A collab post between Expllo, Rusty, and Jason. The GM crew. 

[center][color=ed1c24][b][h2]The Beginning[/h2][/b][/color][/center]
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[center][color=00aeef][b][h2]Camp Jupiter[/h2][/b][/color][/center]

[hider=Here We Go]A small yawn escaped the girl as she descended the stairs, leaving the living quarters and instead entering the operational wing of the Principia. Today was going to be a long day, and she simply hoped that the Camp's minimal leadership could actually handle it all. Entering a large room with a single desk at one end, she let out a soft groan. Today [i]had[/i] been when she planned to take a trip to the baths. Spend a day relaxing after all the work she had been buried under as of late. Taking her place behind her desk, Isabella looked over at the large sword that said against the wall. Mounted in its usual rack, like a solemn sentry over her office. The thought bringing a small smile to the girl's face before she looked down at the pile of reports and other paperwork she had to read. 

[color=00aeef]"Wonderful."[/color] the praetor said softly and leaned on the desk to begin flipping through the endless amounts of paperwork. Here she sat, reading in a simple purple camp shirt and shorts and not particularly looking very leader-like for the next four hours. Looking up at the time, and seeing it was only nine o'clock in the morning, Isabella groaned once more. Curse having to get up early to get work and preparations done, and screw having to work on her off day. At least she could look forward to her Centurions arriving soon enough, though it was for an offical meeeting, she at least took joy in seeing her friends. With that, Isabella leaned back in the chair and sighed. Running a hand through her hair, she would begin to think about how to handle some of these reports. Hopefully the knock would come soon enough...

Anthony looked at the cake he had gotten for Isabella. It was small, since before then as far as he knew, it'd just be her eating it. Of course, he had planned on giving it to her with no obligation to let him or anyone else eat any, but as the meeting had apparently been scheduled so suddenly, he felt it best to give it to her when he arrived, and if she chose it could be shared. [color=7bcdc8][i]Maybe we should get a big cake and celebrate with everyone...?[/i][/color] He thought about it for a moment before shrugging and smiling. [color=7bcdc8][i]We can decide that when the actual meeting's over.[/i][/color] He closed the small cardboard box that would hold the cake. It had come in the box, so why take it out before he arrived?

Had he not been bringing cake, he probably would have jogged over, but the cake, however small, would need care to ensure it didn't fall, so he walked casually towards Isabella's home and office. He briefly thought about sneaking in to set the cake down as more of a surprise, but decided against it, seeing as that would, technically, be illegal, no matter how little ill intent he held in the action. He knocked on the door, smirking slightly as he decided to make it more interesting [color=7bcdc8]"Praetor, ma'am, you have a message."[/color] He stepped away from the door somewhat, standing in a more professional way as he prepared to offer the cake and 'happy birthday' upon her opening of the door.

[color=pink]"Oh honey,"[/color] came a voice behind Anthony, [color=pink]"I walked all the way here, there's no way I'm waiting outside this door. Isabella, honey, I hope you've got clothes on because I'm coming in."[/color]

Hearing the two voices, the girl stood up and stretched briefly before crossing the distance and pulling the two doors open and looking at the boys standing there. [color=00aeef]"Thanks for coming on short notice."[/color] She said as she stifled a yawn, evidence that she had been up for a few hours already. 

[color=pink]"Ugh, wish you'd called us up later because you look terrible. Need me to spruce you up a little?"[/color] Ariel pointed a single finger at her with a raised eyebrow. [color=pink]"I bet someone other than me would appreciate that."[/color] His eyebrow began bobbing suggestively.

Her cheeks flushing with color, Isabella shot a glare at Ariel. [color=00aeef]"Ari!"[/color] she exclaimed before kicking the boy in the shin playfully. [color=00aeef]"I've been up since 5 reading reports, so I am allowed to look terrible right now. Later... well you'll understand in a bit. Please, both of you, make yourselves comfortable. Clothing stays [b]on[/b] Ari."[/color] She said, a smile stretching across her face as she made a little jest towards her friend. With that, she turned and walked back to her desk. Sitting down and waiting for the other two to take seats opposite her.

Anthony was surprised at the comment from behind him, but smirked and glanced back giving a wave and a smile. [color=7bcdc8]"Hey Ariel."[/color] He said, not having time to mention much else before Isabella opened the door. He smiled and gave another wave, deciding to let the other two talk before he interjected. He had simply given a quick thumbs up as she had thanked them for coming on such short notice, but continued to let them talk. He raised an eyebrow at Ariel as he teased Isabella, only to get a shin kick and an explanation. He smirked as he followed into the building, [color=7bcdc8]"Happy birthday, Isabella. I brought cake."[/color] He held up the cake slightly higher to bring attention to it, if either of the other two looked. [color=7bcdc8]"I got it before I knew I'd be giving it at a meeting, so it's a bit small... At least it's not a meeting for everyone at camp, right?"[/color]

Whenever Anthony wished the girl a happy birthday and pointed out that he had brought cake, her mood visibly improved. With a plesant expression she proceeded to move her reports off to the side to make room for the cake. [color=00aeef]"Thank you, Anthony. You didn't have to, its really sweet. Hm, I'll have to get something to cut the cake so we can all have a bit. Might help make the meeting a bit more pleasant. As it looks like we are all going to have our hands full... very soon."[/color] She said, a smile on her face as she looked between the two and awaited reactions.

Ariel sat with his legs crossed. A smirk spread across his face as his attention shifted between both Isabella and Anthony. [color=pink]"You are such a cutie,"[/color] Ariel said as he pinched Anthony's cheek playfully. He then looked at Isabella. [color=pink]"The only sharp thing I have on me currently is my jawline, so let's get down to it. What's happening?"[/color]

Anthony set the cake where Isabella had made room, taking a seat nearby Ariel. He frowned slightly, leaning back a bit as Isabella had said they'd have their hands full. [color=7bcdc8]"What do we h-"[/color] He suddenly noticed his cheek was being pinched and he wasn't sure how to respond at first. He thought for a second, before deciding to pinch Ariel's cheek in return, [color=7bcdc8]"Of course I am."[/color] He said, before smiling to show he was joking. He looked back to Isabella, [color=7bcdc8]"What do we have to do?"[/color] He glanced to Ariel again, wondering if he had any idea.

Looking at Ariel and his... being Ariel, Isabella giggled slightly. [color=00aeef]"If you boys are done flirting, I think we can begin in earnest. The cake can wait for after. Both of you are welcome to some by the way, except Anthony. You bought it, so you have to help me eat it."[/color] She said, shooting the boy a playful glare before falling silent and seeming to switch into a different mode. [color=00aeef]"Now, I was made aware recently that Lupa was sending a... decently sized group of new recruits our way. Which is why I called you two in, as we are going to have to handle this group together. Both of you will have a legionaire present to get them started on inprocessing. Following that, we will have a mass formation where they will be assigned to their respective Cohorts. I am expecting both of you to get that set up, as I have another matter with which I must deal with. Mass Formation will be just before dinner tonight, so I expect both Cohorts will be ready, and that you two would've taught the new recruits a thing or two about how to stand in a pretty little formation. Any questions?"[/color] The girl said, fixing both of them with a stern look. Showing them that she actually meant business now. [color=00aeef]"Also, we want to impress the new recruits. Full armor. Lets show them what a Legion can be, yeah?"[/color]

Anthony smiled at the comment, [color=7bcdc8]"Hey, if you want to see me flirting, I could totally do more than pinching."[/color] He chuckled. [color=7bcdc8]"As for the cake... I don't know... I don't exercise nearly eno-"[/color]. 

[color=00aeef]"That was an order, Anthony. You bought it, you help me finish it. Oh, and I make take you up on your offer."[/color] she said then fell silent to let him finish talking.

Anthony laughed a bit, having not been serious about his lack of exercise. Running was a pastime for him. [color=7bcdc8]"Yes ma'am, order received loud and clear."[/color] He let the joke about taking up his flirtation offer go, as he didn't want to flirt with another guy more than his joking had gotten him. [color=7bcdc8]"Any chance we can get some of the musicians together to play a tune for when the fresh meat arrives? If we can get enough people together that know what they're doing, maybe we can do it by... When are they getting here?"[/color] He raised an eyebrow, realizing he wasn't sure. Though, considering how quickly the meeting was scheduled, it looked grim. 

[color=00aeef]"I'm... not exactly sure. You know how Lupa likes to do things, they're coming at their own pace. All I know is that she said they would be here by today. So... we should assume as soon as possible."[/color] She said before letting out a sigh and leaning back, running through ideas in her head before seeming to give up. [color=00aeef]"As much as I love your idea, I don't think we would simply be able to have a band ready in such short time. Perhaps we can find some other time and give them a little D&C show. A band could work well there. Ari, you got any imput on this? Furthermore, I want you to inspect uniform and dress today. Make sure the armor is looking good on everybody, you've always had an eye for that. Make sure both your legions actually clean the barracks. Everything "[/color] She said finally before falling silent once more to hear out any additional ideas or questions.

Ariel stood and began inspecting his nails. [color=pink]"Honey, with me on duty then armor and outfits will be perfect. I can't afford being seen around no less, now can I?"[/color] His smirk widened into a grin. [color=pink]"If that's all then I'll be off. Perfection waits on no man, darlings."[/color]

Anthony looked to Ariel, nodding. [color=7bcdc8]"You sure you aren't going to get any cake before you get going?"[/color] He looked to Isabella, then, nodding. [color=7bcdc8]"We should work on preparing people for situations like this so we can have music waiting for them. Anyway, since I have to help with the cake, I'll get some of that, then rush on over to get ready for the new recruits. If there's any left over, we can finish that later or tomorrow during any free time, agreed?"[/color] He gave a thumbs up once again.

Watching Ariel head out, Isabella smiled and sent a wave her friend's way before turning to listen to Anthony. [color=00aeef]"We've got work to do, Anthony. So I think I'll just put the cake in the fridge for now. We can have some later, okay?"[/color] Isabella said in a kind voice, though it still held her authoritive tone. 

[color=7bcdc8]"Yes, Praetor."[/color] The boy said and offered a friendly wave before heading out to prepare for the new recruits. 

Smiling, Isabella watched the boy leave before turning her attention towards the stack of reports. Looking at the one on top in particular, a report from the scouts. Sighing slightly, Isabella knew her job was about to get interesting once more. For now, she had to prepare for the new kids. With that, the girl rose from her place and walked back upstairs to retrieve her armor and freshen up so she looked presentable. First appearance would be everything when it came to establishing her authority over the new ones. SIghing, the girl turned to look at herself in the mirror. [color=00aeef]"Lets get to work."[/color] She said with a smile at the girl in the reflection. Then set about her preparations, thinking about how she would speak to the new kids. 

[center][b]By the Gates[/b][/center]

Two legionaires in full armor, one from each cohort, stood just past the usual patrol at the entrance gates to the camp. Both of them wore pleasant expressions and were ready to welcome the new recruits, then send them on their way to the garrison for in-processing. Small jokes and words were traded between the two, particularly about how lucky they were to get out of cleaning the barracks.[/hider]