Sparks couldn't help but notice that Aurora and Rhylaen were talking Framewerks, and he unabashedly listened in. "Aurora's right -- some sort of dish to focus the burst should be easy enough to install. ...If she doesn't have the time, I could take a look for you, see what can be done."

Rhylaen was pretty sure Aurora had a full schedule, but she wanted to let her friend have the first crack at modifyig the Dragonfly. "If Aurora say no, then I let you do," she said to Sparks. "But not now? Is food time now."

Sparks grinned. "Got it." Rhylaen had a point -- the food was amazing, and while he was happy to talk shop not everyone was so inclined. Aurora probably would be, but there were other people present. The twins had finally showed up, as had Ava, and Griff. There were still some folks missing, however. He wondered if they would eventually show up as well.

---

Minerva give a silent nod and followed Serah’s instructions, she suppose it doesn't matter where she is seated and if it is too much she could just walk away in a corner or just leave.

Then she a bite of their meal, starting with the steak.

Oh, that's hits the spot and the potatoes they are just made well enough. Oh the stir fry felt good.

"Fine, I suppose I could spare a few hours." she replied to Aurora hoping that this would be a peaceful evening and seems by some miracle Griff is trying not to ruin it.

"It is a good meal." she spoke Ava before carrying her empty plates to shamelessly ask for seconds.

Somehow, those words are clearly an understatement.

It was a rather nice little set dressing for the occasion, as far as the cadet was concerned, and yet he felt a small wave of pressure leave his thoughts as Aurora and Serah had allowed him to sit with them. Though awkwardly enough he kept silent as Elora showed up in a nice simple dress of sorts, nice yet not too over the top, and then their alien comrade and the sole survivor of the simulation alike sought to join them in turn. Soon therafter one person he felt mildly surprised to see there, albeit he couldn't put a reason as to why, arrived. Ah, Minerva? If he'd read the public records right that is. Had a touch of a heated moment with the doctor prior, something her avalible information didn't seem to make apparent as to why he would ignore a member of the team or so forth, though it was almost as if the old man had been maybe...shutting something out? Forcing her out of his perception perhaps, though for her part she'd almost gotten in trouble for it all in turn. And it was he the white haired woman would end up seated next to, of all people, though he would seek to avoid staring. At any rate, Elora seemed to hand over a nice drink to the blue haired girl, and Serah for her part still seemed to be friendly and open enough to get everyone seated at the table and such to boot.

Pilot Mema-Ka and one Zel-Ghin had also arrived, but the latter had certainly ignored the formality of the occasion in favor of going to inspect the food from the looks of it. Just as brazen in the latter's attitude on things as Lucius had seen before, he reckoned, while the former seemed to simply linger and look around like he was taking it all in. Now at least that much was something he could at least relate to, even if he felt like a fish out of water in something like this. As for Aurora, though? For her part it seemed as if she'd hit some kind of 'switch', akin to how someone might act when at work versus at home, compared to her demeanor earlier. Yet it also felt distant from the usual citizen, as if she had the air of a noblewoman about her. Not that he knew her, or anyone here really, well enough in any capacity...was also part of the reason why he was here at that. Heck Aurora's info had been locked up tight enough it made him wonder-



Wow. Genuinely wow. That was quite the display, and he followed in the red haired woman's lead in attempting to give some small applause for the presentation, staff, and host, though he'd somewhat awkardly and eventually stop clapping out of fear he'd be left behind as the last one doing so. Maybe. He'd stop a bit jarringly sooner than anyone else who'd be clapping at least, enough to bring some small worry to cross his face for a moment.

Though from the corner of his vision, admittedly, he would feel as if he was being watched a bit more than usual. And in a moment, it seemed, he caught Elora's eyes looking away. Ah? W-Well he was in his full dress uniform, hat and everything included, but was he that much out of place perhaps? But her cheeks seemed a touch redder than before. Was she feeling well? Though as the presentation had been made she'd made an exclamation of her own a little louder than he'd expected.

“Uh, sorry…”

Lucius would slightly lean closer to Elora, trying to get her attention to whisper something as his smile returned and grew a little more relaxed in kind. Nothing to spook her, that wasn't his intention, but even so something felt a bit more natural to her reaction. Not as formal, but sincere and genuine. It was a little charming, if he had to put a word out to describe it.

"No need to be sorry, it was a great presentation. Though I'm pretty new to all of this myself as well. Never been to something this fancy. If not for the dress uniform, really, I'd be out of luck!"

Indeed, it'd be his normal uniform or worse that he'd have to wear here if he hadn't had his proper dress uniform. Though more than that, it was just nice to see someone who felt similar enough about all of this from the sounds of it. Made it feel a bit less stiff and tense in the room for his part, at least, that much was for sure. More breathable.

As they all began eating, however, a few things became apparent. Minerva seemed to blow through the first plate of food. Like calories were just a suggestion to her in his eyes in terms of limits. Yet she did seem to have an athletic build for sure given what he'd glimpsed of her before during the sim. Curious. Meanwhile Corporal Lane had finally made an appearance, which felt slightly more surprising than Minerva for some reason to him based on first impressions alone, and Aurora and Sparks seemed to begin talking shop about Framewerk technologies in the meantime just before the Corporal's arrival it seemed. That and the arrival of Griff being in his pilot suit was certainly a thing he wouldn't have been able to guess at. Then again he sounded like a guy who'd just roll with whatever, maybe a touch of an athletic meathe-? ...Ahem.

Well as long as Griff wasn't the guy he'd known back in the pilot prep program at home that had downed five smuggled beers and two tall cans of mystery meat before nearly going off the railing of a second floor balcony the night before graduation back home. If he hadn't been there on a whim due to someone else pushing him to go to the student-formed party in someone's room, he'd have not been there to grab the back of the guy's shirt and get half-dragged off the railing before someone else grabbed his legs in turn. Their superior officer hadn't been much impressed, that much was for sure. There'd been so much toilet scrubbing for them all after that too. Ugh.

Mmm, though each bite of steak he'd start taking was quite nice. Tender, juicy, just as he liked it at a smooth medium rare. Sure steak had been a rare enough occasion back home, but it left him focusing and thinking about the aspects of each bite somewhat as he went along. Trying to get a read on it all. The seasonings, the lack or presence of some char on the exterior, choice in sautee if they'd used a little butter or not, etc, etc. In a similar fashion, he would try the potatoes and stir fry and make mental notes as he carefully tasted each before moving on to normally finish them in turn once he'd gotten a bead on each. Soft enough center, but well roasted, ah, he did have some small soft spot for potatoes perhaps. After all, long enough ago Lira had made some before his graduation, a rare recipe she'd learned from-....from....

...and for a silent minute the younger man would unthinkingly pause, untensils still in hand as his eyes lingered on the potatoes he had left for a moment. A wave of something washed over his body, it felt like, as his expression turned somewhat empty and nigh expressionless for a moment. Such a stupid matter, such little things, and here he was eating what could be his own last fancy meal in his life and this was getting to him. That person was. All of that crap was. But for a glimmer of a moment, he could smell it. See it in his mind's eye even without getting a literal glimpse of things. Could feel the warmth. Could hear the laughter. Could imagine the visages of smiles.

He then began to move his hands again, but they were hesitant all the same. They came up, then sat back down. Came up, then sat back down. Then finally he wouldfinally take another bite of roasted potatoes, chewing them slowly and letting the sensation linger. Just for a moment. Just to focus on that one glimmer the nostaligia brought to mind while it remained in the forefront of his mind's eye, despite everything. Despite himself. Despite this place, and all that had brought him here.

For a mere glimmer of a moment, it was as if he'd gone back to a better time and place that tugged away at his heart ache all the more. Even so, he'd savor it along with the food itself in any case...at least for just this evening.

@Digmata@shylarah@Shifter_Master@Dezuel@Randomguy@Ariamis

Seven
Location: Somewhere at the "party"
_______

"...assignment received...executing..."

Those were the only words Jake muttered under his breath as he blended in wearing the "suit" he had on hand for stealth missions on foot...or for related assignments such as this.



Being roughly 6'2", his average size plus his suit with a prepared "fake ID" would help him blend in as if he truly was apart of the staff on the ship and not a framewerk pilot. For Jake, this was just a "training assignment" of sorts since he'd been on more dangerous assignments but it also had it's consequences.

From what happened before...he was sure this "punishment" was to make him realize that the rules here were different from his service with The Numbers...Ritsu especially made it clear on that note.

He merely stood in the corner but did note the other pilots sharing a table together it seemed. Considering he had been wearing his pilot suit and even the helmet before, he was sure most of them wouldn't recognize him. Though he imagined those that were on "Team Apple" during the VR test could since he had removed his helmet more than once.

But then there was Cadet Lucius...something told Jake that he'd spot him easily. He seemed to have a level of "self-awareness" that possibly matched his...maybe even greater but Jake lacked "data" at the moment. He never had the time to look at said data since he was preparing himself for this "party".

Deciding to blend in more, he took a circular metal plate and perfectly balancing some drinks on it and then proceeded to walk around making offers when necessary or when called upon.

The redhead would find himself seated after a quiet and polite greeting to the partygoers. Most of those he expected to be here were there before he even stepped out of the shadows and into the spotlight, but even so he thought at least that Buggati would be there already.

"Hmm. Must be fooling around with that girl." He whispered with a tinge of disappointment but didn't let the expression touch the smile on his face. Instead he smiled at those that came in and made polite greetings.

@Ammokkx "There's our first friendly face. Serah, its a delight you could join us. Your daredevil piloting skills are something to be envied, might I say."

@Shifter_Master "Dame Aurora, might I say you look as though you've stepped out straight from fantasy itself. Your might on the battlefield is nothing to be ignored. Your firepower alone makes me shiver."

@shylarah "Ah, Dear Rhylaen, you look - ahem - your outfit is rather unexpected. Regardless, I only ask that you enjoy the meal and its company.

"It's Johnathan, I believe, or should I call you by your nickname? This dinner is yours more than anyone else, so please anyone the meal and our new squad." Arrish would clap his hands and a little while after sitting down Sparks would find a small gathering of servants preparing a little show for Sparks. It was a renactment of the final battle in the VR. A little improvised, and a little dramatic but it showcased Sparks as the hero.

@Crusader Lord"Ah, Lucius" Arrish held a hand up to his face to hide his grin. "I've a gift for you. I was going to wait a little while after, but I can hardly wait... ladies, please server this man his 'dish' if you will."

From the curtains that separated the kitchen from the dining room would come a pair of ladies. The carried between them a silver domed dish all the way to where Lucius was seated. With a flourish Arrish would reveal the dish himself, it was a deluxe banana split piled high with vanilla, chocolate and strawberry ice cream, drizzled with fudges, and caramels and sweet sticky sauces that Lucius could only dream of. Arrish gave a light bow towards the young man. "Thank you for being a knight in shining armor, and looking after lady Elora in her hour of need."

@Digmata "Minerva, I see you combine form and function once more. I find the look dashing on you. Please, eat to your hearts content. There is plenty to go around, and more than enough for seconds, even thirds."

@Ariamis Arrish stepped away to make his way over to the newest arrival, the lady in question. "You look lovely, Elora. You bring to mind a warm sunlit agrarian planet, betwixt with sunflowers. I'm afraid you will have to wait on any desserts, but I can only hope you will appreciate what Stella has to offer."

@Dezuel"Ah, Zel-Ghin. It seems we've had little time to speak so far. Please enjoy the food, and ah, for your sweet tooth there will be dessert afterwards." He paused before adding."I hope to see more of you in action. I'm afraid our contest in the VR had been cut short."

Arrish looked in the direction of Mema-ka in the door way and raised a hand to offer him a place among everyone else. "Please, my friend, join us. Although we may not agree on tactics, tonight we are both brothers under the same light."

@Randomguy Arrish ambled over to where Ava was at and offered a polite bow. "Ava, it is a delight to see that you've joined us. I had my concern that you would have missed it, but I see your heart has opened up to the idea. I did not have the time to read your report, but I appreciate your critique nonetheless. Please enjoy the food, and the company. I don't know how busy the future will be, so we must enjoy the little things when we can." Arrish frowned when Griff had joined shortly after with his hooting and hollering. He frowned again once Griff had made his way over to where they were speaking. The man was loud and ridiculous... but you hardly got to choose your bedfellows."Griff, wonderful that you could join us. Don't worry, I've already inspected Ava and I can confirm she's not a spy." He gave Ava a smile and nodded politely before excusing himself.

@DarkRecon Arrish would wonder where Jake and Buggati had found themselves, much less where this mysterious guest had wandered off to. He frowned thinking the many ideas of what they could be doing. 'I mean, even Ava had managed to show up'

Arrish decided that greeting and elbow bumping could wait for now and made his way to an open spot among the dining tables. He sat down between two unfamiliar woman, making small conversation while laughing and talking to between them. One of the girls clung to his side and the other giggled at every other thing that Arrish would say. Anyone familiar with Arrish's file might recall him being a little bit of a playboy...

---

Bug’s thoughts raced upon the strange conversation he just had. No conversation about getting some party supplies off the record was bound to be normal, but the Yatalian command seemed…strange. They had accepted his request without much fuss, and sent a shuttle with the supplies, with one condition. One of their pilots also was dying for some R&R so they had asked him to host her. It was a good thing she was a lady, as he doubted Arrish would mind cooking an extra steak for another female pilot.

It all seemed fine and dandy, but he had this…ominous feeling something was way off as he waited patiently for the landing bay to be cleared and the shuttle delivered both the goods and the pilot with the…permission and rather permissiveness of the superior officers.

“Something on your mind, Corporal Bugatti?”

Lucius approached the younger man with one hand in a jacket pocket and the other giving a generally warm yet friendly wave, all with himself being as casually dressed as ever in his own off-time like this. All the same, as casual as he was he’d try to stand a respectful distance from the Corporal all the same. Not too far, but not too close. While he had hoped to check out more of the ship for himself, he’d gotten wind of one of the landing bays being cleared up for a shuttle to arrive. Call it a ‘gut instinct’, but he’d had a strong enough feeling to come check it out all the same on a whim.

With the action in the kitchen heating up, and the staff finally in play Arrish would have a little moment to himself. A quick little trip down to his quarters to have a little nip of something to calm his nerves reminded him of another little detail that he had quite nearly forgotten. A quick pull of his communicator from his pocket and a dial of a quick few numbers would pull Bugatti up to his ear.

”It’s Arrish. You said something about drinks, right? Listen, I don’t want any of that cheap booze, do you understand? I am making a meal that is magnifique and will not tolerate bottom shelf beer. I don’t care if Griff wouldn’t know the difference between his reds and whites, its about the importance of the thing.”

Bug would roll his eyes ever so slightly at Lucius' greeting. “Many things, as expected.” He refrained from asking what he was doing here exactly. It was no secret that Lucius was the sort of hyperactive busybody that poked around everything. Team Banana’s monkey. At least the Bunny had some sort… of ingrained cuteness to it. Lucius didn’t fall into that category. “Have you ever heard the expression too good to be true, Sterling?” He began to reply, but was cut short by a call.

“Ah yes, Arrish. Don’t worry. I managed to barter with some Yatalian dispatch. You know they like to drink stuff that is as old as us, minimum. It’s just that…well, they asked an odd favour. One of their pilots wants a bit of a mixer and relax. Apparently she's a noblewoman. Care to spare some extra food and charm?”

”Only one? That’s odd.” Arrish voice told another story, the idea that Yatalian nobility would be joining their feast didn’t exactly delight him, but at least it wasn’t like he had to deal with royalty. He felt his stomach gurgle from the thought of her showing up.”Well, I can set up a couple plates if anyone else wants to join. I wouldn’t invite everyone though.”

The brown haired boy didn’t so much as pause or bat an eye at his own reception, instead standing by patiently as the Corporal picked up a call from Arrish. Seemed to be something about….alcohol? Alcohol. There was going to be a party, after all, with steaks and whatever their noble chef would concoct up. Yet given the question he’d been asked before the call came in, and this mention of the odd favor being taking in a guest for dinner, he felt his own gut instinct on something else troubling Bug seemed to be well and enough correct at this venture.

Whenever Bug would finally be done on the call, however, and he had a chance to speak once more, Lucius’ brows would mildly furrow in thought for a moment. A hand would even come up to his chin for a second, removed from his jacket pocket for such an occasion. All before said hand returned to said pocket in due course once more and he piped in once more accordingly.

“Think the alcohol will be worth taking in a sudden new dinner guest, or perhaps that the former will be needed to well enough deal with the latter?”

Arrish considered going down there himself to greet the arrivals and make sure that the alcohol was serviceable. He had heard rumors that the Yatalian dispatch sometimes liked to play pranks on other ships, but with Astolfo there he felt assured that his squad member could handle such trouble himself. Instead, Arrish troubled himself with a little relaxation before going back to cooking. Maybe he could find himself a date among the ship’s lovely women…

Bug rubbed his forehead, as the bay doors began to creak and move open, signaling the exchange of people and goods. “You like to make woeful omens, don’t you.” He quipped back at Lucius, before the cargo was revealed. The fourth prince remained neutral, scanning the sizable and bountiful cargo. A winery fit for royalty. That was…more than he expected, and…a small shiver ran down his spine. People who could pay this in the middle of the conflict were most likely to be depraved hellions.

The figure next to the cargo, the would-be guest, waved her hand softly, as she walked towards the duo, with measured catwalk-like steps. She was a rather tall and shapely woman, rivalling Lieutenant Kaname’s looks and ranks. On her shoulders there was not only the Yatalian insignias of Federation troops, but also a distinctive Bug also recognized and seemed only to make his alarm more patent.

“Medical Corps.” Bug could only whisper it in half a heartbeat. That was quite the unique and explosive combination. He decided to dial back Arrish. “Yeah, make the rations abundant. She is a medical corps Lieutenant on top of a pilot. Quite the combination.”

At the very least, she was pleasing in the eye, even with her factions obscured by the helmet. But…it felt oddly familiar and not in a good way.

Arrish grumbled once his communicator has begun alerting him. “What is it now? Surely I can't be required for so trivial a task.” Only after speaking would he pull it up to his ear and accept the call. “Yes, Astolfo? Do you need daddy to come down there and help his little kitten?” Though he spoke with bemused sarcasm his voice had been quite dry.

“Like I tried to say early, put on your best show. Medic lady on top of being a pilot.” Bug would then say, before being compelled to make a salute as the figure approached. Was she asking to be patched through the conversation? “It appears the lieutenant wants to speak to you?”

Arrish was getting annoyed. He didn't answer to another fleet much less a Yatalian one. “She can wait until after it is concluded then.” And he would hang up immediately. He didn't quite understand what all the trouble was about. While he was comfortable with letting Bug handle the drinks, it wasn't as if the stranger was all that important. Who was Bugatti trying to impress? Then something clicked in his head.

“Oh, that rascal. Trying to impress a pretty stranger like that. I wonder if she's really worth all that trouble. . . Hmm, he didn't tell me what she looked like.”

Lucius would also properly and formally salute the woman when Corporal Bugatti did, following in kind despite his casual attire at the moment, though what was a medical officer, much less a noblewoman, doing in a place like this off the cuff? Sometimes he silently didn’t bark back after the comment the Corporal had thrown his way….woeful omens indeed. He didn’t like them either. At the same time, however, the shapely and beautiful woman and the way the Lieutenant seemed to carry herself felt catlike to the brown haired younger man. As if she was a predator casually walking up to some fresh meat.

She was coming here for the party, yes? Some R&R? That alongside all those drinks.

“Welcome aboard, mam’,” he said to the uniformed figure, tone kept in a respectful and formal even keel, trying to give a warm but formal enough welcome to the new but still-concealed face before continuing. Even so, his back still stiff at attention all the same, “Though if I may have permission to ask, mam’, what led you to want to visit our humble little corner of space?”

“Oh my…” The heavily distorted voice seemed playful as she looked at the young man. “What an eager… puppy you are, yes. So full of questions.” The woman said, leaning slightly forward. “I guess I should answer your eagerness, cadet.”

“I am here to wish for the success of this project, composed of chosen among chosen, by lending the hard-gained spirits that belong in my possession so that it might fortify your souls.” The woman said. “In Vino Veritas as they say.”

Bug had gone completely silent, as his eyes widened significantly. “You…How is that you are here?” He said, visibly startled.

Lucius’ eyes flickered to the Corporal and his audible surprise before returning to the woman, a Lieutenant all the same who was leaning slightly forward in front of him on purpose. It certainly showed her….ahem….bounty? He wasn’t sure what word to use in the heat of the moment, really, among other things. Albeit now his feet were ever so slightly fidgeting in their own manner, even as his face kept on a proper mask of being calm and collected enough as it was. And the saying she gave to him? Was it local somewhere, or some old Earth language? And she wasn’t revealing her face as of yet….but her voice, distorted as it was, set off alarm bells in the Corporal’s head enough to get him to speak aloud.

“I’ve always heard that a bit of good spirits can fortify one’s courage and ease tensions, as it were, but also that it will drink you up instead if you chase it down the rabbit hole to Wonderland all too eagerly and deeply. Like a rat that imbibes a bit too deeply of a fallen block of cheese from the counter, only to find himself now overly fat, unable to move, and now at the mercy of the grinning Cheshire Cat stepping out from the shadows where it had been watching…”

And at that point? It was too late for the rat to get back out again, because he was already dead from the moment he stepped beyond the point of no return. Even so, his voice trailed off softly at the end of his speaking nonetheless.

The lieutenant let out a soft laugh as she brought the underside of her hand right under the chin of her helmet. “So what are you then? A widdle wee bunny, afraid that he is too late? A tiny mouse, eager to sniff behind the wrappings? How…delightfully amusing.” She caressed the straps of her helmet, savouring each moment she was dangling the thread in front of this…eager youth. In a sense, he reminded her of a someone.

“Alas, It’s the first time I’ve been called the Cheshire Cat. Most of the time, they just call me the Queen of Hearts.” The Lieutenant took her helmet off, revealing her visage. Dark blue hair cascaded through her shoulders, as mismatched eyes pierced Lucius with a bewitching stare.

“Long time no see, runt.” Lucrezia smirked, her gaze resting on Bug for the moment. “You look nice for being an extra crispy chicken nugget. Are these your friends, perhaps?” The princess of Yatalia spoke clear.

“...friends?” Bug looked at Lucy.

“Yes, the one in the helmet. Isn’t he your shadow friend or something? Don’t tell me you didn’t see him. He’s right there.” Lucy cast a glance at the usually stealthy Jake.

Bug gritted his teeth. He had to warn Arrish fast! His worst fear, made true.

“I’d not do it if I were you. Snitches get stitches, not drinks.” Lucrezia chuckled for a moment.”And I can pull rank on you.”

Wait. Wait wait wait. Had Bug not noticed the other pilot standing there this whole time too? Just him and this Lieutenant? Awkward. However, that was besides the point. The ease at which this woman was willing to pull rank and hide her arrival the moment she saw Bugatti’s reaction to her was telling. As was her unveiled appearance…like a poisonous flower that only bloomed under a moonlit sky.

Frustration. Perhaps a desire to flee. The face of an enemy of his, perhaps, and more. That was what the unspoken exchange of the Corporal’s actions and her verbal reaction said to him. Set off all kinds of bad in the alarm bells in his head, that did, among other things, and given their similar appearance as Lucius looked slowly back and forth between them for a moment with his eyes alone it was easy enough to tell they were probably related. Siblings? Cousins? It certainly had that sort of energy to it. He hadn’t a sure knowledge of much of this overall, though, but his gut feeling was at least piping in well enough.

“Soo…what kind of drinks did you bring?” Lucius said somewhat matter-of-factly in an attempt to ease the conversation off of the Corporal for a moment, even if the slightest touch of dread had crept in on the fringes of his tone. Still, he overall maintained a stoicism in the heat of the moment….even if he was ALSO glad he had not been the center of attention for a moment on the part of this Lieutenant.

Though….a crispy chicken nugget? That was a bit too specific a metaphor for the Corporal, and given the man’s performance after getting out of the pod once he got ejected from the VR sim it felt fitting to associate those things in the brown haired younger man’s mind. But in the void of understanding it at least generated a somewhat mildly amusing mental image in kind for the moment being, though, despite himself. Such an image mostly consisted of the corporal’s head bouncing about on the body of a fast food chicken nugget, and it spouting some nonsense about having turned himself into one. But surely that choice of phrase was just some kind of nonsense or other inside reference to some past shenanigans, yes?

“Drinks older than you, in any case. The kind you start a feud for, hm?” Lucrezia replied, her mismatched stare digging deep in Lucius’ eyes. Sizing him up. “I doubt we will get many opportunities to savour these…masterpieces, so why don’t you set your curious little mind aside and help my… vertically challenged brother haul them back? It’ll be worth it… I assure you.”

“...Will do,” he’d respond in kind, eyes flickering over to the Corporal for a moment before returning to meet the woman's gaze once more. Queen of Hearts, she’d said? Still felt like a cat sizing up a mouse to him all the same, especially right now. Given everything….yeah this person felt like all kinds of problems rolled up into one. A predator seeking prey, as it were, just to more formally note what his gut instinct was screaming at him by this point in time anywho.

“My, how eager.” Lucy leaned forward, breaching all sorts of personal space boundaries as she moved her face and eyes scarce inches away from Lucius. The young pilot could appreciate the fine neckline and the perfume of the princess in all detail, like those haunting mismatched eyes. “I love eager knights by my side…so very much. A far cry from the crude and rude ones in the Federation.” She added, withdrawing ever so slightly.

“Well, what are we waiting for? We must give drinks…to the thirsty.” the princess withdrew, as she skipped merrily along. Bug shook his head.
“You and your mouth, grab the cargo and play along. And for Pete’s sake, don’t draw her attention more than you’re doing right now. With a little luck she’ll only hit on Arrish.” He instructed Lucius muttering under his breath. “What a disaster.”

Through all this, Jake merely quietly watched. Out of concern, he had been following Bug around. From when he took Cadet Elora to shady parts of the ship all the way up to this point. Then this “situation”...with his ‘awareness’, even Jake felt it…the tension…but also the possible hostility…even blood under the bridge.

That’s when Jake finally spoke but perhaps due to his “suicidal behavior” kicking in or perhaps trying to lessen the tension.

“...Ma’am…while I lack data…I can see the…tension…so I’m merely going to say this…whatever history you have with Corporal Buggati or anyone on board this ship…I recommend you leave it OFF…this ship…”

Jake even tapped the pistol he had in his holster on his right hip and then tapped the combat knife he had on his right shoulder. It’s not often he’d go this far but again…something was telling Jake as he thought earlier that despite being royalty…she was dangerous.

For his part, Lucius did just as the Corporal said for him to do. Not that he needed prodding in this instance, perhaps, or a command to go off and do something. He simply nodded, ignored Jake’s comments wholesale, and jotted off to begin moving the cargo and put some distance between him and the situation, and then finally let out a sigh of his own once he was hopefully well out of earshot. Maybe attempting to navigate this Lieutenant was going to be more of a hassle than simply not interacting with her. Indeed, it seemed as if anything he did was going to make it worse at this venture except for keeping a distance where possible….

Bug facepalmed ever so slightly at Jake’s bravado. He tried to say something, but the Lieutenant raised her hand, indicating to him to shut up with a stare. “A most perfect example of the archetypal Federation grunt. Magnifique.” She said her head tilting so slightly as her joy was still unflappable, as if a new prey had been displayed before a predator. “...but I don’t really get it. Is it worth avenging whatever bro code you have with mine little brother jeopardizing the entire Solaire chain of command. So I’m gonna say, as the earthlings do, wipe my pretty ass with your suggestion and you will shut up and carry the cargo, because you will not threaten a medical officer and superior pilot in this way and jeopardize this war.” She also did her share of pointing, her delicate finger going to a certain patch. The one of the medical corps of Earth. “Do you see this, cadet? This is only attainable if you have ancestry related to Earth and train with the Earth Defense Force. And those guys hang people by the manly jewels from the tallest ruins of the irradiated wreck of Manhattan for less.”

Bug blinked. Earth? So Lucrezia, out of sheer spite, had retraced mother’s steps out of all things? He had written her as a spiteful poisoner, but …having combat skills was not on his playbook at all. He wished he could warn Arrish beforehand on how much more unhinged his sister had become.

“I want a yes Ma’am, maggot.” Lucrezia said to Jake, in a commanding tone.

Jake immediately stood at attention with a salute on that with the proper “Yes Ma’am!”

But Jake knew that he had stepped over lines. He would accept whatever punishment that would come his way. But yet again, despite the lack of intelligence data…there was some bad history here. But now…it sadly wasn’t his problem.

Following the other order, he quickly left to help unload the cargo required for the party.

On his way, Jake ended up running head first into Lieutenant Ritsu as she suddenly rounded a corner, causing her to raise an eyebrow. “Ah, as silent as ever, huh? I didn’t even hear your footsteps. That might explain how you managed to keep unlicensed weaponry hidden on your person.”

She crossed her arms, looking stern. “Solaire is watching, even when you think it isn’t. A Maser was reported missing during our routine automated inventory checks…From your rack.” She sighed, shaking her head. “Now, having read your profile, I understand what may have led you to the decision to keep it after the mission. You always want to be prepared, and stay ready in case of enemy attack.”

She adjusted her glasses.
“However, there are security protocols that need to be held for weapons possession, and you have breached one of them: pilots are to return their Masers to the rack after training or a mission. There are security personnel patrolling the ship at all hours, and you are not part of them. Only during duty such as firing range practice or emergencies is permission granted to possess them. This would usually constitute a much harsher punishment than usual, up to and even including dishonorable discharge. However, knowing your clean track record for weapons discipline, I can make an exception: return the Maser immediately, and I’ll let you off with an hour in the brig. Am I understood, Cadet?”

“Now hold on a second…Kaname.” The figure said, skipping the rank mentioning. “I don’t really want to see brig latecomers in this party, so might I suggest…dressing him as waiter and having him serve drinks, as community service?”

“...if that is what you order ma’am. I do have a “suit” that I sometimes use for undercover or bodyguard duties in the past if you feel it appropriate. Lieutenant Ritsu…apologies for not leaving my arms in the rack on off duty hours…old habits with my prior division since I had clearance to carry at all times…still adjusting to the rules of the Solaire”, Jake said in a monotone voice while standing at attention and addressing both Ritsu and the medical princess.

Jake then proceeded to take off the two holsters that held both his Maser and Combat Knife to hand it to Ritsu…

Ritsu greeted the other Lieutenant with a salute once she intervened. “Lieutenant Lucrezia,” she greeted her, emphasizing the rank that the latter failed to mention. “You arrived early, it seems.” She kept a polite smile yet one could see it was not natural, her eyes sharp on the Yatalian royal, fully aware of the political implications. “Your proposal for upholding discipline is unorthodox…But acceptable, considering the circumstances.” She accepted the weaponry respectfully, and placed the Maser in an extra holster she had come equipped with as well as placing the combat knife in her breast pocket.
“Thank you, Cadet Twilight,” she then spoke, still tense but showing some relief on her face. “I will leave the community service under your jurisdiction, Lieutenant. Now then, I have to sort the inventory and perform the necessary paperwork.” She gave one last salute, then turned and walked away, leaving Jake with the princess.

“Do turn up for the dinner, Kaname. You look like you need to…unwind.” Lucrezia said playfully as she moved as she entered, like a storm. Bug could only feel the situation was dire… but then again…was not this his field of expertise?

The dinner didn't wait for tardy ones, so Astolfo could hear the chatting and the clatter of plates. Once upon a time, he would have said that arriving late was fashionable, but now, he just wanted to spare everyone at least one moment of respite before the storm that was brewing. The drinks had been delivered, but the guest...was about to enter.

Lieutenant Bugatti had decided to show off her best wiles in her suit. Astolfo could not help but admit that even in one of those Federation uniforms, she cut a figure that even Lieutenant Kaname or Senior Ava would be envious of. She prowled with catlike steps, her gaze and smarm dousing everyone who met her gaze with a cold, unflinching feeling of harsh reality.

"I kept you people waiting, huh? Well, I do apologize for the incovenience..." Bug tried to break the ice, as his elder and superior said very little, instead wryly smiling as she prowled in a certain direction. Bug was not sure why Lucrezia had refrained to use her tongue and barbs to get the centre of attention.

"...sorry Arrish." He muttered under his breath, as the princess made a beeline for the womanizing chef, making the girls look at her and suddenly have urges to go somewhere else. Lucrezia just smiled.

"We meet again, lord Duval...Sorry, it's Cadet Duval now?" Lucrezia said, leaning onto Arrish as if a venomous snake was trying to strangle a little mouse. "Surprised to see me?" The third Princess of Yatalia said, a wry smile. "Did you...like the drinks I sent? You made such gourmet food it did need a response."

Bug in the meantime, got ahold of his sister's obsession. Arrish was lost, but not the rest of the team. "So, uh, that is my sister." He said to the others but not mentioning anything in particular. "Our guest." He announced. "Please...be nice." He answered through gritted teeth. And for the love of, don't draw her attention upon you.

It was then when he registered a voice. It was a tall woman in a rather...revealing night dress. Incongruously holding a big strawberry cake. That was no woman. That was Stella. She was looking...awfully skin-like today? The look was eye catching for sure, almost making Astolfo doubt for a second if it was a clanker.

"Bugatti. Lucrezia. Princess." She said. "Shall I...present cake to her too?" She said to Astolfo, questioning like a lost child. "Cake is meant for Liu'un, Elora, Cadet. But more friends more fun." She said, in her monotone voice.

"Just...deliver it to Liu'un. And stick around her." Astolfo said. It was a remote chance, but a bully like Lucrezia would never resist picking on a mousy geek like the younger pilot.

He'd rather be fighting the Cruxi Fister than handling this. He wondered if this was punishment for his hubris of pretending to throw a welcome party.

@Ravion the Red

Just as Elora wondered about Ava’s absence from the dinner party, there she suddenly was, and in the Galactic Federation representative uniform nonetheless. The young pilot found herself staring for a moment at her, before she blinked, stood up, and saluted.
“G-Good evening, C-Corporal Lane…”
Elora started to second-guess her own choice for apparel. She had come to realize how this was not a mere friendly gathering, but an important event where they would have the chance to socialize and form deeper bonds. As such, was she not respectful enough for her fellow comrades by not also wearing the proper uniform? Was she too self-absorbed and vain with her academy graduation dress? The doubt gnawed at her as she sat back down.

She afterwards waved at Griff, finding some solace in his familiar, casual demeanour: no matter the situation, his eyes were always bright, with a personality that some may think of as dumb, which might have been true considering how his report became outdated in a matter of seconds, but she preferred to think of as friendly.

Then he made an accusation that Lane was actually a Cruxi infiltrator. Elora’s eyes widened, and a cold shiver ran down her back. Lorenzo’s lecture did mention the Cruxi having used such soldiers against the Galactic Federation…But surely no spy could kill someone as beautiful and strong as Ava and replace her? Elora’s fearful thoughts quickly passed as Lucius had approached her without her having noticed, and whispered to her ear, causing her to blush.
“Oh, uh, well, I, too…am…” She attempted to quietly speak back, but not finding the words as her eyes met his.
Fortunately, the awkward situation was saved as Griff sat down next to her, on the opposite side of Lucius, with a big steak.

“Ah! Um, Cadet Griff…” She spoke softly, managing to smile. “Uh, nice to see you here..Um…Were you serious…When you said Corporal Lane could be…A Cruxi spy?” She asked. And then, it hit her: she was now between two of the nicer guys in his squad…and now a third one, Jake, had offered her a drink. The situation had developed in a way the timid girl had not expected, as she seemed to be getting most of the attention of the men at the party. “Um, thank you!” She responded promptly, taking the drink in her delicate hand, trying her best to keep it steady without shaking as she waved her hand at the fourth one in the form of Arrish, giving her a polite smile. “Th-Thank you for the compliment. I-I’m looking forward to it,” she said, her smile seemingly frozen in place.

And then, Bugatti had arrived, alongside a woman that had a strange familiarity to it, as if they had met somewhere before. When her name was mentioned, Elora’s memories kicked in: it was a flashback of the two of them at the academy, right after a Framewerk training session. Lucrezia, despite being the queen bee of her class, struggled with her studies, and she sometimes brought it on Elora, teasing and tormenting her, calling her names, and sometimes even trapping her in the locker room in a kabedon. Fortunately, it never went as far as physical violence, and she soon left the academy after some time, though her venomous words left a lasting impression, somewhat contributing to her lack of self-esteem in the current day.

Elora greeted the two much like the others, her smile began to falter, only to be renewed as Stella also appeared, announcing a cake. Here eyes sparkled as she held her hands clasped together, wondering what kind of delicious dessert it would be. However, she never expected the gorgeous piece of confectionery to be brought right up to her as if it was her birthday. She gulped, as she looked around: the stunt had drawn the attention of the entire room, and now everyone’s eyes were on her.
“Um…Did someone bring a cake server?” She asked.

Internally, she was screaming.

---

"Well don't mind if I help myself." the long haired woman spoke as she filled her plate to her hearts content. Her unique constitution led to her body having a very active form of metabolism leading her needing more carbohydrates that is usually provided by her own rations. She doesn’t have any problems taking those but the taste and textures of the various meals turned out to be something she's really missing out.

The introduction of the newcomer went over her head, only hearing scant details like she is a princess and Bug's sister, hopefully she wouldn’t be as annoying as her brother. Elora seemed like a bit bothered though, why should she it's not like she's anything special.

Minerva would seat beside Elora putting a portion of her meals on her plate while pointing at the nearby spoon and fork. It's like teaching a dog to be honest.

She's not sure if she doing it right but it should at least she had her back as well.

"Just focus on enjoying what we have today, it won't last that long."