The robot and markazian pause just outside of the building, and the sounds of the party rumble through the walls. "So, this is it, Clank. Everyone inside this room has seen me, and knows about me. I wonder what Qwark has put together for his 'return to heroism'?"

"You will do wonderfully, Nova, I have no doubt of it," he assures. "As for this party, I think you will be pleasantly surprised; Qwark is exceptionally skilled at this sort of thing. Are you ready?"

As her companion offers his hand, she smiles. "I'm as ready as I'll ever be."

She takes his hand, and they enter the room. It's loud, but a different kind of loud than Destructapalooza ever was. That was a more harsh, aggressive noise, but this commotion blends in a much smoother way.

The keys of a grand piano ring throughout the ballroom, accompanied by stringed instruments. A curvier fembot is at the mic, whose silver body is wrapped around a thin black dress. The mesh at the torso allows the pink and black detailing in her chest to shine through.

Politicians, sponsors, and a few journalists mingle amongst the other party guests. Small groups tend to form, and pieces of those groups occasionally bounce to other places.

The smell alone is overwhelming at first, but gradually becomes less so. Expensive perfumes worn by the guests begin to fade, replaced by the smell of the 'snack tray' Qwark mentioned before. The phrase is an understatement, most would say; an enormous table lies in one corner of the room that hosts a wide variety of dishes, some of which Nova's never seen before.

"Oh my stars; Clank, take a look at this! And Qwark said there would be 'snacks'. I'd call this a full course meal!" Nova's excited rambling leads her to pace around the food displays, and she stops in front of the sweets. "And the desserts, they're so cute! Oh man, two chocolate fountains?!"

Milk chocolate and white chocolate flows from the devices, reflecting the lights in the room and wafting a sugary smell into the markazian's face. Beside the display are trays of various fruits, imported from planets the markazian could only dream of visiting in the past. "I can't wait for this drama to be over, I have so many ideas for Star Bits!"

Her robotic companion simply giggles, and the sounds causes her to clear her throat and back away. "Oh, um, pardon my enthusiasm."

"I like your enthusiasm," he smiles. It's a rare sight indeed, to see the markazian focusing on a more positive future.

A grummel approaches the pair, distracting them from the scene. "Good evening, Miss Albedo. I trust our product has served you well?" He stretches out a hand, reaching for Nova's own in a handshake.

Preparing herself for a more formal response, the woman turns to him. "Yes, sir," she replies, giving a gentle nod to him. "I really like the style, and the holoflux is a beautiful color."

With a wide grin, the grummel pulls out a clipboard with paperwork attached, and a pen. "Well, if Grummelnet can count on your continued patronage, I'm sure I can pull some strings and sponsor your business!" The pen is stretched toward the potential business partner.

"Really?" She blinks, taking in the opportunity, but recovers. "That sounds nice, but it's something I'd like to put some thought into before jumping into, if that's alright. Leisure before business, tonight."

"Of course. But do keep this opportunity in mind, won't you?" With that, the grummel puts away the items and returns to the party.

"It is good that you are taking tonight to mentally rest," Clank encourages.

"Yeah, I agree. The bakery is important, but I'm leaving that business stuff to deal with later. Guess for now we should get to mingling with the guests, huh?"

Scanning the dance floor, Nova looks for her target with a plan. Big Al...Big Al...what would he look like? Her mental ramblings are answered as she catches a glimpse of a group of terachnoids that seem to be passionately discussing some sort of holofilm lore. A wider-set robot, plated with bronze, leads the conversation.

With most biobliterations, or bio-transfers, Nova's told, the changed form mirrors that of the original body, and his figure is unmistakable. "The photos. Clank, is that Al over there?"

"Yes, it is," he confirms. "I will introduce you; I am sure that he will be fascinated with you."

"...I'm telling you, that sequel is garbage. Honestly, I can't understand how you guys can enjoy it. It completely trashed the message the original was trying to—" The wider robot freezes in place, seeing a familiar face approach. "Oh, Clank! It's good to see you!" Leaning down to his old friend, he smiles. "Who's your friend here?"

"This is Nova Albedo, my companion. Nova, meet Big Al."

Al stretches out his hand, and Nova accepts the handshake. "Owner of Al's Roboshack, and Clank's main man for repairs and upgrades. Of course, other than Ratchet when he was around. Speaking of repairs, when was the last time you had a check-up?"

"I have been well maintained by another colleague, so there is no need for concern," he assures his metal friend.

"Is that so? Well, if you need any upgrades, or you want to visit for old time's sake, my workshop's open."

"I appreciate your assistance, Al."

With a smile for Clank, he turns his focus towards Nova. "Hey, now that I see you clearer, I do recognize you! I saw a bit of the last episode of Destructapalooza while I was working, but I'd love to hear more details. So, you're really Ratchet's reincarnation?"

"Yes sir, I am."

"Just Al is fine," he says, waving off the comment. "Back to business, I had no idea that there was real science behind reincarnation. If I may, can I see your scars closer?"

"Uh, sure." She offers her arm, and Al gently takes it.

Metal fingertips gloss over the marks, and Nova's arm is gently moved to see the stripes at different angles. "Hmm...interesting. It seems to take precedence over marks that would naturally occur in your species. Are these burns a side effect of the process?"

"Yup. No memories, though. I do have the ability to peer into the past with some objects, though, I think. Not sure where that comes from."

"Really now?" An eyebrow plate is raised in curiosity. "I'd love to test that later, if you'll let me."

"I don't mind that at all, Al." Her arm is released, and Nova hums, searching for the right words. "Can I ask you something, while it's on my mind to ask? I just hope it's not too personal."

"Sure, only one way to find out."

"Why'd you end up turning into a robot? What made you decide that, if that's okay to ask?"

"Oh, that. I don't mind explaining," Al begins. "Well, a long time ago, Clank, and Ratchet, and I were captured and sent to Dreadzone: an illegal combat arena where heroes offed each other for money and fame. When I learned how to deactivate the deadlock collars, I was shot by Ace Hardlight; the top player in the games at the time. Got a pretty sweet set of cybernetics, so I guess it was sort of worth it. After that, I decided to go all out, and become a full fledged 'robot guy'!"

Said robot snorts at his own joke, as if it's an inside joke part of him expects her to know. With no response, he shrugs. "Anyway, that's all there is to it, really. I wanted to be a robot, since I was already part-robot. Simple as that."

With a thoughtful hum, the woman connects the pieces with Clank's vague recollections. "Okay, that makes sense. It's neat to hear more; Clank doesn't talk about Dreadzone much. With what you mentioned, I kinda get why. I won't pry about it, then."

The fembot who was previously at the mic struts up to the group, upon noticing just who's in it. Specifically, the shortest one with the deepest pockets. "Well, well, well, look who's here."

Thin, metallic fingers tap Clank's shoulder from behind, and he turns to face them. "Oh, hello Miss Gears."

"It's always a pleasure to see a strapping robot such as yourself," Courtney purrs. "I was afraid I'd never get to see this suit on you again, Agent Clank." Her fingers dance across Clank's chest plate.

Clank stiffens a bit at the contact, but remains composed. "Miss Gears, I have not played that character in a very long time. There is no need to address me as such."

"Oh, you're no fun. It's just a silly little nickname, right?"

Nova snaps her gaze to the robots, distracted from her own mingling by her partner's nervous chuckling. "Well, there is always the option of rewatching the series, if you wish to hear it," he says.

"His name's Clank, ma'am." A gut feeling spreads in the organic that she should be cautious around this one, despite the fact that the fembot doesn't seem hostile. For now, at least. "Courtney Gears, right? Qwark mentioned you'd be performing tonight. My name's Nova Albedo."

"We'll continue this conversation later, Agent. Seems we've got company." Courtney turns toward the markazian that stepped forward. "Hm, Ratchet's new face, right?" The pop star leans down a bit, and gently lifts her chin. Turning her cheeks to the sides, she gives a bored hum. "Just as scruffy as the day we fought last, I see."

Nova slaps the metal hand away from her face. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Not much," the pop star chides.

Crisp blue eyes study the robot before her, trying to read the intentions through the robot's shimmering smirk. Intimidation? No, that's not quite right. In an attempt to be polite, the young organic moves the conversation along. "Anyway, enough about him. How are you enjoying Qwark's party, Miss Gears?"

The pop star scoffs, a hand at her hips as she gestures towards the celebrity currently making small talk with a group of sponsors. "Qwark is just as bloated as usual. It'd give me a headache if I wasn't a robot."

Curiosity overtakes defensiveness for a moment. "Can robots really be built to become bloated? Like, their weight and figure changes? That's pretty interesting, actually!"

Yellow optics roll in annoyance. "It's good to see you're just as clueless as when we met last. It's an expression."

"Oh. I see." Slight embarrassment burns her cheeks, and she looks away.

The decision is made that Nova doesn't like this one. At all.

Clank changes the subject. "Nova is the young woman that has accompanied me since my return. She was raised far from technology, so such things fascinate her. I will proudly say that she has learned much in the previous weeks."

The fembot simply shrugs. "I guess there's a lot to learn, still. Think you can keep up with the robots of the world?" The fembot leans closer with a condescending smirk.

Raising her chin in credence, Nova glares at the other woman. "I know I can."

She backs away. "Speaking of robots," Courtney traces her fingertips under Clank's face, lifting his chin to her gaze. "I'd love to ask you for a dance. For old times' sake?"

The final decision is made that Nova really doesn't like this robot.

The fembot smirks, noticing as the markazian's body language immediately drops from confident to extremely tense and defensive.

"I suppose it would be rude to refuse," Clank decides. "Very well. One dance, if you absolutely insist. I will return shortly, Nova."

Defeated, Nova backs off. "Oh, okay. Have fun, you two."

As Clank is escorted away, he turns back to see a worried glance from his organic partner. It's similar to one that Ratchet would have given if he were being sent into the air ducts of enemy territory.

Al clears his throat. An unnecessary act, but it's enough to get the markazian's attention. "Jealous, Nova?"

With puffed out cheeks, she avoids his gaze. "N-no, don't be ridiculous, Al."

"Your hand is over your quick select."

She notices that he's right, and immediately loosens her grip to put the panel away. "Sorry. I'm just...nervous. Didn't she kidnap him once and take him to Nefarious?"

The two synthetics dance together, making conversations that Nova can't hear over the music and commotion.

In an attempt to comfort her, Al pats her shoulder. "You worry too much, there's no way she could do that. We're surrounded by guards and cameras; she'd never get far."

"Maybe you're right," she sighs. "Thanks, that's comforting to hear. I'm keeping my eye on her, though. Something doesn't feel right." Suspicion narrows her gaze as she watches the two of them move.

"Clank can take care of himself, Nova."

She lowers her eyes to the ground. "I know, Al. I don't want to smother him or anything. He's his own person, has his own life, and I don't want to mess with that. I just...I have this gut feeling that I hope I'm wrong about."

She looks back up. For a moment, the young woman swears she sees the pink automation turn towards her with a wink, and her heart drops. Whether that's a feeling led by rage or fear, Nova's not sure.

"You're totally jealous," Al insists.

She sighs, centering herself. Tonight's too important to lose her cool for multiple reasons. "Okay, fine. I don't trust Gears. Is that the answer you're looking for?"

Raising an eyebrow, the robot guy teases her. "Well, well, someone's defensive."

"I'm at the top of Nefarious' list of 'squishies to maim', Al. I have every reason to be defensive."

"Try to relax, Nova. If you were a robot you'd have probably blown a gasket by now. I wasn't talking about Nefarious anyway."

The markazian glances back at the two robots once more, trying to do as Al asked. "Maybe you're right. I just...I can't shake this feeling that everything's about to go very wrong."

The concerned look dissolves for a moment, as Nova realizes that the distraction is actually rather perfect. Excitement takes hold, and she directs her attention to Al. "Oh, right! By the way, I have a favor to ask of you. A tech related favor. Can you do it?"

"What kind of tech related favor?"

The markazian leans in closer, her voice low. "The kind that's a secret to Clank. I have a plan, but I honestly have no idea how to make it happen." Nova pulls out the hologuise from her storage. "Can you set this to look like anyone? I have no clue how this thing works."

"Well, yeah," he shrugs. "Anyone can do that. It's not that hard to calibrate it to a scannable body like yours or mine. I can show you how, if you want."

One last look around the room, just to be safe, and Nova gives him the big question. "What about someone who's not around to be scanned?"

The potential challenge captures the robot's interest, and he raises an eyebrow. "Who did you have in mind?"