STEEL WOLF

A/N: The legal drinking age on Korla is 18.

Chapter 7: Storm Clouds

Family Mansion, Vargas Estate, Korla,

Lyran Alliance,

August 8, 3075

"You know, I think I read about something like this in an old book once," Alphonse Delarosa commented a little too loudly to his assembled friends in one of the large gathering rooms of the Vargas family mansion. A festive party was well underway this evening, and hundreds of well-dressed men and women from all over the Estate chatted, laughed, gambled, listened to the orchestra in the amphitheater, danced in the ballroom, and shared all kinds of stories over martinis and champagne. Alphonse, for one, occupied a stool at the well-stocked bar on the first floor and was already feeling a little dizzy, and his expensive white suit felt a little warm for some reason.

One of his new friends, a dark-haired young man named Luis, leaned forward slightly to listen to Al over the general chatter. He held a Scotch tightly in his hand. "Oh yeah?" he asked with a lopsided grin. "What book would that be?"

"Ummm..." Alphonse leaned back, tilting his head up at the ceiling in thought. "It was by some guy way back in the 1920's who... well... wrote about a character who threw big parties like this one!"

"As long as they had the good stuff," Luis grinned, downing his Scotch and wincing slightly at the strong burn of alcohol. He set the glass on the glowing counter and motioned for a refill.

Another guy named Ben snapped his fingers. "The Great Gatsby!" he realized. "About the man who had all these chicks but his life ended up badly. People died."

"Sucks for him," Luis joked, downing another cold Scotch. "Hey, Alphonse... speaking of chicks, isn't that Cassandra girl here somewhere?"

Suddenly feeling deflated, Alphonse leaned against the counter, resting his elbow on the surface and his chin on his open hand. "Yeah, she is... with Carlos Vargas."

"Sucks for you," Luis offered another grin.

"You've been saying crap like that all night," Ben criticized.

"Ehhh... yeah," Luis waved a dismissive hand. "Listen, Alphonse, man... you can't let this get you down."

Alphonse sat up again, his head feeling light. "But I already said that Cassandra is with..."

"Women love confidence, man," Luis interrupted firmly, pointing a finger at Al. "You act all mopey and timid, and you'll be stuck like this forever! You're gonna let Carlos strut along with the lady you like?"

Although Cassandra and Carlos were elsewhere in this huge mansion, Alphonse could imagine the both of them enjoying each other's company the whole night without even mentioning Al's name. He thought of Cassandra's light and cheerful smile and laugh, the way she would sometimes toss a lock of her brown hair, the way she talked enthusiastically about her work with that fire in her eyes...

"You there?" Luis snapped his fingers, jolting Al out of his reverie.

"Yeah, I'm here," Al nodded, leaning against the counter with a sigh. "But come on, what are my chances? Even if Cassie were to break up with Carlos soon for some reason..." He made a small laugh. "Oh, forget it. Self-pity isn't my style, and I have to respect what Cassandra wants. Things will play out as they should."

"Unless..." Luis grinned and shook Al's shoulder, "you take control! Make Cassandra want you! Fits your argument!"

Al's eyes widened. "Does it really?"

"Oh, this is stupid," Ben grumbled, getting up off his stool and wandering off.

Luis ignored Ben's comment and continued, "Take my advice, man. Cassandra liked Carlos right now, but face it, man, Carlos just coasts on his dad's wealth. You, you've got a passion for what you do, even if you're still learning the ropes and Cassandra sees you as her student. Throw yourself out there and make her like you more than she likes Carlos!"

"Well..." Alphonse tilted his head, weighing his options. "I do have spirit, but Carlos and Cassie have been going steady and by what I hear, they hit it right off when they met in 3074. That's a lot to go up against."

"Makes the victory all the sweeter, then," Luis added, thumping Al's back. "So are you going to let Carlos lord it over you, or are you going to throw that brat off the stage?"

Al's heart hammered with excitement and he bolted to his feet, adjusting his suit's blue bow tie. "It's showtime," he declared. "Get front-row seats, Luis, 'cause Alphonse Delarosa is taking center stage!"

*o*o*o*o*

"So, that is General Abby," Nikolai mused with appreciation as he and Alfonso Delarosa stood in one corner of the main hall. Not too far away, a somewhat tall woman with shoulder-length brown hair and sharp gray eyes stood among a few of the Vargas Estate officers, reluctantly engaging them in conversation. Even the strapless dark blue gown she wore and the silver bangles on her wrists didn't rob Abby of her strict, almost robotic military grace and posture.

Alfonso raised his champagne glass, the honey-colored liquid bubbling steadily. "Si, that is her, my finest commander. A bit overly formal, if you ask me, but her resolve and cleverness know no bounds. Why, it was her who avoided a fiasco with Heldav."

"Mmmmmm." Nikolai took a sip of his glass of red wine. "According to reports, Abby thinks that the Alvarez guys wanted to capture Heldav and force us to commit a large force to retake it. During that time, our supply depots and factories would be left nearly undefended, letting Alvarez forces easily rob them or destroy them. We'd be in serious trouble in that case."

Alfonso took a quick sip of his glass. "Right you are, Nikolai, but Abby made sure that we kept the city. What's more, spreading out our forces kept my strategic locations safe. The Alvarez forces made only minimal raids and made off with only marginal amounts of ammunition and supplies." He chuckled, cracking a smile. "Oh, listen to me, talking tactics during this important night! That can wait for another time."

"How did you convince Abby to join the party?" Nikolai blurted.

Alfonso laughed easily. "After persuading her that attending this party will enhance her good standing with the other officers and make her more personable and popular. She seemed skeptical at first, but it seems that she is not quite an expert in all affairs of command. I think this is good for her."

"Smart," Nikolai nodded.

Alfonso checked his watch. "Ah, it's time for my speech..."

Nikolai hung back as Alfonso took his place at a podium and declared, "My good guests, it is my honor to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Vargas Estate's founding!" A small crowd gathered as he added, "My ancestor Juan Vargas, a prospector, arrived on this world on August 8th, 2875, and established a mining colony to harvest the abundant metal ores and within 10 years, over two million people lived here. Being on the verge of the Periphery, House Steiner paid minimal heed until this world had already come to support a vibrant economy and rich culture of Spanish and French immigrants from many different worlds..."

Alfonso went on about the independence and power of Korla, but Nikolai yawned and tuned it out, honestly feeling a little drowsy. Instead he approached General Abby as the other Vargas officers departed. "Having a good evening?" Nikolai asked kindly.

Abby made a face. "Fine enough," she answered reluctantly. She glanced away. "But I do not belong here. I have never been to a party in my life. I was almost born for the military life. You know what it is like to serve under me."

"Yup, your defense of Heldav was most impressive," Nikolai nodded. "Put a boot right in the Alvarez County's ass! But come on, you know that if people don't take a break, they wear themselves out..."

Abby's eyebrows met. "I do not need your coddling, mercenary."

"Whoa, whoa!" Nikolai backed up a step, gesturing with his open hands. "Just being friendly. After our recent successes, I thought you'd be in a good mood."

"Perhaps." Abby fiddled with one of her bangles. "But it not yet time to celebrate victory. The Alvarez County's allies are committing more forces to a possible new assault. Where, I am not yet certain. I need all of you mercenaries to do your jobs fully. Understand?"

Nikolai chuckled. "Sheesh, lighten up. I've never heard anyone talk so tensely! You're like some damned Clanner, marching around in a uniform 24/7 and grinding up lesser foes just for fun."

Despite herself, Abby admitted a quick chuckle in return. "You're insistent," she commented, then her face fell. "Very well. I will see if there's any pleasant entertainment to be found at this party. Given the excessive wealth of Alfonso Vargas, there is bound to be."

"Now you're talking," Nikolai smiled as Abby made her way through the crowd. Inwardly, he shivered. I've never met a harder woman... or any person quite like her. What kind of neighborhood did she grow up in, anyway? Maybe Alfonso knows where she came from, but I guess it's not my business to know. He keeps many secrets among himself and his officers. Whatever.

"Having fun?" asked a lively voice, and Nikolai whirled to behold the red-headed, youthful Morgan Wynne approaching him. Her bright red hair contrasted with the emerald-green gown she wore, but the cheery smile on her face was what caught Nikolai's attention.

"I... yeah, whatever. Just trying to pry a little humanity loose from General Abby," Nikolai shrugged, shoving his hands into his black suit's pockets. "You'd think she never had a fun day in her life."

"Yeah, some people are like that. I'll never really understand them," Morgan agreed, sidling up next to Nikolai and playing with a lock of her hair. "So boring."

"Well, the present company is a bit of an upgrade..." Nikolai grinned.

"I'd hope!" Morgan laughed, tossing her hair a little. "Oh, and did you hear about the Bhujorba Protectorate? Awful news..."

A cold feeling settled in Nikolai's stomach. "Oh yeah, that. Another riot and an even more violent Vargas military response. It's looking like a police state over there."

"Alfonso is going rather far to keep his holdings in check," Morgan commented fearfully. "I don't like it."

"Makes me wonder if it's Alfonso's idea of Abby's," Nikolai admitted. "I can't tell which of them controls what anymore in the Estate. It's almost like they're jockeying for control."

Morgan pursed her lips. "Now that's really scary," she trembled. "Storm clouds are gathering, Nikolai. I don't think we've seen the worst of this yet."

"Well, this planet could use a good rainfall..." Nikolai smiled again.

A quick swat on Nikolai's arm shushed him. "Come on," Morgan persisted, but she couldn't help an amused smile. "Let's just watch our backs, okay? No telling what could happen next. Even being surrounded by all this wealth and luxury won't make me forget the intensity of what we're dealing with."

"The alcohol can help..."

"Oh, whatever," Morgan smiled fully. "I'll see you around. Try not to get into trouble, now." Like Abby, she melded into the crowd, her vivid red hair vanishing from Nikolai's sight.

Clad in her deep purple gown, Lyla Lister wandered up to Nikolai's side and gave him a quick kiss. "Having fun with the sassy redhead, Nikolai?" Samantha tagged along, curious.

"I wouldn't put it that way," Nikolai defended himself, taking his girlfriend's hand. "She was just chatting it up." I think.

"Oh, no she wasn't," Lyla waved a knowing finger. "She totally likes you. Super obvious."

Nikolai scratched his head. "Was she?"

"Clueless," Lyla teased him, leading Nikolai through the crowd by his hand. "Come on. Let's see if the symphony is finally playing a good song."

*o*o*o*o*

"You used to be a farm kid?" asked one young lady, and Kyle Goyua paused partway through the conversation between her and Kyle.

"Um, yeah, I used to be..." Kyle mumbled.

Cassandra elbowed her brother. "Come on, don't falter! You're still introducing yourself. Keep going!"

Kyle cleared his throat, hoping that no one was staring at him. The young lady and her friends smiled, encouraging Kyle a little. He plowed on, "and believe it or not, my sister and I salvaged an old Battlemech by ourselves! Was a lot of hard work, but we did it. I've kept it ever since."

"Wow!" another girl's eyes widened. "You must be so smart, Kyle!"

"I, um... kind of... it was mostly Cassandra..." Kyle muttered, lowering his gaze. He recoiled when his sister elbowed him again, so he added, "but I do the piloting. I served with the Striking Tigers battalion before joining the Arctic Wolves to be with Samantha."

One of the girls looked slightly crestfallen. "Oh, you already have a girlfriend?"

"Somewhere," Kyle commented, scanning the crowded room. "I think she went to talk to Nikolai, my boss, along with Lyla. I can't see them."

"Well, when she gets back, I'm asking her permission to dance with you at least once in the ball room," the first girl declared, tossing her dark hair. "Would she go for that?"

"I... think..." Kyle mumbled, looking away again. Making an exasperated noise, Cassandra pulled Kyle away from the girls and into the crowd near a table laden with food.

Cassandra put her hands on her hips, an amused smile on her face. "You still can't get over it, can you?"

"What, my crowd-shyness?" Kyle defended himself. "I think I'm getting better."

"One tiny bit at a time," his sister retorted lightly. "But now that I think about it, you haven't danced with Samantha yet. Maybe you should do that first before moving on to one of those other girls."

"That sounds about right. Whenever the heck I find Samantha again, that is..."

Cassandra scoped out the room. "And wherever Carlos is, too." She suddenly smiled. "Oh. Hi, Al!"

With an equally wide smile, Alphonse emerged from the crowd, his hair a little tussled. "Evening, Cassie. How are you?"

"Just coaching my brother," Cassandra joked. "His shyness still needs work."

"You don't have to blab that," Kyle protested.

"So, are you having fun too?" Cassandra asked kindly. "I hope that Lyla hasn't been pestering you."

"Nah, I haven't seen her anywhere," Alphonse realized. "But I'm not concerned about her. Say, the ball is still going. Care to dance?"

Cassandra giggled. "Thanks, but I meant to go find Carlos. Not sure where he wandered off to. Jeez, this is an easy party to lose people in..."

While Kyle wandered off to find Samantha, Alphonse straightened his tie with a warm grin and offered, "Just one dance, maybe a quick one? I can show you a few moves! My dad used to throw parties like this one for the families of his business partners. I always had to attend."

"Well, maybe you can help me find Carlos, and you can show him too!" Cassandra suggested. "He could use a few lessons, but he's willing to learn just about anything."

A thought crossed Alphonse's mind. "Nah, forget him. He's a little boring, don't you think? Nothing but arena training and coasting on his dad's wealth."

Cassandra's smile fell and her eyebrows went up. "What? This coming from the guy with a billionaire father?"

"No no, that's different!" Alphonse gestured quickly with his hands. "I'm trying to make my own fortune here. I gave up college football to pursue mechanics, my second passion, and travel with you to learn about it."

"I see... and how is that relevant?"

"I can be a lot more fun than Carlos," Al encouraged her. "I've always been meaning to tell you that. You can do better than..."

"Okay, stop." Cassandra waved a hand, shaking her head. "Maybe you've had too much to drink at the bar, but I won't have you talk that way about Carlos."

"But..."

Cassandra folded her arms, pursing her lips. "Yes, I admire your resolve to make your own fortune without relying on your dad's wealth. I love having you as my trainee! But your little flirting game isn't cute, Al. You're not my boyfriend. Carlos is, and I like being with him."

Alphonse sputtered, "But... no! I mean, who knows, I could turn out to be a much better boyfriend than Carlos, since I..."

"I told you to stop it!" Cassandra barked, losing her patience. She suddenly felt warm and her heart hammered with irritation. "Did someone talk you into this? One of those loony guys you were hanging out with at the bar?"

"They're nice guys!" Al snapped back. "They..."

"Whoa whoa, folks. Is there a problem?" Clad in a dark gray suit and red tie, Carlos Vargas walked over, his expression bewildered.

Cassandra pointed at Al. "Have him go home. He's had too much to drink and isn't being himself. And he's trying to steal me from you."

"Hey! No, that's not true," Al argued, but his voice faltered as he realized what he had done.

Carlos kept his voice even. "Come on, Al, I think you've had enough fun tonight. Thanks for attending, but I can't have disruptive guests here."

"I... fine," Al muttered, turning and sauntering off. He didn't speak to anyone as he marched to the front door and climbed into one of several taxi cabs, and made sure to splash his face with rather cold water when he got back to his quarters in the tech's dorms near Mech Bay 01. What the hell was all that? he scolded himself as he crawled into bed, his head feeling thick. Damn that Luis and his "advice"...