5tar
Active Member
ON: Shuttle to Yamatai
Kuriko sighed once the door shut behind her before the shuttle slowly lifted off of the ground. "Anyone have any big plans yet?" the Heisho asked, though her voice was still a little strained from what had happened between Shin and Shizuka. Kuriko wasn't sure how she was going to handle her new 'responsibility;' she figured this meant that from now on she was responsible for Shin's actions as well. I need to talk to him, Kuriko thought, but what had worried the Neko the most was the nonchalant attitude that the Hei had displayed concerning his life.
Hiroko blinked and just shook her head at that line of questioning. "You know I don't make plans... but maybe someone else did..."
Rin had found a seat in the crowded shuttle, carrying a very lightly packed personal bag with her, the symbol of the YSE emblazoned on the material. A few thoughts were going through her mind, but as the door finally shut and Stararcher brought the vessel into motion it appeared there was no turning back. They really were going together after all. "I'm... not exactly good at vacation planning, I'm afraid," offered the Yamataian as she crossed her legs in the blue skirt, "But I would appreciate a visit to my home the first day. My parents will likely want to know all about my promotions."
Ageha looked out the window of the shuttle, excited at the thought of the intense visuals that planetfall would bring. All the while she listened to the other occupants of the shuttle. "In any case, I hope there will be some group activities," she lightheartedly offered to the conversation, "Otherwise I'm going to wear myself out trying to keep up."
Kuriko nodded to both Ageha and Rin in one motion. "Since it's a vacation I imagine there will be time for you to visit anywhere you'd like on the planet. Of course, I think it would be great if we spend some off time together, it works out pretty nicely since all of our rooms are in the same hotel," Kuriko commented before leaning against the back of the wall and shutting her eyes. "Rin, you mentioned the Tengoku has a good onsen?" Kuriko asked. "Perhaps it would be a nice experience for us to spend some time there as a group," Kuriko suggested.
Hoshitomo-hei nodded. "Yes, Heisho. The literature described it as the premier selling point of the resort." She brought a hand up to her chin, brushing it lightly in thought. "I did enjoy our time together in the Senbu's limited facilities... with free access to one of this size and amenities, it would be a shame to waste such an opportunity to relax."
Sakaki nodded a little to what Rin was saying, though part of her mind was preoccupied. She didn't know if it was a good time to see 'him' yet, even with her recent successes in the army it would probably be the Neko's best interest to stay away from 'him.' During the trip she had plucked out a novel she brought with herself and began to read from where she left off.
Kuriko looked at Ageha. "I’m sorry we didn't get to complete our introduction Nanjo-hei. You're our new communications specialist on the bridge correct?" Kuriko asked Ageha, trying to stir up a conversation with the Hei. "What influenced your decision to be communications instead of something like infantry?" Kuriko was curious about the Hei's answer to this; having had a non-combat job previously, she wondered just what motivated Yamataian’s to choose their professions.
The Santô Hei looked away from her window to address the Heisho. "That's right," she said with a nod. "Communications and Tactics Relay Coordination. It's a lot better position than what I was expecting," she admitted. "Honestly I was worried I'd be little more than a gofer for a senior officer. I'm glad that Saiga-shosa has such confidence in my abilities." She smiled. Shifuda-heisho doesn't seem that bad at all either. Maybe I was mistaken about before? Ageha glanced over at Hiroko. Though, there is still that matter. There's definitely more going on here than appears.
"I originally am trained in starship ops and communications," interjected Rin as the conversation progressed. "Though the Taisa thought it best that I serve in a field combat capacity and aid the Pride Wing."
Hiroko blinked at Ageha's glance, but said nothing. She's probably thinking about that telepathic message. I don't know if it's appropriate to mention... and I don't know how much everyone else might have told her... But she did comment to the more openly-spoken words, "Communications and... so we might be hearing you on the lines? Or are you more just on the bridge?"
Kuriko hadn't had the chance to look over any of the information about the members of the wing, so Rin's previous training was a small surprise to the Neko. That explains how she knows a lot about tactics. "I wasn't aware of that Rin, you've adapted quite well, I think, to the new role though. It can't hurt to have a tactician in the field either; sometimes having someone in the situation is more useful than just an outside observer," Kuriko said to Rin as she reevaluated her thoughts of the Hei and listened for Ageha's response.
"It will be my job to read the data coming in from the Senbu's sensor array and feed pertinent info to Shifuda-heisho during combat situations," Ageha explained, happy to talk about her new assignment. "Also, I'll be on hand to help with any more specialized scans or directed battle information as needed."
"So you will be taking over some of Navi-san's work?" asked Sakaki without looking up from her novel. The Neko was curious of the girl before and now understood she would not be going into combat. Not that Ushimo-hei disliked the girl as the only disappointment here was the girl was probably not a good candidate for sparring.
At that, Hiroko nodded. "Ah, sensor reading. Doesn't sound that bad, no. I'll keep you in mind if we need extra optics."
The experienced pilot gave a thin smile to the newbie. "I do envy you a little bit, Nanjo-hei," began Rin with a sense of reverie, "Being able to be on the bridge is a much different place than on the battlefield, with its own unique challenges and drama that are critical to success."
Nanjo-hei definitely did not look like a good sparring partner; perhaps too thin for a Yamataian. Ageha visited the gym a couple of times a week, but simply didn't have the muscle mass to be able to handle any sort of personal combat. "Ara? Navi-san?" she asked, looking quite confused. Between that and Hiroko's reaction, Ageha started to wonder if her being there was actually a sore spot among the group. Perhaps that would account for their seemingly strange actions. "Was that your previous ComTech?" she questioned, feeling uncomfortable not knowing if Navi was her given or family name, nor her rank.
Hoshitomo-hei gave a single nod to the comms operator's questioning. "Yes, that is correct. I believe she's been with us even before I was assigned to the Pride Wing and has worked very closely with Shifuda-heisho. It will be a big set of shoes to fill... but I'm sure she has gone onto bigger and better things, and the only way you can learn is to be in the thick of the action for yourself."
Kuriko nodded in confirmation to Sakaki's statement. "Navi-heisho has indeed worked with me for a while, but I look forward to working with you Nanjo-hei," Kuriko offered her support to the young Hei; it could be hard knowing that you're replacing a close associate to someone. Kuriko didn't want to have any hard feelings between herself and Ageha about this.
Ageha nodded in response and leaned back in her seat, folding her hands in her lap. She glanced again towards the window, not wanting to miss the amazing view of descending into a planet's atmosphere. Stupid Age. That's why they were acting weird before. You're replacing someone who was close to them. That's probably what Ishida-hei wanted to tell you. As she admonished herself internally, she responded to Kuriko with determination, "I will do my best, Heisho."
The mature, womanly voice of the shuttle pilot, Jennifer, came over the internal intercom. "Ladies and gentlemen, miscreants of the First XF: we're gonna be arriving a little late this afternoon. There's a lot of traffic down below, so hang tight while we circle around looking like idiots. Oh, and if you look down below, it's a wonderful fall afternoon in Kyoto. Local time is 5:30 p.m. and it's a warm 20 degrees Celsius." Stararcher jokingly played the role of airline pilot as she mused herself with passing the time, doing just as she said. In the windows on either side of the ship they could see the beautiful and pristine capitol city of Kyoto, the center of the empire.
Kuriko reached out and patted Ageha on the shoulder, empathizing with her slightly. "That's the most we can ask of you, Nanjo-hei," Kuriko responded kindly before looking out at the beautiful Kyoto skyline, which was, of course, crowded with traffic
Rin uncrossed and crossed her legs again, folding her arms a bit and looking down with closed eyes. "Do your best at all times and do not have regrets. Even if you may fail, keep going and reach for the stars." Uttering this statement, her thoughts briefly turned to her father, and what he would say when he saw her once more. Would he be satisfied with her successes and overlook her few failures on her own path to the heavens? Opening her blue eyes, the approaching skyline hit her gaze and the young soldier's ivory face was at once filled with a glimmer of hope that she was on the right path to impressing the one person in this existence whose opinion truly mattered.
Sakaki only glanced out the window; it was like returning to a home she didn't really want to return to. "You will do fine," Sakaki said without emotion while turning the page of her book. By now she had an image profile of Ageha and the Neko concluded that while she is adorable, she was not within reach of the Taisa's cuteness overall, although noted that she seemed like a puppy compared to Shizuka the Lioness.
Hiroko nodded as well, actually forming a smile. "I for one wouldn't mind a more familiar face in the ComTech position anyway!" At which point she looked down, but only for a moment.
At the sound of the announcement, Ageha went back to watching out the window. Her face shown brightly as she grinned, watching the planet and city get ever closer. She was certain she wouldn't see a view like it again for a while since being assigned to the Senbu, yet here she was already. Perhaps this would be the one last time before being relegated back to the inky blackness of space.
Hiroko stole a glance back at Ageha. Ah... so fresh still. Hiroko tried to remember a time when she had that kind of wonder at anything… Damn, she had only served two sorties and she was jaded before she even signed up! And so, Hiroko kept looking at Ageha, like a parent reminiscing about their own childhood by watching a kid.
Rin glanced across to Sakaki and her book, who seemed to be a bit detached considering the homecoming. "Ushimo-hei... do you have any plans of your own once we reach the resort?"
"None," Sakaki replied to Rin's inquiry with the turning of a page. If anything, she probably planned to just explore the area around the hotel and not do anything special, at least on her own. This is a home I am not ready to revisit, furthermore this trip I must safeguard my secrets more than before! were Sakaki's thoughts as she reread a paragraph since she almost skipped it while thinking about how to respond to Rin's question.
"Mmm, I see," reacted Rin in a cool manner to the rebuffing of her query. "I suppose that's to be expected considering you seem so focused on your battle skills. Though this is the first time I've seen you indulging in more intellectual pursuits. I could acquire copies of interesting books through some of my parent's contacts for you if you wish. Tactics and strategy manuals were something my father collected extensively."
"No thank you," Sakaki replied again, digging her fictional samurai fiction some more. This time she didn't lose her place, since it was a boring part about some man wanting to buy a shuttle, but kept misunderstanding in wanting to 'shuttle his wife' instead as a horrible pun.
Rin was a little disappointed, but maybe she was off base on the type of literature the Nekovalkyrja enjoyed. It was true some could have some eccentric pursuits all across the spectrum, and it was hard to tell what one feline soldier preferred over another by just guessing. But in Rin’s eyes, Sakaki seemed a consummate warrior, so surely must be studying something relating to developing that mindset. In the interests of respect, though, she did not sneak a glance to confirm whether this was true or not. Instead, the teal-haired woman gave a quick testing look towards Hiroko as she apparently was studying Ageha by the window. "The offer is open to you as well, Ishida-hei. You seem the type that would appreciate study of such materials."
Ageha's attention was fully on the world outside the shuttle. She didn't hear Sakaki and Rin talking to each other nor did she feel Hiroko's gaze upon her. Growing up on a colony ship, views like this she could never see. But now she allowed herself to let the professionalism drop to enjoy the scenery. This "vacation" for them was going to be work for her, so she might as well try and steal some time like this for herself.
END
Kuriko sighed once the door shut behind her before the shuttle slowly lifted off of the ground. "Anyone have any big plans yet?" the Heisho asked, though her voice was still a little strained from what had happened between Shin and Shizuka. Kuriko wasn't sure how she was going to handle her new 'responsibility;' she figured this meant that from now on she was responsible for Shin's actions as well. I need to talk to him, Kuriko thought, but what had worried the Neko the most was the nonchalant attitude that the Hei had displayed concerning his life.
Hiroko blinked and just shook her head at that line of questioning. "You know I don't make plans... but maybe someone else did..."
Rin had found a seat in the crowded shuttle, carrying a very lightly packed personal bag with her, the symbol of the YSE emblazoned on the material. A few thoughts were going through her mind, but as the door finally shut and Stararcher brought the vessel into motion it appeared there was no turning back. They really were going together after all. "I'm... not exactly good at vacation planning, I'm afraid," offered the Yamataian as she crossed her legs in the blue skirt, "But I would appreciate a visit to my home the first day. My parents will likely want to know all about my promotions."
Ageha looked out the window of the shuttle, excited at the thought of the intense visuals that planetfall would bring. All the while she listened to the other occupants of the shuttle. "In any case, I hope there will be some group activities," she lightheartedly offered to the conversation, "Otherwise I'm going to wear myself out trying to keep up."
Kuriko nodded to both Ageha and Rin in one motion. "Since it's a vacation I imagine there will be time for you to visit anywhere you'd like on the planet. Of course, I think it would be great if we spend some off time together, it works out pretty nicely since all of our rooms are in the same hotel," Kuriko commented before leaning against the back of the wall and shutting her eyes. "Rin, you mentioned the Tengoku has a good onsen?" Kuriko asked. "Perhaps it would be a nice experience for us to spend some time there as a group," Kuriko suggested.
Hoshitomo-hei nodded. "Yes, Heisho. The literature described it as the premier selling point of the resort." She brought a hand up to her chin, brushing it lightly in thought. "I did enjoy our time together in the Senbu's limited facilities... with free access to one of this size and amenities, it would be a shame to waste such an opportunity to relax."
Sakaki nodded a little to what Rin was saying, though part of her mind was preoccupied. She didn't know if it was a good time to see 'him' yet, even with her recent successes in the army it would probably be the Neko's best interest to stay away from 'him.' During the trip she had plucked out a novel she brought with herself and began to read from where she left off.
Kuriko looked at Ageha. "I’m sorry we didn't get to complete our introduction Nanjo-hei. You're our new communications specialist on the bridge correct?" Kuriko asked Ageha, trying to stir up a conversation with the Hei. "What influenced your decision to be communications instead of something like infantry?" Kuriko was curious about the Hei's answer to this; having had a non-combat job previously, she wondered just what motivated Yamataian’s to choose their professions.
The Santô Hei looked away from her window to address the Heisho. "That's right," she said with a nod. "Communications and Tactics Relay Coordination. It's a lot better position than what I was expecting," she admitted. "Honestly I was worried I'd be little more than a gofer for a senior officer. I'm glad that Saiga-shosa has such confidence in my abilities." She smiled. Shifuda-heisho doesn't seem that bad at all either. Maybe I was mistaken about before? Ageha glanced over at Hiroko. Though, there is still that matter. There's definitely more going on here than appears.
"I originally am trained in starship ops and communications," interjected Rin as the conversation progressed. "Though the Taisa thought it best that I serve in a field combat capacity and aid the Pride Wing."
Hiroko blinked at Ageha's glance, but said nothing. She's probably thinking about that telepathic message. I don't know if it's appropriate to mention... and I don't know how much everyone else might have told her... But she did comment to the more openly-spoken words, "Communications and... so we might be hearing you on the lines? Or are you more just on the bridge?"
Kuriko hadn't had the chance to look over any of the information about the members of the wing, so Rin's previous training was a small surprise to the Neko. That explains how she knows a lot about tactics. "I wasn't aware of that Rin, you've adapted quite well, I think, to the new role though. It can't hurt to have a tactician in the field either; sometimes having someone in the situation is more useful than just an outside observer," Kuriko said to Rin as she reevaluated her thoughts of the Hei and listened for Ageha's response.
"It will be my job to read the data coming in from the Senbu's sensor array and feed pertinent info to Shifuda-heisho during combat situations," Ageha explained, happy to talk about her new assignment. "Also, I'll be on hand to help with any more specialized scans or directed battle information as needed."
"So you will be taking over some of Navi-san's work?" asked Sakaki without looking up from her novel. The Neko was curious of the girl before and now understood she would not be going into combat. Not that Ushimo-hei disliked the girl as the only disappointment here was the girl was probably not a good candidate for sparring.
At that, Hiroko nodded. "Ah, sensor reading. Doesn't sound that bad, no. I'll keep you in mind if we need extra optics."
The experienced pilot gave a thin smile to the newbie. "I do envy you a little bit, Nanjo-hei," began Rin with a sense of reverie, "Being able to be on the bridge is a much different place than on the battlefield, with its own unique challenges and drama that are critical to success."
Nanjo-hei definitely did not look like a good sparring partner; perhaps too thin for a Yamataian. Ageha visited the gym a couple of times a week, but simply didn't have the muscle mass to be able to handle any sort of personal combat. "Ara? Navi-san?" she asked, looking quite confused. Between that and Hiroko's reaction, Ageha started to wonder if her being there was actually a sore spot among the group. Perhaps that would account for their seemingly strange actions. "Was that your previous ComTech?" she questioned, feeling uncomfortable not knowing if Navi was her given or family name, nor her rank.
Hoshitomo-hei gave a single nod to the comms operator's questioning. "Yes, that is correct. I believe she's been with us even before I was assigned to the Pride Wing and has worked very closely with Shifuda-heisho. It will be a big set of shoes to fill... but I'm sure she has gone onto bigger and better things, and the only way you can learn is to be in the thick of the action for yourself."
Kuriko nodded in confirmation to Sakaki's statement. "Navi-heisho has indeed worked with me for a while, but I look forward to working with you Nanjo-hei," Kuriko offered her support to the young Hei; it could be hard knowing that you're replacing a close associate to someone. Kuriko didn't want to have any hard feelings between herself and Ageha about this.
Ageha nodded in response and leaned back in her seat, folding her hands in her lap. She glanced again towards the window, not wanting to miss the amazing view of descending into a planet's atmosphere. Stupid Age. That's why they were acting weird before. You're replacing someone who was close to them. That's probably what Ishida-hei wanted to tell you. As she admonished herself internally, she responded to Kuriko with determination, "I will do my best, Heisho."
The mature, womanly voice of the shuttle pilot, Jennifer, came over the internal intercom. "Ladies and gentlemen, miscreants of the First XF: we're gonna be arriving a little late this afternoon. There's a lot of traffic down below, so hang tight while we circle around looking like idiots. Oh, and if you look down below, it's a wonderful fall afternoon in Kyoto. Local time is 5:30 p.m. and it's a warm 20 degrees Celsius." Stararcher jokingly played the role of airline pilot as she mused herself with passing the time, doing just as she said. In the windows on either side of the ship they could see the beautiful and pristine capitol city of Kyoto, the center of the empire.
Kuriko reached out and patted Ageha on the shoulder, empathizing with her slightly. "That's the most we can ask of you, Nanjo-hei," Kuriko responded kindly before looking out at the beautiful Kyoto skyline, which was, of course, crowded with traffic
Rin uncrossed and crossed her legs again, folding her arms a bit and looking down with closed eyes. "Do your best at all times and do not have regrets. Even if you may fail, keep going and reach for the stars." Uttering this statement, her thoughts briefly turned to her father, and what he would say when he saw her once more. Would he be satisfied with her successes and overlook her few failures on her own path to the heavens? Opening her blue eyes, the approaching skyline hit her gaze and the young soldier's ivory face was at once filled with a glimmer of hope that she was on the right path to impressing the one person in this existence whose opinion truly mattered.
Sakaki only glanced out the window; it was like returning to a home she didn't really want to return to. "You will do fine," Sakaki said without emotion while turning the page of her book. By now she had an image profile of Ageha and the Neko concluded that while she is adorable, she was not within reach of the Taisa's cuteness overall, although noted that she seemed like a puppy compared to Shizuka the Lioness.
Hiroko nodded as well, actually forming a smile. "I for one wouldn't mind a more familiar face in the ComTech position anyway!" At which point she looked down, but only for a moment.
At the sound of the announcement, Ageha went back to watching out the window. Her face shown brightly as she grinned, watching the planet and city get ever closer. She was certain she wouldn't see a view like it again for a while since being assigned to the Senbu, yet here she was already. Perhaps this would be the one last time before being relegated back to the inky blackness of space.
Hiroko stole a glance back at Ageha. Ah... so fresh still. Hiroko tried to remember a time when she had that kind of wonder at anything… Damn, she had only served two sorties and she was jaded before she even signed up! And so, Hiroko kept looking at Ageha, like a parent reminiscing about their own childhood by watching a kid.
Rin glanced across to Sakaki and her book, who seemed to be a bit detached considering the homecoming. "Ushimo-hei... do you have any plans of your own once we reach the resort?"
"None," Sakaki replied to Rin's inquiry with the turning of a page. If anything, she probably planned to just explore the area around the hotel and not do anything special, at least on her own. This is a home I am not ready to revisit, furthermore this trip I must safeguard my secrets more than before! were Sakaki's thoughts as she reread a paragraph since she almost skipped it while thinking about how to respond to Rin's question.
"Mmm, I see," reacted Rin in a cool manner to the rebuffing of her query. "I suppose that's to be expected considering you seem so focused on your battle skills. Though this is the first time I've seen you indulging in more intellectual pursuits. I could acquire copies of interesting books through some of my parent's contacts for you if you wish. Tactics and strategy manuals were something my father collected extensively."
"No thank you," Sakaki replied again, digging her fictional samurai fiction some more. This time she didn't lose her place, since it was a boring part about some man wanting to buy a shuttle, but kept misunderstanding in wanting to 'shuttle his wife' instead as a horrible pun.
Rin was a little disappointed, but maybe she was off base on the type of literature the Nekovalkyrja enjoyed. It was true some could have some eccentric pursuits all across the spectrum, and it was hard to tell what one feline soldier preferred over another by just guessing. But in Rin’s eyes, Sakaki seemed a consummate warrior, so surely must be studying something relating to developing that mindset. In the interests of respect, though, she did not sneak a glance to confirm whether this was true or not. Instead, the teal-haired woman gave a quick testing look towards Hiroko as she apparently was studying Ageha by the window. "The offer is open to you as well, Ishida-hei. You seem the type that would appreciate study of such materials."
Ageha's attention was fully on the world outside the shuttle. She didn't hear Sakaki and Rin talking to each other nor did she feel Hiroko's gaze upon her. Growing up on a colony ship, views like this she could never see. But now she allowed herself to let the professionalism drop to enjoy the scenery. This "vacation" for them was going to be work for her, so she might as well try and steal some time like this for herself.
END
