina could see the enormous tension cable swinging majestically free. The arc ascended. Sarina’s muscles clenched as she considered whether it would intersect and slice through the fragile hull.
 
 
The Radio Crackled. Sarina and Soldier Sam both heard the noise.
“Rams Mascot is that YOU?!!” Sarina was shocked.
“Wait, Rams Mascot, I can’t hear you. Speak up!” Sarina shouted.
“Rams Mascot we have a bad connection. Hold on while Soldier Sam and I fix the ship so we can hear you. Sit Tight! Don’t Go anywhere, We will reestablish the connection,” Sarina Promised.
The station was one long circular corridor with a dozen pairs of modules projecting from its sides. Those modules were divided into “North” and “South.” The shuttle was docked at Sector 3, along the inside of the wheel. Ops was in Sector 7, on the north side of the wheel. North and South were not a completely arbitrary distinction; “east” was the direction of spin.
 
Venting Sector 3 North must have strained an already fatigued cable. Or one with a manufacturing flaw.
“Are there any suits in here?” Soldier Sam asked, almost casually..
Sarina looked across the deck at the emergency locker. She unclipped, took a deep breath and jumped for the locker.
Empty. The crew must have taken them when they evac’d. Let’s get off this thing while we still can!”
“The cable’s OK,” Soldier Sam said. “It’s going to wrap the hub.”
The hub could survive losing one tensioner. Maybe even two or three, if they failed in the right places around the diameter. But if they failed at the hub, rather than along the wheel, they’d cut it to ribbons as they lashed around.
Across the diameter, the screens showed a puff of debris glittering in the sunlight, particles turning like mirrors falling in slow motion. And in the mist of that shimmer of irregular confetti…
A stronger signal from Ram’s Mascots transmission.
The shock zapped through the deck under Sarina and Soldier Sam’s feet. They managed to hold on this time.
“Definitely not a drill.” Soldier Sam’s suit faded color..
“Maybe something blew up when the deck jumped?” Soldier Sam said
Sarina wished she believed that answer. But she figured something much worse was going on. “The rupture is opposite the snap. I think we’ve got a forced resonance—a critical oscillation frequency—going on.
Something like that hit Rams Stadium back on Earth once. It vibrated to pieces.
 
 
“Where are You, Rams Mascot?” Sarina shouted into the radio receiver.
 
Rams Mascots voice came through loud and clear.
 
“WHERE ARE YOU, RAMS MASCOT?” Sarina wanted to know as soon as possible. “Can the Planet’s Terrain and Atmosphere support Rams Football?”
 
“I’m on Plant DIADEM! Check it out Sarina!”
Planets thick atmosphere of carbon dioxide acts as insulation, reducing the escape of heat built up at the surface, resulting in high temperatures.
 
“Sounds perfect for Rams Football” exclaimed Sarina.
 
 
Sarina was about to accuse Soldier Sam of mutiny for the plan he had hashed out with the Rams Fans Crew aboard the starship when the welcome interruption came.
 
Rams Mascot was about to launch into his description of the Planet and transmitted initial graphics of the Terrain there.
 
Soldier Sam then arrived with a message from all the Rams Fans aboard the Starship.
 
“Dear Rams Mascot” it read. “ Please take some time off and show all of us around the Planet!”
 
'My God!' Rams Mascot exclaimed. 'How can I be expected to get anything done and show all the Rams Fans around at the same time. Who are they?' Rams Mascot demanded an explanation from Sarina.
 
'I don't know” answered Sarina. They are face painted with Royal Blue and Sol colors and some of them are really stirred up about life on the Starship.. Soldier Sam and I fear they are going to break into a Riot.”
 
“Some of them look like the Fans we had seen on Earth. All they talk about is Football, they can’t seem to speak any other language, While all of them!” Rams Mascot continued on.
 
Soldier Sam was readjusting his virtual reality goggles to see for himself.
 
We are coming to Rams Planet, Rams Mascot! But we have to make 2 Stops.
 
First we are going to Planet X for some Upgrades to our Starship since we expect to Drift for Long Time to land on Rams Moon.
 
Then New Starship Upgrades for Big Fight to get from the Moon to Rams Stadium.
 
We are going to make a day of it on Planet X while our ship gets fixed. It will be an Adventure!! Then we will go on a Day Trip on Your Rams Moon too.
 
 
“Look, Solder Sam!” Planet X is fast approaching “ said Sarina. Prepare for landing!!”
They will feel the plane slow down and the cabin crew will prepare them for landing.
 
 
 
 
PLANET X ADVENTURE ACTIVITY
PART 1
 
 
This is the story of Sarina and Soldier Sam’s Mystery Day of Adventure! Both of them were very bright stars and were looking forward to spending their Holiday with each other.
 
But little did they know at the beginning of the day it would end in a TIME WARP!!
 
 
Did Sarina and Soldier Sam love solving mysteries” Would they have a Mystery to solve that day?
 
Yes!! Sarina and Soldier Sam would put their love for mysteries to the test! They would be tasked with finding their lost things and use their smarts to search for it like a detective.
 
They would also encounter something unexpected and try to figure out what it could be used for. This would be tricky!
 
“Dozing off again, Sarina?” laughed Soldier Sam.  “Or rather gliding in Time Vacuum?” 
 
“No Soldier Sam, I’m making a theory of relativity to survive this exhausting day.” said Sarina who literally was dozing off, but got up from the kitchen table.
 
Sarina gave Soldier Sam a test of knowledge, when she started off about space, everything Sarina knew about the universe.
 
 
Putting his head down on the table, Soldier Sam disappeared into his own tornado of stupidity. Starting from ground zero he did to take up the task for explaining these things to Sarina, to convince Sarina how he could achieve the new theory that would open up gates of time travel.
 
Sarina and Soldier Sam both had a magnifying glass and had a telescope. Sarina and Soldier Sam used these tools to see distant things from that telescope and also get a close up when need be.
 
 
 
 
 
Sarina and Soldier Sam had fun with sports and played especially with their football. They used to throw it to each other with great fun to be had.
 
There was also a dog in their house named “Mickey”. Mickey was both very adorable and very naughty but everyone loved Mickey. Both Sarina and Soldier Sam Loved Mickey like they loved each other.
 
All three played together with that football.
 
On that morning, Sarina and Soldier Sam thought of playing with the ball. Sarina and Soldier Sam started searching for that football from place to place. They searched everywhere but could not find that football anywhere. Now they started thinking about where did that ball go?
 
They checked out all the places and especially that place where they had kept that football. But, the football was not there. This was not just the first time or the only example.
 
Many things in the house were disappearing.
 
Sometimes some things were disappearing from the kitchen, and also some things kept in the Trophy Room. Sarina had won quite a bit of Contests over the years.
 
Both Sarina and Soldier Sam could not understand what was happening in the house. It had become a mystery inside the house that would test all their smarts.
 
And their patience too!
 
Now it was the time to find the lost things, especially their favorite Treasure, that football.
 
Now both Sarina and Soldier Sam were going to be spies “The Little Detectives” who would find out everything. Now, will they remove the curtain from this secret soon and find out who is hiding things from their house?
 
Both of them put a cap on their head, Both of them hung their binoculars on their shoulder and started searching for the culprit with a magnifying glass in hand.
 
First of all, they both looked closely at the place where the football was unusually placed.
 
Sarina and Soldier Sam examined the place very closely. After investigation, they found a piece of evidence. By finding this evidence they got the first lead in their investigation.
 
There they found a Mystery Ticket. This was like a proof for them that they wanted to use to find their lost football.
 
Sarina showed that Mystery Ticket to Soldier Sam and said, “Soldier Sam look what we got!”
 
Soldier Sam asked, “What did you get?”
 
“Look at this Mystery Ticket. See this carefully. We got our evidence.” Sarina said.
 
“Now the question arises, what is this Ticket for? What is the destination?” Soldier Sam asked Sarina.
 
Both Sarina and Soldier Sam started thinking about that Mystery Ticket. At first they thought that everyone else in life must have a Mystery Ticket. “And here is ours! Sarina exclaimed.
 
Sarina started to remember memories from future. Memories that were sent to the past by the future Sarina...maybe.
 
As abrupt as it sounds, it is abrupt. The way Sarina described time as flow of information, she might just have found a way to reverse the flow of information, with at least memories.
 
“Why would Mickey hide this ticket? Does Mickey want to go too?” Soldier Sam asked
 
Both of them thought that Mickey would not take the ball because what would Mickey do with it? But Surely Mickey would not take it. But the question remains, what was the purpose of this Mystery Ticket?”
 
Sarina immediately started explaining to Soldier Sam that some Mystery Tickets are for nothing less that an Incredible TIME WARP!
 
 
And Sarina and Soldier Sam can’t suspect each other because they don’t tell lies to each other, They are like ‘truth and love partners’ who never tell lies to each other.
 
In such a situation, Sarina and Soldier Sam were given the mission to find the football and finding out who had the answer to why was this Mystery Ticket important?
 
It was a Time Warp Sarina was trying to jump into? The memories, were they from future or past? To explain this let’s just say, Sarina was getting worked up over incidents she hasn’t even experienced.
 
“But first of all, Soldier Sam,” Sarina began.. we have to figure out who has hidden this Mystery Ticket and, most importantly, Where?”
 
The suspicion of both Sarina and Soldier Sam eventually landed on Mickey.
 
Now both Sarina and Soldier Sam kept an eye on their dog and looked closely at Mickey. They both kept an eye on his antics. Both wanted to know what Mickey was up to.
 
Waking up from his heading down position, Mickey finds out only Sarina and Soldier Sam were standing between him and his Dog Breakfast.
 
Sparkles in his eyes, Mickey was only interested in the topic of breakfast.
 
Mickey barked loudly when he realized what was happening to him. At one point he knew everything and now suddenly he is blank. “The paradox, the warp, everything is; what’s the paradox I am talking to myself about?” thought Mickey.
 
Sarina and Soldier Sam would be keeping an eye on Mickey’s behavior and following his every movement.
 
The day went on but they had not got the football yet. But, still their suspicion remained only on Mickey.
 
Then both of them saw that Mickey was digging a pit behind a tree. Both of them were surprised to see this action of Mickey. Then they started thinking, what is Mickey doing?
 
Both Sarina and Soldier Sam watched Mickey’s actions quietly and kept watching him till Mickey had taken a break from digging the hole.
 
Together with Soldier Sam, Sarina decided that now they will go there and see what is going on with that hole in the ground Mickey was digging. And there may be the end of their investigation.
 
Now both Sarina and Soldier Sam went under that tree and saw the place well.
 
There, the detectives examined the pit and were surprised to see what they saw inside that pit.
 
At that place there was their football and also an arrow pointing at a sign saying:
“Do you want to JUMP INTO THE MOST MAGICAL TIMEWARP IN HISTORY?”
 
Now Sarina and Soldier Sam found out what the mystery was all about.
 
This major discovery triggered Sarina’s imagination. Sarina now understood, all that happened was a Trick where the ends of ever expanding universe had curved to bend time and linking the past the present and the future.
 
Sarina had deduced that information flowed from one end to another creating an infinite loop for less than a minute.
 
Sarina started jumping around. “Let’s jump into that pit and see where it takes us , Soldier Sam!”
 
Soldier Sam also suspected something interesting would happen if they both were to jump into that pit. He knew Mickey was up to something—that he was behind it.
 
Sure enough, Mickey had created some sort of time machine or something. Sarina and Soldier Sam figured out if it wasn’t a time travel portal, well, it would at least be something that would take them somewhere interesting.
 
Now it was the time to make sure they kept their most important things they owned back in their Space Backpacks.
 
Yes! They had Space Backpacks to keep their things.
 
Sarina and Soldier Sam kept their detective gear in their Space Backpacks and also two items that needed to be exchanged.
 
Maybe jumping into this pit would take them to some sort of location where exchange could be possible.
 
So Sarina and Soldier Sam decided they would jump into that pit to see where it would take them. They shouted: “One, Two, Three!” glancing at each and took a leap of faith into the pit
 
 
PART 2
 
Wow! Sarina just won Scuba Diver of the Year. And the Prize was an adventure to fly a helicopter out to a Navy Ship to go Scuba Diving on Valentines Day! As you can see she is absolutely Thrilled.
 
As the first rays of sunlight appeared in the east on Valentines Day, Sarina got up, put her
 
Sarina and Soldier Sam do something special every Valentines Day.. Today was no exception. Sarina cannot find her sunglasses. Sarina always loses things. The sunglasses are not on the Kitchen counter. They are not in her room either, either.
 
Sarina ran upstairs and put on some new clothes that she had saved for today over her swimsuit. It was a Rockin’ Outfit and Soldier Sam admired Sarina’s selections from her closet.
.
Sarina gets dressed. She is almost ready. She just needs her sunglasses. She thinks maybe they are on the table by the door. Or maybe they are in the Trophy Room. They could also be in her purse. Sarina is exasperated.
 
Sarina and Soldier Sam were so excited they were going on a scuba diving adventure! And that she would get to pilot a helicopter for the first time to get to the ship.
 
They had decided to go out and grab a meal at Burger Palace on their way out of town.
 
Sarina grabbed her keys
.
"What a pretty day!" said Soldier Sam.
 
“This is going to be an awesome Valentines Day Adventure!” Sarina was excited.
 
“I’m excited too” Soldier Sam laughed.
 
Soldier Sam puts the bags in the Back of the Jeep. He checks to make sure everything is there . Yogi, their dog, jumps in the backseat. That puppy sure loves adventures!
Soldier Sam is ready to leave. Where is Sarina? She knows he likes to arrive at Burger Palace before the Lunch crowds.
 
The Valentines Day weather outside was just perfect, a light breeze and the small patches of fog that hovered close to the ground soon disappeared with the rising of the sun.
 
This was going to be a very special day for Soldier Sam since he had not even seen Sarina during the week since she was off flying God-knows-where on her assignments.
 
Every morning before work Soldier Sam would Call Sarina and they would pass the time talking as they each made up their Breakfast. Over the course of the last week Sarina and Soldier Sam had talked about a lot, but there was still a lot of ground to cover.
 
Each day they grew closer together and when they had talked last during the week Soldier Sam had asked Sarina if she has heard about the results of the Valentines Day Contest.
 
Sarina told Soldier Sam that she did and she won the Grand Prize so he seized the opportunity and asked her to be his Valentine for the Big Day.. She said that she would love to and offered some suggestions to make their Valentines Day Extra Special.
 
Back at the house on the day of the trip, Soldier Sam was starting to grow impatient to get the Show on the road. Sarina is always late!
 
Sarina searches for her sunglasses. She cannot find them, and she knows Soldier Sam is waiting. She always hears about it when she is late! She grabs her purse and locks the door.
 
"You are late," Soldier Sam says as she gets in the Jeep. Sarina tells Solider Sam that she could not find her sunglasses.
 
Solider Sam looks at her and laughs! He flips down the sun visor so Sarina can see herself in the mirror. Sarina looks in the mirror and laughs too. Her sunglasses are on top of her head. They were there the whole time!
 
"It is always in the last place that you look," Sarina Laughed.
 
 
Soldier Sam says “What would you Like to Do on Your Valentines Adventure that would make it extra special, Sarina?”
 
“I have been thinking about it all Week!”, Sarina said with unbounded Excitement.
And Solider Sam knew Exactly what he wanted to do with Sarina all day long. It would be Magical”
 
Solider Sam already had it all Figured out because her had been planning ahead for the Valentines Day Adventure ever since he found out Sarina had won the Prize.
 
Solider Sam spilled the Beans and told her he had brought along a Blockbuster Coupon that would make the Event extra memorable.
 
“Great! I can’t wait to Start having so much Fun  Valentines Day Activities with you, Soldier Sam!” Sarina exclaimed.
 
Choosing the right Scuba diving centre is always very important & just might change your perspective on Life. Solider Sam had done a lot of research to find out just how unique the Adventure would be so they can share in something that the entire world can't Replicate & have fun with the best possible scuba diving experience.
 
The day would indeed turn into an adventure for Sarina! Days like these are great for our business interests because Sarina comes in  to grace us with her presence” the owner of the Scuba Diving Center told his Staff
 
Sarina was bouncing off the walls as her Valentines Day Adventure drew closer and closer.
 
“I can fly the helicopter out to the ship for the first time and experience unmatched fun!" exclaimed Sarina.
 
Sarina has a Special Valentines Day Present coming soon. What in the World could it be?
When Sarina had been notified that she won the Grand Prize in the contest, the message said “Sarina, you have a BIG Valentines Day Present coming.”
 
“What could it be” Sarina wondered.
 
Then the moment finally came. “Come and See you Special Valentines Day Present Surprise, Sarina!”
 
It is the Best Present Ever!” Sarina could not believe it when he saw the coupon for 50% off everything in the Store.
 
Sarina Smiles and Smiles and the Smiles would just not disappear as Sarina started to look around.
 
Here is a Valentines Day selection for scuba diving Lovers, Soldier Sam explained. I’m sure this will make any scuba diver happy!
 
 
Sarina had made her decision. “We are going to land on the Ship now!”
 
 
After landing safely on the pod,  Big Boat put to sea. Sarina was so excited to be free once more seeking fun & adventure.
 
And fun and adventure Sarina found. Sarina was having so much fun she knew that in the future she wanted to make many more joyous deployments with Soldier Sam on the ship, sharing the wonder of the whole wide world.
 
Sarina and Solider Sam were so very happy together and grew very strong.
 
Sarina had found herself over herself  head over heels in another adventure with Solider Sam. The fun would never Stop!
 
Monster waves stomped the sea as Sarina made entry into the water!
 
Things like that happen in adventures.
 
As the calming colours chased away the clouds, this adventure was getting more and more fun for Sarina.
 
The water was the perfect home for Sarina’s Valentines Day Adventure. It is full of life and love and  Sarina was so Happy she got to spend the Valentines Day on the Beautiful Sea.
 
Sarina had found a place so very different from the elements of the City and the Ocean was so very different inside.
 
"It is pretty awesome! The ocean is a splash-filled retreat” explains Sarina, as she raced to the extreme depths of the Amazing Underwater Playground. It offered Sarina a rare chance to be totally free of Traffic in the City and other daily hassles!
 
Sarina loved her new Orange Scuba Tank since that is the colour of her favourite College Basketball Team. Sarina really wanted Syracuse make it to the Big Dance so she could spend time with Soldier Sam watching all the Action during the March Madness Tournament. Or even the NIT tournament if it means more Syracuse Basketball " says Sarina.
 
"I love spending time at the depths of the ocean so I can see everything I am capable of doing" added Sarina..
 
Sarina was such a Water Warrior and had proven beyond doubt that you can stay entertained and active on Valentines Day, no matter what!
 
"Especially when you are locked up in in the City all week you have to get your energy out somehow and this is the perfect place to come do it" laughed Sarina.
 
Sarina wears a High-Tech Mask when she is diving in the water. She can take pictures of all the beautiful coral reefs, fish & sharks in the Ocean and has the safest air tank in the World  when she goes underwater.
 
Sarina thinks this is all an Incredible Joyride & likes to tell her friends about her underwater adventures when she goes back to all the fun parties that everyone is so glad she is a part of.
 
Sarina loves having the time and freedom to spend all Valentines Day moving the  Flippers on her feet so she can get around easily when she dives in the water.
 
As she was slicing through the water Sarina saw a Sting Ray up close. It was Big. It was Grey. It swam up very quickly coming very close to Sarina!
 
Sarina did not stick around for long to take pictures of the Sting Ray. She swam away really Fast. The sting ray nearly scared the wits out of her.
 
And we all know that one must keep their wits about them while scuba diving!
 
After Sarina had all the Scuba Diving fun someone could possibly pack into Valentines Day, she returned to the Ship.
 
“Thanks for such a Fun and Exciting Valentines Day, Soldier Sam! It was the Best Ever!”
 
Sarina was all ready Scuba Dive all over again, just as soon as the next opportunity on the Horizon.
 
 
 
 
 
 
MOON LANDING
 

“We need to save Rams Mascot, we are traveling to the moon with adversaries in our path, we need your help understanding what is going on!” said Sarina.
 
It looked up at Sarina and Soldier Sam and began speaking: “Well, we all used to live on the moon.
 
One day, one of our leaders wanted to take over Rams Planet, but this created conflict. The fight lasted for millenniums until the planet could no longer handle it anymore.
 
The chairman wondered what the hell was going on, and he decided to look into the matter himself. It was paramount that he seek out a decent vantage point, so he left the officers to their own business and went to check out the wireless communications unit. We were making our way quickly with a zig here and a zig there as we beat out a path to the next destination, keeping a distance from the flanking fleet.
The wind slowly went away. Soldier Sam was now obliged to hold high the oar. But the waves continued their old tough swooping at the dingey, and the little craft, no longer under way, struggled  over them.
 
Shipwrecks are their own animal. If only we could train for them and have them occur when we had reached peak condition, there would be less disasters at sea.
 
 
Despite the fact that the signals were being shielded from forces on the Mainland, they had somehow spotted us, and the shelling began again in earnest. An hour passed and then the barrage stopped as suddenly as it had started. It seemed like a peaceful silence to the officers, they gave the signal to advance and the chairman jumped up like there would be a real opportunity for some significant gains.
 
 
 
 
 
Neither Sarina or Soldier Sam had slept any time worth mentioning for previous to embarking in the dingey, and in the excitement of clambering about the deck of a foundering ship they had also forgotten to eat heartily.
 
For these reasons, and for others, Soldier Sam was not fond of rowing at this time.
 
Sarina wondered how in the name of all that was holy could there be people who thought it amusing to row a boat.
 
It was not an amusement; it was punishing, and even someone who could convince themselves of anything could never conclude that it was anything but a slap in the face to the muscles and a crime against the Spirit.
 
Sarina mentioned to the boat in general how not the amusement of rowing struck her, and the weary-faced Soldier Sam smiled in full sympathy.
 
 
The view we had achieved from our new position was not as good as the officers had hoped. We spotted one of the islands with a fresh mountain range that was unexpected and the officers scrambled to verify our new vantage point on the maps. Reconnaissance had reported an unidentified group of spectators on a high plateau and they appeared as if little ants scurrying around, but we had no idea what their intentions were or if they were packing a punch.
 
Previously to the foundering, by the way, Soldier Sam had worked double-watch in the engine-room of the ship.
 
"Take it easy, now, Soldier Sam." said Sarina.
 
"Don't spend yourself. If we have to run a surf you'll need all your strength, because we'll sure have to swim for it. Take your time."
 
Slowly the land arose from the sea. From a black line it became a line of black and a line of white, trees and sand.
 
 
So were descended into another proverbial valley as far as intelligence was concerned, and the chairman decided to set up a new headquarters where the officers could be tuned into the wireless to establish communications with our flank. Maybe they could be of some assistance. The time passed quickly, and the first reports coming in from the companies were somewhat contradictory and a little bit obscure. Even though they were close to the island, they had not as of yet encountered any resistance but were establishing a solid line of defence anyway.
 
Sarina said she could make out a house on the shore.
 
"That's the house of refuge, for sure," said Soldier Sam. "They'll see us before long, and come out after us."
 
The distant lighthouse reared high.
 
"The keeper ought to be able to make us out now, if he's looking through a glass," said Sarina. "He'll notify the life-saving people."
 
"No other boat could have got ashore to give word of the wreck," said Soldier Sam in a low voice. "Else the lifeboat would be out hunting us."
 
Slowly and beautifully the land loomed out of the sea. The wind came again. It had veered from the NE to the SE. Finally, a new sound struck the ears of Sarina and Solider Sam in the boat. It was the low thunder of the surf on the shore.
 
"We'll never be able to make the lighthouse now," said Sarina. "Swing the head a little more north, Soldier Sam.”
 
"'You got it. A little more north,' Sarina," said Soldier Sam.
 
 
During the ensuing hours, activity on the island appeared to the officers as chiefly single, disjointed actions, without any real coordination, but it quickly became apparent that a surprise was going to be in order. Suddenly and unexpectedly, the group appeared to be in an organizational mode, so we had to become prepared for another onslaught. A scouting party has achieved some success in determining exactly what types of forces were present and they quickly relayed their concerns as they advanced slowly to get an even better perspective.
 
Whereupon the little boat turned its nose once more down the wind, and they both watched the shore grow. Under the influence of this expansion, doubt and apprehension were leaving Sarina and Soldier Sam.
 
The management of the boat was still most absorbing, but it could not prevent a quiet cheerfulness. Soon, perhaps, they would be ashore. And soon they will for sure be able to celebrate Sarina’s Birthday like they had been looking forward to the whole year. From the day after her Birthday last year.
 
Their muscles had become thoroughly used to balancing in the boat, and they now rode this Wild Bronx Bronco of a dingey like pros.
 
 
Bad news would come next from the officers in communication with the scout team from the flanking fleets. They indicated that they had found themselves in an unfavourable position among elements from the Mainland that had taken up quarters in our immediate vicinity, so the chairman took it upon himself to find out first-hand what sort of contingencies were anticipated by the officers. After briefly examining the must recent reconnaissance intelligence, the chairman decided that a offensive show of strength would be warranted in this case. The position of our company was hardly satisfactory.
 
 
 
Soldier Sam thought that he had been drenched to the skin, but happening to feel in the top pocket of his coat, he found a pack of cigarettes!!
 
Half of them were soaked with sea-water; and the other half were perfectly scathless.
 
After a search, Sarina produced some dry matches, and thereupon the partners rode strong in their little boat, and with an assurance of an impending rescue shining in their eyes, puffed on the smokes and judged the good and bad of all humankind.
 
Sarina and Solider Sam both took a drink of Scotch that they had in store for the Big Celebration ahead. Like the Magic Island, Sarina’s Birthday was getting closer and closer!!
 
The Starship rushed fast through the air without a bump or a jolt, when all of a sudden bad weather overtook Sarina and Soldier Sam. The Starship began to swing from side to side
 
MOON ADVENTURE ACTIVITY
 
 
 
 
PART 1
 
“Let’s go to Burger King!“ Solider Sam approached the car. “Wow, what a beauty.”
 
Sarina turned to look at Soldier Sam. “I beg your pardon?”
 
“I said she’s a beauty.”
 
“The car. You were talking about the car.”
 
“Yeah, right“.. Sarina was checking out the car’s sleek curves.
 
“It’s the latest thing.” Solider Sam said starting on a litany of the car’s greatest features.
 
Sarina held up a hand. “I know all about cars.
 
“Well, why don’t you get in. Get the feel of it.”
 
Sarina slid into the drivers seat, She touched the gear shift
 
“It’s got a Radio.” Solider Sam’s voice interrupted her..
 
She touched the steering wheel, thinking about the future. Road trips. Its always such an adventure out there, just waiting for me thought Sarina.
 
“Um, Sarina?
 
“Yes?”
 
Solider Sam smiled, and held up the car’s key. “Road trip?”
 
The traffic moved forward a couple of feet and the people behind them are honking. You should keep up with the others, Solider Sam says.
 
If this is such a smart car, Sarina replied, it can damn well drive itself.
 
Traffic starts to move again around them, but they're stuck now behind the vehicle. There's a lot of honking and fender crunches as cars try to squeeze around them.
 
The dashboard is making binging and bonging noises to go with the flashing lights. Can't you turn that damned thing off? Sarina asks.
 
Solider Sam fumbles with the buttons and dials on the instrumentation panel and sets off a wailing alarm.
 
What was that? Sarina exclaimed.
 
It's probably just the virtual reality feature, Solider Sam says calmly, something happening on our windshield that we can't see because of the sunlight.
 
With sound effects? Shock waves? Sarina is still concerned.
 
It's a very smart car, Solider Sam reminds her.
 
I just want to get to Burger King for a Double Whopper with Cheese!” Sarina complains.
 
The special feature gizmo on the dashboard showing what lies ahead has gone  dark.
 
Perhaps they've lost reception. But then there are sirens around them either from outside the car or inside the dashboard.
 
There's a kind of whooshing bump—FASTEN YOUR SEATBELTS! Sarina shouts—and the temperature drops and sky darkens and they are all alone on an empty highway.
 
Sarina turns on the windshield wipers, turns them off, turns on the headlamps.
 
Why is it so dark out? Sairna asks.
 
Probably a different time zone, Solider Sam says with a shrug.
 
I wish I knew where we are, complains Sarina as they race along,
 
The special satellite feature on the dashboard is working again, but it seems to be stuck back in the other time zone, where it's still sunny.
 
Now turn on your interior lights, Sarina and I'll show you how to get the video phone going. Also I'll see you better with the lights on.
 
Maybe it would help if  you could turn off the virtual reality on the windshield, Sarina.
 
It's not like the dashboard feature, Sarina. It only shows what's around you that you can't see because of the dark, things like road signs, billboards, other stuff
 
Actually, with the full moon out, I can see most of those things anyway, Sarina says, now I can read the signs.
 
We're passing one now. It says Burger King!
 
Look at the screen on the dashboard, Sarina. It's right here!
 
The special satellite feature already has the menu right in front of them.
 
Whoa! Sarina says
 
Everything in between them and Burger King is suddenly contested airspace.
 
Overhead, bombers and cargo planes, fired upon by booming anti-aircraft batteries, are flying through searchlight beams and exploding shells, dropping bombs and parachutists.
 
Let go of the wheel, Sarina! Soldier shouts, his urgency making him sound more like a drill sergeant.
 
The virtual reality feature will drive you out of this!
 
On the ground, heavy artillery is shelling the tanks and armoured cars rolling through the ruins of the filling stations and restaurants.
 
And keep your foot off the brake, Sarina!
 
They are surrounded by waves of troops attacking one another with grenade and rocket launchers, flamethrowers, submachine guns, missiles. Fighter jets strafe the battling troops, water bursts from bombed mains, and balls of fire roll into the air.
 
The car bounces across blasted parking lots, races past exploding gas pumps, dodges the tumbling debris and the low-flying jets, then drops down into a ditch, weaves through a thick forest, splashes across a river, climbs a bank, wheels spinning in the mud, and lands finally on a darkened highway.
 
Where are we? Sarina complains.
 
Uh oh. More changes happening here, Watch the wheel, Sarina! Just keep going straight ahead!
 
Solider Sam turns the virtual reality feature off and turns the music on from the radio, noticing how silent the night is.
 
As if simply by magic, the road was empty. No other cars or lights.
 
At least we're going the right direction, Solider Sam says cheerfully.
 
They cross into the sunshine and soon they are driving through light traffic down the sunny highway, heading for Burger King with their favorite song on the radio as they roll along.
 
Sarina starts Singing. “Better than what is coming from the radio, says Solider Sam. Although you kinda need the backbeat.”
 
Everything is familiar now, and so, being familiar, passes without notice. “I know where we are now” says Sarina.
 
We went for a ride in the car, Sarina” Solider Sam recaps the drive. “Things happened. Now we’re at Burger King so the real adventure is just starting.”
 
 
 
PART 2
 
 
On the way to the restaurant Sarina talked about her friends who would be at the Game.. Soldier Sam tried to remember all their names but knew that he would find a way to fuck up as usual.
 
As they approached the restaurant after the driver let them off, Soldier Sam opened the door for Sarina like always, just one of the many things he does to show how much he Loves Sarina.
 
“Do you have a reservation for lunch?” the hostess greeted them.
 
“Yes, Table for Two… Sarina.“ Sarina hoped they would have a good view of a television at their table, because she still can‘t get enough of ESPN.
 
When they sat down at the Table, Sarina tested the television to make sure it works, otherwise she wouldn’t be able to see all the pre-game Hype.
 
“How many times did I tell you it‘s going to be a blast today? Sarina said  Don’t you know, Soldier Sam?  This is LA!”
 
 
Sarina and Soldier Sam ordered their lunch, for Soldier Sam the usual Whopper with Cheese and Onion Rings. Sarina was eating light, but also ordered Onion Rings too, so she and Soldier Sam could both have Rings.
 
 
 
 
Having Lunch together was a way to build a relationship full of considerate words and actions..
 
 
 
Sarina and Soldier Sam talked about different things and somehow got on the subject of whether Rams Fans should have a committed relationship with someone from a place like Wisconsin. Sarina said all things considered, she thought it was a bad idea.
 
"Why?" Soldier Sam asked.
 
Sometimes Soldier Sam got this look blank look of confusion on his face and just stared down at the ground.
 
When Sarina saw him like this she knew she should keep his mouth shut, but she never did. Actually it made Sarina talk more. Soldier Sam had that look now.
 
"Why?" he asked again, putting his burger down on the plate.
 
"Listen," she said, "I went to school with Midwesterners, I’ve worked with Midwesterners, and we've always gotten along just fine. I don't need you coming along now and implying that I'm discriminatory
 
"I didn't imply anything," Soldier Sam said, and began munching on his burger again. "I just don't see what's wrong with someone who lives in California ending up with a Midwestern person, that's all."
 
"They don't come from the same culture as we do. Listen to them sometime - they even have their own language. That's okay with me, I like hearing them talk" - she did; for some reason - "but it's different. A person from their culture and a person from our culture could never really know each other."
 
"Like you know me?" Soldier Sam asked.
 
"Yes. Like I know you."  Sarina replied.
 
"But if they love each other," Soldier Sam said. He was eating his burger faster now, not looking at her .
 
“Oh man“,  Solider Sam said.
 
"Don't take my word for it. Look at the statistics. Most of those relationships break up."  Sarina kept on going.
 
"Statistics." Soldier Sam was now munching on the Mozzarella Sticks at a terrific rate, just swiping at them with his hands. Many of them were greasy, and there were a couple just stranded in the Marinara Sauce.
 
"All right," Soldier Sam said, "what about someone moving to LA from the Bronx like you? I suppose you think the same thing about East Coast West Coast couples being in successful long term relationships.
 
"Yes," Sarina said, "as a matter of fact I do. How can you understand someone who comes from a completely different background?"
 
"Different," said Soldier Sam. "Not the same, Like  by that reasoning we shouldn’t have gotten together.“
 
"Yes, different," Sarina snapped, not pleased with Solider Sam for resorting to this trick of repeating her words so that they sounded bad.
 
"That burger is a mess, Soldier Sam"  Sarina said.
 
Soldier Sam began to try and put his burger back together, giving a lot of attention to the tomatoes.
 
"So," Soldier Sam said, "you wouldn't be with me since I am from the Midwest. Well, that's what you said, didn't you?"
 
"No, I did not. This whole line of questioning me is ridiculous. If you had stayed in the Midwest we probably wouldn't even have got together. You would have had your friends and I would have had mine. The only Midwesterner I ever really knew was my camera man at ESPN, and I was already going out with you by then."
 
"Then you probably would have been going out with a Midwestern Girl. But doesn‘t matter anyway because we are so close " Sarina picked up a ring with her hand and put it in her mouth.
 
"Thank you,” said Soldier Sam and started to go to work on his Rings, just like Sarina did.
 
Sarina paid the bill and they went outside. The sky was clear. They hired another cab and the traffic was steady and light.
 
Soldier Sam and Sarina both immediately regretted the little fight. Why would all that stuff matter anyway? They thought of all the time they had spent together, and how close they were, and how well they knew each other so they both wanted to talk about another subject on the way to the Stadium.
 
They both promised to make it up to each other by ordering extra drinks at the Rams Game.
 
 
But Soldier Sam was really paying attention to Sarina, her loveliness now going through the turnstiles into the Stadium.
 
Solider Sam and Sarina were now almost finally to their seats on the 50 yard line after grabbing a full tray of drinks.
 
 
 
 
 
RAMS PLANET LANDING
 
The Starship rushed fast through the air without a bump or a jolt, when all of a sudden bad weather overtook Sarina and Soldier Sam. The Starship began to swing from side to side
 
We quickly became underpinned by initial fire from the Mainland forces, and wasted little time in getting undercover, since we had no great direct view of their positions and our ears rang in response to a huge explosion just off the mark of our position. The chairman advised the reconnaissance team to advance using caution and following on these orders, they achieved a measure of success. When they scanned the terrain, they spotted what looked like an observation post, so the chairman agreed that this would be a suitable initial target, something to get us going and fire at.
 
"Soldier Sam," remarked Sarina, "there doesn’t seem to be any signs of life about your house of refuge."
 
"No," replied Soldier Sam "Funny they don't see us!"
 
A broad stretch of lowly coast lay before the eyes of Sarina and Solider Sam. It was of dunes topped with dark trees. The roar of the surf was plain, and sometimes they could see the white lip of a wave as it spun up the beach. A tiny house was blocked out black upon the sky. Southward, the slim lighthouse lifted its little grey length.
 
Tide, wind, and waves were swinging the dingey northward. "Funny they don't see us," said Soldier Sam.
 
 
 
Once we engaged, the sudden attenuation of activity directed towards us from the island seemed like a great blessing. The chairman had been irritated that it took the officers so long to positively identify a key position on the island because it had halted our advance and pinned us down, but the thought of actually being hit did not occur in the minds of the officers. They had been in situations like this before and even while their stomachs crawled regularly, most were readily accustomed to this physical phenomenon. We were certainly in a spot.
 
 
The surf's roar was here dulled, but its tone was, nevertheless, thunderous and mighty. As the boat swam over the great rollers, the partners sat listening to this roar.
 
"We'll swamp sure," said Sarina and Solider Sam simultaneously.
 
It is fair to say here that there was not a life-saving station within miles in either direction, but the they did not know this fact, and in consequence they made disparaging remarks concerning the eyesight of the island’s life-savers. Sarina and Solider Sam were upset and surpassed records in the invention of dirty words.
 
"Funny they don't see us." Soldier Sam remarked.
 
 
The fleets to our flank were tasked with the most dangerous task for our company in this case, the destruction of the coastal battery that was now clearly preparing for another round of action. The chairman had little time to prepare for this contingency and he was given carte blanche from the Oceana authorities since a positive advance against the Mainland forces would be a good bargaining chip in their political negotiations. The conditions were quite similar that that faced by another company in previous months.
 
The lightheartedness of a former time had completely faded. To their sharpened minds it was easy to conjure pictures of all kinds of incompetence, blindness and, indeed, not quite right. There was the shore of the populous island, and it was bitter and bitter to them that from it came no sign.
 
"Well," said Sarina, ultimately, "I suppose we'll have to make a try for ourselves. If we stay out here too long, neither of us have strength left to swim after the boat swamps."
 
And so Soldier Sam, who was at the oars, turned the boat straight for the shore. There was a sudden tightening of muscle. There was escalation in the brain workings.
 
 
The officers observed that it would be lucky for the chairman to not subsequently be subject to a review by the Oceana authorities about the details of the operation. His knowledge of the vicinity, gained by the study of maps and photographs taken by the drones, enabled him to positively identify the spot on the island that would serve as the target. On reaching the range of the target, the officers encountered a state and condition of affairs that might well have quieted even a strong and robust heart.
 "If we both don't get ashore--" said Sarina. "If  we don't both get ashore, I suppose no one would know where to send news of my finish?"
 
They then briefly exchanged some addresses just in case either one would make it and not the other. As for the reflections of them both, there was a great deal of unhappiness in them.
 
Perchance they might be formulated this: "If I am not going to make it, why, in the name of the seven mad gods who rule the sea, was I allowed to come thus far and contemplate sand and trees?  And to have wonderful anticipation of Celebrating Sarina’s Birthday Celebration!!
 
 
We halted often enough to make sure they were advancing correctly given the light conditions provided by the moon, and we thankfully slipped by a patrol that had come from the Mainland. The operators of the drone had hardly joined the company when the chairman gave the order for the gaps in the island forces to be blown. The success signal was relayed within an hour, right before the second drone was set to arrive. Filled with pride that an action in the interests of Oceana was complete, the officers felt that, even while a tradition of excellence had not yet been established by Oceana in this theatre, they were instrumental in an effort to create one that could have lasting effects.
 
 
 
Both of Sarina and Soldier Sam’s eyes opened wide.
 
“Sarina! That must be what happened to Rams Mascot! He must’ve seen the same guy that grabbed Rams Mascot so they took him out before he could tell anyone.” Soldier Sam exclaimed.
 
“Yes, that sounds about right, and if we don’t get to Rams Planet right now, we could be next.” concluded Sarina.


ORANGE VALENTINES #3
 
“Check out Green and Round Lake!”
 
The Flight through Space was finally complete. The Starship bolted down from the sky and landed in New York.
 
Cupid was there on the Tarmac to greet Sarina and Soldier Sam.
 
“Sarina and Soldier Sam!” Cupid called out. “Welcome to Syracuse!”
 
“Thanks Cupid” Sarina replied.
 
“Isn’t there a Big Orange Basketball Game Tonight?” asked Soldier Sam.
 
“There for sure is an Orange Game tonight. But first I have a Place to show you guys?” said Cupid.


Cupid was a Legend at Syracuse. It was in Fact one of his favorite places to be. To work his Magic.
 
 
Cupid’s brain is always buzzing with possibilities and ideas that can improve the future. In decisions, Cupid is practical and no-nonsense. The logical method is nearly always the best way forward even if it means sacrifices have to be made.
 
Cupid is so popular because he has been used many times in films. In this Valentine’s Day story will see how millions of years ago all the couples of Syracuse were saved from the grip of boredom.
 
 
Let’s get on our way to our Pre-Game Event, Sarina and Soldier Sam” Cupid instructed.
 
“This is quite a place. Cupid added.
 
“Let’s do a little Preview before we get to the site, Cupid” Sarina suggested.
 
“Hop in my Ride, you two. I have a couple of questions about your Flight before we get to the Tour Site” Cupid responded.
 
“One day, I wake to the sound of waves. I opened my eyes to have the sunlight blinding me” Sarina explained.

It took about 14 seconds for me to realize I was in my seat at the Starship controls.. The seat looked like it kept me from face-planting into the sand.” Sarina said.
 
Soldier Sam, my assistant told me, “Sarina the control room is locked from the inside and my Fix-It Station is in another location So I was like how can anyone come here and tell me what’s going on?
 
On hearing Soldier Sam, I said to myself, “It is not what it looks like to us.”
 
Soldier Sam investigated the control room carefully watching each part of the situation. While he was investigating near the window, I heard a strange noise! I asked Soldier Sam “Where is this noise coming from?”
 
Soldier Sam told me “A few days ago there was some work going on in the engine room. It is a noise  of some gears that is coming from inside the engine room.”
 
Cupid’s Ride was zigging and zagging though Syracuse Traffic.
 
Here we are at the Mystery Spot for our Tour, Sarina and Soldier Sam” announced Cupid. “I’m sure the two of you are going to have a lot of Questions.
 
“We’re ready, Cupid” shouted Sarina. “Let’s Check it out!”
 
Soldier Sam agreed. “Let’s get this party started, Cupid!!”
 

“What is this place?” asked Sarina.

“This is Green and Round Lake” Cupid replied. “And this lake is so special because these two lakes in New York look like they are filled with water from the Caribbean!”
 

“We know you’ve heard about this before, Sarina. Soldier Sam too.” Cupid said.

“How?” asked Sarina, who was taken aback.

“Syracuse is the spot for highly futuristic Technology,” Cupid replied. “We know everyone who has ever talked about Syracuse everywhere on the planet.”
 
“Check out what is the latest technology we have developed.
 
3D holograms were inspired by the “Star Wars” scene in which the Syracuse robot R2D2 projects a holographic image, researchers have been busily working to bring this technology to life. Now, holography is offered in a number of applications.


Sarina and Soldier Sam were stunned by what Cupid had just said.

“What do you mean by everywhere on the planet? Sure, you probably know who has been in Syracuse before like Sarina, but how do you know about me?” asked Soldier Sam.

“Be patient, Soldier Sam” Cupid responded.” You’ll find out at a later time.”

“Take us to see all the Orange Fans for now then,” Sarina suggested..

“Well I’m pleased that you’re both enthusiastic,” said Cupid..

“Is your Orange Stadium invisible too?” Soldier Sam asked.

“In a way,” replied Cupid

“What do you mean by that?” Sarina asked.

“Be patient and You will see,” replied Cupid. .

Cupid walked straight towards the water and placed his hand on a rock by the beach. And then, a keyhole shaped opening appeared.
 
Green Lake and Round Lake, are meromictic lakes. This means that the lakes have layers that do not ever mix.
 
The Layers create a lake that preserves things incredibly well at the bottom and has a very bluish-green hue in the top layer that is nearly crystal clear” explained Cupid

“Don’t be scared,” Cupid said.

Sarina and Soldier Sam, who was still very nervous, approached the cabin on the beach and examined the  opening.

“Is the Hotspot for Orange Fans in some kind of hidden structure?” asked Sarina.

“Yes,” Cupid replied.
 
Having hiked many incredible places in New York and beyond, Sarina could say, without a shadow of a doubt, that this scene on the Lakes was one of the most beautiful and unusual spots she had ever visited.
 
Green Lakes State Park was not too far from Orange Stadium.

Cupid went to the side of the structure, stepped onto the Boardwalk and then turned round to face Sarina and Soldier Sam.

“Who wants to come first?” Cupid asked Sarina and Soldier Sam..

“I do,” replied Sarina.

Sarina was still unsure of things, but it all changed when she encountered a Giant Hologram just a couple of steps away.
 
What’s this Cupid? Sarina asked as she and Soldier Sam walked over to the Hologram.
 
Read it and see Sarina. It is a special clue about Valentines Day” Directed Cupid.
 
“Ok, Cupid. Lets See what it says” Sarina started reading the Hologram.
 
“You're such a Smartie!”
 
 
Seeing a special Valentine
Brings happiness to stay
And that is what you do so fine
You brighten every day!
 
 


“I just can’t believe it!” Sarina exclaimed. On Valentine’s Day. A special message just for me!”

What Sarina and Soldier Sam would see next could only describe as an illusion

The Lakes had turned Orange and the waves crashed up onto the beach. Cupid had changed the color of the water. No one in Syracuse had ever witnessed something like that.
 
“Wow, Cupid, that was quite a Tour!” Sarina exclaimed.
 
“It sure was” Soldier Sam had a great time too.
 
“We have some time to burn before the Game. Let’s stop by this Bar” suggested Cupid.
 
“By the way, Sarina and Soldier Sam,” Cupid remembered something. “You told me about your flight.  But I forget to ask, did you two go on any adventures during your Pit Stops?”
 
 
Every day, when I went to the Engine Room to pick up Soldier Sam for dinner at the end of the day I would ask, “How was your day?”
 
For the entire trip I always got the same response—“Fine, fine”—with no eye contact. His stress, it seemed, was going to deprive me of the normal chitchat I relished so much. No one on the crew talked to me much either.
 
One afternoon, after a fierce battle with enemy ships I asked the question, expecting the same answer. “How was your day?”
 
Soldier Sam replied, “Good, good.” Then he looked at me and said, “How was your day, Sarina?”
 
With a big smile on my face, I said, “It’s really good, Soldier Sam—the best day yet on this intergalactic trip through time.”
 
 
As Sarina and Soldier Sam ran up to the bar after their Darts Game, Cupid had already ordered their drinks.
 
 
After a minute Sarina opened her Valentine.
 
'What this all about, Cupid?' Sarina asked.
.
It’s about tonight’s Cuse game, of course.' replied Cupid.
 
Cupid waited for an answer.
 
'Soldier Sam wants to know what about the Cuse Game?' Sarina asked.
 
'Look, Soldier Sam' said Sarina excitedly. 'Look—it’s Front Row seats for the Orange Game. Right at Half-Court. How did you find these, Cupid?'
 
I just called up 1-800-BALL-CUSE and told them I was Cupid and had to play Matchmaker Tonight!”
 
 
Lets get out of here and get our seats in Orange Stadium ASAP,' said Soldier Sam, finishing his drink.
 
 
 
CUPID’S FIRST SYRACUSE ORANGE GAME EXPERIENCE
 
 
 
PART 3
 
 
 
Standing in front of the iconic Orange Stadium on Valentine’s Day felt nothing short of a miracle to Cupid. Orange Stadium is seen by many as the benchmark for top league stadium developments not only in New York but in the world. Its design is timeless wonder "Dome Style" stadium. The entire Orange Hoops Experience is sublime and intimidating.
 
The T-shirts and other small items they throw out into the crowd and the fan moments such as the Love Cam and dancing videos would be quite enjoyable. The t-shirt cannons and the “Make Some Noise” chants also enlivens the crowd as the players discuss their plays during timeouts, so it never became boring for the fans.
 


“Cupid you!”, Sarina exclaimed. “I really feel so insulted. I was begging YOU Cupid. “Are you behind all this crazy stuff?”, she asked firmly.
 
“Do you doubt my innocence, Sarina?”, came Cupid’s reply. “If none of us have a clue as to how we got here then I'm more than certain you will.
 
Come on open up, Soldier Sam!” “Soldier Sam, please. I don't know how I got here and you are interrogating me!!
 
While Sarina and Cupid were absorbed deeply in the conversation , Soldier Sam seemed to be lost in his thoughts.
“What's up?”, Cupid asked Soldier Sam.
“I wonder if you'll believe me, but I’d like to say a story”, Soldier Sam replied.”
 
“A story, really?”, Sarina said. “We won't waste our precious time listening to your nuisance stuff.”
 
“Hey, Cupid,” Soldier Sam wanted to get his attention. “Could you snap a pic of Me and Sarina with Orange Mascot? That would be awesome!”
 
“Of course, Soldier Sam” Cupid replied. Just find Orange Mascot and I will be over to take the shot of you and Sarina.”
 
Cupid moved the shot from a different angle and pictured a square of digital canvas by what had been window space.


 
If you don't pay attention to the background, you run the risk of having something distracting back there that diminishes the visual appeal of the image.
“Hey Sarina, we got that picture with Orange Mascot! All the lighting was great and we were posed perfectly. Isn’t it great we were able to find Orange Mascot and he was so accommodating?”
 
“Yes, Soldier Sam” Sarina answered. I thought for a moment Cupid was going to lose his mind trying to operation the photo function on my phone. He had never operated anything like that before.”
 
“The game is about to start Sarina!” Soldier Sam exclaimed. Why don’t you give me a quick rundown of the season so far?
 
“I know you have been following it closely and I really don’t have a clue about what the Orange have faced so far this year, Soldier Sam continued. “How are they doing?”
 
“Sure Soldier Sam,” Sarina was glad to show off her knowledge of Cuse Hoops. “There have been a lot of developments so far this year.
 
 
 
It’s one more game for Cuse to get our shit together before a must-win ACC Tournament for Syracuse if they plan on going to the NCAA Tournament as a participant and not a spectator. The Orange’s seeding is yet to be determined, but Syracuse will get a first-round bye into the second round.
“Before the game, the Orange Nation knew Pitt could shoot,” We felt like they were going to miss 3s, but they didn’t. We left them open and that was the key. We just left them open. We weren’t even close. They were really open. We need to do a better job on defense.”
Once the Orange started selling out on stopping the inside game, the Pitt capitalized with their shooting
The Panthers did a really nice job bottling Cuse in the first game between the teams in with some stingy defense. But we soon found out that lightning wasn’t going to strike twice in the same place in the rematch.
 
In spite of the reassurance that the tickets would be along with the deal, Soldier Sam approached the rendezvous with uneasiness. In his young and impressionable years he had looked through a sight into a firing squad machine where Cuse Tickets slapped before his eyes in sequence.
 
 
 
 
Soldier Sam had stopped off for a couple of drinks on the way, but his first words: 'How you doin’ Sarina ?' failed to set a positive note for the occasion
.
'Well, Soldier Sam,' Sarina said smoothly, 'it's nice of you to spare me an afternoon for the Cuse Game.'
 
'We don't work too hard around here he assured her. 'Everything is "Mañana"--in Spanish that means tomorrow.'
 
 
CUSE GAME ACTION
 
 
 
I would say one big thing is the loud and big crowds cheering because at an Orange Hoops Game, the Orange Faithful are shouting and screaming things. They could be shouting all different things like “Take it to the Rim” or “Defense”.
 
They could also be screaming “Push it down the Court”, or to the opponents “you are losers”, or “boo”. Some people might not notice but when they shout out or scream out those things, it gives whichever team more adrenaline to win the game.
 
Cuse performing at a high level made everyone that was on the other team's side very disappointed and then the Orange side is happy.
 
 
The Orange Fans were wildly screaming and hollering all kinds of things, it was so exciting. As the game continued on, the score went back and forth and it was so exciting because we had no idea who would win.
 
 
Blowout Games are what we normally see from Cuse since they are such an incredible team. In runaway victories like that it is just fun to see the Orange dominate a game and it reminds all of us just how lucky we are in life to be Cuse Fans.
 
 
 
 
 
 
RAMS STADIUM
 
 
PART 1
Sarina suddenly looked up at the Scoreboard at Rams Stadium, her problem was still unsolved, and there was in the air that sense of Pre Game Hype before the Rams Game, which is so essential to life.
The Rams Scoreboard had a rough start to the year, but still it threw out a deep Royal Blue/Sol glow. As Sarina looked up it started booming in spite of the season’s difficulties.
There on the 50 Yard Line sat Rams Mascot, steadily stealing a glance at Sarina’s eyes. He made a motion to it as though to hunt it away, but it did not stir.
Then Sarina made the motion of throwing something. Still Rams Mascot did not stir, but showed its Tough Guy Colors, and his eyes shone in the Stadium lights with an added effect.
Sarina felt amazed, and seizing the First Down Marker Chains, ran onto the field. But before she could reach the 50 Yard Line, the Mascot let out with a rally cry to the crowd, took a couple of steps jumping and running up the rope, the Marine Corps Climbing Rope that Soldier Sam had stolen from a nearby Boot Camp.
At the top of the training rope was the Rams Scoreboard with an Alarm Bell affixed to the bottom of the scoreboard at the top of the climbing rope.
It was not quite visible to all the Rams Fans that day since their eyes were strictly fixed on the Rams Scoreboard Lights, and there was darkness beyond the range of the digital spectacle. Instantly, the noisy scampering of the football players on the field began again.
All at once Sarina stopped, as on previous game days being overcome by a sudden sense of excitement. Sarina had been given the responsibility of controlling the Scoreboard Display Content on her Smart Phone from her position on the field.
Sarina remembered the occurrence at the First Rams Game this Season, when Soldier Sam had locked himself in the control room and highjacked the Scoreboard Display. To be sure, Sarina was not going to let that happen on this day.
There, right smack dab on the 50 yard line sat Rams Mascot, clearly to be full of mischief for this game.
Instinctively Sarina took the nearest thing to her hand, the official game day football, and flung it at Rams Mascot. The football was not quite aimed right and Rams Mascot did not stir, so again the shot of the First Down Marker was repeated against at Rams Mascot, and being closely pursued, fled up the climbing rope of the Alarm Bell stationed on the bottom of the scoreboard.
Strangely too, the departure of Rams Mascot up the rope was instantly followed by the renewal of the noise made by the football players, as the Kick Off was drawing near.
On this occasion, as on the previous one, Sarina could not see into which part of the Scoreboard Rams Mascot disappeared, for her Smart Phone needed all of the Pixels in each compartment to Display her content to the tens of thousands of fans in Rams Stadium that day.
Could Rams Mascot have the intent to Sabotage the Scoreboard this Game? Only time would tell.
On looking at her watch Sarina found it was close to gametime; so she lit up the Scoreboard and made herself a glass of Bourbon, as was her custom to make it through the game. Sarina had got through a good spell of work, and thought herself entitled to a bit of liquor; and so she sat on the bench at the side of the field and enjoyed it.
 While drinking, Sarina began to think that she would like to know where Rams Mascot disappeared to, for she had certain ideas not entirely disconnected with a Rams Mascot Trap.
Accordingly Sarina lit up several parts to the Scoreboard to play Feature Presentations she had composed over this past week placing it so it would shine well into the view of all the Rams Fans.
 
Then Sarina got all the footballs in her vicinity and placed them handy to throw at Rams Mascot. Finally, Sarina lifted the rope of the Alarm Bell and placed the end of it on the 50 Yard Line Stage.
 
 'You could inform the entire State of California of an important event, one much greater than a football game,' Sarina thought to herself. When her preparations were made she looked around, and said to Soldier Sam:
'There now, my friend, I think we shall learn something of you this time!' Sarina began her work again, and though as before somewhat disturbed at first by the noise of the football players, soon lost herself in her propositions and problems.
Again Sarina was called to her immediate surroundings suddenly. This time it might not have been the sudden silence only which took her attention; there was a slight movement of the rope, and the Scoreboard Lights moved.
Without hesitation, Sarina looked to see if her pile of footballs was within range, and then cast her eye along the climbing rope. As Sarina looked she saw Rams Mascot drop from the rope on the 50 yard line stage and look at her like as if to challenge.
Sarina raised a football in her hand, and taking careful aim, fired it at Rams Mascot who, with a quick movement, sprang aside and dodged the missile.
Sarina then took another football, and a third, and fired them one after another at Rams Mascot, but each time unsuccessfully. At last, as Sarina stood with a football poised in her hand to throw, Rams Mascot had given up his defenses.
This made Sarina more than ever eager to strike, and the football flew and struck the Rams Mascot with a resounding blow. He gave a shout out of surprise and turning away from his pursuer, ran up the steps to the 50 Yard Line Stage and made a great jump to the rope of the Alarm Bell and ran up it like lightning.
The Scoreboard Foundation rocked under the sudden strain, but it secured strongly and did not topple over since it had been engineered so solidly.. Sarina kept her eyes on Rams Mascot, and saw him leap into the structure and disappear through a hole in one of the great sections of the Display Marvel, making himself obscured and invisible to the world.
Sarina turned herself towards Soldier Sam, who was looking forward to the Rams Game too.
 
'Soldier Sam, I shall with pleasure answer you any question you may choose to ask me if you will answer me one question first.' said Sarina
Solider Sam seemed surprised, but he smiled and answered at once, 'Done! What is it?'
'Did My Bronx Friends ask you to come here and see me and advise me?'
Soldier Sam for a moment was taken aback, and Sarina’s Friends got Hot and turned away; but Soldier Sam was a frank and ready figure, and he answered at once and openly.
'Your Bronx Friends did: but didn't intend you to know it. I suppose it was certain parts of my actions that made you suspect.
Your Bronx Friends told me they did not like the idea of your being in LA all by yourself, and that they also thought you were getting too attached to your bottles of Bourbon.
In fact, your Bronx Friends want me to advise you if possible to give up the Bourbon and the very late hours. I was quite the party goer in my time, so I suppose I may take the liberty and without offense, advise you not quite as a stranger.'
Sarina with a bright smile held out her hand. 'Fo’ Sure as I always say,' Sarina said. 'I must thank you for your kindness and My Bronx Friends too, and your kindness deserves a return on my part. I promise to take no more strong Bourbon at Rams Games—no Bourbon at all till you let me—and I will not stay up so late at night. Will that do?'
'Fantastic,' responded Soldier Sam. 'Now tell us all that you have noticed in LA so far,' and so Sarina then and there told in minute detail all that had happened lately.
Sarina was interrupted every now and then by some exclamation from her Bronx Friends, till finally when she told of the episode of going to the Dodgers Games.
Sarina’s Bronx Friends pent-up frustrations found vent in expressed shock; and it was not till a stiff glass of Bourbon had been administered that Sarina grew composed again.
Soldier Sam listened with a face of growing interest, and when the narrative was complete and Sarina’s Bronx Friends had been restored he asked:
'The Rams Mascot always went up the climbing rope of the Alarm Bell?'
'Always Every Game.', replied Sarina.
'I suppose you know,' said Soldier Sam after a pause, 'what the rope is?'
'No, I don’t know about the details of it', answered Sarina.
'It is,' said Soldier Sam slowly, 'the very rope Rams Mascot used in Boot Camp at the nearby Training Base. I recently acquired the rope via theft when I went on an excursion there.
Here Soldier Sam was interrupted by another scream from Sarina’s Bronx Friends and steps had to be taken for her recovery. Sarina having looked at her watch, and found that it was close to Game Time and readied herself.
When Sarina’s Bronx Friends regained their composure they almost assailed Soldier Sam with very pointed questions as to what he meant by putting such stories into Sarina’s head. 'Sarina has quite enough there already to upset her,' they added.
Soldier Sam replied:
'My Dear Bronx Friends, I had a distinct purpose in it! I wanted to draw Sarina’s attention to the Alarm Bell Rope, and to fix it there. It may be that she is in a highly distraught state, and has been Reporting on the Team too much, although I am bound to say that she seems as sound and healthy a woman, in strength and spirit, as ever I saw.”
But then the football players—and that suggestion of the devil.' Soldier Sam looked down at the ground and went on. 'I would have offered to go everywhere with her, but that I felt sure it would have been a cause of offence, to the Team. Not that I really care about offending them, it’s more like disinterest. Except for Game Days, of course.” Soldier Sam added.
Sarina may get into some strange fright and if she does I want her to pull that rope and ring the alarm bell, so we can rescue her,” Soldier Sam explained.
All alone as Sarina is it will give us warning at the base, and we may reach her in time to be of service. I plan to be sitting up pretty attentive during all team activities and will always keep my ears open. Do not be alarmed if the National Guard issues a strong response before morning.'
'Oh, Soldier Sam, what do you mean? What do you mean?' Sarina asked.
'I mean this; that possibly—actually more probably—we shall hear the great alarm bell from Rams Stadium tonight,' and Soldier Sam made about as effective an exit as could be thought of to head for the concession stands before the game got started.
 
PART 2
 
Sarina had all the Rams Games worked out in her Reporters Notebook all right, and then her attention began to wander from Football.
The actual circumstances around Sarina, the calls on her attention, and her susceptibility as a result of her perfection were not to be denied. By this time the crowd noise had become much louder, and was about to reach a fever pitch.
Rams Stadium, solid though it was, seemed to shake to its foundations, and the crowd of fans roared and raged through its many concourse levels, private luxury boxes, up and down every corridor, spilling into the massive overflow sections in Hollywood Park and indeed all over LA and the State of California.
Even the Great Alarm Bell on the Scoreboard must have felt the force of the raucous, for the rope rose and fell slightly, as though the bell were moved a little from time to time still without sound and the climbing rope fell on the 50 Yard Line with room to spare. There needed to be a bit of slack in the rope, as Soldier Sam had designed it, for reasons we will see soon enough.
As Sarina worked the Scoreboard Content masterfully, she bethought herself of Soldier Sam’s words, 'It is the rope which Marines used in Bootcamp and she went over to the rope to take a look at it. Her hand touched the knot at the bottom of it, a knot that could not be broken by most Marines..
There seemed a sort of strong interest in it, and as Sarina stood there she lost herself for a moment in speculation as to just who these Marines were, and all of Soldier Sam’s stories of their exploits.
As Sarina stood there the swaying of the bell on the Scoreboard still lifted the rope now and again; but presently there came a new sensation—a sort of tremor in the rope, as though something was moving along it.
Looking up instinctively, Sarina saw Rams Mascot speeding down towards her, glaring at him steadily. He dropped the rope and started back with a muttered curse, and then to Sarina’s surprise, Rams Mascot turning ran up the rope again and disappeared, and at the same instant Sarina became conscious that the noise of the football players, which had ceased for a while, began again.
All this set Sarina conviction, and it occurred to her that she had not investigated Ram Mascot’s Trophy Case or looked at the Super Bowl Rings, as she had intended. But she had some clips of them to put on the Scoreboard to complement the content she had created for the game—a Super Bowl Highlights Video sequence named, appropriately, “The Chase for a Ring: Everyone’s Dream, but Especially Me!”
Sarina lit up the Scoreboard without shade, and, holding it up strong with her Smart Phone, noted that a section had went blank and the Video was not rolling across the screen as she had designed.
“Damn that Rams Mascot!!” Sarina turned to Soldier Sam. But Soldier Sam was not there. Where was Soldier Sam?
 Soldier Sam had a diversion on the way to that concession stand. He went on an excursion to Rams Mascot’s Trophy Case and stood in front of the Super Bowl Ring Section. Soldier Sam had disappeared from that field for a reason. He had a destination for what he was about to steal.
At the first glance he started back so suddenly that he almost dropped his baseball bat, it was quite a sight. The most important Super Bowl Ring in the Entire World, and a look of extreme motivation overspread his face. His knees felt weak—he would need them for what he was about to do, and because of this, his Heart trembled like the grounds of an Earthquake.
But Soldier Sam knew what his mission was that day, if not anything else was known to him in the world so he pulled himself together, and after the pause of a few seconds stepped into his swing, raised the bat, and struck through the reinforced barrier, and examined the Super Bowl Rings in front of him and one now stood out clearly.
It wasn’t just a moment of coincidence that made Sarina’s Smart Phone controlling the Scoreboard fall from hand at that very instance, that same moment in time.
Then Sarina saw Rams Mascot fly down the rope, and noted the sudden cessation of the noise of the football players. However, Sarina pulled herself together, and went on with her examination of all the video content she had at her disposal.
With a feeling of something like destiny, Sarina recognised the scene of Rams Stadium as it stood, and gazed around her in an awestruck manner as though she expected to find some powerful presence there that day.
There, at the 50 Yard Line, with the climbing rope hanging behind, sat Rams Mascot, and save for the shouts of the Rams Fans, without there was silence.
Another bottle of Bourbon recalled Sarina to herself. Fortunately it was unopened so the liquor had not been spilt as a result of all the commotion. However, the practical need of attending to it settled at once her apprehensions. When she had reached the bottom, in a matter of minutes, Sarina tried to pick herself up off the floor and thought for a moment.
'This will not do,' Sarina said to herself. 'If I go on like this I shall become a crazy fool. This must stop! I promised Soldier Sam I would not drink the entire bottle of Bourbon..
Soldier Sam was pretty right about me not being able to put down the bottle of Bourbon! My nerves must have been getting into quite a state. Funny I did not notice it. I never felt better in my life. However, it is all right now, and I shall not be such a fool again.'
Then Sarina poured herself just one more good stiff glass of Bourbon and resolutely prepared to ready her Reporting Notebook for the game, which was about to start!
Sarina listened and watched attentively, and presently heard swift whistle noise at the the 50 Yard Line where the climbing rope hung down, and she thought it was the smashing of rope on the floor as the swaying of the bell raised and lowered it.
But it was in fact the Kick off to the Rams Game. Sarina felt for a moment another moment of panic as she thought that now the possibility of calling the outer world to her assistance was cut off, but an intense motion took its place, and seizing the football hurled it at Rams Mascot.
The blow was well aimed, but before the missile could reach him Rams Mascot dropped off and struck the floor with a soft thud.
Sarina instantly rushed over towards Rams Mascot but it darted away and disappeared in the darkness of the shadows of Rams Stadium. Sarina felt that her work was over for the night, and determined then and there to order Rams Stadium Security to put on a hunt for Rams Mascot.
From where she stood, Sarina looked up to the Scoreboard and saw all the evidence of sabotage she needed to put the Rams Mascot away for good. All of Sarina’s football video content was erased.
There was only on the screen fixed into place, a picture of her and Rams Mascot, alongside two Super Bowl Rings. All across the other portions of the Scoreboard were nothing but Flying Hearts.
 Sarina rubbed her eyes in surprise, and then a great wave began to come upon her.
Sarina almost in a daze turned slowly round, and then her strength of resolve seemed to have left her and she was incapable of action or movement, hardly even of thought.
There, on the great 50 Yard Line, stood Soldier Sam, with a smile of triumph on his resolute face as he lifted up with his hands a great weight..
Sarina felt as if the blood was running from her heart, as one does in moments of prolonged suspense. There was a ringing in her ears from the roar and howl of the crowd, and through it, swept on the storm, the moment in Time Soldier Sam had hit the Turf, sliding down the rope.
Sarina stood for a space of time that seemed to her endless still as the Lombardi Super Bowl Trophy, and with wide-open eyes, breathless. As the kick off struck, so the smile of triumph on Soldier Sam face intensified, and he picked up the piece of the rope of the Alarm Bell which lay on the floor, drew it through his hands and then deliberately began to fasten the Super Bowl Ring to the end of it.
Sarina tried to think of what she should do. There was some triumph in Soldier Sam’s eyes, which he never took off Sarina. It was far and away beyond his capability.
Activities such as these had went on for many times, Soldier Sam seeming never discouraged nor discomposed at failure, but playing as if her owned the game.. At last in despair, which had reached its climax, Sarina cast a quick glance round her.
Sarina walked over and placed herself standing at the 50 yard line, and stepping up beside him, put her hand up and caught the end of the swaying rope of the alarm bell.
As Soldier Sam raised his hand the football players fled in fright, and disappeared through the tunnel out of the playing field. Taking the end of the rope, where the Super Bowl Ring was now in Sarina’s hand he suggested she take control of the Alarm Bell rope and show all the amateurs there that day how professionals take care of business.
When the Alarm Bell of Rams Stadium began to sound the crowd soon assembled with excitement, and Sarina, as always, became the Star of the Show!