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RP: YSS Eucharis [Post Mission 20] Back on Hanako's World

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Shopping District

"No promises." Bors said with a half joking tone, "Y'all keep mentioning me peeking makes me think you want me too."

Shaking his head Bors went off towards the men's section, it was small but it would do Bors wasn't that much of a fashonista after all. As he entered the area he was immediately assaulted by a rather short and pudgy man with a small set of specticles perched upon his nose on a face that was framed by short curly white hair.

"Ohh wow, arn't you something to see!" He said in an excited voice as he waddled over to Bors, "Haven't seen a big Nepleslian like you for awhile, what can I do for ya?"

"I need somehting nice-ish." Bors said a bit taken back by the mans demeanor, "Have a dinner date thing at the Princess Dunes so what ever you think would work."

The little man stepped back a bit and put his hand on his chin and gave Bors a once over, whipping out a measuring tape from one of his pockets and doing a few quick measures before scurrying off towards teh back of the shop and coming back within a few seconds with a handful of boxes.

"This should work for you." The man said as he opened the boxes and tossed Bors, brown leather vest and white collared shirt and black slacks along with a new set of dress shoes and a matching sports coat.
" The vest has a holster on it, I know how you nepleslians like your guns."

Bors was at a loss for words as he instictivly caught everything and took them to a back room and put them on. Damn I DO look good he thought as he studied himself in the mirror, turning back and forth to see how it fit on him. Walking back out he thanked the man and tossed him his credit chit and paid for the outfit, he looked damn good decided to wear it out, packing his old duds in the boxes he went to go see what was up with the two nekos he came in with.
 
Hotel Bar

Junko set down her teacup on the table and stared up at Suzume. She looked, frankly, like hell.

"Take a seat, Heisho," she said, gesturing to the chair across from her.

"Yes Ma'am." Misato Suzume took her pack off and set it on the floor next to the chair as she dropped into it. She found she had to shift the holster she was wearing to ride right as she sat, she needed to go and buy one designed for these guns.

Junko almost cracked a grin; in fact she would have if the younger neko hadn't looked so distraught.

"Before we get into anything else, there's one thing we need to clear up: we aren't officers," said Junko, her tone gentle. "We're still enlisted. NCOs maybe, but we don't rate 'Ma'ams' and 'Sirs,' Just 'Heisho' is fine."

"Yes Ma'... er.. Heisho." she nodded before looking around the bar to see if anyone else was there. She wasn't sure she wanted anyone to know she had made it here as of yet.

"Just something to keep in mind, now that you've joined the ranks." Junko smiled kindly. "I don't know if you aspire to officer rank one day, but for now take pride in your position, in the role you fill between the junior enlisted and the officers."

She waved a hand, dismissing the thought. "In any event, I do want to welcome you to the NCO corps. It's a privilege, but I have every hope you'll rise to the task." She extended her hand across the table to Suzume.

"Umm Thank you?" She reach out and took the hand for a moment, "I never figured I would be anything but enlisted. Figured we would just stay enlisted until they dropped us on a rock and gave us our payout." She frowned a little not wanting to say she really didn't want this.

Junko cocked her head. It wasn't that she expected others to be ambitious, or was even that ambitious herself. But normally a promotion was a cause for celebration, or at least gratitude. Suzume's reaction was decidedly different.

"What is the matter?" she said, bluntly but not unkindly.

"Nothing that matters anymore..." Misato's face darkened for a moment before returning back to, at least what she thought was, a neutral expression.

"I just need some leave, this couldn't have come at a better time." her gaze dropped to her pack as she thought about the different things she could go and do to escape.

Her brow furrowing as she listened and watch, Junko wasn't quite sure what to say. She'd never been a people person, to say the least, but she recognized her duties. Watching out for crew morale and mentoring her juniors certainly fell under that heading, so she had to give it a shot at least.

"This is not a formal conversation, Misato-Heisho. There will be no report or record of this. But let me advise you that keeping things bottled, pent up will not do you any favors." She paused, examine the infantry soldier across from her. "You say you didn't expect to make it to NCO, but like it or not you area leader now. You have to set the example. I've seen you do it, I've seen you take the initiative. That's why you were among the individuals I named in my recommendation to the Shosho that be watched for early promotion to NCO ranks; clearly, she agreed."

There was a moment that ticked by before Misato's jaw dropped. She had thought Junko thought she was a trouble maker. "Ummm ok... Thanks... But either way nothing matters much now. all my concerns that came up since the awards ceremony, have ether solved themselves or have been removed from the situation now." She faked a bit of a smile as she tried to sit up and looked like she meant it.

"I want to apologies for my delay meeting with you. A few different things came up."

A past master at making a show of emotions not felt in earnest, Junko knew someone putting up a front when she saw it. But she knew just as well that directly calling it out would be completely unhelpful. It would take an oblique approach instead.

"You're here now, so there's no harm," she said. Her temper was in check now, and she didn't want to sour any potential for a rapport. "I am aware, though, of what at least one of things that came up was. What was the final disposition with Murakami-Hei?"

She sat there wondering how to answer that, Suzume thought for a minute before speaking up. "She was told her actions were not appropriate and that she represents the ship and crew, and the Empire. She claimed she would correct it in the future."

Suzume clammed up and sat there silently after answering, she wasn't going to tell her what else happened.

Junko nodded. "Well, that sounds like it was officially handled appropriately. I'm glad an NJP was unnecessary." She paused for a moment, unsure of how to proceed.

"Misato-Heisho, you do not need to confide in me. We have a professional relationship, and I am not interested in forcing you to make any personal revelations to me. But I want to remind you that if your personal relationships interfere with your professional responsibilities, you will have a problem. And not just with me, but with the Shosho and every other member of the ship's company, because they are all counting on you to do your job right. Make sure your house is in order."

"That won't be a a problem. There isn't any personal relationships that would have any impact on me being professional, at least not any more." Suzume slumped a bit in her chair, and found it hard to look at the Heisho. "That was one of the things that solved themselves.

Suzume's obvious emotional distress was making Junko feel very uncomfortable, but she forced herself not to fidget. In any event, her junior's assertion that things were "solved" seemed dubious at best, but not know how else to proceed she let it stand.

"Well, anyways, I'm glad I did get a chance to sit down with you. I know that early promotion can come as a surprise. I had the good fortune of an excellent XO giving me some advice when it happened to me. I hope you received the same from the Taii."

"Some... then I got a message about the whole incident. So we left to go deal with it." The soldier responded as she started wondering what to do once the Heisho released her. "Umm... Ma.. Heisho, um.. I'm not sure what to ware to this dinner, I left everything but a few essentials back at the ship."

It was Junko's turn for her jaw to drop, or at least the mental approximation thereof. She was wholly unused to this sort of topic. She'd never had any girlfriends, or friends at all really, to talk about clothing or social outings. Himeya Irenika, one of the old starship operators of the Eucharis, had come the closest of anyone to drawing her out, but it had been years since they'd spoken.

"I'm not entirely sure what level of dress is expected. Since this is an off-duty event, I don't think uniforms would be appropriate. I had to stop by a shop on the way myself. I'll admit I do not have an extensive collection of civilian clothing, but I managed to find a blazer and skirt ensemble. Without knowing what you brought with you I can't say much, but I can give you the details on that store if you'd like to visit it before this evening."

"I brought this bodysuit a second one, this jacket and a few guns... A store would be handy I guess." Misato sat there thinking back on the nice clothes she had back in her locker, but Mitsuko helped pick those out so they were strictly forbidden. I guess I should find something, dinner isn't to far off is it?"

"No, indeed," Junko replied. She was feeling a little apprehensive about it herself. She much preferred crawling around the Engineering spaces and maintenance conduits to any sort of social event, but there was approximately zero chance of her turning down the Chusa's kind invitation.

"If you do wish to go shopping, I would suggest something semi-formal. It wouldn't do to be too casual. We are representing the ship and the Shosho, after all. But I trust your judgment." She smiled wryly. "It would be rather too late now, if I didn't."

Misato raised an eyebrow, "It would.... um... you want to help me? ether that or I'll have to find Bors to help me, and I'm not sure to trust his judgment. I have heard what Nepleslian guys like..." Her smile was real for the first time since she sat down. "I have never been shopping buy myself before."

Junko surprised herself by actually laughing out loud as Misato echoed one of her previous statements about the other infantry soldier.

"An understandable concern," she said, still grinning. "Would you believe that he was actually another of the individuals I recommended be watched for leadership potential?"

She paused, then, gathering up the wherewithal to proceed. "And I'd be happy to help. I know we didn't have the most auspicious of first introductions, but let me assure you that I am here as a resource. If you have a question or need help, don't hesitate. I won't hesitate if I need your help either."

With a shrug Suzume responded with the only thing she had, "Well right now all I need is some sort of dress or something so I can pop in stay as long as is polite and then hightail it out of there. though seems a waist of money just to buy a dress to wear for only a few minutes. Is there some were I can rent one for an hour or so?"

"I can't say I've ever heard of such a place," replied Junko. "You can ask the concierge. It might be worth it to have at least one piece of formal civilian attire though. You never know where the Shosho might take you. She had us accompany her to the Imperial Palace once. I was in uniform, thankfully, but it's best to be prepared. I would be very displeased if any of the crew's appearance brought discredit upon the ship or the Shosho."

"What you don't think a old bomber jacket and a body suit is good enough for the ol' Empress?" Misato grinned stupidly as she started wondering what kind of clothes she would wear to the palace. Maybe her uniform.

"Well, you could certainly try wearing that," Junko said sternly, though her eyes betrayed her amusement.

"I certainly will have to give it a try sometime." She sat there answering in the same stern voice, before she started giggling. "Anyways you want to lead the way, or are you ambushing more NCOs today?" Suzume wasn't so sure the last part of her statement was a joke but it was worth saying.

Junko was cognizant of the jest but the comment made her frown seriously all the same. "There are only the three of us. I'll see Cherry-Heisho when we go to Condition One, but otherwise she'd busy with her night shift duties. The Eucharis may not seem like a big ship nor seem to have a large crew, but you know well how we see more than our fair share of extreme and stressful circumstances."

"I more then understand that, i have fought and died so far. Each day getting harder then the last. It's the only way I know though so keeping on keeping on is easy." Misato shrugged and reached down for her pack. "I also have to find Sienna... both to apologies and to also give her couple of my guns..."

"I'm sure that would be appreciated," said Junko, nodding. "My point though is that it is our job to be the backbone of the crew, to pass along the officer's instructions and make sure they are done right. And there are only the three of us."

She shrugged her shoulders, not wanting to make things too weighty for the troubled Nito Heisho. "Still, we're on leave now. There will be plenty of time to worry about responsibility when we're back on duty."

"The grunts on board haven't had a NCO all this time, so we have made do so far, so it can't be that much of a stretch. Though you are right I will have to go above and beyond what I'm use to at this time." Suzume sat there thinking of her and Bors watching each others back, and keeping things moving.

Junko nodded, acknowledging Suzume's point. "Consider, though, the problems with professionalism we've had. There's more to being a good soldier than just being able to fight. We have standards of behavior and discipline for a reason. I'm glad to see you've already stepped up to the plate in maintaining those."

Misato's face dropped as she thought back to the cargo bay and Mitsuko. She became quite and looked down at the table. "Yeah I did. Didn't I..." She frowned a little before looking back up. "You can count on me. I'll do what it takes for the job." Suzume sat there wondering if the Heisho would be upset if she ordered a margarita or something.

Sitting quietly for a moment, Junko watching Suzume's face. The neko was still telegraphing her emotions for the world to see, at least to Junko's eyes. She felt for junior soldier. The circumstances might never have been right for her to experience the situation herself, but she could understand, she could empathize with the difficulty of the situation the younger neko had been placed into.

"It isn't supposed to be easy." Her voice was level and direct. "A promotion isn't a reward. It is a whole new list of responsibilities and duties, of potential ways for you to fail. You were chosen because it was determined that you could be leaned upon, that you could have this weight thrust upon you and that somehow you could manage to stay on your feet."

With a nod Misato agreed, "I never said I was happy with the promotion, just the opposite. It feels like some sort of punishment, but to be fair I have done enough to warrant something like it."

She knew what Junko was about to say so she held up her hand, "I know it isn't a punishment. I also know how hard it going to be, they taught us about the job back in our training. So I know.. oh I know. But I also know I have been alienated from those of my old rank. I'm a political animal now, not some ground-pounder. Things are always changing." Her voice was clear and strong for the first time since she had arrived at the bar.

"True words indeed," Junko said, smiling. "Just keep your chin up and back straight, Heisho. At the very least, fake it until nobody is watching. That's half of leadership anyways; the easy half."

Pausing, she glanced around the bar, looking at the other clients and catching the angle of the light coming through the windows. "Well, unless you would care to get a drink, it might be best to get moving. It wouldn't do to be late to the Chusa's party."

Shaking her head she had a few bottles of liquor from her stash in her pack, so Suzume could drink later. "Sure let's go." She stood and grab her pack slinging it on to her back. "I only have a rented hoverbike right now. So ether we need to walk or you need to get really comfortable with being close."

"Or, we just take a taxi," Junko said. She wasn't too big a fan of either of the other options. "Remember, you might have a few bags to bring back with you later."

Finishing her now tepid cup of tea, Junko stood as well. The waiter had already taken her room number, so she would be able to settle the bill later. "The concierge can call us one right away, if you find that acceptable."

"You're the boss." Misato smiled at her comment and led the way out to the concierge, "Sir would you be able to get us a taxi?" With in seconds he responded with an affirmative and said one would be out front in a minute. "Guess you were right."

"Was there ever any doubt?" Junko felt like she was outside her body looking down at herself: she could not believe she was here, making jokes, engaging in light banter, generally being sociable. It was a brave new world, no doubt. She looked down at her body in suspicion, wondering if the new NH-33 model had some changes to neurological function. That train of thought was a bit too conspiracy theorist for her taste though, and so she shook it off and led the way out the door.

Misato stood there wondering what Junko was doing with her body language, but with a shrug she followed her out the door to the taxi. "Well there was for a second but then poof gone."

The taxi pulled up to the corner and the young valet seemed to teleport to the door, holding it open as Junko slid into the seat.

"As long as we've got that sorted out," she replied. "So, where to, Heisho? This is your expedition after all."

Misato slid in adjusting her pistols and slipping her pack off. "uhhh... Well I asked you where to go... I don't know anyplace out here, besides the bars Klein took us drinking." she shrugged and thought for a moment, "I guess a kimono or something like it, but something I can conceal my pistols under."

"My experience isn't exactly diverse either. I only went to the one civilian store. It has nice quality, but I'll admit my taste isn't very... fashion forward, shall we say." As much from lack of opportunity as from natural aptitude, Junko had never managed to follow most popular trends of any sort, let alone in clothing. She was always much more interested following shipbuilding trends.

"Still, It's a starting place." She paused, forwarding the driver the store information. As the taxi pulled away from curb, she looked over at her companion. "It has a few traditional options that might serve."

"Then there we go." She smiled, "I don't bother shopping much ether, I just wear my uniform or nothing else... Well that and my Mindy." Misato sat there fidgeting with her pack. "Last time I went to find clothes I was so focused on getting something for someone else."

All of these cryptic references were not helping Junko believe that Suzume had everything as squared away as claimed, but she chose to respect her junior's choice not to share more. For the moment, things seemed to be on the right course, and she had no interest in upsetting the applecart until it became necessary. With any luck, that wouldn't ever have to happen.

"It's not far now," she said as she looked out the window. "So, any particular plans for your leave?"

"No... not really, not any more, With all this new found responsibility. I can't just run off and bring the war back to that ice ball planet with the rippers and stuff. So now I figure I'll find some lonely beach and get drunk and wake up hopeful in time to report to the ship." she smiled over at the older Heisho.

Junko smiled back, though the comment about heading off to fight had her a bit puzzled. Still, should could understand being ill at ease on leave. She preferred the structure of the duty day and the literal structures in Engineering that needed tending too.

"As long as you do make it back," she said. "I don't think the Shosho would much appreciate having to send the Shore Patrol around to collect her crew."

"No it would not." She grinned, "Though maybe she just buck me back to a grunt and everything will be right in the universe." Misato stuck her tongue out at the idea as she watched the world whiz by the window.
 
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Shopping District

Sienna helplessly followed Natsumi about from store to store, browsing through the racks of gowns, suits, slips, little dresses, and an overwhelming cacaphony of other fashion buzzwords that didn't take long to make her head spin. All of the garish lights, posed mannequins sporting uncountable numbers of outfits of all types, flashy jewelry, and women's voices all chattering to one another in Trade and Yamataian only added to her sensory overload. Natsumi proved to be a rock steady guide through the mess, and she hadn't found herself yet being as thankful for her presence as she was at that moment; if she'd tried to do this on her own, she'd have lost her mind.

She tried on dress after dress with the Neko's help, emerging from whatever dressing room each time and waiting expectantly for Natsumi's reaction. Sometimes she would smile and nod approvingly, other times she would cluck her tongue and rearrange something or tug on the fabric, and still other times she would narrow one eye and shake her head. Everything Natsumi had her try on, Sienna liked, with only a few exceptions, but Natsumi had a much better idea of what she was doing.

Dozens upon dozens of dresses later, the two had narrowed her search down to a floor-length, strapless trumpet gown of a vibrant coral color that cinched gently at her waist and followed her hips down just past mid-thigh before it ballooned out enough to give it an elegant, flowing appearance without being too poofy or ostentatious. Her Nekovalkyrja guide had also selected a dazzling silver-and-white necklace. She had even found her a pair of clip-on earrings to match, since Sienna's ears were not pierced.

Her face was positively aglow with delight as she turned to look at herself in the three mirrors angled before her. She almost didn't recognize her own reflection. Even before they had gone to get their hair and makeup done, she had to admit, she never thought she could look or feel this incredibly regal.

Beautiful, even. She beamed at the thought of such a word being applied to her. Now she couldn't wait to see what she looked like once everything was finished.

Brimming with excitement like a giddy idiot, she turned and faced Natsumi, tossing her palms out at her conclusively before slapping them back on her hips with pursed lips poorly concealing an ear-to-ear grin. "I think we got a winner," she said, her words dripping with happiness.
 
Hotel Hallway

Ayumi shook her head slightly, essentially ignoring Izokia's apology. It wasn't really any of her business what Izokia did or didn't feel comfortable about if it didn't affect work directly. She certainly wasn't concerned that an entire lobby of hotel-goers would pile into the medbay and require medical care while simultaneously having loud conversations and rushing to and fro. As bad as Ayumi had seen Izokia, as long as their work was completed properly at the end of the day she didn't really mind how the other medic behaved.

Certainly Ayumi didn't dislike Izokia, she simply didn't get very emotionally involved in anything other than her work, and she saw it as a distraction to become involved.

Hotel Room

In reply to Izokia's question, as she unlocked their room and pushed the door open, Ayumi shrugged one shoulder. She looked around the spacious and honestly gorgeous room without blinking an eyelash and set her duffle down on her decided bed, the one closest to the door. "I had breakfast." She replied. "I did not see you there, so I assume that is why you are hungry." She looked at the large doors leading to the balcony, then began rummaging through her bag for a moment. She pursed her lips slightly when she realised she had no civilian clothing to wear on this liberty. She hadn't ever seen the need to have any. Now it occurred to her that she couldn't be wearing her uniform while not on duty- It would appear bad to the Star Army.

"Perhaps... Clothes shopping." Came the second half of her reply to Izokia's earlier question, though she had planned to leave that part hanging.
 
Shopping District

Natsumi nodded approvingly at the lovely coral gown Sienna now wore. The silver jewelry accented nicely. "Yes, I think that you are going to turn a lot heads!" she grinned. It had been a fairly long search, there had been a lot that worked well, some that didn't, but this one was perfect. Sienna was going to turn a lot of heads. "You clean up very nicely!" she giggled. Sienna really did look like someone who should be in the lime light and parties and royal balls, a complete contrast to her usual self. Absolutely stunning. It was nice, very refreshing to see.

The process of finding Sienna a dress had been a lot more fun than she had expected. She loved to shop, but going with someone to get their first fancy dress was considerably fun. This was her own first one too, but, it seemed, she still had more experience with looking for finer things than her friend it seemed. There was nothing wrong with that of course, but Natsumi thoroughly enjoyed the entire processes and the way Sienna lit up more and more as time went on. If the ice wasn't starting to melt now, she was doing an insane job convincing her otherwise.

She herself had chosen a long v-neck gown of shimmering blue material. It was simple, but elegant and she liked the way the blue almost shifted color in the light. She smiled at her companion. "I think this is going to be a lot of fun" she said. She could not wait to see Bors reaction when he eventually showed back up. She now busied herself with looking through jewelry, she did not own any and had never worn any so finding something nice for herself, well she was picky, but settled on a simple fine gold chain with a small sparkly pendant and matching earrings.

"Just a couple more finishing touches and we'll be ready to go and floor everyone!" she said and grinned.
 
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Shopping District

Sienna's grin broke through her pinched lips again at Natsumi's response, and she turned to look back at the mirrors, rotating her shoulders, turning her hips, facing them with her backside and looking over her shoulder, twirling and looking at herself from every possible angle. The mere sight of herself gave her goosebumps and giddy shivers throughout her body. She never dreamed in her wildest fantasies that she'd ever be wearing anything like this. She was quite impressed with Natsumi's choice of dress as well, how the shimmering blue made her red eyes pop against her white hair, even if the plunging neckline drew a lot of attention to her ample bust. But although she made quite the effort to praise how pretty the Neko looked, she couldn't tear her eyes off of her own reflection for more than a few seconds at a time.

They were there just a little while longer while they chose pairs of shoes to go with their new dresses. Again with Natsumi's advice, Sienna selected a pair of pearl white open-toed high heels that matched the white accents of her necklace. She was skeptical at first; looking at them made her think of them as less of a shoe and more of a tied-on platform that looked impossible to ever walk in. They tied across the top of her foot in a criss-cross and around her ankle, completed by a thin band of material across the bridge of her toes, and the heel rose up roughly two inches. Natsumi had told her that she was plenty tall without elevating herself any higher than that, much to Sienna's relief, as she wondered how she was going to keep her balance in them at all. But when she saw how they looked peeking out from beneath the hem of her dress when she walked, she instantly forgot about how uncomfortable they might be, and enthusiastically agreed that they were perfect.

Now all that was left for them to do was to get their hair and makeup done, and they'd be set. She almost didn't even want to go back to the changing room to take the dress off when it came time to pay for everything.
 
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Hotel Room

Izokia was take back by the luxury of the room, she wanted to sit down on her bed but she felt guilty ruining the strange perfectness of the room. Finally after some time she sat down as she responded to Ayumi's question. "Um.... I wasn't really feeling my self during breakfast so I thought it would be best to stay separate from the rest of the crew, at least until I got over my self after our promotions that is." Izokia knew it was technically her job to listen to the rest of crew's problems, but talking to Ayumi was therapeutic in its own, she knew Ayumi would respond much and she certainly would pry or spread rumors.

She considered Ayumi's request for shopping. She began her order: A small burger and soda, just like she had back on the ship, she didn't enjoy change that much. When she finished her order she looked up to Ayumi "Yeah I need civilian clothes too. As soon as I finish eating we can be off." She felt guilty making Ayumi wait. When the food arrived she ate it as quickly as possible so to not make her colleague wait.

" Now where to go now?"
 
Shopping District

It didn't take long for Bors to locate the two he came with, the chatter they made between each other. As he rounded a set of clothing racks containing lacy things he saw the pair in their new fancy pants... well more so dresses.

"Excuse me ladies, I'm looking for a couple of girls like look a bit like yourselves but they're a little less pretty and usually give a guy like me a lot of lip."

Leaning on another rack with a grin on his face he waited for the torrent of off color remarks to be flung at him.
 
Shopping District

Natsumi admired the elaborate white heels Sienna had chosen. "Those are perfect!" she stated with a grin. She had chosen a pair of black heels for herself, simpler in design than what her friend had picked, but with a taller heel that gave her a little more height.

Just as she was about to go back into the changing room and get back into her street clothes Bors returned and she eyed him as he made his comment. "You know" she started, a corner of her mouth turning up in a sarcastic smile, "I do have a gun" she commented and eyed her roomie. She then turned her attention back to Sienna. "Hair and makeup?" she asked.
 
Shopping District

Sienna wasn't sure whether to feel flattered that Bors thought she looked pretty at that moment, or upset at his implication that she was ugly the rest of the time. She looked back over her shoulder at him on his return as she made her way back to the dressing room to snipe back at him, but she hesitated when she saw what he was wearing. His appearance was startling, to say the least; the big Neplelsian actually did clean up rather well, though she wondered why he was wearing his nice new threads already. Her eyes had already wandered over him once before she realized that her face was probably giving her away, but Natsumi's timely and witty retort saved her. She gave Bors a wryly disdainful shake of her head, and looked back at the Neko as her excited smile returned. "Just try and stop me," she replied, and ducked into the dressing room.

She took the dress off carefully, making slow, calculated movements, afraid to take any chance of damaging her new prizes. When she had finally wriggled free of it, she lovingly placed it back on the hangar, and draped the necklace and earrings around the hook. Taking a step back, she smiled and let out a slow, content sigh as she admired its beauty. She still couldn't believe it was going to be hers. If she was dreaming, and someone woke her up at that moment, she would probably kill them in the most brutal way she could imagine.
 
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Shopping District

Natsumi grinned as Sienna went away to change and stuck her tongue out at Bors. "You look nice" she said to him and smiled as she turned to go back to the changing rooms herself.

"We are gonna get our hair and makeup done once we psy here" she commented as she turned, "Wanna join us?" She giggled, "I'm sure.you would look pretty all done up."

With that she went back into the changing room she had been using. She took her time getting.out of the dress and putting it away, then quickly got back in her regular clothes and packed everything up and went back out to rejoin the others.
 
Town

Kale finished up his purchase from the clothes shop. He was a few hundred KS lighter but he felt good. He considered the dinner he was going to tonight. Originally Kale had planned to have gifts for the crew at the winter upcoming celebrations putting his own little spin on things however with Sune leaving the ship Kale figured he could get it to the guy early.

He had a quick word with the other two explaining he had some things to take care of before the evenings dinner and that he didn't want to spoil the surprise. Having taken a look earlier Kale made his way to another establishment. A nano-fabricator's workshop. About two hours later he left with the gift in hand.
 
Town

Chieko was a little put out that Kale needed to head out, but it still tickled her that he ended up picking the suit. Besides, she still had Deziarra there, and the lack of male presence would make it easier to get a few more intimate things that the young scientist needed to get her hands on. Nodding her head at this conclusion, she turned to her no only companion and smiled.

"So," she began, "Shall we find some nice things for ourselves?"
 
Shopping District

"Think I'll pass on that one, knowing you I'd pry end up looking like a Geisha or something." Bors said still leaning on the clothing rack, "And personally not my style."

Seeing the others change back into their regular duds, Bors decided he might as well do the same. Knowing his luck he would pry get splashed with mud or something as soon as he walked out of the store in his new fancy outfit. With a slight sigh to himself he quickly went into an open changing room and quickly and neatly put his new outfit back in their boxes before slipping back into his regular clothes.

"If you're still wanting to hit up the gun store I'll meet you guys there, I have a few personal things to take care of while y'all ladies do your thing."
 
Town

"That sounds like a good idea," agreed Deziarra.

She looked through a rack of outfits one at a time. Occasionally she would pick up an outfit, held it up to her body, looked at her reflection of herself with the outfit in the wall mirror, made a mental note of how it looked, put it back on the rack, and then continued the process. She was going to buy one eventually but she had not decided which one to get. As the remaining choices became fewer, the selection process became harder. It was time to actually try the remaining outfits on so she could make her final decision.
 
Hotel Room

Ayumi listened quietly, sitting on her bed without issue and folding her hands on her lap cleanly. She didn't attempt to make conversation or interrupt Izokia's eating. She just was not the making conversation type. She waited quietly, watching the world outside the window until Izokia spoke again. When her coworker spoke again Ayumi automatically logged into the local information to find a map for what was outside.

"There should be a shopping district." Ayumi replied softly, standing up and brushing off her already pristine uniform. "We will find clothing stores there." She clarified, turning to Izokia and tilting her head slightly, "Unless you have something in mind?"
 
Town

Chieko smiled as Deziarra began searching then continued back on her own, beginning to close in on the nice cotton ones that felt as if they breathed well. Soon she narrowed down the style, which left her with only a few colours: tan, salmon, mint green, and mauve. The scientist bit her lip, moments passing by, before deciding that it would be a duel between the tan and the green.

She held up the two dresses, both seemingly knee length, fitting in the bodice but pleated and flowing in the skirt. The green exposed the top of the bust more, while the tan ended the neckline half way up from the bust.

"What do you think Lansky-san," the academic inquired with a grin.
 
Shopping District, Outside Store

While Natsumi and Sienna went and got their makeup done and most likely their hair did, Bors took a step out side and pulled out his communicator and read over the message he got earlier. Taking a deep breath he switched it over to voice communication and messaged him back.

"Ah Mr. Riko, I was wondering when you would call me back." A familiar voice said on the other end of the line,"You do look spiffy in that SAoY uniform, its Geoffery by the way."

"Geoff, long time." Bors said with a hint of anger in his voice, "To what do I owe this lovely call?"

"I just wanted to chat a bit you know, meet up later have a drink or two, and maybe discuss some old unfinished business." Geoff sounded amused with Bors, something Bors himself didn't really like he knew that his old associate had something up his sleeve for him.

"Well I do have a dinner date tonight, somewhat puts a dampener on that doesn't it buddy?"

"Oh? Thats nice hope shes a pretty later you old dog you, I can have someone get you." Geoff said, the sound of heavy boots could be heard hitting a table on the other end of the line. "Got a little neko your hitting on old man?"

"I'm only 33, and lets leave my crew-mates out of this." Bors said more than a bit annoyed, "Shoot me that address again and I'll meet you there 'round 11 tonight."

"Touchy touchy Mr. Riko, fair enough I will send you the address again, and see you then caio!"

Turning off his communicator, Bors put the device back into his pocket before shaking his head and thinking to himself I need a drink or six
 
Junko smiled at the joke, recognizing the bitter edge of a half-hoped for outcome. But the new NCO seemed to be getting her legs under her, and so she was more than content to let it stand uncontested. She turned, the smiling still on her lips as she looked out of the taxi windows. The scenery became more recognizable as they drew toward the shopping center she had left not long ago.

"Should be close," she said to her companion before leaning forward toward the driver. "Please stay parked when we get there. I'll pay, but we might want to use your car for baggage storage."

"Baggage storage? I.. I was only getting one dress right?" Misato was confused. "Unless I have to get more or something... Or Is there a Weapons shop near by? I could use some boxes of ammunition for my new guns, I have a hundred of them!! Oh and I need a knife to wear under my dress, and maybe a garter holster.. You're right Please park we may need the storage!" Misato smiled

"Always better safe than sorry, Nito Heisho. Mission creep is a pernicious foe," Junko said in her best deadpan.

The taxi slowed as it turned into the shopping center and finally halted next to the pedestrian walk. Junko opened her door and stepped out, stretching as she stood up.

Misato climbed out and adjusted her jacket and her holsters. "I know what I want in the clothing... I don't have to get make up or my hair done do I?" She was worried this heisho would try to girly her up.. then again it might be nice for once to be though of a girl first before a grunt.

"I'm not really an expert on that, I'm afraid," said Junko. She considered her own hair; she kept it washed, cleaned, and cared for, but it primarily rotated between being left loose and unstyled, ponytails, and buns for zero-G work. "I suppose as long as you're satisfied with it and it is in appropriate order there's no necessity to get it 'done up.' It is simply your preference."

"It might be nice... I guess..." she smiled before looking in the windows of the store. "You sure I can't just go like this?" Misato looked down at her bodyglove and jacket. With a surged she opened the door and held it for the Heisho.

Junko raised her right eyebrow as she gave her junior a once over. "We are not on duty and this is not a formal command event, so it is ultimately your choice. But we are guests of the Chusa. I would not like to see any of the crew disappoint his expectations or fall short of the effort he has put in to making us welcome."

She left anything further unsaid and walked through the door.

"i know.." Misato followed Junko into the shop. "I'm sure everyone will be in ball gowns and tuxs... Maybe a tux would look cool!." She said as she stared looking at white kimono, with silver designs on it. It was pricey but it would show off her lovely colorings. But with a shrug She started looking at ball gowns and very fancy dresses.

Junko followed Suzume around the shop, impressed with her companion's taste; she clearly had an eye for all of this that Junko lacked.

"One of those would look very nice, I'm sure," said Junko, looking at the elegant evening wear. "My only suggestion would be to get something you might be able to use more easily in other contexts. We don't have all that much room aboard ship for personal affects. But, these do look very nice..." Her voice trailed off as she reached out to touch the expensive fabric.

"I can always send it off to be stored, with all the good for my Junk Store." Misato smiled as she kept coming back to the white kimono. "I keep a few things there. Like my powered bicycle, and a few other things." She pulled it off the rack and held it up to herself. "What do you think?"

"It's... quite nice." Even to her own ears, Junko's words seemed to do a poor job of describing the outfit. Internally, though, she was more impressed. It had been years since she'd worn a kimono herself; not since her childhood on Yamatai. She supposed her mother still had her things stored away somewhere. For her part, aside from the old issued Star Army yukata, she didn't have any traditional clothing with her on the [i}Eucharis[/i]. The gorgeous item Suzume had picked out was making her think that might be a mistake.

She shook her head, clearing out the bizarre thoughts. Aside from maintaining proper bearing and uniform appearance Junko hardly ever gave a thought to how she looked. Turning back to the task at hand, she stared closer at the fabric, trying to gauge the quality of its manufacture. "You'd better try it on."

Confused for a second Misato looked at the Heisho, "Why?"

"It's true of any uniform or equipment," said Junko, meeting Misato's gaze. "It's important to make sure the item can adapt to any idiosyncrasies necessary for final adoption or installation. One size never truly fits all, at least not well."

"I was never tried on..." Misato retorted. With a grin she made her way off to the changing room. "Ummm.. with short hair what can I do with it? I can't put it up in a bun..." Suzume called out from behind the curtain as she fought with the kimono. The sounds coming out, made it almost seem as if she was wrestling with a Mishu.

"Try... combing it?" offered Junko lamely. As she'd never given her own hair much thought she had little to offer to someone with an entirely different style.

"It is getting long enough to do that, isn't it... Maybe I should crop it again after I get a new knife." She slowly and shyly stepped out from behind the curtain in the tight, but well fitting kimono. With a blush she quietly asked, "H..how does it look?" She looked as if she wanted to hind.

Junko's eyebrows rose as the rest of her face went very still. "Very nice. Very... flattering. It appears to be well made." She was ill equipped to offer advice or commentary, and even more poorly equipped to consider such concepts as beauty. She could see gracefulness in the lines of hull armor, handsomeness in the mathematically efficient tori of EM waveguides, stark, lethal radiance in the targeting gears of a fire control mount. But hips and draping, flattering outlines and hugging curves were utterly beyond her if it was an actual person she was considering. Not that she'd had cause to in years.

Misato would have found this all amusing, since she was in fact the ultimate war machine created by the people of Yamatai. She would have died laughing. Though with out the knowledge of what Junko was thinking all she could do was blush a bit more and feel a bit more self-conscious.

"Maybe I should just go in my uniform, I'm sure it would be better."

"No!... er, rather, as this is an off-duty event, I'm sure uniforms will not be commonly worn." Junko wasn't sure herself what she was trying to say. "Besides you seemed enthused by the concept of wearing something more formal and elegant. This, certainly, well, fits the bill I suppose."

It wasn't that wild horses had to drag a compliment out of her; more that she had trouble conceiving one in the first place. As such, it was fittingly clunky.

"I. uhhh.. O...Ok..." She went back into the changing room and took of the kimono. "What are you going to wear?" Misato asked from behind the curten. the sounds of her jumping around and cussing at the fabric could be heard, but ended with the sound of two pistol slides being worked. With a grace that would ahve been home if she was working with explosives, Misato carried the very nice silk kimono out to the counter.

Junko fidgeted. "Just a simple skirt and blazer."

She was feeling a little ill at ease now about her choice. The clean and regimented lines of the duty uniform were highly pleasing to Junko and the formal business tailoring of the suit had called out to her in kind. Now, though, she was questioning whether it would be all together the right sort of outfit for the Chusa's event. Memories long dormant returned to her; of excitement over dressing up for festivals and events in her youth, of her mother helping her get arranged - while extolling the superior beauty of all Nekovalkyrja, of course. Something of those feelings reached her now, though not enough to force action, just a nostalgic notion of looking in a mirror and thinking herself pretty. Though to be fair, she couldn't recall ever looking quite like that.

Misato heard what her superior was going to wear. It was not right. Nor did she think it would do. Ball gowns and tuxs! she lied her kimono on the counter and then started looking around the store for a nice dress, she was determinant to find on to buy for Junko.

"What is your favorite color!?" She called from across the store, as she dug through different racks.

"Uh," was all Junko managed to get out for a moment, taken aback by the question. "Red?"

The answer was true, as far as it went. She was so used to wearing red on her uniforms and seeing red on her immediate co-workers; it was the color that seemed the most natural to her. Even as a child, she'd never had a favorite. And so her occupation, which she did indeed love, filled in for any other reason.

Misato's head popped up from behind a rack, "Really? O.. Ok!" She dived back down and started looking and gathering red dresses of all different cuts and styles. She returned and grabbed Junko by the arm dragging her off to the changing room. " Here try these on, and after we pick one of them out I'll find you some shoes!" She smiled, never did the thought that she would need shoes for herself cross her mind. She had combat boots. They was the answer for everything.

Junko had been craning her neck, trying to figure out what her junior was up to, and so was caught totally unawares by the sartorial ambush. As much from inertia as from any willful compliance, she allowed herself to be led to the changing rooms. She paused a moment once inside, considering just what exactly she had gotten herself into. This had started out as a professional counseling, and had now devolved into some sort of shopping spree. She was gratified, though, that Suzume seemed to be warming up a bit and so with no more than a token shrug of confusion - acknowledging once again that she would always have a better grasp on ship subsystems than people - she began pulling on the first dress.

In a moment, after a considerably less violent period of changing than Suzume had managed, she stepped out past the curtain. She couldn't manage to say anything, or to examine herself in the mirror, and so simply looked up expectantly.

Misato looked Junko over and walked around her, as if she was expecting her in a uniform. "i don't know this was makes your hip look like the size of battleships and your breasts look smooshed. Go in and try the next! I'll look around a bit more."

Junko stumbled back past the curtain and numbly pulled off the dress. She was wholly uncertain about what to make of someone considering her body, let alone using such frank language. She could appreciate, intellectually, the value of forthrightness. Indeed, she never hesitated to offer her direct opinion when it came to Engineering problems. Tackling clothes shopping in a similar manner made sense in that way, she supposed. At least she would avoid something that made her hips look like battleships.

Blushing at her mental repetition of Misato's description, she managed to step back out into view with less stumbling.

She came over carrying a few more dresses. "I don't know, your boobs are still smooshed, but that wide drape is very flattering on you... Hides the Command carriers you smuggle around." She smiled and handed over the other dresses. "Maybe... try those on I'll grab on I saw a few minutes ago." She dashed off to the other side of the store and looked through the racks.

Gamely, Junko attempted a smile in return but it came out rather wobbly. She was totally off balance, though she appreciated her companions attempts at using warship analogies. They didn't quite convey the full meaning though, as she lacked the requisite self-concept to understand. Back in the dressing room, she took off the dress, considering her hips as she did. They had always just been there for her; they seemed serviceable enough and the various shop attendants she'd seem for uniform and, on a more limited basis, civilian clothing alterations had always handled things efficiently and without comment on their capacity to smuggle anything at all.

As for her... bust being smooshed, she'd worn AMES enough to be intimately familiar with the physical sensation, without ever realizing the importance of the concept when it came to shopping. If nothing else, this whole affair would give her a whole new set of parameters to approach her next shopping mission.

Temporarily comforted by the practical line of thinking and dressed in the next selection, she stepped past the curtain again.

There stood Misato holding up a red dress. "unless you prefer the one you are wearing this one will do you boobs and your hips justice. You'll get the guys on the crew to turn their heads, and some of the ladies." She smiled holding a red dress that flared at the bottom, it was cut short to just above the bust-line, and down to just above the knees. "All we have to do is find you some shoes that will show off your legs."

"I, I don't know about all of that," Junko said. But something made her reach out and accept the other option. Making anyone, man or woman, turn their head was nowhere near being on Junko's list of priorities, but the idea of doing justice to her hips and... bust was intriguing. At the very least, Suzume seemed to hold confirmed opinions about their influence on the shopping process, and that perhaps warranted her at least trying it on. She pulled it on, slowly and carefully. It fit well; it wasn't binding or overly tight anywhere and was far from restricting. Not suitable for maintenance work, perhaps, but at least it wouldn't impede her mobility. Timidly, she exited for inspection.

Walking around Junko as if expecting her again on a parade field. She poked Junko in the side and hips a few times as she walked around, tugging and playing the dress about. "i.." she poked once more. "I think it is perfect!" She smiled and looked almost like a little girl, opposed to the grunt she normally was.

The frown which had formed on Junko's face as she was poked and prodded disappeared upon the pronouncement. Accepting compliments had never been her forte, whatever the subject. She blushed and looked down, but forced herself to lift her gaze and smile, even if it was rather shy. "Thank you, Misato-Heisho. You certainly have a better grip on this than I do, so I will defer to your judgment."

"Well you have to thank Chusa Klein for that. She took me shopping the first time." She beamed before dragging Junko off to the shoes area, "Heels with maybe a strap or two to hold you in." She grab a few pairs and set them on a bench for the Heisho to try on. "Hurry i still want to hit a gun store for a few things. There i'm sure we can find you a cue red holster or something to go with you dress!" She squeaked.

Junko appreciated Suzume's help and so set about trying on the shoes as fast as she could. She pulled the pairs on as quickly as possible, giving each a spin while trying not to sprain her ankles. Only once was her inertial control ability necessary to prevent a fall, so she considered the walking practice a success. As for appearance, she had a hard time choosing; there were easily as many options for shoes as the dresses. Yet again, Junko found her prior experience wholly inadequate to prepare her to make an informed selection.

She settled, for the moment, on a pair of bone patent platform pumps with a closed toe - not that she really understood what all of that meant. Turning toward her companion, she extended her foot a bit. "What do you think?"

"Well you ain't going to fight in them, but all you need to do is walk, look smashing, and get the boys all drooling." Misato grinned and winked at Junko, realizing maybe hanging around Bors non-stop had caused her to view things in a strange light. "And maybe dance with a few of them. Well you like them, and the dress?"

"I..." Junko's voice trailed off. She didn't have the necessary frame of reference to understand how she looked. The image in the mirror at the moment seemed utterly alien; it certainly wasn't her. As for whether that person looked good in the dress and shoes? She couldn't say, not honestly, but somehow it felt good. The clothes seemed to fit, not just in a purely physical sense, in a way she hadn't felt out of a uniform in a very long time. "I think so."

"Well good, give me the tags i'll pay you go get changed then we will go and get a few things at the gun shop and then get your hair did up!!" She smiled, joy filled her eyes as she thought of buying a few different guns and armaments.

With the subject turning to money, Junko felt on solid footing once again and so was able to fully parse what was being said. "We'll need to pay separately." She frowned. "I don't think they'll allow you to access my credit account without me."

With a exasperated sigh and a roll of her eyes she snagged the tags off the dress and shoes and pointed at the changing room. "Come on!! Bors is out there, and I don't want him buying all the good explosives!" She went up to the counter and pulled her KS chit. "And when she is changed can we get her stuff wrapped up too. Thank you" she answer once the shop lady smiled and said it was possible.

Frown firmly in place and her confidence back along with it, Junko's hands naturally fell to her hips. Arms akimbo, she was for the moment unconscious of the clothes she was wearing; every inch of her being was perfectly in line, the essence of a proper Heisho ready for inspection in her best duty uniform. "Nito Heisho, I cannot possibly allow you to purchase me so extravagant a gift. It is, well..." her frown intensified as she found the price tags already out of her grasp. "... I'm sure it's quite expensive. You're my junior!"

"Too late Boss lady... Plus I can't spend money on myself with out buying stuff for others, and since..." She voice dropped out as she thought for a moment, "Well you're it." She pointed at the changing room again before taking her bag and quickly walking out the store.

Misato had barely made it out there before leaning against a wall and tearing up.

Junko found herself grinding her teeth for a moment. On the one hand, she was Misato's superior and thus rated significantly more respect in how she was addressed than what she had just received. On the other hand, Suzume had just patiently helped her pick out the outfit and then bought it for her as a gift. She blushed slightly too, as she thought about how Suzume had spoken even more plainly as they had gone about comparing the dress options. Still, duty and bearing, friendliness and gratitude warred in her head until, finally, she resigned herself to the inevitable and made for the dressing room. When she emerged, back in uniform and feeling if not better than at least more natural, she presented her new clothing to the clerk for packaging and then followed her companion out onto the street.

Suzume's distress was immediately obvious, and so Junko made a conscious effort to relax her frown. The infantry soldier had already paid for the clothing; she wasn't going to force the issue more and this was hardly the time to try to bring back up their professional discussion. If nothing else, Junko would have felt herself to be hypocritical offering counsel on professional behavior, given the preceding moments in the store. Instead, she offered what she could: a crisp, respectful bow. "Misato-Heisho, thank you. Truly."

Misato turned away to wipe the tears from her eyes. As she looked back she saw the bow. "You are most welcomed. I.. I don't like buying things for myself. I can alway live aboard ship until they kick me out of the service. I don't need the moneys. But I love spending it on others. I.. I'm sorry if I was an jerk there." She bowed herself. She wanted to find something to get her minds of things.

Junko shook her head as she straightened up. "No, it is my fault. I know the bounds of my duty and can execute my responsibilities without conscious thought, but this sort of off-duty socialization is not, I'll admit, my strong suit. In my discomfort I perhaps overreacted. We are not aboard ship or on base; this is a casual environment. I apologize." She bowed again.

With a shrug, Misato waved it off. "Boss, I'm always a pain I know it." She smiled, the grabbed Junko's arm and dragged her off towards the gun shop down the street. "I need to pick up some ammo and a few things. And you need a new side arm to go with that dress right?"

About to feel a little triumph in Suzume yet again showing potential for growth as a leader, Junko once again found herself being physically led by her junior. They might indeed be off duty but she was still in her uniform so for the sake of decorum and with a small frown, she sped up until she could walk beside her companion rather than be dragged behind. "I'm not sure," she replied. She was capable enough with personal weapons and combat, as all soldiers of the Star Army were expected to be. But her preferred battles happened on a greater scale and one step removed: a struggled to get a new capacitor ring in place or a waveguide realigned while the Eucharis danced through the destructive fury of deep-space combat. She didn't relish personally engaging the enemy and didn't seek to carry weapons if she didn't have to.

There was a certain practicality to the consideration, though, and after the ample demonstration of Suzume's good judgment in clothing she could at least entertain the notion.

"Oh come on! You want a new gun we all do... Nothing is better then the smells of the oils and the lubricants that come off of a new weapon. And of coarse if you prefer I'm sure we can find a rifle to strap to your back." Misato smile as she quicken her pace to the store again dragging the Heisho along. Once in side she started drooling over each of the cases bouncing around the place looking at each type of gun in turn.

"OOHH I didn't know that one came out... Ahh I could get poly-silicon grips for it. That one come in chrome and flat black." Suzume was everywhere.

Junko perused the store's offerings more sedately, though she could appreciate Suzume's enthusiasm. A professional finding joy in their line of work was always laudable, and the infantry soldier certainly seemed to love her weapons. She might have preferred a selection of power flow regulators and capacitor collars herself, but she was not totally immune to the allure of the lethal efficiency of the weapons all around her.

"So what do you like Takeda-chan? Energy or solid projectile?" She pointed at different cases, each containing a few types of guns. "Or Would you like to look at a rifle or bigger?" She smiled almost conspiratorially. Misato was sure that everyone loved guns, why wouldn't they. If they joined the SA they must love guns. Misato logic, a dangerous beast.

Junko was starting to feel some serious whiplash: her jaw worked as she ground her teeth again and her body twitched slightly as she pulled herself up straight and stiff. "Well, Misato-san," she said, over enunciating the honorific. "Energy, I suppose. And a handgun will suffice."

She clasped her hands behind her back and began engaging in what was becoming a bit of a ritual, wringing one hand in the other, almost like a stress ball. It did little to actually relieve her stress, but did help her sit on her initial temper burst at least.

Ok Taky-chan." Misato dragged her over to the case that held the energy guns, not even seemingly noticing the reaction she got nor the stressed honorific. Asking the shop keep to see a variety she bubbled over with excitement to touch and play with the different guns before her. "I was going to get a solid round gun, but lets look at your stuff first.

Taking a very deep breath, Junko stepped up close next to Suzume and leaned forward, pitching her voice low. "All right, Nito Heisho," she said through gritted teeth. "Time to rein it in."

Attempting to look as innocent as possible, "What do you mean. Gun shopping is all kinds of exciting, don't you feel that way too?" She replied in the same hushed voice, though hers still had a bit of amusement in it.

"I'm glad you're having fun," said Junko, dryly and dangerously. "These guns are all very interesting and I'm sure it is exciting to think about trying them all out. Wouldn't it be a shame if you couldn't because you were put on Temporary Assigned Duty to the personnel clerk's office for the duration of your leave?"

"Well fine Boss..." her shoulders dropped a bit. "Still think you would look stunning with a sniper on your back in that dress." her voice never changed from the hushed voice she first answered in. "But I doubt they'd keep me... I can't count well..." she smiled before pointing at the guns, "I think that one is neat, you can put a scope and a forward barrel extension on it for added accuracy.

"I'm sure they'd be happy to let you go mess-cranking if it didn't work out." There was still an edge to Junko's voice, but it was clear from her tone that she was willing to tolerate some games so long as it didn't push too far into disrespect. "As for guns, anything too large just seems excessive. I prefer to have the ship just swat the target from orbit if necessary."

With a shrug Misato shook her head. "That's nice but here with your feet in the dirt, you need to have something that will end anything before it really gets going. And with the ship parked and shut down who is going to swat stuff for yha now?" She grinned before picking up the pistol in question and handing it off to Junko. "Sometimes you have to play ship."

"That's what we have you for, Nito Heisho," said Junko as she accepted the pistol. She rotated it in her hands, feeling the balance, the intricate lines from its assembly. It was, she could readily admit, a well made piece of weaponry. She was used to the concept on a larger scale, but she could recognize the same aesthetic notes she encountered when performing maintenance on shipborne weapon systems.

With a brief blush Suzume pointed at the gun, "With this you wouldn't even need me..." She wasn't sure what the Heisho meant by needing her, but she figured everyone needed a good side arm beyond their NSP. "With the right side arm and a few back up magazines, you can hold out against quite a few enemy. A one Neko army." With a grin she nodded to her own statement.

"Well, there is a reason why I signed up for the Fleet, and not the Planetary Infantry." Junko wished she could see the internals of the weapon, or at least a design diagram. What she could see though satisfied her and so she looked up and passed the gun back over.

"Seems like an excellent weapon to me. I'll leave it to your greater experience to decide if that's sufficient."

"We are all called to serve the Empress. We should all be ready to serve her in all our abilities." Misato smiled and took the pistol and striped it down to components before Junko. "seems a bit underpowered from the parts here but it would make for a good hold out pistol, what you should look for is something stream line so that you can carry it with out it showing, but still have a goodly amount of knowck down."

She put the gun back together, handing it back she asked to see another one. The shop keep set a Gp-16 Plasma Pistol on the counter.

"This will do the trick honestly. It's small and light but it will ruin the day for anyone." she smiled and handed the plasma weapon over. "And for you grease monkey types this is fun cause of the tech involved!"

Junko accepted it and hefted in in her hands. "Isn't this fairly big?" she asked. "It seems longer than my NSP."

With a shrug Misato pointed at it, "Yes but with this you can whip it out, out of uniform and not get fingered as SA. Plus it isn't all that bigger."

"Ah, I suppose in civilian dress that might be an important consideration." Junko handed it back. "Well, like I said, I trust your judgment. If you think this one does the best job of meeting the specifications, I'll consider myself content."

"Well you going to try it out?" She pointed at a sign in the back of the shop that lead to the range. "Why don't you go and try it out, i got to get some ammo and a few other things." She grinned as she started looking at the racks of ammo available.

With a shrug, Junko kept the handgun and walked out the back to the range. Under the supervision of another shopkeeper she hung up a target and, once she had donned the slightly superfluous eye-protection, raised the weapon up to the ready. The trigger pull was steady up to the break and she easily kept the barrel on target as the first plasma packet went screaming downrange. It was easy to track the packet's progress - it was just this side of eye-searing - and it's impact on the target. Judging from the energy dissipation it certainly seemed to have the punch her companion was looking for. A few more follow up shots convinced her of its ease of use and relative comfort in her hands. Putting the safety back on, she thanked the attendant and went to retrieve her target.

Misato was standing there for a moment watching the last few shots. her purchase stacked on the counter out front. "You shoot funny... Here put the target back up there and come her I'll show you." She wasn't demanding it was more of advising. The Heisho helped her out turnabout is fair play.

Junko turned in surprise toward Suzume; she hadn't noticed her junior enter the range. At the same time a frown once again formed on her face. She knew that most of her personal combat experience, limited though it was, had been while armored in a Mindy but she had never noted nor been informed of any particular flaw in her abilities before. She left the target in place and grudgingly returned to the firing line.

"Well, Nito Heisho, go ahead and correct me."

"Well stand and asdress yourself to the target." Misato walked over up behind the Itto Heisho."Your stance is off, you are shotting like you are in a PA." She used her foot to kick out Junko's stance a bit befor reaching around and adjusting her grip a little. "Loosen up a bit, tensing up you'll miss quite often."

Unaccustomed to being manhandled in any context, Junko tried to let herself relax and keep the pose she had been placed in. The Nito Heisho was only trying to help, she supposed. "How is this?" she asked, trying not to sound too grumpy.

"Good good," Misato said softly next to Junko's head as she reached forward and helped guide the arms to a slightly bent position. "Remember your shooting not lifting weights." She smiled as she watched the gun get aligned. "the just breath out and squeeze the trigger."

Relaxation was thoroughly impossible; Junko stiffened without any conscious thought at the other neko's proximity. She managed, somehow, to keep the gun from twitching in her hands but despite her previous test of the trigger ended up pulling her first shot high.

"This is working well," she said through gritted teeth.

Sighing Misato reached again holding Junko's hands and helping them back on target. "Like a lover, I have been told, you keep holding it like it is a NMX parasite. Bors always muttered like a lover." She lend in closer trying to keep Junko on target.

Between the physical contact and the words Junko added a deep blush to her clenched jaw. What exactly exactly the exhortation meant, she had neither the experience nor the desire to learn. Instead, she tried to keep her aim steady and get this over as quickly as possible.

Feeling how tense Junko really was Misato did the only thing she could think of. She turned her head and whispered "Fire," right be for planting a kiss on the Heisho's cheek.

It was altogether a good thing that the GP-16 was only semi-automatic. Where the first shot when, Junko had no idea, but her finger kept the trigger depressed as the gun kept tracking way off target. Her eyes were wide as she shrank, contracting her stance as her blush deepened. Managed to relax her death grip on the pistol grip and trigger, she stood there blinking and with absolutely no clue how to react.

"No no no.. Relax not tense." Misato sighed before giving up as a lost cause. "If you can't relax here what's going to happen if a Ripper or a angry jealous wife comes after you." She had spent WAY to much time around Bors.

"Right, well, thank you." Junko was still too stunned to fully react. She only knew she was supremely uncomfortable and completely out of her depth. "I think that's enough for the moment."

"Well just grab enough range time over our R&R so you can fire it if something happens." She went back to the front and payed for the gun, a holster for it and 10 cases of rounds for the new guns she had gotten a few week before.

"Don't want to have to fire into a group of people and try to hit only one..." She forced a smile on her face as she talked. Internally she was sure that she wasn't going to hang around much longer. Everyone was trying to keep a distance from her now.

Junko followed Suzume out to the front quietly. Her blush remained but her frown did not; she was too taken aback to be angry. Indeed, she was largely numb. She supposed, still, that Suzume had only been trying to help her, but the physicality of it was not something she was equipped to handle.

"Thank you," she managed finally.

Misato just nodded as she gathered her belongings and made sure Junko had her new pistol and holster for it. "That should do you." Her voice was stiff and professional like Junko's was the first day they met, in the wardroom.

"I think maybe I should head off, I have a few things I need to take care of before dinner." She never quite looked at the Engineer as she worked her way out the front of the store.

Suzume's attitude snapped Junko out of her confusion. She took in a deep breath of air, letting go of her shock, and turned to squarely face her junior. Suzume's emotions had seemed to be all over the map since they'd met up at the hotel and Junko had been taken on a ride with them. But she it wasn't anger or upset that turned her attention toward her companion now, but rather concern. Of course, this being Junko, concern for her shipmates welfare didn't necessarily entail that a little temper couldn't come along with it.

"All right, Nito Heisho. I've had enough of dodging around this. What is the matter?"

Misato started to turn and walk off ignoring her superior before stopping mid-stride before the door. "Nothing at all... Nothing that will affect me doing my duty." She dang near spit the words out. She reached out to push the door open, to make her escape.

"Lock it up, Heisho!" Junko barked. Her eyes were blazing and locked on to the back of Suzume's head. "I'm not buying it." She pushed past her junior through the door. Outside, she stopped and turned about, falling into a sort of half parade rest with one hand point at the ground in front of her as she waited.

Train kicked in and Misato found herself standing at attention before the Heisho. though her mouth got going before her brain could shut it down. "Not your place to buy it, is it." She knew it was far from what was the right answer at the moment. She eyed Junko and started wondering if she could just walk off with out too much trouble.

"Oh?" Junko fought to keep her temper down; they were in public, so she wasn't yelling, but only because she was controlling the impulse. "Would you prefer, then, to bring this to the Shosho? Is it her place to buy it? At what point do you respect your superiors?"

"How about you Ma'am... You want to tell me about your last relationship? Or last time you were out of uniform. I respect my Superiors quite a bit. Yourself included. But am i to report to you everything happening in my non-uniformed life?" Misato stood there expecting to be hit or something. At least it would be quick and she could get on to her day of drinking and hiding.

"I am not asking you for details," Junko said with exaggerated patience. "I do not want to know the nitty gritty nuts and bolts of what you do on your own time. But you have been insisting to me that nothing is wrong. That everything is handled. That your duty wont be affected. How, exactly, am I supposed to believe that? Apparently, your emotions are in sufficient turmoil so as to preclude you from behaving politely, or even consistently, even in a context as low pressure as this. But I'm just supposed to take your word that when the pressure is on, when it really counts, that none of this will have an effect?"

She paused for a moment, drawing another deep brief. "Believe me, Nito Heisho, I would much rather leave you to handle your problems on your own. But when you refuse to even admit that there is a problem to be solved in the first place, it's rather difficult to relax in idle confidence that everything will be sorted out."

"Cause put a gun in my hand and a target before me, nothing else matters." She answered, as if that was all that mattered. "I was a grunt. Grunts are meant for fighting and dieing. Now I'm not, but I'm still a fighter, I'll lead who ever into the fires and bring them back. If the orders are to do it naked with nothing but a dinner spoon then so be it." She stood there feeling like she clearly defined herself.

"That is not your job anymore, Heisho," Junko snapped, her eyes icy. "You no longer have the luxury of blindly following orders, of charging off into the fight. Can you still die? Yes. But your duty now is to decide who else has to die. It's your duty to take your orders and make sure the objective is accomplished. If that means you have to sit back in relative safety and send your friends in to die, then so be it. You know well enough that with some of the missions we take on, failure is not an option. The mission must come first."

Behind her back she relaxed her hands, trying to ease the tone if possible. "It's one thing to bottle up your emotions and charge into a fight. It's quite another to try to ignore them while making the tough calls, to hazard not just yourself but others. That's what makes people like the Shosho special. It's not that she's a princess or has a planet or is famous. It's that she can stare into the bleakest possible conditions and issue the orders that need to be made. I'm not asking you to be on her level; I'm not on her level. But it's your job now to try as hard as you can, and that means you can't let anything stand unattended to that might compromise you."

"So it is." She replied simply. "But I don't see how my ended relationship with Mitsuko has anything to do with that." Suzume really didn't realize that she said it even afterwards. "Quite frankly I think I have failed if I have to send others to die. It is my job to be there in front of them making sure they are well led. Not from some comfy seat on ship." She really pointed that last statement at Junko like a saber.

Torn between fury and pity, Junko could only shake her head. "You just don't get it, do you? Do you really think leadership is heading up some death charge? Do you really think the Shosho isn't being a leader when she's sitting on the bridge, taking us into a fight?"

She sighed, still shaking her head. The revelation that Suzume had broken things off with Mitsuko was surprising, and illuminating. Despite not having any experience with such things herself, Junko could well understand how that might be upsetting. But they'd moved on from that discussion now, and it was no excuse for what she'd just heard.

"Of course we want to protect our shipmates, our fellow soldiers. But that is not the job of the Star Army. We are sworn to protect the Empress and all of Yamatai. What happens if your oversight is needed at a command post but you have to send soldiers out to engage the enemy even knowing that they will die? Will you charge out and fight anyways? Will you compromise the entire mission because of your stupid pride? We're in the business of spending lives in the most efficient manner possible. If you've spent any life, including your own, in any way less than that, then you're a failure as a leader."

"then the three of us PA monkeys are screwed." She answered bluntly, there was really only three grunt aboard. "And I never said anything like that about the Shosho, It's her place. Like mine is in the dirt with a rifle. She needs to lead the ship up there and keep an eye on us on the ground. I'm lucky I'm still a mud slogger, yes with a fancy patch."

Misato stood there looking at the Heisho. "As for the command post, yeah I would stay. But sure as hell if a single member of my team is hurt I will bring every amount of fury available down on the enemy. I get I'm going to have to watch my ship mates die. Trust me i know more the most the current crew. Just look at my record." She stood straight and swallowed., "I may have pride, but my pride is in who I serve with not for my self. I have been a failure since my first mission, but my fellow mates have kept me going."

"Oh, so the crack about comfy seats was just meant to disrespect me, then?" Junko's eyes blazed for a moment before she waved the point away. "The problem is when there is nothing available. When there is no fury to bring down, no reinforcements, no time to make a rescue attempt. Pride is fine; caring about your friends and shipmates is fine. But if it gets in the way of your duty, you have a problem. If your emotions, your personal problems get in the way, you have a problem. Are you telling me that right now, you are perfectly equipped to make those calls? That you could look Murakami-Hei in the eyes and order her out to die? That you could make the hard call between saving her and somebody else, without any of this affecting your decision?"

"Yes." it was cold, it was short, it was spit out. She really fought the urge to slug her. 'how dare she ask that.' "She'll just get back to the ship sooner." Misato's stomach revolted against her and she started feeling like she was going to throw up. Every part of her was tired of the rank and the bull it brought.

"Everyone is expendable. I learned that my first day when I saw a fellow neko die in training." She looked over at the street then back at the Heisho. "So what do you want. Me to break down and cry for you? Hell, guess I do have a bit of pride, because I'll slit my throat before that will happen."

Junko gave a snort of derision at the melodramatic response. "No, Nito Heisho. I don't need you to make me your confidant. What I want is for you to be honest about your condition. If what you just said is true, then fine. Excellent. But if so, you need to get your head on straight, because you are not acting like a person who has got her personal emotions squared away. And if not, then admit you have a problem and go take care of it. I don't care what form that takes, but it certainly shouldn't involve running away. I'm not blind; I saw your reaction after the promotion ceremony."

"And per-say were they? Me trying to speak to the Taii? Wanting to catch him before he left for leave? Or the fact I was trying to come up with something nice to do for... for her?" Misato's expression took on one of mild aggression, "Or the fact I had to come back before I really got a chance to do any of that, cause some one I care about, and apparently in charge of now, went and did something childish and stupid. Something I couldn't argree with either professionally or personally."

Suzume gritted her teeth waiting for Junko to tear in to her for something Misato did to offend her after the ceremony.

The younger neko, for all of her protestations about not wanting to reveal the details of her personal life, seemed to be laying everything out in the open for Junko.

"I'm not talking about physically running away, Nito Heisho," she said, her voice almost gentle now. "You could not possibly have spoken more than a few words to Murakami-Hei after the ceremony, and there wasn't a great deal of time between when you and the Taii took her up to the Wardroom and when we met in the hotel, so you couldn't have spoken to her much more since then. It is entirely your choice about who you have a relationship with and when you call it off. But breaking things off abruptly, barely having any time to actually talk things out afterwards, and then insisting, insisting that there are no problems at all while still behaving erratically sounds an awful lot like running away to me."

"She is wrong, and i can't be around someone that can do something like what she did. It's sickening." She frowned. "And not talking to her right after the ceromony... i was afraid. I needed to know if I could stay with her, hence going to talk to the Taii. Funny how things solve themselves." she chuckle darkly. "I guess I don't have to worry about taking to him now."

"Like I said, there's nothing wrong with you deciding to end things, whatever the reason. Nor is there a problem with talking with the Taii, or not talking to Murakami-Hei," said Junko. "But there is also nothing wrong with admitting that it is affecting you. Of acknowledging that, even if you will be fine later, you're not right now. It can take time to wrap your head around some of these things that impact us emotionally."

She smiled bitterly. For her own part, she had only recently become conscious of the dysfunction that had plagued her for years, and of how she was growing and changing from that twisted, unhappy girl.

Misato nodded then shrugged. "Well it's all really doesn't matter does it. I'm just a machine designed to fight and now upgraded to lead." Her whole posture changed to one that was very stiff, as if hydraulics and wires just corrected to a proper stance. "This thing affect me because I failed to understand that a few years ago. Now as things are, it is very clear. there for it'll be easier to keep them from affecting me."

Junko almost laughed, but held it back; she rather doubted that Suzume would appreciate it. Still, the similarity to the driving concept behind her years of dysfunction was almost too much for her to handle given the context.

"Misato-Heisho, if we weren't meant to have emotions or to feel a purpose beyond just fighting, we wouldn't be able to. Period. That ability simply wouldn't have been included in the design. But we can feel those things. We're not one of the old NIWS models. If you try to deny emotions, try to convince yourself there's nothing more to your existence you'll only be doing yourself a disservice. Believe, me. I know." She didn't elaborate further but rather stared intently into Suzume's eyes, willing her to understand.

"By Your Command." She stood there trying to fathom why the Heisho would give a damn, let alone the three or four involved here. Misato was sure she would do her job and duty, just like she had all this time till now. just because she didn't realize she needed to stay hardened towards the ones around her, didn't mean she couldn't learn and apply it now.

Closing her eyes for a moment, Junko sighed. Some things could only be realized on one's own, but she devotedly hoped Suzume would get there faster than she did. For the moment, though, there really wasn't much else she could do. Though tempting, ordering the junior NCO to acknowledge her emotions probably wouldn't work.

"In any event, you either need to acknowledge that you've got some things to straighten out and get to solving them, or, if you're actually fine, you need to act like it. We may be on leave, but that doesn't excuse us from maintaining our bearing as soldiers in the Star Army. As NCOs, we have to set the example, particularly when we're around the whole crew at the party later. We've got a little more time until then for you to get squared away. Can you handle it?"

Misato though about the case of bottles she had in one of the saddle bags of that hoverbike she rented. "Oh Aye... I can."

Junko nodded. She still cherished her doubts and concerns, but those could be left alone for the time being. "Very well. I do, in fact, trust you, Nito Heisho. If you tell me point blank that you've got this handled, I'll take you at your word. But just as friendly, personal advice, please be honest with yourself at least. It's not good to put up a pretense with other people, but its even worse to deny it to yourself. I've said it before, but you have the makings of an excellent NCO. My concern truly is just that you don't let anything sabotage your future."

"I will be ready to handle dinner. As for after that I think... well I'm pretty sure at this moment I'm going to put in a transfer to a combat unit tasked with cleaning up some of the NMX worlds. The Eucharis seems more set for discovery and exploration." She frowned not even all that sure sounding with that plan.

Frowning, Junko shrugged. "Requesting a transfer is, of course, your prerogative. The Eucharis is one of the most prestigious billets in the whole Fleet, and I think you could do even more great things if you stay, but that is your choice. Still, there's plenty of time to think things over during leave."

'Or not...' Misato knew she could keep herself so blitzed that she wouldn't remember a single second of leave. Waking up in her bunk... 'Well I need to find somewhere else now.' would be the next real thing she would remember. "Pleanty of time." She even smiled and nodded.

"Well," Junko said, still a little unsure of Suzume's intentions, "shall we get going? I, surprisingly, enjoyed this, or at least most of it." She grinned dryly. "But unless you have anywhere else you need to go, it might be best to get back to the hotel."

"Well I'm glad..." Misato figured it was the yelling Junko like the most the rest was something barely tolerant. "I need to figure out what I'm doing after the dinner. I'm sure my room was a shared one..." She frowned a bit but picked up her bags and gestured towards the taxi.

Hefting her own bags, Junko began walking towards the taxi as well. "We're very important guests. I'm sure the hotel staff will accommodate you if there does happen to be a problem."

"There is also a random spot on the beach where one can kip out between benders and travel. I might even try to get to one of the islands out there." Misato followed Junko off towards the Taxi to the hotel. "Then again I might just go and stay aboard the ship for the time. It'll be quiet."

"I'm not sure if that's allowed," said Junko with a frown. "If its in the hands of the yard technicians, we may not be able to get on board. I'm sure there will be plenty of quiet spots you can find elsewhere."

"There might be." Misato tossed her bags in the back of the Taxi, and thanked the driver for his help. "But I guess I better get through dinner with out any problems first. Maybe still end up in a brig." She said vary sarcastically, but knew if she showed up drunk it might be a possibly. "It might be quiet there."

"It just might be." Grinning, Junko slid over to her seat.
 
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Hotel Room

Izokia thought for a minute, she didn't really have any better ideas, " It would be best to to start with some new clothes before we try to find anybody else from the crew." She took a deep breath and moved to leave the hotel room.

Shopping District

The medic didn't enjoy the crowds at the local shopping district but she did her best to contain her anxiety over such a public place. "There's so many stores, I'll let you pick" She hid behind Ayumi waiting for the other medic to lead them on.
 
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