Clarissa Explains Batchall

[the-clawtake]

On one of the few areas of flat terrain outside the Dropport, Jehan surveyed the preparations. All three mobile sauna units - insulated trailers with benches and heating units, essentially - had been deployed in a loose arc surrounding the pit the Elementals had prepared.

They had begun with cratering charges, then cleared out the rubble, and finally smoothed the bottom through the judicious application of pulse lasers. Coolant trucks were already filling it with water to create a shallow pool.

On the top of the central sauna, a projector had been set up, directed at the smoothest section of the Dropport baffles, and the evening's entertainment loaded and queued. While they would not be getting through the entire series - the first run alone had something like two hundred and fifty episodes, each of them about an hour long - it was a rare Clanner who would object to watching 'Tails of Strana Mechty' and none of the First Helios had ever seen it.

He was looking forward to Isidora's reaction to Astrid's character.

On either side of the nascent pool, packing crates had been set up as makeshift tables, and more cratering charges had been used to create barbecue pits. Most of them simply hosted grills of whatever meat could be requisitioned from the supplies they had brought with, but some of his Warriors had tried their luck in the hills, and there were a few examples of the local game roasting.

The weather was giving cool but clear, and having cleared his schedule for the day, he settled his back against a step and watched as tanker after tanker delivered there loads of water, waiting for evening and the start of festivities.

Great Father, but he needed a break.

[clarissaexplainsbatchall]

"Battle Armor. No thank you. I prefer speed, mobility, and armor in a fight. I have quite learned my lesson about being outside of a cockpit in a combat area. I shall stay in my 'Mech and let the experts go rooting around indoors and in dark tunnels."

She remembered the imposing sight of the Blakist armor; the feel of armored fingers around her neck. "If another warehouse needs to be cleared by me then I will simply blow it up."

@maddograuda

[maddograuda]

"Aff. I'm not afraid of a fight, but I prefer to be behind the controls of my Mad Dog as well."

Rauda rubbed their stump absentmindedly, half paying attention to both the conversation and the show. It was hot in the sauna (obviously), and they took a deep swig of their drink, trying to properly relax. They felt like they were drinking quick but, well, they doubted anyone gathered would be too put out if they left the sauna less than sober, so long as they did not make too much of a fool of themselves.

"I am sure you could take some... appealing shots in an elemental," they argued absentmindedly. "From what I remember of the arcade game... fans, many people are interested in busty women with helmets on, neg?" They shrugged. "Something about the anonymity? It is not what I look for in a pin-up."

@the-clawtake

[the-clawtake]

Jehan shrugs. "I myself have never seen the point of not being able to see expressions."

He stood up, sighing with relief as his joints cooperated.

"Anyway, I need a bite. Anyone want anything?" as he climbed onto the bank, and turned in the direction of the barbecue pits.

@is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not

[is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not]

"The racks of ribs seemed particularly appealing. I will have an entire one of those, Jehan, if you please," Astrid says.

She settles back, shifting her posture slightly to watch the show, chuckling at the ongoing conversation.

"I believe the appeal of the fully-armored soldier, is somewhat down to the air of mystery, in that anything one could imagine could be under the armor. And often, that imagined occupant will often be more appealing to anyone given to such fantasies. Luckily, at least for Elementals, the real occupants are quite often handsome and/or beautiful, which is why I suspect they have become the most depicted form of these armored soldier pin-ups," she chuckles. Then she looks at Isidora, curiousity in her eyes. "Though I imagine on Helios, there may be a market for the highly cybernetically augmented equivalent, quiaff?"

@khanhannahlewis

[khanhannahlewis]

"Well there is no vow of celibacy to be a Hand, the appeal is deliberately less sexual. Unless a Wraith or Poltergeist, traits that are attractive to frails tend to be veered away from within our ranks, though that has changed some in the last few generations. Something that needs to be considered with you clansfolk is that you all tend to be almost supernaturally pretty or handsome, not just the Elementals."

@clarissaexplainsbatchall

[clarissaexplainsbatchall]

"You would be surprised about the amount of pornography people request of me." Clarissa downs another mouth full of her beer, then quickly corrects. "Not with me as a subject, of course. I meant for me to acquire for them. Elementals and MechWarriors in those little skimpy things the Inner Sphere wears. Dragons having sex with cars is startlingly popular."

She turns her head towards Isidora, "The beauty comes from centuries of selective breeding and genetic engineering. It results in beauty, true, but there is a level of... Perfection in the pristine Trueborn which I always found slightly boring. They take a few scars to really marinate properly into something attractive, I believe."

@the-clawtake

[maddograuda]

"Something boneless, for me?"

Rauda paused with a bottle halfway to their mouth.

"Do you mean dragons..." they tapped their cheek absentmindedly, "like the beast? Or the heavy mech? Either way, I am... struggling to picture it." They snorted, the binder, heat and sake combination making the alcohol go to their head. They weren't drunk, far from it; but the mental image seemed far funnier than it had any right to be.

"Which wears the skimpy outfit? The Grand Dragon seems bustier than it's predecessors, quiaff? And with thirteen double heatsinks, it promises to surely handle itself."

As if realising they had been rambling about a scantily-clad mech, Rauda suddenly cleared their throat. "But, I agree. I too find a person with scars more interesting."

@the-clawtake

[the-clawtake]

"Shall I just fetch some sort of whole roast beast and a few knives, then?" Jehan asked with a grin.

"I agree with you both about the scars. Mind you, I may be biased."

He turned and headed over towards the barbecue pits with a wave.

@is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not

[is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not]

Astrid took a sip of her beer, before realizing she was out. Clearly desiring another, she stood up to get one, getting out of the pool, and showing off her own scars in the process.

She soon returned with refills for everyone, and resettled herself into the pool, just as the first 'Mech battle of the Tails series began to take place onscreen — a Trial of Grievance between two minor characters, mostly serving as background for a discussion between Remus' character and Melissa's, establishing their characters' philosophies — and summing up the state of the early 2990s Crusader vs Warden debate in the process.

"What an odd time that was. The Crusaders had yet to fully calcify into their ways, while the Wardens were dealing more with debating the Explorers and the Homeworlders," Astrid mused. "I suppose those last two might be unfamiliar to some of you, given what an old bear I am and the ages long past I have lived in, quineg?"

@khanhannahlewis

[khanhannahlewis]

"I'm not very familiar with Clan politics, not something that was considered important, though I've heard of Wardens and Crusaders. Wardens are... the Lyran wolves, the Nova Cats and the Bears, right?"

@clarissaexplainsbatchall

[maddograuda]

"Aff. Thank you, Jehan. And you, Astrid..."

Rauda's gaze strayed, briefly, to the famous totem warrior as she got up. It was difficult not to; her body was impressive enough, but the scars - as they'd all been discussing - told a story that couldn't help but catch the eye. Not wanting to stare, Rauda blinked and rubbed their jaw with the back of their knuckles, before accepting the sake that was handed to them.

"Bears are a Warden clan," Rauda confirmed for Isidora. "Mostly. They have their share of Crusaders. I had to learn when I joined the Clan, as well." They gave a small shrug. "It'll be second nature, with time. All of the history, I mean."

@the-clawtake

[the-clawtake]

Jehan caught the tail end of this conversation as he returned, one of the Elementals helping him carry the serving tray with some sort of whole roast beast on it - it looked vaguely deer-like, but it was hard to be sure.

He weighed in as he and his companion lowered the tray to the ground at the edge of the pool, before the Elemental headed off.

"I always leaned Warden. Naturally my first assignment was a formation that was staunchly Crusader. This may explain my tendency to Trial first, ask questions later."

He slid back into the heated water with an appreciative sigh.

"Of course it might just be that I am naturally predisposed to be a pain in the ass."

@is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not

[is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not]

"I and my sibkin were always Warden... or well, something even more than Warden, I suppose," Astrid chuckled, as she continued to sip her beer.

"It is interesting to see how those two philosophies evolved. How others were left behind. I wonder how they will change now that the central question has been mostly settled, and we have a new Star League. Or will they die off and new philosophies take their place? We have seen that already with the Dominion, though that debate has largely been settled as well, given the Deniers dismal performance in the civil war..."

@khanhannahlewis

[khanhannahlewis]

"I suppose complex politics are just a fact of life for every human... At least we have a Star League again..."

Isidora grimaces.

"Though that didn't turn out well for us last time."

@clarissaexplainsbatchall

[clarissaexplainsbatchall]

"A dozen new philosophies are birthed and die every day. They rarely survive infancy. I'm interested to see what springs out of the ilClan's Star League. Will it be something new, or a Crusader Clan enforcing order through warfare? A Warden using its might to protect people from themselves? I hope it's something new, but whatever it is it will probably be at gunpoint. These types of things usually are."

Clarissa leans back, showcasing possibly the only scarless torso in a few hundred meters. "Shooting may be honorable and glorious, but it tends to be counterproductive in trade negotiations. I have always believed that relationships between people pass through a spectrum between charity and piracy. Trials exist to keep the piracy a bit to the left and the charity a bit to the right, I think."

@maddograuda

[lagi-the-mechwarrior]

Ya think clan wolf Mechwarriors just howl over the comes sometimes?

To be closer to their totem animal or smth.

[is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not]

Aff.

Many Clan warriors will do this. It takes practice, but it is a valid form of psychological warfare.

[clarissaexplainsbatchall]

[is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not]

(hope you don't mind my deluging you with Asks, if you do, let me know and I'll stop)

How would you rate the Clan Totem animals in terms of scariness?

The Ghost Bear tops the list, without any contest. The Smoke Jaguar is close behind, along with the various snake Totems, the Nova Cat, the Strana Mechty Wolf, the Wolverine, and the Ice Hellion. Evidently there is a new Clan in the Homeworlds, Stone Lion? That is a deadly creature on its own, let alone as an entire pride.

[clarissaexplainsbatchall]

I feel snubbed.

[the-clawtake]

On one of the few areas of flat terrain outside the Dropport, Jehan surveyed the preparations. All three mobile sauna units - insulated trailers with benches and heating units, essentially - had been deployed in a loose arc surrounding the pit the Elementals had prepared.

They had begun with cratering charges, then cleared out the rubble, and finally smoothed the bottom through the judicious application of pulse lasers. Coolant trucks were already filling it with water to create a shallow pool.

On the top of the central sauna, a projector had been set up, directed at the smoothest section of the Dropport baffles, and the evening's entertainment loaded and queued. While they would not be getting through the entire series - the first run alone had something like two hundred and fifty episodes, each of them about an hour long - it was a rare Clanner who would object to watching 'Tails of Strana Mechty' and none of the First Helios had ever seen it.

He was looking forward to Isidora's reaction to Astrid's character.

On either side of the nascent pool, packing crates had been set up as makeshift tables, and more cratering charges had been used to create barbecue pits. Most of them simply hosted grills of whatever meat could be requisitioned from the supplies they had brought with, but some of his Warriors had tried their luck in the hills, and there were a few examples of the local game roasting.

The weather was giving cool but clear, and having cleared his schedule for the day, he settled his back against a step and watched as tanker after tanker delivered there loads of water, waiting for evening and the start of festivities.

Great Father, but he needed a break.

[clarissaexplainsbatchall]

"Battle Armor. No thank you. I prefer speed, mobility, and armor in a fight. I have quite learned my lesson about being outside of a cockpit in a combat area. I shall stay in my 'Mech and let the experts go rooting around indoors and in dark tunnels."

She remembered the imposing sight of the Blakist armor; the feel of armored fingers around her neck. "If another warehouse needs to be cleared by me then I will simply blow it up."

@maddograuda

[maddograuda]

"Aff. I'm not afraid of a fight, but I prefer to be behind the controls of my Mad Dog as well."

Rauda rubbed their stump absentmindedly, half paying attention to both the conversation and the show. It was hot in the sauna (obviously), and they took a deep swig of their drink, trying to properly relax. They felt like they were drinking quick but, well, they doubted anyone gathered would be too put out if they left the sauna less than sober, so long as they did not make too much of a fool of themselves.

"I am sure you could take some... appealing shots in an elemental," they argued absentmindedly. "From what I remember of the arcade game... fans, many people are interested in busty women with helmets on, neg?" They shrugged. "Something about the anonymity? It is not what I look for in a pin-up."

@the-clawtake

[the-clawtake]

Jehan shrugs. "I myself have never seen the point of not being able to see expressions."

He stood up, sighing with relief as his joints cooperated.

"Anyway, I need a bite. Anyone want anything?" as he climbed onto the bank, and turned in the direction of the barbecue pits.

@is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not

[is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not]

"The racks of ribs seemed particularly appealing. I will have an entire one of those, Jehan, if you please," Astrid says.

She settles back, shifting her posture slightly to watch the show, chuckling at the ongoing conversation.

"I believe the appeal of the fully-armored soldier, is somewhat down to the air of mystery, in that anything one could imagine could be under the armor. And often, that imagined occupant will often be more appealing to anyone given to such fantasies. Luckily, at least for Elementals, the real occupants are quite often handsome and/or beautiful, which is why I suspect they have become the most depicted form of these armored soldier pin-ups," she chuckles. Then she looks at Isidora, curiousity in her eyes. "Though I imagine on Helios, there may be a market for the highly cybernetically augmented equivalent, quiaff?"

@khanhannahlewis

[khanhannahlewis]

"Well there is no vow of celibacy to be a Hand, the appeal is deliberately less sexual. Unless a Wraith or Poltergeist, traits that are attractive to frails tend to be veered away from within our ranks, though that has changed some in the last few generations. Something that needs to be considered with you clansfolk is that you all tend to be almost supernaturally pretty or handsome, not just the Elementals."

@clarissaexplainsbatchall

[clarissaexplainsbatchall]

"You would be surprised about the amount of pornography people request of me." Clarissa downs another mouth full of her beer, then quickly corrects. "Not with me as a subject, of course. I meant for me to acquire for them. Elementals and MechWarriors in those little skimpy things the Inner Sphere wears. Dragons having sex with cars is startlingly popular."

She turns her head towards Isidora, "The beauty comes from centuries of selective breeding and genetic engineering. It results in beauty, true, but there is a level of... Perfection in the pristine Trueborn which I always found slightly boring. They take a few scars to really marinate properly into something attractive, I believe."

@the-clawtake

[the-clawtake]

On one of the few areas of flat terrain outside the Dropport, Jehan surveyed the preparations. All three mobile sauna units - insulated trailers with benches and heating units, essentially - had been deployed in a loose arc surrounding the pit the Elementals had prepared.

They had begun with cratering charges, then cleared out the rubble, and finally smoothed the bottom through the judicious application of pulse lasers. Coolant trucks were already filling it with water to create a shallow pool.

On the top of the central sauna, a projector had been set up, directed at the smoothest section of the Dropport baffles, and the evening's entertainment loaded and queued. While they would not be getting through the entire series - the first run alone had something like two hundred and fifty episodes, each of them about an hour long - it was a rare Clanner who would object to watching 'Tails of Strana Mechty' and none of the First Helios had ever seen it.

He was looking forward to Isidora's reaction to Astrid's character.

On either side of the nascent pool, packing crates had been set up as makeshift tables, and more cratering charges had been used to create barbecue pits. Most of them simply hosted grills of whatever meat could be requisitioned from the supplies they had brought with, but some of his Warriors had tried their luck in the hills, and there were a few examples of the local game roasting.

The weather was giving cool but clear, and having cleared his schedule for the day, he settled his back against a step and watched as tanker after tanker delivered there loads of water, waiting for evening and the start of festivities.

Great Father, but he needed a break.

[clarissaexplainsbatchall]

"Battle Armor. No thank you. I prefer speed, mobility, and armor in a fight. I have quite learned my lesson about being outside of a cockpit in a combat area. I shall stay in my 'Mech and let the experts go rooting around indoors and in dark tunnels."

She remembered the imposing sight of the Blakist armor; the feel of armored fingers around her neck. "If another warehouse needs to be cleared by me then I will simply blow it up."

@maddograuda

[the-clawtake]

On one of the few areas of flat terrain outside the Dropport, Jehan surveyed the preparations. All three mobile sauna units - insulated trailers with benches and heating units, essentially - had been deployed in a loose arc surrounding the pit the Elementals had prepared.

They had begun with cratering charges, then cleared out the rubble, and finally smoothed the bottom through the judicious application of pulse lasers. Coolant trucks were already filling it with water to create a shallow pool.

On the top of the central sauna, a projector had been set up, directed at the smoothest section of the Dropport baffles, and the evening's entertainment loaded and queued. While they would not be getting through the entire series - the first run alone had something like two hundred and fifty episodes, each of them about an hour long - it was a rare Clanner who would object to watching 'Tails of Strana Mechty' and none of the First Helios had ever seen it.

He was looking forward to Isidora's reaction to Astrid's character.

On either side of the nascent pool, packing crates had been set up as makeshift tables, and more cratering charges had been used to create barbecue pits. Most of them simply hosted grills of whatever meat could be requisitioned from the supplies they had brought with, but some of his Warriors had tried their luck in the hills, and there were a few examples of the local game roasting.

The weather was giving cool but clear, and having cleared his schedule for the day, he settled his back against a step and watched as tanker after tanker delivered there loads of water, waiting for evening and the start of festivities.

Great Father, but he needed a break.

[is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not]

As Jehan settled back and watched the tankers, suddenly a shadow loomed over him. He had not heard its owner approach, but this could not be held against him—even standard Elementals were trained to move silently out of armor despite their bulk, and looking over he noted that Astrid had already removed her footwear, letting her paws perform one of their natural functions.

"How go the preparations, Jehan?" asked Astrid, standing over him and looking at the sauna trailers. She was wearing only the traditional short black latex shorts of an Elemental in armor, though she had seen fit to wear a matching sports type bra—one that admittedly semeed to be straining for its life—in place of the usual mesh top, and she was cradling the same massive weapon that she had been delivered earlier in the day in her arms. She sat down next to him, placing the weapon off to the side—still within arm's reach, naturally.

"The smell brought me over," she chuckled. "I suppose I am predictable that way, quiaff?"

@khanhannahlewis

[khanhannahlewis]

Isidora, tailing behind Astrid, snaps a salute. Unlike Astrid, she wears a long coat, Star League stars hastily sewn over Blakist swords.

"Good Afternoon, Star Colonel. I'm here too."

@clarissaexplainsbatchall

[clarissaexplainsbatchall]

"Do I recognize those voices?" Clarissa stepped forward with a smile. She had on an ankle length fur lined blue coat of sharkskin leather which engulfed her. In her mittened hand was a white cane which she used to test the ground in front of her because her glasses were completely missing and her grey eyes stared at nothing.

"Sorry if I am intruding, but Jehan invited me. If someone could point me towards him?"

[the-clawtake]

"Over here, Clarissa!" Jehan called loudly, after checking to make sure there weren't any sudden drops in the direct line.

Slightly softer, he made introductions.

"The tall voice is Astrid, Ghost Bear Totem Warrior. The short voice is Isidora, commands the First Helios."

"I would get up, but I am not getting up until the drinks are here."

@is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not

[is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not]

"Hello, Clarissa," Astrid says, raising her voice slightly as well. "I am glad you are here. You gave us quite a scare with that Blakist trooper earlier. Have you recovered well, quiaff?"

Astrid then turns her head to whisper to Isidora.

"Did you bring anything to cover your prosthetics in the spring, or are they waterproofed? We will be naked the whole time, but you will be fine with that, quiaff?"

@khanhannahlewis

[khanhannahlewis]

"Yes, I brought covers."

then, louder.

"Yes, I hope everyone is doing well? Who all was invited?"

@clarissaexplainsbatchall

[clarissaexplainsbatchall]

"Astrid, Isidora. A pleasure to meet you in person." Clarissa smiles broadly, very customer service even now. "I wouldn't call my run in with the trooper a scare compared to your adventures, Astrid; more an embarrassing encounter."

She takes a seat carefully next to Jehan, "A bit more embarrassing if I hadn't been rescued at the last moment by a good samaritan."

@the-clawtake

[maddograuda]

"Am I the last to arrive?"

Rauda raised a hand in greeting, pushing stray curls out hair out of their eyes and back into their braids. They, like Clarissa, were still fully dressed; while they were secure in their gender these days, undressing - even for a sauna - was still a rare moment of insecurity that would probably come a little later in the party.

They glanced briefly at the preparations, letting their hands warm over the grill as they counted heads. Nobody that they hadn't met before, which was nice. Although Jehan could generally be trusted to plan a get-together that Rauda was actually willing to come to.

(He also knew how to throw a party that went into the wee hours and that nobody could walk straight after. But those tended to be more crowded, and less Rauda's cup of kokekaffe. Not, of course, that he hadn't learned how to throw a party from Rauda in their rowdier days... the student had surpassed the master, in that regard (not that they would ever word it as such).)

"Anything I can do, Star Colonel?" they asked, weaving carefully through the attendees to make sure that Clarissa knew they were there (a gentle touch of the elbow as they passed) and without bumping anybody.

@the-clawtake

[the-clawtake]

"Oh, I am sure that you will not be last." Jehan smiled at his XO.

"And you know the rules. No rank in the Sauna. You know Clarissa, of the Sea Foxes?" he gestured at the only one present who could not be classed as a Ghost Bear.

"And I think we are set until Eirik shows up with the drinks. Relax." He took in Rauda's uniform, and Clarissa's big coat, and then glanced down at himself, stripped to the pair of loose shorts he wore in the cockpit, the heavy wool cloak he was sitting on his only compromise with the weather.

"I hear he has been trying to track down local breweries in his spare time."

@is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not

[is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not]

"We shall sample as many of their products as possible," Astrid pauses. She is helping Isidora — who is seated on Astrid's large, fluffy and muscular thigh — get the covers for her prosthetics on, being quite careful, helping with the procedure as instructed several days ago by her bondsman.

"... to see which is most worthy of our business. On that note... Isi, do you have any recommendations on that front, quiaff?"

@khanhannahlewis

[khanhannahlewis]

"No, alas. I have not drunken much. The will of Blake is a strong enough spirit for me."

@clarissaexplainsbatchall

[clarissaexplainsbatchall]

Clarissa carefully keeps track of everyone in her head, an old almost unconscious skill that allows her to at least appear to be looking at who she's talking to. "No religion and no politics if we can avoid it, please. Otherwise I will be going on and on about Crucis March trading regulations all night. Did you know that Marlette does not allow you to wear your own shoes on planet? Something about soil contamination, but you have to leave your shoes on the dropship and they give you these little paper thin slippers that are good for nothing."

She pulls at her mitten to demonstrate, "And when you walk out of the port? Two dozen shoe stores. Infuriating! I wish I had thought of it."

@maddograuda

[maddograuda]

Rauda had been nodding along with the conversation while rolling up their sleeve, and working on releasing the clasp on their prosthetic arm; opting to just remove it, rather than try and waterproof it. They paused for a moment at Isidora's mention of the will of Blake, taking a small but long breath in, and out.

A younger Rauda would have said something sharp. Something that definitely did not fall under the purview of no politics if we can avoid it. Rauda was not that youngster anymore. For the most part, the temper they had been known for in their early days as Jehan's isorla was something they had under much better control... but then, when it came to Blakists, there was a lot of history, both from her time in Clan Ghost Bear, and their attacks on the Free Rasalhague Republic before it joined the Dominion.

Isidora was a good person, and Rauda had no beef with her; no reason at all not to trust her. She had no desire to make her feel uncomfortable at the party, or to dredge up past feelings. And so they returned to the prosthetic, twisting it just above the elbow. There was a sharp click, and the arm came loose. Rauda turned their shoulder to Jehan, silently gesturing him for help removing the leather harness.

"So it is meant to encourage you buying new shoes?" they asked, casually. "Do you get yours back when you leave, or...?" They paused. "Sorry. No religion or politics." They grinned. "Alcohol is still a suitable topic, quiaff? I can help there."

@the-clawtake

[the-clawtake]

Jehan shoved himself to his feet, and busied himself undoing the straps that held Rauda's prosthesis in place. That it kept his expression hidden from Isidora was a fortunate coincidence.

It took great effort to keep his voice level, to keep the rolling growl he felt building at the back of his throat out of his tone.

"You may wish to go easy on the 'Will of Blake' talk around Ghost Bears. Many of Us do not have a high opinion of your Blessed Blake and those things that were done in the name of his Will."

He took a deep breath as he undid the final strap and turned to catch Astrids eyes with his own.

"And that is all I will say on the matter here."

He dropped back to his seat, fiddling with the harness.

"This buckle is loose, Rauda, and this stitching here frays. Bring it by tomorrow and I will see to it for you."

@is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not

[is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not]

Astrid looks to Isidora, with sympathy and a measure of weariness in her eyes. "All three of us Ghost Bears here personally fought against the Word's Jihad, roughly 80 years ago. As much as we, over the past week, have come to understand that many of the Word members on this planet in general and yourself in specific, are not the same violent genocidal fanatics of so long ago..." she says, sighing before she continues.

"The experiences of that time have left many of the Ghost Bears with very strong internal feelings about the Word," Astrid says, looking at Jehan with a mix of understanding and exasperation, "such that even discussing Blake in positive terms or as a religious figure in their presence might lead to conflict. Hopefully, cooler heads and the passage of time will prevail but..."

"Once upon a time, the Ghost Bears were sworn to Annihilate all of the Word of Blake. Do you know what that means, Isi? If the histories you have been taught here are accurate, they will give you a clue," she continues, seeking to turn the moment into further education for her bondswoman.

@khanhannahlewis

[khanhannahlewis]

"I apologize for my misstep. My predecessors were perhaps over-zealous in following the will of the Master, though little of his teachings survive to the cureent day for real reference. If it's any consolation, I do believe that a proper interpretation of the faith would ally it to your cause, what with you all being the real 3rd transfer and all. And also the unit my forces claim lineage from never heavily faced your kind, they were largely deployed rimward of Terra, and were opposed to the use of WMDs during most of the war."

She nervously taps hwr fingers, an unusual gesture in a Manei Domini.

@clarissaexplainsbatchall

[clarissaexplainsbatchall]

Clarissa can feel the tension all around and would rather not be in between a cyborg Blakist and a bunch of Ghost Bears. "What matters right now is that we are all united against the same enemy. The cold. When is the heat starting? I am getting a bit chilly under this coat."

@maddograuda

[maddograuda]

"Thank you, Star Co— Jehan," Rauda smiled, picking up the leather brace. Sure enough, it had seen better days. This wouldn't be the first time it had needed repaired or replaced over the years. But like a good pair of boots, they were reluctant to work in new leather if they didn't have to. "I will."

They touched Jehan's elbow, giving a small shake of their head. Not now. They understood why he'd spoken up. The two of them knew each other well enough by now. But they had also been in Isidora's shoes, as the bondsman amongst near-strangers. In many ways, Rauda had to admit that they still had a bit of a chip on their shoulder about it; and that was as a Rasalhauger. They could only imagine that being from Helios would make it even more difficult.

"No one here judges you," they reassured. And then — taking the cue from Clarissa — they nodded. "Aff. I do not mind the cold, but I will check on the heaters. And the drink."

@the-clawtake

[the-clawtake]

"Is it cold?" Asks Jehan. He sounds like he might be serious.

"The last Sauna was set up about a half hour ago. They should be ready to go any time. I think we are only waiting until everyone is here until we start the entertainment." He grinned

"And I believe here comes Eirik with the drinks." He gestures at where one of the little utility crawlers used around the dropport is trundling towards the pool. It's string of cargo trailers are loaded down with kegs and crates of bottles, and in the front cart a huge redheaded Warrior is driving, looking for all the world like a grown man driving a car made for children.

"We are starting, of course. With the pilot." And here he turns back to Astrid, watching for her expression.

@is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not

[is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not]

"Ah-ha. A long time ago that was," Astrid smiles. "Do mind the early episode oddities."

As she finishes helping Isidora with her prosthetic covers, Astrid hmms. "I wonder if any copies of the series made it to Helios... would you know, Isi?"

As she says this, several of the other Ghost Bears have been bringing over several of the crates and kegs for the officers and guests to pick through for their initial beverage choice, opening the many refrigerated crates, presenting a plethora of bottle sizes, shapes, and labels. Astrid begins to look over the selection, and continues speaking.

"I imagine Jehan will be pointing out trivia as fast as an Ultra autocannon," she chuckles. "It never ceases to amaze, the depth of his knowledge about the show." Her tone is only very lightly teasing — she seems genuinely impressed. "And I imagine that you, Isi, will have many questions for he and I to answer. The alcohol will help there."

She also briefly turns, such that only Rauda can see, and winks at them.

@khanhannahlewis

[khanhannahlewis]

"No, I don't imagine any copies ever made it here."

@clarissaexplainsbatchall

[clarissaexplainsbatchall]

"I actually have not seen much of it myself," Clarissa says. "I guess I will not be seeing any more of it today, ha!"

As the cart rolls up she continues, "I was a fan of The Bounty Hunters actually. Mercenary culture is just so fascinating, is it not? Changing alliances, allies turning to enemies, always struggling for the next payday. It's all very dramatic."

"Could someone get me something dark and Lyran, please? I believe I recently sold the Clawtake a case of Archon's Own."

@maddograuda

[maddograuda]

Rauda couldn't help but chuckle at the sly wink that Astrid shot them; carefully concealing it behind a cleared throat. Was this really going to be Isidora's first time watching 'Tales of Strana Mechty'? Oh, this was going to be good...

Of course, what Rauda chose not to mention was that while they hadn't grown up watching the show, they did hold the high score on more than one arcade campaign based on it. There really was no good way to bring the point up to somebody you'd only known for a couple of weeks. Maybe if they got drunk enough, and the topic came up in conversation; or if Jehan decided they deserved to be embarrassed. (Which, admittedly, he was not remotely above.)

They nodded automatically at Clarissa's request, before it occurred to them who, precisely, they were nodding at. "Aff," they replied. "I'll fetch you some. I want to stretch before the show starts." They had been one-handed for long enough that juggling more than one bottle was a non-issue. For themselves, they found a bottle of sake mead.

@the-clawtake

[the-clawtake]

Jehan went to drag himself to his feet to follow, but barely shifted before he let out a groan and slumped back into his seat.

"On second thoughts, I think I shall live here now."

he gave his head a wry shake.

"I am lucky it was a light PPC that hit my cockpit at the dam. The 'mech grounded most of it, but I took enough of a jolt that I will be stiff and sore, and slow, for a few days."

He shuddered as he remembered the brief but memorable sensation of every muscle seizing, as he pelted past the Blakist Marauder and across the narrow top of the dam to engage the light units before they could get up to any mischief.

He waved off any expression of concern.

"I have had the all-clear. All I need is time, and as reinforcements have arrived, I will be getting that."

@is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not

[is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not]

"Indeed you will, Jehan. I have orders from the Commanding General to see that you do," Astrid chuckles, before putting on her best Melissa impression:

"'I do not care if the resurrected Great Father Himself appears in the sky and descends to guide us once more, Jehan will be taking a mandatory rest. Even if you must sit on him - though if you must, do so as gently as possible, quiaff?' Her words, exactly."

"That aside, I am glad you are taking the time you need. And what better way to do so than with friends, alcohol, and your favorite holovid program, quiaff?"

@khanhannahlewis

[khanhannahlewis]

"On the topic of childhood shows, we do have Immortal Warrior here, but I think everyone has that. Also, on the topic of feedback from hits, I remember it sucking in neurohelmets, but it's so much worse with a DNI."

@clarissaexplainsbatchall

[clarissaexplainsbatchall]

"Only a PPC to the head he says. I take it Jehan has a habit of fighting while injured? He had a concussion before the fight even started, aff?" She shakes her head, then rolls it back on her shoulders to point her face up towards the sky, stretching her neck.

"I would chide him, but earlier today I participated in a trial of possession with a bullet hole in me, so I have no standing in that argument. I am merely glad of his resilience or it is quite likely I would have several more."

"Neurohelm, DNI, and real. I wonder which is worse."

@maddograuda

[maddograuda]

"Jehan has a concussion more often than not, aff," Rauda called, quite casually from the nearest cooler of beer. "I think it explains a lot."

They didn't even look up from their search for something 'dark and Lyran' like Clarissa had requested, nor did they particularly care that they were sassing their bondholder. It was part of their charm; they'd never been the referential type.

"I would like to say I have a leg to stand on," they admitted, somewhat less loudly, "but I would be lying. He has the upbringing to know better, though," they smirked, tucking the beer under their arm and returning with the drinks. They used their belt to knock the top off the beer, before handing the bottle over.

@the-clawtake

[the-clawtake]

"I am." Jehan retorted, "Not that bad."

He somehow managed to keep a straight face saying that, before continuing haughtily - "And if I receive more than my fair share of injuries, it is only because I lead from the front. Now shut up and pass me a beer. The show is starting." His smile belied the harsh words. Indeed, the voiceover was starting, as the projector showed the camera panning across the assembled Totem Warriors in unneccesarily skintight interpretations of their Clan's ceremonial uniform.

Out of the corner of his eye, he watched for Isidora's reactions.

@is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not

[is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not]

"Funny enough," Astrid chuckles. "That intro shot was one of the last things we shot for the pilot episode." A Clawtake Nova stomped into the shallow pool, turned its torso to look at the side of the valley, and fired its lasers several times, only pausing briefly between volleys. Very quickly, the water began to steam. After watching the Nova clamber out of the now-heated pool, Astrid stomped her way over to the edge of the water.

"I believe your MechWarrior has gotten the water to an adequate temperature," Astrid says, before slipping into the water. Soon she was sighing as the heat begins to relax her muscles. "Aff, they have indeed. Come on in now all."

@khanhannahlewis

[khanhannahlewis]

Isidora looks around at the assemblage.

"So, I've never done a Sauna. How do we do this?"

@clarissaexplainsbatchall

[clarissaexplainsbatchall]

Clarissa took the beer and raised it in salute, "Thank you very much, both for the beer and the education." She raised it to her lips and took a deep swallow before the stomping and laser fire made her flinch just slightly. Not a particularly expected way to heat a pool.

"Ah, I suppose it's time then." With that she pulled her boots off, setting them aside, followed by her mittens. Then she shrugged the heavy sharkskin jacket off of her shoulders to reveal absolutely nothing else on underneath. How she looked naked explained a lot about her political beliefs in clan culture.

Her body was toned, sleek and athletic, warrior fit, but her skin was almost unnaturally pale. Her hair was naturally snow white, and her grey eyes, sightless and never focused, told a stark truth. She could take Terra single handedly, overthrow Alaric Ward in single combat, and reunite all the clans as one and even the most liberal of them would still hesitate to add her genetic legacy to their roles.

Still, she wore it well. Across the whole of her back, painted on that spotless canvas of pale skin, was a beautiful underwater scene; a lagoon full of sharks swimming in rays of sun filtering down from above. And her left arm was a sleeve of more ink; another shark, mouth wide and body curling.

She stepped forward, barefoot into the snow, and made a small sound at the cold before dancing forward on tiptoe, cane prodding haphazardly in front of her until she found the pool and slipped into the water with a contented sigh. "So what's happening in the show? Has someone been shot yet?"

@maddograuda

[maddograuda]

Partly to delay the decision on how much clothing to remove, Rauda gave Jehan an affirmative nod, and went to fetch a third drink before returning to the sauna.

They shrugged off their boots, dumping them to one side as they handed their commanding officer and closing friend a bottle, testing the temperature. It was nice. Sinking into it would feel wonderful. But even after decades, stripping down to their underwear was still less simple for Rauda than the prospect of charging down a whole celebration of ghost bears with only a butter knife to-hand. They were down to what they would wear in a mech, of course; but that flattened everything that Rauda liked it to.

"Gratuitous long shots, mostly," Rauda explained to Clarissa, taking a long drink from their bottle of sake mead. The firey taste of the fruit mixed with the honey warmed their throat, as they leaned against a crate with a satisfied noise. "But it will not be long."

@the-clawtake

[the-clawtake]

Taking the beer, Jehan dragged himself to his feet with a groan. He turned it so he could glance at the label. It was a local brand, from one of the breweries on the outskirts of Coen City, and the label proclaimed it as 'Precentor Martial', an amber ale.

Popping the cap on the step he'd been sitting on, he took a swig, and then shrugged out of his heavy cloak. His back was a crosshatch of scars, sets of broad parallel lines, ragged and slightly curved. A surgical scar on his left chest and another along the base of his spine stood out against his pale skin.

Laying the cloak on the step, he kicked his way out of his shorts, set them on the cloak, and folded it over them.

Now nude, he turned to Isidora. Gesturing with the beer, he explained. "The trailers are sauna. They are very hot. The pool is standing in for hot springs, and are also quite hot. The snowdrifts are cold. You go between the three as necessary to stay comfortable. Or show off. And in between you eat, and you drink, and on the big screen we watch your bondholder show off." At this last, he gestured at the aforementioned screen, where by fortunate coincidence, Star Colonel Freyja Jorgensson of Clan Ghost Bear was about to pop out of her coolant vest.

@is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not

[is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not]

"It is truly amazing what can be done with dual-sided reactor tape and a cooling vest half a size too small, quiaff?" Astrid chuckled, sipping her brew of choice.

It was another Coen region local, an unfiltered wheat beer that was incredibly strong — the bottle advertised it as being 'brewed for the Hands of the Master, by the Hands of the Master', in the same poorly translated Latin that the Word seemed to think was proper grammar.

On the screen, the opening scenes of the pilot played, slowly introducing the various main characters, starting with "Mysty Hazen".

@khanhannahlewis

[khanhannahlewis]

Isidora shrugs off her long coat, revealing a two-piece swimsuit, which she also pulls off. The skin of her arms and legs terminates halfway down the upper arm and thigh, where they meet silvery rims, with a rubber coating continuing down over the rest of her limb.

"They're technically waterproof but I didn't want to push it."

Apart from that, the most notable augmentation on her body is the series of ports running from her lower skull down to her mid back. At the base ofthe skull, an extra lump around the port shows the presence of a triple core processor. Synthskin seams radiate out from the implants on the back.

From the top of her clavicle to above her navel, stretches a tattoo of a broadsword.

Isidora looks down and realizes the company she's in, and holds her hands over thr tattoo.

"Sorry, I got it a while ago."

@clarissaexplainsbatchall

[clarissaexplainsbatchall]

"Got what? Is it a tattoo? Ooh, does it say This End Up?" She laughs at her own joke, then leans her head back again, sinking up to her neck in the water.

"I have seen that cooling vest. I always thought the costume designer should have gotten a job at a cannery with how full he managed to fill it. Much more interesting than the long shots."

Stretched out and content she reaches out a hand to poke Jehan in the shoulder, "I'm not the only one naked, am I? That would be awkward."

@maddograuda

[maddograuda]

"I think I am the only one still dressed," Rauda reassured Clarissa. "I am in my coolant suit."

They glanced at Isidora's tattoo out of the corner of their eye, biting the inside of their cheek again to keep from making a comment. The air had already been tense enough the last time the topic of the Blakists came up. Besides, their thoughts were preoccupied; like with the fact that being the only one not naked was somehow more awkward than being the only one being naked.

What uncovered skin Rauda had, for now, was similarly scarred. There was the amputation scar, of course, on the middle of the left bicep, as well as plenty criss-crossing their arms and legs. Their tattoo - a teal Rasalhauge dragon - partially covered a knife wound on her jaw, and a nick in the eyebrow above it had scarred in such a way that the hair hadn't grown back over it.

They sat down on their cloak, fiddling with the straps of the suit. It was waterproof, but...

Rauda stood up again almost immediately. "I'll be right back," they announced, slipping up with the contraction awkwardly before excusing themselves to fetch something.

@the-clawtake

[the-clawtake]

Jehan nodded at Rauda reassuringly. He had never understood his Bondsman's body-shyness, putting it down to an Inner Sphere upbringing.

He flashed Isidora a grin with similar intent.

"Say no more. We have all done things that, in hindsight, we might rather have not. We three" he made a little circling gesture with his hand, "Have said our piece. And with the company you keep, I doubt anyone will say anything."

His gaze flashed up to Astrid, and the reassurance dropped, to be replaced with something... chagrined, perhaps.

"After all. If I, of all people, am willing to look past it..." @is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not

[is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not]

Astrid nodded, at both Jehan and Isidora at once.

"Indeed. If Jehan, of all people — the very person that formally called for the Annihilation in the first place, all those decades ago... If he is willing to look past it, so will others."

She chuckled, darkly at first, but the noise grew softer as her gaze returned to Isidora.

"So, you see, you need not worry about the reception to a mere tattoo. Among those of us with the SLDF, at any rate. With others... well," she was interrupted by a yawn, the movement showing off her massive teeth as a side effect, "well, if they take offense anyway, I am still your bondholder. That means they will answer to me. And that is not a fight any but the stupidest will want, I should think."

@khanhannahlewis

[khanhannahlewis]

"Sorry, for making a deal out of it then."

Isidora dips into the water.

"Ah, 311.648 Kelvin. Optimal temperature, i am now learning."

@clarissaexplainsbatchall

[clarissaexplainsbatchall]

Clarissa still wasn't quite sure what this whole tattoo thing was about, but imagined it was something Blakist. One of his great quotes or possibly the man himself. Still, nothing to concern herself with. Peace was her goal and this was a step in the right direction as far as she was concerned.

It's very hard to sell things to an enemy.

She took a long swig from her bottle of beer and let the warm water heat her sore body. The adhesive bandage under her left arm, across her ribs, was more than waterproof enough she wasn't worried about her injury getting infected.

"I have never done anything I regret. I am a pinnacle of good choices and sound strategy. You could all learn from me."

@maddograuda

[maddograuda]

When Rauda returned from their mech - emerging from behind one of the crates of beer after a minute of shrugging out of their coolant suit one-armed - they were a little more suitably dressed for the occasion. Not completely naked, like everybody else; but the 'shorts' on their lower half left very little to the imagination and most of their skin bare. On their top they wore a neoprene binder, of the sort cropped a little above the navel.

Hopefully it wouldn't be enough to overheat in.

Doing their best not to draw attention to the subject of body dysphoria, they picked up their discarded drink from where they had sat it on their cloak. They took a long drag from the bottle as they sank into the water, making a noise that wouldn't have been wholly out of place in a pornographic vid. While they - unlike their CO or Clarissa - had no recent injuries, there were still old aches and pains that appreciated the heat.

"Nothing?" They asked cheekily, catching the tail end of Clarissa's statement. "While I do not regret many of them, most of my 'soundest' strategies have been what some," they winked at Jehan, "would call bad choices." Fun, though. And they were content with where life had taken them.

@the-clawtake

[the-clawtake]

Somewhat belatedly, Jehan remembered Clarissa's disability. Tapping her on the shoulder to be sure of her attention he explained.

"Isidora's tattoo is a Broadsword, Clarissa. The Blakist emblem, demonstrating that The Master knew as much about bladecraft as he did about Latin. You know, Adamus cum flabello dolce."

His own Latin was less than stellar, but sufficient for the joke.

"I myself have never got round to a tattoo. I guess I will have to settle for some impressive scarring."

He glanced down at the surgical scars gracing his torso, before returning his attention to the vid projection.

@is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not

[is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not]

Astrid looks over to Rauda.

"Rauda, may I ask a question, quiaff? It is seldom that I have seen many people, Clan or otherwise, with facial tattoos, outside of traditional cultural ones — they were more common than usual in the Aurigan Coalition with the Polynesian ancestry of many of their people, and of course there was Janos Marik's huge purple Marik eagle forehead tattoo. The choice of the old Rasalhague emblem, and so displayed... I gather it has substantial meaning for you to have it so prominent?"

@khanhannahlewis

[khanhannahlewis]

"Blake... I have heard of mariks and their oddities. Facial tattoos are fairly common here, at least among the Hands and the more religious. Hmm, with this heat I should maybe lay off doing admin tasks in the background."

@clarissaexplainsbatchall

[clarissaexplainsbatchall]

Clarissa resists the urge to reach over and find Jehan's scars. Not a socially correct impulse no matter how much she wanted to know how many he had. "I am afraid I do not know any Latin at all. All of my linguistic skills are practical for trading. I suppose I shall have to live with only knowing more about swords than he did."

She shifts slightly then, lifting her left arm to show off her sleeve tattoo. "I suppose I am sentimental. There is something about the shark as a totem animal that speaks to me. Sleek, smooth, silent and beautiful, but with so many teeth. They are beautiful, quiaff?"

@maddograuda

[the-clawtake]

On one of the few areas of flat terrain outside the Dropport, Jehan surveyed the preparations. All three mobile sauna units - insulated trailers with benches and heating units, essentially - had been deployed in a loose arc surrounding the pit the Elementals had prepared.

They had begun with cratering charges, then cleared out the rubble, and finally smoothed the bottom through the judicious application of pulse lasers. Coolant trucks were already filling it with water to create a shallow pool.

On the top of the central sauna, a projector had been set up, directed at the smoothest section of the Dropport baffles, and the evening's entertainment loaded and queued. While they would not be getting through the entire series - the first run alone had something like two hundred and fifty episodes, each of them about an hour long - it was a rare Clanner who would object to watching 'Tails of Strana Mechty' and none of the First Helios had ever seen it.

He was looking forward to Isidora's reaction to Astrid's character.

On either side of the nascent pool, packing crates had been set up as makeshift tables, and more cratering charges had been used to create barbecue pits. Most of them simply hosted grills of whatever meat could be requisitioned from the supplies they had brought with, but some of his Warriors had tried their luck in the hills, and there were a few examples of the local game roasting.

The weather was giving cool but clear, and having cleared his schedule for the day, he settled his back against a step and watched as tanker after tanker delivered there loads of water, waiting for evening and the start of festivities.

Great Father, but he needed a break.

[is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not]

As Jehan settled back and watched the tankers, suddenly a shadow loomed over him. He had not heard its owner approach, but this could not be held against him—even standard Elementals were trained to move silently out of armor despite their bulk, and looking over he noted that Astrid had already removed her footwear, letting her paws perform one of their natural functions.

"How go the preparations, Jehan?" asked Astrid, standing over him and looking at the sauna trailers. She was wearing only the traditional short black latex shorts of an Elemental in armor, though she had seen fit to wear a matching sports type bra—one that admittedly semeed to be straining for its life—in place of the usual mesh top, and she was cradling the same massive weapon that she had been delivered earlier in the day in her arms. She sat down next to him, placing the weapon off to the side—still within arm's reach, naturally.

"The smell brought me over," she chuckled. "I suppose I am predictable that way, quiaff?"

@khanhannahlewis

[khanhannahlewis]

Isidora, tailing behind Astrid, snaps a salute. Unlike Astrid, she wears a long coat, Star League stars hastily sewn over Blakist swords.

"Good Afternoon, Star Colonel. I'm here too."

@clarissaexplainsbatchall

[clarissaexplainsbatchall]

"Do I recognize those voices?" Clarissa stepped forward with a smile. She had on an ankle length fur lined blue coat of sharkskin leather which engulfed her. In her mittened hand was a white cane which she used to test the ground in front of her because her glasses were completely missing and her grey eyes stared at nothing.

"Sorry if I am intruding, but Jehan invited me. If someone could point me towards him?"

[the-clawtake]

"Over here, Clarissa!" Jehan called loudly, after checking to make sure there weren't any sudden drops in the direct line.

Slightly softer, he made introductions.

"The tall voice is Astrid, Ghost Bear Totem Warrior. The short voice is Isidora, commands the First Helios."

"I would get up, but I am not getting up until the drinks are here."

@is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not

[is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not]

"Hello, Clarissa," Astrid says, raising her voice slightly as well. "I am glad you are here. You gave us quite a scare with that Blakist trooper earlier. Have you recovered well, quiaff?"

Astrid then turns her head to whisper to Isidora.

"Did you bring anything to cover your prosthetics in the spring, or are they waterproofed? We will be naked the whole time, but you will be fine with that, quiaff?"

@khanhannahlewis

[khanhannahlewis]

"Yes, I brought covers."

then, louder.

"Yes, I hope everyone is doing well? Who all was invited?"

@clarissaexplainsbatchall

[clarissaexplainsbatchall]

"Astrid, Isidora. A pleasure to meet you in person." Clarissa smiles broadly, very customer service even now. "I wouldn't call my run in with the trooper a scare compared to your adventures, Astrid; more an embarrassing encounter."

She takes a seat carefully next to Jehan, "A bit more embarrassing if I hadn't been rescued at the last moment by a good samaritan."

@the-clawtake

[maddograuda]

"Am I the last to arrive?"

Rauda raised a hand in greeting, pushing stray curls out hair out of their eyes and back into their braids. They, like Clarissa, were still fully dressed; while they were secure in their gender these days, undressing - even for a sauna - was still a rare moment of insecurity that would probably come a little later in the party.

They glanced briefly at the preparations, letting their hands warm over the grill as they counted heads. Nobody that they hadn't met before, which was nice. Although Jehan could generally be trusted to plan a get-together that Rauda was actually willing to come to.

(He also knew how to throw a party that went into the wee hours and that nobody could walk straight after. But those tended to be more crowded, and less Rauda's cup of kokekaffe. Not, of course, that he hadn't learned how to throw a party from Rauda in their rowdier days... the student had surpassed the master, in that regard (not that they would ever word it as such).)

"Anything I can do, Star Colonel?" they asked, weaving carefully through the attendees to make sure that Clarissa knew they were there (a gentle touch of the elbow as they passed) and without bumping anybody.

@the-clawtake

[the-clawtake]

"Oh, I am sure that you will not be last." Jehan smiled at his XO.

"And you know the rules. No rank in the Sauna. You know Clarissa, of the Sea Foxes?" he gestured at the only one present who could not be classed as a Ghost Bear.

"And I think we are set until Eirik shows up with the drinks. Relax." He took in Rauda's uniform, and Clarissa's big coat, and then glanced down at himself, stripped to the pair of loose shorts he wore in the cockpit, the heavy wool cloak he was sitting on his only compromise with the weather.

"I hear he has been trying to track down local breweries in his spare time."

@is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not

[is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not]

"We shall sample as many of their products as possible," Astrid pauses. She is helping Isidora — who is seated on Astrid's large, fluffy and muscular thigh — get the covers for her prosthetics on, being quite careful, helping with the procedure as instructed several days ago by her bondsman.

"... to see which is most worthy of our business. On that note... Isi, do you have any recommendations on that front, quiaff?"

@khanhannahlewis

[khanhannahlewis]

"No, alas. I have not drunken much. The will of Blake is a strong enough spirit for me."

@clarissaexplainsbatchall

[clarissaexplainsbatchall]

Clarissa carefully keeps track of everyone in her head, an old almost unconscious skill that allows her to at least appear to be looking at who she's talking to. "No religion and no politics if we can avoid it, please. Otherwise I will be going on and on about Crucis March trading regulations all night. Did you know that Marlette does not allow you to wear your own shoes on planet? Something about soil contamination, but you have to leave your shoes on the dropship and they give you these little paper thin slippers that are good for nothing."

She pulls at her mitten to demonstrate, "And when you walk out of the port? Two dozen shoe stores. Infuriating! I wish I had thought of it."

@maddograuda

[maddograuda]

Rauda had been nodding along with the conversation while rolling up their sleeve, and working on releasing the clasp on their prosthetic arm; opting to just remove it, rather than try and waterproof it. They paused for a moment at Isidora's mention of the will of Blake, taking a small but long breath in, and out.

A younger Rauda would have said something sharp. Something that definitely did not fall under the purview of no politics if we can avoid it. Rauda was not that youngster anymore. For the most part, the temper they had been known for in their early days as Jehan's isorla was something they had under much better control... but then, when it came to Blakists, there was a lot of history, both from her time in Clan Ghost Bear, and their attacks on the Free Rasalhague Republic before it joined the Dominion.

Isidora was a good person, and Rauda had no beef with her; no reason at all not to trust her. She had no desire to make her feel uncomfortable at the party, or to dredge up past feelings. And so they returned to the prosthetic, twisting it just above the elbow. There was a sharp click, and the arm came loose. Rauda turned their shoulder to Jehan, silently gesturing him for help removing the leather harness.

"So it is meant to encourage you buying new shoes?" they asked, casually. "Do you get yours back when you leave, or...?" They paused. "Sorry. No religion or politics." They grinned. "Alcohol is still a suitable topic, quiaff? I can help there."

@the-clawtake

[the-clawtake]

Jehan shoved himself to his feet, and busied himself undoing the straps that held Rauda's prosthesis in place. That it kept his expression hidden from Isidora was a fortunate coincidence.

It took great effort to keep his voice level, to keep the rolling growl he felt building at the back of his throat out of his tone.

"You may wish to go easy on the 'Will of Blake' talk around Ghost Bears. Many of Us do not have a high opinion of your Blessed Blake and those things that were done in the name of his Will."

He took a deep breath as he undid the final strap and turned to catch Astrids eyes with his own.

"And that is all I will say on the matter here."

He dropped back to his seat, fiddling with the harness.

"This buckle is loose, Rauda, and this stitching here frays. Bring it by tomorrow and I will see to it for you."

@is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not

[is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not]

Astrid looks to Isidora, with sympathy and a measure of weariness in her eyes. "All three of us Ghost Bears here personally fought against the Word's Jihad, roughly 80 years ago. As much as we, over the past week, have come to understand that many of the Word members on this planet in general and yourself in specific, are not the same violent genocidal fanatics of so long ago..." she says, sighing before she continues.

"The experiences of that time have left many of the Ghost Bears with very strong internal feelings about the Word," Astrid says, looking at Jehan with a mix of understanding and exasperation, "such that even discussing Blake in positive terms or as a religious figure in their presence might lead to conflict. Hopefully, cooler heads and the passage of time will prevail but..."

"Once upon a time, the Ghost Bears were sworn to Annihilate all of the Word of Blake. Do you know what that means, Isi? If the histories you have been taught here are accurate, they will give you a clue," she continues, seeking to turn the moment into further education for her bondswoman.

@khanhannahlewis

[khanhannahlewis]

"I apologize for my misstep. My predecessors were perhaps over-zealous in following the will of the Master, though little of his teachings survive to the cureent day for real reference. If it's any consolation, I do believe that a proper interpretation of the faith would ally it to your cause, what with you all being the real 3rd transfer and all. And also the unit my forces claim lineage from never heavily faced your kind, they were largely deployed rimward of Terra, and were opposed to the use of WMDs during most of the war."

She nervously taps hwr fingers, an unusual gesture in a Manei Domini.

@clarissaexplainsbatchall

[clarissaexplainsbatchall]

Clarissa can feel the tension all around and would rather not be in between a cyborg Blakist and a bunch of Ghost Bears. "What matters right now is that we are all united against the same enemy. The cold. When is the heat starting? I am getting a bit chilly under this coat."

@maddograuda

[maddograuda]

"Thank you, Star Co— Jehan," Rauda smiled, picking up the leather brace. Sure enough, it had seen better days. This wouldn't be the first time it had needed repaired or replaced over the years. But like a good pair of boots, they were reluctant to work in new leather if they didn't have to. "I will."

They touched Jehan's elbow, giving a small shake of their head. Not now. They understood why he'd spoken up. The two of them knew each other well enough by now. But they had also been in Isidora's shoes, as the bondsman amongst near-strangers. In many ways, Rauda had to admit that they still had a bit of a chip on their shoulder about it; and that was as a Rasalhauger. They could only imagine that being from Helios would make it even more difficult.

"No one here judges you," they reassured. And then — taking the cue from Clarissa — they nodded. "Aff. I do not mind the cold, but I will check on the heaters. And the drink."

@the-clawtake

[the-clawtake]

"Is it cold?" Asks Jehan. He sounds like he might be serious.

"The last Sauna was set up about a half hour ago. They should be ready to go any time. I think we are only waiting until everyone is here until we start the entertainment." He grinned

"And I believe here comes Eirik with the drinks." He gestures at where one of the little utility crawlers used around the dropport is trundling towards the pool. It's string of cargo trailers are loaded down with kegs and crates of bottles, and in the front cart a huge redheaded Warrior is driving, looking for all the world like a grown man driving a car made for children.

"We are starting, of course. With the pilot." And here he turns back to Astrid, watching for her expression.

@is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not

[is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not]

"Ah-ha. A long time ago that was," Astrid smiles. "Do mind the early episode oddities."

As she finishes helping Isidora with her prosthetic covers, Astrid hmms. "I wonder if any copies of the series made it to Helios... would you know, Isi?"

As she says this, several of the other Ghost Bears have been bringing over several of the crates and kegs for the officers and guests to pick through for their initial beverage choice, opening the many refrigerated crates, presenting a plethora of bottle sizes, shapes, and labels. Astrid begins to look over the selection, and continues speaking.

"I imagine Jehan will be pointing out trivia as fast as an Ultra autocannon," she chuckles. "It never ceases to amaze, the depth of his knowledge about the show." Her tone is only very lightly teasing — she seems genuinely impressed. "And I imagine that you, Isi, will have many questions for he and I to answer. The alcohol will help there."

She also briefly turns, such that only Rauda can see, and winks at them.

@khanhannahlewis

[khanhannahlewis]

"No, I don't imagine any copies ever made it here."

@clarissaexplainsbatchall

[clarissaexplainsbatchall]

"I actually have not seen much of it myself," Clarissa says. "I guess I will not be seeing any more of it today, ha!"

As the cart rolls up she continues, "I was a fan of The Bounty Hunters actually. Mercenary culture is just so fascinating, is it not? Changing alliances, allies turning to enemies, always struggling for the next payday. It's all very dramatic."

"Could someone get me something dark and Lyran, please? I believe I recently sold the Clawtake a case of Archon's Own."

@maddograuda

[maddograuda]

Rauda couldn't help but chuckle at the sly wink that Astrid shot them; carefully concealing it behind a cleared throat. Was this really going to be Isidora's first time watching 'Tales of Strana Mechty'? Oh, this was going to be good...

Of course, what Rauda chose not to mention was that while they hadn't grown up watching the show, they did hold the high score on more than one arcade campaign based on it. There really was no good way to bring the point up to somebody you'd only known for a couple of weeks. Maybe if they got drunk enough, and the topic came up in conversation; or if Jehan decided they deserved to be embarrassed. (Which, admittedly, he was not remotely above.)

They nodded automatically at Clarissa's request, before it occurred to them who, precisely, they were nodding at. "Aff," they replied. "I'll fetch you some. I want to stretch before the show starts." They had been one-handed for long enough that juggling more than one bottle was a non-issue. For themselves, they found a bottle of sake mead.

@the-clawtake

[the-clawtake]

Jehan went to drag himself to his feet to follow, but barely shifted before he let out a groan and slumped back into his seat.

"On second thoughts, I think I shall live here now."

he gave his head a wry shake.

"I am lucky it was a light PPC that hit my cockpit at the dam. The 'mech grounded most of it, but I took enough of a jolt that I will be stiff and sore, and slow, for a few days."

He shuddered as he remembered the brief but memorable sensation of every muscle seizing, as he pelted past the Blakist Marauder and across the narrow top of the dam to engage the light units before they could get up to any mischief.

He waved off any expression of concern.

"I have had the all-clear. All I need is time, and as reinforcements have arrived, I will be getting that."

@is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not

[is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not]

"Indeed you will, Jehan. I have orders from the Commanding General to see that you do," Astrid chuckles, before putting on her best Melissa impression:

"'I do not care if the resurrected Great Father Himself appears in the sky and descends to guide us once more, Jehan will be taking a mandatory rest. Even if you must sit on him - though if you must, do so as gently as possible, quiaff?' Her words, exactly."

"That aside, I am glad you are taking the time you need. And what better way to do so than with friends, alcohol, and your favorite holovid program, quiaff?"

@khanhannahlewis

[khanhannahlewis]

"On the topic of childhood shows, we do have Immortal Warrior here, but I think everyone has that. Also, on the topic of feedback from hits, I remember it sucking in neurohelmets, but it's so much worse with a DNI."

@clarissaexplainsbatchall

[clarissaexplainsbatchall]

"Only a PPC to the head he says. I take it Jehan has a habit of fighting while injured? He had a concussion before the fight even started, aff?" She shakes her head, then rolls it back on her shoulders to point her face up towards the sky, stretching her neck.

"I would chide him, but earlier today I participated in a trial of possession with a bullet hole in me, so I have no standing in that argument. I am merely glad of his resilience or it is quite likely I would have several more."

"Neurohelm, DNI, and real. I wonder which is worse."

@maddograuda

[maddograuda]

"Jehan has a concussion more often than not, aff," Rauda called, quite casually from the nearest cooler of beer. "I think it explains a lot."

They didn't even look up from their search for something 'dark and Lyran' like Clarissa had requested, nor did they particularly care that they were sassing their bondholder. It was part of their charm; they'd never been the referential type.

"I would like to say I have a leg to stand on," they admitted, somewhat less loudly, "but I would be lying. He has the upbringing to know better, though," they smirked, tucking the beer under their arm and returning with the drinks. They used their belt to knock the top off the beer, before handing the bottle over.

@the-clawtake

[the-clawtake]

"I am." Jehan retorted, "Not that bad."

He somehow managed to keep a straight face saying that, before continuing haughtily - "And if I receive more than my fair share of injuries, it is only because I lead from the front. Now shut up and pass me a beer. The show is starting." His smile belied the harsh words. Indeed, the voiceover was starting, as the projector showed the camera panning across the assembled Totem Warriors in unneccesarily skintight interpretations of their Clan's ceremonial uniform.

Out of the corner of his eye, he watched for Isidora's reactions.

@is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not

[is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not]

"Funny enough," Astrid chuckles. "That intro shot was one of the last things we shot for the pilot episode." A Clawtake Nova stomped into the shallow pool, turned its torso to look at the side of the valley, and fired its lasers several times, only pausing briefly between volleys. Very quickly, the water began to steam. After watching the Nova clamber out of the now-heated pool, Astrid stomped her way over to the edge of the water.

"I believe your MechWarrior has gotten the water to an adequate temperature," Astrid says, before slipping into the water. Soon she was sighing as the heat begins to relax her muscles. "Aff, they have indeed. Come on in now all."

@khanhannahlewis

[khanhannahlewis]

Isidora looks around at the assemblage.

"So, I've never done a Sauna. How do we do this?"

@clarissaexplainsbatchall

[clarissaexplainsbatchall]

Clarissa took the beer and raised it in salute, "Thank you very much, both for the beer and the education." She raised it to her lips and took a deep swallow before the stomping and laser fire made her flinch just slightly. Not a particularly expected way to heat a pool.

"Ah, I suppose it's time then." With that she pulled her boots off, setting them aside, followed by her mittens. Then she shrugged the heavy sharkskin jacket off of her shoulders to reveal absolutely nothing else on underneath. How she looked naked explained a lot about her political beliefs in clan culture.

Her body was toned, sleek and athletic, warrior fit, but her skin was almost unnaturally pale. Her hair was naturally snow white, and her grey eyes, sightless and never focused, told a stark truth. She could take Terra single handedly, overthrow Alaric Ward in single combat, and reunite all the clans as one and even the most liberal of them would still hesitate to add her genetic legacy to their roles.

Still, she wore it well. Across the whole of her back, painted on that spotless canvas of pale skin, was a beautiful underwater scene; a lagoon full of sharks swimming in rays of sun filtering down from above. And her left arm was a sleeve of more ink; another shark, mouth wide and body curling.

She stepped forward, barefoot into the snow, and made a small sound at the cold before dancing forward on tiptoe, cane prodding haphazardly in front of her until she found the pool and slipped into the water with a contented sigh. "So what's happening in the show? Has someone been shot yet?"

@maddograuda

[maddograuda]

Partly to delay the decision on how much clothing to remove, Rauda gave Jehan an affirmative nod, and went to fetch a third drink before returning to the sauna.

They shrugged off their boots, dumping them to one side as they handed their commanding officer and closing friend a bottle, testing the temperature. It was nice. Sinking into it would feel wonderful. But even after decades, stripping down to their underwear was still less simple for Rauda than the prospect of charging down a whole celebration of ghost bears with only a butter knife to-hand. They were down to what they would wear in a mech, of course; but that flattened everything that Rauda liked it to.

"Gratuitous long shots, mostly," Rauda explained to Clarissa, taking a long drink from their bottle of sake mead. The firey taste of the fruit mixed with the honey warmed their throat, as they leaned against a crate with a satisfied noise. "But it will not be long."

@the-clawtake

[the-clawtake]

Taking the beer, Jehan dragged himself to his feet with a groan. He turned it so he could glance at the label. It was a local brand, from one of the breweries on the outskirts of Coen City, and the label proclaimed it as 'Precentor Martial', an amber ale.

Popping the cap on the step he'd been sitting on, he took a swig, and then shrugged out of his heavy cloak. His back was a crosshatch of scars, sets of broad parallel lines, ragged and slightly curved. A surgical scar on his left chest and another along the base of his spine stood out against his pale skin.

Laying the cloak on the step, he kicked his way out of his shorts, set them on the cloak, and folded it over them.

Now nude, he turned to Isidora. Gesturing with the beer, he explained. "The trailers are sauna. They are very hot. The pool is standing in for hot springs, and are also quite hot. The snowdrifts are cold. You go between the three as necessary to stay comfortable. Or show off. And in between you eat, and you drink, and on the big screen we watch your bondholder show off." At this last, he gestured at the aforementioned screen, where by fortunate coincidence, Star Colonel Freyja Jorgensson of Clan Ghost Bear was about to pop out of her coolant vest.

@is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not

[is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not]

"It is truly amazing what can be done with dual-sided reactor tape and a cooling vest half a size too small, quiaff?" Astrid chuckled, sipping her brew of choice.

It was another Coen region local, an unfiltered wheat beer that was incredibly strong — the bottle advertised it as being 'brewed for the Hands of the Master, by the Hands of the Master', in the same poorly translated Latin that the Word seemed to think was proper grammar.

On the screen, the opening scenes of the pilot played, slowly introducing the various main characters, starting with "Mysty Hazen".

@khanhannahlewis

[khanhannahlewis]

Isidora shrugs off her long coat, revealing a two-piece swimsuit, which she also pulls off. The skin of her arms and legs terminates halfway down the upper arm and thigh, where they meet silvery rims, with a rubber coating continuing down over the rest of her limb.

"They're technically waterproof but I didn't want to push it."

Apart from that, the most notable augmentation on her body is the series of ports running from her lower skull down to her mid back. At the base ofthe skull, an extra lump around the port shows the presence of a triple core processor. Synthskin seams radiate out from the implants on the back.

From the top of her clavicle to above her navel, stretches a tattoo of a broadsword.

Isidora looks down and realizes the company she's in, and holds her hands over thr tattoo.

"Sorry, I got it a while ago."

@clarissaexplainsbatchall

[clarissaexplainsbatchall]

"Got what? Is it a tattoo? Ooh, does it say This End Up?" She laughs at her own joke, then leans her head back again, sinking up to her neck in the water.

"I have seen that cooling vest. I always thought the costume designer should have gotten a job at a cannery with how full he managed to fill it. Much more interesting than the long shots."

Stretched out and content she reaches out a hand to poke Jehan in the shoulder, "I'm not the only one naked, am I? That would be awkward."

@maddograuda

[maddograuda]

"I think I am the only one still dressed," Rauda reassured Clarissa. "I am in my coolant suit."

They glanced at Isidora's tattoo out of the corner of their eye, biting the inside of their cheek again to keep from making a comment. The air had already been tense enough the last time the topic of the Blakists came up. Besides, their thoughts were preoccupied; like with the fact that being the only one not naked was somehow more awkward than being the only one being naked.

What uncovered skin Rauda had, for now, was similarly scarred. There was the amputation scar, of course, on the middle of the left bicep, as well as plenty criss-crossing their arms and legs. Their tattoo - a teal Rasalhauge dragon - partially covered a knife wound on her jaw, and a nick in the eyebrow above it had scarred in such a way that the hair hadn't grown back over it.

They sat down on their cloak, fiddling with the straps of the suit. It was waterproof, but...

Rauda stood up again almost immediately. "I'll be right back," they announced, slipping up with the contraction awkwardly before excusing themselves to fetch something.

@the-clawtake

[the-clawtake]

Jehan nodded at Rauda reassuringly. He had never understood his Bondsman's body-shyness, putting it down to an Inner Sphere upbringing.

He flashed Isidora a grin with similar intent.

"Say no more. We have all done things that, in hindsight, we might rather have not. We three" he made a little circling gesture with his hand, "Have said our piece. And with the company you keep, I doubt anyone will say anything."

His gaze flashed up to Astrid, and the reassurance dropped, to be replaced with something... chagrined, perhaps.

"After all. If I, of all people, am willing to look past it..." @is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not

[is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not]

Astrid nodded, at both Jehan and Isidora at once.

"Indeed. If Jehan, of all people — the very person that formally called for the Annihilation in the first place, all those decades ago... If he is willing to look past it, so will others."

She chuckled, darkly at first, but the noise grew softer as her gaze returned to Isidora.

"So, you see, you need not worry about the reception to a mere tattoo. Among those of us with the SLDF, at any rate. With others... well," she was interrupted by a yawn, the movement showing off her massive teeth as a side effect, "well, if they take offense anyway, I am still your bondholder. That means they will answer to me. And that is not a fight any but the stupidest will want, I should think."

@khanhannahlewis

[khanhannahlewis]

"Sorry, for making a deal out of it then."

Isidora dips into the water.

"Ah, 311.648 Kelvin. Optimal temperature, i am now learning."

@clarissaexplainsbatchall

[clarissaexplainsbatchall]

Clarissa still wasn't quite sure what this whole tattoo thing was about, but imagined it was something Blakist. One of his great quotes or possibly the man himself. Still, nothing to concern herself with. Peace was her goal and this was a step in the right direction as far as she was concerned.

It's very hard to sell things to an enemy.

She took a long swig from her bottle of beer and let the warm water heat her sore body. The adhesive bandage under her left arm, across her ribs, was more than waterproof enough she wasn't worried about her injury getting infected.

"I have never done anything I regret. I am a pinnacle of good choices and sound strategy. You could all learn from me."

@maddograuda

[the-clawtake]

On one of the few areas of flat terrain outside the Dropport, Jehan surveyed the preparations. All three mobile sauna units - insulated trailers with benches and heating units, essentially - had been deployed in a loose arc surrounding the pit the Elementals had prepared.

They had begun with cratering charges, then cleared out the rubble, and finally smoothed the bottom through the judicious application of pulse lasers. Coolant trucks were already filling it with water to create a shallow pool.

On the top of the central sauna, a projector had been set up, directed at the smoothest section of the Dropport baffles, and the evening's entertainment loaded and queued. While they would not be getting through the entire series - the first run alone had something like two hundred and fifty episodes, each of them about an hour long - it was a rare Clanner who would object to watching 'Tails of Strana Mechty' and none of the First Helios had ever seen it.

He was looking forward to Isidora's reaction to Astrid's character.

On either side of the nascent pool, packing crates had been set up as makeshift tables, and more cratering charges had been used to create barbecue pits. Most of them simply hosted grills of whatever meat could be requisitioned from the supplies they had brought with, but some of his Warriors had tried their luck in the hills, and there were a few examples of the local game roasting.

The weather was giving cool but clear, and having cleared his schedule for the day, he settled his back against a step and watched as tanker after tanker delivered there loads of water, waiting for evening and the start of festivities.

Great Father, but he needed a break.

[is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not]

As Jehan settled back and watched the tankers, suddenly a shadow loomed over him. He had not heard its owner approach, but this could not be held against him—even standard Elementals were trained to move silently out of armor despite their bulk, and looking over he noted that Astrid had already removed her footwear, letting her paws perform one of their natural functions.

"How go the preparations, Jehan?" asked Astrid, standing over him and looking at the sauna trailers. She was wearing only the traditional short black latex shorts of an Elemental in armor, though she had seen fit to wear a matching sports type bra—one that admittedly semeed to be straining for its life—in place of the usual mesh top, and she was cradling the same massive weapon that she had been delivered earlier in the day in her arms. She sat down next to him, placing the weapon off to the side—still within arm's reach, naturally.

"The smell brought me over," she chuckled. "I suppose I am predictable that way, quiaff?"

@khanhannahlewis

[khanhannahlewis]

Isidora, tailing behind Astrid, snaps a salute. Unlike Astrid, she wears a long coat, Star League stars hastily sewn over Blakist swords.

"Good Afternoon, Star Colonel. I'm here too."

@clarissaexplainsbatchall

[clarissaexplainsbatchall]

"Do I recognize those voices?" Clarissa stepped forward with a smile. She had on an ankle length fur lined blue coat of sharkskin leather which engulfed her. In her mittened hand was a white cane which she used to test the ground in front of her because her glasses were completely missing and her grey eyes stared at nothing.

"Sorry if I am intruding, but Jehan invited me. If someone could point me towards him?"

[the-clawtake]

"Over here, Clarissa!" Jehan called loudly, after checking to make sure there weren't any sudden drops in the direct line.

Slightly softer, he made introductions.

"The tall voice is Astrid, Ghost Bear Totem Warrior. The short voice is Isidora, commands the First Helios."

"I would get up, but I am not getting up until the drinks are here."

@is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not

[is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not]

"Hello, Clarissa," Astrid says, raising her voice slightly as well. "I am glad you are here. You gave us quite a scare with that Blakist trooper earlier. Have you recovered well, quiaff?"

Astrid then turns her head to whisper to Isidora.

"Did you bring anything to cover your prosthetics in the spring, or are they waterproofed? We will be naked the whole time, but you will be fine with that, quiaff?"

@khanhannahlewis

[khanhannahlewis]

"Yes, I brought covers."

then, louder.

"Yes, I hope everyone is doing well? Who all was invited?"

@clarissaexplainsbatchall

[clarissaexplainsbatchall]

"Astrid, Isidora. A pleasure to meet you in person." Clarissa smiles broadly, very customer service even now. "I wouldn't call my run in with the trooper a scare compared to your adventures, Astrid; more an embarrassing encounter."

She takes a seat carefully next to Jehan, "A bit more embarrassing if I hadn't been rescued at the last moment by a good samaritan."

@the-clawtake

[maddograuda]

"Am I the last to arrive?"

Rauda raised a hand in greeting, pushing stray curls out hair out of their eyes and back into their braids. They, like Clarissa, were still fully dressed; while they were secure in their gender these days, undressing - even for a sauna - was still a rare moment of insecurity that would probably come a little later in the party.

They glanced briefly at the preparations, letting their hands warm over the grill as they counted heads. Nobody that they hadn't met before, which was nice. Although Jehan could generally be trusted to plan a get-together that Rauda was actually willing to come to.

(He also knew how to throw a party that went into the wee hours and that nobody could walk straight after. But those tended to be more crowded, and less Rauda's cup of kokekaffe. Not, of course, that he hadn't learned how to throw a party from Rauda in their rowdier days... the student had surpassed the master, in that regard (not that they would ever word it as such).)

"Anything I can do, Star Colonel?" they asked, weaving carefully through the attendees to make sure that Clarissa knew they were there (a gentle touch of the elbow as they passed) and without bumping anybody.

@the-clawtake

[the-clawtake]

"Oh, I am sure that you will not be last." Jehan smiled at his XO.

"And you know the rules. No rank in the Sauna. You know Clarissa, of the Sea Foxes?" he gestured at the only one present who could not be classed as a Ghost Bear.

"And I think we are set until Eirik shows up with the drinks. Relax." He took in Rauda's uniform, and Clarissa's big coat, and then glanced down at himself, stripped to the pair of loose shorts he wore in the cockpit, the heavy wool cloak he was sitting on his only compromise with the weather.

"I hear he has been trying to track down local breweries in his spare time."

@is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not

[is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not]

"We shall sample as many of their products as possible," Astrid pauses. She is helping Isidora — who is seated on Astrid's large, fluffy and muscular thigh — get the covers for her prosthetics on, being quite careful, helping with the procedure as instructed several days ago by her bondsman.

"... to see which is most worthy of our business. On that note... Isi, do you have any recommendations on that front, quiaff?"

@khanhannahlewis

[khanhannahlewis]

"No, alas. I have not drunken much. The will of Blake is a strong enough spirit for me."

@clarissaexplainsbatchall

[clarissaexplainsbatchall]

Clarissa carefully keeps track of everyone in her head, an old almost unconscious skill that allows her to at least appear to be looking at who she's talking to. "No religion and no politics if we can avoid it, please. Otherwise I will be going on and on about Crucis March trading regulations all night. Did you know that Marlette does not allow you to wear your own shoes on planet? Something about soil contamination, but you have to leave your shoes on the dropship and they give you these little paper thin slippers that are good for nothing."

She pulls at her mitten to demonstrate, "And when you walk out of the port? Two dozen shoe stores. Infuriating! I wish I had thought of it."

@maddograuda

[maddograuda]

Rauda had been nodding along with the conversation while rolling up their sleeve, and working on releasing the clasp on their prosthetic arm; opting to just remove it, rather than try and waterproof it. They paused for a moment at Isidora's mention of the will of Blake, taking a small but long breath in, and out.

A younger Rauda would have said something sharp. Something that definitely did not fall under the purview of no politics if we can avoid it. Rauda was not that youngster anymore. For the most part, the temper they had been known for in their early days as Jehan's isorla was something they had under much better control... but then, when it came to Blakists, there was a lot of history, both from her time in Clan Ghost Bear, and their attacks on the Free Rasalhague Republic before it joined the Dominion.

Isidora was a good person, and Rauda had no beef with her; no reason at all not to trust her. She had no desire to make her feel uncomfortable at the party, or to dredge up past feelings. And so they returned to the prosthetic, twisting it just above the elbow. There was a sharp click, and the arm came loose. Rauda turned their shoulder to Jehan, silently gesturing him for help removing the leather harness.

"So it is meant to encourage you buying new shoes?" they asked, casually. "Do you get yours back when you leave, or...?" They paused. "Sorry. No religion or politics." They grinned. "Alcohol is still a suitable topic, quiaff? I can help there."

@the-clawtake

[the-clawtake]

Jehan shoved himself to his feet, and busied himself undoing the straps that held Rauda's prosthesis in place. That it kept his expression hidden from Isidora was a fortunate coincidence.

It took great effort to keep his voice level, to keep the rolling growl he felt building at the back of his throat out of his tone.

"You may wish to go easy on the 'Will of Blake' talk around Ghost Bears. Many of Us do not have a high opinion of your Blessed Blake and those things that were done in the name of his Will."

He took a deep breath as he undid the final strap and turned to catch Astrids eyes with his own.

"And that is all I will say on the matter here."

He dropped back to his seat, fiddling with the harness.

"This buckle is loose, Rauda, and this stitching here frays. Bring it by tomorrow and I will see to it for you."

@is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not

[is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not]

Astrid looks to Isidora, with sympathy and a measure of weariness in her eyes. "All three of us Ghost Bears here personally fought against the Word's Jihad, roughly 80 years ago. As much as we, over the past week, have come to understand that many of the Word members on this planet in general and yourself in specific, are not the same violent genocidal fanatics of so long ago..." she says, sighing before she continues.

"The experiences of that time have left many of the Ghost Bears with very strong internal feelings about the Word," Astrid says, looking at Jehan with a mix of understanding and exasperation, "such that even discussing Blake in positive terms or as a religious figure in their presence might lead to conflict. Hopefully, cooler heads and the passage of time will prevail but..."

"Once upon a time, the Ghost Bears were sworn to Annihilate all of the Word of Blake. Do you know what that means, Isi? If the histories you have been taught here are accurate, they will give you a clue," she continues, seeking to turn the moment into further education for her bondswoman.

@khanhannahlewis

[khanhannahlewis]

"I apologize for my misstep. My predecessors were perhaps over-zealous in following the will of the Master, though little of his teachings survive to the cureent day for real reference. If it's any consolation, I do believe that a proper interpretation of the faith would ally it to your cause, what with you all being the real 3rd transfer and all. And also the unit my forces claim lineage from never heavily faced your kind, they were largely deployed rimward of Terra, and were opposed to the use of WMDs during most of the war."

She nervously taps hwr fingers, an unusual gesture in a Manei Domini.

@clarissaexplainsbatchall

[clarissaexplainsbatchall]

Clarissa can feel the tension all around and would rather not be in between a cyborg Blakist and a bunch of Ghost Bears. "What matters right now is that we are all united against the same enemy. The cold. When is the heat starting? I am getting a bit chilly under this coat."

@maddograuda

[maddograuda]

"Thank you, Star Co— Jehan," Rauda smiled, picking up the leather brace. Sure enough, it had seen better days. This wouldn't be the first time it had needed repaired or replaced over the years. But like a good pair of boots, they were reluctant to work in new leather if they didn't have to. "I will."

They touched Jehan's elbow, giving a small shake of their head. Not now. They understood why he'd spoken up. The two of them knew each other well enough by now. But they had also been in Isidora's shoes, as the bondsman amongst near-strangers. In many ways, Rauda had to admit that they still had a bit of a chip on their shoulder about it; and that was as a Rasalhauger. They could only imagine that being from Helios would make it even more difficult.

"No one here judges you," they reassured. And then — taking the cue from Clarissa — they nodded. "Aff. I do not mind the cold, but I will check on the heaters. And the drink."

@the-clawtake

[the-clawtake]

"Is it cold?" Asks Jehan. He sounds like he might be serious.

"The last Sauna was set up about a half hour ago. They should be ready to go any time. I think we are only waiting until everyone is here until we start the entertainment." He grinned

"And I believe here comes Eirik with the drinks." He gestures at where one of the little utility crawlers used around the dropport is trundling towards the pool. It's string of cargo trailers are loaded down with kegs and crates of bottles, and in the front cart a huge redheaded Warrior is driving, looking for all the world like a grown man driving a car made for children.

"We are starting, of course. With the pilot." And here he turns back to Astrid, watching for her expression.

@is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not

[is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not]

"Ah-ha. A long time ago that was," Astrid smiles. "Do mind the early episode oddities."

As she finishes helping Isidora with her prosthetic covers, Astrid hmms. "I wonder if any copies of the series made it to Helios... would you know, Isi?"

As she says this, several of the other Ghost Bears have been bringing over several of the crates and kegs for the officers and guests to pick through for their initial beverage choice, opening the many refrigerated crates, presenting a plethora of bottle sizes, shapes, and labels. Astrid begins to look over the selection, and continues speaking.

"I imagine Jehan will be pointing out trivia as fast as an Ultra autocannon," she chuckles. "It never ceases to amaze, the depth of his knowledge about the show." Her tone is only very lightly teasing — she seems genuinely impressed. "And I imagine that you, Isi, will have many questions for he and I to answer. The alcohol will help there."

She also briefly turns, such that only Rauda can see, and winks at them.

@khanhannahlewis

[khanhannahlewis]

"No, I don't imagine any copies ever made it here."

@clarissaexplainsbatchall

[clarissaexplainsbatchall]

"I actually have not seen much of it myself," Clarissa says. "I guess I will not be seeing any more of it today, ha!"

As the cart rolls up she continues, "I was a fan of The Bounty Hunters actually. Mercenary culture is just so fascinating, is it not? Changing alliances, allies turning to enemies, always struggling for the next payday. It's all very dramatic."

"Could someone get me something dark and Lyran, please? I believe I recently sold the Clawtake a case of Archon's Own."

@maddograuda

[maddograuda]

Rauda couldn't help but chuckle at the sly wink that Astrid shot them; carefully concealing it behind a cleared throat. Was this really going to be Isidora's first time watching 'Tales of Strana Mechty'? Oh, this was going to be good...

Of course, what Rauda chose not to mention was that while they hadn't grown up watching the show, they did hold the high score on more than one arcade campaign based on it. There really was no good way to bring the point up to somebody you'd only known for a couple of weeks. Maybe if they got drunk enough, and the topic came up in conversation; or if Jehan decided they deserved to be embarrassed. (Which, admittedly, he was not remotely above.)

They nodded automatically at Clarissa's request, before it occurred to them who, precisely, they were nodding at. "Aff," they replied. "I'll fetch you some. I want to stretch before the show starts." They had been one-handed for long enough that juggling more than one bottle was a non-issue. For themselves, they found a bottle of sake mead.

@the-clawtake

[the-clawtake]

Jehan went to drag himself to his feet to follow, but barely shifted before he let out a groan and slumped back into his seat.

"On second thoughts, I think I shall live here now."

he gave his head a wry shake.

"I am lucky it was a light PPC that hit my cockpit at the dam. The 'mech grounded most of it, but I took enough of a jolt that I will be stiff and sore, and slow, for a few days."

He shuddered as he remembered the brief but memorable sensation of every muscle seizing, as he pelted past the Blakist Marauder and across the narrow top of the dam to engage the light units before they could get up to any mischief.

He waved off any expression of concern.

"I have had the all-clear. All I need is time, and as reinforcements have arrived, I will be getting that."

@is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not

[is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not]

"Indeed you will, Jehan. I have orders from the Commanding General to see that you do," Astrid chuckles, before putting on her best Melissa impression:

"'I do not care if the resurrected Great Father Himself appears in the sky and descends to guide us once more, Jehan will be taking a mandatory rest. Even if you must sit on him - though if you must, do so as gently as possible, quiaff?' Her words, exactly."

"That aside, I am glad you are taking the time you need. And what better way to do so than with friends, alcohol, and your favorite holovid program, quiaff?"

@khanhannahlewis

[khanhannahlewis]

"On the topic of childhood shows, we do have Immortal Warrior here, but I think everyone has that. Also, on the topic of feedback from hits, I remember it sucking in neurohelmets, but it's so much worse with a DNI."

@clarissaexplainsbatchall

[clarissaexplainsbatchall]

"Only a PPC to the head he says. I take it Jehan has a habit of fighting while injured? He had a concussion before the fight even started, aff?" She shakes her head, then rolls it back on her shoulders to point her face up towards the sky, stretching her neck.

"I would chide him, but earlier today I participated in a trial of possession with a bullet hole in me, so I have no standing in that argument. I am merely glad of his resilience or it is quite likely I would have several more."

"Neurohelm, DNI, and real. I wonder which is worse."

@maddograuda

[maddograuda]

"Jehan has a concussion more often than not, aff," Rauda called, quite casually from the nearest cooler of beer. "I think it explains a lot."

They didn't even look up from their search for something 'dark and Lyran' like Clarissa had requested, nor did they particularly care that they were sassing their bondholder. It was part of their charm; they'd never been the referential type.

"I would like to say I have a leg to stand on," they admitted, somewhat less loudly, "but I would be lying. He has the upbringing to know better, though," they smirked, tucking the beer under their arm and returning with the drinks. They used their belt to knock the top off the beer, before handing the bottle over.

@the-clawtake

[the-clawtake]

"I am." Jehan retorted, "Not that bad."

He somehow managed to keep a straight face saying that, before continuing haughtily - "And if I receive more than my fair share of injuries, it is only because I lead from the front. Now shut up and pass me a beer. The show is starting." His smile belied the harsh words. Indeed, the voiceover was starting, as the projector showed the camera panning across the assembled Totem Warriors in unneccesarily skintight interpretations of their Clan's ceremonial uniform.

Out of the corner of his eye, he watched for Isidora's reactions.

@is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not

[is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not]

"Funny enough," Astrid chuckles. "That intro shot was one of the last things we shot for the pilot episode." A Clawtake Nova stomped into the shallow pool, turned its torso to look at the side of the valley, and fired its lasers several times, only pausing briefly between volleys. Very quickly, the water began to steam. After watching the Nova clamber out of the now-heated pool, Astrid stomped her way over to the edge of the water.

"I believe your MechWarrior has gotten the water to an adequate temperature," Astrid says, before slipping into the water. Soon she was sighing as the heat begins to relax her muscles. "Aff, they have indeed. Come on in now all."

@khanhannahlewis

[khanhannahlewis]

Isidora looks around at the assemblage.

"So, I've never done a Sauna. How do we do this?"

@clarissaexplainsbatchall

[clarissaexplainsbatchall]

Clarissa took the beer and raised it in salute, "Thank you very much, both for the beer and the education." She raised it to her lips and took a deep swallow before the stomping and laser fire made her flinch just slightly. Not a particularly expected way to heat a pool.

"Ah, I suppose it's time then." With that she pulled her boots off, setting them aside, followed by her mittens. Then she shrugged the heavy sharkskin jacket off of her shoulders to reveal absolutely nothing else on underneath. How she looked naked explained a lot about her political beliefs in clan culture.

Her body was toned, sleek and athletic, warrior fit, but her skin was almost unnaturally pale. Her hair was naturally snow white, and her grey eyes, sightless and never focused, told a stark truth. She could take Terra single handedly, overthrow Alaric Ward in single combat, and reunite all the clans as one and even the most liberal of them would still hesitate to add her genetic legacy to their roles.

Still, she wore it well. Across the whole of her back, painted on that spotless canvas of pale skin, was a beautiful underwater scene; a lagoon full of sharks swimming in rays of sun filtering down from above. And her left arm was a sleeve of more ink; another shark, mouth wide and body curling.

She stepped forward, barefoot into the snow, and made a small sound at the cold before dancing forward on tiptoe, cane prodding haphazardly in front of her until she found the pool and slipped into the water with a contented sigh. "So what's happening in the show? Has someone been shot yet?"

@maddograuda

[maddograuda]

Partly to delay the decision on how much clothing to remove, Rauda gave Jehan an affirmative nod, and went to fetch a third drink before returning to the sauna.

They shrugged off their boots, dumping them to one side as they handed their commanding officer and closing friend a bottle, testing the temperature. It was nice. Sinking into it would feel wonderful. But even after decades, stripping down to their underwear was still less simple for Rauda than the prospect of charging down a whole celebration of ghost bears with only a butter knife to-hand. They were down to what they would wear in a mech, of course; but that flattened everything that Rauda liked it to.

"Gratuitous long shots, mostly," Rauda explained to Clarissa, taking a long drink from their bottle of sake mead. The firey taste of the fruit mixed with the honey warmed their throat, as they leaned against a crate with a satisfied noise. "But it will not be long."

@the-clawtake

[the-clawtake]

Taking the beer, Jehan dragged himself to his feet with a groan. He turned it so he could glance at the label. It was a local brand, from one of the breweries on the outskirts of Coen City, and the label proclaimed it as 'Precentor Martial', an amber ale.

Popping the cap on the step he'd been sitting on, he took a swig, and then shrugged out of his heavy cloak. His back was a crosshatch of scars, sets of broad parallel lines, ragged and slightly curved. A surgical scar on his left chest and another along the base of his spine stood out against his pale skin.

Laying the cloak on the step, he kicked his way out of his shorts, set them on the cloak, and folded it over them.

Now nude, he turned to Isidora. Gesturing with the beer, he explained. "The trailers are sauna. They are very hot. The pool is standing in for hot springs, and are also quite hot. The snowdrifts are cold. You go between the three as necessary to stay comfortable. Or show off. And in between you eat, and you drink, and on the big screen we watch your bondholder show off." At this last, he gestured at the aforementioned screen, where by fortunate coincidence, Star Colonel Freyja Jorgensson of Clan Ghost Bear was about to pop out of her coolant vest.

@is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not

[is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not]

"It is truly amazing what can be done with dual-sided reactor tape and a cooling vest half a size too small, quiaff?" Astrid chuckled, sipping her brew of choice.

It was another Coen region local, an unfiltered wheat beer that was incredibly strong — the bottle advertised it as being 'brewed for the Hands of the Master, by the Hands of the Master', in the same poorly translated Latin that the Word seemed to think was proper grammar.

On the screen, the opening scenes of the pilot played, slowly introducing the various main characters, starting with "Mysty Hazen".

@khanhannahlewis

[khanhannahlewis]

Isidora shrugs off her long coat, revealing a two-piece swimsuit, which she also pulls off. The skin of her arms and legs terminates halfway down the upper arm and thigh, where they meet silvery rims, with a rubber coating continuing down over the rest of her limb.

"They're technically waterproof but I didn't want to push it."

Apart from that, the most notable augmentation on her body is the series of ports running from her lower skull down to her mid back. At the base ofthe skull, an extra lump around the port shows the presence of a triple core processor. Synthskin seams radiate out from the implants on the back.

From the top of her clavicle to above her navel, stretches a tattoo of a broadsword.

Isidora looks down and realizes the company she's in, and holds her hands over thr tattoo.

"Sorry, I got it a while ago."

@clarissaexplainsbatchall

[clarissaexplainsbatchall]

"Got what? Is it a tattoo? Ooh, does it say This End Up?" She laughs at her own joke, then leans her head back again, sinking up to her neck in the water.

"I have seen that cooling vest. I always thought the costume designer should have gotten a job at a cannery with how full he managed to fill it. Much more interesting than the long shots."

Stretched out and content she reaches out a hand to poke Jehan in the shoulder, "I'm not the only one naked, am I? That would be awkward."

@maddograuda

[the-clawtake]

On one of the few areas of flat terrain outside the Dropport, Jehan surveyed the preparations. All three mobile sauna units - insulated trailers with benches and heating units, essentially - had been deployed in a loose arc surrounding the pit the Elementals had prepared.

They had begun with cratering charges, then cleared out the rubble, and finally smoothed the bottom through the judicious application of pulse lasers. Coolant trucks were already filling it with water to create a shallow pool.

On the top of the central sauna, a projector had been set up, directed at the smoothest section of the Dropport baffles, and the evening's entertainment loaded and queued. While they would not be getting through the entire series - the first run alone had something like two hundred and fifty episodes, each of them about an hour long - it was a rare Clanner who would object to watching 'Tails of Strana Mechty' and none of the First Helios had ever seen it.

He was looking forward to Isidora's reaction to Astrid's character.

On either side of the nascent pool, packing crates had been set up as makeshift tables, and more cratering charges had been used to create barbecue pits. Most of them simply hosted grills of whatever meat could be requisitioned from the supplies they had brought with, but some of his Warriors had tried their luck in the hills, and there were a few examples of the local game roasting.

The weather was giving cool but clear, and having cleared his schedule for the day, he settled his back against a step and watched as tanker after tanker delivered there loads of water, waiting for evening and the start of festivities.

Great Father, but he needed a break.

[is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not]

As Jehan settled back and watched the tankers, suddenly a shadow loomed over him. He had not heard its owner approach, but this could not be held against him—even standard Elementals were trained to move silently out of armor despite their bulk, and looking over he noted that Astrid had already removed her footwear, letting her paws perform one of their natural functions.

"How go the preparations, Jehan?" asked Astrid, standing over him and looking at the sauna trailers. She was wearing only the traditional short black latex shorts of an Elemental in armor, though she had seen fit to wear a matching sports type bra—one that admittedly semeed to be straining for its life—in place of the usual mesh top, and she was cradling the same massive weapon that she had been delivered earlier in the day in her arms. She sat down next to him, placing the weapon off to the side—still within arm's reach, naturally.

"The smell brought me over," she chuckled. "I suppose I am predictable that way, quiaff?"

@khanhannahlewis

[khanhannahlewis]

Isidora, tailing behind Astrid, snaps a salute. Unlike Astrid, she wears a long coat, Star League stars hastily sewn over Blakist swords.

"Good Afternoon, Star Colonel. I'm here too."

@clarissaexplainsbatchall

[clarissaexplainsbatchall]

"Do I recognize those voices?" Clarissa stepped forward with a smile. She had on an ankle length fur lined blue coat of sharkskin leather which engulfed her. In her mittened hand was a white cane which she used to test the ground in front of her because her glasses were completely missing and her grey eyes stared at nothing.

"Sorry if I am intruding, but Jehan invited me. If someone could point me towards him?"

[the-clawtake]

"Over here, Clarissa!" Jehan called loudly, after checking to make sure there weren't any sudden drops in the direct line.

Slightly softer, he made introductions.

"The tall voice is Astrid, Ghost Bear Totem Warrior. The short voice is Isidora, commands the First Helios."

"I would get up, but I am not getting up until the drinks are here."

@is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not

[is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not]

"Hello, Clarissa," Astrid says, raising her voice slightly as well. "I am glad you are here. You gave us quite a scare with that Blakist trooper earlier. Have you recovered well, quiaff?"

Astrid then turns her head to whisper to Isidora.

"Did you bring anything to cover your prosthetics in the spring, or are they waterproofed? We will be naked the whole time, but you will be fine with that, quiaff?"

@khanhannahlewis

[khanhannahlewis]

"Yes, I brought covers."

then, louder.

"Yes, I hope everyone is doing well? Who all was invited?"

@clarissaexplainsbatchall

[clarissaexplainsbatchall]

"Astrid, Isidora. A pleasure to meet you in person." Clarissa smiles broadly, very customer service even now. "I wouldn't call my run in with the trooper a scare compared to your adventures, Astrid; more an embarrassing encounter."

She takes a seat carefully next to Jehan, "A bit more embarrassing if I hadn't been rescued at the last moment by a good samaritan."

@the-clawtake

[maddograuda]

"Am I the last to arrive?"

Rauda raised a hand in greeting, pushing stray curls out hair out of their eyes and back into their braids. They, like Clarissa, were still fully dressed; while they were secure in their gender these days, undressing - even for a sauna - was still a rare moment of insecurity that would probably come a little later in the party.

They glanced briefly at the preparations, letting their hands warm over the grill as they counted heads. Nobody that they hadn't met before, which was nice. Although Jehan could generally be trusted to plan a get-together that Rauda was actually willing to come to.

(He also knew how to throw a party that went into the wee hours and that nobody could walk straight after. But those tended to be more crowded, and less Rauda's cup of kokekaffe. Not, of course, that he hadn't learned how to throw a party from Rauda in their rowdier days... the student had surpassed the master, in that regard (not that they would ever word it as such).)

"Anything I can do, Star Colonel?" they asked, weaving carefully through the attendees to make sure that Clarissa knew they were there (a gentle touch of the elbow as they passed) and without bumping anybody.

@the-clawtake

[the-clawtake]

"Oh, I am sure that you will not be last." Jehan smiled at his XO.

"And you know the rules. No rank in the Sauna. You know Clarissa, of the Sea Foxes?" he gestured at the only one present who could not be classed as a Ghost Bear.

"And I think we are set until Eirik shows up with the drinks. Relax." He took in Rauda's uniform, and Clarissa's big coat, and then glanced down at himself, stripped to the pair of loose shorts he wore in the cockpit, the heavy wool cloak he was sitting on his only compromise with the weather.

"I hear he has been trying to track down local breweries in his spare time."

@is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not

[is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not]

"We shall sample as many of their products as possible," Astrid pauses. She is helping Isidora — who is seated on Astrid's large, fluffy and muscular thigh — get the covers for her prosthetics on, being quite careful, helping with the procedure as instructed several days ago by her bondsman.

"... to see which is most worthy of our business. On that note... Isi, do you have any recommendations on that front, quiaff?"

@khanhannahlewis

[khanhannahlewis]

"No, alas. I have not drunken much. The will of Blake is a strong enough spirit for me."

@clarissaexplainsbatchall

[clarissaexplainsbatchall]

Clarissa carefully keeps track of everyone in her head, an old almost unconscious skill that allows her to at least appear to be looking at who she's talking to. "No religion and no politics if we can avoid it, please. Otherwise I will be going on and on about Crucis March trading regulations all night. Did you know that Marlette does not allow you to wear your own shoes on planet? Something about soil contamination, but you have to leave your shoes on the dropship and they give you these little paper thin slippers that are good for nothing."

She pulls at her mitten to demonstrate, "And when you walk out of the port? Two dozen shoe stores. Infuriating! I wish I had thought of it."

@maddograuda

[maddograuda]

Rauda had been nodding along with the conversation while rolling up their sleeve, and working on releasing the clasp on their prosthetic arm; opting to just remove it, rather than try and waterproof it. They paused for a moment at Isidora's mention of the will of Blake, taking a small but long breath in, and out.

A younger Rauda would have said something sharp. Something that definitely did not fall under the purview of no politics if we can avoid it. Rauda was not that youngster anymore. For the most part, the temper they had been known for in their early days as Jehan's isorla was something they had under much better control... but then, when it came to Blakists, there was a lot of history, both from her time in Clan Ghost Bear, and their attacks on the Free Rasalhague Republic before it joined the Dominion.

Isidora was a good person, and Rauda had no beef with her; no reason at all not to trust her. She had no desire to make her feel uncomfortable at the party, or to dredge up past feelings. And so they returned to the prosthetic, twisting it just above the elbow. There was a sharp click, and the arm came loose. Rauda turned their shoulder to Jehan, silently gesturing him for help removing the leather harness.

"So it is meant to encourage you buying new shoes?" they asked, casually. "Do you get yours back when you leave, or...?" They paused. "Sorry. No religion or politics." They grinned. "Alcohol is still a suitable topic, quiaff? I can help there."

@the-clawtake

[the-clawtake]

Jehan shoved himself to his feet, and busied himself undoing the straps that held Rauda's prosthesis in place. That it kept his expression hidden from Isidora was a fortunate coincidence.

It took great effort to keep his voice level, to keep the rolling growl he felt building at the back of his throat out of his tone.

"You may wish to go easy on the 'Will of Blake' talk around Ghost Bears. Many of Us do not have a high opinion of your Blessed Blake and those things that were done in the name of his Will."

He took a deep breath as he undid the final strap and turned to catch Astrids eyes with his own.

"And that is all I will say on the matter here."

He dropped back to his seat, fiddling with the harness.

"This buckle is loose, Rauda, and this stitching here frays. Bring it by tomorrow and I will see to it for you."

@is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not

[is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not]

Astrid looks to Isidora, with sympathy and a measure of weariness in her eyes. "All three of us Ghost Bears here personally fought against the Word's Jihad, roughly 80 years ago. As much as we, over the past week, have come to understand that many of the Word members on this planet in general and yourself in specific, are not the same violent genocidal fanatics of so long ago..." she says, sighing before she continues.

"The experiences of that time have left many of the Ghost Bears with very strong internal feelings about the Word," Astrid says, looking at Jehan with a mix of understanding and exasperation, "such that even discussing Blake in positive terms or as a religious figure in their presence might lead to conflict. Hopefully, cooler heads and the passage of time will prevail but..."

"Once upon a time, the Ghost Bears were sworn to Annihilate all of the Word of Blake. Do you know what that means, Isi? If the histories you have been taught here are accurate, they will give you a clue," she continues, seeking to turn the moment into further education for her bondswoman.

@khanhannahlewis

[khanhannahlewis]

"I apologize for my misstep. My predecessors were perhaps over-zealous in following the will of the Master, though little of his teachings survive to the cureent day for real reference. If it's any consolation, I do believe that a proper interpretation of the faith would ally it to your cause, what with you all being the real 3rd transfer and all. And also the unit my forces claim lineage from never heavily faced your kind, they were largely deployed rimward of Terra, and were opposed to the use of WMDs during most of the war."

She nervously taps hwr fingers, an unusual gesture in a Manei Domini.

@clarissaexplainsbatchall

[clarissaexplainsbatchall]

Clarissa can feel the tension all around and would rather not be in between a cyborg Blakist and a bunch of Ghost Bears. "What matters right now is that we are all united against the same enemy. The cold. When is the heat starting? I am getting a bit chilly under this coat."

@maddograuda

[maddograuda]

"Thank you, Star Co— Jehan," Rauda smiled, picking up the leather brace. Sure enough, it had seen better days. This wouldn't be the first time it had needed repaired or replaced over the years. But like a good pair of boots, they were reluctant to work in new leather if they didn't have to. "I will."

They touched Jehan's elbow, giving a small shake of their head. Not now. They understood why he'd spoken up. The two of them knew each other well enough by now. But they had also been in Isidora's shoes, as the bondsman amongst near-strangers. In many ways, Rauda had to admit that they still had a bit of a chip on their shoulder about it; and that was as a Rasalhauger. They could only imagine that being from Helios would make it even more difficult.

"No one here judges you," they reassured. And then — taking the cue from Clarissa — they nodded. "Aff. I do not mind the cold, but I will check on the heaters. And the drink."

@the-clawtake

[the-clawtake]

"Is it cold?" Asks Jehan. He sounds like he might be serious.

"The last Sauna was set up about a half hour ago. They should be ready to go any time. I think we are only waiting until everyone is here until we start the entertainment." He grinned

"And I believe here comes Eirik with the drinks." He gestures at where one of the little utility crawlers used around the dropport is trundling towards the pool. It's string of cargo trailers are loaded down with kegs and crates of bottles, and in the front cart a huge redheaded Warrior is driving, looking for all the world like a grown man driving a car made for children.

"We are starting, of course. With the pilot." And here he turns back to Astrid, watching for her expression.

@is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not

[is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not]

"Ah-ha. A long time ago that was," Astrid smiles. "Do mind the early episode oddities."

As she finishes helping Isidora with her prosthetic covers, Astrid hmms. "I wonder if any copies of the series made it to Helios... would you know, Isi?"

As she says this, several of the other Ghost Bears have been bringing over several of the crates and kegs for the officers and guests to pick through for their initial beverage choice, opening the many refrigerated crates, presenting a plethora of bottle sizes, shapes, and labels. Astrid begins to look over the selection, and continues speaking.

"I imagine Jehan will be pointing out trivia as fast as an Ultra autocannon," she chuckles. "It never ceases to amaze, the depth of his knowledge about the show." Her tone is only very lightly teasing — she seems genuinely impressed. "And I imagine that you, Isi, will have many questions for he and I to answer. The alcohol will help there."

She also briefly turns, such that only Rauda can see, and winks at them.

@khanhannahlewis

[khanhannahlewis]

"No, I don't imagine any copies ever made it here."

@clarissaexplainsbatchall

[clarissaexplainsbatchall]

"I actually have not seen much of it myself," Clarissa says. "I guess I will not be seeing any more of it today, ha!"

As the cart rolls up she continues, "I was a fan of The Bounty Hunters actually. Mercenary culture is just so fascinating, is it not? Changing alliances, allies turning to enemies, always struggling for the next payday. It's all very dramatic."

"Could someone get me something dark and Lyran, please? I believe I recently sold the Clawtake a case of Archon's Own."

@maddograuda

[maddograuda]

Rauda couldn't help but chuckle at the sly wink that Astrid shot them; carefully concealing it behind a cleared throat. Was this really going to be Isidora's first time watching 'Tales of Strana Mechty'? Oh, this was going to be good...

Of course, what Rauda chose not to mention was that while they hadn't grown up watching the show, they did hold the high score on more than one arcade campaign based on it. There really was no good way to bring the point up to somebody you'd only known for a couple of weeks. Maybe if they got drunk enough, and the topic came up in conversation; or if Jehan decided they deserved to be embarrassed. (Which, admittedly, he was not remotely above.)

They nodded automatically at Clarissa's request, before it occurred to them who, precisely, they were nodding at. "Aff," they replied. "I'll fetch you some. I want to stretch before the show starts." They had been one-handed for long enough that juggling more than one bottle was a non-issue. For themselves, they found a bottle of sake mead.

@the-clawtake

[the-clawtake]

Jehan went to drag himself to his feet to follow, but barely shifted before he let out a groan and slumped back into his seat.

"On second thoughts, I think I shall live here now."

he gave his head a wry shake.

"I am lucky it was a light PPC that hit my cockpit at the dam. The 'mech grounded most of it, but I took enough of a jolt that I will be stiff and sore, and slow, for a few days."

He shuddered as he remembered the brief but memorable sensation of every muscle seizing, as he pelted past the Blakist Marauder and across the narrow top of the dam to engage the light units before they could get up to any mischief.

He waved off any expression of concern.

"I have had the all-clear. All I need is time, and as reinforcements have arrived, I will be getting that."

@is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not

[is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not]

"Indeed you will, Jehan. I have orders from the Commanding General to see that you do," Astrid chuckles, before putting on her best Melissa impression:

"'I do not care if the resurrected Great Father Himself appears in the sky and descends to guide us once more, Jehan will be taking a mandatory rest. Even if you must sit on him - though if you must, do so as gently as possible, quiaff?' Her words, exactly."

"That aside, I am glad you are taking the time you need. And what better way to do so than with friends, alcohol, and your favorite holovid program, quiaff?"

@khanhannahlewis

[khanhannahlewis]

"On the topic of childhood shows, we do have Immortal Warrior here, but I think everyone has that. Also, on the topic of feedback from hits, I remember it sucking in neurohelmets, but it's so much worse with a DNI."

@clarissaexplainsbatchall

[clarissaexplainsbatchall]

"Only a PPC to the head he says. I take it Jehan has a habit of fighting while injured? He had a concussion before the fight even started, aff?" She shakes her head, then rolls it back on her shoulders to point her face up towards the sky, stretching her neck.

"I would chide him, but earlier today I participated in a trial of possession with a bullet hole in me, so I have no standing in that argument. I am merely glad of his resilience or it is quite likely I would have several more."

"Neurohelm, DNI, and real. I wonder which is worse."

@maddograuda

[maddograuda]

"Jehan has a concussion more often than not, aff," Rauda called, quite casually from the nearest cooler of beer. "I think it explains a lot."

They didn't even look up from their search for something 'dark and Lyran' like Clarissa had requested, nor did they particularly care that they were sassing their bondholder. It was part of their charm; they'd never been the referential type.

"I would like to say I have a leg to stand on," they admitted, somewhat less loudly, "but I would be lying. He has the upbringing to know better, though," they smirked, tucking the beer under their arm and returning with the drinks. They used their belt to knock the top off the beer, before handing the bottle over.

@the-clawtake

[the-clawtake]

"I am." Jehan retorted, "Not that bad."

He somehow managed to keep a straight face saying that, before continuing haughtily - "And if I receive more than my fair share of injuries, it is only because I lead from the front. Now shut up and pass me a beer. The show is starting." His smile belied the harsh words. Indeed, the voiceover was starting, as the projector showed the camera panning across the assembled Totem Warriors in unneccesarily skintight interpretations of their Clan's ceremonial uniform.

Out of the corner of his eye, he watched for Isidora's reactions.

@is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not

[is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not]

"Funny enough," Astrid chuckles. "That intro shot was one of the last things we shot for the pilot episode." A Clawtake Nova stomped into the shallow pool, turned its torso to look at the side of the valley, and fired its lasers several times, only pausing briefly between volleys. Very quickly, the water began to steam. After watching the Nova clamber out of the now-heated pool, Astrid stomped her way over to the edge of the water.

"I believe your MechWarrior has gotten the water to an adequate temperature," Astrid says, before slipping into the water. Soon she was sighing as the heat begins to relax her muscles. "Aff, they have indeed. Come on in now all."

@khanhannahlewis

[khanhannahlewis]

Isidora looks around at the assemblage.

"So, I've never done a Sauna. How do we do this?"

@clarissaexplainsbatchall

[clarissaexplainsbatchall]

Clarissa took the beer and raised it in salute, "Thank you very much, both for the beer and the education." She raised it to her lips and took a deep swallow before the stomping and laser fire made her flinch just slightly. Not a particularly expected way to heat a pool.

"Ah, I suppose it's time then." With that she pulled her boots off, setting them aside, followed by her mittens. Then she shrugged the heavy sharkskin jacket off of her shoulders to reveal absolutely nothing else on underneath. How she looked naked explained a lot about her political beliefs in clan culture.

Her body was toned, sleek and athletic, warrior fit, but her skin was almost unnaturally pale. Her hair was naturally snow white, and her grey eyes, sightless and never focused, told a stark truth. She could take Terra single handedly, overthrow Alaric Ward in single combat, and reunite all the clans as one and even the most liberal of them would still hesitate to add her genetic legacy to their roles.

Still, she wore it well. Across the whole of her back, painted on that spotless canvas of pale skin, was a beautiful underwater scene; a lagoon full of sharks swimming in rays of sun filtering down from above. And her left arm was a sleeve of more ink; another shark, mouth wide and body curling.

She stepped forward, barefoot into the snow, and made a small sound at the cold before dancing forward on tiptoe, cane prodding haphazardly in front of her until she found the pool and slipped into the water with a contented sigh. "So what's happening in the show? Has someone been shot yet?"

@maddograuda

[clarissaexplainsbatchall]

Bridge

CSF Saucy Shark

Modified Overlord-C class DropShip

Attached to Delta Aimag, Tiburon Khanate, Clan Sea Fox

In Orbit

Helios

0750 hours (Local Time), 12 October 3153

Star Captain Vanna Rodriguez set her noteputer down on the arm of her command chair, and moved her hand to the built-in cup holder on the opposite side. Picking the cup up, she slid the magnetized seal open, and brought it to her lips to drink.

Still warm. Good, she thought, and smiled at the warmth of the drink, and the complex flavors it held. She favored an expensive beverage — beans imported from somewhere in the Lyran Commonwealth, spices from half a dozen different systems, even Terra itself. It was worth it, though.

Vanna looked out of the bridge window with her deep blue eyes. The vibration from the Saucy Shark's engines ceased as the orbital insertion burn finished. She could see the planet spread out below them, the red tinged nebula that surrounded the system, and the planet's sole large moon.

As she watched, the moon spun and a swarm of lights crossed into view from behind it — the DropShips and WarShips of the new Star League, along with a mobile space station, a massive modular thing that now served as the final stop for any SLDF ships heading to the surface of Helios.

"Sensors, any Blakist fighters or defenses to worry about, quineg?" Vanna asked one of the bridge crew.

"Neg, Star Captain. It seems the SLDF is maintaining a tight grip on orbit."

At that moment, four massive shapes came into view, cresting over the planet.

Four WarShips, one of which was a battleship no less. Any WarShip at all was a thing rarely seen in the modern day and age, and yet here these four were, and dozens more besides. It was an impressive sight. But even more impressive was sight of the name painted on the side of the largest of the four vessels.

SLS McKenna's Pride.

Perhaps the most famous WarShip in history. And yet here she was. And to render things even more bizarre, she was flanked by perhaps one of the most infamous WarShips in history, now wearing Star League grey and sporting the Cameron Star.

SLS Sabre Cat.

Before her mind could get too distracted, Vanna pulled herself away from the spectacle, and turned to her communications officer.

"Have we established contact with SLDF headquarters on planet?"

"Aff, Star Captain."

"Would you inquire as to whether they can put us in touch with Star Commander Clarissa, quiaff?"

"Aff."

Vanna nodded. She heard the bridge door open behind her, the clicking of magboots on the deck, and then a massive hand went to her shoulder and squeezed softly. She knew who it was without even turning around.

Senior Merchant Emma. A former warrior, a trueborn Elemental who had washed out of sibko, and Vanna's partner. Emma was in charge of merchant operations for the entire aimag. She was somewhat less bulky than many Elementals, but no less powerful for it. And she was beautiful, a head taller than Vanna, with long blonde hair that she habitually let fall behind her.

"We will be ready when we land, quiaff?"

"Aff, Senior Merchant, we will."

"Excellent, Vanna," said Emma.

"And you will be ready in return, quiaff? For what we discussed?" Vanna asked, smiling.

"Aff, Vanna. I shall be."

"Good."

Vanna watched as the crew of the Shark busied themselves. The Saucy Shark was not a typical Overlord-C. Instead of 'Mechs and more guns than Emma could swing an Atlas at, the Shark instead carried something just as vital to her Clan, the SLDF, and this operation: Food, supplies, and ingredients.

Nestled in the Shark's deployment bays, alongside a Nova of BattleMechs and Elementals for base security duties, were fifteen mobile field kitchens. And unlike the somewhat austere military field kitchens that were more commonplace, the Shark instead carried fully licensed, completely equipped, and portable franchise restaurants, representing a swath of famous chains across the Inner Sphere — among them were Kung Pao Kapellan, McDonald's, Little Caesar's, Canopian Coffee Delight, the aimag's own Taco Shark, and even the recently revived Triple F Burger, and an onboard brewery. Ingredients were supplied by onboard aquaponics, hydroponics, aeroponics, and additive printers connected to meat culturing tanks, in addition to huge cargo bays full of fresh ingredients, whether bulk, refrigerated, or insulated. The Shark even carried a fully equipped and similarly portable prefabricated SLDF post exchange store — ten times the size of the one currently deployed at the main SLDF base planetside, which was little more than a converted ten-ton cargo container.

The Shark was a mobile feast of familiarity and the comforts of home, and the Commanding General herself had requested her presence on Helios. But this made sense to Vanna and Emma. The stories of Melissa Hazen's pride in and care for her troops were known, even to them.

"Star Captain? Senior Merchant?"

"Aff?" Vanna replied.

"I have Star Commander Clarissa on the line for you."

Vanna nodded, and placed the headset onto her ear, as Emma did the same.

Clarissa had a headache. Between sword fights, mech battles, espionage, counter espionage, and running a grey market the past few days had been quite a lot for her to handle. And now the senior merchant of her Aimag was coming and Clarissa hadn't quite finished writing up the public books yet. The ones that didn't include things like Draconis Combine cigarettes and unregistered personal firearms.

Still, she kept her face pleasant and smiling as the screen came on. "Star Captain, Senior Merchant! What a pleasant surprise to have you here. And bringing an entire food court with you. I haven't seen you since..."

Since she got audited. "In too long! I look forward to enjoying some Super Sharko Burritos with you while we... Catch up on old times."

The Charcarodon needed to start camouflaging its smuggling compartments immediately.

[is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not]

"Clarissa," Emma says warmly. "I trust things have been well prepared? You have not had too much trouble? Not too many expenses incurred? Not too many... unauthorized transactions that I will need to spend time dealing with?" she asks, teasingly, before laughing.

"I jest... mostly. I know there are extenuating circumstances with... some... of your transactions, and on that note I just recently received an interesting communiqué from the saKhan. I will not go into the details over radio, but suffice to say that when it was followed by a message from the Commanding General herself, I listened."

"Bottom line, I am not here to audit you, nor micromanage you. I am here to see to it that the Clan gets into the good graces of the local government, if such a thing is possible with stravag Blakists."

"We will landing at the main SLDF base within two hours. I would request to see you at that time, for a report. I have read the reports sent by Merchant Matthias, but you will no doubt have a more unique perspective that I wish to hear."

@clarissaexplainsbatchall

[clarissaexplainsbatchall]

Huh. Apparently she had friends in high places. "Yes, of course. The local government could use some good will. We just blew up half a space port and I doubt that they are looking forward to rebuilding that. Inexpensive construction materials would likely go a long way towards getting into their good graces."

"I admit that I have mostly been focused on the SLDF. A war machine of this size requires many resources, and providing them has proven both profitable and ingratiating. Soldiers truly appreciate the little things."

She was still putting the Charcarodon on lockdown. A promise is only a promise until your back is turned, after all.

[is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not]

"That they do. If you have the Chararodon with you, I would prefer to meet there."

Vanna smiled. "And if you have any of the nice stuff, keep it out, would you? A month of space travel, I could use some quality alcohol. You understand, quiaff?"

While Emma gave her partner a look of annoyance, it was not a serious one. Vanna always did care less about where things came from; that Emma offered no immediate objection was new... perhaps she didvnot care either? That would be highly contrary to their interactions in the past... but then those had all been scheduled audits. Official proceedings.

@clarissaexplainsbatchall

[clarissaexplainsbatchall]

"Of course, the highest quality that I can provide." Perfectly legally acquired Terran brandy and definitely not bootleg Cappellan coca wine no matter how much the Tamar mercenaries were willing to pay for it.

"I will see if I can get the Charcaradon prepared for guests. We have been swamped recently with all the customers. It is frankly a mess, but I shall see what I can do." This was a trap. A huge trap. Clarissa was being hunted for sure.

[is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not]

"Very well, we will see you soon," says Emma. She signs off, and soon leaves the bridge.

Vanna stays on the line, though, switching to an encrypted line.

"So... how much contraband are you scrambling to hide right now?" she chuckles knowingly. "You understand she is not going to care, quiaff?"

[clarissaexplainsbatchall]

"I have never trafficked in any kind of contraband," Clarissa said sounding as affronted as she could manage. "I have always done my best to maintain the highest standards of a Sea Fox merchant factor and warrior."

Clarissa was a very good liar. She took great pride in it. "Part of those standards involves never allowing the reputation of the clan to be tarnished by my actions." Which meant she wasn't going to let anyone catch her doing anything dishonorable. *Anyone*. "I look forward to hosting you."

[clarissaexplainsbatchall]

Bridge

CSF Saucy Shark

Modified Overlord-C class DropShip

Attached to Delta Aimag, Tiburon Khanate, Clan Sea Fox

In Orbit

Helios

0750 hours (Local Time), 12 October 3153

Star Captain Vanna Rodriguez set her noteputer down on the arm of her command chair, and moved her hand to the built-in cup holder on the opposite side. Picking the cup up, she slid the magnetized seal open, and brought it to her lips to drink.

Still warm. Good, she thought, and smiled at the warmth of the drink, and the complex flavors it held. She favored an expensive beverage — beans imported from somewhere in the Lyran Commonwealth, spices from half a dozen different systems, even Terra itself. It was worth it, though.

Vanna looked out of the bridge window with her deep blue eyes. The vibration from the Saucy Shark's engines ceased as the orbital insertion burn finished. She could see the planet spread out below them, the red tinged nebula that surrounded the system, and the planet's sole large moon.

As she watched, the moon spun and a swarm of lights crossed into view from behind it — the DropShips and WarShips of the new Star League, along with a mobile space station, a massive modular thing that now served as the final stop for any SLDF ships heading to the surface of Helios.

"Sensors, any Blakist fighters or defenses to worry about, quineg?" Vanna asked one of the bridge crew.

"Neg, Star Captain. It seems the SLDF is maintaining a tight grip on orbit."

At that moment, four massive shapes came into view, cresting over the planet.

Four WarShips, one of which was a battleship no less. Any WarShip at all was a thing rarely seen in the modern day and age, and yet here these four were, and dozens more besides. It was an impressive sight. But even more impressive was sight of the name painted on the side of the largest of the four vessels.

SLS McKenna's Pride.

Perhaps the most famous WarShip in history. And yet here she was. And to render things even more bizarre, she was flanked by perhaps one of the most infamous WarShips in history, now wearing Star League grey and sporting the Cameron Star.

SLS Sabre Cat.

Before her mind could get too distracted, Vanna pulled herself away from the spectacle, and turned to her communications officer.

"Have we established contact with SLDF headquarters on planet?"

"Aff, Star Captain."

"Would you inquire as to whether they can put us in touch with Star Commander Clarissa, quiaff?"

"Aff."

Vanna nodded. She heard the bridge door open behind her, the clicking of magboots on the deck, and then a massive hand went to her shoulder and squeezed softly. She knew who it was without even turning around.

Senior Merchant Emma. A former warrior, a trueborn Elemental who had washed out of sibko, and Vanna's partner. Emma was in charge of merchant operations for the entire aimag. She was somewhat less bulky than many Elementals, but no less powerful for it. And she was beautiful, a head taller than Vanna, with long blonde hair that she habitually let fall behind her.

"We will be ready when we land, quiaff?"

"Aff, Senior Merchant, we will."

"Excellent, Vanna," said Emma.

"And you will be ready in return, quiaff? For what we discussed?" Vanna asked, smiling.

"Aff, Vanna. I shall be."

"Good."

Vanna watched as the crew of the Shark busied themselves. The Saucy Shark was not a typical Overlord-C. Instead of 'Mechs and more guns than Emma could swing an Atlas at, the Shark instead carried something just as vital to her Clan, the SLDF, and this operation: Food, supplies, and ingredients.

Nestled in the Shark's deployment bays, alongside a Nova of BattleMechs and Elementals for base security duties, were fifteen mobile field kitchens. And unlike the somewhat austere military field kitchens that were more commonplace, the Shark instead carried fully licensed, completely equipped, and portable franchise restaurants, representing a swath of famous chains across the Inner Sphere — among them were Kung Pao Kapellan, McDonald's, Little Caesar's, Canopian Coffee Delight, the aimag's own Taco Shark, and even the recently revived Triple F Burger, and an onboard brewery. Ingredients were supplied by onboard aquaponics, hydroponics, aeroponics, and additive printers connected to meat culturing tanks, in addition to huge cargo bays full of fresh ingredients, whether bulk, refrigerated, or insulated. The Shark even carried a fully equipped and similarly portable prefabricated SLDF post exchange store — ten times the size of the one currently deployed at the main SLDF base planetside, which was little more than a converted ten-ton cargo container.

The Shark was a mobile feast of familiarity and the comforts of home, and the Commanding General herself had requested her presence on Helios. But this made sense to Vanna and Emma. The stories of Melissa Hazen's pride in and care for her troops were known, even to them.

"Star Captain? Senior Merchant?"

"Aff?" Vanna replied.

"I have Star Commander Clarissa on the line for you."

Vanna nodded, and placed the headset onto her ear, as Emma did the same.

Clarissa had a headache. Between sword fights, mech battles, espionage, counter espionage, and running a grey market the past few days had been quite a lot for her to handle. And now the senior merchant of her Aimag was coming and Clarissa hadn't quite finished writing up the public books yet. The ones that didn't include things like Draconis Combine cigarettes and unregistered personal firearms.

Still, she kept her face pleasant and smiling as the screen came on. "Star Captain, Senior Merchant! What a pleasant surprise to have you here. And bringing an entire food court with you. I haven't seen you since..."

Since she got audited. "In too long! I look forward to enjoying some Super Sharko Burritos with you while we... Catch up on old times."

The Charcarodon needed to start camouflaging its smuggling compartments immediately.

[is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not]

"Clarissa," Emma says warmly. "I trust things have been well prepared? You have not had too much trouble? Not too many expenses incurred? Not too many... unauthorized transactions that I will need to spend time dealing with?" she asks, teasingly, before laughing.

"I jest... mostly. I know there are extenuating circumstances with... some... of your transactions, and on that note I just recently received an interesting communiqué from the saKhan. I will not go into the details over radio, but suffice to say that when it was followed by a message from the Commanding General herself, I listened."

"Bottom line, I am not here to audit you, nor micromanage you. I am here to see to it that the Clan gets into the good graces of the local government, if such a thing is possible with stravag Blakists."

"We will landing at the main SLDF base within two hours. I would request to see you at that time, for a report. I have read the reports sent by Merchant Matthias, but you will no doubt have a more unique perspective that I wish to hear."

@clarissaexplainsbatchall

[clarissaexplainsbatchall]

Huh. Apparently she had friends in high places. "Yes, of course. The local government could use some good will. We just blew up half a space port and I doubt that they are looking forward to rebuilding that. Inexpensive construction materials would likely go a long way towards getting into their good graces."

"I admit that I have mostly been focused on the SLDF. A war machine of this size requires many resources, and providing them has proven both profitable and ingratiating. Soldiers truly appreciate the little things."

She was still putting the Charcarodon on lockdown. A promise is only a promise until your back is turned, after all.

[is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not]

"That they do. If you have the Chararodon with you, I would prefer to meet there."

Vanna smiled. "And if you have any of the nice stuff, keep it out, would you? A month of space travel, I could use some quality alcohol. You understand, quiaff?"

While Emma gave her partner a look of annoyance, it was not a serious one. Vanna always did care less about where things came from; that Emma offered no immediate objection was new... perhaps she didvnot care either? That would be highly contrary to their interactions in the past... but then those had all been scheduled audits. Official proceedings.

@clarissaexplainsbatchall

[clarissaexplainsbatchall]

"Of course, the highest quality that I can provide." Perfectly legally acquired Terran brandy and definitely not bootleg Cappellan coca wine no matter how much the Tamar mercenaries were willing to pay for it.

"I will see if I can get the Charcaradon prepared for guests. We have been swamped recently with all the customers. It is frankly a mess, but I shall see what I can do." This was a trap. A huge trap. Clarissa was being hunted for sure.

[clarissaexplainsbatchall]

Bridge

CSF Saucy Shark

Modified Overlord-C class DropShip

Attached to Delta Aimag, Tiburon Khanate, Clan Sea Fox

In Orbit

Helios

0750 hours (Local Time), 12 October 3153

Star Captain Vanna Rodriguez set her noteputer down on the arm of her command chair, and moved her hand to the built-in cup holder on the opposite side. Picking the cup up, she slid the magnetized seal open, and brought it to her lips to drink.

Still warm. Good, she thought, and smiled at the warmth of the drink, and the complex flavors it held. She favored an expensive beverage — beans imported from somewhere in the Lyran Commonwealth, spices from half a dozen different systems, even Terra itself. It was worth it, though.

Vanna looked out of the bridge window with her deep blue eyes. The vibration from the Saucy Shark's engines ceased as the orbital insertion burn finished. She could see the planet spread out below them, the red tinged nebula that surrounded the system, and the planet's sole large moon.

As she watched, the moon spun and a swarm of lights crossed into view from behind it — the DropShips and WarShips of the new Star League, along with a mobile space station, a massive modular thing that now served as the final stop for any SLDF ships heading to the surface of Helios.

"Sensors, any Blakist fighters or defenses to worry about, quineg?" Vanna asked one of the bridge crew.

"Neg, Star Captain. It seems the SLDF is maintaining a tight grip on orbit."

At that moment, four massive shapes came into view, cresting over the planet.

Four WarShips, one of which was a battleship no less. Any WarShip at all was a thing rarely seen in the modern day and age, and yet here these four were, and dozens more besides. It was an impressive sight. But even more impressive was sight of the name painted on the side of the largest of the four vessels.

SLS McKenna's Pride.

Perhaps the most famous WarShip in history. And yet here she was. And to render things even more bizarre, she was flanked by perhaps one of the most infamous WarShips in history, now wearing Star League grey and sporting the Cameron Star.

SLS Sabre Cat.

Before her mind could get too distracted, Vanna pulled herself away from the spectacle, and turned to her communications officer.

"Have we established contact with SLDF headquarters on planet?"

"Aff, Star Captain."

"Would you inquire as to whether they can put us in touch with Star Commander Clarissa, quiaff?"

"Aff."

Vanna nodded. She heard the bridge door open behind her, the clicking of magboots on the deck, and then a massive hand went to her shoulder and squeezed softly. She knew who it was without even turning around.

Senior Merchant Emma. A former warrior, a trueborn Elemental who had washed out of sibko, and Vanna's partner. Emma was in charge of merchant operations for the entire aimag. She was somewhat less bulky than many Elementals, but no less powerful for it. And she was beautiful, a head taller than Vanna, with long blonde hair that she habitually let fall behind her.

"We will be ready when we land, quiaff?"

"Aff, Senior Merchant, we will."

"Excellent, Vanna," said Emma.

"And you will be ready in return, quiaff? For what we discussed?" Vanna asked, smiling.

"Aff, Vanna. I shall be."

"Good."

Vanna watched as the crew of the Shark busied themselves. The Saucy Shark was not a typical Overlord-C. Instead of 'Mechs and more guns than Emma could swing an Atlas at, the Shark instead carried something just as vital to her Clan, the SLDF, and this operation: Food, supplies, and ingredients.

Nestled in the Shark's deployment bays, alongside a Nova of BattleMechs and Elementals for base security duties, were fifteen mobile field kitchens. And unlike the somewhat austere military field kitchens that were more commonplace, the Shark instead carried fully licensed, completely equipped, and portable franchise restaurants, representing a swath of famous chains across the Inner Sphere — among them were Kung Pao Kapellan, McDonald's, Little Caesar's, Canopian Coffee Delight, the aimag's own Taco Shark, and even the recently revived Triple F Burger, and an onboard brewery. Ingredients were supplied by onboard aquaponics, hydroponics, aeroponics, and additive printers connected to meat culturing tanks, in addition to huge cargo bays full of fresh ingredients, whether bulk, refrigerated, or insulated. The Shark even carried a fully equipped and similarly portable prefabricated SLDF post exchange store — ten times the size of the one currently deployed at the main SLDF base planetside, which was little more than a converted ten-ton cargo container.

The Shark was a mobile feast of familiarity and the comforts of home, and the Commanding General herself had requested her presence on Helios. But this made sense to Vanna and Emma. The stories of Melissa Hazen's pride in and care for her troops were known, even to them.

"Star Captain? Senior Merchant?"

"Aff?" Vanna replied.

"I have Star Commander Clarissa on the line for you."

Vanna nodded, and placed the headset onto her ear, as Emma did the same.

Clarissa had a headache. Between sword fights, mech battles, espionage, counter espionage, and running a grey market the past few days had been quite a lot for her to handle. And now the senior merchant of her Aimag was coming and Clarissa hadn't quite finished writing up the public books yet. The ones that didn't include things like Draconis Combine cigarettes and unregistered personal firearms.

Still, she kept her face pleasant and smiling as the screen came on. "Star Captain, Senior Merchant! What a pleasant surprise to have you here. And bringing an entire food court with you. I haven't seen you since..."

Since she got audited. "In too long! I look forward to enjoying some Super Sharko Burritos with you while we... Catch up on old times."

The Charcarodon needed to start camouflaging its smuggling compartments immediately.

[is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not]

"Clarissa," Emma says warmly. "I trust things have been well prepared? You have not had too much trouble? Not too many expenses incurred? Not too many... unauthorized transactions that I will need to spend time dealing with?" she asks, teasingly, before laughing.

"I jest... mostly. I know there are extenuating circumstances with... some... of your transactions, and on that note I just recently received an interesting communiqué from the saKhan. I will not go into the details over radio, but suffice to say that when it was followed by a message from the Commanding General herself, I listened."

"Bottom line, I am not here to audit you, nor micromanage you. I am here to see to it that the Clan gets into the good graces of the local government, if such a thing is possible with stravag Blakists."

"We will landing at the main SLDF base within two hours. I would request to see you at that time, for a report. I have read the reports sent by Merchant Matthias, but you will no doubt have a more unique perspective that I wish to hear."

@clarissaexplainsbatchall

[clarissaexplainsbatchall]

Huh. Apparently she had friends in high places. "Yes, of course. The local government could use some good will. We just blew up half a space port and I doubt that they are looking forward to rebuilding that. Inexpensive construction materials would likely go a long way towards getting into their good graces."

"I admit that I have mostly been focused on the SLDF. A war machine of this size requires many resources, and providing them has proven both profitable and ingratiating. Soldiers truly appreciate the little things."

She was still putting the Charcarodon on lockdown. A promise is only a promise until your back is turned, after all.

[clarissaexplainsbatchall]

Bridge

CSF Saucy Shark

Modified Overlord-C class DropShip

Attached to Delta Aimag, Tiburon Khanate, Clan Sea Fox

In Orbit

Helios

0750 hours (Local Time), 12 October 3153

Star Captain Vanna Rodriguez set her noteputer down on the arm of her command chair, and moved her hand to the built-in cup holder on the opposite side. Picking the cup up, she slid the magnetized seal open, and brought it to her lips to drink.

Still warm. Good, she thought, and smiled at the warmth of the drink, and the complex flavors it held. She favored an expensive beverage — beans imported from somewhere in the Lyran Commonwealth, spices from half a dozen different systems, even Terra itself. It was worth it, though.

Vanna looked out of the bridge window with her deep blue eyes. The vibration from the Saucy Shark's engines ceased as the orbital insertion burn finished. She could see the planet spread out below them, the red tinged nebula that surrounded the system, and the planet's sole large moon.

As she watched, the moon spun and a swarm of lights crossed into view from behind it — the DropShips and WarShips of the new Star League, along with a mobile space station, a massive modular thing that now served as the final stop for any SLDF ships heading to the surface of Helios.

"Sensors, any Blakist fighters or defenses to worry about, quineg?" Vanna asked one of the bridge crew.

"Neg, Star Captain. It seems the SLDF is maintaining a tight grip on orbit."

At that moment, four massive shapes came into view, cresting over the planet.

Four WarShips, one of which was a battleship no less. Any WarShip at all was a thing rarely seen in the modern day and age, and yet here these four were, and dozens more besides. It was an impressive sight. But even more impressive was sight of the name painted on the side of the largest of the four vessels.

SLS McKenna's Pride.

Perhaps the most famous WarShip in history. And yet here she was. And to render things even more bizarre, she was flanked by perhaps one of the most infamous WarShips in history, now wearing Star League grey and sporting the Cameron Star.

SLS Sabre Cat.

Before her mind could get too distracted, Vanna pulled herself away from the spectacle, and turned to her communications officer.

"Have we established contact with SLDF headquarters on planet?"

"Aff, Star Captain."

"Would you inquire as to whether they can put us in touch with Star Commander Clarissa, quiaff?"

"Aff."

Vanna nodded. She heard the bridge door open behind her, the clicking of magboots on the deck, and then a massive hand went to her shoulder and squeezed softly. She knew who it was without even turning around.

Senior Merchant Emma. A former warrior, a trueborn Elemental who had washed out of sibko, and Vanna's partner. Emma was in charge of merchant operations for the entire aimag. She was somewhat less bulky than many Elementals, but no less powerful for it. And she was beautiful, a head taller than Vanna, with long blonde hair that she habitually let fall behind her.

"We will be ready when we land, quiaff?"

"Aff, Senior Merchant, we will."

"Excellent, Vanna," said Emma.

"And you will be ready in return, quiaff? For what we discussed?" Vanna asked, smiling.

"Aff, Vanna. I shall be."

"Good."

Vanna watched as the crew of the Shark busied themselves. The Saucy Shark was not a typical Overlord-C. Instead of 'Mechs and more guns than Emma could swing an Atlas at, the Shark instead carried something just as vital to her Clan, the SLDF, and this operation: Food, supplies, and ingredients.

Nestled in the Shark's deployment bays, alongside a Nova of BattleMechs and Elementals for base security duties, were fifteen mobile field kitchens. And unlike the somewhat austere military field kitchens that were more commonplace, the Shark instead carried fully licensed, completely equipped, and portable franchise restaurants, representing a swath of famous chains across the Inner Sphere — among them were Kung Pao Kapellan, McDonald's, Little Caesar's, Canopian Coffee Delight, the aimag's own Taco Shark, and even the recently revived Triple F Burger, and an onboard brewery. Ingredients were supplied by onboard aquaponics, hydroponics, aeroponics, and additive printers connected to meat culturing tanks, in addition to huge cargo bays full of fresh ingredients, whether bulk, refrigerated, or insulated. The Shark even carried a fully equipped and similarly portable prefabricated SLDF post exchange store — ten times the size of the one currently deployed at the main SLDF base planetside, which was little more than a converted ten-ton cargo container.

The Shark was a mobile feast of familiarity and the comforts of home, and the Commanding General herself had requested her presence on Helios. But this made sense to Vanna and Emma. The stories of Melissa Hazen's pride in and care for her troops were known, even to them.

"Star Captain? Senior Merchant?"

"Aff?" Vanna replied.

"I have Star Commander Clarissa on the line for you."

Vanna nodded, and placed the headset onto her ear, as Emma did the same.

Clarissa had a headache. Between sword fights, mech battles, espionage, counter espionage, and running a grey market the past few days had been quite a lot for her to handle. And now the senior merchant of her Aimag was coming and Clarissa hadn't quite finished writing up the public books yet. The ones that didn't include things like Draconis Combine cigarettes and unregistered personal firearms.

Still, she kept her face pleasant and smiling as the screen came on. "Star Captain, Senior Merchant! What a pleasant surprise to have you here. And bringing an entire food court with you. I haven't seen you since..."

Since she got audited. "In too long! I look forward to enjoying some Super Sharko Burritos with you while we... Catch up on old times."

The Charcarodon needed to start camouflaging its smuggling compartments immediately.

[the-clawtake]

On one of the few areas of flat terrain outside the Dropport, Jehan surveyed the preparations. All three mobile sauna units - insulated trailers with benches and heating units, essentially - had been deployed in a loose arc surrounding the pit the Elementals had prepared.

They had begun with cratering charges, then cleared out the rubble, and finally smoothed the bottom through the judicious application of pulse lasers. Coolant trucks were already filling it with water to create a shallow pool.

On the top of the central sauna, a projector had been set up, directed at the smoothest section of the Dropport baffles, and the evening's entertainment loaded and queued. While they would not be getting through the entire series - the first run alone had something like two hundred and fifty episodes, each of them about an hour long - it was a rare Clanner who would object to watching 'Tails of Strana Mechty' and none of the First Helios had ever seen it.

He was looking forward to Isidora's reaction to Astrid's character.

On either side of the nascent pool, packing crates had been set up as makeshift tables, and more cratering charges had been used to create barbecue pits. Most of them simply hosted grills of whatever meat could be requisitioned from the supplies they had brought with, but some of his Warriors had tried their luck in the hills, and there were a few examples of the local game roasting.

The weather was giving cool but clear, and having cleared his schedule for the day, he settled his back against a step and watched as tanker after tanker delivered there loads of water, waiting for evening and the start of festivities.

Great Father, but he needed a break.

[is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not]

As Jehan settled back and watched the tankers, suddenly a shadow loomed over him. He had not heard its owner approach, but this could not be held against him—even standard Elementals were trained to move silently out of armor despite their bulk, and looking over he noted that Astrid had already removed her footwear, letting her paws perform one of their natural functions.

"How go the preparations, Jehan?" asked Astrid, standing over him and looking at the sauna trailers. She was wearing only the traditional short black latex shorts of an Elemental in armor, though she had seen fit to wear a matching sports type bra—one that admittedly semeed to be straining for its life—in place of the usual mesh top, and she was cradling the same massive weapon that she had been delivered earlier in the day in her arms. She sat down next to him, placing the weapon off to the side—still within arm's reach, naturally.

"The smell brought me over," she chuckled. "I suppose I am predictable that way, quiaff?"

@khanhannahlewis

[khanhannahlewis]

Isidora, tailing behind Astrid, snaps a salute. Unlike Astrid, she wears a long coat, Star League stars hastily sewn over Blakist swords.

"Good Afternoon, Star Colonel. I'm here too."

@clarissaexplainsbatchall

[clarissaexplainsbatchall]

"Do I recognize those voices?" Clarissa stepped forward with a smile. She had on an ankle length fur lined blue coat of sharkskin leather which engulfed her. In her mittened hand was a white cane which she used to test the ground in front of her because her glasses were completely missing and her grey eyes stared at nothing.

"Sorry if I am intruding, but Jehan invited me. If someone could point me towards him?"

[the-clawtake]

"Over here, Clarissa!" Jehan called loudly, after checking to make sure there weren't any sudden drops in the direct line.

Slightly softer, he made introductions.

"The tall voice is Astrid, Ghost Bear Totem Warrior. The short voice is Isidora, commands the First Helios."

"I would get up, but I am not getting up until the drinks are here."

@is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not

[is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not]

"Hello, Clarissa," Astrid says, raising her voice slightly as well. "I am glad you are here. You gave us quite a scare with that Blakist trooper earlier. Have you recovered well, quiaff?"

Astrid then turns her head to whisper to Isidora.

"Did you bring anything to cover your prosthetics in the spring, or are they waterproofed? We will be naked the whole time, but you will be fine with that, quiaff?"

@khanhannahlewis

[khanhannahlewis]

"Yes, I brought covers."

then, louder.

"Yes, I hope everyone is doing well? Who all was invited?"

@clarissaexplainsbatchall

[clarissaexplainsbatchall]

"Astrid, Isidora. A pleasure to meet you in person." Clarissa smiles broadly, very customer service even now. "I wouldn't call my run in with the trooper a scare compared to your adventures, Astrid; more an embarrassing encounter."

She takes a seat carefully next to Jehan, "A bit more embarrassing if I hadn't been rescued at the last moment by a good samaritan."

@the-clawtake

[maddograuda]

"Am I the last to arrive?"

Rauda raised a hand in greeting, pushing stray curls out hair out of their eyes and back into their braids. They, like Clarissa, were still fully dressed; while they were secure in their gender these days, undressing - even for a sauna - was still a rare moment of insecurity that would probably come a little later in the party.

They glanced briefly at the preparations, letting their hands warm over the grill as they counted heads. Nobody that they hadn't met before, which was nice. Although Jehan could generally be trusted to plan a get-together that Rauda was actually willing to come to.

(He also knew how to throw a party that went into the wee hours and that nobody could walk straight after. But those tended to be more crowded, and less Rauda's cup of kokekaffe. Not, of course, that he hadn't learned how to throw a party from Rauda in their rowdier days... the student had surpassed the master, in that regard (not that they would ever word it as such).)

"Anything I can do, Star Colonel?" they asked, weaving carefully through the attendees to make sure that Clarissa knew they were there (a gentle touch of the elbow as they passed) and without bumping anybody.

@the-clawtake

[the-clawtake]

"Oh, I am sure that you will not be last." Jehan smiled at his XO.

"And you know the rules. No rank in the Sauna. You know Clarissa, of the Sea Foxes?" he gestured at the only one present who could not be classed as a Ghost Bear.

"And I think we are set until Eirik shows up with the drinks. Relax." He took in Rauda's uniform, and Clarissa's big coat, and then glanced down at himself, stripped to the pair of loose shorts he wore in the cockpit, the heavy wool cloak he was sitting on his only compromise with the weather.

"I hear he has been trying to track down local breweries in his spare time."

@is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not

[is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not]

"We shall sample as many of their products as possible," Astrid pauses. She is helping Isidora — who is seated on Astrid's large, fluffy and muscular thigh — get the covers for her prosthetics on, being quite careful, helping with the procedure as instructed several days ago by her bondsman.

"... to see which is most worthy of our business. On that note... Isi, do you have any recommendations on that front, quiaff?"

@khanhannahlewis

[khanhannahlewis]

"No, alas. I have not drunken much. The will of Blake is a strong enough spirit for me."

@clarissaexplainsbatchall

[clarissaexplainsbatchall]

Clarissa carefully keeps track of everyone in her head, an old almost unconscious skill that allows her to at least appear to be looking at who she's talking to. "No religion and no politics if we can avoid it, please. Otherwise I will be going on and on about Crucis March trading regulations all night. Did you know that Marlette does not allow you to wear your own shoes on planet? Something about soil contamination, but you have to leave your shoes on the dropship and they give you these little paper thin slippers that are good for nothing."

She pulls at her mitten to demonstrate, "And when you walk out of the port? Two dozen shoe stores. Infuriating! I wish I had thought of it."

@maddograuda

[maddograuda]

Rauda had been nodding along with the conversation while rolling up their sleeve, and working on releasing the clasp on their prosthetic arm; opting to just remove it, rather than try and waterproof it. They paused for a moment at Isidora's mention of the will of Blake, taking a small but long breath in, and out.

A younger Rauda would have said something sharp. Something that definitely did not fall under the purview of no politics if we can avoid it. Rauda was not that youngster anymore. For the most part, the temper they had been known for in their early days as Jehan's isorla was something they had under much better control... but then, when it came to Blakists, there was a lot of history, both from her time in Clan Ghost Bear, and their attacks on the Free Rasalhague Republic before it joined the Dominion.

Isidora was a good person, and Rauda had no beef with her; no reason at all not to trust her. She had no desire to make her feel uncomfortable at the party, or to dredge up past feelings. And so they returned to the prosthetic, twisting it just above the elbow. There was a sharp click, and the arm came loose. Rauda turned their shoulder to Jehan, silently gesturing him for help removing the leather harness.

"So it is meant to encourage you buying new shoes?" they asked, casually. "Do you get yours back when you leave, or...?" They paused. "Sorry. No religion or politics." They grinned. "Alcohol is still a suitable topic, quiaff? I can help there."

@the-clawtake

[the-clawtake]

Jehan shoved himself to his feet, and busied himself undoing the straps that held Rauda's prosthesis in place. That it kept his expression hidden from Isidora was a fortunate coincidence.

It took great effort to keep his voice level, to keep the rolling growl he felt building at the back of his throat out of his tone.

"You may wish to go easy on the 'Will of Blake' talk around Ghost Bears. Many of Us do not have a high opinion of your Blessed Blake and those things that were done in the name of his Will."

He took a deep breath as he undid the final strap and turned to catch Astrids eyes with his own.

"And that is all I will say on the matter here."

He dropped back to his seat, fiddling with the harness.

"This buckle is loose, Rauda, and this stitching here frays. Bring it by tomorrow and I will see to it for you."

@is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not

[is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not]

Astrid looks to Isidora, with sympathy and a measure of weariness in her eyes. "All three of us Ghost Bears here personally fought against the Word's Jihad, roughly 80 years ago. As much as we, over the past week, have come to understand that many of the Word members on this planet in general and yourself in specific, are not the same violent genocidal fanatics of so long ago..." she says, sighing before she continues.

"The experiences of that time have left many of the Ghost Bears with very strong internal feelings about the Word," Astrid says, looking at Jehan with a mix of understanding and exasperation, "such that even discussing Blake in positive terms or as a religious figure in their presence might lead to conflict. Hopefully, cooler heads and the passage of time will prevail but..."

"Once upon a time, the Ghost Bears were sworn to Annihilate all of the Word of Blake. Do you know what that means, Isi? If the histories you have been taught here are accurate, they will give you a clue," she continues, seeking to turn the moment into further education for her bondswoman.

@khanhannahlewis

[khanhannahlewis]

"I apologize for my misstep. My predecessors were perhaps over-zealous in following the will of the Master, though little of his teachings survive to the cureent day for real reference. If it's any consolation, I do believe that a proper interpretation of the faith would ally it to your cause, what with you all being the real 3rd transfer and all. And also the unit my forces claim lineage from never heavily faced your kind, they were largely deployed rimward of Terra, and were opposed to the use of WMDs during most of the war."

She nervously taps hwr fingers, an unusual gesture in a Manei Domini.

@clarissaexplainsbatchall

[clarissaexplainsbatchall]

Clarissa can feel the tension all around and would rather not be in between a cyborg Blakist and a bunch of Ghost Bears. "What matters right now is that we are all united against the same enemy. The cold. When is the heat starting? I am getting a bit chilly under this coat."

@maddograuda

[maddograuda]

"Thank you, Star Co— Jehan," Rauda smiled, picking up the leather brace. Sure enough, it had seen better days. This wouldn't be the first time it had needed repaired or replaced over the years. But like a good pair of boots, they were reluctant to work in new leather if they didn't have to. "I will."

They touched Jehan's elbow, giving a small shake of their head. Not now. They understood why he'd spoken up. The two of them knew each other well enough by now. But they had also been in Isidora's shoes, as the bondsman amongst near-strangers. In many ways, Rauda had to admit that they still had a bit of a chip on their shoulder about it; and that was as a Rasalhauger. They could only imagine that being from Helios would make it even more difficult.

"No one here judges you," they reassured. And then — taking the cue from Clarissa — they nodded. "Aff. I do not mind the cold, but I will check on the heaters. And the drink."

@the-clawtake

[the-clawtake]

"Is it cold?" Asks Jehan. He sounds like he might be serious.

"The last Sauna was set up about a half hour ago. They should be ready to go any time. I think we are only waiting until everyone is here until we start the entertainment." He grinned

"And I believe here comes Eirik with the drinks." He gestures at where one of the little utility crawlers used around the dropport is trundling towards the pool. It's string of cargo trailers are loaded down with kegs and crates of bottles, and in the front cart a huge redheaded Warrior is driving, looking for all the world like a grown man driving a car made for children.

"We are starting, of course. With the pilot." And here he turns back to Astrid, watching for her expression.

@is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not

[is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not]

"Ah-ha. A long time ago that was," Astrid smiles. "Do mind the early episode oddities."

As she finishes helping Isidora with her prosthetic covers, Astrid hmms. "I wonder if any copies of the series made it to Helios... would you know, Isi?"

As she says this, several of the other Ghost Bears have been bringing over several of the crates and kegs for the officers and guests to pick through for their initial beverage choice, opening the many refrigerated crates, presenting a plethora of bottle sizes, shapes, and labels. Astrid begins to look over the selection, and continues speaking.

"I imagine Jehan will be pointing out trivia as fast as an Ultra autocannon," she chuckles. "It never ceases to amaze, the depth of his knowledge about the show." Her tone is only very lightly teasing — she seems genuinely impressed. "And I imagine that you, Isi, will have many questions for he and I to answer. The alcohol will help there."

She also briefly turns, such that only Rauda can see, and winks at them.

@khanhannahlewis

[khanhannahlewis]

"No, I don't imagine any copies ever made it here."

@clarissaexplainsbatchall

[clarissaexplainsbatchall]

"I actually have not seen much of it myself," Clarissa says. "I guess I will not be seeing any more of it today, ha!"

As the cart rolls up she continues, "I was a fan of The Bounty Hunters actually. Mercenary culture is just so fascinating, is it not? Changing alliances, allies turning to enemies, always struggling for the next payday. It's all very dramatic."

"Could someone get me something dark and Lyran, please? I believe I recently sold the Clawtake a case of Archon's Own."

@maddograuda

[maddograuda]

Rauda couldn't help but chuckle at the sly wink that Astrid shot them; carefully concealing it behind a cleared throat. Was this really going to be Isidora's first time watching 'Tales of Strana Mechty'? Oh, this was going to be good...

Of course, what Rauda chose not to mention was that while they hadn't grown up watching the show, they did hold the high score on more than one arcade campaign based on it. There really was no good way to bring the point up to somebody you'd only known for a couple of weeks. Maybe if they got drunk enough, and the topic came up in conversation; or if Jehan decided they deserved to be embarrassed. (Which, admittedly, he was not remotely above.)

They nodded automatically at Clarissa's request, before it occurred to them who, precisely, they were nodding at. "Aff," they replied. "I'll fetch you some. I want to stretch before the show starts." They had been one-handed for long enough that juggling more than one bottle was a non-issue. For themselves, they found a bottle of sake mead.

@the-clawtake

[the-clawtake]

Jehan went to drag himself to his feet to follow, but barely shifted before he let out a groan and slumped back into his seat.

"On second thoughts, I think I shall live here now."

he gave his head a wry shake.

"I am lucky it was a light PPC that hit my cockpit at the dam. The 'mech grounded most of it, but I took enough of a jolt that I will be stiff and sore, and slow, for a few days."

He shuddered as he remembered the brief but memorable sensation of every muscle seizing, as he pelted past the Blakist Marauder and across the narrow top of the dam to engage the light units before they could get up to any mischief.

He waved off any expression of concern.

"I have had the all-clear. All I need is time, and as reinforcements have arrived, I will be getting that."

@is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not

[is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not]

"Indeed you will, Jehan. I have orders from the Commanding General to see that you do," Astrid chuckles, before putting on her best Melissa impression:

"'I do not care if the resurrected Great Father Himself appears in the sky and descends to guide us once more, Jehan will be taking a mandatory rest. Even if you must sit on him - though if you must, do so as gently as possible, quiaff?' Her words, exactly."

"That aside, I am glad you are taking the time you need. And what better way to do so than with friends, alcohol, and your favorite holovid program, quiaff?"

@khanhannahlewis

[khanhannahlewis]

"On the topic of childhood shows, we do have Immortal Warrior here, but I think everyone has that. Also, on the topic of feedback from hits, I remember it sucking in neurohelmets, but it's so much worse with a DNI."

@clarissaexplainsbatchall

[clarissaexplainsbatchall]

"Only a PPC to the head he says. I take it Jehan has a habit of fighting while injured? He had a concussion before the fight even started, aff?" She shakes her head, then rolls it back on her shoulders to point her face up towards the sky, stretching her neck.

"I would chide him, but earlier today I participated in a trial of possession with a bullet hole in me, so I have no standing in that argument. I am merely glad of his resilience or it is quite likely I would have several more."

"Neurohelm, DNI, and real. I wonder which is worse."

@maddograuda

[the-clawtake]

On one of the few areas of flat terrain outside the Dropport, Jehan surveyed the preparations. All three mobile sauna units - insulated trailers with benches and heating units, essentially - had been deployed in a loose arc surrounding the pit the Elementals had prepared.

They had begun with cratering charges, then cleared out the rubble, and finally smoothed the bottom through the judicious application of pulse lasers. Coolant trucks were already filling it with water to create a shallow pool.

On the top of the central sauna, a projector had been set up, directed at the smoothest section of the Dropport baffles, and the evening's entertainment loaded and queued. While they would not be getting through the entire series - the first run alone had something like two hundred and fifty episodes, each of them about an hour long - it was a rare Clanner who would object to watching 'Tails of Strana Mechty' and none of the First Helios had ever seen it.

He was looking forward to Isidora's reaction to Astrid's character.

On either side of the nascent pool, packing crates had been set up as makeshift tables, and more cratering charges had been used to create barbecue pits. Most of them simply hosted grills of whatever meat could be requisitioned from the supplies they had brought with, but some of his Warriors had tried their luck in the hills, and there were a few examples of the local game roasting.

The weather was giving cool but clear, and having cleared his schedule for the day, he settled his back against a step and watched as tanker after tanker delivered there loads of water, waiting for evening and the start of festivities.

Great Father, but he needed a break.

[is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not]

As Jehan settled back and watched the tankers, suddenly a shadow loomed over him. He had not heard its owner approach, but this could not be held against him—even standard Elementals were trained to move silently out of armor despite their bulk, and looking over he noted that Astrid had already removed her footwear, letting her paws perform one of their natural functions.

"How go the preparations, Jehan?" asked Astrid, standing over him and looking at the sauna trailers. She was wearing only the traditional short black latex shorts of an Elemental in armor, though she had seen fit to wear a matching sports type bra—one that admittedly semeed to be straining for its life—in place of the usual mesh top, and she was cradling the same massive weapon that she had been delivered earlier in the day in her arms. She sat down next to him, placing the weapon off to the side—still within arm's reach, naturally.

"The smell brought me over," she chuckled. "I suppose I am predictable that way, quiaff?"

@khanhannahlewis

[khanhannahlewis]

Isidora, tailing behind Astrid, snaps a salute. Unlike Astrid, she wears a long coat, Star League stars hastily sewn over Blakist swords.

"Good Afternoon, Star Colonel. I'm here too."

@clarissaexplainsbatchall

[clarissaexplainsbatchall]

"Do I recognize those voices?" Clarissa stepped forward with a smile. She had on an ankle length fur lined blue coat of sharkskin leather which engulfed her. In her mittened hand was a white cane which she used to test the ground in front of her because her glasses were completely missing and her grey eyes stared at nothing.

"Sorry if I am intruding, but Jehan invited me. If someone could point me towards him?"

[the-clawtake]

"Over here, Clarissa!" Jehan called loudly, after checking to make sure there weren't any sudden drops in the direct line.

Slightly softer, he made introductions.

"The tall voice is Astrid, Ghost Bear Totem Warrior. The short voice is Isidora, commands the First Helios."

"I would get up, but I am not getting up until the drinks are here."

@is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not

[is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not]

"Hello, Clarissa," Astrid says, raising her voice slightly as well. "I am glad you are here. You gave us quite a scare with that Blakist trooper earlier. Have you recovered well, quiaff?"

Astrid then turns her head to whisper to Isidora.

"Did you bring anything to cover your prosthetics in the spring, or are they waterproofed? We will be naked the whole time, but you will be fine with that, quiaff?"

@khanhannahlewis

[khanhannahlewis]

"Yes, I brought covers."

then, louder.

"Yes, I hope everyone is doing well? Who all was invited?"

@clarissaexplainsbatchall

[clarissaexplainsbatchall]

"Astrid, Isidora. A pleasure to meet you in person." Clarissa smiles broadly, very customer service even now. "I wouldn't call my run in with the trooper a scare compared to your adventures, Astrid; more an embarrassing encounter."

She takes a seat carefully next to Jehan, "A bit more embarrassing if I hadn't been rescued at the last moment by a good samaritan."

@the-clawtake

[maddograuda]

"Am I the last to arrive?"

Rauda raised a hand in greeting, pushing stray curls out hair out of their eyes and back into their braids. They, like Clarissa, were still fully dressed; while they were secure in their gender these days, undressing - even for a sauna - was still a rare moment of insecurity that would probably come a little later in the party.

They glanced briefly at the preparations, letting their hands warm over the grill as they counted heads. Nobody that they hadn't met before, which was nice. Although Jehan could generally be trusted to plan a get-together that Rauda was actually willing to come to.

(He also knew how to throw a party that went into the wee hours and that nobody could walk straight after. But those tended to be more crowded, and less Rauda's cup of kokekaffe. Not, of course, that he hadn't learned how to throw a party from Rauda in their rowdier days... the student had surpassed the master, in that regard (not that they would ever word it as such).)

"Anything I can do, Star Colonel?" they asked, weaving carefully through the attendees to make sure that Clarissa knew they were there (a gentle touch of the elbow as they passed) and without bumping anybody.

@the-clawtake

[the-clawtake]

"Oh, I am sure that you will not be last." Jehan smiled at his XO.

"And you know the rules. No rank in the Sauna. You know Clarissa, of the Sea Foxes?" he gestured at the only one present who could not be classed as a Ghost Bear.

"And I think we are set until Eirik shows up with the drinks. Relax." He took in Rauda's uniform, and Clarissa's big coat, and then glanced down at himself, stripped to the pair of loose shorts he wore in the cockpit, the heavy wool cloak he was sitting on his only compromise with the weather.

"I hear he has been trying to track down local breweries in his spare time."

@is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not

[is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not]

"We shall sample as many of their products as possible," Astrid pauses. She is helping Isidora — who is seated on Astrid's large, fluffy and muscular thigh — get the covers for her prosthetics on, being quite careful, helping with the procedure as instructed several days ago by her bondsman.

"... to see which is most worthy of our business. On that note... Isi, do you have any recommendations on that front, quiaff?"

@khanhannahlewis

[khanhannahlewis]

"No, alas. I have not drunken much. The will of Blake is a strong enough spirit for me."

@clarissaexplainsbatchall

[clarissaexplainsbatchall]

Clarissa carefully keeps track of everyone in her head, an old almost unconscious skill that allows her to at least appear to be looking at who she's talking to. "No religion and no politics if we can avoid it, please. Otherwise I will be going on and on about Crucis March trading regulations all night. Did you know that Marlette does not allow you to wear your own shoes on planet? Something about soil contamination, but you have to leave your shoes on the dropship and they give you these little paper thin slippers that are good for nothing."

She pulls at her mitten to demonstrate, "And when you walk out of the port? Two dozen shoe stores. Infuriating! I wish I had thought of it."

@maddograuda

[maddograuda]

Rauda had been nodding along with the conversation while rolling up their sleeve, and working on releasing the clasp on their prosthetic arm; opting to just remove it, rather than try and waterproof it. They paused for a moment at Isidora's mention of the will of Blake, taking a small but long breath in, and out.

A younger Rauda would have said something sharp. Something that definitely did not fall under the purview of no politics if we can avoid it. Rauda was not that youngster anymore. For the most part, the temper they had been known for in their early days as Jehan's isorla was something they had under much better control... but then, when it came to Blakists, there was a lot of history, both from her time in Clan Ghost Bear, and their attacks on the Free Rasalhague Republic before it joined the Dominion.

Isidora was a good person, and Rauda had no beef with her; no reason at all not to trust her. She had no desire to make her feel uncomfortable at the party, or to dredge up past feelings. And so they returned to the prosthetic, twisting it just above the elbow. There was a sharp click, and the arm came loose. Rauda turned their shoulder to Jehan, silently gesturing him for help removing the leather harness.

"So it is meant to encourage you buying new shoes?" they asked, casually. "Do you get yours back when you leave, or...?" They paused. "Sorry. No religion or politics." They grinned. "Alcohol is still a suitable topic, quiaff? I can help there."

@the-clawtake

[the-clawtake]

Jehan shoved himself to his feet, and busied himself undoing the straps that held Rauda's prosthesis in place. That it kept his expression hidden from Isidora was a fortunate coincidence.

It took great effort to keep his voice level, to keep the rolling growl he felt building at the back of his throat out of his tone.

"You may wish to go easy on the 'Will of Blake' talk around Ghost Bears. Many of Us do not have a high opinion of your Blessed Blake and those things that were done in the name of his Will."

He took a deep breath as he undid the final strap and turned to catch Astrids eyes with his own.

"And that is all I will say on the matter here."

He dropped back to his seat, fiddling with the harness.

"This buckle is loose, Rauda, and this stitching here frays. Bring it by tomorrow and I will see to it for you."

@is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not

[is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not]

Astrid looks to Isidora, with sympathy and a measure of weariness in her eyes. "All three of us Ghost Bears here personally fought against the Word's Jihad, roughly 80 years ago. As much as we, over the past week, have come to understand that many of the Word members on this planet in general and yourself in specific, are not the same violent genocidal fanatics of so long ago..." she says, sighing before she continues.

"The experiences of that time have left many of the Ghost Bears with very strong internal feelings about the Word," Astrid says, looking at Jehan with a mix of understanding and exasperation, "such that even discussing Blake in positive terms or as a religious figure in their presence might lead to conflict. Hopefully, cooler heads and the passage of time will prevail but..."

"Once upon a time, the Ghost Bears were sworn to Annihilate all of the Word of Blake. Do you know what that means, Isi? If the histories you have been taught here are accurate, they will give you a clue," she continues, seeking to turn the moment into further education for her bondswoman.

@khanhannahlewis

[khanhannahlewis]

"I apologize for my misstep. My predecessors were perhaps over-zealous in following the will of the Master, though little of his teachings survive to the cureent day for real reference. If it's any consolation, I do believe that a proper interpretation of the faith would ally it to your cause, what with you all being the real 3rd transfer and all. And also the unit my forces claim lineage from never heavily faced your kind, they were largely deployed rimward of Terra, and were opposed to the use of WMDs during most of the war."

She nervously taps hwr fingers, an unusual gesture in a Manei Domini.

@clarissaexplainsbatchall

[clarissaexplainsbatchall]

Clarissa can feel the tension all around and would rather not be in between a cyborg Blakist and a bunch of Ghost Bears. "What matters right now is that we are all united against the same enemy. The cold. When is the heat starting? I am getting a bit chilly under this coat."

@maddograuda

[maddograuda]

"Thank you, Star Co— Jehan," Rauda smiled, picking up the leather brace. Sure enough, it had seen better days. This wouldn't be the first time it had needed repaired or replaced over the years. But like a good pair of boots, they were reluctant to work in new leather if they didn't have to. "I will."

They touched Jehan's elbow, giving a small shake of their head. Not now. They understood why he'd spoken up. The two of them knew each other well enough by now. But they had also been in Isidora's shoes, as the bondsman amongst near-strangers. In many ways, Rauda had to admit that they still had a bit of a chip on their shoulder about it; and that was as a Rasalhauger. They could only imagine that being from Helios would make it even more difficult.

"No one here judges you," they reassured. And then — taking the cue from Clarissa — they nodded. "Aff. I do not mind the cold, but I will check on the heaters. And the drink."

@the-clawtake

[the-clawtake]

"Is it cold?" Asks Jehan. He sounds like he might be serious.

"The last Sauna was set up about a half hour ago. They should be ready to go any time. I think we are only waiting until everyone is here until we start the entertainment." He grinned

"And I believe here comes Eirik with the drinks." He gestures at where one of the little utility crawlers used around the dropport is trundling towards the pool. It's string of cargo trailers are loaded down with kegs and crates of bottles, and in the front cart a huge redheaded Warrior is driving, looking for all the world like a grown man driving a car made for children.

"We are starting, of course. With the pilot." And here he turns back to Astrid, watching for her expression.

@is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not

[is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not]

"Ah-ha. A long time ago that was," Astrid smiles. "Do mind the early episode oddities."

As she finishes helping Isidora with her prosthetic covers, Astrid hmms. "I wonder if any copies of the series made it to Helios... would you know, Isi?"

As she says this, several of the other Ghost Bears have been bringing over several of the crates and kegs for the officers and guests to pick through for their initial beverage choice, opening the many refrigerated crates, presenting a plethora of bottle sizes, shapes, and labels. Astrid begins to look over the selection, and continues speaking.

"I imagine Jehan will be pointing out trivia as fast as an Ultra autocannon," she chuckles. "It never ceases to amaze, the depth of his knowledge about the show." Her tone is only very lightly teasing — she seems genuinely impressed. "And I imagine that you, Isi, will have many questions for he and I to answer. The alcohol will help there."

She also briefly turns, such that only Rauda can see, and winks at them.

@khanhannahlewis

[khanhannahlewis]

"No, I don't imagine any copies ever made it here."

@clarissaexplainsbatchall

[clarissaexplainsbatchall]

"I actually have not seen much of it myself," Clarissa says. "I guess I will not be seeing any more of it today, ha!"

As the cart rolls up she continues, "I was a fan of The Bounty Hunters actually. Mercenary culture is just so fascinating, is it not? Changing alliances, allies turning to enemies, always struggling for the next payday. It's all very dramatic."

"Could someone get me something dark and Lyran, please? I believe I recently sold the Clawtake a case of Archon's Own."

@maddograuda

[the-clawtake]

On one of the few areas of flat terrain outside the Dropport, Jehan surveyed the preparations. All three mobile sauna units - insulated trailers with benches and heating units, essentially - had been deployed in a loose arc surrounding the pit the Elementals had prepared.

They had begun with cratering charges, then cleared out the rubble, and finally smoothed the bottom through the judicious application of pulse lasers. Coolant trucks were already filling it with water to create a shallow pool.

On the top of the central sauna, a projector had been set up, directed at the smoothest section of the Dropport baffles, and the evening's entertainment loaded and queued. While they would not be getting through the entire series - the first run alone had something like two hundred and fifty episodes, each of them about an hour long - it was a rare Clanner who would object to watching 'Tails of Strana Mechty' and none of the First Helios had ever seen it.

He was looking forward to Isidora's reaction to Astrid's character.

On either side of the nascent pool, packing crates had been set up as makeshift tables, and more cratering charges had been used to create barbecue pits. Most of them simply hosted grills of whatever meat could be requisitioned from the supplies they had brought with, but some of his Warriors had tried their luck in the hills, and there were a few examples of the local game roasting.

The weather was giving cool but clear, and having cleared his schedule for the day, he settled his back against a step and watched as tanker after tanker delivered there loads of water, waiting for evening and the start of festivities.

Great Father, but he needed a break.

[is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not]

As Jehan settled back and watched the tankers, suddenly a shadow loomed over him. He had not heard its owner approach, but this could not be held against him—even standard Elementals were trained to move silently out of armor despite their bulk, and looking over he noted that Astrid had already removed her footwear, letting her paws perform one of their natural functions.

"How go the preparations, Jehan?" asked Astrid, standing over him and looking at the sauna trailers. She was wearing only the traditional short black latex shorts of an Elemental in armor, though she had seen fit to wear a matching sports type bra—one that admittedly semeed to be straining for its life—in place of the usual mesh top, and she was cradling the same massive weapon that she had been delivered earlier in the day in her arms. She sat down next to him, placing the weapon off to the side—still within arm's reach, naturally.

"The smell brought me over," she chuckled. "I suppose I am predictable that way, quiaff?"

@khanhannahlewis

[khanhannahlewis]

Isidora, tailing behind Astrid, snaps a salute. Unlike Astrid, she wears a long coat, Star League stars hastily sewn over Blakist swords.

"Good Afternoon, Star Colonel. I'm here too."

@clarissaexplainsbatchall

[clarissaexplainsbatchall]

"Do I recognize those voices?" Clarissa stepped forward with a smile. She had on an ankle length fur lined blue coat of sharkskin leather which engulfed her. In her mittened hand was a white cane which she used to test the ground in front of her because her glasses were completely missing and her grey eyes stared at nothing.

"Sorry if I am intruding, but Jehan invited me. If someone could point me towards him?"

[the-clawtake]

"Over here, Clarissa!" Jehan called loudly, after checking to make sure there weren't any sudden drops in the direct line.

Slightly softer, he made introductions.

"The tall voice is Astrid, Ghost Bear Totem Warrior. The short voice is Isidora, commands the First Helios."

"I would get up, but I am not getting up until the drinks are here."

@is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not

[is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not]

"Hello, Clarissa," Astrid says, raising her voice slightly as well. "I am glad you are here. You gave us quite a scare with that Blakist trooper earlier. Have you recovered well, quiaff?"

Astrid then turns her head to whisper to Isidora.

"Did you bring anything to cover your prosthetics in the spring, or are they waterproofed? We will be naked the whole time, but you will be fine with that, quiaff?"

@khanhannahlewis

[khanhannahlewis]

"Yes, I brought covers."

then, louder.

"Yes, I hope everyone is doing well? Who all was invited?"

@clarissaexplainsbatchall

[clarissaexplainsbatchall]

"Astrid, Isidora. A pleasure to meet you in person." Clarissa smiles broadly, very customer service even now. "I wouldn't call my run in with the trooper a scare compared to your adventures, Astrid; more an embarrassing encounter."

She takes a seat carefully next to Jehan, "A bit more embarrassing if I hadn't been rescued at the last moment by a good samaritan."

@the-clawtake

[maddograuda]

"Am I the last to arrive?"

Rauda raised a hand in greeting, pushing stray curls out hair out of their eyes and back into their braids. They, like Clarissa, were still fully dressed; while they were secure in their gender these days, undressing - even for a sauna - was still a rare moment of insecurity that would probably come a little later in the party.

They glanced briefly at the preparations, letting their hands warm over the grill as they counted heads. Nobody that they hadn't met before, which was nice. Although Jehan could generally be trusted to plan a get-together that Rauda was actually willing to come to.

(He also knew how to throw a party that went into the wee hours and that nobody could walk straight after. But those tended to be more crowded, and less Rauda's cup of kokekaffe. Not, of course, that he hadn't learned how to throw a party from Rauda in their rowdier days... the student had surpassed the master, in that regard (not that they would ever word it as such).)

"Anything I can do, Star Colonel?" they asked, weaving carefully through the attendees to make sure that Clarissa knew they were there (a gentle touch of the elbow as they passed) and without bumping anybody.

@the-clawtake

[the-clawtake]

"Oh, I am sure that you will not be last." Jehan smiled at his XO.

"And you know the rules. No rank in the Sauna. You know Clarissa, of the Sea Foxes?" he gestured at the only one present who could not be classed as a Ghost Bear.

"And I think we are set until Eirik shows up with the drinks. Relax." He took in Rauda's uniform, and Clarissa's big coat, and then glanced down at himself, stripped to the pair of loose shorts he wore in the cockpit, the heavy wool cloak he was sitting on his only compromise with the weather.

"I hear he has been trying to track down local breweries in his spare time."

@is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not

[is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not]

"We shall sample as many of their products as possible," Astrid pauses. She is helping Isidora — who is seated on Astrid's large, fluffy and muscular thigh — get the covers for her prosthetics on, being quite careful, helping with the procedure as instructed several days ago by her bondsman.

"... to see which is most worthy of our business. On that note... Isi, do you have any recommendations on that front, quiaff?"

@khanhannahlewis

[khanhannahlewis]

"No, alas. I have not drunken much. The will of Blake is a strong enough spirit for me."

@clarissaexplainsbatchall

[clarissaexplainsbatchall]

Clarissa carefully keeps track of everyone in her head, an old almost unconscious skill that allows her to at least appear to be looking at who she's talking to. "No religion and no politics if we can avoid it, please. Otherwise I will be going on and on about Crucis March trading regulations all night. Did you know that Marlette does not allow you to wear your own shoes on planet? Something about soil contamination, but you have to leave your shoes on the dropship and they give you these little paper thin slippers that are good for nothing."

She pulls at her mitten to demonstrate, "And when you walk out of the port? Two dozen shoe stores. Infuriating! I wish I had thought of it."

@maddograuda

[maddograuda]

Rauda had been nodding along with the conversation while rolling up their sleeve, and working on releasing the clasp on their prosthetic arm; opting to just remove it, rather than try and waterproof it. They paused for a moment at Isidora's mention of the will of Blake, taking a small but long breath in, and out.

A younger Rauda would have said something sharp. Something that definitely did not fall under the purview of no politics if we can avoid it. Rauda was not that youngster anymore. For the most part, the temper they had been known for in their early days as Jehan's isorla was something they had under much better control... but then, when it came to Blakists, there was a lot of history, both from her time in Clan Ghost Bear, and their attacks on the Free Rasalhague Republic before it joined the Dominion.

Isidora was a good person, and Rauda had no beef with her; no reason at all not to trust her. She had no desire to make her feel uncomfortable at the party, or to dredge up past feelings. And so they returned to the prosthetic, twisting it just above the elbow. There was a sharp click, and the arm came loose. Rauda turned their shoulder to Jehan, silently gesturing him for help removing the leather harness.

"So it is meant to encourage you buying new shoes?" they asked, casually. "Do you get yours back when you leave, or...?" They paused. "Sorry. No religion or politics." They grinned. "Alcohol is still a suitable topic, quiaff? I can help there."

@the-clawtake

[the-clawtake]

Jehan shoved himself to his feet, and busied himself undoing the straps that held Rauda's prosthesis in place. That it kept his expression hidden from Isidora was a fortunate coincidence.

It took great effort to keep his voice level, to keep the rolling growl he felt building at the back of his throat out of his tone.

"You may wish to go easy on the 'Will of Blake' talk around Ghost Bears. Many of Us do not have a high opinion of your Blessed Blake and those things that were done in the name of his Will."

He took a deep breath as he undid the final strap and turned to catch Astrids eyes with his own.

"And that is all I will say on the matter here."

He dropped back to his seat, fiddling with the harness.

"This buckle is loose, Rauda, and this stitching here frays. Bring it by tomorrow and I will see to it for you."

@is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not

[is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not]

Astrid looks to Isidora, with sympathy and a measure of weariness in her eyes. "All three of us Ghost Bears here personally fought against the Word's Jihad, roughly 80 years ago. As much as we, over the past week, have come to understand that many of the Word members on this planet in general and yourself in specific, are not the same violent genocidal fanatics of so long ago..." she says, sighing before she continues.

"The experiences of that time have left many of the Ghost Bears with very strong internal feelings about the Word," Astrid says, looking at Jehan with a mix of understanding and exasperation, "such that even discussing Blake in positive terms or as a religious figure in their presence might lead to conflict. Hopefully, cooler heads and the passage of time will prevail but..."

"Once upon a time, the Ghost Bears were sworn to Annihilate all of the Word of Blake. Do you know what that means, Isi? If the histories you have been taught here are accurate, they will give you a clue," she continues, seeking to turn the moment into further education for her bondswoman.

@khanhannahlewis

[khanhannahlewis]

"I apologize for my misstep. My predecessors were perhaps over-zealous in following the will of the Master, though little of his teachings survive to the cureent day for real reference. If it's any consolation, I do believe that a proper interpretation of the faith would ally it to your cause, what with you all being the real 3rd transfer and all. And also the unit my forces claim lineage from never heavily faced your kind, they were largely deployed rimward of Terra, and were opposed to the use of WMDs during most of the war."

She nervously taps hwr fingers, an unusual gesture in a Manei Domini.

@clarissaexplainsbatchall

[clarissaexplainsbatchall]

Clarissa can feel the tension all around and would rather not be in between a cyborg Blakist and a bunch of Ghost Bears. "What matters right now is that we are all united against the same enemy. The cold. When is the heat starting? I am getting a bit chilly under this coat."

@maddograuda

[the-clawtake]

On one of the few areas of flat terrain outside the Dropport, Jehan surveyed the preparations. All three mobile sauna units - insulated trailers with benches and heating units, essentially - had been deployed in a loose arc surrounding the pit the Elementals had prepared.

They had begun with cratering charges, then cleared out the rubble, and finally smoothed the bottom through the judicious application of pulse lasers. Coolant trucks were already filling it with water to create a shallow pool.

On the top of the central sauna, a projector had been set up, directed at the smoothest section of the Dropport baffles, and the evening's entertainment loaded and queued. While they would not be getting through the entire series - the first run alone had something like two hundred and fifty episodes, each of them about an hour long - it was a rare Clanner who would object to watching 'Tails of Strana Mechty' and none of the First Helios had ever seen it.

He was looking forward to Isidora's reaction to Astrid's character.

On either side of the nascent pool, packing crates had been set up as makeshift tables, and more cratering charges had been used to create barbecue pits. Most of them simply hosted grills of whatever meat could be requisitioned from the supplies they had brought with, but some of his Warriors had tried their luck in the hills, and there were a few examples of the local game roasting.

The weather was giving cool but clear, and having cleared his schedule for the day, he settled his back against a step and watched as tanker after tanker delivered there loads of water, waiting for evening and the start of festivities.

Great Father, but he needed a break.

[is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not]

As Jehan settled back and watched the tankers, suddenly a shadow loomed over him. He had not heard its owner approach, but this could not be held against him—even standard Elementals were trained to move silently out of armor despite their bulk, and looking over he noted that Astrid had already removed her footwear, letting her paws perform one of their natural functions.

"How go the preparations, Jehan?" asked Astrid, standing over him and looking at the sauna trailers. She was wearing only the traditional short black latex shorts of an Elemental in armor, though she had seen fit to wear a matching sports type bra—one that admittedly semeed to be straining for its life—in place of the usual mesh top, and she was cradling the same massive weapon that she had been delivered earlier in the day in her arms. She sat down next to him, placing the weapon off to the side—still within arm's reach, naturally.

"The smell brought me over," she chuckled. "I suppose I am predictable that way, quiaff?"

@khanhannahlewis

[khanhannahlewis]

Isidora, tailing behind Astrid, snaps a salute. Unlike Astrid, she wears a long coat, Star League stars hastily sewn over Blakist swords.

"Good Afternoon, Star Colonel. I'm here too."

@clarissaexplainsbatchall

[clarissaexplainsbatchall]

"Do I recognize those voices?" Clarissa stepped forward with a smile. She had on an ankle length fur lined blue coat of sharkskin leather which engulfed her. In her mittened hand was a white cane which she used to test the ground in front of her because her glasses were completely missing and her grey eyes stared at nothing.

"Sorry if I am intruding, but Jehan invited me. If someone could point me towards him?"

[the-clawtake]

"Over here, Clarissa!" Jehan called loudly, after checking to make sure there weren't any sudden drops in the direct line.

Slightly softer, he made introductions.

"The tall voice is Astrid, Ghost Bear Totem Warrior. The short voice is Isidora, commands the First Helios."

"I would get up, but I am not getting up until the drinks are here."

@is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not

[is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not]

"Hello, Clarissa," Astrid says, raising her voice slightly as well. "I am glad you are here. You gave us quite a scare with that Blakist trooper earlier. Have you recovered well, quiaff?"

Astrid then turns her head to whisper to Isidora.

"Did you bring anything to cover your prosthetics in the spring, or are they waterproofed? We will be naked the whole time, but you will be fine with that, quiaff?"

@khanhannahlewis

[khanhannahlewis]

"Yes, I brought covers."

then, louder.

"Yes, I hope everyone is doing well? Who all was invited?"

@clarissaexplainsbatchall

[clarissaexplainsbatchall]

"Astrid, Isidora. A pleasure to meet you in person." Clarissa smiles broadly, very customer service even now. "I wouldn't call my run in with the trooper a scare compared to your adventures, Astrid; more an embarrassing encounter."

She takes a seat carefully next to Jehan, "A bit more embarrassing if I hadn't been rescued at the last moment by a good samaritan."

@the-clawtake

[maddograuda]

"Am I the last to arrive?"

Rauda raised a hand in greeting, pushing stray curls out hair out of their eyes and back into their braids. They, like Clarissa, were still fully dressed; while they were secure in their gender these days, undressing - even for a sauna - was still a rare moment of insecurity that would probably come a little later in the party.

They glanced briefly at the preparations, letting their hands warm over the grill as they counted heads. Nobody that they hadn't met before, which was nice. Although Jehan could generally be trusted to plan a get-together that Rauda was actually willing to come to.

(He also knew how to throw a party that went into the wee hours and that nobody could walk straight after. But those tended to be more crowded, and less Rauda's cup of kokekaffe. Not, of course, that he hadn't learned how to throw a party from Rauda in their rowdier days... the student had surpassed the master, in that regard (not that they would ever word it as such).)

"Anything I can do, Star Colonel?" they asked, weaving carefully through the attendees to make sure that Clarissa knew they were there (a gentle touch of the elbow as they passed) and without bumping anybody.

@the-clawtake

[the-clawtake]

"Oh, I am sure that you will not be last." Jehan smiled at his XO.

"And you know the rules. No rank in the Sauna. You know Clarissa, of the Sea Foxes?" he gestured at the only one present who could not be classed as a Ghost Bear.

"And I think we are set until Eirik shows up with the drinks. Relax." He took in Rauda's uniform, and Clarissa's big coat, and then glanced down at himself, stripped to the pair of loose shorts he wore in the cockpit, the heavy wool cloak he was sitting on his only compromise with the weather.

"I hear he has been trying to track down local breweries in his spare time."

@is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not

[is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not]

"We shall sample as many of their products as possible," Astrid pauses. She is helping Isidora — who is seated on Astrid's large, fluffy and muscular thigh — get the covers for her prosthetics on, being quite careful, helping with the procedure as instructed several days ago by her bondsman.

"... to see which is most worthy of our business. On that note... Isi, do you have any recommendations on that front, quiaff?"

@khanhannahlewis

[khanhannahlewis]

"No, alas. I have not drunken much. The will of Blake is a strong enough spirit for me."

@clarissaexplainsbatchall

[clarissaexplainsbatchall]

Clarissa carefully keeps track of everyone in her head, an old almost unconscious skill that allows her to at least appear to be looking at who she's talking to. "No religion and no politics if we can avoid it, please. Otherwise I will be going on and on about Crucis March trading regulations all night. Did you know that Marlette does not allow you to wear your own shoes on planet? Something about soil contamination, but you have to leave your shoes on the dropship and they give you these little paper thin slippers that are good for nothing."

She pulls at her mitten to demonstrate, "And when you walk out of the port? Two dozen shoe stores. Infuriating! I wish I had thought of it."

@maddograuda