Howard followed everyone into the infirmary. Then woofed and took a step back, "Wow...yeah he did crap himself." He chuckled and waved the scent off, clearing his nostrils. The sniper/marksmen grinned, "They did pretty good. Yeah let them in. We'll see how things goes after that. Spectre did pretty good. Iceman too, just need to get them kited out where they can fit in." He nodded, "If they want to fire off some sniper shots when they wake up, if it's within the next few hours, I'll be on the sim range. If you need me you know where to find me."

-----

Less then an hour later had Howard in the VR sim, having put in a level seven stalk. With room for others to join. He picked his way through the simulation. His rifle tucked up to his shoulder. This was one of the few he liked redoing, because it is hard. The target moved, utilized stealth, and tended to stay at mid ranges, where it took more for him to drag his reticle onto target if he had a bead and it moved. It was the kind of challenge he got when hunting. And he loved it for that very reason.

Carefully he inched his way along, swinging back and forth searching for his target. A flicker of movement causes the man to turn, getting a brief bead and he fires. The virtual round missing the target as it escapes into some bushes. Howard follows it, scanning the area. He snarled, found some tracks and started to follow them. So bent on the hunt that he failed to notice when the Sim notified him that another user had entered. He kept on tracking. Inching forward, barrel of his rifle held just a little lower then eye level. He smiled a little the hunt always getting him excited. He saw another movement. Turned, sighted and fired again, hearing the round hit wood, and the sound of tearing cloth. He had almost scored the kill. He ran forward wanting to get off another shot before the target escaped a third time. He got to the tree he had hit, turned, and saw his target running. Aimming he fired again, then blinked when he heard his bullet his stone. Then he was hit from behind. The sim beeped and ended. He tore his VR goggles off. He turned then blinked. Antoine sat right beside him in the sim room. She too was taking her goggles off. He blinked, "What the hell were you doing? I had that in the bag." She laughed and hugged him ,"I love it when you get angry. You are so stern. I got you though."

Howard howled, "Antoine...I....you..." He sighed, "Fine yeah you got me." He started to get up when she beat him to it and placed a kiss on his lips, "Next time let's try a tag team huh?" Howard chuckled, "Tag team sure." He gave her a hug as he put the VR goggles away, "Come on let's catch a drink somewhere huh?" He lead her out with a friendly arm around her shoulders. Even if they lost a man and gained two newbloods, there would always be a few of the vets around. Just like these two. Howard smiled as they left the VR room, "Good to have a friend like you around Antoine..." Antoine chuckled, "After what we have all been through. Having a couple friends around is a good thing Howie." Howard blinked, "Excuse me?" Antoine laughed then pulled off, "Race ya Howie!" Howard took after her, "I'll show you a Howie you blasted minx!"