ON>
Fort Jariaz, Mazerin
Upper Lounge
Yetsava 14th, 935
25:20 Commonwealth Standard Time
Bahram Wing's orders had stated that the new members of the wing should report to the offices of their wing commander, but he was nowhere in sight. Instead was a small note on his door's digital welcome screen, stating that he had sortied alone, would be back in 10 minutes and would meet them back at the fort's upper lounge. A place filled with small smokeless fireplaces burning in the corners, surrounded by fireproof velvet pillows and soft-looking couches, tall mugs of piping hot Mazrit Brandy were passed around. It was winter in the northern regions of tundra world, and despite the comfortable warmth of the fort itself, the crew were all too eager to warm themselves with drink and fires.
Such was the nature of the homemaking Mazerinii people, who valued the warmth of a hearth and a comfortable seat over any amount of riches. Many of the younger crew were rather handsome too, phenotypically fairer and somewhat more buxom than their sun-seeking kin of Hlarai or cosmopolitan Maekardani. Despite a small sense of antagonism with such ethnic divisions, no one seemed to be particularly hostile any newcomers, and the drinks continued to be passed around.
Mu'Tasim idled quietly near the center of the room, he had found himself a small, comfortable chair to sit in. The Sund Wakir didn't exactly look like the usual Vanguard of the room, with his Guard Banner on his belt, his large white overcoat, and think Book of Dreams situated on his lap. He sipped only a little bit of the warm brandy that had been passed around, praying to Abu'Nal lightly that he would have the strength to uphold his position. The guardian turned his head, to look around for other pilots who may be under his guidance.
Malik briefly made eye contact with the older Temple Guard. Quiet, he had refused to drink any of the brandy being passed around, but was active in the many conversations going on about the room, adding in his views. Many of the conversations were, infact, about the rumors about defecting officers. He tried to not concern himself with these troubling facets, instead talking with a group of other frame runners about their origins. It seemed that there werent many Cohronls here, and the few present were being eyed with suspicion. Malik had decided to go with "My father was a Sund-Wakir, my mother was a Mazerinni." Infact, this was only a half truth. While his mother WAS a Mazerinni, his father wasn't a Sund Wakir, a Cohronl that had Sund Wakir and Curdatl ancestery, but a Curdatl nonetheless. Realising that the temple guard was not only his elder, but most likely his superior, he saluted to the older man.
Mu'Tasim looked up at Malik, his glowing yellow eyes blinking up at the runner saluting him. In fact, he actually had to lean back to look up at the very tall Cohronl. The mix of violet eyes, and the big orange hair seemed to intrigue him as the guardian tilted his head, not responding for the moment. Though, he quickly realized his staring.
"Er... I'm sorry, can I help you?" Mu'Tasim questioned. Malik stuttered for a bit, lowering his hand.
"Sorry, Sir. I just felt that I should show proper respect to you, both as a man of the faith, and as my superior officer." Malik smiled, visibly relaxing, before becoming tense again. "Err, Sir!' Mu'Tasim chuckled for a moment, and stood up from his spot in the chair.
"It's alright, my friend, Ruh looks kindly upon your discipline and faith, but you should not feel so tense in my presence." His hand flowed from under the coat, for a shake. "I am Vaytulri Mu'Tasim Farouk, and you?" Malik moved to salute Mu'Tasim again, but stopped himself, shaking the shorter Sund Wakir's hand.
"Vayhsirin Malik Ibn Rashidan, at your service sir." Malik smiled briefly, and scratched at his sideburns while in thought. "Sir, if I may ask, why were you get assigned to this cold planet?" Mu'Tasim chuckled lightly at Malik's behavior.
"I am here to relieve the current Shrine Keeper's duties, and restore the Shrine here to its former glory. I will be acting as this Fort's Dream Priest until someone else if found suitable of the position." He did not feel it was too necessary to tell him about the Runner squad assignment.
----
"I know! That new Wing Commander Serhan is going to turn traitor, or I'm sipping lukewarm Mazrit with a Cohronl girl!" A pair of female recruits to the left of Mu'Tasim and Malik were talking quite loudly, half giggling as they took gulps of their hot drinks. The one who spoke first was a pale skinned Mazerinii with shoulder-length wavy white hair and light orange eyes, who seemed to speak with a great deal of sarcasm.
"You are, idiot.” The other, a tanned, gray-haired and red-eyed Cohronl simply looked at her and laughed. “I have to admit, the glasses thing kind of creeps me out and I can never find a word to describe him that isn't a synonym for shifty.”
"Exactly! The guy never shows his eyes, and you never let up about my jokes!" The white haired girl chuckled. “On the bright side, that shrinekeeper's replacement is quite the looker. Almost makes me wanna be religious again.”
“Only a martyr would ever be interested in a monster like you, Anik.” The grey-haired one retorted to her drinking partner, jabbing her in the side with her elbow. “So you might have a chance!”
“That was mean, Khiyai. His taste would be as bad as yours, having eyes for that garish Cohronl with the orange hair.”
“Hmph!”
“Hmph!”
----
Malik perked up at hearing the two girls, and almost visibly facepalmed. On the other hand, he almost visibly stared at the Mazerinii girl's chest. Well, What they said about Mazerinii females being "Buxom" was true. Coughing, he spoke up.
"You two need to slow down a bit. Yes, our commander does seem a bit odd, but I'm sure he deserves his position. I'll not have you spreading such lies and slander about our Wing Commander, at least, not infront of Vaytulri Farouk!"
Mu'Tasim blushed slightly at the comment made by the nearby women, almost causing him to break into another chuckle, but he raised his eyebrows at Malik's incursion on the near-by conversation. He did not speak, only focused his glowing, yellow eyes on the two women. The gaze he had seemed to be a mix of judgement and innocent curiousity.
'Ismat sat quietly, watching the others of the room intently. She held a cup of brandy to warm her hands, occasionally bringing the cups to her lips, and very occasionally actually sipping. At the loud gossip, 'Ismat instantly tuned in.
“Ohoho!” Anik leaned forwards, emphasizing the size of her breasts to the runner a little and reaching out to grab his left horn. She grinned and gave him a quick top-down glance. “I can see what she likes about you, even if it's too bright and filled with too many ideas.”
"Eeek! Idiot!" Khiyai pulled her friend's arm away and pushed her down against the couch they were sitting on. She seemed to be exasperated, annoyed and almost dissapointed that Malik was interested in someone with breasts much larger than hers. "You were supposed to hit on the other one!" Mu'Tasim made no attempt to interject, he only chuckled.
Any and all logical, comprehensible thoughts in Malik's brain dissolved, turned to mush along with his brain apparently. His height had some advantages, and also gave him some weaknesses. Luckily, Khiyai pulled her friend away before anything could happen. Quickly regaining his senses, he waved his hands. "no, It's not like that! I mean, Your chest may not be as large, but your waist is slim and your hips are wide!" Malik sighed, happy with what his solution, then he realized had just made it worse. "Wait, I didnt mean to say that!" Malik facepalmed. "I meant to say that I think both of you are beautiful!" 'Ismat sweatdropped as she listened in. This didn't seem like anything important, but still. She wandered over to join the conversation, plopping down next to the others.
"And what about me?" she asked, teasingly and with a mischevious smile.
"Oh... that's actually pretty sweet. Like glacier-carved cliff covered in honey." Anik began to laugh quite furiously, before glancing at 'Ismat, in a calm and objective appraisal of the newly arrived girl. She figured that this was all perfect, as she was quite pretty and would probably fluster Malik. "Yeah! What about her?"
"...cruel." said Khiyai as she simply blushed, eyes downcast and slumped her shoulders, feeling that she had lost against the other two.
Malik's brain, instead of shutting down to avoid making it's user look even more perverted, instead went into TRANS-AM. Smiling, Malik stepped back, pushing Mu'Tasim forward.
"I think that she's much more Vayulri Farouk's type." said Malik, but Mu'Tasim only smiled lightly, chuckling a small bit behind it, yet said nothing. 'Ismat frowned.
"Aaaww, I'm not to either of your likings?" 'Ismat pouted. "You still have a chance then, seeing as these," she gestured to her chest, speaking to Khiyai, "didn't work, so it's not that they're looking for." Malik twitched ever so lightly. Obviously, the Vaytulri had much better self control.
"Screw it. Khiyai, you should go out with my Cohronl half. Anik, you should date my Mazerinii half." He spoke confindently
"... Really?" Anik said quietly, her mouth agape. However, she quickly regained her composure and grinning, turned to Khiyai and nodded. "I guess it's appropriate for you types to share when supplies are scarce, right?"
"..." Silently, the grey-haired Cohronl stood up, hands placed over her red eyes. Ripple went through her body as she prepared to sprint, before she bolted for the door, mumbling something along the lines of: "Monsters! Both of you! There's no way I'm making myself a martyr for your twisted jokes!"
"But I didnt do anything." Malik stopped, still as a statue, mouth agape.
"No..." Anik swatted Malik on the back and chuckled."...but you said a lot."
"Sometimes, words speak louder than actions. Both physically, and metaphorically." Malik smiled, an arm wrapping around the Mazerinii's waist.
'Ismat just blinked. That was interesting. She stayed quiet now, unsure of how to act.
"Ahaha, yeah. Here's one." Anik giggled happily, as her hand crossed Malik's face, causing a sharp concussive sound to resonate throughout the room. The wavy-haired woman pushed him away and stood herself up, placing both hands on her wide hips, disappointed. "I was kinda hopin' you'd play nice long enough for Khiyai to speak up and tell me to take a hike. Guess I overestimated how long you'd go without saying something perverted." She said, sighing.
"That was a good one. I take it you know I don't hit women, correct?" Malik smiled sweetly, his hand squeezing into a fist.
----
Jlu was on her break from a normal day of care taking duties. It was hard work; so much food to prepare, sheets and towels to be washed. She was pretty exhausted. However, the work day wasn't over quite yet, and she thought a good drink would help her relax before she was forced to cook some more for all the hungry recruits. She was new herself, but already she was considered a regular. She'd made a few friends but they were still working. As the caretaker walked in she looked around the room for a spot to sit before turning her body to avoid being ran into by an obviously distressed woman.
"Aaah, careful! Idiot!" Khiyai screamed, as she crashed into the side of the doorway, having avoided an impact with the caregiver, but exchanged it for one with a moulded Strodirn door frame. Stoically, she remained standing and kept silent, rubbing the middle of her forehead vigorously. At least she was thinking less about him...
----
Malik stared down at Anik, his smile gone, stoicly glaring at her. His fist loosened, rubbing against his waistscarf, which seemed to twitch at his touch.
"Well, It's true. I refuse to hit women, even if they do deserve it." He spoke spitefully.
Mu'Tasim's hand clasped heavily on Malik's shoulder, it's grip rather tense. "I believe you seem to forget your restraint, Malik. I suggest you find more attending words, or take a seat." His tone coming off a little harsh. "The same goes for you, Anik, you should more restraint in such situations. This is the sort of behavior that sent Mu'Klamal to his grave."
"Relax, honey. I'm not trying to get into a fight with a guy who just had an sea of arousal turn into an ocean of frustration." Anik sighed, before her features suddenly brightened up. "I just thought that she'd probably never forgive me if I brought someone she liked to our bunkroom, even if it was over a paltry Cohronl kid. Your friend there has the right idea." She said, amused and somewhat relieved.
Malik continued to glare at Anik, his eyes softening. "I apologise, Anik." The tall Cohron/Mazerinii sighed, and saluted to Mu'Tasim. "Understood sir. I thank you." Then, Malik put two and two together.
"Wait, Khiyai likes me?"
----
After dodging Jlu looked back to see where she'd gone, only to find she had run into the door frame!
"I'm not the one that ran into a door," She said matter-of-factly, turning and stepping toward her, her hands outstretched as if to steady her through thought. "Are you alright? You should be running blindly like that you know." she asked. Khiyai sobbed a little and forced a smile, small droplets tracing down the upper part of her reddened cheeks.
"Nothing, but thanks for your concern! It's just... hitting my head likes this hurts." She told Jlu calmly, half lying by omitting what hurt more. Though, she probably wouldn't have cried unless she had hit her head, but that was relatively moot.
----
"Apology accepted." Anik replied, making a small bow. "Do drop by our bunkroom though, sometime. She probably still likes you, or this Mazrit isn't bargain grade."
"Thank you Anik, I will. I would ask you to tell Khiyai that i'm sorry, but I think it's better if I do it myself." Malik smiled, a big goofy grin on his face and steped away from Mu'Tasim and Anik, moving around them and jogging after Khiyai, trying to catch her.
"Say... Vaytulri Farouk, right?" Anik asked Mu'Tasim curiously, glancing at him with slightly devious eyes. "Will you be holding prayer sessions? The last one didn't, and I kinda feel like settling back into good religious habits."
"Yes, by request of the High Guardian, I am here to replace the current keeper, and assume his duties. Prayer and meditation will take place twice, every week. Of course, if you are need of it, I am also available for private meditations when I am not occupied by other duties." Mu'Tasim nodded and spoke gently, his expression become a little more warm to Anik's question.
'Ismat giggled. "Private huh? I certainly hope that meditation is all you're doing in those private sessions," she teased.
----
Concern and a little disappointment marked her face; her break was cut short before it started!
"I can see; you're head looks like it's starting to swell. Come on, let's get you some ice," Jlu told the girl. She put her hand on her back and started leading her to the kitchen.
"Ah, thank you. That'll help for sure." Khiyai replied to Jlu, feeling somewhat better. She looked to the young Iroma, quite grateful for her help in spite of being a complete stranger. "Your features are very bright. Are you an Eyr Ranr?"
Malik looked around the room, quickly realising that Khiyai had not gone down the elevator.
"Yeah, Good job Vayshirin, you damn idiot." Malik sighed, about to lean against the wall and sigh, but noticing Jlu, and Khiyai in the corner of his eye. Smiling, he went over to them.
----
"Jeez! What kind of girl do you take me for?" Anik barked back at 'Ismat. "I'm just trying to get back into good habits. I grew up in the Ghen school, but haven't been doing any meditation so all that extra focus kinda bled out."
Mu'Tasim rotated his head in the direction of the woman who had not yet identified herself. She appeared his age, and seemed to hold the playfulness of such. "It depends on the sort of Meditation we perform, I believe you may be thinking of the Ahni Meditation. Those are usually performed better by the Dream Consorts."
'Ismat nearly faceplanted on the table at Mu'Tasim seemingly completely missing the joke, but reeled back at the yelling from Anik. "Ah, sorry. I was just kidding!" she apologized to Anik.
"At any rate, the Shine Keeper will be ejected and transfered tommorow. I will take time inbetween duty to rebuild and touch up the shrine, and then the next day I will hold a Jafar Meditation." Mu'Tasim explained, after 'Ismat's apology. He shivered a little more, pulling his robe a little closer to himself, he didn't feel too official freezing his horns off.
----
She brushed some of her long, black hair out of her face, "Why yes actually. How can you tell?" she said, looking into her eyes with her own glowing, black eyes. Jlu noticed from the corner of her eye that a man from a nearby table was walking toward them. She didn't know if he was gonna walk past or what, so she ignored him for the most part.
"You're quite a bit leaner than most of the girls here, and well... it's in my blood." Khiyai answered, trying to pretend that Malik wasn't coming closer, and was just passing by, or something as innocuous. Normally, she'd be so much more composed, but the almost idiotic manner in which everything had played up until now had her frazzled. "One quarter, on my mother's side. They say that the Cohronl owe their adventurous spirit to the Eyr Ranr, so I've always kind of looked back at my heritage with pride."
Malik opened his mouth, to apologise to Khiyai, but couldnt find anything to say. Thinking, he tried again, but couldnt find anything to say then. The third time, he could find something to say, even if it was stupid.
"Khiyai, I know you're angry at me. I was wondering if we could talk?" Malik asked as Jlu was about to thank Khiyai for her compliment, but the Malik had reached them and stopped, obviously to talk. She could tell by the way he hesitantly opened and closed his mouth before finally apologizing.
"Oh, so you're the one that upset..." she turned her head toward the Cohronl and said a little quietly, "what's your name? I'm Jlu, by the way. And I don't think you should," she quickly told the man, "She needs ice first."
"Don't worry, I'll go get it." Malik said, smiling at Jlu.
"... Aaah?" Khiyai said meekly, taking a seat on a free cushion so she could get here bearings back, and glancing up at Malik. "Thank you."
"It's the very least I can do." Malik scratched the back of his head, smiling to reassure Khiyai. Walking into the kitchen, he quickly returned with ice for Khiyai. He would, however, notice that the thick composite material of his left shoulder pad had a dangerous-looking cleaver embedded in it, too shallow to feasibly have harmed his shoulder but deep enough to look like someone had genuinely tried to kill him. Likely because he hadn't bothered to ask and intruded on the territory of the upper lounge's chef.
----
Anik remarked that for all his discipline and apparently good physical shape, Mu'Tasim still couldn't quite take the cold. It was probably the cape, by her reckoning. It was always the capes with temple guard and clergy, since they always wore niforms adapted for the warmer worlds like Hlarai and Maekardan. She smirked. "So, how does fair and icy Mazerin treat you, Temple Guard?"
"To be honest, I hate it, the cold I mean. I'm more used to burdening hot climates, like the deserts I'm from. My robe is designed to keep off the sun, but is too damn thin to insulate heat." Mu'Tasim spat bitterly, but his expression seemed to pick up, "However, I do enjoy the people here, that is one improvement, so I know my work in the shrine will go more smoothly than the temperature."
Anik nodded. "We like the cold here, but the hearth culture has always been very big 'cause it's such a bitter and hostile world." She explained, nodding again quite happily. " 'Hostile in her beauty, and deadly in her elegance.' is what some Mazerin folk say about our homeworld. The rest just guffaw and dig into their stew."
"That's very poetic, and very true, I've heard few dangerous things about this planet. However, the much different kind of climate here makes it almost exotic to me, if not ball-free- I mean, very cold." Mu'Tasim cleared his throat, and then shifted his attention to 'Ismat. He looked at her and then at Anik, in less audible tones, "Is she also a local? She seems rather shady."
----
"I didn't get a chance to thank you for the compliment. You didn't tell me your name either." Jlu sat down at the other side of the table, motioning for a waiter to bring a couple drinks.
Malik sweatdroped, and mentally reminded himself to never go into the kitchen again. Coming back, he knelt in front of Khiyai. "Is this the ice you wanted?"
"Ah... well. It's Khiyai. Khiyai Sahrzad, Mechanist." She replied, gratefully taking the ice and pressing it to her head. It almost seemed to be counter-intuitive, being on a permafrosted world that might as well be a desert by classification, and using ice when they were all trying to escape the cold. "Thank you again, Malik. Was there something you wanted to say?"
Malik blushed, sitting next to Khiyai. Not too close to her, but not too far from her either. "Well, I'm sorry about what happened with Anik. I thought that you two were teasing me, so I just teased back. I'm really sorry for being a pervert."
"Oh, nice to meet you Khi," she always shortened peoples' names out of habit. The caregiver looked over at Malik and easily noticed the cleaver's wound on his shoulder. She looked down at him and shook her head slowly, "Never ever interupt the head chef while he's working. That's practically rule number one in there. I'm assuming you didn't ask either,"
"Nope." Malik answered simiply.
"Aaah? Really? ..." Khiyai said, however, whatever kind words she had in store were muted when she realized that Malik did in fact have a meat cleaver sticking out of his shoulder. "Idiot! You're lucky that tonight's chef isn't that ex-circus performer, or you'd have died."
Malik noticed the Cleaver, and pulls it out. "Oh, this. I thought that it had fell out." Mal gently tucked it away, I'll have to return that later.
"Just give it to me; he has more than one you know, and I doubt he'd mind dirtying them up." She stuck her hand out toward him.
Malik handed the heavy cleaver to Jlu. "I can't believe that I forgot I had that sticking out of my shoulder."
----
"Dunno. Showed up a few days before you and pulled a few half decent runs on the frame sims, but she hasn't contacted any of the Frame Officers for an assignment." Anik answered, before making a rather cocky smirk. "Just another indecisive Runner. Me, I run in a VAHIN, yannow? Infantry is where all the magic happens, and we don't mess around. Yeah."
"...Hey, I'm right here!" 'Ismat pouted. "You couldn't just ask me? And what do you mean shady? Well sorry if I space sometimes...."
Mu'Tasim arched his brow at 'Ismat and then spoke a tad sternly, "You interject on conversations, yet never introduce yourself. You are either just detached, or shady." He then turned his attention back to Anik, "You know, I spent a few runs in a VAHIN myself, back when I was Vaybalri in the Vanguard. We usually showed bandits what it meant to be on the wrong side of a Ray-B." He chuckled.
"Oh... Oh! I never did, did I? 'Ismat Sitari, Vaybalri," she introduced herself awkwardly. "Sorry...." Well this wasn't a great start to her first few days there.
"You seem a tad nervous, Vaybalri Sitari, you're amongst friends here so there's no need to stumble or apologize." Mu'Tasim nodded to her, his glowing warmly with a smile.
"Heheh. Yeah, lighten up. The hearth is all the warmer because of the cold outside!" Anik did an energetic one-two punch combo, and flexed her left arm, grinning like a Gualmyan that had just caught a sandrat with its tail. "The Linear Shrike more my style, though the Ray is a dream when they've gotten saucy and think they can get away from you on the open plains."
'Ismat nodded. "You can just call me 'Ismat. And still, I feel as if I should apologize about being... creepy." She blinked at Anik, before giggling at her actions.
----
Jlu took the knife with a bit of force, careful not to hit him, and set it on the table in front of her. She wondered where her drinks were.
"What do you do around here?" She asked Malik.
"Well... I guess it's only because I got jealous. Anik really tries to help me out with these sorts of things, but her plans... can backfire." Khiyai frowned, exasperated. "I'd almost be worried if you hadn't shown any interest in her, since she is so pretty, but still..."
Malik thought, then smiled. "Anik may be pretty. But I think you're more beautiful than Anik could ever be." Mal gave Khiyai a thumbs up, turning his head to look at Jlu. "Malik Ibn Rashidan, Vayshirin, Frame Runner."
"I guessed as much. All confidence, and no substance." Jlu smiled a wicked smile.
Khiyai patted Malik on the head and sighed. "I guess I'm subconsciously looking for a very courageous idiot so my children will be born average."
Malik chuckled. "I guess I am a hotblooded idiot then." He smiled, petting her on the head. "Oh wait, I want to give you something."
Jlu couldn't help but smile something fierce. Just the way they pet each other made cheeks rise; she couldn't help herself! she looked down a little to try and hide it some. After controlling it enough she said, "Maybe you two wouldn't be so bad together after all."
"Aaah? Why would I ever listen to my subconscious, anyway? It wants me to bear the children of an idiot!" Khiyai yelled, immediately withdrawing from Malik and standing up, the half-melted ice still pressed to her forehead. "I... have to go! Serhan's unit is coming in and there aren't enough Mechanists at Bahram Wing's hangar for maintenance. Th-thank you!" She said, scampering away, her cheeks hot enough to spot weld steel.
----
"You know, you struck me as the kind who would favor the spread of a chaingun. It is a very decisive weapon." Mu'Tasim chuckled, then turned his attention back to 'Ismat, "You know, Yetsava would disapprove greatly if we all looked at each other's outward actions. So, you have no need to apologize to me."
"Ah um... okay," 'Ismat replied. "Sorry... er... well... I haven't exactly brushed up on my Saints recently...."
Mu'Tasim chuckled a little bit, "That's alright, many people are not. Yetsava is the Saint of Beauty, who looks down all forms of prejudice and vanity. She is there to make sure that we stay together as a people, and not find a way to separate ourselves through petty judgement. Knowing that, you shouldn't be worrried about simple conflicts of social interest."
'Ismat nodded. "Mhm. Heh, I guess that's why you're a Temple Guard and why I'm just a Runner."
----
Malik sat there, shocked. Then, he realised. "Wait, did she say Bahram Wing?"
Jlu too was shocked at her sudden departure, "Umm, I think so. That's weird, I'm supposed to be joining the Bahram Wing myself."
"So am I. It seems that Khiyai has a crush on me but doesnt want to admit it, and she's also a mechanic for Bahram wing." Malik grinned widely, and started laughing. "Hey, maybe she'll get all worried if my unit gets damaged, and will try to play it off as being worried about the VANDR!"
Jlu arched her brow and smirked, "As I said, all confidence... I wouldn't be surprised in the least if she called you an idiot everyday."
"If she called me an idiot while blushing furiously?" Malik turned his head to the side, in a questioning manner.
----
"Well, Temple Guard are not the only ones who are open to the Vigil. Even you can embrace the guidance of the Makuori, they may I'Timad and Malakai may even grant you the light of becoming more confident in your speech." Mu'Tasim nodded to her, feeling confindent in his own explanations of the Makuori.
"Really? Hm... I might have to join you on one of those meditation thingies sometime then," 'Ismat replied with a smile. "Though private sessions might go just a little... far," she joked again, hopeing Mu'Tasim wasn't quite so dense as to not get innuendos.
"You mean, Ahni Meditation?" Mu'Tasim arched a brow, pushing the sexual innuendo to the back of his mind. 'Ismat banged her head on the table.
"...Ow. But, yes. I mean 'Ahni Mediation.'" Whatever that is...." Ismat replied.
"Unless, you are extremely sensitive, or just want to I highly doubt an Ahni Meditation could go any further than intended lengths." Mu'Tasim chuckled a little more.
'Ismat flushed lightly. She wasn't exactly expecting that reaction. If her assumptions were right about that Ahni meditation was... best to make sure. "Um... what is this... Ahni Meditation anyway?"
----
"Then I guess she means it," Jlu said with eyebrows raised. "How long have you known Khi anyway?"
Malik thought, rubbing his nonexistant beard. "We've only known each other for about three days. So, Maybe she's faking it."
"It's too early to tell at this point I think. I'm sure you'll find out once we start working in the Wing." Jlu winked at him, knowing she might have some sway on Khi's opinion of him, for good or bad.
----
"Ah, that would explain the roses on your cheeks." Mu'Tasim chuckled and took a seat, pulling his robe in closely. "You see, Ahni Meditation is where you would either find a comfortable position, or stance and remain that way in silence. Then I would try to relax you through massage, or some sort of touch therapy. Of course, it can take the form of sex, but I am not skilled enough with the Ahni style to really keep it at keep it at a level of 'Meditation' to do that." Mu'Tasim's cheeks flushed a red color.
'Ismat giggled. "Hee hee, I made the Temple Guard blush!" she teased, her own cheeks reddening at the thoughts of that kind of meditation. Mu'Tasim chuckled a little bit, this woman was fairly playful for her age.
"It is not hard, at least as hard as you think, I am just usually not the most experienced around such subjects." Mu'Tasim explained.
Nodding, 'Ismat didn't know really how to respond to the awkward topic. She took her now cool brandy and sipped, her eyes glancing to the side.
Mu'Tasim sat quietly for a few moments, eyeing her carefully. "Are you... V.I.A. perchance?"
----
Mal shrugged, leaning back in the seat. "Right now, I'm content to rest here until the wing is called in."
"Yeah, me too," She too leaned back. Finally, a waiter came with a plate of brandy. She motioned for him to lower to allow her to choose one, taking one from the left edge. She sniffed it and found it good, "Thank you. You want one Mal?" then she took a sip. Mmmm, sweet brandy. She looked at a clock on the wall; she figured by the time she finished her break would be over. Mal shook his head, refusing.
"I'm sorry, but no. I don't drink alcohol unless I absolutely have to."
"Suit yourself." said Jlu, the waiter walking off somewhere else. "I've been drinking the stuff for as long as I can remember. You know, since I was 10. It's in my peoples' blood, ya know?"
"I understand. But me? I don't drink alcohol, It's going to get in the way of my goal." Malik said smiling.
----
'Ismat blinked, before gagging on her brandy. She coughed as she set her cup back down. "Wh- what? Why would you think that?" She tought, Well, that was a fast end to an assignment. I have to be the worst operative ever.
"Well, you seem to carry an unusual detachment to the people around here, you don't feel to comfortable actually greeting those here. Plus, you're too old to be a shy greentounge. Essentially, you make it seem like you're here for reasons other than just being assigned here." Mu'Tasim explained, his glowing Yellow eyes focused on her bluish grey ones. "I'm not too far away from you as well, I could feel the nervousness
Crap. 'Ismat gulped. "Well... your accusation is wrong. I'm just a Runner, nothing more."
"Ahaha, damn suspicious, I say!" Anik exclaimed, returning to Malik and 'Ismat with tall glasses of steaming Mazrit, a little more than tipsy at this point, but far from drunk. "They say that not sharing is sinful, and I have decided to live righteously from now on! So some, absolve me by accepting my offerings."
----
Jlu paused mid drink, swallowed, and asked, "And that is?"
Malik smiled, giving Jlu the thumbs up. His violet eyes lit up, his orange hair standing on end. "My GOal in life, My ultimate dream, is to become an ace pilot! I want to surpass the famous Ice Wyrm someday!"
And the room went quiet.
Malik looked around, blushing.
"Am I really that loud?" He asked.
Mu'Tasim was about to respond to Anik's offer after his laughter to her offer, but stopped suddenly with the silence.
"I hear he was quite the monster in his heyday, but no one should have to remember a monster like that." Came a voice that was deep, bland and unexcited. "It's quite a boast, but really quite stupid."
"Yeah, and I wanna be the greatest cook in the universe!" Jlu exclaimed, but not quite as loud as Malik, "That guy's right though, you probably shouldn't talk about him like that." Malik turned around, looking to see the source of the voice.
What he saw was a figure nearly a half foot shorter than himself, but simultaneously imposing and weary. Orange glasses glinted ominously in the light of the room, beneath a head of short and messy dark brown hair. However, despite the conditions of his hair, the rest of the man was orderly, tight without so much as a single uniform violation, or for that matter, a smile. He was a man with a medium skin tone, a light brown constrasting his hair, with lines under his eyes and horns that were smooth, flat and a little short. Hearing the rather odd statement by Jlu, a minuscule grin crept on his face.
"Marranr Serhan Nejem, Commander of Bahram Wing. Seems kind of drafty in here." The well-kept man said in the same deep and bland tone.
Malik, upon hearing who exactly it was, promptly stood up, straightening his uniform and saluting. "Vayshirin Malik Ibn Rashidan, reporting, Sir!"
'Ismat smiled, thanking the distraction. "Hehe, thank you. But... I have to go to the restroom. If you'll excuse me...." 'Ismat stood and left the other two she had been sitting with and left.
Mu'Tasim nodded to 'Ismat, grinned and stood steadily, his robe falling into place and approached over to Malike, Jlu, and Serhan. He stepped in line with Malik and straightened himself, placing his Book of Dreams over his chest.
"Acolyte Guardian and Vaytulri Mu'Tasim Farouk, I was told by the Head Guardian to report to you, Marranr Nejem." said Mu'Tasim.
Jlu looked behind Mal at the man, wondering just who he was before widening her eyes. She haphazardly set her glass down and quickly stood up, moving beside Mu'Tasim to salute him as well.
"Greetings commander, Vayshirin Jlu Ciranth, Caregiver, sir!"
"Hmmm..." Serhan mumbled to himself, sizing the junior frame runner up, before his attention was taken by the more mature Temple Guard. He seemed to want to say something discretely, but did not bother whispering or approaching the white haired Iromakuanhe. "Good that you're on time. Now this Malik fellow, he IS as genuinely slow as he looks, correct? His body is tensed up in the patterns that suit a runner, but he doesn't look like he thinks half as much as he acts." He said to Mu'Tasim blankly, giving a small salute to Jlu.
"You would be correct, sir, but he has loyalty that even Ruh would admire." Mu'Tasim said in the defense of Malik.
"Sir, permission to speak?" Malik spoke up, smiling to himself, hands at his side.
"Mmm?" Serhan looked back up at Malik, after grabbing a fresh drink from a trolley. "Granted, though I don't see why you'd need to ask off-duty."
Malik thought about that, but said nothing on the subject. "Sir, I may not look like the most intelligent runner, and it's true. It's completely true. The only things I have any sorts of intelligence in are piloting a VANDR and fighting." Malik smiled, and winked at Serhan.
"You know, I don't want to be an offense, but do you realize how stupid that makes you sound?" Mu'Tasim said aside to Malik.
"I see. I'll see to it that Jlu takes care of dressing and feeding you, in that case." Serhan replied, taking a small sip of his drink and adjusting his glasses.
Malik grins, looking at Mu'Tasim. "That's the point. Though maybe it's not such a good idea to make my wing commander think of me as an idiot."
"Oh please don't make me Ser; I'm a caretaker, not a babysitter." She eyes Malik for a moment before looking back at Serhan.
"I'Timad needs to sit you down, trully he does." Mu'Tasim said exasperatedly to Malik.
"You know, if you actually whispered, I wouldn't hear everything you were saying." Serhan continued, before looking back at Jlu and shrugging. "Engineering can put together a drone for you to program. I'm not sure if it would be any more or less degrading to him than he already is to himself, however."
Malik lost his smile, looking directly at Serhan. "Sir, I need to speak to you."
----
Zus, from the corner in which she had been sitting, looked over at the spectacle. Great, another idiot like Zalus she thought, rolling her eyes, and following Serhan's speech. for such a bland person, he had an admirable sense of humor. or was he serious? Zus couldn't tell; she'd have to find out.
Reovan, who had been sitting across from Zus, chatting, looked over at what had caught her teammate's attention. Some brash fool it seemed. She had to admire Marrnar Nejem's entrance, though. He seemed to have a much better personality than his buddy back on Maerkardan. The Crimson something or other. Vaygraiv Frazig. She finished off the drink in her hand at set the empty glass on the table beside them. "Well, well." she said, looking back at the fairer skinned girl, "Perhaps we should go introduce ourselves?"
Zus Smiled at her friend, somewhat mischievously. "I see no harm in that. He does seem a better man than that asshole back at training" The fair skinned Blonde stood up, depositing her own beverage on a table. "Well?"
----
Jlu relaxed her stance and reached over to quickly grab her drink. She took a sip before replying to Serhan, "Drones aren't nearly as interesting though,"
"Yes, yes, and I need a shower. But first, this drink..." Serhan replied, shooing Malik away with his free hand. He wasn't particularly in the mood to deal with a person who had gone to such great lengths to make himself play the fool. He nodded to Jlu. "If we replaced everything with drones, we'd all be out of a job."
Malik walked away from Serhan, taking a seat nearby to peoplewatch
"Marranr Nejem, I know you are in the process of enjoying a refreshing beverage." Mu'Tasim started sternly, "But I'd like to know where I could find Shrine Keeper Habeem, I am to make sure he is ready to leave by the day-after-tomorrow."
Jlu moved over to the table to lean against it, resting her hands and upper thighs on its edge, "So commander," she said innocently, "Where do you think our travels will take us? I've always wanted to see the universe."
Malik piped up from his seat. "Maybe we'll meet aliens!"
"Hmm... I did recall seeing him going into his quarters in corridor E5. The room leaks a smell of Salcra Weed, so it should be impossible to miss... as long as you don't reach it and wait around, then lose your way" The bespectacled officer answered the Temple Guard, glancing at Jlu and Malik. "As the finest soldiers of the Graiv Haidan, our travels... as far as the VANDR hangar and as near as your quarters. Everything else is done by a machine that rips your mind from your body and yields to your rule."
----
Returning the Eyr Ranr's smile with a grin of her own, the Sund Wakir girl stood up alongside her friend and the two of them walked together to the group surrounding their new Commanding Officer. "Divine presense," The dark-skinned girl pleasantly offered in greeting as the pair approached.
Malik stood up, walking back over to the group. He didnt smile, he merely nodded to them. "Greetings, my comrades."
In concordance with the dark Sund Wakir, Zus bowed her head politely, saying "Adravni, Marranr. I must say, you seem a lot nicer than your cohort back at our training place."
Mu'Tasim nodded to Serhan's response, and then looked to the two young ladies that approached them. He turned full-body, causing his robe to flow with his movements, and faced them. "Well, Jafar's blessings to the both of you." He nodded to them, smiling warmly.
"Ah, Adravni, recruits." Serhan's face glinted what might be seen as a half-smile in ideal lighting conditions. "Sankhur is as reliable and trustworthy as he is a liability to your worthy trust. Now then... my drink."
Reovan nodded to the Temple Guard, "Adravani, Dream Steward," she greeted him in reverence to his position. Something she had learned well back in the Monastery. "I'm Vayashirin Reovan Mehta," she introduced herself, still looking over the well-built Sund Wakir in front of her.
Mu'Tasim couldn't help but form a wide grin on his face with the mention of 'Dream Steward', it was the first time someone had refered to him as such. "Why, it is refreshing to meet someone who keeps respect of the vigil and those who bear it." He replied to her, extending a hand to her, "Acolyte Guardian and Vaytulri Mu'Tasim Farouk, it is a joy to meet you, Vayashirin Reovan Mehta."
Zus stood by, satisfied to watch as the others interacted. Perhaps she could glean some information off their behavior. With a smirk, she sat down nearby, flagging a waiter for another drink, which she took and sipped happily.
PAUSE>
Fort Jariaz, Mazerin
Upper Lounge
Yetsava 14th, 935
25:50 Commonwealth Standard Time
Fort Jariaz, Mazerin
Upper Lounge
Yetsava 14th, 935
25:20 Commonwealth Standard Time
Bahram Wing's orders had stated that the new members of the wing should report to the offices of their wing commander, but he was nowhere in sight. Instead was a small note on his door's digital welcome screen, stating that he had sortied alone, would be back in 10 minutes and would meet them back at the fort's upper lounge. A place filled with small smokeless fireplaces burning in the corners, surrounded by fireproof velvet pillows and soft-looking couches, tall mugs of piping hot Mazrit Brandy were passed around. It was winter in the northern regions of tundra world, and despite the comfortable warmth of the fort itself, the crew were all too eager to warm themselves with drink and fires.
Such was the nature of the homemaking Mazerinii people, who valued the warmth of a hearth and a comfortable seat over any amount of riches. Many of the younger crew were rather handsome too, phenotypically fairer and somewhat more buxom than their sun-seeking kin of Hlarai or cosmopolitan Maekardani. Despite a small sense of antagonism with such ethnic divisions, no one seemed to be particularly hostile any newcomers, and the drinks continued to be passed around.
Mu'Tasim idled quietly near the center of the room, he had found himself a small, comfortable chair to sit in. The Sund Wakir didn't exactly look like the usual Vanguard of the room, with his Guard Banner on his belt, his large white overcoat, and think Book of Dreams situated on his lap. He sipped only a little bit of the warm brandy that had been passed around, praying to Abu'Nal lightly that he would have the strength to uphold his position. The guardian turned his head, to look around for other pilots who may be under his guidance.
Malik briefly made eye contact with the older Temple Guard. Quiet, he had refused to drink any of the brandy being passed around, but was active in the many conversations going on about the room, adding in his views. Many of the conversations were, infact, about the rumors about defecting officers. He tried to not concern himself with these troubling facets, instead talking with a group of other frame runners about their origins. It seemed that there werent many Cohronls here, and the few present were being eyed with suspicion. Malik had decided to go with "My father was a Sund-Wakir, my mother was a Mazerinni." Infact, this was only a half truth. While his mother WAS a Mazerinni, his father wasn't a Sund Wakir, a Cohronl that had Sund Wakir and Curdatl ancestery, but a Curdatl nonetheless. Realising that the temple guard was not only his elder, but most likely his superior, he saluted to the older man.
Mu'Tasim looked up at Malik, his glowing yellow eyes blinking up at the runner saluting him. In fact, he actually had to lean back to look up at the very tall Cohronl. The mix of violet eyes, and the big orange hair seemed to intrigue him as the guardian tilted his head, not responding for the moment. Though, he quickly realized his staring.
"Er... I'm sorry, can I help you?" Mu'Tasim questioned. Malik stuttered for a bit, lowering his hand.
"Sorry, Sir. I just felt that I should show proper respect to you, both as a man of the faith, and as my superior officer." Malik smiled, visibly relaxing, before becoming tense again. "Err, Sir!' Mu'Tasim chuckled for a moment, and stood up from his spot in the chair.
"It's alright, my friend, Ruh looks kindly upon your discipline and faith, but you should not feel so tense in my presence." His hand flowed from under the coat, for a shake. "I am Vaytulri Mu'Tasim Farouk, and you?" Malik moved to salute Mu'Tasim again, but stopped himself, shaking the shorter Sund Wakir's hand.
"Vayhsirin Malik Ibn Rashidan, at your service sir." Malik smiled briefly, and scratched at his sideburns while in thought. "Sir, if I may ask, why were you get assigned to this cold planet?" Mu'Tasim chuckled lightly at Malik's behavior.
"I am here to relieve the current Shrine Keeper's duties, and restore the Shrine here to its former glory. I will be acting as this Fort's Dream Priest until someone else if found suitable of the position." He did not feel it was too necessary to tell him about the Runner squad assignment.
----
"I know! That new Wing Commander Serhan is going to turn traitor, or I'm sipping lukewarm Mazrit with a Cohronl girl!" A pair of female recruits to the left of Mu'Tasim and Malik were talking quite loudly, half giggling as they took gulps of their hot drinks. The one who spoke first was a pale skinned Mazerinii with shoulder-length wavy white hair and light orange eyes, who seemed to speak with a great deal of sarcasm.
"You are, idiot.” The other, a tanned, gray-haired and red-eyed Cohronl simply looked at her and laughed. “I have to admit, the glasses thing kind of creeps me out and I can never find a word to describe him that isn't a synonym for shifty.”
"Exactly! The guy never shows his eyes, and you never let up about my jokes!" The white haired girl chuckled. “On the bright side, that shrinekeeper's replacement is quite the looker. Almost makes me wanna be religious again.”
“Only a martyr would ever be interested in a monster like you, Anik.” The grey-haired one retorted to her drinking partner, jabbing her in the side with her elbow. “So you might have a chance!”
“That was mean, Khiyai. His taste would be as bad as yours, having eyes for that garish Cohronl with the orange hair.”
“Hmph!”
“Hmph!”
----
Malik perked up at hearing the two girls, and almost visibly facepalmed. On the other hand, he almost visibly stared at the Mazerinii girl's chest. Well, What they said about Mazerinii females being "Buxom" was true. Coughing, he spoke up.
"You two need to slow down a bit. Yes, our commander does seem a bit odd, but I'm sure he deserves his position. I'll not have you spreading such lies and slander about our Wing Commander, at least, not infront of Vaytulri Farouk!"
Mu'Tasim blushed slightly at the comment made by the nearby women, almost causing him to break into another chuckle, but he raised his eyebrows at Malik's incursion on the near-by conversation. He did not speak, only focused his glowing, yellow eyes on the two women. The gaze he had seemed to be a mix of judgement and innocent curiousity.
'Ismat sat quietly, watching the others of the room intently. She held a cup of brandy to warm her hands, occasionally bringing the cups to her lips, and very occasionally actually sipping. At the loud gossip, 'Ismat instantly tuned in.
“Ohoho!” Anik leaned forwards, emphasizing the size of her breasts to the runner a little and reaching out to grab his left horn. She grinned and gave him a quick top-down glance. “I can see what she likes about you, even if it's too bright and filled with too many ideas.”
"Eeek! Idiot!" Khiyai pulled her friend's arm away and pushed her down against the couch they were sitting on. She seemed to be exasperated, annoyed and almost dissapointed that Malik was interested in someone with breasts much larger than hers. "You were supposed to hit on the other one!" Mu'Tasim made no attempt to interject, he only chuckled.
Any and all logical, comprehensible thoughts in Malik's brain dissolved, turned to mush along with his brain apparently. His height had some advantages, and also gave him some weaknesses. Luckily, Khiyai pulled her friend away before anything could happen. Quickly regaining his senses, he waved his hands. "no, It's not like that! I mean, Your chest may not be as large, but your waist is slim and your hips are wide!" Malik sighed, happy with what his solution, then he realized had just made it worse. "Wait, I didnt mean to say that!" Malik facepalmed. "I meant to say that I think both of you are beautiful!" 'Ismat sweatdropped as she listened in. This didn't seem like anything important, but still. She wandered over to join the conversation, plopping down next to the others.
"And what about me?" she asked, teasingly and with a mischevious smile.
"Oh... that's actually pretty sweet. Like glacier-carved cliff covered in honey." Anik began to laugh quite furiously, before glancing at 'Ismat, in a calm and objective appraisal of the newly arrived girl. She figured that this was all perfect, as she was quite pretty and would probably fluster Malik. "Yeah! What about her?"
"...cruel." said Khiyai as she simply blushed, eyes downcast and slumped her shoulders, feeling that she had lost against the other two.
Malik's brain, instead of shutting down to avoid making it's user look even more perverted, instead went into TRANS-AM. Smiling, Malik stepped back, pushing Mu'Tasim forward.
"I think that she's much more Vayulri Farouk's type." said Malik, but Mu'Tasim only smiled lightly, chuckling a small bit behind it, yet said nothing. 'Ismat frowned.
"Aaaww, I'm not to either of your likings?" 'Ismat pouted. "You still have a chance then, seeing as these," she gestured to her chest, speaking to Khiyai, "didn't work, so it's not that they're looking for." Malik twitched ever so lightly. Obviously, the Vaytulri had much better self control.
"Screw it. Khiyai, you should go out with my Cohronl half. Anik, you should date my Mazerinii half." He spoke confindently
"... Really?" Anik said quietly, her mouth agape. However, she quickly regained her composure and grinning, turned to Khiyai and nodded. "I guess it's appropriate for you types to share when supplies are scarce, right?"
"..." Silently, the grey-haired Cohronl stood up, hands placed over her red eyes. Ripple went through her body as she prepared to sprint, before she bolted for the door, mumbling something along the lines of: "Monsters! Both of you! There's no way I'm making myself a martyr for your twisted jokes!"
"But I didnt do anything." Malik stopped, still as a statue, mouth agape.
"No..." Anik swatted Malik on the back and chuckled."...but you said a lot."
"Sometimes, words speak louder than actions. Both physically, and metaphorically." Malik smiled, an arm wrapping around the Mazerinii's waist.
'Ismat just blinked. That was interesting. She stayed quiet now, unsure of how to act.
"Ahaha, yeah. Here's one." Anik giggled happily, as her hand crossed Malik's face, causing a sharp concussive sound to resonate throughout the room. The wavy-haired woman pushed him away and stood herself up, placing both hands on her wide hips, disappointed. "I was kinda hopin' you'd play nice long enough for Khiyai to speak up and tell me to take a hike. Guess I overestimated how long you'd go without saying something perverted." She said, sighing.
"That was a good one. I take it you know I don't hit women, correct?" Malik smiled sweetly, his hand squeezing into a fist.
----
Jlu was on her break from a normal day of care taking duties. It was hard work; so much food to prepare, sheets and towels to be washed. She was pretty exhausted. However, the work day wasn't over quite yet, and she thought a good drink would help her relax before she was forced to cook some more for all the hungry recruits. She was new herself, but already she was considered a regular. She'd made a few friends but they were still working. As the caretaker walked in she looked around the room for a spot to sit before turning her body to avoid being ran into by an obviously distressed woman.
"Aaah, careful! Idiot!" Khiyai screamed, as she crashed into the side of the doorway, having avoided an impact with the caregiver, but exchanged it for one with a moulded Strodirn door frame. Stoically, she remained standing and kept silent, rubbing the middle of her forehead vigorously. At least she was thinking less about him...
----
Malik stared down at Anik, his smile gone, stoicly glaring at her. His fist loosened, rubbing against his waistscarf, which seemed to twitch at his touch.
"Well, It's true. I refuse to hit women, even if they do deserve it." He spoke spitefully.
Mu'Tasim's hand clasped heavily on Malik's shoulder, it's grip rather tense. "I believe you seem to forget your restraint, Malik. I suggest you find more attending words, or take a seat." His tone coming off a little harsh. "The same goes for you, Anik, you should more restraint in such situations. This is the sort of behavior that sent Mu'Klamal to his grave."
"Relax, honey. I'm not trying to get into a fight with a guy who just had an sea of arousal turn into an ocean of frustration." Anik sighed, before her features suddenly brightened up. "I just thought that she'd probably never forgive me if I brought someone she liked to our bunkroom, even if it was over a paltry Cohronl kid. Your friend there has the right idea." She said, amused and somewhat relieved.
Malik continued to glare at Anik, his eyes softening. "I apologise, Anik." The tall Cohron/Mazerinii sighed, and saluted to Mu'Tasim. "Understood sir. I thank you." Then, Malik put two and two together.
"Wait, Khiyai likes me?"
----
After dodging Jlu looked back to see where she'd gone, only to find she had run into the door frame!
"I'm not the one that ran into a door," She said matter-of-factly, turning and stepping toward her, her hands outstretched as if to steady her through thought. "Are you alright? You should be running blindly like that you know." she asked. Khiyai sobbed a little and forced a smile, small droplets tracing down the upper part of her reddened cheeks.
"Nothing, but thanks for your concern! It's just... hitting my head likes this hurts." She told Jlu calmly, half lying by omitting what hurt more. Though, she probably wouldn't have cried unless she had hit her head, but that was relatively moot.
----
"Apology accepted." Anik replied, making a small bow. "Do drop by our bunkroom though, sometime. She probably still likes you, or this Mazrit isn't bargain grade."
"Thank you Anik, I will. I would ask you to tell Khiyai that i'm sorry, but I think it's better if I do it myself." Malik smiled, a big goofy grin on his face and steped away from Mu'Tasim and Anik, moving around them and jogging after Khiyai, trying to catch her.
"Say... Vaytulri Farouk, right?" Anik asked Mu'Tasim curiously, glancing at him with slightly devious eyes. "Will you be holding prayer sessions? The last one didn't, and I kinda feel like settling back into good religious habits."
"Yes, by request of the High Guardian, I am here to replace the current keeper, and assume his duties. Prayer and meditation will take place twice, every week. Of course, if you are need of it, I am also available for private meditations when I am not occupied by other duties." Mu'Tasim nodded and spoke gently, his expression become a little more warm to Anik's question.
'Ismat giggled. "Private huh? I certainly hope that meditation is all you're doing in those private sessions," she teased.
----
Concern and a little disappointment marked her face; her break was cut short before it started!
"I can see; you're head looks like it's starting to swell. Come on, let's get you some ice," Jlu told the girl. She put her hand on her back and started leading her to the kitchen.
"Ah, thank you. That'll help for sure." Khiyai replied to Jlu, feeling somewhat better. She looked to the young Iroma, quite grateful for her help in spite of being a complete stranger. "Your features are very bright. Are you an Eyr Ranr?"
Malik looked around the room, quickly realising that Khiyai had not gone down the elevator.
"Yeah, Good job Vayshirin, you damn idiot." Malik sighed, about to lean against the wall and sigh, but noticing Jlu, and Khiyai in the corner of his eye. Smiling, he went over to them.
----
"Jeez! What kind of girl do you take me for?" Anik barked back at 'Ismat. "I'm just trying to get back into good habits. I grew up in the Ghen school, but haven't been doing any meditation so all that extra focus kinda bled out."
Mu'Tasim rotated his head in the direction of the woman who had not yet identified herself. She appeared his age, and seemed to hold the playfulness of such. "It depends on the sort of Meditation we perform, I believe you may be thinking of the Ahni Meditation. Those are usually performed better by the Dream Consorts."
'Ismat nearly faceplanted on the table at Mu'Tasim seemingly completely missing the joke, but reeled back at the yelling from Anik. "Ah, sorry. I was just kidding!" she apologized to Anik.
"At any rate, the Shine Keeper will be ejected and transfered tommorow. I will take time inbetween duty to rebuild and touch up the shrine, and then the next day I will hold a Jafar Meditation." Mu'Tasim explained, after 'Ismat's apology. He shivered a little more, pulling his robe a little closer to himself, he didn't feel too official freezing his horns off.
----
She brushed some of her long, black hair out of her face, "Why yes actually. How can you tell?" she said, looking into her eyes with her own glowing, black eyes. Jlu noticed from the corner of her eye that a man from a nearby table was walking toward them. She didn't know if he was gonna walk past or what, so she ignored him for the most part.
"You're quite a bit leaner than most of the girls here, and well... it's in my blood." Khiyai answered, trying to pretend that Malik wasn't coming closer, and was just passing by, or something as innocuous. Normally, she'd be so much more composed, but the almost idiotic manner in which everything had played up until now had her frazzled. "One quarter, on my mother's side. They say that the Cohronl owe their adventurous spirit to the Eyr Ranr, so I've always kind of looked back at my heritage with pride."
Malik opened his mouth, to apologise to Khiyai, but couldnt find anything to say. Thinking, he tried again, but couldnt find anything to say then. The third time, he could find something to say, even if it was stupid.
"Khiyai, I know you're angry at me. I was wondering if we could talk?" Malik asked as Jlu was about to thank Khiyai for her compliment, but the Malik had reached them and stopped, obviously to talk. She could tell by the way he hesitantly opened and closed his mouth before finally apologizing.
"Oh, so you're the one that upset..." she turned her head toward the Cohronl and said a little quietly, "what's your name? I'm Jlu, by the way. And I don't think you should," she quickly told the man, "She needs ice first."
"Don't worry, I'll go get it." Malik said, smiling at Jlu.
"... Aaah?" Khiyai said meekly, taking a seat on a free cushion so she could get here bearings back, and glancing up at Malik. "Thank you."
"It's the very least I can do." Malik scratched the back of his head, smiling to reassure Khiyai. Walking into the kitchen, he quickly returned with ice for Khiyai. He would, however, notice that the thick composite material of his left shoulder pad had a dangerous-looking cleaver embedded in it, too shallow to feasibly have harmed his shoulder but deep enough to look like someone had genuinely tried to kill him. Likely because he hadn't bothered to ask and intruded on the territory of the upper lounge's chef.
----
Anik remarked that for all his discipline and apparently good physical shape, Mu'Tasim still couldn't quite take the cold. It was probably the cape, by her reckoning. It was always the capes with temple guard and clergy, since they always wore niforms adapted for the warmer worlds like Hlarai and Maekardan. She smirked. "So, how does fair and icy Mazerin treat you, Temple Guard?"
"To be honest, I hate it, the cold I mean. I'm more used to burdening hot climates, like the deserts I'm from. My robe is designed to keep off the sun, but is too damn thin to insulate heat." Mu'Tasim spat bitterly, but his expression seemed to pick up, "However, I do enjoy the people here, that is one improvement, so I know my work in the shrine will go more smoothly than the temperature."
Anik nodded. "We like the cold here, but the hearth culture has always been very big 'cause it's such a bitter and hostile world." She explained, nodding again quite happily. " 'Hostile in her beauty, and deadly in her elegance.' is what some Mazerin folk say about our homeworld. The rest just guffaw and dig into their stew."
"That's very poetic, and very true, I've heard few dangerous things about this planet. However, the much different kind of climate here makes it almost exotic to me, if not ball-free- I mean, very cold." Mu'Tasim cleared his throat, and then shifted his attention to 'Ismat. He looked at her and then at Anik, in less audible tones, "Is she also a local? She seems rather shady."
----
"I didn't get a chance to thank you for the compliment. You didn't tell me your name either." Jlu sat down at the other side of the table, motioning for a waiter to bring a couple drinks.
Malik sweatdroped, and mentally reminded himself to never go into the kitchen again. Coming back, he knelt in front of Khiyai. "Is this the ice you wanted?"
"Ah... well. It's Khiyai. Khiyai Sahrzad, Mechanist." She replied, gratefully taking the ice and pressing it to her head. It almost seemed to be counter-intuitive, being on a permafrosted world that might as well be a desert by classification, and using ice when they were all trying to escape the cold. "Thank you again, Malik. Was there something you wanted to say?"
Malik blushed, sitting next to Khiyai. Not too close to her, but not too far from her either. "Well, I'm sorry about what happened with Anik. I thought that you two were teasing me, so I just teased back. I'm really sorry for being a pervert."
"Oh, nice to meet you Khi," she always shortened peoples' names out of habit. The caregiver looked over at Malik and easily noticed the cleaver's wound on his shoulder. She looked down at him and shook her head slowly, "Never ever interupt the head chef while he's working. That's practically rule number one in there. I'm assuming you didn't ask either,"
"Nope." Malik answered simiply.
"Aaah? Really? ..." Khiyai said, however, whatever kind words she had in store were muted when she realized that Malik did in fact have a meat cleaver sticking out of his shoulder. "Idiot! You're lucky that tonight's chef isn't that ex-circus performer, or you'd have died."
Malik noticed the Cleaver, and pulls it out. "Oh, this. I thought that it had fell out." Mal gently tucked it away, I'll have to return that later.
"Just give it to me; he has more than one you know, and I doubt he'd mind dirtying them up." She stuck her hand out toward him.
Malik handed the heavy cleaver to Jlu. "I can't believe that I forgot I had that sticking out of my shoulder."
----
"Dunno. Showed up a few days before you and pulled a few half decent runs on the frame sims, but she hasn't contacted any of the Frame Officers for an assignment." Anik answered, before making a rather cocky smirk. "Just another indecisive Runner. Me, I run in a VAHIN, yannow? Infantry is where all the magic happens, and we don't mess around. Yeah."
"...Hey, I'm right here!" 'Ismat pouted. "You couldn't just ask me? And what do you mean shady? Well sorry if I space sometimes...."
Mu'Tasim arched his brow at 'Ismat and then spoke a tad sternly, "You interject on conversations, yet never introduce yourself. You are either just detached, or shady." He then turned his attention back to Anik, "You know, I spent a few runs in a VAHIN myself, back when I was Vaybalri in the Vanguard. We usually showed bandits what it meant to be on the wrong side of a Ray-B." He chuckled.
"Oh... Oh! I never did, did I? 'Ismat Sitari, Vaybalri," she introduced herself awkwardly. "Sorry...." Well this wasn't a great start to her first few days there.
"You seem a tad nervous, Vaybalri Sitari, you're amongst friends here so there's no need to stumble or apologize." Mu'Tasim nodded to her, his glowing warmly with a smile.
"Heheh. Yeah, lighten up. The hearth is all the warmer because of the cold outside!" Anik did an energetic one-two punch combo, and flexed her left arm, grinning like a Gualmyan that had just caught a sandrat with its tail. "The Linear Shrike more my style, though the Ray is a dream when they've gotten saucy and think they can get away from you on the open plains."
'Ismat nodded. "You can just call me 'Ismat. And still, I feel as if I should apologize about being... creepy." She blinked at Anik, before giggling at her actions.
----
Jlu took the knife with a bit of force, careful not to hit him, and set it on the table in front of her. She wondered where her drinks were.
"What do you do around here?" She asked Malik.
"Well... I guess it's only because I got jealous. Anik really tries to help me out with these sorts of things, but her plans... can backfire." Khiyai frowned, exasperated. "I'd almost be worried if you hadn't shown any interest in her, since she is so pretty, but still..."
Malik thought, then smiled. "Anik may be pretty. But I think you're more beautiful than Anik could ever be." Mal gave Khiyai a thumbs up, turning his head to look at Jlu. "Malik Ibn Rashidan, Vayshirin, Frame Runner."
"I guessed as much. All confidence, and no substance." Jlu smiled a wicked smile.
Khiyai patted Malik on the head and sighed. "I guess I'm subconsciously looking for a very courageous idiot so my children will be born average."
Malik chuckled. "I guess I am a hotblooded idiot then." He smiled, petting her on the head. "Oh wait, I want to give you something."
Jlu couldn't help but smile something fierce. Just the way they pet each other made cheeks rise; she couldn't help herself! she looked down a little to try and hide it some. After controlling it enough she said, "Maybe you two wouldn't be so bad together after all."
"Aaah? Why would I ever listen to my subconscious, anyway? It wants me to bear the children of an idiot!" Khiyai yelled, immediately withdrawing from Malik and standing up, the half-melted ice still pressed to her forehead. "I... have to go! Serhan's unit is coming in and there aren't enough Mechanists at Bahram Wing's hangar for maintenance. Th-thank you!" She said, scampering away, her cheeks hot enough to spot weld steel.
----
"You know, you struck me as the kind who would favor the spread of a chaingun. It is a very decisive weapon." Mu'Tasim chuckled, then turned his attention back to 'Ismat, "You know, Yetsava would disapprove greatly if we all looked at each other's outward actions. So, you have no need to apologize to me."
"Ah um... okay," 'Ismat replied. "Sorry... er... well... I haven't exactly brushed up on my Saints recently...."
Mu'Tasim chuckled a little bit, "That's alright, many people are not. Yetsava is the Saint of Beauty, who looks down all forms of prejudice and vanity. She is there to make sure that we stay together as a people, and not find a way to separate ourselves through petty judgement. Knowing that, you shouldn't be worrried about simple conflicts of social interest."
'Ismat nodded. "Mhm. Heh, I guess that's why you're a Temple Guard and why I'm just a Runner."
----
Malik sat there, shocked. Then, he realised. "Wait, did she say Bahram Wing?"
Jlu too was shocked at her sudden departure, "Umm, I think so. That's weird, I'm supposed to be joining the Bahram Wing myself."
"So am I. It seems that Khiyai has a crush on me but doesnt want to admit it, and she's also a mechanic for Bahram wing." Malik grinned widely, and started laughing. "Hey, maybe she'll get all worried if my unit gets damaged, and will try to play it off as being worried about the VANDR!"
Jlu arched her brow and smirked, "As I said, all confidence... I wouldn't be surprised in the least if she called you an idiot everyday."
"If she called me an idiot while blushing furiously?" Malik turned his head to the side, in a questioning manner.
----
"Well, Temple Guard are not the only ones who are open to the Vigil. Even you can embrace the guidance of the Makuori, they may I'Timad and Malakai may even grant you the light of becoming more confident in your speech." Mu'Tasim nodded to her, feeling confindent in his own explanations of the Makuori.
"Really? Hm... I might have to join you on one of those meditation thingies sometime then," 'Ismat replied with a smile. "Though private sessions might go just a little... far," she joked again, hopeing Mu'Tasim wasn't quite so dense as to not get innuendos.
"You mean, Ahni Meditation?" Mu'Tasim arched a brow, pushing the sexual innuendo to the back of his mind. 'Ismat banged her head on the table.
"...Ow. But, yes. I mean 'Ahni Mediation.'" Whatever that is...." Ismat replied.
"Unless, you are extremely sensitive, or just want to I highly doubt an Ahni Meditation could go any further than intended lengths." Mu'Tasim chuckled a little more.
'Ismat flushed lightly. She wasn't exactly expecting that reaction. If her assumptions were right about that Ahni meditation was... best to make sure. "Um... what is this... Ahni Meditation anyway?"
----
"Then I guess she means it," Jlu said with eyebrows raised. "How long have you known Khi anyway?"
Malik thought, rubbing his nonexistant beard. "We've only known each other for about three days. So, Maybe she's faking it."
"It's too early to tell at this point I think. I'm sure you'll find out once we start working in the Wing." Jlu winked at him, knowing she might have some sway on Khi's opinion of him, for good or bad.
----
"Ah, that would explain the roses on your cheeks." Mu'Tasim chuckled and took a seat, pulling his robe in closely. "You see, Ahni Meditation is where you would either find a comfortable position, or stance and remain that way in silence. Then I would try to relax you through massage, or some sort of touch therapy. Of course, it can take the form of sex, but I am not skilled enough with the Ahni style to really keep it at keep it at a level of 'Meditation' to do that." Mu'Tasim's cheeks flushed a red color.
'Ismat giggled. "Hee hee, I made the Temple Guard blush!" she teased, her own cheeks reddening at the thoughts of that kind of meditation. Mu'Tasim chuckled a little bit, this woman was fairly playful for her age.
"It is not hard, at least as hard as you think, I am just usually not the most experienced around such subjects." Mu'Tasim explained.
Nodding, 'Ismat didn't know really how to respond to the awkward topic. She took her now cool brandy and sipped, her eyes glancing to the side.
Mu'Tasim sat quietly for a few moments, eyeing her carefully. "Are you... V.I.A. perchance?"
----
Mal shrugged, leaning back in the seat. "Right now, I'm content to rest here until the wing is called in."
"Yeah, me too," She too leaned back. Finally, a waiter came with a plate of brandy. She motioned for him to lower to allow her to choose one, taking one from the left edge. She sniffed it and found it good, "Thank you. You want one Mal?" then she took a sip. Mmmm, sweet brandy. She looked at a clock on the wall; she figured by the time she finished her break would be over. Mal shook his head, refusing.
"I'm sorry, but no. I don't drink alcohol unless I absolutely have to."
"Suit yourself." said Jlu, the waiter walking off somewhere else. "I've been drinking the stuff for as long as I can remember. You know, since I was 10. It's in my peoples' blood, ya know?"
"I understand. But me? I don't drink alcohol, It's going to get in the way of my goal." Malik said smiling.
----
'Ismat blinked, before gagging on her brandy. She coughed as she set her cup back down. "Wh- what? Why would you think that?" She tought, Well, that was a fast end to an assignment. I have to be the worst operative ever.
"Well, you seem to carry an unusual detachment to the people around here, you don't feel to comfortable actually greeting those here. Plus, you're too old to be a shy greentounge. Essentially, you make it seem like you're here for reasons other than just being assigned here." Mu'Tasim explained, his glowing Yellow eyes focused on her bluish grey ones. "I'm not too far away from you as well, I could feel the nervousness
Crap. 'Ismat gulped. "Well... your accusation is wrong. I'm just a Runner, nothing more."
"Ahaha, damn suspicious, I say!" Anik exclaimed, returning to Malik and 'Ismat with tall glasses of steaming Mazrit, a little more than tipsy at this point, but far from drunk. "They say that not sharing is sinful, and I have decided to live righteously from now on! So some, absolve me by accepting my offerings."
----
Jlu paused mid drink, swallowed, and asked, "And that is?"
Malik smiled, giving Jlu the thumbs up. His violet eyes lit up, his orange hair standing on end. "My GOal in life, My ultimate dream, is to become an ace pilot! I want to surpass the famous Ice Wyrm someday!"
And the room went quiet.
Malik looked around, blushing.
"Am I really that loud?" He asked.
Mu'Tasim was about to respond to Anik's offer after his laughter to her offer, but stopped suddenly with the silence.
"I hear he was quite the monster in his heyday, but no one should have to remember a monster like that." Came a voice that was deep, bland and unexcited. "It's quite a boast, but really quite stupid."
"Yeah, and I wanna be the greatest cook in the universe!" Jlu exclaimed, but not quite as loud as Malik, "That guy's right though, you probably shouldn't talk about him like that." Malik turned around, looking to see the source of the voice.
What he saw was a figure nearly a half foot shorter than himself, but simultaneously imposing and weary. Orange glasses glinted ominously in the light of the room, beneath a head of short and messy dark brown hair. However, despite the conditions of his hair, the rest of the man was orderly, tight without so much as a single uniform violation, or for that matter, a smile. He was a man with a medium skin tone, a light brown constrasting his hair, with lines under his eyes and horns that were smooth, flat and a little short. Hearing the rather odd statement by Jlu, a minuscule grin crept on his face.
"Marranr Serhan Nejem, Commander of Bahram Wing. Seems kind of drafty in here." The well-kept man said in the same deep and bland tone.
Malik, upon hearing who exactly it was, promptly stood up, straightening his uniform and saluting. "Vayshirin Malik Ibn Rashidan, reporting, Sir!"
'Ismat smiled, thanking the distraction. "Hehe, thank you. But... I have to go to the restroom. If you'll excuse me...." 'Ismat stood and left the other two she had been sitting with and left.
Mu'Tasim nodded to 'Ismat, grinned and stood steadily, his robe falling into place and approached over to Malike, Jlu, and Serhan. He stepped in line with Malik and straightened himself, placing his Book of Dreams over his chest.
"Acolyte Guardian and Vaytulri Mu'Tasim Farouk, I was told by the Head Guardian to report to you, Marranr Nejem." said Mu'Tasim.
Jlu looked behind Mal at the man, wondering just who he was before widening her eyes. She haphazardly set her glass down and quickly stood up, moving beside Mu'Tasim to salute him as well.
"Greetings commander, Vayshirin Jlu Ciranth, Caregiver, sir!"
"Hmmm..." Serhan mumbled to himself, sizing the junior frame runner up, before his attention was taken by the more mature Temple Guard. He seemed to want to say something discretely, but did not bother whispering or approaching the white haired Iromakuanhe. "Good that you're on time. Now this Malik fellow, he IS as genuinely slow as he looks, correct? His body is tensed up in the patterns that suit a runner, but he doesn't look like he thinks half as much as he acts." He said to Mu'Tasim blankly, giving a small salute to Jlu.
"You would be correct, sir, but he has loyalty that even Ruh would admire." Mu'Tasim said in the defense of Malik.
"Sir, permission to speak?" Malik spoke up, smiling to himself, hands at his side.
"Mmm?" Serhan looked back up at Malik, after grabbing a fresh drink from a trolley. "Granted, though I don't see why you'd need to ask off-duty."
Malik thought about that, but said nothing on the subject. "Sir, I may not look like the most intelligent runner, and it's true. It's completely true. The only things I have any sorts of intelligence in are piloting a VANDR and fighting." Malik smiled, and winked at Serhan.
"You know, I don't want to be an offense, but do you realize how stupid that makes you sound?" Mu'Tasim said aside to Malik.
"I see. I'll see to it that Jlu takes care of dressing and feeding you, in that case." Serhan replied, taking a small sip of his drink and adjusting his glasses.
Malik grins, looking at Mu'Tasim. "That's the point. Though maybe it's not such a good idea to make my wing commander think of me as an idiot."
"Oh please don't make me Ser; I'm a caretaker, not a babysitter." She eyes Malik for a moment before looking back at Serhan.
"I'Timad needs to sit you down, trully he does." Mu'Tasim said exasperatedly to Malik.
"You know, if you actually whispered, I wouldn't hear everything you were saying." Serhan continued, before looking back at Jlu and shrugging. "Engineering can put together a drone for you to program. I'm not sure if it would be any more or less degrading to him than he already is to himself, however."
Malik lost his smile, looking directly at Serhan. "Sir, I need to speak to you."
----
Zus, from the corner in which she had been sitting, looked over at the spectacle. Great, another idiot like Zalus she thought, rolling her eyes, and following Serhan's speech. for such a bland person, he had an admirable sense of humor. or was he serious? Zus couldn't tell; she'd have to find out.
Reovan, who had been sitting across from Zus, chatting, looked over at what had caught her teammate's attention. Some brash fool it seemed. She had to admire Marrnar Nejem's entrance, though. He seemed to have a much better personality than his buddy back on Maerkardan. The Crimson something or other. Vaygraiv Frazig. She finished off the drink in her hand at set the empty glass on the table beside them. "Well, well." she said, looking back at the fairer skinned girl, "Perhaps we should go introduce ourselves?"
Zus Smiled at her friend, somewhat mischievously. "I see no harm in that. He does seem a better man than that asshole back at training" The fair skinned Blonde stood up, depositing her own beverage on a table. "Well?"
----
Jlu relaxed her stance and reached over to quickly grab her drink. She took a sip before replying to Serhan, "Drones aren't nearly as interesting though,"
"Yes, yes, and I need a shower. But first, this drink..." Serhan replied, shooing Malik away with his free hand. He wasn't particularly in the mood to deal with a person who had gone to such great lengths to make himself play the fool. He nodded to Jlu. "If we replaced everything with drones, we'd all be out of a job."
Malik walked away from Serhan, taking a seat nearby to peoplewatch
"Marranr Nejem, I know you are in the process of enjoying a refreshing beverage." Mu'Tasim started sternly, "But I'd like to know where I could find Shrine Keeper Habeem, I am to make sure he is ready to leave by the day-after-tomorrow."
Jlu moved over to the table to lean against it, resting her hands and upper thighs on its edge, "So commander," she said innocently, "Where do you think our travels will take us? I've always wanted to see the universe."
Malik piped up from his seat. "Maybe we'll meet aliens!"
"Hmm... I did recall seeing him going into his quarters in corridor E5. The room leaks a smell of Salcra Weed, so it should be impossible to miss... as long as you don't reach it and wait around, then lose your way" The bespectacled officer answered the Temple Guard, glancing at Jlu and Malik. "As the finest soldiers of the Graiv Haidan, our travels... as far as the VANDR hangar and as near as your quarters. Everything else is done by a machine that rips your mind from your body and yields to your rule."
----
Returning the Eyr Ranr's smile with a grin of her own, the Sund Wakir girl stood up alongside her friend and the two of them walked together to the group surrounding their new Commanding Officer. "Divine presense," The dark-skinned girl pleasantly offered in greeting as the pair approached.
Malik stood up, walking back over to the group. He didnt smile, he merely nodded to them. "Greetings, my comrades."
In concordance with the dark Sund Wakir, Zus bowed her head politely, saying "Adravni, Marranr. I must say, you seem a lot nicer than your cohort back at our training place."
Mu'Tasim nodded to Serhan's response, and then looked to the two young ladies that approached them. He turned full-body, causing his robe to flow with his movements, and faced them. "Well, Jafar's blessings to the both of you." He nodded to them, smiling warmly.
"Ah, Adravni, recruits." Serhan's face glinted what might be seen as a half-smile in ideal lighting conditions. "Sankhur is as reliable and trustworthy as he is a liability to your worthy trust. Now then... my drink."
Reovan nodded to the Temple Guard, "Adravani, Dream Steward," she greeted him in reverence to his position. Something she had learned well back in the Monastery. "I'm Vayashirin Reovan Mehta," she introduced herself, still looking over the well-built Sund Wakir in front of her.
Mu'Tasim couldn't help but form a wide grin on his face with the mention of 'Dream Steward', it was the first time someone had refered to him as such. "Why, it is refreshing to meet someone who keeps respect of the vigil and those who bear it." He replied to her, extending a hand to her, "Acolyte Guardian and Vaytulri Mu'Tasim Farouk, it is a joy to meet you, Vayashirin Reovan Mehta."
Zus stood by, satisfied to watch as the others interacted. Perhaps she could glean some information off their behavior. With a smirk, she sat down nearby, flagging a waiter for another drink, which she took and sipped happily.
PAUSE>
Fort Jariaz, Mazerin
Upper Lounge
Yetsava 14th, 935
25:50 Commonwealth Standard Time
