Robotech - Tales of the RDF

[Purr]

Staff Sergeant Taniya


Anyone with club smarts can detect that Taniya does not really know that many dance moves or routines - she is expressing herself like a woman long-used to dancing alone. She treats the dancing like a workout session. The long-time Zentraedi ace understands such routines from combat, hand-to-hand fighting, gymnastics, and other skills - why should she treat this as anything else, a free-form routine born of the spark of freedom burning inside her own willful being?


If asked about her dancing, she can only reply, "The body you see before you is the power armor of my soul. Through it, I change the lives of others, I change history, and in doing so, make my own fleeting mark in this enormous universe with its endless stars and possibilities."


This is definitely the case should any of the men make an attempt to dance with her. Taniya continues to dance alone; it is as if she honestly knows no other way.


She drinks only bottled water (to replenish fluids lost to perspiration). Even here, especially here in this realm beyond her knowing, she watches each of the Red Panda Squadron carefully. This is done more out of her protective feelings for the team than anything else, for Taniya has never understood the social reason to drink alcohol. She watches Tolson with scientific interest, but when seeing Zaile acting something other than Zentraedi, Taniya cannot help but pause and study her with a long stare.


Is this what Zaile wants out of life? To be human-like? Well, far be it from me to tell her how to live. She proved herself when she rose from the birth-tank to become one of my aces - her destiny is one of hard-fought galactic battles and boundless heart. Whatever her path, I will remain proud of her, even if that pride is occasionally marked by my complete confusion and everlasting questions about human society.





With that thought complete, Taniya continues dancing her own special dance of life.

Spoiler

By Duran Duran (because I really like this song and its Brazilian singer) Enjoy! =)


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[Sherwood]

As the night comes to a close, everyone is tired but invigorated from the energy of the evening. Those that want to pair off and find company for the night have good results, and soon enough, Doug makes his exit with a pretty girl on his arm, saying that he will be in touch later.


Elyana gives her write a hug and says, "Babe, we should be heading back to the hotel ourselves. There is a wonderful looking Jacuzzi tub in our room with enough space for two that I want to try out. Besides, we need to be ready for the beach tomorrow!"

 

[Kaerri]

Sergeant Eadric Braidwood, Field Scientist


Eadric seems to be oblivious to the interest of the young lady whose eye he apparently has caught, as his attention has once more returned to his squadmates (more from lack of knowing anyone else than from lack of interest in the other clubgoers). Zaile's efforts do get him out on the dance floor, however. He chuckles at her entreaties to 'loosen up.' "I will try... This isn't really my sort of thing, but I can see everyone else is having fun." He dances with not a lot of skill, but some natural grace, probably from his hand-to-hand training. At the end of the song, he thanks her and returns to his barstool (unless she insists on a second dance, to which he would acquiesce), where he starts upon his second (and final) rum and cola, the first having been whisked away while he was dancing. He remains there for the rest of the night, unless one of his female squadmates hauls him off to the dance floor again, and returns to the hotel when Taniya does (but retires to his own room alone).

 

[Sherwood]

For your first taste of vacation, this night has gone quite well. Everyone has enjoyed themselves, and so far, no one has been drinking to excess. If there is nothing else you wish to, we will move on to morning.


With plans made ahead of time to meet up for breakfast, the Red Pandas come down to the restaurant attached to the hotel, some with more sleep under their belts than others. Poor Barbara is a bit hung over, and Doug doesn't look like he's had any sleep at all, but he is in clean clothes and is freshly washed. Elyana and Zaile both have a happy glow about them, same as Doug, but only Taniya and Eadric got more than a few hours of rest. Just enough for you to get ready for the beach and the ritual combat of volleyball.

 

[Epiphany]

Corporal Zaile Alencar


Having danced the night away, Zaile nods willingly at Elyana's suggestion and promptly makes her excuses with the rest of the squad. She leaves, arm in arm, with her wife and upon their return to the hotel Zaile promptly indulges her in any way she wishes.


Once the other woman is asleep, the Zentraedi stands at the balcony windows and looks out at the night-time stars, into deep space where she was born. In so many ways, this vacation had been a return to the life she'd led these past few years with Elyana. Micronian living with a Micronian. This should feel perfectly natural. And, so long as Elyana's smile brightened Zaile's heart, it was. But even so things were different. Without looking, Zaile could feel the RDF uniform neatly hung up in her closet. Once more she had a commanding officer, one she'd followed before this life. And if Taniya never seemed to judge her, it was hard not to judge herself.


This precious world with its precious people needed protecting. Could she protect them and still be one of them? Could she ever be one of them, being Zentraedi? If she was far more human than she'd been three years ago, she was also more alien than she'd been even six months ago. War reminded her of what she was made for. Even now, the Imperative simmered in her blood, a faintly frustrated feeling that hummed in her bones as she stood naked before glass panes looking over a city instead of being on duty, in the fight, winning glory and vanquishing the enemy. That warcry had slept so long but, stirred, it wouldn't slumber again.


Sighing, Zaile turned away from the sight of Rio and curled up in bed with her wife. Only in her alone moments was she quiet enough to hear that primal drum marching her to battle. And with Elyana by her side, she never had to be alone again.


By the next morning, though, the blue-haired woman's vibrant glow had returned in full measure. Barbara gets a sympathetic wince and an affectionate pinch of the cheek. "One more reason I rarely drink much," she comments, pressing water on the poor communication officer. Doug gets a friendly high-five.


And the rest of the party are treated to Zaile rising, flexing one arm and adopting a martial pose and expression. While saying, with perfect seriousness, "It's time. For. Bikinis!"

 

[Purr]

Staff Sergeant Taniya


Taniya takes one good glance at Dorsey and his current condition and starts singing, "Get Lucky."


As for Tolson, Taniya does not mind her condition in the least because she brought no dishonor upon the Red Panda Squadron. One might say she arrived at her current state quite willingly.

Spoiler

This mix by Daft Punk (Pretty Pink Remix - Pretty Pink sings this from the female point of view =) )


"I'm up all night 'til the sun


he's up all night to get some


I'm up all night for good fun


he's up all night to get lucky..."


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Or if you prefer the original.... =)


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Taniya watches the state of the group closely but unobtrusively. Her first wonder of the day is if Tolson is all right. Was the communications specialist going to be in any shape for a tournament of any kind, much less this aforementioned challenge with the bikinis? Tolson looked as if she had her own personal tournament with the hotel toilet and it was anyone's guess as to whom the winner was.


Taniya was quite ready to send Tolson right back to bed if Tolson made such a request, for the leader of the Red Panda Squadron had no idea what a hangover was, how long it lasted, or if there was a cure. All she knew was Tolson appeared far from herself. This whole drinking alcohol thing was a popular traditional manner in which many Micronians "enjoyed themselves." While it made no sense to Taniya, Tolson had clearly steered herself wholeheartedly in this direction. And while Taniya did not have it inside her to tell a fellow Red Panda what to do with their leave time, she was quite prepared to create creative and never-forgotten hells if any of them ever showed up for combat duty or an in-uniform scheduled meeting in Tolson's current condition.


Looking back at Zaile, Elyana, and Ramsey, Taniya could not help but wonder what kind of evening they had in their separate encounters. They were all clearly pleased and in better spirits. Whatever it involved, it was surely better than whatever Tolson found in the bottom of her glasses at the bar. Perhaps, she mused, she would find the right man to make that happen. Chances were slim as ordinary men held no fascination whatsoever for Taniya. Time would tell.


"Ramsey, Tolson," she said between bites of breakfast, "should you require to recuse yourself from today's more physical activities, I will understand and allow it. However, I have set my sights on procuring a proper bikini prior to our return to Anton-17 and I intend to see it through. Call it a personal mission if you will." Then she pauses as her eyes linger on Tolson with a hint of uncertainty.


"That said, how long do you both expect to be in this condition?"


The Zentraedi Ace could have asked, "Do you need a ride to the hospital, Tolson?" with the same tone of concern.

 

[Sherwood]

Barbara gives a tired smile and brushes a lock of hair from her forehead. "No need for that. I just dove into the drinks a bit much last night, and now I'm paying for it. Don't do the crime if you can't do the time and all that. I did take a handful of painkillers and a shot of expresso, so I should be at full speed soon enough. Besides, I wouldn't want to miss your first bikini, along with the beach. I've been looking forward to those glistening waves ever since we got word about getting leave. Lets go."


Doug shakes his head with a smile. "No thanks. I'll pass on the mall today, thank you. I'll catch up with you at the beach. No sense in missing out on seeing all those beautiful people on the sand."


Barbara laughs. "Guys just lack the shopping gene. You have fun with your morning."


Twenty minutes later, the group finds your way to the nearest shopping mall where throngs of both humans and Zentraedi are walking and standing about, all immersed in ther own personal business. Under the prodding of Elyana, the ladies (and Eadric if he wishes to watch the fasion show) enter a boutique called Clare's, a small retail shop dealing in both teen and adult womens fashions. It doesn't take long for Barbara to have a half dozen different swimsuits picked out to try on in front of the mirror and to show off to the other members of the Red Pandas there. Elyana, on the other hand, spends her time shopping for Taniya, knowing her lack of experience in this field could make her feel somewhat intimidated. In only a few minutes, she has a few different styles picked out for her to try on, some more revealing than others. "Here, try this on first. I think it will fit well, but I want to see it on you to check how it goes with your skin tone. You don't want to clash out there."

 

[Purr]

Staff Sergeant Taniya


Taniya grins and raises her hand as if to request Elyana's pause in the matter. "Before we departed Anton-17, I came across many entries and pictures in my search of the word 'bikini.'" Taniya moves through Clare's as if looking for something specific. Not too long afterward, she returns wearing this:

Spoiler

(Image credit: www.celebrity.banzaj.pl)


"I like this selection because it adds to the hunting nature of our squadron. Perhaps the Red Panda is not a predatory creature, but I am. Is this look sufficient to the part?" This statement is accompanied by an unconscious pose on Taniya's part, strongly suggesting that underneath all that warrior-ace image, there does indeed lurk a woman.


"For me, it is a choice between this and..." she turns about to the dressing room and moments later returns wearing this:






(OOC Note: I don't know how to find a picture of this still in the YouTube video, so I hope you'll bear with me and just click to the 5:16 mark thereabouts for the bright pink bikini in question. Thanks!)


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Again, there is that pose. Hand on hip, head slightly turned to the side while still looking upon her squadmates. Whether they provide approval or disapproval, Taniya holds sure to the notion that they will be nothing less than honest with her. That feeling reinforces her confidence in the moment.


"Which do you recommend?"

 

[Kaerri]

Sergeant Eadric Braidwood, Field Scientist


Bright-eyed and bushy-tailed himself (he's not only not hungover, he's -- ew!gack! -- a morning person), Eadric looks with some sympathy upon those who are feeling unpleasant effects from last night's partying. "I have some more on me, if you need them, Barbara. Or anyone else, for that matter. I came prepared for that sort of thing."


He laughs at Barbara's comment regarding males' lack of interest in shopping. "Possibly true! All the same, I think I will come with you, if only to provide an alternative opinion on your selections."


The which he does, being alternately (or sometimes concurrently) admiring, stunned, and appreciative of the views presented to him. "Ah... I think the first choice suits you best, ma'am. More of an unusual but still attractive style, if I may."

 

[Sherwood]

Barbara comes out of the dressing room in her choice of swimwear, showing off her figure for the onlookers.


View media item 12693

 

[Purr]

Staff Sergeant Taniya


Taniya looks but does not reply at Tolson's choice of swimwear, for in truth, the Zentraedi warrior has nothing to say about it; whatever Tolson decided upon was the proper choice, for the communications specialist was human and this was a thing of human culture.

The which he does, being alternately (or sometimes concurrently) admiring, stunned, and appreciative of the views presented to him. "Ah... I think the first choice suits you best, ma'am. More of an unusual but still attractive style, if I may."

Taniya studies Braidwood's reactions with a combination of womanly and scientific interest. Here, this human male had taken on a number of reactions before he spoke. Taniya noted each.


"You may indeed, Braidwood. Yours is a perspective I lack."


Certainly, she concluded, her people must be so very strange and exotic to humans. Zentraedi had no background in sexuality, no childhood upbringing (including this puberty stage), no parents, no lovers, no way to learn or experience romance, tenderness, and the like. Such feelings, Taniya still felt, were worse than useless to a fighting warrior; they were distracting, confusing, and a terrific road down death's highway. If anything, it was an excellent weapon against human enemies. And yet, Taniya continues to muse over it.


Here were Zaile and her Elyana, two beings from entirely different backgrounds blended together in harmony, fully comfortable and trusting each other like lifelong squadmates. This was an excellent advantage for Zaile to experience, and yet, Taniya wondered if something happened to Elyana, then what of Zaile? If Elyana were slain in battle, would not the enemy gain effectively two kills for the price of one? Zaile, Taniya imagined, would descend into the most darkest and destructive of rages to avenge her beloved and likely become someone new if she survived the experience. The Zaile she knew would, in some way, die. Furthermore, if Zaile faced the enemy that killed Elyana, and it killed Zaile, then Taniya knew she would be next to rage, slay, and perhaps die.


That was how vengeance worked. One way or another, either you or the enemy died.


Taniya had trained her female pilots to the best of her ability, but as in all wars, there were losses. Taniya could name each of them as she felt it was her duty to honor their memories in death as long as she maintained life.


But here with Zaile and her Elyana, there existed a relationship even deeper and in some ways dangerous in Taniya's mind. What a risk to take, to deliver your heart so fully and freely to another. Humans seemed to need to love and be loved while Zentraedi were made solely for war, conquest, glory. There was certainly a bond here beyond Taniya's understanding.


But so long as Taniya lived, she could experience. Experiences would bring learning and sometimes understanding. Understanding led to personal growth.


There in Clare's, amidst the racks of clothing and humans browsing through them, Taniya let these private thoughts run through her like a flight of Female Power Armor coming in for landing inside their home starship. This whole "love" feeling was a human-made discovery. It was certainly unknown to Zentraedi, for the Robotech Masters had taught them nothing of it. Yet here Taniya's people were, among the very people the Zentraedi were sent to destroy. As far as Taniya knew, in all the millennia Zentraedi had existed, humanity was the only race Zentraedi had not only failed to destroy, but also joined forces with. And here Taniya's world was expanding almost daily, all thanks to those whom she and her kind were supposed to exterminate.


It was a "failure" Taniya found she was appreciative of.

Spoiler

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[Sherwood]

With your purchases made, the group is once more on the move through the streets of the city. Barbara is snapping pics with her camera in true tourist fashion, and there are plenty of things to see to catch your attention as you head to the beach. Finally arriving at your destination, you are rewarded by the sights and sounds of the ocean waves splashing down on the glittering white sands of Rio beach. This section of the sand is covered by sun worshipers of all kinds and in all manner of dress; male and female, human and Zentraedi, all mingling and having fun.


Pulling her t-shirt off, Barbara stuff her shirt into her beach bag to reveal her bikini top, much to the appreciation of the men nearby. She says, "Now that we are here, lets go over the rules of volleyball. Hopefully we can find a game to watch to help give you a better understanding of the game before we engage in any battles of our own." She then goes into a quick discussion on the relatively simple rules of beach volleyball, and it is not long before you find a mixed group of men and women having fun, laughing and smiling, as they try to score the next point over their friends. During a quick break from the game, one of the bronzed men come over to your team as he checks out the ladies. "Hey. What's up?"

 

[Kaerri]

Sergeant Eadric Braidwood, Field Scientist


Eadric slips into a sporting-goods store on the way to the beach to pick up several pairs of wraparound-style sunglasses; he'd forgotten his when packing for the trip and wanted to be prepared in case others had, as well. The extras, he tucks into his shoulder-carried first aid kit, which currently is also carrying his towel and a couple bottles of sunblock. Upon arriving at the beach, he pulls his own shirt off (possibly to similar appreciation from those so inclined), as well as his shoes and socks, and lays them all neatly folded atop his bag. As Barbara explains the rules, he chimes in occasionally while applying the sun-protection cream to his fair skin, paying particular attention to ears, nose, and chin. Wordlessly he offers the bottle to anyone who wants it, putting it back into the bag after it's made the rounds. Likewise the extra sunglasses, which he leaves on top of the pile for anyone to grab as they choose.

 

[Purr]

Staff Sergeant Taniya


As the human male greets them, and seeing no immediate response from her fellow Red Pandas, Taniya takes charge. The female Zentraedi combat ace takes on the situation as (she figures) any female Zentraedi might. With authority. She disengages herself from the Red Pandas as if putting herself between them and this possible new threat. She impatiently places her fists squarely on her hips and stares the man right in the eye. Were she in a Zentraedi military atmosphere in uniform, this approach would be clear - she is in charge, she will brook no nonsense from this unknown creature before her, and he had better be quick about his business without wasting her time.


However, Taniya's approach might not have the effect she is going for. This place is no starship nor military base. No one is wearing rank or insignias here. Taniya is clad in nothing more than a bikini and her own supremely-fit body on a sandy beach in Rio. If photographed in her current pose, she might be mistaken for some incredibly-sculptured monument to female fitness and resolve, sexually-appealing and strong from every angle. Some human men might interpret her response as a seductive (even dominating) come-on, when in fact, it is anything but. Of course, Taniya is largely unaware of how a (likely civilian) human male might take her approach, for the vast majority of her gender-related experience is with military Zentraedi males.


Besides, just how does a guy respond when a barely-dressed woman like Taniya steps up and says...


"What is it you desire, male?"

 

[Soviet Panda]

Connor had disappeared the night before and hadn't returned until that moment. He would have been with them sooner if he had known where they were. One second he was in the club with all of them and chatting with a cute girl and the next thing he knew he was waking up in an apartment with said girl next to him. And once he was dressed and said his farewell to her, he didn't have a quick or reliable way to get around the place. At least there were maps, street venders were handing them out like they were candy. Luckily he found a car rental place, and he had the money to rent one out. It wasn't much, a cruddy off roader that looked like it was on it's last leg. But it sure as hell didn't feel like it was about to die. It was probably the best thing he'd driven in a long time, that had wheels instead of legs.


And so that was how Connor went zipping around Rio in search of them, and stopping quickly to get a pair of swim trunks. It was blind luck that he saw them in the first place. He was passing by the beach and felt like looking over and just happened to see them. And so he immediately pulled into the beach's parking lot, and kept going onto the sand. Was he allowed to do that? That's a good question, but he had a valid excuse. He couldn't read Portuguese. "About time I found you guys." He shouted as he pulled up to them, music thumping from the off roader. "I've been looking all over for ya and figured I'd have to go off on my own adventure and meet up with you at the hotel room." Then he noticed Taniya's stance, and asked "Did I miss something?"

Spoiler

Here's the kind of music that'd be coming from the off roader.


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[Sherwood]

The man looks over the ladies in their swimwear with obvious appreciation before he answers.  "I see you watching us, so I came over to see what is going on.  You are a Zentraedi, right?  That's cool.  Don't see many of your people hanging out here at the beach.  What can we do for you?"
 


Barbara nods towards the volleyball net.  "We came to play.  Perhaps, after a warm up game for our friends, we can have a match?"


@Beowulf @Dannigan @Kaerri and @Epiphany, just a quick tag to let you know we are moving on.

 

[Kaerri]

Eadric Braidwood, Field Scientist


Eadric smiles.  "We'll need a bit of practice first, but then we'd like to introduce our Zentraedi friends to the art of friendly competition, at least as far as volleyball goes.  Up for helping us?  Y'all look like you know your way around the sand pretty well."

 

[Sherwood]

One week has passed since you arrived in the sunny vacation spot of Rio, and it is now time to return to duty.  All of you are pleasantly worn out from your time 'relaxing', from your times shopping, playing volleyball, swimming and clubbing.  It has been a great time for all, and some are now quite ready to get back to work.


With the fall of the High Lord Serena in the Zentraedi Control Zone, the Malcontents have fallen apart there, some surrendering to the inevitable of human domination while a handful of hard core holdouts still fighting, but under the tightening grip of the RDF and the newly formed Army of the Southern Cross, total victory is expected to take place soon.


Once you get to Brazilia Base, Sgt. Taniya is given new orders for the Red Pandas.  Instead of going back to Anton-17, you are being reassigned to another hot spot, this time in Africa.  The big difference here is, instead of fighting elements of the Zentraedi war machine, your opponents are humans.  Specifically, there is a growing group in the Congo calling itself the Islamic African Peoples Republic, and they are violently opposed to the efforts of the United Earth Government to place them under its control.  The scary thing about the IAPR is that they are well armed with tanks, APCs, and worse yet, many older model Destroids that have been annexed, read that as, the RDF bases that they were being stored at were mob rushed and captured, with all their equipment stolen and spirited away. 


Since the efforts of the UEG to build the UEEF fleet to go to Tyrol to negotiate peace with the Robotech Masters leaving a skeleton crew here on Earth, and the overriding need to have more and more resources sent to the Zentraedi Control Zone, it has left a power vacuum that many small warlords have stepped up into in Africa, leading to the final formation of the IAPR. 





You are being sent to the RDF HQ of Niamey Base where you will be receiving more in-depth orders.

 

[Soviet Panda]

"Great, from hot and humid to hot and dry. I can't wait." Connor muttered irritably. He wasn't one for the heat, especially when he was in a giant metal robot that was rather good at conducting that heat. Sometimes it was like a sauna in his Defender, especially if the sun was a clear view of him. Stingy science types, not wanting to waste some space for an air conditioner. But he'd follow orders, and he'd suffer for his comrades. "There better be a pool at the base." The last sentence was said into his beard in hopes of having it to hard for anyone to hear, but one never knows with some people.

 

[Sherwood]

Barbara gives Connor a playful punch to the shoulder.  "At least its a dry heat, right?  Hahaha.  Well, we are heading to a large RDF base, so if there is a pool anywhere to be found, your odds are better there than anywhere else."

 

[Purr]

Staff Sergeant Taniya


Taniya listens to Connor's words, but seems to miss his last until Tolson speaks up.  "Red Panda Squadron, this is your planet, your realm.  What can you tell me about this continent, Africa?"  As usual, Taniya wanted to know as much as she could before they saw action.  As far as she was concerned, another continent may as well have been another planet for all of the ways human cultures seemed to differ while all of the Zentreadi basically had but one.  

 

[Kaerri]

Eadric Braidwood, Field Scientist


Eadric's eyes narrow in thought as he considers Taniya's question.  "I'm afraid I don't know a lot about the land or the people themselves, ma'am.  I never thought I'd be going there myself."  He looks over the map.  "Given the location, I'd guess Connor's right and there will be a lot of heat.  I think that part of Africa is more savanna than desert, which means there'll be more plants and animals and it'll be consistently hot instead of having a desert's dramatic shift to cool at night."  He glances up at Connor and smiles.  "Might want to get your A/C fixed!"


Looking back at Taniya, he continues more seriously, "The Islam religion is nominally peace-loving, but recently there have been a number of extremist groups forming that have more violent tendencies.  They're mainly xenophobic types from what I've heard, and not very tolerant of dissenting viewpoints.  I'd expect this new IAPR to be one of those."

 

[Sherwood]

Barbara scratches her head as she thinks. "From what I remember from school, Africa was not as highly industrialized as Europe or North America, and so it suffered less damage from the orbital bombardment during the end days of the Robotech war. Less distance to fall, so to speak." She grabs her data pad and does some typing. "According to this, there are many tribal groups and rogue states that do not recognize the authority of the United Earth Government, and other than the Control Zone, this is the hottest spot militarily. It's as scary thought that there are human rebels that have seized RDF vehicles end mecha to use against us."

 

[Soviet Panda]

"It's hot, and my Defender doesn't have one." Connor said, killing two birds with one stone. Simultaneously answering Taniya's question and replying to Eadric's smart assery. "You find me a good, solid Defender with A/C, I'll pay you and the owner for it." He said that, but when given the chance to 'upgrade' he had turned the offer down. Perhaps he just liked punishing himself, or there was something about his current Defender that he just liked. Such as all the accumulated scratches and dents that the thing got from just being used. Gave it some personality.

 

[Kaerri]

Eadric Braidwood, Field Scientist


Eadric smiled again and shook his head.  He was fairly certain other Defenders were climate-controlled, just as his Spartan was, but perhaps Connor was just fond of his current mecha.  "Maybe I can find a way to install a small unit in your cabin.  It might use up a good chunk of your space, though."