Both Harald and Julia are going over the recovered equipment from the Pegasus mission. “Well it is a good thing that these things come with tech manuals and some helping hands.” Harald looks at Julia.
“The older ones will be getting some hands on sooner than later. What orbital bombardment does is just wrong and these were dug out from hardened hangers.” Looking over the ‘mechs.
“Good thing the salvage crews picked up as much as they did. From what I was told by them anything that was out in the open is just a stain on the ground.”
“The good news is when is all said and done we will be in good shape. I also know that someone has eye on that.” She points to one of the ‘Mechs. “She will be such a royal pain to have it back in service ASAP.”
“True that. But as she just got her ride she will have to cool her jets. Somehow I think that one of these two will be what goes on line first.” He points to two others.
“With all that is happening I think you are correct. The firepower and recon are very much needed now.”
“We will need to get the electronic toys from off world so I will put a call into Metal Storm to see what they can do.”
“You should talk with the others as well, if we all kick in at the same time shipping will be better and we just might get that stuff cheaper. That hole volume thing.”
“Right I will get on that.”
As Julia is about to leave, Fuka and Audra walk up to her. "
Nee-san!" Fuka called out.
"Oh, hey Fuka." Julia said back. At the sight of Audra, though, Julia stiffens, her eyes narrowing. Ignoring the presence of the Greyjoy girl, she asks Fuka. "What can I do for you?"
Fuka, although internally excited, endeavors to calm herself. "Audra-
san and I were wondering if we can get a peek inside the Royal
Black Knight? I was also wondering if you knew anything about any of its previous history?"
Audra smiled at Julia, prompting the tech to grab Fuka's arm. "Can we speak in private for moment?" Fuka, not understanding what was going on, allowed herself to be led away as Audra just stuck out her tongue at Julia as they left.
Once they were alone, Julia told Fuka. "Look, I don't mind
you having a look at the 'Mech. I trust you. I
don't trust your new acquaintance."
"But...why?"
"Because Audra has been caught causing problems around the base." Julia explained.
Fuka was confused. "What problems?"
Julia sighed. "She's been caught on camera causing random mischief around the base. Mostly harmless pranks. Toilets backing up, water pipes loosened, people stepping on Legos, that sort of thing." She paused before continuing. "Freyja once told me every Norse family has a Loki. A trickster. Somebody who loves causing problems. And in her family, Audra's the Loki. Hence, I don't trust her
anywhere near my babies and you shouldn't either."
"But, she's a Greyjoy. She's related to the Colonel." Fuka countered.
"Yeah, but she's also half
Blacktyde." Julia replied. "A Norse family if there ever was one. Plus, her parents were almost never around when she was younger because they were always out in the field. So she acts out in order to get their attention. The Colonel doesn't know this because he didn't really take part in her upbringing. But since she's been causing problems for me and the staff, I know the truth. That little b*tch doesn't go anywhere near my machines, got it?"
Fuka was taken aback, not used to this level of anger from her
nee-san. "She said she was allowed in the hangar because she just turned 18." She offered.
"She did just turn 18." Julia confirmed. "But I don't want her breaking the stuff we're trying to fix."
Fuka thought about it, then nodded. "I'll...just tell her you said no."
"Be careful around Audra." Julia finished. "If she tries to rope you into anything, let me or the Colonel know, okay?"
"
Hai, nee-san." Fuka replied before returning to Audra.
"Julia-
san says the cockpit is being repaired, so we can't go in.
Gomen, Audra-
san." She told the younger woman.
Audra just shook out her hair, not showing any emotion. "Eh, it's fine. I need to go shower anyway. See you around, though, Fuka." She specifically left out the honorific as she jogged her way out of the hangar bay toward the living quarters.
OOG: And so, another character is introduced into my growing menagerie. So, what do you think of Audra? Too much? Too random? Let me know.