He had introduced himself as Isaac LaBelle, and then asked Alexei if he was from France. Alexei chuckled.
[b][color=ed1c24]"Fortunately not, my family emigrated to Australia long ago, since before the Great War. Lucky for them too, we're not sure if we would have had the same fortune resisting Paragon there as we have with Red Star here."[/color][/b] Alexei answered.
___________________________________________

Alexei smiled happily when he heard Chelsea affirm his assumption. As Alexei took a seat at the table with her, plonking his helmet down finally, Chelsea thanked him for his aid during the battle, and how hectic it had gotten.
[B][color=ed1c24]"I agree, it certainly was chaotic. But I am quite pleased you remember me, and more importantly that you've taken care of yourself since then. If that battle told me anything, your NC will be a very welcome support in this next fight."[/color][/B] He replied, complimenting her role. Chelsea in turn complimented Vectis, and Alexei's skill piloting it. 

As they conversed, the token drunk from earlier had entered, and made an executive decision to make a group table that started at the table he and Chelsea sat at. Regarding the noise of furniture being moved, Alexei shrugged at Chelsea's compliment, but with a humble smile. [B][color=ed1c24]"I would be foolish not to credit my reputation at least in some part to my father. He made very well sure I was ready to fight at least as well as he did when he piloted Vectis before me."[/color][/B]

Alexei quickly thought about Vectis for a moment, and then his earlier concern-- To avoid thinking of his father at a time like this. [B][Color=ed1c24]"Which reminds me, Miss Steiner, do you happen to know if any of our comrades here specialised in long-range engagement? A sniper, perhaps?"[/Color][/B] He asked. At this moment, one of the waiters brought over Alexei's order, to which he gave pleasant thanks. He gave it a sip as he listened to Miss Steiner, then took pause after her answer to try the mocha again. He was... Pleasantly surprised. The taste of real honey was absolutely welcome. On the other hand, the accompanying memories were... Mixed. A place of peace, of persistence, like the aviary on Wattle Road. But also, a place of loss, of struggle, like the day his father disappeared. A place Alexei in some part wanted to leave behind.

Of course, Joey knew no better when he mentioned the honey being sourced from Alexei's hometown. Alexei smiled out of habit when Joey guessed correctly that it brought back memories. Fortunately, Joey subsequently lobbied for a party called Remember Australia in the upcoming election. Alexei just nodded politely.
[B][color=ed1c24]"I'll be sure to consider it, many thanks."[/color][/b] Alexei replied. He then continued sipping his mocha as he chatted with Chelsea, every now and again paying attention to one of the rag-tag band of misfits that had been assembled here.