5tar
Inactive Member
ON: YSS Senbu
Shizuka was in the main wardroom on Deck 05, eating amongst the regular enlisted members as if she was one of them. There was no real difference in her meal, other than she had another slab of meat. It seems the cooks in charge didn't have much time to prepare a complicated meal, so it was steak and potatoes tonight with a side of steamed veggies. Shizuka busily ate away, washing it down with a carbonated pink soda before leaning back in her seat. She gazed over the packed mess room, a little smile pulled up from the corner of her lips as she watched the crew mingle and socialize, remembering her first post under the same circumstances.
Nyoko sat in the mess reading a book. This was one thing she enjoyed a lot, especially history books; she always found them fascinating. She slowly pecked away at the food in front of her as she read. Books were great; you could get lost in a book and not worry too much about the outside world unless something really bad happened, and something bad had happened. It was a new ship – who knew how common that would be. Still, she remained content by herself.
Mizu was a little late for the usual meal time, she had been thinking about something which left her to daydream. Leaving her room in her uniform, she proceeded to the turbo lift on Deck 19 and walked in. "Deck 5, please," She spoke softly, the turbo lift leaving for Deck 5. Passing time before arriving at Deck 5, Mizu puzzled over an idea she had in mind for another character she was missing in her string of pictures she was drawing. She shook her head, a little agitated as the turbo lift came to a halt, opening at Deck 5. Mizu walked out, heading over to see what was on the menu. The Wardroom smelled of steak, potatoes and steamed vegetables, so she got just that and went out to the dining area to see a large table with an array of crew mates all around. Mizu bit her lower lip, searching around for Nyoko. Catching sight of her between her own meal and a book, Mizu found that there was an empty seat to her right and scurried over next to her with an enthused bounce in her step. "Nyo-chan. Hey... how've you been since this morning?" Mizu asked, falling into a more eased comfort.
Nyoko looked up from her book and to Mizu with a smile, "I have been great Mizu-san, how about you?" She put her book down on the table next to her food still slowly eating away at it.
Mizu smiled, starting with her potatoes and working to her veggies then meat. "I've been good, been looking forward to some action for quite some time now. Even though not long has passed since our last mission, I feel like we could be doing more..." Mizu took a few bites, savoring the food in her mouth.
Nicholas, too, was in the mess hall on deck five. Although this room provided mixed-rank accommodations, out of habit, he had taken a seat amongst a group of enlisted personnel; he was not used to being an officer yet. The Geshrin had only come here to pick up something to drink, but ended up staying. He sat watching an entertainment recording on his Type 29 communicator, not particularly watching whatever it was that was playing. It was a good way to make himself look like he was doing something other than daydreaming, which after all that had happened, was all he wanted to do right then.
Kuriko rolled out of the bed she had been napping in still unused-to the level of comfort provided by the Senbu. "I'm hungry," Kuriko muttered to herself as she walked over to a lift while trying to remember where food was served and what decks it was on. Moments later, by chance, Kuriko stepped out onto deck 5 and made her way to the mess hall. Once inside Kuriko grabbed a tray of food and began her search for a place to sit. As she scanned the occupants of the room, Nyoko and Mizu caught her eye. "Hi!!" Kuriko said excitedly as she made her way over to the pair of Neko.
Mizu peeked up from bites of potatoes, hearing an abrupt greeting. Looking for the one responsible, Mizu noticed it to be a new face she hadn't seen quite yet. She gave a smile and replied back with just as much excitement, "Why hello! please, come and sit!" Mizu motioned to the seat beside her.
"Arigatou," Kuriko said as she sat down. Once seated, Kuriko began to nibble on her food. "Mmmmmm, isn't this stuff great?" Kuriko asked behind a mouthful of mashed potatoes. "About the other day, thank you for helping me!" Kuriko said after she had swallowed her food.
Mizu smiled as Kuriko sat down, she enjoyed her happy atmosphere. "I know what you mean; I'm almost finished and about to go for seconds soon." She smiled, then thought over the last thing that Yuriko had said, slightly puzzled herself. "Erm... the other... day? What did I do to help?" Mizu seemed to want to know how she had helped; she hadn't gone long into the battle before getting knocked out, so she wasn't entirely sure what Kuriko meant.
Kuriko continued nibbling on her food. "You gave me directions to the briefing amphitheater," she replied. Hmm, she forgot? Well, in comparison to other events that day it's probably easy to forget, the Neko thought to herself.
Mizu was in the middle of working down a chunk of meat when Kuriko had said that, immediately remembering but at the same time the meat got stuck in her throat. Frantically, Mizu grabbed her drink and chugged carelessly until the piece went down and into her stomach which enabled her to breathe once again. She gave her chest a pat to make sure that it had been clear before responding, "That’s right! I remember now, I'm glad that I was able to assist you, Kuriko…was it?"
"Un, Kisaragi-Hei," Kuriko shook her head as she replied. "Steak! You guys really have it nice here. Back at the Fort we had really bland food," Kuriko said. Hayashi-Hei seems awfully quiet, Kuriko thought with a brief, almost second long glance at Nyoko. "This ship is so big; I bet there's tons of stuff to do around here. What do you guys do for fun?" Kuriko asked.
Mizu thought about this for a moment, What DO we do for fun? We haven't been on ship for very long. It wasn't long after these thoughts that she decided to respond. "Well, it hasn't been very long since we started this voyage, so I haven't been given the opportunity to really do much, but I enjoy sketching often. Oh! While were on the subject of things to do, I consider prepping my Mindy and anything Power Armor related as something fun." Mizu smiled and bounced in her seat momentarily before cutting another piece of steak and placing it in her mouth.
"Heeee, you're an artist?" Kuriko asked sounding slightly surprised. "What do you like to draw?" Kuriko leaned forward slightly as she spoke. "I like to look at art sometimes, though I'm not very good at drawing it myself," Kuriko said plainly. "OOooh I know, I have a small collection of art, I'll show it to you sometime!" the Neko said enthusiastically.
"I mostly do a few sketches, then I make attempts to put them together into a story... but I've been unable to produce anything remotely great as of late," Mizu smiled before continuing, "and I'd love to show you my art, I'd like a second opinion and possibly some help. I'm kinda stuck for inspiration." Mizu stuck her tongue out playfully. "Actually, I wouldn't mind seeing some of your art; it might give me just what I need!" she exclaimed.
Kuriko smiled. "Of course Kisaragi-He," Kuriko responded. "Saa...what do you usually do after dinner?" Kuriko asked as she looked around then back down at her empty plate. Unknowingly Kuriko had finished the entire plate of food without realizing it.
Mizu looked over from her now empty plate as well. "Well, I was gonna head to Deck 24, and prep my Mindy incase of a next encounter. I wanna make sure I have my equipment the way I want it... but other then that, I was gonna head back to my room and work on my manga." Mizu stood up with her plate in hand and placed her free hand gently upon Nyoko. "I should be in my room, should you need me, Nyo-chan,” she said telepathically. Then she walked a little past Kuriko before stopping to see if she was getting up herself. "I'd prefer to be called Mizu while we're off duty if you don't mind," she said earnestly with a smile.
Kuriko noted the telepathic activity between the two Neko. Huh, wonder what that's about, Kuriko thought before responding. "Hai, Mizu," Kuriko said eagerly. First name basis? the small Neko thought privately, I'm on first name basis with someone! the Neko thought excitedly before speaking again to Mizu, "Ne, Mizu. You can call me Kuriko," Kuriko said. "I haven't been assigned to an armor yet, so I'll see you later, ne?" Kuriko's voice seemed a little warmer than before when she spoke.
Mizu smiled promptly before heading to put her tray away. "I'll definitely see you around then Kuri-chan! If you're bored, I'm sure you can come to Deck 24 to find me," she sent telepathically. Mizu looked back to give one last smile to Kuriko and another to Nyoko, and then headed for the turbo lift. Once inside she paused a moment, meeting with Kuriko a second time and getting to know her a little gave way to a few ideas for a new character in her plot. "Deck 24, please." As the lift descended, Mizu changed her thoughts to the battle the other day, or at least what she could remember. She lacked speed to keep up with the golden power armor as well as firepower because of its forcefield. Mizu went over the different settings of what she remembered about the Mindy packs, narrowing down the options she could use to better increase her performance.
The Captain finished up her meal and then took her tray up to the washing conveyer belt leading into the washing area. With a last gaze over the crowd she spotted Nicholas, with a slight smile and bounce in her step as she went over to go join him. "So, Nick. What's that you’re watching, hmmm?" Shizuka inquired.
Nicholas’ first reply was a sort of bewildered grunt, a questioning intonation. He hadn’t expected to be approached here, much less by Shizuka. “Oh, Endo-shosa. Hello,” he said sounding somewhat surprised as he realized who it was that had addressed him. “Its, umm, A Threat to Galaxial Peace,” he replied, fumbling over what to say. He hadn’t really been paying attention what had been playing on his communicator. “It’s a science fiction series, if you’re not familiar with it.”
"That's Shizuka-shosa, or just Shi-shosa!" she said with a mock angry face. Placing her hands on her hips and looking down at the newly promoted Shoi Kohosei. Then she burst into a little giggle, and smiled at him with a toothy grin. "Keep trying Nick, you'll get it soon enough," she said with a wink before she turned to his program, lofting her head to the side a bit as she looked it over. "Can't say I have, but I should mention I've never gotten the time to watch such things..." she said eyeing the screen carefully, not really taking much in from it. After all, she’s only been around so long, this army life is all she knew.
Nicholas blushed and looked away from Shizuka for a moment, embarrassed at his inability to remember to call Shizuka by her given name, or more appropriately forget protocol. Her impish joking didn’t help his current complexion, either. “I apologize… Shizuka-shosa,” he said earnestly, looking back towards her. “It’s not a very good show. Very campy and low-budget, but it passes the time well-enough,” he continued. “As long as you don’t take it seriously, it’s very enjoyable, though.”
"One of the mechanics I served with on the second ship I was on liked something similar to this, Captain George or something like that. He had a very archaic viewing device, and spent a lot of time watching recorded episodes. He enjoyed them a lot, so I think I can understand the novelty," Shizuka said before standing back up and crossing her arms under her breasts. She gazed over to the two younger Hei's talking excitedly over their plans for the day. "It's refreshing to see the youth so happy about their position. Almost nostalgic, which is a good thing..." she trailed off and looked back down at Nicholas. "So, what do you think about offering Kuriko a position on the Pride wing? She seems built for it, she bagged her first kill during our first mission, and she's new, which means retraining will go easy," Shizuka asked her new Shoi Kohosei his opinion, as she wasn’t too sure what to do with the Fort Ready graduate yet.
Kuriko sighed before looking around when she saw Shizuka standing with Nicholas, watching his communicator. The Neko walked over and waited silently just inside of Shizuka's peripheral vision to be noticed.
The young Geshrin was smiled at his commander’s comments on youth. It was somewhat funny to him how somebody as young as her could be nostalgic about her “youth,” but he kept his amusement to himself. Considering the rate at which her species matured, it didn’t surprise him much. “I agree with your assessment, Shizuka,” Nicholas replied. “That you are seeking my opinion on such a matter means a lo – honors me,” he said gratefully, stumbling to choose what he thought would be the better phrase. “I do not know much beyond the basic power armor training that all Star Army personnel receive and her presence with the Takemitsu’s trainees suggests that neither does she, but from what I was able to witness for brief periods during the battle, she is a very capable warrior,” he paused, adding after a long moment, “but I suppose all Neko are,” almost absent-mindedly.
"Born and breed for it, they say..." Shizuka said, almost sounding a little depressed over the fact, but she just shrugged it off as she caught Kuriko in the corner of her eye. "Some are just more talented then others," she whispered to Nicholas before turning to the girl they were talking about. "It's good to see you've decided to stay with us, you’re a welcome addition to our crew. I hope the ship's been treating you well." Shizuka said offering the Hei a polite smile.
Nicholas raised an eyebrow and grinned, wondering the intent of the Captain’s whispered words. He nodded politely to Kuriko when she approached, slipping his communicator into a pocket. He would listen intently to the conversation between her and Shizuka, pretending to do so in some official capacity as he allowed his mind to wander on the Shosa’s comment.
Kuriko bowed deeply. "Thank you for allowing me to stay," Kuriko paused before continuing, "The ship’s been treating me very well, though it's pretty easy to get lost in," Kuriko said as she stared down at the ground. "It's so pretty, and the bed's are amazingly comfortable!" Kuriko seemed to be losing herself due to the difference in scale between the Takemitsu and the Senbu.
"It's no problem; after all, I couldn't miss a chance to snag one of the top students!" Shizuka said chuckling and patting the girl's belly with the back of her hand, though it may have been a gesture of amusement and friendly intent; Shizuka was also testing the girl's body, her abs, and through that she could figure out for herself just how well this girl was toned. Shizuka was crafty like that, making her hidden analysis under the guise of her natural attitude, after all, there's obviously some method to the Shosa's madness to have gotten this far. "I have a question for you Kuriko, it's a very important question, one that every single person in this ship has been asked, and oh yes... I did take the time to meet every single person you see running around." Shizuka smirked a little, being quite proud of her command ethics. "I have a position in mind for you, but I first must know… if under the circumstances that a crew member’s life was endangered, and you had to save him and abandon the completion of your mission. Or abandon his life and complete the mission. What would you chose?" She stared at the Hei intently now, her wild amber eyes almost piercing straight through to the heart of the girl.
Kuriko's abs were as toned as a normal Nekovalkyrja’s were, however they weren't anymore amazing than that. After Shizuka had asked Kuriko that question, Kuriko felt like she was melting underneath Shizuka's stare. "E-eto," the Neko stammered. Leave someone behind?!?! Let them die? her mind questioned fearfully, imagining what would have happened had she left Maya behind. "Sumimasen, Shizuka-shosa," Kuriko bowed as she apologized. "Unless many lives were on the line, depending on the mission to succeed," Kuriko started, "unless that were the case, where more would die because of my failure, I would not be able to abandon them." Kuriko's eyes were watering as images of Maya and Kail flashed before her, both of them near death when she had found them. What if my mission, had required me to leave them? Kuriko asked herself. I wouldn't have been able to do it.
Shizuka looked down to Nicholas, in a questioning stare. Gesturing to see his feelings on her answer, though with Shizuka's lightened expressions, it was easy to see she was impressed.
The girl had said what Shizuka wanted to hear, and had probably done so more honestly than he had. Her words only affirmed what he had said to Shizuka earlier, anyway, and the Shosa seemed impressed, so Nicholas gave an agreeing nod.
"Well it seems we both agree. I believe you could serve better as part of my special project. I plan on training and using a special fraction of our crew for what will be our lead power armor wing. You show great promise as a pilot, so I would like to offer you a position on my Pride Wing. It'll be a lot of work, but you seem fit for the job, and I'm quite interested in your other skills which I believe will serve us greatly in the field." Shizuka re-crossed her arms and raised her chin to look down at the girl, waiting for her answer.
Kuriko was surprised; she hadn't expected something like this. Though Kuriko liked the idea, she was unsure of her skill as a pilot. "Ano, I don't want to second guess you or anything but surely you have a hundred better power armor pilots than myself," Kuriko said timidly. "But then again," Kuriko raised her head to look up at the Shosa "You are the Shosa, not me." As Kuriko said this, a smile formed across her face.
"Maybe, but it's your potential that I'm interested in, so let's leave it at that. Now tell me how honored you are, bow a bit, then off to the gym. Also, I'll have your diet very regulated, so make sure you get your fill before you leave," Shizuka said with a playful chuckle, giving Kuriko a big smile.
"It's an honor to join the Pride Wing, Shizuka-shosa." Kuriko bowed as she spoke, almost on the verge of breaking out in laughter. "Shitsureshimasu," the neko said before bowing again and leaving.
“As for you," Shizuka said as she paused to turn and point a Neko finger at Nicholas, "you have to practice writing and saying my name. I'd like a pile of 50 calligraphic forms with Shi-chan on them, by tomorrow on my desk." Did she mean it? It was hard to tell with that poker face of hers, but it did seem if she was quite serious.
“I am yours to command, Endo-shosa,” Nicholas responded as he stood and bowed deeply, doing his best to sound formal given the humorous nature of the order. “I will do as you ask of me.” With that, he lifted himself from his bow, turned on a heel, and began to make his way back to his quarters. He had some writing to do.
Shizuka placed the tip of her index finger on her lips and watched him in amusement, toying around with a few very Neko thoughts in her head as she was sure he wasn't trying to evoke, but did anyway. "Not yet, we have things to do!" Shizuka called out as she quickly stepped after him, and then continued on in his pace through the halls and directed him towards the lifts. "So Nick, tell me a bit about yourself, I mean you can read things on a person’s profile, but you never know them until you actually get to talk with them. Or that’s at least how I feel." Shizuka smiled at him slightly as they then stepped into the lift, which she then telepathically commanded to head down to deck twenty-four.
Nicholas followed her orders, in step beside her as she led them to the lift and onto it. He was somewhat caught off-guard by her question, the Neko officer seemed to enjoy doing that to him. “Well… Shizuka-shosa, what would you like to know?” he wasn’t sure what he was comfortable telling her, but would try answer what questions she would ask, if she asked any. “I was born on Tatiana and am a member of the Saiga family. Honestly, there’s not much to say, Shosa. I’m sure that your short life has much more worthy stories to be told than mine,” he said, trying to change the subject to her past if he could. Even that would be more comfortable.
"Saiga family hmmm, sounds quite prestigious. Sadly, I've never heard of them. But then again, I've not really had the time to learn more than this life. Besides, stories of combat get old, it's funny though... you've lived a little over six times my own life span, and yet you claim to have not much to say. I bet there's something you’re hiding in that Geshrin mind of yours; actually I know there's something you don't want to tell me. But don't fret, you don't have to tell me right away, but I'd really like to hear it some time." Shizuka said as she faced the doors, her tone almost wistful.
“To me, stories of combat could never get old,” Nicholas retorted in a naïve, boyish voice, “Well, real combat, that is.” Remembering back to his experiences in the Star Army and during his adolescence, he sighed. “Remember all of those missions detailed in my record?” he questioned rhetorically, sounding somewhat angry over what he was about to say. “Not once during any of those have I even fired my weapon at an enemy, even when I was face-to-face with them,” he snapped, looking her in the eye. “I’m sure you –” the Shoi began to say, before stopping himself as a sorrowful look overcame his expression, “I apologize Shizuka-shosa. Please forgive my imprudence; I have dishonored myself.”
"Sure I have what, fired my share of weapons?" Shizuka asked, looking at him from the corner of her eye, not really facing him yet as she watched him curiously. She smirked a tiny bit, and let out a short chuckle. "As I said, born and breed for it... don't worry yourself with such things Nick, we're friends now right? After all I don't mind being a Nekovalkyrja, at least when I was born I was thrust into this position where I could save lives. That's what matters most, above all else. Without life, this universe would be nothing, and I'm willing to be out here every day of my short days defending it, in the name of this Empire which gave me that gift of life too." Shizuka seemed a little misty eyed in her philosophy, but it was because she remembered the Neko who gave her those same ideals, who also died with no chance of restoration in the name of those very same concepts. She defended them to the very end and because of it, Shizuka decided to take on that Neko's family name. But that story could be saved for another time, as they were almost at the deck they set out for.
Although he couldn’t see her face at that moment, he could hear it in her voice. Nicholas wasn’t quite sure exactly what it was, but with her words, he could feel a great burden with them and feel how much she believed in them, even though he did not know why she did. “Yes… I suppose we are friends now, Shizuka…-san. I will think about what you have told me. Thank you,” he said, straightening his posture and regaining his composure as the lift slid to their destination.
"When you live as short as I do, you find it's much easier to make friends quickly, Nick," Shizuka jested, trying to lighten up the mood as they stepped out of the lift and into the long hallway. "Now let's go check in on the new bay I had set up for the Pride Wing," the Captain said with a happy grin as she made her way down to the bay entrance.
While Shizuka and Nicholas rode the lift, on deck 24, at the port side of the hall leading from the elevator, there seemed to be a flurry of activity as the bay itself was being rearranged and modified by a large crew of Senbu engineers. A blonde-haired Yamataian officer in steel gray paneled uniform with a data pad stood outside of the port armor bay entrance, looking somewhat deeply caught up in his work.
Mizu stepped out from the turbo lift, heading out and down the corridor till she came within sight of a blonde-haired Yamataian officer in a steel gray-paneled uniform, whom appeared to be holding a data pad as well as a hasty and busy atmosphere about him. Mizu approached, saluting the officer and letting her hand drop to her side, "Sir, may I be of assistance to you, Sir?" she asked professionally, being in military meant keeping within proper parameters while on the job.
"Sorry, there's nothing you can do here. Official Pride Wing business, unless of course your one of the rookies the captain’s been spoiling," the officer responded. He held the rank of a Shoi, and didn't seem all too happy with his job at the moment.
Mizu offered a smile, to try and lighten the officer's mood a bit, "I'm with the Pride Wing. What business have you for me, then? I was heading here to access one of the panels to go over a few adjustments to the Mindy that I use." Mizu seemed very interested in what Official Pride Wing business meant.
He looked her over and pressed his tongue to his teeth and sucked in, making a 'tch' noise in displeasure. "The Captain had us refit this bay, it's been equipped and outfitted with the state-of-the art armor repair and docking systems and made private for Pride Wing use only. She also had new Mindy M2-2As assigned to the each of you which have been painted, tuned, and given a Zesuaium-coated Titanium Boron Carbide and Zesuaium chain mail mesh set, normally set aside for ace pilots and officers. Come with me, I'll show you to your machine. What's your name and rank, Hei?" The Steel-Paneled Shoi awaited her answer before taking her into the refitted bay.
Mizu perked in curiously, "Kisaragi Mizu, Nito-Hei, Sir," after which she would follow behind the officer to find out what this had been about. She had come down to do some minor adjustments and refitting of her own, but if Mindy M2-2A's were brought in then things might be a lot easier to adjust. Thinking of her own assigned power armor gave her goosebumps; she couldn't wait to see it.
He led her into the doors of the newly readjusted port bay. Inside it was alive with a constant buzz of activity, with engineers going about here and there, fixing things. The ship's seal adorned the walls and on the center of the floor there seemed to be a large red circle where one could affix another insignia, but it seemed to be empty for now. He led her to the armor racks; down a line of shiny new Mindy M2-2As that all had red shoulder pads with a gold stripe down the center, and various panels which were also painted in the same red. The officer then stopped at the second one from the last one on the line. "This is your armor, Kisaragi-hei, it's your responsibility that it comes back to us in one piece and it's also your responsibility to check its systems regularly and polish it after every repair," the officer said as he activated a panel beside the machine for her to register herself. The screen displayed a request for her retinal scans, a quick mental scan so it could record her telepathic signature and finally a hand scan. After that, a series of small boxes asked her to input passwords and then allowed her to code name the machine if she so desired.
As soon as Mizu had come into view of the power armor that would be hers, her heart raced. Right then, she wanted to suit up and take it out for a test run and see just what it was capable of, if it were to compare against the other power armors that she's used before. She was also concerned about the mobility as well, once the Officer finished speaking to her, she nodded and faced the panel. "Understood, Sir." Mizu proceeded to do a retinal scan, then to a mental scan to record her telepathic signature and lastly, a hand scan for verification. Mizu finished by inputting her password. "Alright... now... what to call you?" she asked herself as she looked over the Mindy. Turning to the Officer beside her, she tilted her head slightly to the left and smiled. "Excuse me, are we able to repaint and do as we wish with our armors so long as they're not destroyed or modified beyond what were given?" Mizu spoke very clearly and modestly, asking questions was one thing – asking questions about something that you were just given, was another altogether.
"No. The paint is symbolic of your station; the schemes are standard and necessary. If you want to change it, your request has to go up to the Captain or her Executive Officer. It seems the Pride Wing was assigned to their command exclusively. So, if you have any problems, take it up with either of them. As for your choices in ordnances, that's completely up to you, but as a rookie, I suggest you keep it tame. Best not tamper with it too much or you'll find yourself out there missing an integral item of equipment needed for a certain objective or defense. But, I suppose that's just a suggestion, since there's not much I can say or do when it comes to you spoiled brats." The Shoi 'tch'd' again, then left the Neko pilot to her armor and simply walked away to oversee the rest of the bay's revamping.
Spoiled Brat? Mizu thought to herself, shrugging after the blonde officer left. She then walked over to the front of her Mindy, placing her hand over the surface of the Zesuaium-coated Titanium Boron Carbide and Zesuaium chain mail mesh set, puzzling over a name to call it by. Before long, she walked back over to the terminal and tapped her index fingers on either side of the console station.
Meanwhile, back in the mess hall, Nyoko yawned. She was bored, so headed toward the turbo lift that would take her to deck 24, where she thought that Mizu may be. It was time to get some work done, and also talk to Mizu-san. She had not really spoken much to her and that bothered her slightly. The ride on the turbo lift did not take long and soon she arrived on deck 24. Stepping out of the turbo lift, she looked around for her armor and Mizu-san.
Nyoko would be greeted to a long hallway, seeming to cut right down the center of the deck with two doors off on either side. Already half way to the port side armor bay’s entrance would be the two white paneled officers Shizuka and Nicholas, who seemed to be casually chatting as they went.
The young Neko did not want to interrupt the two officers. Nyoko was not the most up-front person, so she tried to get by without being noticed by the two officers. It was not that she did not want disobey regulations and not pay them regulation respects, but rather just wanted to not disturb them or their conversation.
PAUSE
Shizuka was in the main wardroom on Deck 05, eating amongst the regular enlisted members as if she was one of them. There was no real difference in her meal, other than she had another slab of meat. It seems the cooks in charge didn't have much time to prepare a complicated meal, so it was steak and potatoes tonight with a side of steamed veggies. Shizuka busily ate away, washing it down with a carbonated pink soda before leaning back in her seat. She gazed over the packed mess room, a little smile pulled up from the corner of her lips as she watched the crew mingle and socialize, remembering her first post under the same circumstances.
Nyoko sat in the mess reading a book. This was one thing she enjoyed a lot, especially history books; she always found them fascinating. She slowly pecked away at the food in front of her as she read. Books were great; you could get lost in a book and not worry too much about the outside world unless something really bad happened, and something bad had happened. It was a new ship – who knew how common that would be. Still, she remained content by herself.
Mizu was a little late for the usual meal time, she had been thinking about something which left her to daydream. Leaving her room in her uniform, she proceeded to the turbo lift on Deck 19 and walked in. "Deck 5, please," She spoke softly, the turbo lift leaving for Deck 5. Passing time before arriving at Deck 5, Mizu puzzled over an idea she had in mind for another character she was missing in her string of pictures she was drawing. She shook her head, a little agitated as the turbo lift came to a halt, opening at Deck 5. Mizu walked out, heading over to see what was on the menu. The Wardroom smelled of steak, potatoes and steamed vegetables, so she got just that and went out to the dining area to see a large table with an array of crew mates all around. Mizu bit her lower lip, searching around for Nyoko. Catching sight of her between her own meal and a book, Mizu found that there was an empty seat to her right and scurried over next to her with an enthused bounce in her step. "Nyo-chan. Hey... how've you been since this morning?" Mizu asked, falling into a more eased comfort.
Nyoko looked up from her book and to Mizu with a smile, "I have been great Mizu-san, how about you?" She put her book down on the table next to her food still slowly eating away at it.
Mizu smiled, starting with her potatoes and working to her veggies then meat. "I've been good, been looking forward to some action for quite some time now. Even though not long has passed since our last mission, I feel like we could be doing more..." Mizu took a few bites, savoring the food in her mouth.
Nicholas, too, was in the mess hall on deck five. Although this room provided mixed-rank accommodations, out of habit, he had taken a seat amongst a group of enlisted personnel; he was not used to being an officer yet. The Geshrin had only come here to pick up something to drink, but ended up staying. He sat watching an entertainment recording on his Type 29 communicator, not particularly watching whatever it was that was playing. It was a good way to make himself look like he was doing something other than daydreaming, which after all that had happened, was all he wanted to do right then.
Kuriko rolled out of the bed she had been napping in still unused-to the level of comfort provided by the Senbu. "I'm hungry," Kuriko muttered to herself as she walked over to a lift while trying to remember where food was served and what decks it was on. Moments later, by chance, Kuriko stepped out onto deck 5 and made her way to the mess hall. Once inside Kuriko grabbed a tray of food and began her search for a place to sit. As she scanned the occupants of the room, Nyoko and Mizu caught her eye. "Hi!!" Kuriko said excitedly as she made her way over to the pair of Neko.
Mizu peeked up from bites of potatoes, hearing an abrupt greeting. Looking for the one responsible, Mizu noticed it to be a new face she hadn't seen quite yet. She gave a smile and replied back with just as much excitement, "Why hello! please, come and sit!" Mizu motioned to the seat beside her.
"Arigatou," Kuriko said as she sat down. Once seated, Kuriko began to nibble on her food. "Mmmmmm, isn't this stuff great?" Kuriko asked behind a mouthful of mashed potatoes. "About the other day, thank you for helping me!" Kuriko said after she had swallowed her food.
Mizu smiled as Kuriko sat down, she enjoyed her happy atmosphere. "I know what you mean; I'm almost finished and about to go for seconds soon." She smiled, then thought over the last thing that Yuriko had said, slightly puzzled herself. "Erm... the other... day? What did I do to help?" Mizu seemed to want to know how she had helped; she hadn't gone long into the battle before getting knocked out, so she wasn't entirely sure what Kuriko meant.
Kuriko continued nibbling on her food. "You gave me directions to the briefing amphitheater," she replied. Hmm, she forgot? Well, in comparison to other events that day it's probably easy to forget, the Neko thought to herself.
Mizu was in the middle of working down a chunk of meat when Kuriko had said that, immediately remembering but at the same time the meat got stuck in her throat. Frantically, Mizu grabbed her drink and chugged carelessly until the piece went down and into her stomach which enabled her to breathe once again. She gave her chest a pat to make sure that it had been clear before responding, "That’s right! I remember now, I'm glad that I was able to assist you, Kuriko…was it?"
"Un, Kisaragi-Hei," Kuriko shook her head as she replied. "Steak! You guys really have it nice here. Back at the Fort we had really bland food," Kuriko said. Hayashi-Hei seems awfully quiet, Kuriko thought with a brief, almost second long glance at Nyoko. "This ship is so big; I bet there's tons of stuff to do around here. What do you guys do for fun?" Kuriko asked.
Mizu thought about this for a moment, What DO we do for fun? We haven't been on ship for very long. It wasn't long after these thoughts that she decided to respond. "Well, it hasn't been very long since we started this voyage, so I haven't been given the opportunity to really do much, but I enjoy sketching often. Oh! While were on the subject of things to do, I consider prepping my Mindy and anything Power Armor related as something fun." Mizu smiled and bounced in her seat momentarily before cutting another piece of steak and placing it in her mouth.
"Heeee, you're an artist?" Kuriko asked sounding slightly surprised. "What do you like to draw?" Kuriko leaned forward slightly as she spoke. "I like to look at art sometimes, though I'm not very good at drawing it myself," Kuriko said plainly. "OOooh I know, I have a small collection of art, I'll show it to you sometime!" the Neko said enthusiastically.
"I mostly do a few sketches, then I make attempts to put them together into a story... but I've been unable to produce anything remotely great as of late," Mizu smiled before continuing, "and I'd love to show you my art, I'd like a second opinion and possibly some help. I'm kinda stuck for inspiration." Mizu stuck her tongue out playfully. "Actually, I wouldn't mind seeing some of your art; it might give me just what I need!" she exclaimed.
Kuriko smiled. "Of course Kisaragi-He," Kuriko responded. "Saa...what do you usually do after dinner?" Kuriko asked as she looked around then back down at her empty plate. Unknowingly Kuriko had finished the entire plate of food without realizing it.
Mizu looked over from her now empty plate as well. "Well, I was gonna head to Deck 24, and prep my Mindy incase of a next encounter. I wanna make sure I have my equipment the way I want it... but other then that, I was gonna head back to my room and work on my manga." Mizu stood up with her plate in hand and placed her free hand gently upon Nyoko. "I should be in my room, should you need me, Nyo-chan,” she said telepathically. Then she walked a little past Kuriko before stopping to see if she was getting up herself. "I'd prefer to be called Mizu while we're off duty if you don't mind," she said earnestly with a smile.
Kuriko noted the telepathic activity between the two Neko. Huh, wonder what that's about, Kuriko thought before responding. "Hai, Mizu," Kuriko said eagerly. First name basis? the small Neko thought privately, I'm on first name basis with someone! the Neko thought excitedly before speaking again to Mizu, "Ne, Mizu. You can call me Kuriko," Kuriko said. "I haven't been assigned to an armor yet, so I'll see you later, ne?" Kuriko's voice seemed a little warmer than before when she spoke.
Mizu smiled promptly before heading to put her tray away. "I'll definitely see you around then Kuri-chan! If you're bored, I'm sure you can come to Deck 24 to find me," she sent telepathically. Mizu looked back to give one last smile to Kuriko and another to Nyoko, and then headed for the turbo lift. Once inside she paused a moment, meeting with Kuriko a second time and getting to know her a little gave way to a few ideas for a new character in her plot. "Deck 24, please." As the lift descended, Mizu changed her thoughts to the battle the other day, or at least what she could remember. She lacked speed to keep up with the golden power armor as well as firepower because of its forcefield. Mizu went over the different settings of what she remembered about the Mindy packs, narrowing down the options she could use to better increase her performance.
The Captain finished up her meal and then took her tray up to the washing conveyer belt leading into the washing area. With a last gaze over the crowd she spotted Nicholas, with a slight smile and bounce in her step as she went over to go join him. "So, Nick. What's that you’re watching, hmmm?" Shizuka inquired.
Nicholas’ first reply was a sort of bewildered grunt, a questioning intonation. He hadn’t expected to be approached here, much less by Shizuka. “Oh, Endo-shosa. Hello,” he said sounding somewhat surprised as he realized who it was that had addressed him. “Its, umm, A Threat to Galaxial Peace,” he replied, fumbling over what to say. He hadn’t really been paying attention what had been playing on his communicator. “It’s a science fiction series, if you’re not familiar with it.”
"That's Shizuka-shosa, or just Shi-shosa!" she said with a mock angry face. Placing her hands on her hips and looking down at the newly promoted Shoi Kohosei. Then she burst into a little giggle, and smiled at him with a toothy grin. "Keep trying Nick, you'll get it soon enough," she said with a wink before she turned to his program, lofting her head to the side a bit as she looked it over. "Can't say I have, but I should mention I've never gotten the time to watch such things..." she said eyeing the screen carefully, not really taking much in from it. After all, she’s only been around so long, this army life is all she knew.
Nicholas blushed and looked away from Shizuka for a moment, embarrassed at his inability to remember to call Shizuka by her given name, or more appropriately forget protocol. Her impish joking didn’t help his current complexion, either. “I apologize… Shizuka-shosa,” he said earnestly, looking back towards her. “It’s not a very good show. Very campy and low-budget, but it passes the time well-enough,” he continued. “As long as you don’t take it seriously, it’s very enjoyable, though.”
"One of the mechanics I served with on the second ship I was on liked something similar to this, Captain George or something like that. He had a very archaic viewing device, and spent a lot of time watching recorded episodes. He enjoyed them a lot, so I think I can understand the novelty," Shizuka said before standing back up and crossing her arms under her breasts. She gazed over to the two younger Hei's talking excitedly over their plans for the day. "It's refreshing to see the youth so happy about their position. Almost nostalgic, which is a good thing..." she trailed off and looked back down at Nicholas. "So, what do you think about offering Kuriko a position on the Pride wing? She seems built for it, she bagged her first kill during our first mission, and she's new, which means retraining will go easy," Shizuka asked her new Shoi Kohosei his opinion, as she wasn’t too sure what to do with the Fort Ready graduate yet.
Kuriko sighed before looking around when she saw Shizuka standing with Nicholas, watching his communicator. The Neko walked over and waited silently just inside of Shizuka's peripheral vision to be noticed.
The young Geshrin was smiled at his commander’s comments on youth. It was somewhat funny to him how somebody as young as her could be nostalgic about her “youth,” but he kept his amusement to himself. Considering the rate at which her species matured, it didn’t surprise him much. “I agree with your assessment, Shizuka,” Nicholas replied. “That you are seeking my opinion on such a matter means a lo – honors me,” he said gratefully, stumbling to choose what he thought would be the better phrase. “I do not know much beyond the basic power armor training that all Star Army personnel receive and her presence with the Takemitsu’s trainees suggests that neither does she, but from what I was able to witness for brief periods during the battle, she is a very capable warrior,” he paused, adding after a long moment, “but I suppose all Neko are,” almost absent-mindedly.
"Born and breed for it, they say..." Shizuka said, almost sounding a little depressed over the fact, but she just shrugged it off as she caught Kuriko in the corner of her eye. "Some are just more talented then others," she whispered to Nicholas before turning to the girl they were talking about. "It's good to see you've decided to stay with us, you’re a welcome addition to our crew. I hope the ship's been treating you well." Shizuka said offering the Hei a polite smile.
Nicholas raised an eyebrow and grinned, wondering the intent of the Captain’s whispered words. He nodded politely to Kuriko when she approached, slipping his communicator into a pocket. He would listen intently to the conversation between her and Shizuka, pretending to do so in some official capacity as he allowed his mind to wander on the Shosa’s comment.
Kuriko bowed deeply. "Thank you for allowing me to stay," Kuriko paused before continuing, "The ship’s been treating me very well, though it's pretty easy to get lost in," Kuriko said as she stared down at the ground. "It's so pretty, and the bed's are amazingly comfortable!" Kuriko seemed to be losing herself due to the difference in scale between the Takemitsu and the Senbu.
"It's no problem; after all, I couldn't miss a chance to snag one of the top students!" Shizuka said chuckling and patting the girl's belly with the back of her hand, though it may have been a gesture of amusement and friendly intent; Shizuka was also testing the girl's body, her abs, and through that she could figure out for herself just how well this girl was toned. Shizuka was crafty like that, making her hidden analysis under the guise of her natural attitude, after all, there's obviously some method to the Shosa's madness to have gotten this far. "I have a question for you Kuriko, it's a very important question, one that every single person in this ship has been asked, and oh yes... I did take the time to meet every single person you see running around." Shizuka smirked a little, being quite proud of her command ethics. "I have a position in mind for you, but I first must know… if under the circumstances that a crew member’s life was endangered, and you had to save him and abandon the completion of your mission. Or abandon his life and complete the mission. What would you chose?" She stared at the Hei intently now, her wild amber eyes almost piercing straight through to the heart of the girl.
Kuriko's abs were as toned as a normal Nekovalkyrja’s were, however they weren't anymore amazing than that. After Shizuka had asked Kuriko that question, Kuriko felt like she was melting underneath Shizuka's stare. "E-eto," the Neko stammered. Leave someone behind?!?! Let them die? her mind questioned fearfully, imagining what would have happened had she left Maya behind. "Sumimasen, Shizuka-shosa," Kuriko bowed as she apologized. "Unless many lives were on the line, depending on the mission to succeed," Kuriko started, "unless that were the case, where more would die because of my failure, I would not be able to abandon them." Kuriko's eyes were watering as images of Maya and Kail flashed before her, both of them near death when she had found them. What if my mission, had required me to leave them? Kuriko asked herself. I wouldn't have been able to do it.
Shizuka looked down to Nicholas, in a questioning stare. Gesturing to see his feelings on her answer, though with Shizuka's lightened expressions, it was easy to see she was impressed.
The girl had said what Shizuka wanted to hear, and had probably done so more honestly than he had. Her words only affirmed what he had said to Shizuka earlier, anyway, and the Shosa seemed impressed, so Nicholas gave an agreeing nod.
"Well it seems we both agree. I believe you could serve better as part of my special project. I plan on training and using a special fraction of our crew for what will be our lead power armor wing. You show great promise as a pilot, so I would like to offer you a position on my Pride Wing. It'll be a lot of work, but you seem fit for the job, and I'm quite interested in your other skills which I believe will serve us greatly in the field." Shizuka re-crossed her arms and raised her chin to look down at the girl, waiting for her answer.
Kuriko was surprised; she hadn't expected something like this. Though Kuriko liked the idea, she was unsure of her skill as a pilot. "Ano, I don't want to second guess you or anything but surely you have a hundred better power armor pilots than myself," Kuriko said timidly. "But then again," Kuriko raised her head to look up at the Shosa "You are the Shosa, not me." As Kuriko said this, a smile formed across her face.
"Maybe, but it's your potential that I'm interested in, so let's leave it at that. Now tell me how honored you are, bow a bit, then off to the gym. Also, I'll have your diet very regulated, so make sure you get your fill before you leave," Shizuka said with a playful chuckle, giving Kuriko a big smile.
"It's an honor to join the Pride Wing, Shizuka-shosa." Kuriko bowed as she spoke, almost on the verge of breaking out in laughter. "Shitsureshimasu," the neko said before bowing again and leaving.
“As for you," Shizuka said as she paused to turn and point a Neko finger at Nicholas, "you have to practice writing and saying my name. I'd like a pile of 50 calligraphic forms with Shi-chan on them, by tomorrow on my desk." Did she mean it? It was hard to tell with that poker face of hers, but it did seem if she was quite serious.
“I am yours to command, Endo-shosa,” Nicholas responded as he stood and bowed deeply, doing his best to sound formal given the humorous nature of the order. “I will do as you ask of me.” With that, he lifted himself from his bow, turned on a heel, and began to make his way back to his quarters. He had some writing to do.
Shizuka placed the tip of her index finger on her lips and watched him in amusement, toying around with a few very Neko thoughts in her head as she was sure he wasn't trying to evoke, but did anyway. "Not yet, we have things to do!" Shizuka called out as she quickly stepped after him, and then continued on in his pace through the halls and directed him towards the lifts. "So Nick, tell me a bit about yourself, I mean you can read things on a person’s profile, but you never know them until you actually get to talk with them. Or that’s at least how I feel." Shizuka smiled at him slightly as they then stepped into the lift, which she then telepathically commanded to head down to deck twenty-four.
Nicholas followed her orders, in step beside her as she led them to the lift and onto it. He was somewhat caught off-guard by her question, the Neko officer seemed to enjoy doing that to him. “Well… Shizuka-shosa, what would you like to know?” he wasn’t sure what he was comfortable telling her, but would try answer what questions she would ask, if she asked any. “I was born on Tatiana and am a member of the Saiga family. Honestly, there’s not much to say, Shosa. I’m sure that your short life has much more worthy stories to be told than mine,” he said, trying to change the subject to her past if he could. Even that would be more comfortable.
"Saiga family hmmm, sounds quite prestigious. Sadly, I've never heard of them. But then again, I've not really had the time to learn more than this life. Besides, stories of combat get old, it's funny though... you've lived a little over six times my own life span, and yet you claim to have not much to say. I bet there's something you’re hiding in that Geshrin mind of yours; actually I know there's something you don't want to tell me. But don't fret, you don't have to tell me right away, but I'd really like to hear it some time." Shizuka said as she faced the doors, her tone almost wistful.
“To me, stories of combat could never get old,” Nicholas retorted in a naïve, boyish voice, “Well, real combat, that is.” Remembering back to his experiences in the Star Army and during his adolescence, he sighed. “Remember all of those missions detailed in my record?” he questioned rhetorically, sounding somewhat angry over what he was about to say. “Not once during any of those have I even fired my weapon at an enemy, even when I was face-to-face with them,” he snapped, looking her in the eye. “I’m sure you –” the Shoi began to say, before stopping himself as a sorrowful look overcame his expression, “I apologize Shizuka-shosa. Please forgive my imprudence; I have dishonored myself.”
"Sure I have what, fired my share of weapons?" Shizuka asked, looking at him from the corner of her eye, not really facing him yet as she watched him curiously. She smirked a tiny bit, and let out a short chuckle. "As I said, born and breed for it... don't worry yourself with such things Nick, we're friends now right? After all I don't mind being a Nekovalkyrja, at least when I was born I was thrust into this position where I could save lives. That's what matters most, above all else. Without life, this universe would be nothing, and I'm willing to be out here every day of my short days defending it, in the name of this Empire which gave me that gift of life too." Shizuka seemed a little misty eyed in her philosophy, but it was because she remembered the Neko who gave her those same ideals, who also died with no chance of restoration in the name of those very same concepts. She defended them to the very end and because of it, Shizuka decided to take on that Neko's family name. But that story could be saved for another time, as they were almost at the deck they set out for.
Although he couldn’t see her face at that moment, he could hear it in her voice. Nicholas wasn’t quite sure exactly what it was, but with her words, he could feel a great burden with them and feel how much she believed in them, even though he did not know why she did. “Yes… I suppose we are friends now, Shizuka…-san. I will think about what you have told me. Thank you,” he said, straightening his posture and regaining his composure as the lift slid to their destination.
"When you live as short as I do, you find it's much easier to make friends quickly, Nick," Shizuka jested, trying to lighten up the mood as they stepped out of the lift and into the long hallway. "Now let's go check in on the new bay I had set up for the Pride Wing," the Captain said with a happy grin as she made her way down to the bay entrance.
While Shizuka and Nicholas rode the lift, on deck 24, at the port side of the hall leading from the elevator, there seemed to be a flurry of activity as the bay itself was being rearranged and modified by a large crew of Senbu engineers. A blonde-haired Yamataian officer in steel gray paneled uniform with a data pad stood outside of the port armor bay entrance, looking somewhat deeply caught up in his work.
Mizu stepped out from the turbo lift, heading out and down the corridor till she came within sight of a blonde-haired Yamataian officer in a steel gray-paneled uniform, whom appeared to be holding a data pad as well as a hasty and busy atmosphere about him. Mizu approached, saluting the officer and letting her hand drop to her side, "Sir, may I be of assistance to you, Sir?" she asked professionally, being in military meant keeping within proper parameters while on the job.
"Sorry, there's nothing you can do here. Official Pride Wing business, unless of course your one of the rookies the captain’s been spoiling," the officer responded. He held the rank of a Shoi, and didn't seem all too happy with his job at the moment.
Mizu offered a smile, to try and lighten the officer's mood a bit, "I'm with the Pride Wing. What business have you for me, then? I was heading here to access one of the panels to go over a few adjustments to the Mindy that I use." Mizu seemed very interested in what Official Pride Wing business meant.
He looked her over and pressed his tongue to his teeth and sucked in, making a 'tch' noise in displeasure. "The Captain had us refit this bay, it's been equipped and outfitted with the state-of-the art armor repair and docking systems and made private for Pride Wing use only. She also had new Mindy M2-2As assigned to the each of you which have been painted, tuned, and given a Zesuaium-coated Titanium Boron Carbide and Zesuaium chain mail mesh set, normally set aside for ace pilots and officers. Come with me, I'll show you to your machine. What's your name and rank, Hei?" The Steel-Paneled Shoi awaited her answer before taking her into the refitted bay.
Mizu perked in curiously, "Kisaragi Mizu, Nito-Hei, Sir," after which she would follow behind the officer to find out what this had been about. She had come down to do some minor adjustments and refitting of her own, but if Mindy M2-2A's were brought in then things might be a lot easier to adjust. Thinking of her own assigned power armor gave her goosebumps; she couldn't wait to see it.
He led her into the doors of the newly readjusted port bay. Inside it was alive with a constant buzz of activity, with engineers going about here and there, fixing things. The ship's seal adorned the walls and on the center of the floor there seemed to be a large red circle where one could affix another insignia, but it seemed to be empty for now. He led her to the armor racks; down a line of shiny new Mindy M2-2As that all had red shoulder pads with a gold stripe down the center, and various panels which were also painted in the same red. The officer then stopped at the second one from the last one on the line. "This is your armor, Kisaragi-hei, it's your responsibility that it comes back to us in one piece and it's also your responsibility to check its systems regularly and polish it after every repair," the officer said as he activated a panel beside the machine for her to register herself. The screen displayed a request for her retinal scans, a quick mental scan so it could record her telepathic signature and finally a hand scan. After that, a series of small boxes asked her to input passwords and then allowed her to code name the machine if she so desired.
As soon as Mizu had come into view of the power armor that would be hers, her heart raced. Right then, she wanted to suit up and take it out for a test run and see just what it was capable of, if it were to compare against the other power armors that she's used before. She was also concerned about the mobility as well, once the Officer finished speaking to her, she nodded and faced the panel. "Understood, Sir." Mizu proceeded to do a retinal scan, then to a mental scan to record her telepathic signature and lastly, a hand scan for verification. Mizu finished by inputting her password. "Alright... now... what to call you?" she asked herself as she looked over the Mindy. Turning to the Officer beside her, she tilted her head slightly to the left and smiled. "Excuse me, are we able to repaint and do as we wish with our armors so long as they're not destroyed or modified beyond what were given?" Mizu spoke very clearly and modestly, asking questions was one thing – asking questions about something that you were just given, was another altogether.
"No. The paint is symbolic of your station; the schemes are standard and necessary. If you want to change it, your request has to go up to the Captain or her Executive Officer. It seems the Pride Wing was assigned to their command exclusively. So, if you have any problems, take it up with either of them. As for your choices in ordnances, that's completely up to you, but as a rookie, I suggest you keep it tame. Best not tamper with it too much or you'll find yourself out there missing an integral item of equipment needed for a certain objective or defense. But, I suppose that's just a suggestion, since there's not much I can say or do when it comes to you spoiled brats." The Shoi 'tch'd' again, then left the Neko pilot to her armor and simply walked away to oversee the rest of the bay's revamping.
Spoiled Brat? Mizu thought to herself, shrugging after the blonde officer left. She then walked over to the front of her Mindy, placing her hand over the surface of the Zesuaium-coated Titanium Boron Carbide and Zesuaium chain mail mesh set, puzzling over a name to call it by. Before long, she walked back over to the terminal and tapped her index fingers on either side of the console station.
Meanwhile, back in the mess hall, Nyoko yawned. She was bored, so headed toward the turbo lift that would take her to deck 24, where she thought that Mizu may be. It was time to get some work done, and also talk to Mizu-san. She had not really spoken much to her and that bothered her slightly. The ride on the turbo lift did not take long and soon she arrived on deck 24. Stepping out of the turbo lift, she looked around for her armor and Mizu-san.
Nyoko would be greeted to a long hallway, seeming to cut right down the center of the deck with two doors off on either side. Already half way to the port side armor bay’s entrance would be the two white paneled officers Shizuka and Nicholas, who seemed to be casually chatting as they went.
The young Neko did not want to interrupt the two officers. Nyoko was not the most up-front person, so she tried to get by without being noticed by the two officers. It was not that she did not want disobey regulations and not pay them regulation respects, but rather just wanted to not disturb them or their conversation.
PAUSE