It was 07:00 by the time Kazuhiko reached the armor bay. She looked out over everything from the far entrance, to get a feel for what had been done.
The most noticeable aspect were the long, thin, shimmering banners hanging from the ceiling and coming down to about 4 meters above the deck. Each was made from silk brought from Taiie IV and dyed the blood red color of Yui's Medallion -- Kazuhiko wanted this to be a funeral, but she also wanted the pride of each soldier to be raised from the experience. This was not a time to feel pity or sadness.
Only one banner was colored differently -- that above of the ceremonial coffin of the Taisho. It was a deep blue, much like her hair. Each banner had the hummingbird of the Fifth imprinted in the middle.
Mindy armors from the Akuro II lined the walls, of course, but in about half an hour the armors would leave their racks and instead file along the back and sides of the bay with arms linked and heads hung. Pilots would be primarily from the New Anisa, to symbolize their loss yet their ability to stand united.
The ceremonial coffins were at the front of the bay, the forcefields allowing a clear view of Taiie and space. There was only one small podium, in the middle of all the coffins. Yamatai flags were draped over each coffin save the Taisho's, who had a flag of the 5th XF over it instead. Taiie self-defense forces had requested a presence as well, considering how hard the Taisho had fought for them, so four of their blue and white Hoplite fighters would also be present inside the armor bay in intermediate mode.
Standing room only was expected, so chairs had been done away with. Kazuhiko hoped there would be enough room to bow. Akuro IIarmors would designate where to be for the ceremony, and everyone would be able to see. SANDRA had already set up its camera and recording equipment, so the ceremony could be broadcast later.
The only touch that was left the small bonsai tree. It was on a table by itself just in front of the podium, on display for everyone to see. Kazuhiko was glad when a few technicians had come forward to prune and care for the tree before it was on display. She would somehow get it to that wench Suzuka later.
Kazuhiko nodded. It was a bit bare-bones, but the care put into the banners and flags was as it should be -- impeccable. She rubbed her head, then walked slowly over to a corner of the bay. She opened an image panel and spoke quietly to it, figuring there was no better place to keep her speech.
