RP: Bahram Wing [BW Pre Phase: Mission 1] Suit Up and Launch, Frame Runners!

Re: [Preparations] Mission 1: Suit Up and Launch, Frame Runners!

Malik was about to answer, but just sighed as Zus forgot about him completely. Maybe she just has a short attention span. Mal shrugged, and turned to Mu'Tasim. "Vaytulri, I would also like to recieve a blessing, for the good of the Wing." Malik saluted to Mu'Tasim, again, and stood at attention. It kinda seemed like Zus and Mu'Tasim had something going on, y'know?

Re: [Preparations] Mission 1: Suit Up and Launch, Frame Runners!

Mu'Tasim felt delighted, he was going to conduct his first pre-mission blessings. Said excitement seemed a tad evident on his face as he walked over to Zus. It was evident that she was a fairly sharp woman, at least, around the edges, but he had seen a lighter side in her. He placed both hands on her shoulders.

"I am a Temple Guard, Vayshirin, every step I take is blessed by the hands of the Saints." He smiled, putting one hand behind her head, leaning her forehead onto his. The Guard began to speak in a voice that was very low, mainly enough for Zus to hear.

"For you, Zus Storhan, a blessing of Fanir." Mu'Tasim cleared his throat and began to recite the blessing, "Let your hands move in harmony with your mind." He pressed his lips on her forehead and then wiped the spot he kissed with his thumb, and smiled at her.

He then moved to Malik, placing both hands on his shoulders, and then leaning his forehead to Malik's.

"Malik Ibd Rashidan, for you, a blessing of Jafar." Mu'Tasim breathed deeply, and recited the alternate version of his favorite blessing, "Lo, though the time is dark, your walls stay strong." He pressed his lips on his forehead and the wiped the spot with his thumb as he did before with Zus. He patted him on the shoulders and looked to the rest of the group.

Re: [Preparations] Mission 1: Suit Up and Launch, Frame Runners!

'Ismat pondered for a moment. "I'd li-" she caught herself. She was about to ask for a blessing too, but the less she talked to Mu'Tasim, the better. "...nevermind. If you'll excuse me, I need to get ready." She meant she needed to get into her link suit, or rather take off her uniform that was over her link suit. Layers were much warmer than being in that single skin-tight thing, especially when you're on a frozen planet.

Turning, 'Ismat headed a ways away from the group and stripped off her uniform. Since there was still a bit of time before they actually started the mission, which sounded boring by the way, she turned the removal of her uniform into a strip tease. 'Ismat had on that mischievous smile again. But, before too long, her uniform was off. The VIA Operative folded it neatly and set it along the side. Now then, just to wait to sortie.

Re: [Preparations] Mission 1: Suit Up and Launch, Frame Runners!

Savitar looked at Mu'Tasim and backed off with a frown on his face and crossed his arms over his chest. "Gods and the like have no bearing on what happens. It's all on your own skills and reflexes that determine victory." he said and went to change to the pilotsuit quickly, coming out of an adjoining room in the outfit and looked over the VANDR's. "Which one.." he said looking at them to try and find one that was easily manueverable and agile.

Re: [Preparations] Mission 1: Suit Up and Launch, Frame Runners!

Zus blushed a little after Mu'tasim's blessing, muttering "Adravni, Steward" lightly as he moved to bless Malik. It felt better, somehow. The blessing had given the girl a feeling that someone or something cared about her, and would guide and protect her. It was a good feeling that warmed her inside, making her feel more ready for the mission.

Re: [Preparations] Mission 1: Suit Up and Launch, Frame Runners!

Zalus laughed sarcasticaly at Revovan's joke. "Very funny! Let's hope you don't need me to clean up your left over mess-Zing!" Zalus pointed at her then slid away towards the temple guard. As he walked over to him he heard what Savitar had said about the gods.

"Well you can't prove or disprove their existence. But I don't know about you but I'd rather have their support than there scorn!" Zalus then continued towards the temple guard. "If it would please you I too would like a blessing before our mission." Zalus bowed his head in respect.

Re: [Preparations] Mission 1: Suit Up and Launch, Frame Runners!

Reovan followed Zalus as he walked over and requested his blessing. She too, bowing her head and lowering her eyes, asked him to bless her as well. "Yes, Steward, a blessing before the mission sounds like a fine idea." She wasn't too happy that Savitar was still espousing a flippant view of the Vigil, but fixing that was her personal project and best saved for off-duty.

Re: [Preparations] Mission 1: Suit Up and Launch, Frame Runners!

Savitar looked over at them getting the blessing and sighed internally, his eyes still showing the dismissal of it he held. To him it was just a convienent way to shunt the blame if they messed up. If those whom got the blessing did well they'd normally start espousing praise for it and accepting all the accolades for themselves. But if they messed up, they'd try to alleviate their blame by placing it on that same blessing that apparently didn't come.

In Savitar's mind, they were deluding themselves by trying to rely in a power that didn't seem to really doanything. In a base way, he understood it was a comfort factor in it though so he coudln't complain about it openly much. But he'd find his VANDR and waited for the others before geting up into the cockpit.

Re: [Preparations] Mission 1: Suit Up and Launch, Frame Runners!

Malik saluted Mu'Tasim, then bowed to the dream steward in reverence. "I thank you, Dream Steward. I swear, in the name of my family, that I will uphold the blessing of Jafar." The Vayshirin turned, ignoring Savitar and looking at his VANDR, the VANDR that Khiyai had, in his mind, given him. Without looking away from his VANDR, he asked Mu'Tasim. "Vaytulri, could you bless my VANDR, before I name it?"

Re: [Preparations] Mission 1: Suit Up and Launch, Frame Runners!

Mu'Tasim frowned at Savitar as he made his comments about the Saints. He didn't show it fully, but the fellow had bit him on the inside deeply, very deeply. The Vigil was something that Mu'Tasim had relied on all his life, and to misconstrue the Saints with folly things such as gods or omnipotent beings insulted him greatly. However, he would not hold it against the rebellious Iroma, every person was allowed their own view.

He felt better when Zalus asked for his own blessing, and turned to the taller Iroma with a smile.

"Hrm, now, I know what blessing to give you." Mu'Tasim said wisely as he approached Zalus, and then placed his hands on his shoulders. He nodded and placed a hand behind his head, bringing his pale forehead down to his darker one.

"Zalus Ka Salim, I believe you could use the guidance of Babhi." Mu'Tasim whispered in a tone as he did before. "May you achieve the greatest success in all that you do." He pressed his lips to Zalus' forehead and then wiped where he kissed with his thumb. "Perhaps one day you will find yourself face-to-face with Mu'Klamal as I once did." He whispered a little before releasing his grip on Zalus and smiling lightly to him. Then, his attention turned to Reovan, he walked over and placed his hands on her shoulders. He lowered his forehead to hers and was about to speak until it he took a small breath.

That scent... He thought for a moment as he caught the faint, yet sweet smell of her facial paint. Images of home, the caravans, and the vast Nuocr Desert entered into his mind. It had been over five years since he had last seen his family and over a year since he had felt the warm wind of the desert blow on his face and through his hai-...

Wake up, you're dawdling, fool. was what his mind told him as he realized he hand been holding Reovan's forehead to his for almost a minute without saying a thing. He looked at her for a moment, clearly embarrassed by his daydreaming. An abashed chuckle escaped his lips for a moment.

"Er... Forgive me... It must be a tad colder in here than I thought." Mu'Tasim excused himself. He was not much for lying, so he quickly, but lightly pressed his forehead against her again and started the blessing in his confiding voice.

"Reovan Mehta, for you, a blessing of Muna." He said as straightly as he could. "May you be aware of every evil that would rise against you." He kissed the Iromi's forehead, almost savoring the sweet scent, though not dawdling like had before. The Guard's thumb rubbed the spot he pressed his lips to and then he smiled weakly, still a tad embarrassed.

He thanked all the Saints for Malik catching his attention, so that he may not have to explain his folly further. Though, he hated to dissappoint the fiery haired Iroma.

"Well, I would gladly, Vayshirin Rashidan, but our VANDRs are not guided by the Saints, they are controlled by us who are guided by the Saints." Mu'Tasim frowned for a moment, but continued, "You see, blessing a VANDR is as if blessing a Faelraig. You can hope all you want that the sword swings faster, or cuts better, but it's all up to the user to make it that way. The Saints themselves don't make our hands perform better, they light the path so that we can make them perform better." He walked over to Malik and clasped a hand on the soldier's hand.

"Your blessing, that of Jafar, is to remind you of your own prowess to protect yourself and others around, to remember your duty is to the Vanguard, not yourself." Mu'tasim then looked at Zus, "Fanir keeps the thought in mind that one must think to perform actions. That when we make decision, we are confident it was the best to be made when it was made." He looked at Zalus, "Bahbi reminds us of our goals, of the pursuit, to never give in to minor errors, to always have hope, even when hope is no where to be found." Finally, he looked at Reovan. "Muna, is a shining example, telling us that danger is only dangerous when you're not aware of it, with bravery and skill, all danger is but a stepping stone to victory." He clapped his hand twice on Malik's higher shoulder and then smiled at him.

"That is what the Saints are, remember it, for it is you who swings the sword. Not them." Mu'Tasim smiled warmly at the bright young pilot.

Re: [Preparations] Mission 1: Suit Up and Launch, Frame Runners!

Savitar cut his purple eyes over to Mu'Tasim for a moment and sighed, while some of what the man said made sense to him. It still buzzed and rang in his mind what conflicting stories his mother had told him as a child. Saying that their lives were guided and influenced by those Saints as if they were gods. Ever since then, he'd rejected that aspect of religion and soon found himself foresaking it period. And now he was alone; cast out of his family as a result, and then this templar had the nerve ...

He'd turn to look over and sighed some. "while some of what you say is true, I think danger is what gives the spice to an otherwise boring existence." he quipped before turning to his VANDR. "I'll live my life facing danger compared to boredom..." he said to himself.

Re: [Preparations] Mission 1: Suit Up and Launch, Frame Runners!

"Well! If that is so, then may Mu'Klamal watch over you!" Mu'Tasim grinned at Savitar.

Re: [Preparations] Mission 1: Suit Up and Launch, Frame Runners!

"Good that you have the time to be doling out blessings and discussing your existential crisis." Serhan said quite dimly to Mu'Tasim and Savitar, grabbing a nearby assistant drone and checking the clock on it. He simply made another mumbled 'Hmm.' and removed his glasses, setting them on a nearby table.

In contrast with the reflected shine of his glasses, his large, but slitted green eyes were naturally luminescent, and moreso than Bahram Wing's recruits because of his greater age. The lines underneath and his blank expression seemed to show that he had been aged prematurely some time ago, and was only now starting to look vaguely his own age.

"Suit up, Bahram Wing. We launch soon."

Re: [Preparations] Mission 1: Suit Up and Launch, Frame Runners!

"Sir!" Zus responded to Serhan excitedly, as she turned from the group to look for her VANDR. However, getting an idea, Zus blushed madly as she quickly ran over to Mu'tasim, saying "I may be no Dream Steward, but I would be honored if you'd accept my blessings, from Parolov" with a slight giggle, kissing the Temple guard on the cheek lightly before rushing to her frame, taking off the jacket and getting into her entry plug.

OH SHIT

Mu'Tasim was caught off guard a little bit by Zus' sudden 'blessing'. A hand went up to his cheek as he watched her run off. He smiled a little bit, warmed by her affection.

"Keep your mind open, so that it may receive, always." The Temple Guard repeated the Blessing of Parolov to himself. His thumb ceremonially wiping the kiss into his cheek. He looked to the others, noticing as he was acting a little less official. The Guard coughed into a fist and assumed a more commanding stance, waiting for the majority of the squad to move to their VANDRs.

Re: [Preparations] Mission 1: Suit Up and Launch, Frame Runners!

Mal smiled, and was about to respond to Mu'Tasim when Serhan gave the order to suit up and prepare for launch. He turned to the Marranr and saluted him. "Sir, Yes Sir!" Smiling, the fairly hotblooded frame runner ran towards his VANDR, hopping inside the cockpit. Malik leaned back as the organoid began to connect to him, screens lighting up. Mentally, he began "Speaking" to his VANDR. "VANDR! You are a great machine, wielding untold power. I ask of you, to work with me, so we may defeat our enemies! You, you are my shield, you are my sword! I christen you, the Blazing Sword of Victory, Shamshir" Shamshir's NI responded positively, feelings of happiness and eagerness flooding back to Malik. The orange haired runner smiled, thinking about the grey haired, red eyed mechanic girl. "Samshir, I promised Khiyai that you wouldnt even get a scratch on you, so promise you that you'll bring me back alive, so she won't yell at you!" A feeling, similar to laughter came back from the VANDR.

Re: [Preparations] Mission 1: Suit Up and Launch, Frame Runners!

"Understood." Savitar said unemotionally and got into his entry plug and found himself in the cockpit soon enough. He'd shift to gt comfortable and put his hands on the neural interfaces and connected himself to the machine. Having it run start-up diagonostics and display any possible problems with the structure or running systems, when nothing came up; he'd have it then begin the activation sequence.

Re: [Preparations] Mission 1: Suit Up and Launch, Frame Runners!

'Suit up' was the only motivation that Shokhi needed. He didn't affirm the command vocally, though he did salute, in a quite formal manner. Formality and devotion was the only thing that stood between Shokhi and his natural tendency to be TERRIBLY intimidated by people who existed. Also by people who didn't exist. Shokhi's daydreams sometimes intimidated him...

He picked out a VANDR, as everyone else, and boarded the cockpit. It was really... a rather magnificent machine. And the entry plugs which had, once, greatly frightened him simply added to the remarkable beauty of the beast Shokhi now resided within.

"Today is the day." He mused quietly. "Today is the day."

Fear, a good deal of fear. But also a sharp tingle of thrill running up his spine.

Re: [Preparations] Mission 1: Suit Up and Launch, Frame Runners!

Reovan closed her eyes and stood in silence as Mu'Tasim stood over her and delivered his blessing. She didn't even notice as he faltered from her unintentional olfactory assault on his memories. It wasn't just her piousness, though. She was just too busy in her own thoughts, thinking about the mission they were about to embark on and what sort of pilots her wingmates were, thinking about Savitar and how he was still so dismissive of the Vigil and those that folowed it, thinking about the Temple Guard before her and how it would be nice to talk to him sometime about their shared culture, especially in a place so far from home.

As he granted her Muna's blessing and kissed her forehead, Reovan opened her almond-shaped orange eyes and looked up at the man. "May Muna's dreams guide and protect me today," she responded, bowing her head again in gratitude for the service. Later, after the mission she'd try and see him, she decided. But for now, she should concentrate on the task in front of her.

As Serhan gave the order, Reovan turned and quickly removed the thick piece of clothing covering her linksuit and tossed it on one of the clothing hooks nearby. She'd only have to endure the cold a little while longer, now. The Sund Wakir girl headed for the nearest open VANDR cockpit and sat down inside and began to connect the various neural interfaces with her entry ports. She grinned mischieviously as she leaned back in the seat just before she turned everything on and switched to controlling the organoid unit. It would be interesting to see which of the team were real Frame Runners, and which ones were merely playing the role.

Re: [Preparations] Mission 1: Suit Up and Launch, Frame Runners!

Mu'Tasim watched as all the other pilots began to go into their VANDRs and suit up. The truth was, he hadn't piloted a VANDR in quite a while, making him a tad nervous. Though, he looked inwardly for a second, cursing his cowardice.

Muna would not accept me blessing those with her name if I couldn't withhold such a blessing myself. Mu'Tasim thought as he jogged toward his VANDR, the red Frame next to the Marranr's. He looked up at the tall structure, slightly intimidated by it's size, though it was more of intimidating awe. The Frame's structure, and the cockpit as he walked into it, amazed him. He looked around for a moment and the eyed the ovalesque chair at the center.

Well, let's see how she runs. He sat down in the chair, which sensed his body positioning itself onto it. The seat began to move with a mind of its own, reclining backwards in a rather comfortable position. It's rubbery structure began to morph to his body and horns, and finally, there was sudden taps to all his bodily ports. These had to the needle-like projections which connected him to the Frame.

By this time, he had noticed the hatch close automatically, and now he could hear the Prajna flowing into the cockpit chamber. Though, the sound began getting quieter and quieter...

He opened his eyes, and was about seven and a half meters taller than he originally was, or at least, that's what these of the VANDR did for him.

The glories of Organoid Technology... He thought as he tried to refamiliarize himself with the feeling of being a giant. Then, he felt a bit of tap in the back of his mind, almost like someone was in the cockpit with him. He recognized it as the NI of the organoid system that the VANDR uses.

Ah, I know what this is, the NI. This explains Malik's intention to name his VANDR, he probably sees it as a pet. He thought, and then received a feeling of agreement from the VANDR.

You'd like a name? He received same feeling.

Well, I don't know, I don't think I may be using you for long. He recieved the same feeling, again. This reminded him of the NI's natural loyalty, he began to feel like he was misinterpreting the construct, that or it didn't care how long he stayed, just that he was there.

Alright, how does Famasir sound? He received a feeling of elation, the Red VANDR's NI apparently liked the name.