Battletech: Planet's Fall

As they approached the day spa's entrance Mei turned to Alex. "This is going to be so great, hair, nails, facial, let's get the works. What are you gonna do with your hair anyway?"

Alex looked at Mei. "I don't know... should I change its color... or just a trim and a braid?" Alex didn't seem as excited as Mei. The stormy weather has the poor penguin on edge.

Mei reached for the door and opened it for her friend. "You got all the way here and aren't sure what you want? Well I guess you could ask the hairdresser what they think but I don't think you need to do anything drastic, you're already cute as a button."

Alex lightly blushed. "Then maybe a trim and a nice side braid. It has been a while since I had my hair professionally cut." The Penguin nodded. "I can at least play a little with it."

"Wow this place is nicer than I expected from a mall storefront."

As they approached the counter Mei spoke.
"Hello, we would both like to works please. Cut, color, mani, pedi, facial and I'm gonna get the hot stone massage please.

Alex do you want a massage?"

Alex chuckled at the many things Mei ordered. "A massage would be nice... I am a bit stiff from working all day on mechs..." the Penguin smiled at the polite maitre D. "I just want a trim and a nice hair do... um... and maybe just light makeup."

As they were moved to their chairs and took their seats Mei asked.

"So is this just a treat for yourself or are you getting done up for something in particular? SOMEONE in particular? I mean, I just like to be pretty so you don't NEED a reason but most people have one."

"I am doing this for myself Mei... I have no one in my life and never had a significant other... so... this is just to treat myself... I've been working on that Vindicator and I just needed to step back and get a break." Alex sighed.

"It's important that we take care of ourselves and you certainly have been working your ass off lately. It's good that you haven't gotten so focused on your work that you can still see that."

She leaned her head back into the sink and the hairdresser started to work.

"No one? Ever? Forgive me but that is really surprising, are you not interested?"

"My nose has always been in books, mechs or fixing things." Alex followed to the basin to also get the hair washed. "Never looked for a relationship so... yep... I have been always single..."

"Career focused, I can get behind that. I feel bad for all the hearts you've broken over the years." She said with a chuckle. "So what is it that drives you, do you have a goal you are driven towards like me; money, fame, a peaceful retirement?"

"None of that... I just like helping out however I can... i just like living a simple life. But it would be nice to design a mech... or put my studies into good use."

"Mech design huh? You and Cat should go into business together, she always has a design or twelve in her head. I do mech design more as a distraction and I'm not terribly good at it. I've memorized all the numbers but I'm not the best at balancing a loadout, everything I design ends up being a focused arena fighter."

"I helped Cat design the mods for her mech." Alex giggled. "I have seen to have Mr Kenna's respect. I guess also being a test pilot to those mech can be a plus... don't you think?"

"Oh for sure. So what drew you to the life anyway, what's the story of Alex like?"

"Huh?... which life? The merc life?" Alex was puzzled.

"Yeah, what made you decide to become a merc? I'm doing it for the combat experience, some do it to escape a terrible life but what is your story?"

Alex closed the eyes and let the water flow on the hair enjoying the experience. "I was brought up.in this life... Father was a merc..." The Penguin smiled at the memory. "He taught me what I know and wanted me to not waste my talents so... I pilot and fix mechs."

"Well I'm sure he is really proud of you wherever he is. Was your Crusader his?"

"Yeah... firefly was my father's and I got it after his death. I know it like the back of my hand."