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RP: Cirrus Station [Episode 9] The Silver Lining

Kokuten pressed the button for the seventh floor and looked back over at Blake. The man's 'street ready' position was little cause for laughter for the refined Captain, but he tried to seem rude about it.

"Well, Mr. Morris, it just goes to show that there are people under the berets and lab-coats we see every day." mused the Chiaki, leaning next to the wall of the elevator as it went up. "I do like our uniforms mind you, but as much as I enjoy the lab-coats, I did think Cassefin and Purina were looking very nice." The tall Nepleslian cyborg rubbed his chin, "But, no worries on your own Uniform, as standard as it is, there shouldn't be one person on this planet who shouldn't respect such an attire."
 
"I'm sure it'll get me some nice discounts at the arms store." Blake replied with a smirk, "And maybe some nice, well-built, and attractive people will look at me with the same eyes they look at an expensive car for sale. It's been rather lonely since I joined up. I'd look forward to the experience."

Young Blake's rather dry description of his enthusiasm was was inversed by the hopefulness he felt inside. He looked across the elevator in thought for a moment at the luxuries which no doubt awaited such high rank as Private Third Class before turning back to Kokuten with a wide smile on his face. He wanted to say thank you for some reason; but instead decided to pat Kokuten on the shoulder firmly.
 
"I doubt anyone gets a discount on their attire, Mr. Morris." said Kokuten, his usually warm gaze apparently hindered. "But I do know that anyone who does not respect the uniform of the SM's Marine Corps, is a Red, and probably needs to be deported anyway." Surprisingly enough, this nationalistic line came fairly smooth off the lips of the usually kind Captain.

"If..." started Kokuten, trying to pick up a spoken pace, "... You really want something ritzier than the pullover, then I'm sure you could find a decent clothing store somewhere."

Their elevator stopped at the seventh floor, and the doors opened to let them out. Kokuten gave the man a shrug and stepped out of the elevator, looking around for the Captain's Cabinent.
 
"The Lady has several facilities that serve alcohol, sir, on several different floors," Weathersby answered Stovaa as he watched Kokuten and Blake make there way to the elevator just beyond him, leading into the colossal building itself. "The establishments have several differing themes and types of drinks that correlate to their theme... so if you have something particular in mind, I might be able to help you narrow down your selection. Facilities entirely dedicated to the drink will be found on either the eighth or ninth floors, reserved for the culinary establishments."

"As I am also in charge of preparing your evening accommodations, I am also at the liberty to take your requests for anything you might want in your room when you retire," the cordial manservant continued with a nod, using a single hand to straighten his graying mustache. "This includes things such as special food orders, alcohol or other beverages, or exotic company, if that is what you prefer. You need only tell me and I'll see what The Lady of the Ocean can do to make your stay as enjoyable as possible."

"And, of course, The Lady is a casino at its heart. The first four floors are all dedicated to fulfilling that desire. If you are indeed as thirsty as you seem, good sir, I suggest enjoying a drink or two at the bars located on the casino floor," Weathersby answered Stovaa's final question with a polite smile. "Fortuna's gambling laws are very lax, so you will find nearly any gamble that your heart desires... cards, dice, even privately-owned animal racing. Unfortunately, there are no major brawling or fisticuffs matches scheduled for tonight, so the gambling offices for them are closed. Other than that, The Lady is at your disposal."

---

Kokuten and Blake's elevator opened to the seventh floor, allowing the soft ambient music roll into their ears as they walked onto the floor. They were met with sights that could only be called extravagant; The Lady of the Ocean had gone to great lengths to live up to its watery theme. This particular floor was illuminated by the soft glow of translucent fixtures above them, magnified and marveled by the very floor beneath them, which was actually made of crystal-clear glass. Beneath the plates of glass was an abundance of sea life; multicolored sands and rocks, exotic plant life growing from the sea bed, swaying gently amongst the water. Then there was, of course, the aquatic life swimming through the clear blue water. Fish, crustaceans and sea mammals of all types and origins, gathered from far-reaching systems for the viewing pleasure of The Lady's patrons.

The very walls of the hallway the two Cirrus Station security personnel had stepped into was designed to immerse, large ocean-weather rock formations and beautiful arrangements of gathered coral mingled with the walls. Soft ambient music completed the experience, tones of light jazz adding an additional calming sensation to the establishment as a whole. The stores themselves also seemed to fit the oceanic theme, and the Captain's Cabinet was no different. Kokuten and Blake would not have to walk far before they could see the simple wood-carved sign above one of the stores on the right.

The Captain's Cabinet was fashioned after its namesake; the grandeur of the main hall took a turn for the decidedly ancient as the ocean sand and plants turned to wooden planks and the smell of salty beechwood. Modeled after the long-past time of traversing large bodies of water in ships made of wood, the Captain's Cabinet gave the feel of present in a historical fiction film... complete with the age-old practice of the tobacco.

Wooden shelves and glassed display cases showed a multitude of tobacco products and paraphernalia. The store itself seemed to cater towards the more refined, however, the cheap brands seemingly barred and not present, replaced with the more ritzy and expensive brands that have earned their right to hold a candle in higher class. Cigars and cigarettes of varying flavors and makes from the farthest reaches galactic civilization, small tins of dried and fermented tobacco ready to be rolled at the leisure of the consumer, single-cigar airtight containers, ornamental lighters plated in silver and gold, cherrywood pipes... the store was a literal treasure trove the to puffing masses.

The store even had a small area cleared of product, occupied by an elaborately-carved oak table and a quartet of furnished chairs; no doubt put there for patrons who preferred to validate their purchases in a familiar environment. The "captain" of the Captain's Cabinet stood in the center of the store, wearing a fictional naval uniform from the days of old, a full brown beard on his face and holding a smoking pipe completing his sophisticated ensemble as he greeted people entering the establishment. Currently there were only a handful of patrons in the store, browsing lightly amongst the expensive name brands.

Kokuten and Blake's appearance into the smoke shop did not go unnoticed by the good captain, the man raising his pipe at the duo as they entered. "Welcome to the Captain's Cabinet, gentlemen."
 
"S-... Sugoi..." slipped Kokuten, his first language surfacing from the sheer awe of the store. It was beautiful, in his metallic perception, the traditional style, the wonderful smells, and the sheer size of such an exquisite selection. The absolute wonder of that place had to sink in for a few seconds before the Captain could even think of his next action. When he did recover from the shock of reaching his own heaven, Kokuten stepped forth and greeted the old timey Captain with a respectful bow.

"Good evening, sir!" replied Kokuten cheerily, before stepping past him into the store. So focused was he on looking for the right brand, that he wasn't even aware if he had left Blake behind or not. His destination was set and he was hunting for cigar, especially that of the Kennewesian variety. The flavor in Kenn cigars were balanced with a delicate smoothness that rolled off the tongue. Generally, hand-rolled Kenn's were the most expensive, and depending on the maker, simply outrageous. Though, a connoisseur like Kokuten knew what he wanted.
 
This was not quite what had been expected. So there was more to this place than just lights, noise, and people? And this hotel seemed large enough that she could get herself lost and find a quiet place, if she wanted to.

Forget this. If we're supposed to have fun, then I'm going to have fun. Well...what was fun? Tweak wasn't sure what The Lady of the Ocean had that she would enjoy. Gambling and shopping possibly involved crowds, and she knew she wasn't dressed in any way that would blend in. Maybe they had a bookstore. Or music. Music sounded good. (No pun intended, she thought.)

The neko glanced to each side, looking at the others who were still hanging around the landing pad. She waited a few more seconds, then approached Weathersby. "Excuse me...is it alright if I just have a map?" she asked, the question just loud enough for the butler to hear. "I don't really know what I want to do yet..."
 
Claire's earlier attitude had been a little tired still. In fact, ever since 'that' day she had seemed a little more fatigued than usual, try as she might to cover it up with a little bit of forced cheer. After listening to everyone for a little bit and where they planned on going, her expression lightened a bit. Maybe, just maybe, she could feel a bit more relaxed today. She decided that waiting was not going to find her the fun she sought today so after straightening up a little and giving a good stretch, she approached the 'butler' (Which she thought was awesome and was tickled that the man played the part so well.).

"Hey there. As I'm sure you've noticed, I don't have anything fancy to wear to Cassie's little meeting later. I was hoping to take Miss Popjoy on a little shopping trip along with anyone else that feels like it. Would you happen to have some directions for me?" Claire's smile was genuine and seemed a bit brighter than her usual smirk. She hoped that her brief moment lost in thought hadn't bored Purina into striking off on her own.

As she thought this though she noticed Tweak seeming to have trouble on what to do. She nudged the spacer to get her attention, despite being close enough to be able to hear even a whisper. "Hey, you should go shopping with Purina and I. Get you something different to wear on occassion. I'm sure they've a wide enough selection to find something that'll work for you, hon."
 
"Yes, of course madam," Weathersby answered Claire with a gracious nod. "You can find a handful of ladies clothing stores on the seventh floor as well. Blue Pearl and Sea Angel are of particular quality, if I may make my own recommendation," the aged gentleman answered Claire while at the same time pulling a paper pamphlet from the inside of his formal coat pocket. Mr. Weathersby held out the folded sheet to Tweak. "A general map of the hotel and its attractions for you, miss, as well as your lovely friends."

Both Purina and Cassefin had been waiting patiently to see where the others were going. Purina squealed in delight of the names of the stores, her anxiousness all too present. Cassefin was more interested with the services that Mr. Weathersby was providing, however, stepping up to address him as she cleared her throat and straightened the hem of her cocktail dress. "You said that you're in charge of the room, correct? Make sure your helpers handle my luggage delicately when they deliver it to my suite; I have fragile things among my belongings," Cassefin spoke sternly. Weathersby smiled and nodded, taking Miss Montreal's usual gruff attitude with surprising grace; he must have had plenty of experience with ornery guests. "I would like my miniature refrigerator filled with mineral and spring water as well. Mineral and spring, half and half. Any commercially accepted brands will do except for Greespan Spring... there better not be any of that garbage in there when I retire for the evening. Did you get all that?"

"Yes ma'am," Mr. Weathersby nodded once more.

"Ah..." Purina raised her hand slightly when Cassefin was finished. "I would, ah, also like a desert menu ready when I arrive at my room. Is it, um, alright to ask for that?" Purina asked sheepishly, suddenly realizing the possible error of her own question. "Or do I just request it when I arrive, or...?"

"I can have our room service menu ready for your perusal on your bed, madam. It's quite fine, a common request," the old man replied in a gentle tone.
 
Blake was accustomed to the tourist-oriented nature of such places, and as such walked right past the facade and the captain and towards one of the many shelves. He selected a pack from Delsaurian brand of herbal cigarette and a carton of cigarettes which were considered ritzier Nepleslian Greens and quietly made his way to the counter. With his selections made, he looked to the Captain of the Cabinet with expectant eyes; calmly awaiting the price of his purchase.

After a moment, Blake decided to add another item to his selection. It was a very long, thin cigar wrapped in very dark brown paper. It's brand was called "Pinuletto's Black Magic" and it spoke to Blake in a very special way. He imagined It told him to smoke It. It told him beautiful people would want him in fantastic ways if he did. It told him he was a nice guy and he shouldn't be standing around listening to cigars, but rather buying them instead.

"Buying them instead, yeah..." he said aloud, emergin from his fantasy world with the cigar in hand back at the front counter.
 
Taking the map, Tweak scanned it (literally, saving it to memory), finding at least one thing that looked interesting as she did. Then Claire elbowed her.

"Huh? Oh..." She glanced down at the map, then over at the ever-enthusiastic, but still timid, Purina. Both women seemed outlined with a dim glow, Claire in green and Ms. Popjoy in blue...Teammate and civilian, Tweak realized. Her Tactical system had marked them as friendlies, instead of the yellow, orange, and red of unknowns and threats.

Wait, was that supposed to happen?

Setting the momentary mental oddity aside for later, she returned her attention to the decision at hand. The vision-overlay auras faded as Tweak nodded in reply to Claire's offer. "Alright," she said slowly, a small smile finally showing itself on her face.
 
"Ah, here we go!" said Kokuten as he drew out a pack of Kenn Cigars marked with the face of a weighty, and wide-smiling man with a delicious looking sandwich nestled in his mouth. Right above the head was the word REUBEN, labeling these as the hand-rolled blunts from the Reuben Province on Kennewes. Each were expensive, and a pack was normally outrageous for the regular smoker, but since Kokuten had only a small chance to enjoy such quality, it was actually a fair deal.

With his prize found, his goal satisfied, the Doctor went to the front counter, and took a spot behind Blake. As he waited, he took a look at what his friend was trying to buy.

"Is that a Pinuletto?" Asked Kokuten, pointing at the singular cigar, a small chuckle escaping the side of his lips, "You know, when you said you were an 'herbal' smoker, I didn't think you meant that kind of herb, eh heh."
 
"Well, I'll start at the top and work my way through every bar I can find, maybe I'll end up in the casino. A simple enough plan, I suppose." Stovaa started towards the elevator but stopped just before he'd pass Weathersby.

"Uh... while I'm thinking about it, are there establishments where someone could purchase nutritional supplements? Just a thought, since catalogues charge a bomb for postage to deep space."

(Short post is short, but there's not really much to say right now.)
 
Claire raised an eyebrow slightly at the suggestions. Those sounded like she'd find swimwear more than evening clothing, but she assumed it was an overarching theme of the entire place. She didn't want to look overdressed, so merely on the names alone she made a decision, "Sea Angel sounds nice. Perhaps what I find there won't make me look like I'm attending a seaside business meeting." She was referring to the Blue Pearl which was a bit of a stretch and a leap of logic. But if there was time, she likely would be visiting both anyway.

Tweak's smile pleased Claire, but the lack of enthusiasm didn't. "Come on dear, try to be a little excited for this, I rarely see you out of those clothes and if ya aren't putting some serious thought into this, I'll pick something out for you." The subtext was of course Claire's intention to find something flashy or 'flattering' for Tweak if she didn't find something first.
 
The 'Spacer neko looked down at what she was wearing, then back at Claire, puzzled. "What's wrong with what I'm wearing?"

It was durable, loose enough to allow movement but not enough to get in the way, and she didn't have to worry about dirt or gear-oil getting on it. There was already some there. Oh...

"It could be cleaner, I guess," she noted, pulling at the bottom hem of her t-shirt to get a look at the stains that were creating a rather detailed Rorschach test on the fabric.
 
"I-..." Blake stopped short, whipping the innocent choirboy look on Kokuten, "I'm not quite sure what exactly this is, Captain. It's just that, that, that, er, this... THIS cigar."

As he continued, a wicked smile slowly began to cross the young man's face. His eyes widened and his teeth shone almost menacingly in the soft light of the Captain's Cabinet.

"Why, it's simply magnificent! I've never beheld such aroma, such dark leaf, such... sex appeal. It's as if I've discovered the very embodiment of Nepleslian culture wrapped in a seductive, alluring leaf which guide my lips ever so delicately..."

As he trailed off, Blake still held the cigar firmly in one hand. His expression had calmed back to a soft smirk as he looked back at Kokuten with deep eyes. Snapping out of his fervor, he left it at simply, "I must have it, and I must paint afterwords."
 
"Pinuletto's 'are' for the passionate, for sure." Kokuten said, scratching his hairy chin. "Though, I suggest you take it one puff at a time, man. I've seen some people staring at walls for a few hours after smoking one of those." Kokuten nodded knowingly, tapping his fingers on the side of his pant legs as he waited for the Cashier to check out their purchases.

"Wait, where exactly are you going to paint?" said Kokuten, arching a questioning brow.
 
A shrug was the best response Blake could offer. He tapped on his chin for a moment before saying, "I really don't care where I paint so long as no one else cares. I suppose it could be on the street or even on the casino floor, for all that it matters. My art is experience oriented, not product oriented so I don't really care to seek out a specific subject."
 
While Kokuten and Blake held their conversation near the store's counter, a soft voice grooved between their words. "Pardon me?"

The voice belonged to another patron of the store whom had been browsing on the other side of the store. However, curiosity and the duo's close proximity had apparently garnered her attention. The lady looked to be in her late twenties and well into the prime of her life, her notably fair complexion smiling graciously at Kokuten and Blake. Long, silky black hair cascaded from the top of her head down to her equally dark shoulderless evening dress, rings of simple tufted frills encircling the entire dress from the chest to the hems just above her heel-clad ankles. The mysterious beauty cleared her throat politely and folded her hands together in front of her torso, exchanging glances between the two gentlemen.

"I don't mean to pry, but you two seem to know a lot more about this merchandise," the woman asked. "Would you mind helping me with a small problem?"

---

"Yes, yes!" Purina agreed vehemently with Claire in regard to Tweak's state of dress. Although she would never say it out loud to anyone present, the pink-haired administrator loathed Tweak's super-conservative style of dress, practical for her position or not. She was even more vexed by her choice to wear such clothing for an occasion that simply didn't fit the bill for need of such utility. "I believe we can make several improvement, Miss Tweak," Purina spoke bluntly, lightly tugging at the hem of the neko's sleeve.

Cassefin, for her lack of enthusiasm, still seemed like she was intent on tagging along. "I suppose it wouldn't hurt to browse. But don't think you can buy just anything; any clothing too risque for the Cirrus' dress code would simply be a unnecessary temptation," Miss Montreal justified her accompaniment with a snooty expression. "Despite Tweak's excellent work, I grant no exceptions to the off-duty dress code. I will make sure what you all purchase is within my standards."

"UH!" George blurted out as the group of ladies began to make their way. "I guess, uh, me an' Lenny'll follow you all. I've been looking for a..." the gangster-looking Nepleslian paused for a moment, looking between Lenny, Tweak and the rest of the group, as if realizing he had very little in the ways of finishing his sentence without many serious questions about his personal preferences coming into view.. "... a hat. A good hat. Yeah."

Lenny simply nodded once behind his enormous thick-framed sunglasses.
 

"Well, do make sure it won't get you in trouble." Kokuten pointed out, putting one hand in his pocket, the other, holding the cigars. While the Captain did appreciate the arts, he would've appreciate more the fact of knowing that all his subordinates actually got to make the fullest of their time, rather than getting detained for some obscure infraction. "This is a rare chance, remember? I'm pretty sure vacations like this are rare in even the normal variety."

While Kokuten and Blake held their conversation near the store's counter, a soft voice grooved between their words. "Pardon me?"

Kokuten looked at the source of the voice that seemed to be directed at them. He saw a beautiful woman, in very fine clothing, talking to them. For some reason, it felt strange, garnering the curious attention of such a woman. On the Cirrus, on which he had spent a long time on thus far in his career, most of the attractive scientists and employees he worked with turned their noses up at him, simply because he was a part of the of the CSS. To be able to speak to beautiful women without being reprimanded, the very thought it made him feel... well... like a whipped dog now that he had thought of it.

"I don't mean to pry, but you two seem to know a lot more about this merchandise," the woman asked. "Would you mind helping me with a small problem?"

"Well, I don't see why not," Kokuten smiled warmly, gesturing to himself and Blake, "If it helps, my tastes are more refined to the foreign varieties, like Kennewesian and Northern Expanse imports. Morris here is more of an exotic-eyed, herbal-type smoker, preferring the unique effect rather than the taste."
 

Weathersby furrowed his brow for a moment in thought. "I believe there is a drugstore on the first floor lobby. Miscellaneous items for common illnesses and supplements... perhaps that would be the best place to look."
 
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