[AN] Kind of a filler chapter, so the transition to the beginnings of the festival itself in the next chapter isn't completely out of left field. I'm all for willing suspension of disbelief and all, but it seemed worth a tiny bit of explanation as far as the logistics. Promise things will get more exciting (and sexy) again...

:)

Opal Beifong was a prime example of the women of her family — pragmatic, strong-willed, and generally leaning towards the conservative side when it came to things like personal conduct and appearance. Her ability to have a successful, long-lasting relationship with someone like Bolin had long been a mystery to many.

Most chalked it up to extreme persistence on his part. Few would have expected that Opal also had a deeply hidden freak flag, but after three weeks out in the desert it finally emerged to fly with a vengeance.

"Hey Asami!" Opal called as she skipped into Asami's headquarters, a large canvas tent strung between several steel shipping containers. Asami looked up and smiled.

"How does Bolin get any work done when you're running around like that?"

Opal scoffed. "He's not allowed to complain, he's wearing even less."

"I wasn't expecting him to complain. I was expecting him to lose any ability to think rationally. You are practically naked."

Opal looked down at herself. She was wearing a pair of work pants with the legs cut off an inch below her ass, and something similar to Korra's chest wraps in lieu of a shirt.

"It's too hot and dusty to bother with wearing any clothes! And you're not wearing much more than me, miss hypocrite!"

"Not passing judgement here. I'm merely commenting. Also, at least I have a shirt on."

"Oh yeah, a very loose tank top, and don't think I didn't notice Korra copping a feel under your shirt after breakfast this morning."

Asami unsuccessfully tried to hide her grin. Korra had done quite a bit more than that right after lunch. Opal raised an eyebrow but decided to leave it alone.

"Anyway," Asami coughed delicately. "Was there something you needed? I'm about to go over to the airdrop to see about the next incoming supply shipment."

"I'll walk with you."

They ducked through the canvas opening and headed towards the designated airship landing area. A new one had just arrived, and Asami's crews were already busily unloading it.

"So I noticed something last night. We've more or less decided that the festival is mostly going to take place at night, right?"

"Yes, it's really just too hot during the day for people to really enjoy themselves, and at night we can do fun things with lights."

"Right, so last night Bolin and I were out having a look around, and he spilled some water on me. I was still covered with dust, and I noticed it glittered a little bit where it got wet."

Asami looked thoughtful. "Some kind of interesting mineral content, I'll have one of my staff check it out."

"Yeah, okay, but that's not exactly what I meant. I was thinking, you've already designed those neat light sticks for people to carry around. They're awesome, I love mine. But what if…" Opal hesitated, trying to figure out how to describe her idea.

Asami waited patiently, knowing that to interrupt would derail an important thought process.

"Some kind of paint, that glittered in the dark." Opal finally rushed out. "You could put it on your skin, and when the light from your sticks hit it, it would just—" she paused again.

"Make your skin glow," Asami finished thoughtfully.

"Really brightly, yeah! Imagine, multiple colors, you paint pictures or have designs, and when you danced…" Opal trailed off again. The idea of music and dancing being a big part of the festival had been Bolin's idea. After Korra's demonstration of the earth-air drums he had thought of little else and, through his contacts in the various nations that were helping plan the festival back in civilization, was building an impressive lineup of musicians who were going to come and play, including some of his favorites from Republic City. When he wasn't taking trips in the airship up to radio broadcast height to talk to his associates, he was almost permanently ensconced on the far side of the playa working with the crew that was building the amphitheater.

Asami shielded her eyes, looking across the playa at the various anthills of activity as Future Industries crews prepared for the onslaught of tens of thousands of people.

"Zhu Li should be over there," she pointed at the large scaffolding around Asami's secret project area. "Talk to her, I bet she can come up with something. And for the record," she smiled warmly at her friend. "This is about the coolest idea we've come up with yet."

Opal beamed happily and trotted off.

Asami chuckled resumed her trek to the airfield. As she drew closer, she caught sight of two familiar figures standing near the airship's ramp and made a beeline for them. Korra seemed to sense her coming and turned, a broad smile lighting up her face as she approached. She pressed a quick kiss to Korra's cheek before turning to the newcomer.

"Kya," said Asami warmly, hugging the older water bender affectionately. "It's so good to see you."

"And you as well. Korra, I know you said it was hot and dusty out here, but you really didn't do it justice." Kya fanned herself.

Korra chuckled. "I expect you to be running around half naked like the rest of us soon."

"Oh, I can't wait," said Kya mischievously. "And I know you were a little concerned, but I've got a good contingent of water benders lined up. Almost all Southern Tribe, but I did manage to find one Northern Tribe bender to join us."

Korra rolled her eyes. "I'm surprised you got one."

"Desna and Eska let it be known that they did not disapprove, but that was about as far as it went. Our one participant is the grandniece of Yugoda, an old friend of Mother's, so there's a bit of a family connection."

Korra smiled faintly, remembering the old stories. Then she turned to Asami. "So, are we ready for the bender artists to start arriving yet?"

Asami looked thoughtful. "We're mostly on schedule, so I think so. Water supply and sewage infrastructure is almost done, and the train tracks from Zaofu will be complete in about a week and a half. The bender artists will have about a four days to get setup before the rest of the horde arrives."

"Train?" Kya looked startled.

Asami shrugged. "Varrick's idea, though it needed some refinement. For as many people as want to come, bringing them and their supplies all by airship is too impractical. Wu let us have access to all the military surplus Kuvira's army had stashed, which included tactical tracks and bridges. There was enough to be able to start running a couple of military cargo trains from Zaofu to here. Won't be a very comfortable ride, admittedly."

"Asami is having the trains painted with Future Industries colors, too," Korra added. "Looking like Earth Empire equipment probably isn't a great idea, given the intent of the festival. Most nations will start shuttling their people to Zaofu soon, then they'll take the train the rest of the way."

Kya looked concerned. "Since when did the Tribes start acquiring airships?"

"Most of the Future Industries airships will be shuttling for the Tribes," Asami assured her. "I wouldn't dream of making Tonraq buy any just for this. But we've also reserved a couple for whatever we need to run the festival or do last minute running around. In any case, according to our last message from Suyin, the supply depot in Zaofu is already huge. They're ready to start shipping as soon as we're ready to transport."

Kya looked at the younger women fondly. "I think it goes without saying that I'm very excited, and I'm also very proud of all of you. I have a good feeling about this festival."

Korra blushed before throwing her arms around the water bending master.

"It also goes without saying that if there's a big party anywhere in the world, you're going to be there to liven it up, Kya!"

Asami shook her head, chuckling at her cheesy girlfriend. "Dork. Come on, let's get Kya situated and see what's for dinner."

[NOTES] Coming up, the bender artists arrive. Korra's got some big ideas, but will she be able to make the various nations work together?

Also, Asami's got some even bigger ideas as to how the non-benders are going to represent...