Yoshi
Inactive Member
Captain's Readyroom
Chusa Kuroiairisu Saeko, had just arrived to her new ready room, Her officer hat was tossed on to a spare chair. She had stood there for a few minutes letting her black eyes scan the room and study it. The room was pretty bare, though it fit since she hadn't had a chance to break out her personal possessions and make it truly hers. With a sigh she settled behind the desk and started bring up screens and setting personal preferences for the displays and images.
Jei turned a corner towards his new CO's ready room. He seemed slightly nervous but tried not to show anything as it never looked good. He seemingly had a feeling what would be asked at the interview, and had prepared for such. As starship operator, he would have to be very strong-armed on tactics to make sure the ship being flown or shooting would survive the conflict.
Jei stopped at the foot of the closed door and looked towards the small console near the door side and slowly lifted his hand to ring the chime for entry.
The chime sounded out into the ready room, Saeko's eyes shifted form her screens to the door, not that anyone could tell. "Come in." she called out before settling herself back into her chair.
Jei sighed slightly before opening the door, he stepped inside the threshold and stood a good distance from her, "Santo-Hei Jei Hakuna reporting for duty, Ma'am." His voice was steady and cool, but maybe the slightest unsure at the same time. He stood at attention and saluted her.
She coal black orbs she called eyes studied him and measured the salute. "I guess that will do, please come in and have a seat Hei Jei. Your surname is Jei, right?" She mentally opened a new screen with his jacket on it. She let her eyes drift over to skim it over, though her head never moved.
Jei walked over to a seat and sat down at attention, he spoke again with his soft monotone, "Hakuna is my Surname Ma'am." He looked dead into her eyes, he needed to not screw this up.
"I stand corrected, and apologize Hei Hakuna." She let a smile grow onto her face as she finished the jacket and looked back at him. She had to fight a snicker that the poor Hei was attempting to drill holes in the back of her skull with his eyes. "So this is your first posting. What ships did you physically fly in training?"
A smile grew on his face before he spoke, "Most capital ships in commission I can fly and act as weapons officer, both in simulators and live. But this class was by far my favorite." He relaxed ever so slightly but tried to maintain his formality. He looked slightly around the room with small eye movements and tried desperately to maintain in control of himself.
"Sims are all well and good, but what ship's have you had real hand's on time with?"
"Mostly large gunships and a few of the Super Eikan class ma'am, almost got to train on a Sharie class." He remembered slightly which unit it was but the name fell from his mind.
"I see, And you feel like the Star Army can trust you with this ship and it's crew?" She raised an eyebrow and waited for his answer.
Jei spoke slightly more attentive "Yes ma'am I believe so."
"You believe that you are?" She shook her head for a moment thinking, "I'm not sure that is enough."
"Jei had a feeling that she might say that, He cleared his throat and spoke again. "Ma'am throughout my training I have been drilled and drilled on discipline through fire and combat. I have been trained to put starships through their strong and weak points to achieve victory. I graduated from training and am reporting not to put the Soyokaze in distress and destruction, but to act as it's guide through baptism of fire. I believe I am capable to have everyone aboard and you to trust me with their lives and their ship, ma'am."
"Well that is a far better answer, but I have I have to inform you that her baptism of fire happened already, she is in the docks because of it. the previous commander had already taken her through her battle paces." she frowned thinking back and the repair list she received. the ship was going to be stuck here for the next few days getting a few vital parts replace or repaired.
Jei grinned, "Looks like I missed the fun part ma'am, she looked a bit banged up from station-side." He looked around this time with his head examining the ready room.
"I fear we both did. So now why did you request the Soyokaze?" She shifted forward placing her elbows on the desk and folding her hands so she could rest her chin on them.
"Personally, I like the ship style, along with feeling that a gunship may be too small and a battleship too large for some combat maneuvers." Jei seemed to relax from his attentive death glare to his more relaxed state.
"So you just here because of the type of ship." She nodded seeing the truth of the statement. "Tell me about yourself out side the uniform."
Jei leaned back in his chair, "I'm your run of the mill Yamataian Hei, new to the uniform, but trained to fit it. Outside I am rather relaxed and cool headed. Drink ever so often, but never drunk. Regular one of the bunch."
"So you don't have hobbies or friends? You sound like a Neko fresh from the tubes..." The Chusa frowned hoping to get to now someone she would be working with quite a bit on the bridge.
"Well, if you want to know it all, I fiddled with a few musings in singing, but never hit it off. Have a few friends off in the Army somewhere. Had a girl once, but she ended splitting for a fighter pilot. SO I basically am on my own at the moment." He leaned back and relaxed into the chair. "I try to get a little workout in everyday. Along with some kind of relaxation, whether it be singing for amusement or the like. Tried dating once to get a relationship for the coming home part that you see in all the holos. I've been dry and out on the wire. Sometimes I think I'm lonely and in need of love, but I think its because I just don't have anything. IN training, I was called the virtuoso, as sometimes people would catch me singing or humming while I fly. Keeps me calm, Ma'am." He stopped and looked to his CO, hoping in his mind he didn't just bore her to death.
"Fascinating, and what do you sing? Opera, jazz, rock?" The Black eyed neko smiled as she wondered what her bridge would be like filled with a singing voice.
"Mostly jazz or soft rock, Don't really think anything else is as relaxing." He stopped for a second, "I could give you an example, if you wish ma'am."
"We can save your singing debut for a later time." She grinned before thinking of another question."Is there anything else you want e to know about you?"
Jei barely suppressed a small chuckle, "Nothing come to mind ma'am, but you never spoke about you, I like to know my commander. Allows me so see differences that I might need to remember."
"Well that brings me to my next question." She winked at him before leaning back into her chair and reaching into her pocket for a mall hard candy, it was butterscotch, out to suck on. "Are there any questions you have for me?"
Jei placed his elbow o nhis knee and relaxed his head on his hand, rubbing his chin slightly, "What do you do for fun when the ship isn't getting battered?"
"I can't speak for on this ship. Today has been my first aboard. Though on my old ship the YSS Casper, I would read over reports and sip coffee, when I wasn't on the bridge, on exception patrols, or asleep. Though this ship has a lot more to offer off duty then the little Cheiko class I was on. I might take up swimming or possibly running... Not sure yet." She let the right of her lips rise a bit as she thought of the different things she could do on a large ship.
"How about, your hobbies? Or what about your command style?" Jei looked her over, examining her facial features with careful examination.
"I command from my chair, I give my orders, and expect them to be used to form realistic outcomes. I don't believe I should have to tell you exactly how to do your job. I want my ship to go from point A to point B, it is your job to make sure it does, in the most efficient way possible." She looked at him squarely, "As for hobbies, I haven't really had time to develop many. Though I do like to paint from time to time, when that is I have time to spare."
"Final question, Want a drink? I'll pay." Jei grinned from behind his hand, he seemed relaxed to be here, almost like he belonged here.
Raising an eyebrow over her sable eye she wondered if he was offering a drink as a new crewmember, or a suitor. She always had an issue telling the difference. "Well you were the only bit of business I had for the day, I officially take command tomorrow..."
"I take that as a yes, where to ma'am? Ship or Station side?" Jei couldn't believe that actually worked, well Jei now had to think of a toast of some sort maybe or he could go with another way. Ah, he'll just cut the formalities.
"Would you give me time to locate my luggage, and get changed? Or would you prefer me staying in uniform." She tried to probe for an answer that would tell her one way or the other if he was hitting on her.
"Whichever makes you the most comfortable ma'am, I have no preference." Jei leaned forward in his chair, he was sitting up more, but relaxed still.
"Ok then Give me a half hour and meet me at airlock four. We can go to the officer's club or something." She smiled and stood, giving him the unspoken announcement that he was finished here. "I'm sure we can find a nice place to have a drink.
Jei stood up and walked towards the threshold, he turned his head around and asked one more thing, "You want me formal or in uniform ma'am?"
"That is up to you." She smiled and reached down to her desk surface and keyed the screens closed. she stepped out from behind the desk showing her short uniform skirt and her long legs as she reached for her officer's cap.
Half Hour Later
She stood by the air lock dressed in a cocktail dress, it was dark green matching her hair. Over the dress she had a shoulder shawl that looked crocheted it was light green matching the lower parts of her hair. She looked around as her right hand reached up and nervously made sure her hair was still up in the bun she placed it in before heading down to the airlock.
Jei walked down the corridor dressed in a two piece suit, a dark silver monotone color and freshly pressed. He wore a white shirt underneath the also showed that it had been freshly pressed. He turned a corner and arrived at the airlock with his left hand in his pocket, humming a small quiet tune to pass the time. He saw his CO and spoke softly finishing the tune, "You look fine ma'am."
She blushed, a startling bright red when framed on her pale skin. "Thank you Hakuna, you are most handsome yourself, I like the cut of the suit. Where did you get that? A Nepleasian shop?"
"Ma'am, It was my own gift for graduating, Picked it out myself." Jei nodded his head towards his CO,"Where did you get yours, and Ma'am, I forgot to ask your name. Your full name that is."
"Kuroiairisu Saeko, I apologize if I missed introducing myself." she bowed apologizing for the foipe'. "
Jei smiled, "Nice to meet you ma'am. So, where to?" He extended his arm as excort, but he only meant it for formality.
Taking his arm She let him lead her off the ship. "Well I could use more then a drink, How about you take me to a nice restaurant." She paused for a moment to let him sweat, "I'll pay, you can own me a drink at a later time."
Jei blinked but other than that remained unphased, " I'm holding you to that ma'am." He thought of a restaurant station-side that might be nice, he decided to take here there.
Slightly later...
Jei led her to the entrance of a formal restaurant with a relatively short line. He led her inside and to a small table near some flora accompanied by a window to a nice section of stars. He extended his hand and pulled back one of the chairs for the table, "Ma'am." was all he said with a smile.
She settled into the chair with and smile and a thank you. "You don't need to "Ma'am" me, we are out of uniform and you are at least twice as old as me."
Jei once again blinked, but remained calm. He sat himself down across from her, and looked to her as if expecting a comment about the scenery. "They serve anything formal, you want it, they will have it dolled up and looking like it is worth the price."
"I see," She laid the menu out open before her, and split her attention between it and the young man across the table from her. "what would you suggest?"
Jie looked at the menu, he pointed to a steak plate. "I've heard this is one of their specialties. but there are some other things in here for anyone."
"Hmmm..." She smiled and looked along the menu until she found a lovely fish dish. "Well I think something wet would be best." She grinned at her own joke as she lightly pointed at a trout dish.
The waiter walked over and asked for their orders, Jei pointed at the steak plate and asked for a common wine. He then nodded to his 'date' if you would call her that.
"I'll have the trout with rice and a glass of wine." She pause before telling the Waiter to pick something that would match the fish.
The waiter nodded and disappeared to do his duties, Jei then looked towards the stars. "Beautiful, isn't it." Jei spoke calmly and slightly quiet.
"They are. They make me glad I was created and sent out on ships. I get to see so many of them, for different places in space. It is strange how they can look so different in different places."
Jei grinned, "I guess your lucky to have a pilot who knows his way around the stars." The waiter soon returned with both of their meals and drinks. He thanked the waiter and he left them to their meals.
She smelt the fish and looked it over, before looking across the table at Jei's plate. She fought the urge to wrinkle up her nose at his steak, but she reminded herself the not everyone's palate was the same.
Jei handled his knife and cut his steak where it was the tenderest, he then grabbed his fork and began to eat his steak. He laid his knife down after cutting a few bite sized pieces of steak, occasionally sipping at his wine. He spoke comfortably "How is your fish?"
she had be silently eating her fish, alternating bites between the fish and the rice. Her method was meticulous, but it was just how she ate. "It is grand. Far better then the cook on the Casper could produce."
Jei smiled passionatly, "Glad you are liking it." He was looking at her face when he noticed what looked like a tattoo on her chest. "When did you get a tattoo?"
"When I took command of the Casper. It was my first command." She blushed as she reached up to pull the front of her dress up to cover the barrels of the destroyer above her left breast, over her heart. She hadn't worn this dress since she had gotten the genetic tattoo.
"It looks nice, honestly." He was halfway through his steak and his wine was still mostly full. He was enjoying this night, he just hoped she was too.
"Umm.. Thank you..." She was still blushing, and it looked as if her dinner could have been cooked by the heat coming off her face.
He finished up his steak and placed his fork on the dirty side of a napkin, only holding his wine now. He patiently waited on her to finish sipping at his wine. "What is it like being captain?" he asked this question calmly, but seemingly inquiring.
She took a large drink of the white wine and thought for a moment, "I guess it is like... well like being the XO, but with out having to interpret a senior's orders and make them happen. I get to give the orders and watch them become reality."
Jei seemed just to mention to himself, "I'll get there someday." He finished his wine and placed it at an angle from the plate, making his side look barren except for the plate, silverware, and glass.
"That is a possibly, I started off as an Hei long ago." She took another long pull form her wine glass and felt her face starting to warm from the alcohol, she was feeling a bit tipsy.
"When your finished, I can escort you back to the Soyokaze." Jei smiled passionately towards Saeko.
"We don't have to go back, I believe the crew have leave, and well I don't report until tomorrow." she smiled and winked her sable eye at him.
He didn't exactly have a response, but he smiled and continued to wait, he started humming a small tune waiting to see if she would ask a question or start conversation.
"Is there something else you rather do tonight? My treat, I haven't taken leave in a while."
Jei had a response this time. "How about dancing? I think there is a dance place here." He smiled thinking if he could remember anything from the different times he danced in his past.
"That sounds like a fun time..." She mentally closed up the bill from the restaurant, making sure it was deducted from her account.
Jei stood up and walked over to her chair, he extended his hand once again to escort her. "Onward we go then." He winked at her as a friendly matter.
She let him help her out of her seat before she laid her napkin gently on her plate and taking his arm. "Lead on."
Jei led her to a dance joint that seemed to radiate with a dressy feel. The line was short and most people in such line were lagging for a reason.
after some foot travel
"This must be the place, line is short tonight." He led her through the line and once they got inside the music was slow and beautiful.
As Saeko walked into the dance club she let her jet eyes wonder about it, taking in the different people and the decor. "Not a bad place." She let a smile creep onto her face.
He looked to Saeko with a smile and spoke softly, "May I have this dance? Before the song ends." He hope he knew what her answer was.
Glancing over to the dance floor she nodded and let him lead her out.
Jei led her out towards the dance floor. He grabbed her around the waist ia usual manner and lifted her right hand in his left. He began to lead her in a waltz that he had know since his earlier days before enlistment. "Just follow what I do, okay?" There was a hint of joking in his voice.
With a slight grin, " I'll try..." she laughed as she downloaded the steps to a waltz and started following him. "So is it your norm to try to seduce you CO?"
He let a smile form in his face and uttered a slight chuckle, "Well, I was going to do this as a way of just getting to know my CO, but I think...We both are enjoying it." The Joking tone of his voice was still there, but was tinted with a seriousness.
"I see..." Saeko spoke trying to sound serious. She wasn't sure why she had let him lead her about, maybe she was just starved for company.
The songs changed in beat to a more jazzy piece that would have to be danced slightly faster. Jei sped up the waltz and added a turn-about ever so often and led Saeko through them, He was enjoying the night, but he had a feeling this night might only happen once. "Just tell me when you want to stop or go back to the Soyokaze." His tone had leveled out now.
With a shrug she let herself be twirled about. She was glad she wore this dress, as she spun about it pulled out and flew with the dance. It was hard for her not to smile like a fool, let alone kep it in her mind she was with a subordinate.
As this song finished, Jei made the dance moves slide into a nice finish in his eyes, He dipped her down under him to where both of their faces met as the music stopped. "Trust me, last time I did this dance, everyone looked at me by the end." He chuckled slightly before smiling passionately and staring into Saeko's eyes.
"Oh? Fall down or kept stepping on your partner's toes?"
"Actually, I got an applause. Must of hit it good or something."
"Ahh.. well that is good. I would hate to hear about a string of girls you left with broken toes."
Jei laughed slightly and leaned her back upright. His eyes looked a bit dreamy as he looked into her eyes. "Just an idle comment, but I have always been fascinated with the Neko program and such." Jei blinked and smiled.
"Oh have you now? what you fall in love with use kittens? Or are you one of those guys that want to transfer to a neko body?" she gave him an incredulous look.
"I just think they look nice, efficient as well." He shifted his weight around between his feet.
"So you like to ogle." Saeko had a mild mean streak when it came to letting people dig themselves into holes.
"Jie blinked and was quiet for a second, "I see...You think I'm trying to date you, don't you?"
"I think we might want to sit down." She pointed at a table in a corner before turning and heading to the bar to order a couple of drinks.
Jei walked to the table which she pointed to. His face was slightly darker, but still mostly up.
Once she had the drinks in hand she looked over at the table and Jei and sighed. 'What am I going to do about this..." Taking a breath she made her way over to the table and sat down across from him, sliding the whiskey sour across before taking a sip of her own drink.
Jei had a bad BAD feeling about where this was going, he picked up the drink and sipped at it. He was silent except for a small sigh he gave, he was listening, contemplating where he went wrong.
After a few minutes The Captain spoke, "You know I think there might be regulations about this..."
Jei spoke with an attacked tone, but he tried to keep a neutral face, "Against being cordial? Maybe we both took wrong turns. We can end this if you desire."
"No no..." she smiled at his mild mistake. "No I was meaning a O5 dating a E1. you know a small rank difference." she grinned at the stupidity of the comment. "Not that I'm not enjoying it."
"If this is how you feel, we'll end this and call it a night." He relaxed his voice. "It was fun while it lasted." Jei shrugged after he finished and sipped at his drink.
"You really give up quickly, don't you." She grinned again, "for someone who wants a neko..." She shook her head before shrugging and taking a sip of her drink. She looked at him for a moment thinking things and weighing her thoughts. "There is a lot one can get away with."
Jei raised an eyebrow, "If I wanted to try for total victory, I'd try to get a kiss, but the worlds never turn that way." Jei sipped again at his drink, "What do you mean get away with?"
"Total victory? You're not one of those that think love is just like battle are you?" she raised an eye brow.
"No, love is a balancing act. 'Total Victory' is just a metaphor, yet you still didn't answer my question. What do you mean get away with?"
"What do you think it means?" She really had to fight snapping at him about a Captain having to explain herself. She hadn't had a personal relationship that was out side the confines of duty.
Jei took a leap of fate speaking, "I think it means, someone is outgoing on relationships." He gripped harder on his glass.
"Do you ?"
Jei looked dead into her eyes, "Just a hunch..."
"Well then, I'll be truthful, I've never really dated. Oh I have had a few encounters, but nothing that ever lasted more then just that." Pausing she took a sip of her drink, not sure if she was trying to gather courage, or thinking of how she was going to say more. She looked over at the dance floor, " but yeah... There are times I would like more, but I haven't had any chance to pursue it ever."
"And you don't want to ruin your career by going after an E1, I understand. If you don't want to, we won't." Jei spoke softly. "I won't make you uncomfortable."
"Who said anything about ruining my career, I'm an officer, I have a ship and I have a decent retirement stashed away, My life isn't dictated by the military anymore, I can retire and move on if i like. Sure I want to continue for now,but that doesn't dictate my decisions."
Jei once again took another leap of faith, "So, your not saying no then, or are you just proving a point?" Jei finished sipping at his drink and sat it down.
"No, I think I'm having a conversation, and trying to figure things out." She smiled to soften what she said.
Jei was silent for a long moment, finally realizing where he stepped off wrong, "I see ma'am, I won't bother you with the silly, unnatured attempts at love. I'll return you to the Soyokaze when you are ready." Jei looked down, but confident.
"Wow, are we having two different conversations." She sighed and looked at him befuddled for a moment as she tried to figure out how to express herself so that he would understand. She sat there for a half of a breath before she reached over and grabbed his jacket lapel, pulling him close to her. He was belt partially over the table in what must have been a awkward position, not that she cared as she leaned in and planted her lips on his.
Breaking the kiss she smiled and leaned back in to her chair. "I hope that clears things up. Or shall I explain again?"
Jei was stunned, STUNNED mind you, he blushed brightly. He went halfway to grab her and try himself but stopped. "Loud and clear, Saeko, Loud and Clearer than summer skies."
"Oh really? a minute ago you didn't seem to grasp it." She winked at him and grinned.
"I think I know what this means," He grinned and leaned in close, "This works for me." he kissed her on the lips confidently.
Grinning into the kiss she released her grip on his lapel and let her hand run down his arm.
Jei grinned in his mind as he pulled away from the kiss, there was one more step they could go, but that step would never happen. "Alright, where to? I'm all ears."
"Where to? What do you mean?" She asked a bit out of breath.
"Anywhere really, I don't think this night can get any better."
She reached down and picked up her almost forgotten drink and finished it off. "Well I guess its up to you. I never planned to do anything tonight. But some how I got sidetracked." She winked over her glass before place it back on the table empty.
Jie grinned and winked jokingly, "Your or my cabin, but we both know that answer."
"Well i don't have an official cabin yet... As for your's you never got one assigned, at least not as of when i was going over your papers." She smiled and laughed a little over the stupidity of the situation.
Jei screwed up his mouth in thought, "What about a hotel here?" He still didn't believe that this was going to go this way, but he stayed optimistic.
"Wow you are forward arn't you." She smiled and thought for a moment. "Well there are a few we can head to if you like."
Jei blinked, "Your serious?!? I mean, I'll go with it if you will."
"I can be." She smiled before standing up and fixing her dress, making sure it was hanging right.
"Well, can't argue with that." He stood up and extended his hand to escort her.
Chusa Kuroiairisu Saeko, had just arrived to her new ready room, Her officer hat was tossed on to a spare chair. She had stood there for a few minutes letting her black eyes scan the room and study it. The room was pretty bare, though it fit since she hadn't had a chance to break out her personal possessions and make it truly hers. With a sigh she settled behind the desk and started bring up screens and setting personal preferences for the displays and images.
Jei turned a corner towards his new CO's ready room. He seemed slightly nervous but tried not to show anything as it never looked good. He seemingly had a feeling what would be asked at the interview, and had prepared for such. As starship operator, he would have to be very strong-armed on tactics to make sure the ship being flown or shooting would survive the conflict.
Jei stopped at the foot of the closed door and looked towards the small console near the door side and slowly lifted his hand to ring the chime for entry.
The chime sounded out into the ready room, Saeko's eyes shifted form her screens to the door, not that anyone could tell. "Come in." she called out before settling herself back into her chair.
Jei sighed slightly before opening the door, he stepped inside the threshold and stood a good distance from her, "Santo-Hei Jei Hakuna reporting for duty, Ma'am." His voice was steady and cool, but maybe the slightest unsure at the same time. He stood at attention and saluted her.
She coal black orbs she called eyes studied him and measured the salute. "I guess that will do, please come in and have a seat Hei Jei. Your surname is Jei, right?" She mentally opened a new screen with his jacket on it. She let her eyes drift over to skim it over, though her head never moved.
Jei walked over to a seat and sat down at attention, he spoke again with his soft monotone, "Hakuna is my Surname Ma'am." He looked dead into her eyes, he needed to not screw this up.
"I stand corrected, and apologize Hei Hakuna." She let a smile grow onto her face as she finished the jacket and looked back at him. She had to fight a snicker that the poor Hei was attempting to drill holes in the back of her skull with his eyes. "So this is your first posting. What ships did you physically fly in training?"
A smile grew on his face before he spoke, "Most capital ships in commission I can fly and act as weapons officer, both in simulators and live. But this class was by far my favorite." He relaxed ever so slightly but tried to maintain his formality. He looked slightly around the room with small eye movements and tried desperately to maintain in control of himself.
"Sims are all well and good, but what ship's have you had real hand's on time with?"
"Mostly large gunships and a few of the Super Eikan class ma'am, almost got to train on a Sharie class." He remembered slightly which unit it was but the name fell from his mind.
"I see, And you feel like the Star Army can trust you with this ship and it's crew?" She raised an eyebrow and waited for his answer.
Jei spoke slightly more attentive "Yes ma'am I believe so."
"You believe that you are?" She shook her head for a moment thinking, "I'm not sure that is enough."
"Jei had a feeling that she might say that, He cleared his throat and spoke again. "Ma'am throughout my training I have been drilled and drilled on discipline through fire and combat. I have been trained to put starships through their strong and weak points to achieve victory. I graduated from training and am reporting not to put the Soyokaze in distress and destruction, but to act as it's guide through baptism of fire. I believe I am capable to have everyone aboard and you to trust me with their lives and their ship, ma'am."
"Well that is a far better answer, but I have I have to inform you that her baptism of fire happened already, she is in the docks because of it. the previous commander had already taken her through her battle paces." she frowned thinking back and the repair list she received. the ship was going to be stuck here for the next few days getting a few vital parts replace or repaired.
Jei grinned, "Looks like I missed the fun part ma'am, she looked a bit banged up from station-side." He looked around this time with his head examining the ready room.
"I fear we both did. So now why did you request the Soyokaze?" She shifted forward placing her elbows on the desk and folding her hands so she could rest her chin on them.
"Personally, I like the ship style, along with feeling that a gunship may be too small and a battleship too large for some combat maneuvers." Jei seemed to relax from his attentive death glare to his more relaxed state.
"So you just here because of the type of ship." She nodded seeing the truth of the statement. "Tell me about yourself out side the uniform."
Jei leaned back in his chair, "I'm your run of the mill Yamataian Hei, new to the uniform, but trained to fit it. Outside I am rather relaxed and cool headed. Drink ever so often, but never drunk. Regular one of the bunch."
"So you don't have hobbies or friends? You sound like a Neko fresh from the tubes..." The Chusa frowned hoping to get to now someone she would be working with quite a bit on the bridge.
"Well, if you want to know it all, I fiddled with a few musings in singing, but never hit it off. Have a few friends off in the Army somewhere. Had a girl once, but she ended splitting for a fighter pilot. SO I basically am on my own at the moment." He leaned back and relaxed into the chair. "I try to get a little workout in everyday. Along with some kind of relaxation, whether it be singing for amusement or the like. Tried dating once to get a relationship for the coming home part that you see in all the holos. I've been dry and out on the wire. Sometimes I think I'm lonely and in need of love, but I think its because I just don't have anything. IN training, I was called the virtuoso, as sometimes people would catch me singing or humming while I fly. Keeps me calm, Ma'am." He stopped and looked to his CO, hoping in his mind he didn't just bore her to death.
"Fascinating, and what do you sing? Opera, jazz, rock?" The Black eyed neko smiled as she wondered what her bridge would be like filled with a singing voice.
"Mostly jazz or soft rock, Don't really think anything else is as relaxing." He stopped for a second, "I could give you an example, if you wish ma'am."
"We can save your singing debut for a later time." She grinned before thinking of another question."Is there anything else you want e to know about you?"
Jei barely suppressed a small chuckle, "Nothing come to mind ma'am, but you never spoke about you, I like to know my commander. Allows me so see differences that I might need to remember."
"Well that brings me to my next question." She winked at him before leaning back into her chair and reaching into her pocket for a mall hard candy, it was butterscotch, out to suck on. "Are there any questions you have for me?"
Jei placed his elbow o nhis knee and relaxed his head on his hand, rubbing his chin slightly, "What do you do for fun when the ship isn't getting battered?"
"I can't speak for on this ship. Today has been my first aboard. Though on my old ship the YSS Casper, I would read over reports and sip coffee, when I wasn't on the bridge, on exception patrols, or asleep. Though this ship has a lot more to offer off duty then the little Cheiko class I was on. I might take up swimming or possibly running... Not sure yet." She let the right of her lips rise a bit as she thought of the different things she could do on a large ship.
"How about, your hobbies? Or what about your command style?" Jei looked her over, examining her facial features with careful examination.
"I command from my chair, I give my orders, and expect them to be used to form realistic outcomes. I don't believe I should have to tell you exactly how to do your job. I want my ship to go from point A to point B, it is your job to make sure it does, in the most efficient way possible." She looked at him squarely, "As for hobbies, I haven't really had time to develop many. Though I do like to paint from time to time, when that is I have time to spare."
"Final question, Want a drink? I'll pay." Jei grinned from behind his hand, he seemed relaxed to be here, almost like he belonged here.
Raising an eyebrow over her sable eye she wondered if he was offering a drink as a new crewmember, or a suitor. She always had an issue telling the difference. "Well you were the only bit of business I had for the day, I officially take command tomorrow..."
"I take that as a yes, where to ma'am? Ship or Station side?" Jei couldn't believe that actually worked, well Jei now had to think of a toast of some sort maybe or he could go with another way. Ah, he'll just cut the formalities.
"Would you give me time to locate my luggage, and get changed? Or would you prefer me staying in uniform." She tried to probe for an answer that would tell her one way or the other if he was hitting on her.
"Whichever makes you the most comfortable ma'am, I have no preference." Jei leaned forward in his chair, he was sitting up more, but relaxed still.
"Ok then Give me a half hour and meet me at airlock four. We can go to the officer's club or something." She smiled and stood, giving him the unspoken announcement that he was finished here. "I'm sure we can find a nice place to have a drink.
Jei stood up and walked towards the threshold, he turned his head around and asked one more thing, "You want me formal or in uniform ma'am?"
"That is up to you." She smiled and reached down to her desk surface and keyed the screens closed. she stepped out from behind the desk showing her short uniform skirt and her long legs as she reached for her officer's cap.
Half Hour Later
She stood by the air lock dressed in a cocktail dress, it was dark green matching her hair. Over the dress she had a shoulder shawl that looked crocheted it was light green matching the lower parts of her hair. She looked around as her right hand reached up and nervously made sure her hair was still up in the bun she placed it in before heading down to the airlock.
Jei walked down the corridor dressed in a two piece suit, a dark silver monotone color and freshly pressed. He wore a white shirt underneath the also showed that it had been freshly pressed. He turned a corner and arrived at the airlock with his left hand in his pocket, humming a small quiet tune to pass the time. He saw his CO and spoke softly finishing the tune, "You look fine ma'am."
She blushed, a startling bright red when framed on her pale skin. "Thank you Hakuna, you are most handsome yourself, I like the cut of the suit. Where did you get that? A Nepleasian shop?"
"Ma'am, It was my own gift for graduating, Picked it out myself." Jei nodded his head towards his CO,"Where did you get yours, and Ma'am, I forgot to ask your name. Your full name that is."
"Kuroiairisu Saeko, I apologize if I missed introducing myself." she bowed apologizing for the foipe'. "
Jei smiled, "Nice to meet you ma'am. So, where to?" He extended his arm as excort, but he only meant it for formality.
Taking his arm She let him lead her off the ship. "Well I could use more then a drink, How about you take me to a nice restaurant." She paused for a moment to let him sweat, "I'll pay, you can own me a drink at a later time."
Jei blinked but other than that remained unphased, " I'm holding you to that ma'am." He thought of a restaurant station-side that might be nice, he decided to take here there.
Slightly later...
Jei led her to the entrance of a formal restaurant with a relatively short line. He led her inside and to a small table near some flora accompanied by a window to a nice section of stars. He extended his hand and pulled back one of the chairs for the table, "Ma'am." was all he said with a smile.
She settled into the chair with and smile and a thank you. "You don't need to "Ma'am" me, we are out of uniform and you are at least twice as old as me."
Jei once again blinked, but remained calm. He sat himself down across from her, and looked to her as if expecting a comment about the scenery. "They serve anything formal, you want it, they will have it dolled up and looking like it is worth the price."
"I see," She laid the menu out open before her, and split her attention between it and the young man across the table from her. "what would you suggest?"
Jie looked at the menu, he pointed to a steak plate. "I've heard this is one of their specialties. but there are some other things in here for anyone."
"Hmmm..." She smiled and looked along the menu until she found a lovely fish dish. "Well I think something wet would be best." She grinned at her own joke as she lightly pointed at a trout dish.
The waiter walked over and asked for their orders, Jei pointed at the steak plate and asked for a common wine. He then nodded to his 'date' if you would call her that.
"I'll have the trout with rice and a glass of wine." She pause before telling the Waiter to pick something that would match the fish.
The waiter nodded and disappeared to do his duties, Jei then looked towards the stars. "Beautiful, isn't it." Jei spoke calmly and slightly quiet.
"They are. They make me glad I was created and sent out on ships. I get to see so many of them, for different places in space. It is strange how they can look so different in different places."
Jei grinned, "I guess your lucky to have a pilot who knows his way around the stars." The waiter soon returned with both of their meals and drinks. He thanked the waiter and he left them to their meals.
She smelt the fish and looked it over, before looking across the table at Jei's plate. She fought the urge to wrinkle up her nose at his steak, but she reminded herself the not everyone's palate was the same.
Jei handled his knife and cut his steak where it was the tenderest, he then grabbed his fork and began to eat his steak. He laid his knife down after cutting a few bite sized pieces of steak, occasionally sipping at his wine. He spoke comfortably "How is your fish?"
she had be silently eating her fish, alternating bites between the fish and the rice. Her method was meticulous, but it was just how she ate. "It is grand. Far better then the cook on the Casper could produce."
Jei smiled passionatly, "Glad you are liking it." He was looking at her face when he noticed what looked like a tattoo on her chest. "When did you get a tattoo?"
"When I took command of the Casper. It was my first command." She blushed as she reached up to pull the front of her dress up to cover the barrels of the destroyer above her left breast, over her heart. She hadn't worn this dress since she had gotten the genetic tattoo.
"It looks nice, honestly." He was halfway through his steak and his wine was still mostly full. He was enjoying this night, he just hoped she was too.
"Umm.. Thank you..." She was still blushing, and it looked as if her dinner could have been cooked by the heat coming off her face.
He finished up his steak and placed his fork on the dirty side of a napkin, only holding his wine now. He patiently waited on her to finish sipping at his wine. "What is it like being captain?" he asked this question calmly, but seemingly inquiring.
She took a large drink of the white wine and thought for a moment, "I guess it is like... well like being the XO, but with out having to interpret a senior's orders and make them happen. I get to give the orders and watch them become reality."
Jei seemed just to mention to himself, "I'll get there someday." He finished his wine and placed it at an angle from the plate, making his side look barren except for the plate, silverware, and glass.
"That is a possibly, I started off as an Hei long ago." She took another long pull form her wine glass and felt her face starting to warm from the alcohol, she was feeling a bit tipsy.
"When your finished, I can escort you back to the Soyokaze." Jei smiled passionately towards Saeko.
"We don't have to go back, I believe the crew have leave, and well I don't report until tomorrow." she smiled and winked her sable eye at him.
He didn't exactly have a response, but he smiled and continued to wait, he started humming a small tune waiting to see if she would ask a question or start conversation.
"Is there something else you rather do tonight? My treat, I haven't taken leave in a while."
Jei had a response this time. "How about dancing? I think there is a dance place here." He smiled thinking if he could remember anything from the different times he danced in his past.
"That sounds like a fun time..." She mentally closed up the bill from the restaurant, making sure it was deducted from her account.
Jei stood up and walked over to her chair, he extended his hand once again to escort her. "Onward we go then." He winked at her as a friendly matter.
She let him help her out of her seat before she laid her napkin gently on her plate and taking his arm. "Lead on."
Jei led her to a dance joint that seemed to radiate with a dressy feel. The line was short and most people in such line were lagging for a reason.
after some foot travel
"This must be the place, line is short tonight." He led her through the line and once they got inside the music was slow and beautiful.
As Saeko walked into the dance club she let her jet eyes wonder about it, taking in the different people and the decor. "Not a bad place." She let a smile creep onto her face.
He looked to Saeko with a smile and spoke softly, "May I have this dance? Before the song ends." He hope he knew what her answer was.
Glancing over to the dance floor she nodded and let him lead her out.
Jei led her out towards the dance floor. He grabbed her around the waist ia usual manner and lifted her right hand in his left. He began to lead her in a waltz that he had know since his earlier days before enlistment. "Just follow what I do, okay?" There was a hint of joking in his voice.
With a slight grin, " I'll try..." she laughed as she downloaded the steps to a waltz and started following him. "So is it your norm to try to seduce you CO?"
He let a smile form in his face and uttered a slight chuckle, "Well, I was going to do this as a way of just getting to know my CO, but I think...We both are enjoying it." The Joking tone of his voice was still there, but was tinted with a seriousness.
"I see..." Saeko spoke trying to sound serious. She wasn't sure why she had let him lead her about, maybe she was just starved for company.
The songs changed in beat to a more jazzy piece that would have to be danced slightly faster. Jei sped up the waltz and added a turn-about ever so often and led Saeko through them, He was enjoying the night, but he had a feeling this night might only happen once. "Just tell me when you want to stop or go back to the Soyokaze." His tone had leveled out now.
With a shrug she let herself be twirled about. She was glad she wore this dress, as she spun about it pulled out and flew with the dance. It was hard for her not to smile like a fool, let alone kep it in her mind she was with a subordinate.
As this song finished, Jei made the dance moves slide into a nice finish in his eyes, He dipped her down under him to where both of their faces met as the music stopped. "Trust me, last time I did this dance, everyone looked at me by the end." He chuckled slightly before smiling passionately and staring into Saeko's eyes.
"Oh? Fall down or kept stepping on your partner's toes?"
"Actually, I got an applause. Must of hit it good or something."
"Ahh.. well that is good. I would hate to hear about a string of girls you left with broken toes."
Jei laughed slightly and leaned her back upright. His eyes looked a bit dreamy as he looked into her eyes. "Just an idle comment, but I have always been fascinated with the Neko program and such." Jei blinked and smiled.
"Oh have you now? what you fall in love with use kittens? Or are you one of those guys that want to transfer to a neko body?" she gave him an incredulous look.
"I just think they look nice, efficient as well." He shifted his weight around between his feet.
"So you like to ogle." Saeko had a mild mean streak when it came to letting people dig themselves into holes.
"Jie blinked and was quiet for a second, "I see...You think I'm trying to date you, don't you?"
"I think we might want to sit down." She pointed at a table in a corner before turning and heading to the bar to order a couple of drinks.
Jei walked to the table which she pointed to. His face was slightly darker, but still mostly up.
Once she had the drinks in hand she looked over at the table and Jei and sighed. 'What am I going to do about this..." Taking a breath she made her way over to the table and sat down across from him, sliding the whiskey sour across before taking a sip of her own drink.
Jei had a bad BAD feeling about where this was going, he picked up the drink and sipped at it. He was silent except for a small sigh he gave, he was listening, contemplating where he went wrong.
After a few minutes The Captain spoke, "You know I think there might be regulations about this..."
Jei spoke with an attacked tone, but he tried to keep a neutral face, "Against being cordial? Maybe we both took wrong turns. We can end this if you desire."
"No no..." she smiled at his mild mistake. "No I was meaning a O5 dating a E1. you know a small rank difference." she grinned at the stupidity of the comment. "Not that I'm not enjoying it."
"If this is how you feel, we'll end this and call it a night." He relaxed his voice. "It was fun while it lasted." Jei shrugged after he finished and sipped at his drink.
"You really give up quickly, don't you." She grinned again, "for someone who wants a neko..." She shook her head before shrugging and taking a sip of her drink. She looked at him for a moment thinking things and weighing her thoughts. "There is a lot one can get away with."
Jei raised an eyebrow, "If I wanted to try for total victory, I'd try to get a kiss, but the worlds never turn that way." Jei sipped again at his drink, "What do you mean get away with?"
"Total victory? You're not one of those that think love is just like battle are you?" she raised an eye brow.
"No, love is a balancing act. 'Total Victory' is just a metaphor, yet you still didn't answer my question. What do you mean get away with?"
"What do you think it means?" She really had to fight snapping at him about a Captain having to explain herself. She hadn't had a personal relationship that was out side the confines of duty.
Jei took a leap of fate speaking, "I think it means, someone is outgoing on relationships." He gripped harder on his glass.
"Do you ?"
Jei looked dead into her eyes, "Just a hunch..."
"Well then, I'll be truthful, I've never really dated. Oh I have had a few encounters, but nothing that ever lasted more then just that." Pausing she took a sip of her drink, not sure if she was trying to gather courage, or thinking of how she was going to say more. She looked over at the dance floor, " but yeah... There are times I would like more, but I haven't had any chance to pursue it ever."
"And you don't want to ruin your career by going after an E1, I understand. If you don't want to, we won't." Jei spoke softly. "I won't make you uncomfortable."
"Who said anything about ruining my career, I'm an officer, I have a ship and I have a decent retirement stashed away, My life isn't dictated by the military anymore, I can retire and move on if i like. Sure I want to continue for now,but that doesn't dictate my decisions."
Jei once again took another leap of faith, "So, your not saying no then, or are you just proving a point?" Jei finished sipping at his drink and sat it down.
"No, I think I'm having a conversation, and trying to figure things out." She smiled to soften what she said.
Jei was silent for a long moment, finally realizing where he stepped off wrong, "I see ma'am, I won't bother you with the silly, unnatured attempts at love. I'll return you to the Soyokaze when you are ready." Jei looked down, but confident.
"Wow, are we having two different conversations." She sighed and looked at him befuddled for a moment as she tried to figure out how to express herself so that he would understand. She sat there for a half of a breath before she reached over and grabbed his jacket lapel, pulling him close to her. He was belt partially over the table in what must have been a awkward position, not that she cared as she leaned in and planted her lips on his.
Breaking the kiss she smiled and leaned back in to her chair. "I hope that clears things up. Or shall I explain again?"
Jei was stunned, STUNNED mind you, he blushed brightly. He went halfway to grab her and try himself but stopped. "Loud and clear, Saeko, Loud and Clearer than summer skies."
"Oh really? a minute ago you didn't seem to grasp it." She winked at him and grinned.
"I think I know what this means," He grinned and leaned in close, "This works for me." he kissed her on the lips confidently.
Grinning into the kiss she released her grip on his lapel and let her hand run down his arm.
Jei grinned in his mind as he pulled away from the kiss, there was one more step they could go, but that step would never happen. "Alright, where to? I'm all ears."
"Where to? What do you mean?" She asked a bit out of breath.
"Anywhere really, I don't think this night can get any better."
She reached down and picked up her almost forgotten drink and finished it off. "Well I guess its up to you. I never planned to do anything tonight. But some how I got sidetracked." She winked over her glass before place it back on the table empty.
Jie grinned and winked jokingly, "Your or my cabin, but we both know that answer."
"Well i don't have an official cabin yet... As for your's you never got one assigned, at least not as of when i was going over your papers." She smiled and laughed a little over the stupidity of the situation.
Jei screwed up his mouth in thought, "What about a hotel here?" He still didn't believe that this was going to go this way, but he stayed optimistic.
"Wow you are forward arn't you." She smiled and thought for a moment. "Well there are a few we can head to if you like."
Jei blinked, "Your serious?!? I mean, I'll go with it if you will."
"I can be." She smiled before standing up and fixing her dress, making sure it was hanging right.
"Well, can't argue with that." He stood up and extended his hand to escort her.