Author’s Note: This is some ‘behind the scenes backfill’ about things going on that will eventually be shown in the main storyline. They take place after Alistair has become a Duke but before he makes his escape from the frozen viper pit of Tharkad politics.
A Matter of Proper Reward for Services Rendered (VII)
(A Welcome to the Jungle canon sidestory)
Senza Pari Restaurant, Tharkad City, Bremen, Tharkad, Tharkad System,
Protectorate of Donegal, Lyran Commonwealth
February 20th, 3016
Julia Steiner sipped her flute of Joyous Springs Gold Label champagne -- an import from Palos in the Capellan Confederation if her palate was not mistaken.
She then focused on her classmate and friend as Baroness Yasmine Kochhar took another bite of her Summer-Style
Bistecca Fiorentina. Automatically, she checked the displays on the anti-surveillance white noise generators, both the one that the restaurant supplied as a matter of course in their exclusive private dining rooms, and the one that she had taken from her purse to supplement it.
Good habits saved lives and took lives after all.
“It’s true that Catachan will be a matter of growing importance for the LCAF, Yas.” She said agreeably while dividing some of her lasagna into fourths with a fork. “I’ll be happy to arrange a meeting with Alistair to get Dobless’ foot in the door, and I suspect that they may be able to manufacture hardware to your specifications in time. The rumors you may have heard about electronics are… not totally inaccurate... let us say.”
Yasmine gave her fellow noble a look. ‘You’re being awfully free with this, Julia. What’s your cut?”
Julia speared a bite of her lunch with her fork as she responded. “You know my tastes in coffees, Yas.”
The dark-skinned Hindi Baroness nodded. “Your usual preferred blend then?”
“Of course. Plus any other beans and roasts that you think that I might like to sample when I get assigned out there in the colony that he and I will be setting up.” Julia replied after swallowing. “A little lubrication makes the wheels turn smoother, after all.”
Yasmine smiled after a bite of her steak. “I’m sure that when the day comes, I’ll be able to source a bridesmaid sari.”
“Matron of Honor, actually, Yas. Yes, yes I know politics will dictate some of my bridal party, but I’ll have a good friend in that role should my plans develop the way I wish for them to.” Julia amended.
Yas smiled happily then sobered and spoke seriously. “Just be aware of Doons and the Mallos sisters. They are very interested in snagging your charge.”
Julia’s pleasant smile turned savage briefly. “As long as it ends with them crying into their pillows after my wedding, I won’t retaliate. I’ll even send them invitations so I can see their faces when Alistair kisses the bride.”
“Nasty, nasty, Julia! You think that highly of him?” Yas said, giving her friend a considering look.
“He’s a good man and probably the best match that I could arrange for myself, honestly. I can’t say what he did for House Steiner even here, but he served us with no thought of his personal gain. Unlike most of the nobility, truth be told.” Julia sighed. “So I’m trying to keep him safe and unharmed as best I can. Anyway, anything that I missed on Tharkad or Tamar while I was busy fighting the Teak Dragon?”
Yasmine smiled. “Actually, I have some good news for the newest future Steiner bride. A little bird told me that the Baron of Mosseles managed to clean up enough of the Ziggeles Mountain foundry complex on Morges to allow it to produce strategic materials once more.”
Julia blinked, running through her memory and drawing a blank. “Please refresh my memory Yas. That was…?”
“It was a major source of Durasteel and BAR-10 armor for Battlemech chassis construction. Before the Snakes plastered it in the First Succession War with Green Ring persistent nerve gas. I suspect that CAC may want to see about talking to him since he’s looking for a strategic partnership to sell his metals to once he gets production stood up within the year and the workforce for the mines and smelters trained.” Yasmine elaborated.
Julia nodded. “I’ll
definitely put in a good word with Alistair on your behalf, Yas. And I’ll see about the practicality of investing out of pocket for the kind of hardware that Dobless might need to source. The sari… depends on Alistair, he’s not the kind of man to be won in a day or even a month.”
“Just like my husband. The best kind of man. If they can be bought easily, they can be sold easily.” Yas said. “I’ll send the coffee shipments with our couriers; you have a machine already?”
“On order from Furillo. I just need a good bean and roast for my palate.”
The noblewomen shared a smile and nod as their deal was struck.
“Should I buzz the waiter for a refill of our wine, Yas? My treat for the next bottle.”
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Jennifer Steiner Memorial Park, Tharkad City, Bremen, Tharkad, Tharkad System,
Protectorate of Donegal, Lyran Commonwealth
February 22nd, 3016
Julia’s breath frosted the air as she stepped out of the heated limousine that had taken her to this
winter wonderland. She idly adjusted her
pearl mink ushanka hat and decided to leave the earflaps down for now.
It was a brisk Tharkad winter evening, after all.
Sarah walked alongside her, dressed in her own greatcoat and
ushanka. “She will meet you at the eagle and prayer wheel display that’s last on your planned route.”
Julia nodded, taking out her tablet in mittened hands as she approached the first ice sculpture. The gold and cobalt badge of House Steiner glittered from her hat as she spoke clearly into it. “Julia Steiner, guest judge for the 373rd Tharkad Ice Sculpture Championship final round. Sculpture
number one ‘Eskimo Exodus’ by Emilio von Duisburg. This sculpture is showing a brave band of ice harvesters from Terra. Aesthetic Quality, nine of ten….”
Time passed as Julia, flanked by her security detail, made her way through the sculptures on display. She was smiling happily as she indulged her passion for fine art, making a few notes for one or two sculptors to patronize with a commission.
Finally she reached the
eagle sculpture that she had saved for last. As she finished her review and judging, a dark haired lady in her own
heavy coat and gray ushanka joined her. Julia favored Narcissa Olivetti with a smile and nod. “Thank you for accepting my invitation to enjoy the fine arts.”
“It was my pleasure,
Landgrafin von Wilda.” Narcissa said politely.
Julia’s smile grew. “Please, no titles now that I’m done with judging the exhibit and can just wander and enjoy myself off the clock. I suspect that we will be working hand in glove in the future anyway, so to my allies, I am Julia.”
The other woman’s breath puffed from her mouth. “I… see. Narcissa then. Do you enjoy the fine arts?”
“Oh yes, sculpture is a passion of mine, although I don’t have the talent to sculpt myself. A great tragedy.” Julia said agreeably as they wandered through the sculpture park, while being trailed by their bodyguards.”Some of the sculptures here are quite high quality. Just like my current Battlemech.”
Narcissa nodded. “Then the LCAF is acting on the glowing report that they received?” She asked eagerly.
“The paperwork to buy additional units is being finalized now. It will make its way through the bureaucracy in due course. Even with all the pushing from my mother’s cousins, there is only so fast that the wheels can be turned. You understand how it goes.” Julia elaborated as she stopped to admire the Eskimos again. “I thought you might want the heads’ up.”
“Indeed, that is good news.” Narcissa agreed as she looked at the sculpture. “My company’s project is paying off handsomely for us.”
“Indeed so. If we can work a mutual hole in our schedules, I’d like to have dinner with you sometime -- my treat. Just to clear the air regarding Alistair, you understand.” Julia watched Narcissa’s face very carefully
Narcissa sighed and shook her head. “There’s little to clear between us. He and I found ourselves to be incompatible. Friends only. You know what they say about the fish that got away. Pity that, but it is what it is. I wish you better luck landing this prize trout.”
“Well I’m sure that the right man that will see your many positive characteristics exists out there, Narcissa.” Julia responded sympathetically. “We are known for industrialists who are not afraid to take risks. For instance, the Baron of Mosseles on Morges has recently managed to get the major smelter complex in his fief cleaned up enough to resume production of Durasteel and BAR-10. Fortunate timing with the LCAF’s increased need for Battlemechs, wouldn’t you agree?”
Narcissa’s eyes were calculating and shrewd. “Indeed I do agree. How does your Thursday look, Julia?”
“Unless something comes up unexpectedly on me, Thursday’s workable, Narcissa. I’ll give you a call tomorrow to finalize time and place. What’re your preferences for a working lunch menu?”
