Liberation of Nova Spera Session 6.5

	CawklesGM	It is the 41st milennium, 014.998.M41...
	CawklesGM	There is a great gale of laughter, bouncing off the claustrophic, intimate walls of this place betwixt. Soliders, administrators, nurses, runners, sutlers, scum...everybody is represented in what those Argo staff in the know have come to call the "Lapper". So called because of the constant, rhythmic lapping of the waves against the outer walls, the Lapper sits in a secret maintenance tunnel in the outer most reaches of the base, lodged between the vehicle depot and the steel that separates the water from the base. It is thought that the upper echelons are salient of its existence but allow it to run for morale reasons; with the war on and Qalyat in flames, there are few places left where soldiers can unwind without the glaring eyes of authority upon them. The round, bland tunnel is particularly packed tonight, with dozens milling about in crowds and cliques. Smoke, from lho and other distractions, clog the air, providing a hazy film over the shivaree. An informal bar has been quickly cobbled together by commissary staff to provide liquid joy to the assembled revelers and make a quick buck in the process. As the libations flow, discipline ebbs away as well; drunken soldiers are falling all over each other, brawling or coupling in equal measure as the primitive sound system blares whatever generic pound beat could be scrounged up. Brash Platoon, fresh from a successful week of drilling, has represented itself well in the partying, letting loose after the long hours of training. Izem, Ace, and Ishmael, three members of the freshly minted platoon HQ, have shied away from the main crush of dancing soldiers to partake in a more intimate card game behind the impromptu bar. Sitting around a repurposed crate, the three match wits (and cards) with Sergeant Saladin Al-Tariq, Abbass, and the young adolescent fresh from the Argo Holding area, Tali-Bat Helah. Although hardly an appropriate place for such a young girl, she is a very strong willed and haughty young thing and it was less effort to have her along than dissuade her from coming. As the grimba game goes on, however, it becomes increasingly apparent that perhaps it would have been wiser after all to stop her from coming...
	CawklesGM	"Grimba!" The girl exclaims, throwing down her hand of cards. Those assembled groan. "This little shi- girl is cleaning us out. I'll be damned." Abbass clicks his tongue, pushing the pot towards the young woman.
	CawklesGM	Saladin looks visibly pained as the pot slides towards the young Mahdite. "Do you cheat, little one?" He asks pointedly. "Luck like yours simply doesn't exist."
	CawklesGM	Tali simply chuckles. "You just gotta use your *brain*, Moutain Man. It's not that hard."
	CawklesGM	Saladin deals a new hand. The pounding of the music vibrates the force with its fervor; off to the side, two very wasted soldiers cling to the rear of the bar, shoving their tongues down each others throats. Saladin looks at Izem and smiles. [Bazir]"Another hand like your last one and you'll go back to the clinic broke", the Al-Isman says half chuckling.
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	[Bazir] "How the hell did you even convince me to play this? Last time I did this I was almost persuaded to put up drugs from the clinic to continue playing."
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	huffs at his dismal luck in this card game. "Tali, are you sure that Boog back at the hotel didn't teach you how to hide cards?"
	Ace_Nerat	"I hate this game, I can never seem to win." he says angrily
	Ishmael	        looks at the deck on the table and leans against his chair with a sigh. He was wearing his uniform somewhat loosely, a few buttons undone from the heat. He takes a swig from his bottle of Boog liquor, having taken a recent and odd liking to the stuff.
	CawklesGM	Tali grins. "That she did. No need though, when all my opponents are all stinky men." Abbass guffaws, patting the girl on her head. "Mahdite through and through."
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	makes a mock look of shock, as if Tali had called his mother a whore. "Me? Stink? I'll have you know I'm the cleanest man for half a klik in all directions." He grins as he scratches at his bandages. He'd be do for a change before the day was up.
	CawklesGM	Nearby, a great cheer goes up in a crowd. A woman, her face swollen and split, limps out from the crowd, so drunk she seems to be completely unaware of her injuries. For a moment, the crowd splits and you see they have formed a ring around a shirtless Sergeant Ali Ra'uf. The man, a mountain of fat and muscle, is gloating about his latest victory in the impromptu brawling club that has started in the Lapper. Abbass whistles at the woman. [Bazir]"Hey, sister, you okay?" The willowy woman nods weakly before a stream of green liquid issues from her mouth. She tumbles to the floor. Saladin laughs uproariously. Tali grins at Izem; such a resilent girl, this one. She has taken events in stride, quite unlike her more bilious brother.
	Ishmael	        looks down at the poor girl. "Izem... I know you are not on duty but... think she should go get patched up?"
	Ace_Nerat	"Think I should knock this guy down a tier or two?" he asks the assembled group.
	Ishmael	        stares at Ace. "By all means, feel free. Less winnings for the little Grimba master here."
	CawklesGM	Tali nods with great enthusiasm. Abbass and Saladin look at each other before nodding as well.
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	"Ah, well I'm more of a thought to let her sleep it off, she did that to herself." He then looks at his hand. "But, who am I to not help those in need. He folds his cards and heads over to the beaten, drunk woman.
	Ace_Nerat	stands and stretches dramatically, before heading into the mass of people and entering the ring.
	CawklesGM	Tali looks at her winnings and sees all the little goodies she's managed to win, teasing a lho stick from a pack in the pile and eyes it curiously. The drunk woman, a young nurse from one of the aide stations scattered around the base, looks like she got savaged by Ali. To her credit, she must have stood up for a while; Ra'Uf had to turn her face into a swollen melon before she gave up. She has a slight concussion and several gashes mar her girlish face. She is totally out cold and definitely going to have one hell of a hang over.
	Ishmael	        looks at the few lhos. "I'll buy those off you."
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	cleans the woman up a tad, making sure her air-passage is clear before picking her up. He walks back over to the group, unconscious woman in arms. "I'm going to bring her to an aid station before she chokes on her own vomit. Be right back." He gives a nod of the head before heading out.
	CawklesGM	But in the meant time, the main event gains rapturous applause from those assembled as Ace Nerat steps into the circle. Several bystanders, dancing or chatting, flock to the circle as they see the contenders size each other up. Ration tickets, lho packs, and drugs of all kinds quickly start moving as the rowdy crowd starts to place bets. Sergeant Roxy has nominated herself the unofficial ref of the fight, gathering up the bets and bellowing at the top of her longs. "AND HERE WE ARE! THE MAAAAIN EVENT!" She yells, her theatric gestures gathering more spectators. "IN THIS CORNER, WEIGHING FAAAAAAR TOO MUCH, A-L-I RA'UF! STRONGEST MAN IN GHADEER!" The crowd cheers with great energy, throwing great streams of Boog and other alcohol. Many are shouting their support: "STRONGEST!" "50 LHO ON HIM!" "KICK HIS ASS, ALI!" Ali exults in the attention, flexing his muscles. Roxy then turns to Ae. "AND OVER HERE, WE HAVE THE MOB MAN HIMSELF, THE LEG BREAKER, THE UNDERTAKER...ACE NERAT!" There are some cheers, but not many; some even boo and hiss. Seems like the reigning champ has the crowd behind him.
	Ace_Nerat	"Anything goes?"
	CawklesGM	"You think you can topple the Pride of Shaban?" Ali challenges, puffing out his chest. "Come on, then! I shall turn you into stone; Cold and unmoving! Haw haw!"
	Ace_Nerat	"Actions speak louder mate." He says coldly.
	CawklesGM	Roxy clicks her tongue. "No groin, babe. Other than that, go fer it."
	Ace_Nerat	shrugs and takes of his shirt, squaring up.
	CawklesGM	Roxy purses her lips, bringing the men together with her hands. "Alright boys, give us a nice fight. No dirty stuff." She winks. "Alright boys, LET'S. GET. READY. TO. RUMBBBBBLE!" The crowd roars with pleasure as Roxy tears away from the pair as they raise their dukes. The fight is on!
	CawklesGM	Tali squeals a cheer as everybody in the Lapper crowd around, trying to get a good view of the action. The Pound music takes a dark turn, the pulsing beat like a primal war drum.
	CawklesGM	"HOOK 'EM! GO FER THE EYES!" "WAIT UNTIL HE DROPS HIS FECKIN' GUARD!" "KILL 'EM ALI! KILL 'EM!"
	Ace_Nerat	swings with a opening attack, testing his opponents defenses and misses.
	CawklesGM	Ali tries to take a swing as Ace opens himself up, whiffing badly. The crowd boos. "HE'S GONNA TRY AND KNOCK YOUR HEAD!" Tali shouts. "DON'T LET HIM!"
	CawklesGM	Tali proves to be prescient. Ali blocks Ace's attack before delivering a solid blow to his temple, a meaty thud resounding throughout the chamber. The assembled crowd screams with joy. "HE'S WEAK!" Someone screams. "PRESS THE ATTACK YOU OAF!"
	CawklesGM	Ace, however, is not defeated so easily. He lunges forward with a furious combination, beating against Ali's block before a telling blow clips his jaw. Ali reels back, shocked by the violence of the blow. Ace hits *hard*!
	Ace_Nerat	"Let's test that title." he says with a laugh
	CawklesGM	"I'LL KNOCK YOU ON YOUR ASS!" He roars, firing back. Ace expertly blocks the feisty blow, unimpressed by his temper.
	CawklesGM	With a smirk and a chuckle, Ace exploits the man's opening with a devastating two punch combination. The first punch lands, knocking the man back and causing him to spit blood. The second blow finishes the job; a violent blow lands on his jaw, and he is knocked bodily to the floor, completely out cold. The entire Lapper, for a moment, is completely silent. Roxy runs over to Ali's body.
	CawklesGM	"1"
	CawklesGM	"2!"
	CawklesGM	"3!"
	CawklesGM	"4!"
	CawklesGM	"5!" Ali looks like he's stirring...
	CawklesGM	"6!" He weakly tries to regain his footing...
	CawklesGM	"7!"
	CawklesGM	"8!"
	CawklesGM	"9!" ...before crumpling to the floor.
	Ace_Nerat	"That's right, stay down buddy."
	CawklesGM	"10! WE GOT OURSELVES A KO FOLKS!"
	CawklesGM	The crowd erupts into wild applause as their new champion stands victoriously. They shower the man with ration tickets, lho packs, and the like. Some of the female personnel even see it fit to through their...unmentionables at the man. Roxy takes Ace's bloody fist and raises it into the air. Tali, Abbass, and Saladin rush forward and embrace Ace. Tali seems to be the most jubilant. "You did it!" She beams. "You wrecked that guy!"
	Ace_Nerat	"Got to show um who's boss every now and again." he says, panting
	Ishmael	        claps slowly before raising his bottle at the victor.
	CawklesGM	Saladin clasps him on the back. "You did good brother. And whaddya know, look who's coming to congratulate you..." Muffin, with three pretty girls waltzing behind her, pushes through the crowd, drunkenly embracing her charge. "Ya diddu g-guh, boss. Ya...ya wreckie 'im guhd. Me gotta pressint fer yeh tah!" She says, tapping something she's hiding in her flak coat. She tries to walk over to the Grimba table, but is decked in the face by an errant pair of underwear. Unphased, she pockets the prize before taking a seat and waiting for her comrades to join her. Her feminine entourage, a willowy Arkwrighter, a stout Al-Isman, and a radiant Bazir, disperse elsewhere quickly.
	Ace_Nerat	"Seems like I am being summoned." He then bows to the crowd and waltzes over to the table.
	CawklesGM	The crowd gives one last huzzah before Ace excuses himself. Ali's cheering section drags away his unconscious form, and the celebrations resumes. Many men cheer as Ace passes, offering him drink and other curiosities before he takes his seat with Muffin, who has wasted no time in requisitioning more drink from unwitting bystanders. A goofy, guilty grin stretches across her face as Abbass, Tali, and Saladin take their seats. Abbass glares at Muffin. "What did you do this time, you scamp?"
	CawklesGM	Muffin turns a little red; whether it's embarrassment or drink it's hard to say. "Ya tink meh alwehz op tah neh gud...issa lie taht me an' mself issa roog, wench, 'ore, or over tings ya kno?"
	Ishmael	        drinks up slowly.
	CawklesGM	"But you stole something, didn't you?" Saladin asks, disinterested. Muffin nods enthusiastically. "Meesa skurred beeg toime dissa toime, ya see..." She whips out her hidden goodie: a manila envelope, thick and fat, stamped with several bar codes and reading ++CAPTAIN OLIVER DE FRANK++
	CawklesGM	"Swooped eet roight offa 'is desk. Me wunder whatta 'tis ees..."
	CawklesGM	Tali covers her mouth in shock. "Muffin...!"
	Ace_Nerat	"This is some stormy waters we are heading into...Can't say I disagree though."
	Ishmael	        coughs and spits his drink. "What?!"
	Ishmael	        "Muff... I think you should put that thing back."
	CawklesGM	Muffin starts to gingerly open the envelope. "Wat? Me tot ya 'ate 'im, me lil' Ishie! Mebbe dis 'ere has sum stoff wot weh can bleck mail 'em wit!"
	Ace_Nerat	"Muffin, not a great plan."
	Ishmael	        "Yeah, doesn't mean I want to loose my head for- you know what, yeah, let's see what's in it."
	Ace_Nerat	"He is a cocky piece of shite."
	CawklesGM	Too late; the contents of the envelope thud onto the crate. It looks like an enormous...album. The gold lettering on the cover reads +MEMORIIS DE FAMILIUM FRANK+, shining and resplendent. Muffin's eyes sparkle. "Tassa top goffik, me thinks. Prolly valooble yeh?"
	Ishmael	        "Uh... not sure... looks like a pict album to me."
	CawklesGM	"A wot neh?" She says, flipping it open. Inside are...beautiful pictures. The baby faced De Frank resplendent in noble garb, standing next to a woman of great beauty (and height), two tiny infants in her arms. The picture is dated 978.M41. Going through the album, those assembled see a side to De Frank that is invisible to perhaps even himself. Candid pictures of him sitting in a private chamber, milling as he rocks his son on his knee. A family picnic in bucolic farmland outside of Bellway. His smiling face as he embraces his young daughter at her wedding. This and other intimate moments are laid bare before all assembled. Saladin, Abbass, and Tali are speechless.
	Ishmael	        looks away. "Uh... just close it. That's enough."
	CawklesGM	Muffin scratches her head, thumbing through the album some more. "Nah, thissa gettin' gud..."
	Ishmael	        "Look, Muff... we should respect the guy's privacy. I'm sure we all have stuff we'd like to leave behind."
	CawklesGM	The pictures go up to 993...and then just stop. The next picture is 997, with a very despondent looking De Frank lounging on a large pillow-like chair next to a withered little raisin of a Bazir...Arwa the Pearl.
	CawklesGM	Muffin scratches her head. "Nah teats 'er seekrits. LAME." She slams the book closed. Abbass clicks his tongue. "We might want to return this before somebody notices..."
	Ishmael	        "I agree... this is something else."
	Ishmael	        "Also, we never saw this, understood?"
	CawklesGM	Tali and Saladin nod. Muffin just shrugs.
	Ishmael	        "Now, put that back in the envelope and make it just as new. Need help putting it back?"
	CawklesGM	Muffin, deep in the cups, nods gently. She inserts the album back into its album, giving it to Ishmael. "Me tink eet bess if ya do eet."
	Ishmael	        gulps. "Why me?"
	Ishmael	        "At least tell me where exactly you found it."
	CawklesGM	Muffin shrugs. "Eeez...desk? Me tinks enyweh. Me 'ad a lil' hesh an' sum drenk behfer meh do eet so...Sarr Sarr. Me no 'elp."
	Ishmael	        sighs and tries to hide the envelope after making sure it was properly sealed. "Thanks..." He says irritably before standing up and heading off.
	CawklesGM	The Argo is a maze of chambers, departments, and other facilities stretching far underground. Where to go?
	Ace_Nerat	"I guess I'll go with the child."
	Ishmael	        starts off, trying to go to De Frank's office through an indirect route.
	CawklesGM	De Frank's office is near Colonel Myassa's war room. Ishmael, now an officer, can walk freely through this sector, receiving earnest salutes from the various enlisted guards stationed about. He passes into the room where various administrators tap, write, and file away at their desks, right outside Myassa's office. To the east, more offices are present; to the west is more administrators.
	Ishmael	        returns the salutes, occasionally making a few small friendly remarks on the way. He decides to go for the offices for now, trying to keep quiet.
	CawklesGM	The offices, even this late, are still buzzing with activity. Lieutenants, Captains, other Ordnance Masters, go about the never ending business of conducting a clandestine war against alien invaders. Ishmael, dragging around his NCO, looks a little out of place just standing around doing nothing...
	CawklesGM	Suddenly, he hears it. A familiar voice speaking quite loudly and with great force from one of the enclosed offices.
	CawklesGM	"-would be happy to have you on, young man. I know you do menial work around the base. Has it become too boring for you, perhaps?"
	CawklesGM	"Yes sir." The shaky, young voice replies. "I want to fight the God-Emperor's enemies, for the sake of the peoples' society."
	CawklesGM	"That sounds like a practiced reply. That's good; shows your dedication. What is your name, young man?"
	CawklesGM	"Abu al-Jolani ibn Omar, sir."
	CawklesGM	"ibn Omar...I know your mother, young man. Nice woman."
	CawklesGM	"I disagree."
	CawklesGM	"Oh?"
	Ishmael	        sighs and rolls his eyes. He then knocks on the door. "Ace... you might want to leave in case this gets bad."
	Ace_Nerat	"With you through and through, brother."
	CawklesGM	The conversation abruptly ends. "Come in." The stentorian voice resounds.
	Ishmael	        breathes out before walking in calmly. He salutes. "Sir." He then shifts his sight towards the boy. "Oh, Abu, didn't expect to see you here."
	Ishmael	        "Your mother was looking for you."
	CawklesGM	Abu folds his arms. "And?"
	Ishmael	        "You might want to see her, seemed rather urgent. Plus I have to have a few words with the good Captain here in private."
	CawklesGM	Captain De Frank nods. "Tell his mother he is a bit indisposed at the moment. I hope you interrupted my private conversation for good reason?"
	Ace_Nerat	"That means get out."
	CawklesGM	Captain De Frank's features suddenly look severe. "Sergeant, arrest that tone this instant. Mister Omar will leave when I say."
	Ishmael	        "Indeed. Found something that I think is of your 'personal' interest during an inspection."
	CawklesGM	De Frank turns to Ishmael, his interest suddenly piqued. "Go on." Abu smolders in the mean time, glaring at Ace. The boy definitely styles himself as a 'man'.
	Ishmael	        "A rather fancy book, I think. Big old gothic letters...?"
	Ishmael	        then subtly diverts his sight to Abu. "Think it might affect morale, sir."
	CawklesGM	The Captain looks...the authoritarian leader is whisked away, a softer more worried look stretching across his face. He quickly shoos the boy out of his office. Abu, livid, stomps out of the office. De Frank makes sure he has complete privacy before turning to Ishmael. "Does this mean it was opened? Is it damaged...did you read it?"
	Ishmael	        produces it and puts it on his desk. "Just Ace and myself here, sir. A poor sap saw the first page but I made sure that was all he saw and that he'll forget. Seems to be in perfect condition."
	CawklesGM	De Frank nods solemnly, snatching the book into his hands. He thumbs through some of the pages, his eyes turning misty and wistful. A gentle smile stretches across his face before he quickly slams the book shut and shoves it into his desk. He looks up at the two men. "Thank you for returning this to me...really. This album means much to me. Now begone; I wish to be alone for a time. Go. Tut tut. Quickly."
	Ishmael	        smiles and nods with a quick salute. "Understood, sir. My condolences." He then turns and departs, making sure that Ace follows.
	Ace_Nerat	"We gotta do something about that kid, where's Izem?"
	Ishmael	        "Ace, would you kindly go grab him and show him to his mother. I think them and Izem need a nice and long word."
	Ace_Nerat	tracks down the kid
	CawklesGM	Abu is standing right outside, boiling. As Ace approaches, he starts to explode. "Why the FUCK do you keep messing with me, man? My mom rides my ass enough as it is and here you are acting all high and mighty and such. Look: this is what I want for myself. I want to fight, like my dad. I don't want to hang around with my deadbeat, psycho mom, okay?!"
	Ace_Nerat	smacks the brat across the face.
	Ace_Nerat	"Listen here punk."
	Ishmael	        holds him up and keeps him in place against a wall.
	Ace_Nerat	"First off, disrespect my comrade, who is also your mother who charged headfirst into a hail of fiery hell to reach you again and I'll crush you."
	CawklesGM	"You have no right to lecture me, you thug! You don't know shit about my mom!" The boy thrashes against Ishmael's grip. "Unhand me, so I can show you it's a mistake to strike me!"
	Ace_Nerat	"Second, you think war is valor and courage and shiny medals? You ready to have the gore of your fallen comrade wash over you? And have to wade through dead bodies straight into enemy fire? Is that what you want for your life boy?"
	Ishmael	holds him even tighter. "You wanna fight! You think that's what being a man is?! Come here, We'll show you the side that's not all chest pounding and dumb bravado." He then holds him as he leads him to the nearest triage station.
	Ishmael	"Or do you want to listen for once and use that head on your shoulders before you lose it by making a huge mistake?"
	CawklesGM	"Stop stop stop!" Abu yells. "I geddit I geddit! Jeez! I won't join up, fine! Just let go of me you little shit!"
	Ishmael	        just grits his teeth and continues to lead him onwards.
	Ace_Nerat	+We got the older kid Izem, trying to join up in the trail.+
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	+Ace? Now isn't exactly the greatest of times.+
	Ace_Nerat	+Yeah, well we caught Kahina's older brat trying to sign up. Thought you might want to know."
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	+Understood.+
	CawklesGM	Ishmael and Ace shuffle the boy into the clinic. He looks confused...until he sees his mom. He immediately looks combative. "GUYS!" He whines. "I thought we had an agreement; I stop and you let me go. Why did you drag me over here to see...to see.."
	CawklesGM	"Your mother?" Kahina snaps. "What has gotten into you boy? Trying to join your father in the grave?!"
	CawklesGM	Abu spits. "Don't. You. DARE! DON'T YOU DARE! Don't you sully his name with your tongue, you bi-" Abu bites his tongue as he sees his little brother walk out of the private clinic room. "Oh..hey squirt." He sees, looking rather sheepish.
	Ishmael	        tightens the grip on Abu's shoulder as he looks at Izem, unsure of what to do here.
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	motions for Ishmael to release the boy.
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	"Abu."
	Ishmael	        lets go with a somewhat emphatic pat on his shoulder. He then makes to leave, his job here apparently done.
	Ace_Nerat	leans against the wall and lights a lho stick.
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	stares down at the youth, looking him in his eyes before asking, "Why are you so obsessed with joining up? Why do you loathe your mother so? She is your only.....family." He pauses at that last word.
	CawklesGM	"She abandoned us, Mister Anaruz!" He whines. "Dad died and she couldn't deal. She went bonkers. She abandoned us once, got caught, got us exiled, and then abandoned us again! She expects me to take care of my brother while she goes on some mad quest to 'avenge' my dad or some stupid groxshit; if she wanted to make dad happy, she would take care of us! She wouldn't leave us to fend for ourselves on a damned military base! AM I THE ONLY ONE WHO SEES HOW CRAZY THIS ALL IS?!"
	CawklesGM	Kahina stoically stares her son down. "You don't understand the traditions-"
	CawklesGM	"SO THOSE TRADITIONS ARE MORE IMPORTANT THAN ME? THAN SQUIRT? You are so full of shit, it's unbelievable! You're completely insane!"
	CawklesGM	Abdullah looks overcame, somberly storming off into a nearby room, tears in his eyes. The pair continue to argue, exchanging insults and explanations in a nearly unintelligible stream of Qom.
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	[Qom] "Enough both of you!" Izem puts his hand on both of their shoulders.
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	"Listen, the past is the past. It will remain with you, but you need to move on from it, even if it's only a little by day. It's hard, I know." He pauses and looks between both of them.
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	"You are still family, you still have each other. Regardless of how you may have hurt each other...." Izem's face darkens. "Abu...."
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	"You still have a brother, and even a mother. I want you to imagine yourself at your brother's age, without either because of a terrible decision you made out of spite for those who loved you."
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	"Don't become me...."
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	"I lost my only family when I was only seven, Abu. Please take some time and rethink your future."
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	rubs his face before continuing. "Kahina fights because she is contributing to the cause to protect the both of you."
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	"And I'll do my damnedest to keep her alive so she can come back to you."
	Ishmael	        "On that we'll also help."
	CawklesGM	Abu looks like he's about to scream...but simply storms out. Kahina lets him leave. She is dumbstruck by Izem's very personal protests against their fighting. Without any words, she simply goes into the private clinic that Abdullah stormed into, off to console him no doubt. That leaves the three Snow Squad men alone in the reception room, silent and awkward. And then...
	CawklesGM	"Oooooh, issa mar boyos in 'ere. Cum 'ere lil' boyos! Hahahaha-!" Muffin stumbles in, sans pants and top, and very very drunk. Her fleshy bits jiggling everywhere, she looks up at the men assembled and the room and the light in her face instantly goes out. "O-oh. Issa ya chaps. Hi-hi--hiiiii!"
	CawklesGM	"Ya kno,"She slurs. "Me tenk ya brek meh strek. 'Ow coddie yoo brek me strek?! Ya shuld beh 'shamed, muk loik meself, drunk likkuh skookn...eeeeheheheeheee!"
	Ishmael	        turns around and his face turns into one of utter confusion. "For goodness sake..." He sighs and takes the outer coat of his uniform and tries to put it on her as some sort of imporvised skirt.
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	rubs his face and hair, throwing the strands back from the front. "Muffin, how much have you had to drink?"
	Ace_Nerat	"What streak?"
	CawklesGM	"Neh 'nuff," She says, giving Ishmael a pair of very lusty eyes before accepting the coat. "STrek? Ah, wella meh an' Iset, see, we 'ad erselves a jolleh lil' gaem goin' in. Weh tryna seh 'oo can sock tah mest cock inna noight. Wenna weh entar a rum, we getta sock a cock, seen? Meh strek is tah bess, meh 'way 'ead. Meh gottie sisteen 'fere meh cummie in 'ere an' neh meh strek beh brokken cus' I cannae sock anny ya cocks eh? 'less wunna yeh volntur an' 'elp meh beat tah sloot Iset. She wont inna rum wit sax boyos! SAX! Meh genna beh beet at taht rate." Muffin Stumbles around some more, leering at present. "Me inna bind...me inna bind..."
	Ishmael	        "Uh... what are you competing for...?"
	Ace_Nerat	"Go to the infirmary."
	Ace_Nerat	"Plenty of men there."
	CawklesGM	Kahina pokes her head out of the room to hear the commotion. She sighs, rolls her eyes, and returns inside the room. There is an audible click as she locks the door. Muffin's face suddenly brightens.
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	starts chuckling madly despite the earlier tension.
	Ishmael	        sighs and rolls his eyes as he gently takes her by the arm and leads her outside. "I think you drunk a little too much..."
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	"I think I could use a drink." He says as he follows after Ish, waving at the Aid Station orderly.
	CawklesGM	"Naaaah, Jess' seh ya nebba saw meh an' meh go inna taht docta pless an' raise morale...pless?" The woman is so out of it she puts up very little resistance.
	Ishmael	        "No no... you are too drunk to uh... help. Might end up sucking on some surgical instrument or something for all I know. Come here, I think you need to lay down for a bit."
	Ace_Nerat	"Put her to bed Ish. Izem, I think some guys owe me some drinks, wanna join?"
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	"We'll meet you back at the Lapper Ish." He then turns back to Ace, "so long as it isn't any of that Boog...."
	Ishmael	        shrugs and does just that, blushing faintly at the implication.
	Ace_Nerat	heads out with a chuckles "Good luck mate."
	CawklesGM	By the time Ishmael gets Muffin into her bunk, she's fast asleep. The radiant Bazir that was apart of her entourage, Iset presumably, is waiting for her with an impish grin. When she sees that she is passed out in a drunken stupor, she decides to save her victory gloating for later and leaves her to sleep off all that alcohol. And with that, Ishmael walks over to the lapper to have a well earned drink...
	CawklesGM	The party at the Lapper rages unabated. The three snow squad men rendez vous as the bar, where Saladin and Abbass have spent the entire time drinking and making merry. Abbass spots the trio approach through a haze of lho smoke and waves them over.
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	[Bazir] "I see you did all the partying for us while we've been gone." Izem laughs to Abbass.
	Ishmael	        slowly walks over, sans overcoat.
	CawklesGM	Abbass laughs. "We've been kinda partying. Lukewarm partying, really. It was Muffin who was going hard. I hope that poor girl doesn't hurt herself."
	CawklesGM	Saladin takes a classy swig from a bottle of liqour. "I hope she gets hurt. She might learn something."
	Ishmael	        takes a seat and a glass. "She's fast asleep in her bunk now. And why do you want her to get hurt? She's a good lass most of the time."
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	finds a seat and beckons for anything that isn't boog.
	CawklesGM	"A good lass if you think promiscuity and kleptomania are virtues worthy of song," Saladin sneers. The commissary slides Izem a bottle of Desert Amasec, a Bazir specialty. It looks like a cheap, watered down brand but at least it doesn't sear the throat like boog. Abbass chuckles at Saladin's uncharacteristic angry outburst.
	CawklesGM	"You don't like our resident Boog, eh?" Abbass asks.
	CawklesGM	"I grew up in the Promethium Kingoms, Abbass." Saladin says. "Boog like her do her people shame. And there are so many! Prostitues, grifters, bandits, conmen..."
	Ishmael	        sighs and takes a sip.
	Ishmael	        "I think her heart is mostly in the right place."
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	"Oh, is that how you know Baziri, Saladin?"
	CawklesGM	Abbass pats Ishmael on the shoulder in agreement. Saladin nods. "My father was exiled from the Aaftaab when I was a boy. He fled to the Promethium Kingdoms, and that is where I grew up. I still maintain the traditions, however! I am a proud son of Shaban, through and through!"
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	gives the bartender a ration ticket and starts drinking directly from the bottle. He immediately starts to feel the effects, his face, throat, and belly warming.
	CawklesGM	Abbass rolls his eyes. "You get so alpha when you drink, Sal. Tone down. Relax."
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	[Qom] "Cheers."
	CawklesGM	Many souls flutter hither and yon, orbitting the bar, getting drinks, dancing, chatting, relaxing...there is an unspoken tension here, however. Many of these men and women know what's coming, having faced battle before. They decide to live it up whilst they can. Abbass and Saladin raise their glasses. [Bazir]"Cheers!"
	Ishmael	        raises his glass along and drinks up!
	CawklesGM	Theer is a clink of glasses, and mirthful laughter. Saladin scratches his chin. [Bazir]"Say, Izem, isn't your assitant one of my tribe?" Saladin asks. "It's awlays nice to meet a kinwoman out here."
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	[Bazir] "She is...though I'm not at liberty to give details. But I will say it's similar to what happened to your father."
	CawklesGM	[Bazir]"I shan't pry, then. But my, what a waste that she is exiled. Her beauty and adherence to the way of Shaban makes my heart pound in my chest. Her radia-" Abbass nudges Saladin. [Bazir]"Brother, don't embarass yourslef with such cheesy poetry. Besides, she's spoken for."
	CawklesGM	[Bazir]"I thought she was a widow, though." Abbass sighs and rolls his eyes. [Bazir]"I told you to stop talking, and yet you continue to run your mouth."
	Ishmael	        takes his glass and heads off
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	continues to drink with abandon. The bottle slowly emptying. "Ish, hey, Ish! Where you going!?"
	Ishmael	        shrugs slightly. "Don't know, really. Figured I shouldn't get in the way of that conversation."
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	picks his bottle up and waves at the two men before joining Ishmael. "Well if that's the case, why don't we share a drink or two."
	Ishmael	        smiles and sits, offering his glass.
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	pours him a generous amount before taking a seat himself.
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	"So Ish, what did you do before you joined up?"
	Ishmael	        takes a sip. "I used to be a professor. What about you?"
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	swirls the liquid in his glass before taking another mouthful before responding. "I've always been here. Well, most of my life at any rate."
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	"Now a professor, what did you teach? And where at?"
	Ishmael	        "That so? How come you are still out there, then? I doubt you've done it by choice. And well, I used to teach surprisingly enough history, my specialty being around the immediate reconstruction after the whole Annulment and stuff. Mostly truth hunting from within piles of half-truths and myths. As for where I teached, two places. Though most of my career was in the one here."
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	"Ahhhhh I see. I can only imagine how your truth hunting must have went, given the cauldron of different ideals here. Perhaps I'm bias." Izem takes another swig.
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	"I mentioned it earlier, when I was seven my parents, home, and what few friends I made were razed to the ground back in the Promethium Kingdoms. Were it not for Zakum, I would not be here. He found me and brought me here."
	Ishmael	        "Well, I mostly stuck to dusty old accounts and artifacts. Some of my colleagues... well, they preferred to work on the field."
	Ishmael	        "Ah... yes, sorry for bringing it up."
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	waves his hand. "I have come to terms with that, for the most part. And I still have a father...even if he is not by blood."
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	"Any interesting stories from your dusty old accounts and artifacts?"
	Ishmael	        drinks a decent mouthful. "Hmm... well, bits and pieces mostly. Been making more sense lately. Lots of odd occurences."
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	"Odd like what happened a week ago?" Izem idly scratches at his burns through his bandages, remembering that nightmarish night where he nearly cooked to death.
	Ishmael	        "For starters, yeah. And those things in the cave back at the docks."
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	"Oh yeah, what is it that you found down there? I kind of had to deal with everything top-side."
	Ishmael	        "An old shrine, plenty of undamaged writings and carvings. Spooky, though."
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	"Whatever it was, it certainly spooked the feck out of that tech-priest."
	Ishmael	        "Yeah, what was up with him?"
	Ishmael	        "It was just some writing and some old rocks."
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	"Given he's from the Imperium at large, who knows, but the tunnel did feel odd when I looked into it." He shivers for a moment before finishing his glass.
	CawklesGM	The glass becomes empties quickly, leaving a trail of warmth down Izem's throat as the heady liquid invigorates him. The celebration continues deep into the night, all present completely unaware of what awaits them. From broken bottles in the Lapper, to broken corpses strewn about Objective Albrecht, the antipode is glaring yet invisible, masked by the haze of time. They will know soon enough. The Night is coming.



Second Chat:
	CawklesGM	The nearest aid station is a small, rugged reception room, its only decorations being the gaudy propaganda posters covering the walls. Several rooms adjoin it, some private chambers for individual vists, others massive convalescent rooms where the wounded lie in pitiful pain. Depositing the woman in one of the convalescent rooms, Izem tells his subordinate medicae her afflictions before leaving the room. But before he exits the clinic, he hears something divine, a sing song lullaby lilting from one of the private convalescent rooms that freezes him in his tracks. It splits the quiet, banishing its disquieting effects with its soothing tones.
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	spins around slowly, tilting his head at the divine voice that floats up from the door down the way. He then sneaks over, like a thief in the night, so as to not alert the singer.
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	Once at the door, Izem pauses. He feels conflicted, on one hand he should respect this person's privacy, on the other this voice is beautiful, almost nostalgic. In the end his curiosity wins out, he quietly opens the door and peeks inside.
	CawklesGM	Sitting inside upon the cushiony bench meant for patients is Kahina, her tender eyes staring down at a small figure cradled in her arms. It's her youngest son, Abdullah. The little man, an energetic and precocious child, seems to be drifting off itno sleep as Kahina sings him a lullaby. The boy, remarkably dark skinned and with strong, broad features, finally ceases his squirming as Kahina's lullaby finally ends. She gently lays the boy upon the cushion, dusting her lap off. There is something glistening in her good eye that is totally foreign to most who know her. Something tender that she hides at all costs. She gently rubs her son's hair as his peaceful form lies dormant. She looks towards the door...and nearly jumps with shock. She quickly extricates herself, sealing the door behind her. "Izem, what are you doing?"
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	scratches his head sheepishly. [Qom] "My apologies."
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	"I heard your singing and curiosity overcame me, I couldn't keep myself from seeing who owned such a divine voice."
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	He then looks down for a moment, before looking back at Kahina. "It reminded me of when I was younger."
	CawklesGM	Kahina looks cold and distant for a moment before grinning. "Your mother sang to you too, then? So did mine. It's how I learned." She shakes out her mane of shiny black hair, painfully adjusting her bandages. She bites her lip and frowns as touches the bandages covering half her face. "Izem...can you do me a boon, please?"
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	"If it's within my power, of course."
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	crosses his arms as he waits for her explanation, his brow crooking as he wonders what the stony, desert-flower of Snow Squad could ask of him.
	CawklesGM	Kahina motions for Izem to follow her into one of the private meeting rooms. She ushers him in almost forcefully before shutting the door behind her. She takes a seat on the patinet's bench, her face wracked by intense shame and embarassment. She struggles to find words. "Izem...I...My face. It's in a lot of pain right now. Irritants and the like must have stained my bandages. I tried to change my bandages but the pain was too great. I just couldn't. To my great shame, I humbly ask you to help me change them."
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	A look of surprise dances across Izem's face. For her to ask anyone for that kind of assistance...'she must think highly of me to ask such a thing.'
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	"I humbly accept. Let me get some spare bandages and ointment." He makes for the door to get the supplies to help her.
	CawklesGM	Kahina waits patiently, trying to look stoic, but as the time comes closer and closer she grows smaller and smaller. Soon enough, she seems like a little girl, trembling with fear as Izem returns with his gear. Her breath is ragged and fearful and she shrinks as Izem approaches, gripping the cushion of the bench until her knuckles turn white. "Ignore my pain," She whimpers. "I will ask you to stop. Don't." And with that, she takes a strip of bandage, the first of many, and tears it slowly off her skull, handing the end to Izem. She motions for him to continue undoing the wrap, bracing for the agony.
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	does his best to carefully remove the wraps.
	CawklesGM	Kahina grimaces as he starts, tearing away more and more bandages, revealing pallid hair that is seldom not covered in bandages. She squeals in pain as the thick bandages tear away from her flesh with great gooey pops. The burned side of her face becomes more and more apparent, the flesh warped and pale by the old wound. Sickly red streaks mar the melted, textureless flesh, emiting a noxious chemical smell even after all these years. Whoever did this to her was an expert; Only half her face got burned, and the wounds barely reach her nose, lips, and shoulders. But her face...her face is hideious beyong words. Agony, shame, and hopelessness swim in the milky white ruin of her eye, expressive even now. Her squeals become screams as the wound is fully exposed to air. She claws at the wound, but it only causes her to squirm in even more agony. She wails at the top of her lungs. "S-STOP!" She begs. "MAKE IT STOP!" Tears stream from her good eye as she struggles to sit still, her face burning like the day she received her fateful wound.
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	grabs both of her hands. "Don't touch it! You'll only make the pain worse!" A look of horror crosses his face as he sees the damage first-hand, but that quickly passes, his training then kicks in.
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	With practiced hands he quickly prepares a dose of pain-killers before injecting it into her. Once Kahina has calmed enough, he diligently applies the bandages, firmly, but not enough to pain her more than usual.
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	While he works Izem wipes sweat from his brow, the pained form of Kahina making Izem fear that he's hurting her with his work.
	CawklesGM	Ointment. Sealment. Bandage. Izem's practiced hands quickly wrap her private shame in a coat of fresh bandages. Drugged, pained, and exhausted, she collapses onto Izem, weeping into his shoulder. The stoic woman, normally so reserved, can't hide anymore. She weeps and wails, whimpering near gibberish into Izem's shoulder. [Qom]"What have I done to deserve this? O-O-Omar, Abu...wuh-wuh-...one after another. Elder I'm sorry! I know now I made a mistake!"
	CawklesGM	All of the emotion she has bottled up, all the pain she's endured recently, is emptied onto Izem's shoulder in a torrent of emotion. She embraces Izem tightly, too tightly, squeezing him like a stress ball. She cries and cries and cries, her wits soon leaving her as her breath become short. She's completely overhwhelmed and melts to the floor, curling up into a little ball.
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	kneels down behind her. He puts a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "We all make mistakes, some big, some small. What matters is that we press on, despite the pain and the woe. Whenever you need help don't hesitate to ask it of me." He then rubs her back patiently to help calm her.
	CawklesGM	"I miss my husband," She sobs. "I miss my Omar. I knew I should have stopped him...the idea was always in my head, but tradition is all. Tradition...where has it gotten me?!" She screams, beating her fist against the floor. "You fool man! You had everything and you LEFT me! Me and your children!" Looks like she's taking Izem up on his offer, and is taking time to vent. She screams incoherent, angry, crushed, upset. She curses the name of her dead husband over and over, pounding her fist into the wall.
	CawklesGM	Then, suddenly, there is a gentle pounding at the door. "Mama?" The voice says, groggy. "Mama are you okay?"
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	picks himself up and approaches the door, he then opens the door and crouches down to greet Kahina's youngest son.
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	He gives the young boy a small smile.
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	"Hello Abdullah."
	CawklesGM	Abdullah tries to twist around Izem, trying to see his still whimpering mother. "M-mister Anaruz! H-hello! I was napping and...and...then I heard stuff. Is my mama okay?"
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	"She is fine now." He smiles again, before standing up and putting a hand on the boys shoulder. He then lightly guides him over to his mother.
	CawklesGM	Kahina, still weak and upset, sees her son totter towards her. She gasps. "Abudllah!" She rights herself and embraces her son tightly. [Qom]"Did I wake you up, my little warrior? I'm sorry. I will try to be quiet next time." Abudllah returns his mother's embrace, a little confused. Abdullah's decision to not pry is definitely unusual, a sure sign of his sharp mind. He just hugs his whimpering mother, who is still too weak to stand. [Qom]"I love you, my little one. I love you so much."
	CawklesGM	Kahina then stands, patting her child on his head. She then walks over to Izem and gives him a gentle hug. "I would apologize for losing my composure, but I know you would tell me that you do not mind, even if you don't actually feel that way. All the same...thank you. You are a noble comrade and I praise Shaban for allowing me to bear arms in your sevice."
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	gives her a sheepish grin.
	Ace_Nerat	+We got the older kid Izem, trying to join up in the trail.+
	Ace_Nerat	+Kahina might want a word with him.+
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	"I do what I can for those I care for. You know that." He looks away for a moment while muttering to himself. [Bazir] "And you remind me somewhat of my mother."
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	hears a faint voice coming from his pocket. It's his microbead, he dons it and listens.
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	+Ace? Now isn't exactly the greatest of times.+
	Ace_Nerat	+Yeah, well we caught Kahina's older brat trying to sign up. Thought you might want to know."
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	+Understood.+
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	turns to Kahina, a worried look is plastered on his face. "Abu seems to be getting in trouble. I'm having Ace bring him here, unless you'd want take it somewhere more private?"
	CawklesGM	Kahina's face turns grim, and she groans almost impatiently. "Bring the boy here. Why does he do this to me, Izem?"
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	"He's young and brash, given the circumstances I'm just glad he's still in one piece. Perhaps if we sit him down and make him understand, he won't act like such a fool again."