RP: Hinomaru Sunrises II A "New" Life

"We often find ourselves reflecting on the paths we've chosen, contemplating the subtle yet pivotal moments that shaped our journey. We look back, considering how life might have unfolded had we taken a different turn, and wonder what stories could have been written if we had chosen the road not taken."​

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Kumo no Kagayaki Station​

PAINT Terminal, Jiyuu System
Sytari looked around the docking terminal as she stepped off the Starchaser III Ferry, it was the second transit ship she had taken that day; first the PAINT from Akina to Yamatai, and now this one. She was still getting used to things in more than one way, She spotted the Department of Immigration desk and walked toward it. She poked around in the pouch on the belt of her bodysuit, that she had just bought on Vespa before she boarded the transport to Akina a week before. It wasn't a Cholegam Combat Suit, but rather a step down from that - more fitting, more aesthetic, and she loved how it hugged her form. It reminded her of a uniform she had once worn. She briefly paused to straighten her short teal-colored hair. Success. She pulled the refugee card out of the pouch and smiled at the agent at the desk.

"Ohayō Gozaimasu," she said and waited for the agent to run her card.

The green-haired Minkan agent smiled back, accepted the card, and ran it through the system. "Port of entry?" she enquired, to verify what they had on record.

"Tsenlan, " Sytari answered, then added, "Akina System."

"What brings you to Jiyuu?" the agent asked, although a valid question she was mainly just curious about what had brought Norian to Jiyuu.

Sytari answered her voice optimistic, "Job offer actually, I believe someone from the Yugumo Worker's Federation has been arranged to meet with me...Motoyoshi-Igarashi Yuka, I believe is her name, if you need to verify."

It was obvious that the Norian had been through a couple of other formalities, not surprising considering the number of refugees coming through "That is alright, thank you for checking in. You can go through now, and welcome to Jiyuu, Sytari Eitan.

Sytari took her card back and put it back into her pouch as she passed through the checkpoint. She followed KAIMON's directions to baggage claim picked up her duffle bag and backpack and headed into the station. She paused briefly and looked around the concourse. It was quite the place, a real marvel. She headed toward the Stellarastra Lux Celestial Hotel, which was easy to find, she dropped her luggage onto one of the carts and said to the lady at the desk, "Reservation for Sytari Eitan," she was already captivated with the decor of the place, as the attendant looked at her for a moment, then back at the reservation, then back at her. Sytari noticed and said, "I hope you have not lost my reservation."

The attendant said after she cleared her throat, "No, Ketsurui-Motoyoshi Katsuko has given us your reservation for one of the penthouse suites. Would you like to go up now, or do you have other business on the station?"

Sytari said, "If it is alright, please just have my luggage brought up. I have a lunch reservation with Motoyoshi-Igarashi Yuka, I believe at Takeda House. You wouldn't happen to know where that is? I haven't been here before." She waited until the attendant answered and pointed, "Yeah, just go down that corridor there, you won't miss it." Sytari bowed a little in her stance and said, "Arigatou gozaimasu."

She followed the directions she had been given, and the smell of the delicious cooking drifted through the air from the restaurant. She was hungry, having only grabbed a small snack on the ferry, which hardly hit the spot. She looked at the extremely fancy decor of the welcome area and hostess desk and grinned to herself. "Uh huh..." her eyes big as she explored the fine details of the establishment.

"Second chances are rare, especially where the forgiveness is sincere.."​

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Kumo no Kagayaki Station​

Stellarastra Lux Celestial Hotel - Takeda House

Perhaps she should have went up to the room to change, but excitement and anticipation had brought her this far - she may as well take that wind all the way. As expected, they were looking at her strangely, as her attire got the reaction she had expected. She stepped up to the hostess station, and said, "Ohayō Gozaimasu, I have a meeting here with Motoyoshi-Igarashi Yuka. There should be a reservation." The black points of her ears twitched as she listened to the sounds that came from within the establishment; glasses clinking, conversations spilling over ~ It all just made her want to get on with this.

The Hostess nodded, it made sense to her now, "Follow me, Ms. Eitan." Sytari instinctively removed just the boots of her bodysuit, and placed them on the mat near the door. The place was something out of a dream, it was opulent and elegant; it had that clean Yamataian style to it that was just a breath of fresh air. She followed the hostess to another area of the restaurant. The mon of the Motoyoshi Clan decorated the byōbu-style screens that divided it from the rest of the establishment. The hostess stepped to the side and motioned up the two step elevation to what awaited her within.

Sytari continued past the screens and turned the corner. the Motoyoshi keibi at the door didn't bother her in fact she nodded to him as she passed. Yuka was already seated on the opposite side of a zashiki-style table, with comfortable pillows. The small divided off area was elegantly painted with minimalist, yet attractive natural-looking decor. Orchids scrolled the wall behind Yuka. Sytari stopped and bowed deeply to Yuka, then sat in seiza-position on the nearest side of the table.

It had been a while since Yuka had done much in terms of interviews, being semi-retired now since Arisu took over. Arisu however was away in the Kosuke Sector, so she had offered to fill in. "How was your flight? I hope you don't mind, my daughter and perhaps another associate may join us at their convivence. Things are busy as you might be able to imagine." Yuka looked the Norian in front of her over, and smiled politely.

"It was alright, comfortable. At least from Tsenlan to here." Sytari said as waitress brought a bottle of expensive Keomi Grape Wine from Ainu Orchards on Jiyuu. She opened the bottle for them, and set the glasses down. She poured a small amount to taste to Yuka and she nodded to have her pour them both a glass. She was rather quick, the service in these rooms generally was a little different ~ silent and efficient without compromising the establishment. Sytari watched as Yuka reached for her glass and took a sip, then she followed suit.

Yuka eased slightly in her posture as she spoke, "I'm glad that at least part of the trip was comfortable. A lot of refugees coming to Yamatai to flee the devastation, we figured it would be busy, so we arranged you the best possible accommodations here on the station, until you depart for the Sharie System." She reached down beside her and pulled out a large black pouch, with the Yugumo Corporation logo on it and then sat it onto the table. "I know you've already discussed what you will be doing with Katsuko, until your paperwork with immigration is finalized. I have some things here, and more waits up in your arranged room; some uniforms and other things." She wanted to get the business part of this done, so that they could both enjoy lunch when it started.

She opened the pouch, and pulled out a KS card with the Motoyoshi mon on it and slid it across the table, "Your access to the arranged accounts. Try not to be too ridiculous with your spending; though we are well aware that you pretty much need...everything." Yuka then pulled a Yugumo Corporation ID card. Checked it for accuracy and did as she had done with the KS card. "Your Merchant Spacy ID is built into it, so it will work for that and for the corporation access itself. KAIMON should have your SQUID information and connection to your symbiote shortly. "

Sytari looked at the KS card, then set down. She then picked up the ID and read it over 'Sytari Eitan, Senchō. Access level [7]' She watched as Yuka pulled the holstered purple and black E2 energy pistol and also slid it across the table, along with four magazines. "Your access level should get you anything more you need from the armories." She then gave the pouch over. As she did, a KAIMON Companion zipped over her shoulder, and moved toward Sytari. "Your Companion, KAIMON will help you learn how to use it, it is a very effective tool. It can volumetrically present itself in any form that you like. " the drone stopped in front of Sytari, preformed a scan and then activated its imaging system. It transformed into a large electric-blue and black butterfly and settled on her shoulder.

"The companion also has a bunch of paperwork you will need to go over, information for the dockmaster and a few other formalities that will get logged away and likely never seen again," Yuka said as she looked across at Sytari, before taking another sip of her wine. She looked at her with intensity, almost as if she was trying to figure something out. "Oh, almost forgot. She reached behind her and set the purple and gold katana onto the floor next to the table, A gift, from Katsuko." Sytari glanced down briefly and read the inscription on the sheath of the blade. 'You've went left, and now you can go right.' she inwardly smiled.

"Arigatou gozaimasu." Sytari said, "I appreciate all the trouble you've all went to, to arrange all of this for me. I truly mean that from the core of my hearts."

Yuka nodded and signaled that they could begin to prepare the courses of the meal to come, she also put in a tentative order should the others join them. "Would you mind some unsolicited advice?" she asked in a much more casual tone than she had previously spoken.

"Alright?" Sytari said.

Yuka looked the young Norian in the eyes and said, "Don't expect miracles, don't expect anything to be easy even the things you wish for. Be grateful, and for the sake of everyone. Don't let this opportunity be wasted. There is an expectation of you to be the model employee. Do your work, do it well and maybe, just maybe those things you want so badly will open up to you." Yuka's gaze didn't faulter, "It has been a hard couple of years for all of us. Some more than others. So when you feel that urge to bite back, remember our discussion here today. Show patience and dignity." It was obvious that she was dead serious.

Sytari closed her eyes for a moment, just to escape the intensity of the stare. For some reason every word of what was just said put a knot in her stomach. She opened her eyes and stared right back into Yuka's, "I understand and will do everything possible to excel, and patience may sometimes be hard for me but I certainly understand I need to earn my way toward my goals." She did mean every word of it, even if the speech had rattled her right to the core.

Kumo no Kagayaki Station​

Command Deck

As the formidable group, comprising the primary vessel and its twelve automated super freighters, materialized on the sensors of Cloudport Station, a communication was promptly relayed to Nitō-kōkaishi Nakajima Chō. "Cloudport, this is YXX-Chouka, Prototype. Escorting Shipment Nine-Forty-Four from the Sharie System, we are here and in one piece," announced the ship’s commander. Chō momentarily scrutinized the incoming vessels, meticulously verified the manifests, and responded, "Chouka, you are clear to dock at outer airlock four-alpha. Good to hear you made it intact. The higher-ups would certainly not be pleased if anything happened to the new Tanya-Class configuration prototype destined for the Star Army."

Chō then alerted Yuka about the ship's arrival, adding, "Not a scratch on her. It’s a pity I won’t be piloting her on the return voyage. These new engines and systems operate remarkably smoothly." With that, the communication ceased, and the prototype seamlessly maneuvered into position at the extremity of one of the station’s docking arms.

The ship bore the distinctive silhouette of a Tanya-class vessel, yet it was uniquely equipped with formidable aether turrets along its hull and an imposing aether shock cannon dominating the forward bow. For testing purposes, its hull was temporarily adorned in the Yugumo-version camouflage, but it proudly displayed both the Star Army Hinomaru and the Corporation Symbol. An emblematic image of a butterfly perched on a flower ~ reflective of the ship's namesake ~ added a personal touch. While it awaited further trials and a new Shipmaster, it sported this temporary livery, but upon completion of its evaluations, it was expected to be repainted in the standard Star Army colors and assigned to the Fifth Expeditionary Fleet.

Takeda House​

Sytari delicately sipped her wine just as the waitress served the first course of their meal. Yuka was presented with Oysters garnished with Sichuan Pepper Sorbet, while Sytari received a bowl of exquisitely cut fruits imported from the United Norian Imperium. With a polite smile, Sytari expressed silent gratitude; this meal would be a delight she could enjoy without the usual post-meal enzyme supplements. She deftly picked up her chopsticks and sampled a piece of the fruit. "This is so fresh, such a fancy place though. Sure beats refugee rations," she remarked with genuine appreciation.

After Yuka savored her first oyster, she turned to Sytari with a proposal. "Your ship just docked from the Kosuke Sector. After lunch, I’ll give you a full tour. It transported goods from the Kosuke Sector to the station for initial testing. I think it’s exactly within your area of expertise, and seeing it might be useful, especially if you’re considering joining the Star Army after your contract with us concludes," Yuka explained, polishing off the remainder of her oysters with a satisfied nod.

"I look forward to the challenge," Sytari responded, enjoying a few more pieces of her fruit. "I’ve heard about the SMX activity in the Kosuke Sector. It certainly doesn’t hurt to have a heavily armed ship to protect the cargo shipments," she added thoughtfully. Finishing her fruit, Sytari eagerly anticipated the next course, their conversation flowing as effortlessly as the meal itself.

Takeda House

Itazura was quite delighted for this special meal with her aunt. Hopefully Yuka would not be terribly upset that she was running a tad bit late. She approached the hostess with a smile on her face, removing her shoes and placing them on a mat near the door, "Ohayō Gozaimasu, I am here for a reservation under Motoyoshi-Igarashi Yuka." Her vibrant violet hues looked around to see if she could spot any one that struck as interesting. The hostess found the reservation, "Follow me, Ms. Motoyoshi." Itazura nodded, then followed the hostess to another area of the restaurant

As the hostess stepped aside Itazura gracefully walked up the two step elevation. She continued past the screens, turning a corner to see a Motoyoshi keibi. With a mischievous glint in her eye she nodded towards him. He was particularly attractive, perhaps she'd find him later to ask him a few innocent questions. When she crossed through the door to see her aunt seated at a zashiki-style table she was intrigued by her aunt's guest. Well it was not really a guest, her aunt was doing an interview.

Stopping near the table Itazura bowed deeply to her aunt Yuka, then a shallower bow towards her aunt's guest. She then slipped into a spot next to her aunt and sat in seiza-position. It seemed she had popped in right at the tail end of something, so she took a well timed sip of wine that had been ordered for her and remained silent until such time as it was her turn to speak. She did not want to interject at an inappropriate time and set things off kilter for whatever she had just nearly missed.

Takeda House

Yue smiled as she walked the bustling corridors of Cloudport, the grand station alive with the hum of activity. The sleek, modern architecture of the station contrasted with the warm glow of lanterns strung along the promenade, giving the place a unique blend of the futuristic and the traditional. She made her way towards Takeda House, one of the most celebrated brands under Yugumo Corporation’s umbrella. Known for its exquisite cuisine and serene ambiance, it was a favorite spot for those seeking comfort away from home. Yue's steps were light, her excitement palpable, but she wasn’t alone. In her arms was an adorable bundle of cuteness—her infant daughter, Yuna.

The blue-skinned girl with striking red hair glanced down at her baby, her smile widening as Yuna gurgled happily. Yue’s tail swayed behind her, the tip playfully shaking a small rattle toy to keep the little one entertained. Yuna’s tiny hands reached for the toy, her giggles a sweet melody amidst the ambient noise of the station. Passersby couldn’t help but steal a glance, some smiling warmly at the mother and child.

This trip was special, one Yue had been eagerly anticipating. It wasn’t just about the destination but the occasion—a chance to introduce her mother, Motoyoshi-Igarashi Yuka, to her granddaughter. It was a milestone moment for their family and an opportunity for Yue to reconnect with her roots while perhaps meeting new faces along the way.
As she approached the entrance to Takeda House, the gentle aroma of freshly brewed tea and sizzling dishes greeted her, immediately putting her at ease. The restaurant’s traditional aesthetic stood out—a wooden façade adorned with intricate carvings and a noren curtain swaying in the station’s artificial breeze. It was a slice of home in the heart of a modern metropolis.

Stepping inside, Yue was greeted by the soft murmur of conversation and the calming notes of a koto playing in the background. She adjusted Yuna in her arms, her maternal instincts ensuring the little one was comfortable before she addressed the waitress at the reception desk. “Ohayō Gozaimasu,” Yue said warmly, bowing slightly out of respect. “I’m here for a reservation under Motoyoshi-Igarashi Yuka.” Her tone was polite but carried a note of excitement as she shifted Yuna’s weight, holding her a little closer.
The waitress smiled, her professional demeanor softened by the sight of Yuna, who cooed curiously at the new face. “Welcome, Motoyoshi-sama. Right this way,” she said, leading yue and her daughter.

Yue followed, her heart fluttering with anticipation. She couldn’t wait to see her mother’s reaction to meeting Yuna and to savor the moment that would surely become a cherished family memory. Yue smiled “Konichiwa, mom, cousin, and new friend” Yue said as she took her seat beside her mother.

Sytari observed the entrance of the two women, her posture straightening as they approached the table. With a graceful rise, she executed a shallow bow before settling back into her seat, her eyes shifting to Yuka, waiting for the introductions.

Yuka, remaining seated, extended a hand towards Itazura with a warm smile, "This is Itazura, one of Akina and Katsuko's daughters." She then gestured to the other woman, her pride unmistakable, "And this is my daughter, Yue." She looked fondly at the two before turning her attention to Sytari. "Ladies, this is Sytari Eitan. She will be the Shipmaster of the Chouka until we transition it to the Star Army's command."

As the introductions unfolded, the waitress, already briefed on the party's composition, discreetly approached with the next course. She served egg drop soup adorned with delicate strands of spider crab to the Yamataians and presented Sytari with a dish tailored to Norian preferences: buckwheat noodles submerged in a rich soy-ginger broth, topped with lions mane mushrooms. The attentive service underscored the restaurant's preparedness and commitment to accommodating diverse culinary needs like those of the Norians.

"A pleasure to meet you both," Sytari said as the waitress rushed back out of the private area.