5tar
Active Member
Interviews and Preparation (pt I)
In the Samurai Sector, floating above the Valentino planet, the prime planet in the Valentine system was the gleaming new starbase; NK-S8-07; the Akarui Star Fortress. It was a modern marvel of Yamataian technology, with all the newest conveniences and features the Star Army could give it. But most captivating of all was not the station, but the magnificent ship docked to it. A long vessel which stretched out for the length of a small city, took up the view as the shuttles approached. This was the first of the new line of Glorious Chiharu Flagships, a remodel done by the 8th SF admiral herself. It was as if a goddess was stretched out across the stars before them, a ship so large and daunting that it brought back that glorious feeling that the old ships of the SAoY would bring. In the next few days, she would be ready--- and this would be their new home. Her name was Hokorimasu, a word which summed up all what she was meant to stand for; “to be proud.”
On the dock for the YSS Hokorimasu, there was more commotion then any other ship had had in many years, there was just so much to load into the ship that the process took many days and a special crew to add to the ones already on station. It was easy to get lost here, but KAMI's guiding voice was always handy waiting to relay the new recruits to their meetings and keep them from getting too lost.
Youko sat quietly on a box in the dock, watching the technicians going about their work. She was biding her time, and worriedly chewed on her bottom lip. It wasn't that she was afraid of the Hokorimasu -- No. In fact, she was eager to be aboard. Just not quite... yet.
She double-checked her communicator, reviewing again the time for her supposed interview. Soon, now. In fact, she should have left already if she had wanted to be where she needed to be on time. Chiharu-class ships of any sort were behemoths, and the smaller Glorious-type was no exception. But she couldn't leave. Not yet.
Her ears flattened out in distress. Why couldn't she make up her mind?
Kumiko walked up, a duffle over her shoulder, checking a note she had in her hand as she approached Youko. She was really hoping that her stuff had made it here like it was supposed to have, but she wasn't sure, so she figured she would ask someone since she had a bit of time left before she was supposed to be onboard.
She glanced up ahead of her, saw a blond Neko ahead, and figured she looked both bored and available, and therefore probably a good target for her questions. "Hei? I have a quick question for you."
Youko noticed the Heisho a moment before she asked the question, and practically jumped out of her skin. "H-Hai!" She jumped down so she could bow properly to her superior.
"I had a crate that was supposed to be meeting me here, or at least beating me here, and I was wondering if you'd seen it go by. Here, it's..." Kumiko showed the Hei the slip of paper. "That number should've been pretty obvious on the side."
Youko's jaw dropped a little as she accepted the paper. How was she supposed to know where the Chief's box was? Youko noticed that the Heisho was also a Yamataian.
That explains it. She thought with a grimace.
Youko turned, looking at the box she had been resting her rump on. The number wasn't there, but... She looked around. She knew that ship cargo being loaded up into the Hokorimasu had its own zone, and that personal luggage was also separated. So if the round-ear was a crewman...
"Are you a Heisho aboard the Hokorimasu, Ma'am?" She asked.
"Yes, just transferring over today. I had a crate that was coming separately though, has a bunch of parts in it and I want to make sure I know where they're putting it." Kumiko glanced around, still not seeing her box anywhere out there. "Are you a member of the crew as well, Hei?"
"Yes. I am." Youko said with a flick of her ear. "Your parts should be over there with the other personal cargo, Heisho."
Kumiko blinked, and rubbed her forehead slightly, sighing as she ducked her head. "That's what they told me over there, too. Said that my box should be over here, since it's oversized." She glanced back the way she'd come, shaking her head. "I guess I'll just have to have the AI find it later, I don't have enough time before my interview to sort this out right now."
A few more crates were loaded onto a truck as it drove off towards one of the entry ramps, the sticker in question was facing outwards at the group as it made its way into the colossal Glorious Chiharu. The driver of the truck was obviously not paying much attention, earphones in his ear as he drummed out the beat to his jam onto the steering wheel.
My instructor was right. People are idiots. Youko thought when the driver passed by.
Box found, she was no longer needed by the Yamataian woman. She made a small bow and turned to finally head into the ship. Between the anxieties she held for entering her new home and the fools outside of it, she chose the former.
Just at this point both Youko and Kumiko were ping'd with a new digital telepathic message from the Hokorimasu's KAMI, instructing them to meet at the Officer's Wardroom on the 22nd deck, it was a simple and short message text only from the system, no other details included. As they would start to make their way inside, they could hear some sort of other commotion on the dock, someone yelling at someone else over what seemed to be a small mix up with the food supplies, which left the ship with nothing but green-tea flavored ice cream until they could get something else. It looked like one of the ones who was going to have to be on the ship was not going to settle for just that.
Youko winced when the message from KAMI came, but said little and merely continued on her way, and while the mix-up would have been humorous the Neko barely even noticed the shouting. She thought out what the deck plans for the Glorious Chiharu were, and figured out the fastest route to the Officer's Wardroom.
Kumiko followed along after Youko, taking a quick note on the driver of the truck before she went, so she could try and find him later if anything was wrong with her package. She wasn't a vindictive person, but some of that stuff had been expensive to get her hands on. Regardless, her mind was all over the place as she tried to follow Youko, trying to keep track of where she was going, and everything going on around her all at once.
As they passed through one of the open airlocks which opened up to the massive main hallways of the Hokorimasu, they were able to see all the commotion and bustle first hand. There were plenty of different faces, countless different colored uniforms and all the different types. The ship was a city in its own right, very alive and full as if a busy day in Kyoto. The trip though wasn't as long as it sounded, after a jaunt down some of the main corridors they came to one of the central lift systems, where they could board and take a quick trip to their destination. As they got to the cluster of elevators, people were crowding around the doors, shuffling in and out as traffic allowed, it was hard enough to catch one let alone squeeze in with all the rest of them. They would have to be quick, cause it looked like it was going to be their magic chance as a lift landed and looked as if it was already tasked with going up in floors.
Youko was stunned by the sheer number of people using the lift systems. She couldn't time her entry right, and had lost two previous chances to jump in. Determined, now, she practically grappled with one unlucky Nepleslian Hei to get into where she needed to be.
Kumiko followed, struggling to keep up, duffle bag and all. She immensely hoped that the crowds would die down a bit once the ship got settled into a more normal rhythm. Infantry or not, she wasn't particularly fond of wading through masses of bodies to get everywhere she wanted to do. As she watched, Youko shoved another poor guy out of the way to get into position; not that there was anything Kumiko could do, with the crowd the way it was. She managed to finagle her way forward into position to jump on one of the elevators, trying to keep from getting too involved in the brawl behind her.
One guy was pushed one way, another in the other way. The two bumped into one another, and then as what looked like a fight soon starting, was quickly split in the middle by a sharp blond haired Yamataian as he slipped in-between the brutes and into the lift as the door was closing. It was really cramped at this point; he was face to face with Youko bodies pressed against one another. "Uh, sorry for the cqc here. But I've got an appointment on the twenty-second deck, really important." He said smiling almost apologetically, at least the charming looking PA pilot smelled good. He was a Shoi, with an infantry paneled uniform.
Youko didn't think he was charming at all. Her face was practically buried in his chest, and her small nose was twisted in a way that was not at all comfortable. Her ears flattened out for the second time since arriving at the ship, and she began anticipating a bad first assignment surrounded by schmucks like the officer smothering her.
Somewhere in the chaos of things Kumiko's round parts were pinched by a sly hand taking advantage of the cramped conditions. Other than that the trip was short, the air seeming to clear a bit more every stop of the lift. Some jumped on as it went up, but more went off then what came on. Finally the lift arrived at their destination, doors sliding open to a smaller however more decorated hallway where there was quite a few important people lined up outside the large entry to the wardroom. A couple of them were chatting about current events; one Neko was going on about how stupid the 1st SF was if so many core planets weren't taken back yet. Actually, that seemed like a popular topic all day.
Kumiko, pretty close to the edge of the group at this point, was one of the first people off of the elevator, stretching her legs a little bit and shooting a dirty look back at the elevator, still unsure who had pinched her, but quite sure they would lose the hand if she ever figured out. She sighed, and turned back down the hallway, checking to make sure she knew where she was going before starting out again.
Youko was now the one following Kumiko, and oddly enough they both shot nasty glares at the elevator at the same time. It went unremarked, as Youko thought she was the only one who had noticed. And as to the number of her seniors at the wardroom... She felt out of place, slipping through the doors. Far too many officers and each of them were discussing politics handily. Youko knew little about politics, and cared even less for it: The Empress and her future career were her only cares at that point.
The poor blonde guy who was unluckily squished against Youko was now at the receiving end of both their stares. The sight was just a little too much for him that it froze his steps, and he waited for them to turn and continue before making his own exit into the hall. He nodded his head at some familiar faces, and made a small little; "hi, how've you been?" to some others. He however seemed to make an effort to keep his distance from the two girls who looked like they were already on the war path.
There was one more face on the lift who managed to struggle out of the lift. A black haired NH-29 with some stylish blue streaks pushed her way out through the bodies and past a firm grope on her round bottom. The doors shut then without her being able to figure out who grabbed her. Santo Hei Akitoku Yua was also to report to the Shosho at the 22nd deck's officers' wardroom for what was looking to be a group interview. There was some commotion, chatter mostly drunks filtering out from the bar and restaurant and getting some air in the rather impressively large hall way. Benches and plants were placed about the hall in a rather relaxing way.
Kumiko shrugged, going back to making her way to the room where her interview was taking place, feeling no desire to walk with the others. Not at the moment, at least. She noticed that at least 2 others had joined the little train she was apparently the head of, but decided to just wait for one of them to catch up to her if they wanted to talk pre-interview, she'd just go back to working on a new design idea in her head while she walked.
Youko was happy to leave Kumiko to her thoughts; the Yamataian was heading the right way, and it was enough to force the Neko to continue following for the time being.
Yua reached for her NSP and was oh so tempted to just start firing it into the elevator. Two reasons to shoot, both of which would be very satisfying, but she thought better. She let out a 'hmph' as she turned to follow the others who appeared to be going in the same direction as her.
On the 22nd Deck the group steadily growing was to go into the wardroom to be brought to their seats. A bright pink skinned sprite with white hair braided up into a bun flew out into the hall and quickly glanced about; her silvery gaze fell upon the group of rag tag enlistees. "Ah, so here are some of you!" she paused and flew a little higher looking over their shoulders. "Well, I guess we'll send in the others as they arrive. Please follow me if you would," she said with a rather cheerful voice as she lead the group into the restaurant and bar area, there were many officers sitting about the dimly lit room, eating their meals in peace and chatting about light conversation. At the bar were a few grey panelled guys getting to know one another before the ship made her first voyage.
They didn't travel too far before coming to a set of double doors to a private dining area. The small sprite gestured for them to stop, and then peeked her little head in, checking to see if the Captain was in there and if she was ready. But it didn't appear so as the little Neko sprite then pushed in the door and held it open for the group. "It seems the Shosho is not here yet, so you all may come in and take your seats," she said waiting for the last person to come into the rather impressive looking room.
"My name is Coral; I'll be your server for this evening. Here are your menus," she said as she floated around table placing them in front of each person. "Feel free to browse through and cue up your order with the computer and we'll have it brought out as soon as it's ready." The menu had an impressive list of delightful dishes; surprisingly it appeared as if this part of the empire wasn't hit as hard when it came to food as the central worlds.
Down on one of the main decks was a rather thin and gangly looking Nepleslian with green eyes and short brown hair. He was in the crowds of one of the large lift plazas, where a constant shift of traffic was going in and out of the speedy elevators on their ways to their various destinations. Elliot Haden, a brand new Santo Hei was to report to the 22nd deck, with the rest of the others who were quickly growing in number to sit in the officer's ward room with the captain of the ship and the acting Taisho of the eighth standard fleet. The first challenge...was catching a lift.
Elliot had turned off his HUD the moment he boarded the ship, to many names and too much information appearing had been giving him a headache. With his duffle bag, pack, and rifle in tow he got closer to the lifts, at least the KAMI's feed said he was getting closer to the lifts. The crowds had been growing ever larger and ever denser. Everyone was rushing to get to their assigned posts or to meet with their commanding officer, Elliot was caught up in the same situation and would be late soon if he didn't find his way on to a lift. Said lifts were filling almost as fast as the doors were opening, he had already missed one and decided there wasn't going to be another. Waiting just before it reached the floor he shoved his way through the crowd, shouts, accidental groups, and various other shenanigans happened as he shoved his way into the lift, ending up in the middle of it as the doors closed. The packed area resulted in a few yelps, quite a few slaps, and for Elliot a sizable Yamataian rear smashed into his crotch. The predictable reaction occurred and all he could do was smile as she turned with a scowl.
The lift was packed to the brim, people struggling to get some form of room. One bright minded Neko did as she saw a few others do earlier and simply floated up over the crowd, thinking herself quite smart in her doing so. However not really remembering the fact that she had on the skirted uniform. There wasn't much room for anyone but herself and her very lacy red bikini style panties up over the headroom. A few giggles surfaced from the crowd over the normal chatting. But there wasn't really much until when the first crowd filtered out at the first stop, and Elliot got a face full of red silky something. It was hard to see for a moment there, but a soft squishy something made it all the worth it. A bit of laughter filled the lift and Elliot got a chance to get some air as that slender black haired Neko got up off his face. "Oh, sorry about that... well, only kinda," she said laughing with the rest of them. The lift ding'd, "oh this is where we get off. Have you ever---" she laughed and winked at her Neko buddy went to join her on the deck, "gotten off before cherry-kun?" They both laughed some more and sauntered out onto the deck leaving him to ride the rest of the way with a couple other people.
Youko found herself sitting at a table, with a list of foods she had never heard of before. She decided to simply take water, and a foot long sandwich-like thing called a 'Sub'. Youko didn't have much to say to the others around the table, and did nothing other than cue up her order.
Kumiko took the menu, just rolling with the idea of doing food, even though she hadn't even been paying attention to the fact it was close to mealtime. She scanned the menu quickly, coming to a decision fairly easily, what with one of her favourite kinds of meat being an option. She put in her order for a BLT with pickles on it, and put her menu down, looking around at the others, noting ranks and matching it to faces for her own future reference.
Looking up and down the menu, Yua was salivating at just about everything. There were too many good choices. She closed her eyes and randomly pointed to pick... a reuben. Good enough. She put in her order and put away her menu. Now to just deal with the most annoying part of a restaurant: waiting for the food. As she waited, her head bobbed back and forth to some unsung tune before she decided it was too quiet. They were waiting for a Shosho... there was no reason for them to not talk while waiting, right?
"Etto, I'm Santo Hei Akitoku Yua," she stated, bowing a bit in her seat to the other two.
"Nito Hei Shii Youko. What's your occupation on the ship Akitoku-Hei?" She asked the other Neko.
"Infantry and armorer," Yua answered, smiling as if she really loved her job.
Kumiko's ears perked up at that, momentarily distracted from her statistics. "Armorer and infantry?"
"Hm? Yes?" Yua responded, turning to the Heisho.
"Just curious. That's my profession as well, and I'm supposed to be leading a squad, I believe." Kumiko shrugged, already moving on.
"Oh, okay. What's your job, Shii-Hei?" Yua moved back to Youko, Kumiko seeming to be very unsociable at the moment.
"I'm Starship Operations. I'll be helping to pilot the Hokorimasu." Youko said. She flicked an ear, thinking. "Is being an Infantryman very difficult? I mean, I had the training and all but... Seemed like a very unfulfilling job to me. Running around when a ship cannon can just stop things."
"Unfulfilling?" Yua was appalled. "How could holding a gun in your hands, feeling the kick into your shoulder as you make squid swiss cheese be unfulfilling compared to just pushing a button to fire a silly cannon? Where is the skill or feeling when the computer lines up the shot for you? All you do is sit in a chair and stare at a screen!"
Kumiko stayed out of the argument, having spent plenty of time doing a job which was arguably much more boring than either infantry or piloting, though arguably more important at the same time. After all, it's not like it mattered if the pilot thought their professions were boring, she couldn't win many wars without them.
Youko blinked, surprised at how enthusiastic Yua was about her job. "But I don't look at a screen. SPINE gives me all the access I need." She flattened her ears a little, unsure of how to proceed. "I don't know if skill has anything to do with my job, but I like it."
Finally, Elliot arrived at the 22nd deck. The doors opened up to a nice spacious hall way with a few bay entrances off to the sides. One in particular was the Scarlet Room, the officers' wardroom fashioned after a very up class looking restaurant. His orders were to join his superior officer in the private dining room. There was a Neko who flew up to meet him as soon as he turned the corner. It was the bright pinked white haired sprite, Coral. "Hello there, you must be with the group in the back room. Here," she said handing him a menu. "Feel free to browse through it as we walk, the rest of them have ordered so please make haste in your decision," she said as she lead him to the room where the others were seated.
"Uh I guess a beer and a burger if you have it," he said as he pulled his back pack up a little. "How long you been on this boat?" he asked, glancing around at the rather expensive looking compartment as they walked.
"I was just created two months ago for service on the Hokorimasu," she said pleasantly. "I'll see if the cook can arrange that for you, please go ahead and join the others," Coral mentioned as she then took her leave so Elliot could go and join the others.
Elliot haphazardly opened the double doors with his knee and hand, juggling his now slipping duffle and pack. To the occupants on the other side it would look comical as he entered and dumped the heavy gear on the nearest table if they were looking, shedding his rifle in the process. Plopping down in the nearest chair he looked up at the other occupants of the room.
Completely ignoring the newcomer, Yua continued on her rant, "That's not the point!" She face-palmed. "You said being infantry was unfulfilling. I'm making points as to how it is, and all you can say is that you use SPINE instead of a screen. How is it not fulfilling if you go in, blasting those Misshu away to save some prisoners they have? All you can do is push your shiny buttons, killing everyone, including those captured."
Kumiko rested her hand on Yua's shoulder, trying to calm the younger person down. "It may just not be her thing, Akitoku-Hei. Not everyone is suited for every job."
"Ah, hai, Heisho," Yua replied, looking over her shoulder. She settled back into her seat. "Gomenasai, Shii-hei."
"H-Hai..." Youko said, looking down. "Maybe I'll find out later if it's as great as you say, Akitoku-Hei."
"It's fine if you don't. I overreacted." Yua frowned as she thought of a way to make the situation better. "Etto...." It was then that she noticed that someone had joined them. "Ah, hello Hei," she greeted with a wave.
Kumiko nodded, hand dropping back to her side now that the mini-crisis was averted. She may not have been in charge of much, but taking care of children was always pretty much the same.
A moment later the doors once again opened, guided in by the same little Neko sprite was another person to add to the rather large growing party. The pink skinned Coral paused a moment as she was about to hand the new girl a menu, but noticed something was missing. "H-hey, that's mine!" she said glancing to the new girl and quickly flew around behind her back and snatched her hairclip back. "You're tricky, I'm going to keep my eye on you," she said rather cutely as she puffed her little cheeks out and gave the Hei a stare, before handing her the menu rather forcefully and floating off.
Before Coral could go very far, she would feel a playful swat upon her behind. "But you look better with your hair down, cutie," the Hei retorted with a giggle before turning to the gathering with a mischievous grin. "Oh ho~" she sang as she set her duffle bag under the table and sat down. "I think I'm in paradise. They've set me down with some babes," the dark-skinned Nekovalkryja cooed. The Neko was attired in a short-sleeved, female duty uniform with the blue panel of a pilot.
As she sat down, she took the chance to run a hand through her forest-green hair and glance around the table again with sky-blue eyes that seemed to twinkle with delight. "I'm Aikawa Kiyoshi-nito hei," she introduced as she set the menu down in front of her before leaning forward to rest her chin upon interlaced fingers. "Pleasure to meet you all."
Yua turned to face yet another person who had joined the group, letting out a small chuckle at Kiyoshi's perception of paradise. "It's nice to meet you too. I'm Santo Hei Akitoku Yua."
Elliot had lazily waved at Yua with his free hand before going back to what was now occupying his attention, using a small tool he'd pried off the IBR's machinery cover and was in the process of getting the bolt group out when Aikawa walked in. He looked up and his mind shutdown, both eyeballs firmly placed on the Nekovalkryja's bust. "Hi I'm Santo Hei Haden and you have very nice breasts" he said never making eye contact.
"Cutie--my eyes are up here," Kiyoshi replied as she placed an index finger under Elliot's chin and raised his head a bit. "But thanks for the compliment," the Neko stated with a chuckle before glancing over at Yua and winking a bit.
Kumiko gave the new people little more than cursory nods and her usual association of faces with ranks and occupations, but stayed quiet, now that she wasn't needed to break anything up.
"Eh... I'm Shii Youko Nito Hei. Good to meet you both." Youko said to the newcomers.
The green-furred ears of Kiyoshi flicked slightly as she glanced around the table once more to note occupation and rank as well. "Hmmmm...an awful lot of ground pounders here," she noted aloud with a non-chalant tone before glancing at Youko. "Starship Operations eh? Tactical, Electronic, or Helm?" she asked curiously.
"That hasn't been decided yet. I've only just arrived -- the same with Heisho... Heisho..." Youko couldn't remember Kumiko's name, or even if she had given it at all. "I'm sorry, Jôtô Heisho, I can't remember your name." Youko was even slightly surprised that she cared for the NCO's name at all. But if everyone was introducing themselves...
Kumiko blinked, looking back up from her mental work. "Joto Heisho Endoh Kumiko, sorry. I thought I'd mentioned that earlier."
Elliot leaned back slightly catching himself from the daze, "Oh right uh... yea, hows it going?" was all he could manage before turning his attention back to the rifle attempting to hide any embarrassment in the simple task of breaking down the weapon.
"Er," Yua blinked at the wink, entirely not expecting that. She just smiled back, not knowing what sort of message that would send back.
"An Infantry NCO, eh?" Kiyoshi asked before smiling. "Well, I do a bit of piloting for both shuttles and fighters, so if you ever need a lift or Danger Close don't be afraid to call, Endoh-heisho~," she sang the last bit cutely.
Kumiko shrugged, just skimming over the oddities. "I'll be sure to keep that in mind, thank you. I hope we don't need it though, I never have before."
"Ever driven a gunship, Endoh-heisho?" he asked with a slightly curious tone.
"The spaceship or the VTOL, cutie?" she asked for confirmation.
"The VTOL, I had a few buddies back in my previous employment who were gunship drivers, looks like it was fun, at least until you flew into the barrel of a SPG" his eyes were still on the weapon as he started removing the barrel. "Lost a buddy that way"
Kumiko shrugged. "I don't see why I would have flown one. I'm formerly engineering, not flight. I've only done a few drops in a shuttle, even, mostly straight insertions or boarding."
Just outside the private dining room at the back entrance was the officer of the hour and her second in command. Shizuka dressed in her Type 30B Female Duty Uniform, the skirt was tightly wrapped around her firm Lioness hips and even though she had been wearing these types of uniforms since two years ago when Nicholas Saiga complemented her the first time, she was still not quite used to them. She took a second to pull the hem lower over her tanned thighs and push out the wrinkles. The normally calm and headstrong Red Lion was rather nervous for a candid moment with her XO. "Nick," she said softly as she looked at the door ahead of herself, "they're going to like me, right? I mean to say," she turned to glance up at her tall companion, her amber orbs so full of an uncharacteristic uncertainty, "I really am fit for this job, right?" She stood there hanging on his words, stepping in closer to press against his body, feeling him as her stability.
"Doubtlessly, Endo-shosho," Nicholas responded, still forgetting the familiarity he'd developed for Shizuka prior to the incident at Nataria. He tugged at the edge of his own white service jacket to flatten its silhouette. It made him uncomfortable, even though he'd worn the color before — he'd grown accustomed to the obsidian uniform worn by intelligence officers and was still unsure how he'd manage being back in such a prominent role after working, as a rule, in the Empire's shadowy corners. But no matter, the assignment was a great honor to the Geshrin; whoever transferred him out of SAINT had surely predicted the result. "There is no greater commander in the whole of the Star Army," he added, keeping his voice low even though nobody was listening. "When last did Yui or Katsuko-taisho enter the fray of glorious battle themselves? The fortunes have favored your success and those that serve under you never fail to recognize it, Shosho."
Shizuka watched him closely as he spoke, his words feeling so unfamiliar to her. It was as if he was a resurrected copy of himself before their days on the Senbu. But she knew that her Nick was somewhere in the space behind that nameplate which said Nicholas Saiga. She pursed her lips to the side and eyed him even more closely as she inched ever closer to him, standing on her tip-toes. She then kissed him on the lips, just a simple quick kiss — which the Chusa accepted with a sort of unintended look of awkward irritation — before turning around in place with a bounce back in her step. "You're right, like always," she said with a giggle. The Lioness ran a hand through her long messy blonde hair and refitted her captain’s hat. The Shosho took a deep breath and then pushed the door open into the room.
The commander of the Eighth Standard Fleet and captain of the flag ship they were on walked into the room. She was a little shorter than the average Neko, with tanned golden skin and long blonde hair, the loose curls cascaded over her shoulders and ran down to the mid of her back. She was dressed in a very well kept officer's whites uniform with a tight form fitting skirt tightly wrapped around her firm hips. She stepped with purpose towards the head of the table, where there were two chairs, one for her and one for the officer who was at her side.
Nicholas followed beside her, towering to her left flank. He was a fair, grim man whose serious demeanour pulled some of whatever brightness was in a room despite his handsome, unassuming face. "Commander on deck," he barked crisply after the two officers entered, surveying the crew assembled there. And although he was the image of cold stoicism, Nicholas privately hoped the Admiral would not display her clearly immense affection now that they were in a more public setting.
Smoothly sliding her chair back and standing up, Kiyoshi stood at attention for their interviewers. She was quite surprised that they were being interviewed by a Shosho and Chusa, since they were all enlisted. However, all thoughts of that quickly disappeared as her eyes roamed over the curves of their superior officer and the face of that handsome, yet cold fish, of a First Officer. A small impish smile graced her lips.
Kumiko stood to attention quickly as well, years of serving on the same ship as a Ketsurui princess making that reaction so automated she didn't even think about it. She took her time looking both of the officers over, deciding that there wasn't anything about them at this point that she objected to.
Elliot stood to attention as well, resisting the urge to salute the Admiral and her XO.
Copying the others, Yua stood. With the Hokorimasu being her first assignment, she didn't exactly know what a proper Admiral or XO or whatever was supposed to look like, but she guessed this was it.
Youko did the same following in with the rest of the group. At that point Shizuka nodded her head slightly in a bow. "Welcome ladies and gentleman, you're to be at ease," she told them. "Please take your seats. I'm sure the meal will be served soon enough." Shizuka then pulled out her own chair and sat down at the head of the table. "As you all know I am the admiral of the fleet, and captain of the Hokorimasu — I am Shizuka Endo, your commander and hopefully over time, your friend. We have a different philosophy in the Eighth, a stand over since my days on the Senbu. I make it my duty to know the name of every single person who serves under me, including all of you who have joined us here. Interviewing is rather hard these days to do one on one, but I trust each of the officers I choose to represent me in such matters." She took a drink of her glass of water, even the way she moved seemed so confidant and assured. "You all have been chosen to join this ship and this fleet and as thus, you've been given a spot in my pride. A long time ago I earned the title of Red Lion, and as such I've treated all those with me as one with my pack, my pride. I hope that over time this philosophy of friendship, family and kinship will become a part of every one of you. In my time commanding I've found that if my crew is closer to one another, they work better together. Simple no?" she said with a toothy Lioness smile.
"I want to go around the table, and each of you introduces yourselves to me, and we will continue. Starting with our brave and honorable Chusa," she said turning in her seat to smile at Nichloas.
The Geshrin commander looked as far from amused as a man could be, but inwardly he was powerless to Shizuka's often gawky charm. "Nicholas Saiga," he stated matter-of-factly. "Chusa; I am Endo-shosho's second." He stopped, seemingly finished with the forced introduction and then immediately continued after catching Shizuka's eye, knowing she wanted him to say more. "I have served with the Admiral in the past as her first officer," he said, still sounding confident even though the words spilled from his mouth more quickly. "Following my service on the Senbu I was assigned to Star Army Intelligence and maintained that post since this war began. Until now." Trusting that the crew now knew enough about him, Nicholas nodded to the brown haired Heisho — the nearest person to him — indicating it was her turn.
Kumiko nodded, glad to get her deal out of the way. "I am Joto Heisho Endoh Kumiko, I was assigned as an infantry leader and an armorer. My only other service of any real length of time was on Taisa Ketsurui Hanako's Eucharis as an engineer."
Shizuka nodded to the Joto Heisho. "Well Endo-san, I mean... Endoh-san. It is good to have you aboard. I hope you find our humble vessle as exciting as the princesses'," Shizuka said with an almost big sisterly smile.
"Santo Hei Akitoku Yua," the Neko stated. "I'm an infantryman... infantrywoman... yeah, and an armorer as well. This is my first assignment, so treat me well please." She smiled brightly to those at the table.
"Your very first assignment, you must be very excited. I assure you that everyone will treat you well, else they'll have to answer to me," Shizuka answered with a confidant wink, reassuing the young neko that her stay will be a pleasant one.
Kiyoshi couldn't help but stare at the Shosho a bit longer as the others introduced themselves. That confidence — that forceful presence — what she wouldn't give for one night... and then it was her turn. "Aikawa Kiyoshi-nito hei," she introduced herself with a lopsided smile. "I can fly practically every small craft, so if you're in need of a shuttle pilot don't be afraid to call upon me to 'rock your world,'" the pilot greeted shamelessly.
The Shosho had a great giggle with Kiyoshi's introduction. "Well I hope that you'll be able to do much more than that for us, I look forward to seeing your work." Shizuka pursed her tanned lips to one side and glanced the confidant Neko over. "And we also look forward to seeing if you're more than just talk," Shizuka said with a teasing challenge. Though the Lioness did not mean to come off as flirty, she was more challenging her crew member to do above and beyond her call of duty, she still found what they both said amusing enough to carry a smile that didn't seem to fleet away.
Realizing it was his turn Elliot spoke up, "I'm Santo Hei Haden, I'm an infantry demolitions guy, before this boat I spent three years as a mercenary working with the Paragon Initiative blowing stuff up on the ground and in space. Now I'm here for more or less the same job. I've been in more shit holes than I care to count so this ship and this job is a nice change of scenery," he finished.
"Ah yes. Well, Santo Hei, your job will be more then necessary with our future operations. I hope that your experiences will aid your unit. However I must request here and now that you keep your things from exploding in my ship," she said with the same sort of playfulness she was greeting with the rest of them.
Shii Youko then introduced herself as a starship operator, specializing in flying these large ships. Shizuka seemed very excited about this. "Well Shii-san, I have been told that the flight group is actually gathering right now in the briefing theater, I have enjoyed very much meeting you and will be seeing plenty of you in the future on the bridge, but I really suggest that you hurry as not to be late," Shizuka said with a bowing nod to the Neko who then got up and rushed out the door. "Oh I'll be sure that your dinner is delivered!" Shizuka called out at the speedy Shii before she got out of earshot.
"Okay, well sorry about all that. Now, like I've said. I'm very glad to have each and every one of you onboard my ship and part of my crew. Now, each of you has been scouted to join an elite squad of power armor pilots, for your various skills and talents. This includes you Kiyoshi-san. I have been experimenting in the past with bringing a new special ops unit of infantry to the Star Army, there are many experienced men and women under my command who are ready and waiting to train all of you further then you've been taught in the past. So with that said, you will be part of the Lion Squad, the first unit of the ship and thus the most demanding. You will get the most missions, the most battle and the most glory. In the past my special ops unit was my hands, my eyes and my representation in the field. This will be no different, if you choose to be my Lion Knights you will have to be at the best of your game," she paused and looked at each of them, "are you prepared for this? If not this is the time to say so." She waited calmly, her three finger Neko hands folding one over the other on the table.
So it was going to be detached duty rather than some assignment in the ship's Wing. This seemed to be getting even more interesting than she thought it would. "Sounds less boring than my duties back on Virgo," Kiyoshi replied with a grin. "You can count me in cu— I mean, Shosho," the dark-skinned Neko replied. Calling a Fleet Commander 'cutie' didn't seem like a good career move...yet.
"First into a target rich environment? Count me in!" exclaimed Elliot.
Kumiko nodded, satisfied as well. "I have no problems with the assignment, Shosho. Perhaps questions, later, but no problems."
"Hai, Shosho. I'll do it." Yua could hardly sit still in her seat. More missions meant more chances to put rounds into some ugly tentacled beasts.
Nicholas grunted in approval. "No cowards among them, Shosho," he said quietly, glancing to the commander beside him. Not that there was much chance that they could be — most of Lion Squadron would be fresh Nekovalkyrja, unable to feel cowardice and the humans among them were picked for their mettle and quality. Such was the Chusa's line of reasoning, at least. "Excellent choices, Endo-sama."
Shizuka seemed rather pleased with their answers, and felt proud of her decision as Nicholas reinforced this. "Very right Chusa, very right," Shizuka said with a slow and steady nod. "Great, then there's a question I need to pose to each and every one of you," she opened her mouth but paused as she was going to speak. She had that familiar look of getting a telepathic communication on her face. "Oh, I guess that will have to wait for another time. I am a very busy lady these days, and it seems I'm only bound to grow busier as these days progress. I will look forward to reviewing your performances and seeing your action out on the battle field. You're to report to Shoi Hiyoshi Kyousuke at 0900 hours tomorrow to begin your first day of retraining, if there's nothing else we'll excuse ourselves," Shizuka went to stand and then glanced about the room, a gesture on her features was making sure everyone was okay with what they were doing.
Elliot spoke up, "Received and acknowledged Ma'am."
Retraining sounded a bit boring, but it would have to do until the real action began. Until then, there was also finding some other type of amusement on board the ship and there were plenty of 'opportunities' for those on a ship this large. "Hai." she responded with a smile.
"Hai, I will be there." While retraining right out of basic seemed silly, Yua figured that it would probably be training than she already had.
Kumiko nodded. "Hai, Shosho." Retraining may not have been the most interesting thing ever, but if they were supposed to be the flagship squad, it definitely couldn't hurt them to get some extra practice in.
Shizuka and Nicholas rose up together and Shizuka offered a bow of her head. "Everyone, have a good evening. Enjoy yourselves," she said cheerfully as she led Nicholas out the door, but before they were truly gone she peeked back in and said, "but not too much," with an all-knowing sweet tone, giving them a wink and then finally disappearing off to her destination elsewhere in the vast Hokorimasu.
Once the Shosho was out of earshot, Kiyoshi couldn't help but giggle. "Our Fleet Commander's a hottie, but she hangs around with Mr. Gloom."
Leaning back in his chair Elliot said something just loud enough for the group to hear, "And once more into the great goodnight."
"You're into almost anything that moves, except for the Chusa, aren't you?" Yua asked Kiyoshi, as she finally was allowed to relax.
"Oh no, I'd probably try to break him from that gloom if I could," the dark-skinned pilot replied with an impish grin. "He at least has the face for it."
Yua placed her head into her palm. "Oh. You're really taking this to the extreme."
"I prefer to call it 'helping comrades to relief stress,'" she retorted with a chuckle. "If you're ever stressed out, I could do the same for you," Kiyoshi replied by blowing the elder Nekovalkryja a kiss.
"Personally" started Elliot as he slapped the IBR's machinery cover back into place, "I find target practice relaxing." He racked the bolt back and shouldered the rifle eyeballing some make believe target behind Kumiko and pulled the trigger. *Click*
Yua ever-so-slightly blushed. "Er, thanks but no thanks. Haden-Hei has the right idea though. Shooting a nice weapon is just, mmmm."
"Oh? So that's what they're calling it now," Kiyoshi gave Elliot a lewd grin before making a jerking motion with one of her hands.
He swung the weapon on Kiyoshi, "Though both ways work to their own extent." He said staring at the Nekovalkryja through the IBR's holo-sight.
Kiyoshi held up her hands in a surrendering gesture before giggling. "Whoa there soldier-boy. Keep that thing locked and stowed," she joked before standing up. "I'm heading for my quarters now," Kiyoshi stated before grabbing her duffle bag. "Call me, hunnies," she called back and waved casually before heading out of the private room.
Yua waved to the departing pilot, being sure to remember to not call. With Kiyoshi's personality, Yua had no way of even guessing what could be happening on the other end of the line at any hour of the day. "I wonder where our food is," she thought outloud, her mind wandering a bit without anything huge demanding her full attention.
Glancing back toward Yua, "Well Santo Hei Akitoku Yua, what do you shoot?" he asked out of boredom.
"Well," Yua started, a smile crossing her face, "I have a Stryling Longbolt, and a .455 Mancannon. Oh, and an HHG." Her hands moved around as if she was holding the guns for display.
"Nice choices, I can't handle the last two, I'm a little to human" he chuckled slightly holding up his skinny lean arms. "How does this one feel to you?" he said as he tossed the IBR at the neko.
"Ah!" Yua carefully caught it, looked it over a couple times, before she held it up to her shoulder look down the length of the gun. "Hmm, feels a bit on the heavy side, but it seems like a decent weapon. I'm not a huge fan of semi-automatic rifles anyway. It's just too satisfying to pull back the bolt." She handed the gun back.
Elliot took it back and set it on the table next to him and hearing footsteps glanced toward the door.
Not too long later Coral and another Neko server made their way into the room with everyone's meals. The group then sat down and enjoyed a little more conversation and dinner; the rest of the day was theirs afterwards.
- A Hokorimasu JP
- Valentine System: Akarui Star Fortress - YSS Hokorimasu
In the Samurai Sector, floating above the Valentino planet, the prime planet in the Valentine system was the gleaming new starbase; NK-S8-07; the Akarui Star Fortress. It was a modern marvel of Yamataian technology, with all the newest conveniences and features the Star Army could give it. But most captivating of all was not the station, but the magnificent ship docked to it. A long vessel which stretched out for the length of a small city, took up the view as the shuttles approached. This was the first of the new line of Glorious Chiharu Flagships, a remodel done by the 8th SF admiral herself. It was as if a goddess was stretched out across the stars before them, a ship so large and daunting that it brought back that glorious feeling that the old ships of the SAoY would bring. In the next few days, she would be ready--- and this would be their new home. Her name was Hokorimasu, a word which summed up all what she was meant to stand for; “to be proud.”
On the dock for the YSS Hokorimasu, there was more commotion then any other ship had had in many years, there was just so much to load into the ship that the process took many days and a special crew to add to the ones already on station. It was easy to get lost here, but KAMI's guiding voice was always handy waiting to relay the new recruits to their meetings and keep them from getting too lost.
Youko sat quietly on a box in the dock, watching the technicians going about their work. She was biding her time, and worriedly chewed on her bottom lip. It wasn't that she was afraid of the Hokorimasu -- No. In fact, she was eager to be aboard. Just not quite... yet.
She double-checked her communicator, reviewing again the time for her supposed interview. Soon, now. In fact, she should have left already if she had wanted to be where she needed to be on time. Chiharu-class ships of any sort were behemoths, and the smaller Glorious-type was no exception. But she couldn't leave. Not yet.
Her ears flattened out in distress. Why couldn't she make up her mind?
Kumiko walked up, a duffle over her shoulder, checking a note she had in her hand as she approached Youko. She was really hoping that her stuff had made it here like it was supposed to have, but she wasn't sure, so she figured she would ask someone since she had a bit of time left before she was supposed to be onboard.
She glanced up ahead of her, saw a blond Neko ahead, and figured she looked both bored and available, and therefore probably a good target for her questions. "Hei? I have a quick question for you."
Youko noticed the Heisho a moment before she asked the question, and practically jumped out of her skin. "H-Hai!" She jumped down so she could bow properly to her superior.
"I had a crate that was supposed to be meeting me here, or at least beating me here, and I was wondering if you'd seen it go by. Here, it's..." Kumiko showed the Hei the slip of paper. "That number should've been pretty obvious on the side."
Youko's jaw dropped a little as she accepted the paper. How was she supposed to know where the Chief's box was? Youko noticed that the Heisho was also a Yamataian.
That explains it. She thought with a grimace.
Youko turned, looking at the box she had been resting her rump on. The number wasn't there, but... She looked around. She knew that ship cargo being loaded up into the Hokorimasu had its own zone, and that personal luggage was also separated. So if the round-ear was a crewman...
"Are you a Heisho aboard the Hokorimasu, Ma'am?" She asked.
"Yes, just transferring over today. I had a crate that was coming separately though, has a bunch of parts in it and I want to make sure I know where they're putting it." Kumiko glanced around, still not seeing her box anywhere out there. "Are you a member of the crew as well, Hei?"
"Yes. I am." Youko said with a flick of her ear. "Your parts should be over there with the other personal cargo, Heisho."
Kumiko blinked, and rubbed her forehead slightly, sighing as she ducked her head. "That's what they told me over there, too. Said that my box should be over here, since it's oversized." She glanced back the way she'd come, shaking her head. "I guess I'll just have to have the AI find it later, I don't have enough time before my interview to sort this out right now."
A few more crates were loaded onto a truck as it drove off towards one of the entry ramps, the sticker in question was facing outwards at the group as it made its way into the colossal Glorious Chiharu. The driver of the truck was obviously not paying much attention, earphones in his ear as he drummed out the beat to his jam onto the steering wheel.
My instructor was right. People are idiots. Youko thought when the driver passed by.
Box found, she was no longer needed by the Yamataian woman. She made a small bow and turned to finally head into the ship. Between the anxieties she held for entering her new home and the fools outside of it, she chose the former.
Just at this point both Youko and Kumiko were ping'd with a new digital telepathic message from the Hokorimasu's KAMI, instructing them to meet at the Officer's Wardroom on the 22nd deck, it was a simple and short message text only from the system, no other details included. As they would start to make their way inside, they could hear some sort of other commotion on the dock, someone yelling at someone else over what seemed to be a small mix up with the food supplies, which left the ship with nothing but green-tea flavored ice cream until they could get something else. It looked like one of the ones who was going to have to be on the ship was not going to settle for just that.
Youko winced when the message from KAMI came, but said little and merely continued on her way, and while the mix-up would have been humorous the Neko barely even noticed the shouting. She thought out what the deck plans for the Glorious Chiharu were, and figured out the fastest route to the Officer's Wardroom.
Kumiko followed along after Youko, taking a quick note on the driver of the truck before she went, so she could try and find him later if anything was wrong with her package. She wasn't a vindictive person, but some of that stuff had been expensive to get her hands on. Regardless, her mind was all over the place as she tried to follow Youko, trying to keep track of where she was going, and everything going on around her all at once.
As they passed through one of the open airlocks which opened up to the massive main hallways of the Hokorimasu, they were able to see all the commotion and bustle first hand. There were plenty of different faces, countless different colored uniforms and all the different types. The ship was a city in its own right, very alive and full as if a busy day in Kyoto. The trip though wasn't as long as it sounded, after a jaunt down some of the main corridors they came to one of the central lift systems, where they could board and take a quick trip to their destination. As they got to the cluster of elevators, people were crowding around the doors, shuffling in and out as traffic allowed, it was hard enough to catch one let alone squeeze in with all the rest of them. They would have to be quick, cause it looked like it was going to be their magic chance as a lift landed and looked as if it was already tasked with going up in floors.
Youko was stunned by the sheer number of people using the lift systems. She couldn't time her entry right, and had lost two previous chances to jump in. Determined, now, she practically grappled with one unlucky Nepleslian Hei to get into where she needed to be.
Kumiko followed, struggling to keep up, duffle bag and all. She immensely hoped that the crowds would die down a bit once the ship got settled into a more normal rhythm. Infantry or not, she wasn't particularly fond of wading through masses of bodies to get everywhere she wanted to do. As she watched, Youko shoved another poor guy out of the way to get into position; not that there was anything Kumiko could do, with the crowd the way it was. She managed to finagle her way forward into position to jump on one of the elevators, trying to keep from getting too involved in the brawl behind her.
One guy was pushed one way, another in the other way. The two bumped into one another, and then as what looked like a fight soon starting, was quickly split in the middle by a sharp blond haired Yamataian as he slipped in-between the brutes and into the lift as the door was closing. It was really cramped at this point; he was face to face with Youko bodies pressed against one another. "Uh, sorry for the cqc here. But I've got an appointment on the twenty-second deck, really important." He said smiling almost apologetically, at least the charming looking PA pilot smelled good. He was a Shoi, with an infantry paneled uniform.
Youko didn't think he was charming at all. Her face was practically buried in his chest, and her small nose was twisted in a way that was not at all comfortable. Her ears flattened out for the second time since arriving at the ship, and she began anticipating a bad first assignment surrounded by schmucks like the officer smothering her.
Somewhere in the chaos of things Kumiko's round parts were pinched by a sly hand taking advantage of the cramped conditions. Other than that the trip was short, the air seeming to clear a bit more every stop of the lift. Some jumped on as it went up, but more went off then what came on. Finally the lift arrived at their destination, doors sliding open to a smaller however more decorated hallway where there was quite a few important people lined up outside the large entry to the wardroom. A couple of them were chatting about current events; one Neko was going on about how stupid the 1st SF was if so many core planets weren't taken back yet. Actually, that seemed like a popular topic all day.
Kumiko, pretty close to the edge of the group at this point, was one of the first people off of the elevator, stretching her legs a little bit and shooting a dirty look back at the elevator, still unsure who had pinched her, but quite sure they would lose the hand if she ever figured out. She sighed, and turned back down the hallway, checking to make sure she knew where she was going before starting out again.
Youko was now the one following Kumiko, and oddly enough they both shot nasty glares at the elevator at the same time. It went unremarked, as Youko thought she was the only one who had noticed. And as to the number of her seniors at the wardroom... She felt out of place, slipping through the doors. Far too many officers and each of them were discussing politics handily. Youko knew little about politics, and cared even less for it: The Empress and her future career were her only cares at that point.
The poor blonde guy who was unluckily squished against Youko was now at the receiving end of both their stares. The sight was just a little too much for him that it froze his steps, and he waited for them to turn and continue before making his own exit into the hall. He nodded his head at some familiar faces, and made a small little; "hi, how've you been?" to some others. He however seemed to make an effort to keep his distance from the two girls who looked like they were already on the war path.
There was one more face on the lift who managed to struggle out of the lift. A black haired NH-29 with some stylish blue streaks pushed her way out through the bodies and past a firm grope on her round bottom. The doors shut then without her being able to figure out who grabbed her. Santo Hei Akitoku Yua was also to report to the Shosho at the 22nd deck's officers' wardroom for what was looking to be a group interview. There was some commotion, chatter mostly drunks filtering out from the bar and restaurant and getting some air in the rather impressively large hall way. Benches and plants were placed about the hall in a rather relaxing way.
Kumiko shrugged, going back to making her way to the room where her interview was taking place, feeling no desire to walk with the others. Not at the moment, at least. She noticed that at least 2 others had joined the little train she was apparently the head of, but decided to just wait for one of them to catch up to her if they wanted to talk pre-interview, she'd just go back to working on a new design idea in her head while she walked.
Youko was happy to leave Kumiko to her thoughts; the Yamataian was heading the right way, and it was enough to force the Neko to continue following for the time being.
Yua reached for her NSP and was oh so tempted to just start firing it into the elevator. Two reasons to shoot, both of which would be very satisfying, but she thought better. She let out a 'hmph' as she turned to follow the others who appeared to be going in the same direction as her.
On the 22nd Deck the group steadily growing was to go into the wardroom to be brought to their seats. A bright pink skinned sprite with white hair braided up into a bun flew out into the hall and quickly glanced about; her silvery gaze fell upon the group of rag tag enlistees. "Ah, so here are some of you!" she paused and flew a little higher looking over their shoulders. "Well, I guess we'll send in the others as they arrive. Please follow me if you would," she said with a rather cheerful voice as she lead the group into the restaurant and bar area, there were many officers sitting about the dimly lit room, eating their meals in peace and chatting about light conversation. At the bar were a few grey panelled guys getting to know one another before the ship made her first voyage.
They didn't travel too far before coming to a set of double doors to a private dining area. The small sprite gestured for them to stop, and then peeked her little head in, checking to see if the Captain was in there and if she was ready. But it didn't appear so as the little Neko sprite then pushed in the door and held it open for the group. "It seems the Shosho is not here yet, so you all may come in and take your seats," she said waiting for the last person to come into the rather impressive looking room.
"My name is Coral; I'll be your server for this evening. Here are your menus," she said as she floated around table placing them in front of each person. "Feel free to browse through and cue up your order with the computer and we'll have it brought out as soon as it's ready." The menu had an impressive list of delightful dishes; surprisingly it appeared as if this part of the empire wasn't hit as hard when it came to food as the central worlds.
Down on one of the main decks was a rather thin and gangly looking Nepleslian with green eyes and short brown hair. He was in the crowds of one of the large lift plazas, where a constant shift of traffic was going in and out of the speedy elevators on their ways to their various destinations. Elliot Haden, a brand new Santo Hei was to report to the 22nd deck, with the rest of the others who were quickly growing in number to sit in the officer's ward room with the captain of the ship and the acting Taisho of the eighth standard fleet. The first challenge...was catching a lift.
Elliot had turned off his HUD the moment he boarded the ship, to many names and too much information appearing had been giving him a headache. With his duffle bag, pack, and rifle in tow he got closer to the lifts, at least the KAMI's feed said he was getting closer to the lifts. The crowds had been growing ever larger and ever denser. Everyone was rushing to get to their assigned posts or to meet with their commanding officer, Elliot was caught up in the same situation and would be late soon if he didn't find his way on to a lift. Said lifts were filling almost as fast as the doors were opening, he had already missed one and decided there wasn't going to be another. Waiting just before it reached the floor he shoved his way through the crowd, shouts, accidental groups, and various other shenanigans happened as he shoved his way into the lift, ending up in the middle of it as the doors closed. The packed area resulted in a few yelps, quite a few slaps, and for Elliot a sizable Yamataian rear smashed into his crotch. The predictable reaction occurred and all he could do was smile as she turned with a scowl.
The lift was packed to the brim, people struggling to get some form of room. One bright minded Neko did as she saw a few others do earlier and simply floated up over the crowd, thinking herself quite smart in her doing so. However not really remembering the fact that she had on the skirted uniform. There wasn't much room for anyone but herself and her very lacy red bikini style panties up over the headroom. A few giggles surfaced from the crowd over the normal chatting. But there wasn't really much until when the first crowd filtered out at the first stop, and Elliot got a face full of red silky something. It was hard to see for a moment there, but a soft squishy something made it all the worth it. A bit of laughter filled the lift and Elliot got a chance to get some air as that slender black haired Neko got up off his face. "Oh, sorry about that... well, only kinda," she said laughing with the rest of them. The lift ding'd, "oh this is where we get off. Have you ever---" she laughed and winked at her Neko buddy went to join her on the deck, "gotten off before cherry-kun?" They both laughed some more and sauntered out onto the deck leaving him to ride the rest of the way with a couple other people.
Youko found herself sitting at a table, with a list of foods she had never heard of before. She decided to simply take water, and a foot long sandwich-like thing called a 'Sub'. Youko didn't have much to say to the others around the table, and did nothing other than cue up her order.
Kumiko took the menu, just rolling with the idea of doing food, even though she hadn't even been paying attention to the fact it was close to mealtime. She scanned the menu quickly, coming to a decision fairly easily, what with one of her favourite kinds of meat being an option. She put in her order for a BLT with pickles on it, and put her menu down, looking around at the others, noting ranks and matching it to faces for her own future reference.
Looking up and down the menu, Yua was salivating at just about everything. There were too many good choices. She closed her eyes and randomly pointed to pick... a reuben. Good enough. She put in her order and put away her menu. Now to just deal with the most annoying part of a restaurant: waiting for the food. As she waited, her head bobbed back and forth to some unsung tune before she decided it was too quiet. They were waiting for a Shosho... there was no reason for them to not talk while waiting, right?
"Etto, I'm Santo Hei Akitoku Yua," she stated, bowing a bit in her seat to the other two.
"Nito Hei Shii Youko. What's your occupation on the ship Akitoku-Hei?" She asked the other Neko.
"Infantry and armorer," Yua answered, smiling as if she really loved her job.
Kumiko's ears perked up at that, momentarily distracted from her statistics. "Armorer and infantry?"
"Hm? Yes?" Yua responded, turning to the Heisho.
"Just curious. That's my profession as well, and I'm supposed to be leading a squad, I believe." Kumiko shrugged, already moving on.
"Oh, okay. What's your job, Shii-Hei?" Yua moved back to Youko, Kumiko seeming to be very unsociable at the moment.
"I'm Starship Operations. I'll be helping to pilot the Hokorimasu." Youko said. She flicked an ear, thinking. "Is being an Infantryman very difficult? I mean, I had the training and all but... Seemed like a very unfulfilling job to me. Running around when a ship cannon can just stop things."
"Unfulfilling?" Yua was appalled. "How could holding a gun in your hands, feeling the kick into your shoulder as you make squid swiss cheese be unfulfilling compared to just pushing a button to fire a silly cannon? Where is the skill or feeling when the computer lines up the shot for you? All you do is sit in a chair and stare at a screen!"
Kumiko stayed out of the argument, having spent plenty of time doing a job which was arguably much more boring than either infantry or piloting, though arguably more important at the same time. After all, it's not like it mattered if the pilot thought their professions were boring, she couldn't win many wars without them.
Youko blinked, surprised at how enthusiastic Yua was about her job. "But I don't look at a screen. SPINE gives me all the access I need." She flattened her ears a little, unsure of how to proceed. "I don't know if skill has anything to do with my job, but I like it."
Finally, Elliot arrived at the 22nd deck. The doors opened up to a nice spacious hall way with a few bay entrances off to the sides. One in particular was the Scarlet Room, the officers' wardroom fashioned after a very up class looking restaurant. His orders were to join his superior officer in the private dining room. There was a Neko who flew up to meet him as soon as he turned the corner. It was the bright pinked white haired sprite, Coral. "Hello there, you must be with the group in the back room. Here," she said handing him a menu. "Feel free to browse through it as we walk, the rest of them have ordered so please make haste in your decision," she said as she lead him to the room where the others were seated.
"Uh I guess a beer and a burger if you have it," he said as he pulled his back pack up a little. "How long you been on this boat?" he asked, glancing around at the rather expensive looking compartment as they walked.
"I was just created two months ago for service on the Hokorimasu," she said pleasantly. "I'll see if the cook can arrange that for you, please go ahead and join the others," Coral mentioned as she then took her leave so Elliot could go and join the others.
Elliot haphazardly opened the double doors with his knee and hand, juggling his now slipping duffle and pack. To the occupants on the other side it would look comical as he entered and dumped the heavy gear on the nearest table if they were looking, shedding his rifle in the process. Plopping down in the nearest chair he looked up at the other occupants of the room.
Completely ignoring the newcomer, Yua continued on her rant, "That's not the point!" She face-palmed. "You said being infantry was unfulfilling. I'm making points as to how it is, and all you can say is that you use SPINE instead of a screen. How is it not fulfilling if you go in, blasting those Misshu away to save some prisoners they have? All you can do is push your shiny buttons, killing everyone, including those captured."
Kumiko rested her hand on Yua's shoulder, trying to calm the younger person down. "It may just not be her thing, Akitoku-Hei. Not everyone is suited for every job."
"Ah, hai, Heisho," Yua replied, looking over her shoulder. She settled back into her seat. "Gomenasai, Shii-hei."
"H-Hai..." Youko said, looking down. "Maybe I'll find out later if it's as great as you say, Akitoku-Hei."
"It's fine if you don't. I overreacted." Yua frowned as she thought of a way to make the situation better. "Etto...." It was then that she noticed that someone had joined them. "Ah, hello Hei," she greeted with a wave.
Kumiko nodded, hand dropping back to her side now that the mini-crisis was averted. She may not have been in charge of much, but taking care of children was always pretty much the same.
A moment later the doors once again opened, guided in by the same little Neko sprite was another person to add to the rather large growing party. The pink skinned Coral paused a moment as she was about to hand the new girl a menu, but noticed something was missing. "H-hey, that's mine!" she said glancing to the new girl and quickly flew around behind her back and snatched her hairclip back. "You're tricky, I'm going to keep my eye on you," she said rather cutely as she puffed her little cheeks out and gave the Hei a stare, before handing her the menu rather forcefully and floating off.
Before Coral could go very far, she would feel a playful swat upon her behind. "But you look better with your hair down, cutie," the Hei retorted with a giggle before turning to the gathering with a mischievous grin. "Oh ho~" she sang as she set her duffle bag under the table and sat down. "I think I'm in paradise. They've set me down with some babes," the dark-skinned Nekovalkryja cooed. The Neko was attired in a short-sleeved, female duty uniform with the blue panel of a pilot.
As she sat down, she took the chance to run a hand through her forest-green hair and glance around the table again with sky-blue eyes that seemed to twinkle with delight. "I'm Aikawa Kiyoshi-nito hei," she introduced as she set the menu down in front of her before leaning forward to rest her chin upon interlaced fingers. "Pleasure to meet you all."
Yua turned to face yet another person who had joined the group, letting out a small chuckle at Kiyoshi's perception of paradise. "It's nice to meet you too. I'm Santo Hei Akitoku Yua."
Elliot had lazily waved at Yua with his free hand before going back to what was now occupying his attention, using a small tool he'd pried off the IBR's machinery cover and was in the process of getting the bolt group out when Aikawa walked in. He looked up and his mind shutdown, both eyeballs firmly placed on the Nekovalkryja's bust. "Hi I'm Santo Hei Haden and you have very nice breasts" he said never making eye contact.
"Cutie--my eyes are up here," Kiyoshi replied as she placed an index finger under Elliot's chin and raised his head a bit. "But thanks for the compliment," the Neko stated with a chuckle before glancing over at Yua and winking a bit.
Kumiko gave the new people little more than cursory nods and her usual association of faces with ranks and occupations, but stayed quiet, now that she wasn't needed to break anything up.
"Eh... I'm Shii Youko Nito Hei. Good to meet you both." Youko said to the newcomers.
The green-furred ears of Kiyoshi flicked slightly as she glanced around the table once more to note occupation and rank as well. "Hmmmm...an awful lot of ground pounders here," she noted aloud with a non-chalant tone before glancing at Youko. "Starship Operations eh? Tactical, Electronic, or Helm?" she asked curiously.
"That hasn't been decided yet. I've only just arrived -- the same with Heisho... Heisho..." Youko couldn't remember Kumiko's name, or even if she had given it at all. "I'm sorry, Jôtô Heisho, I can't remember your name." Youko was even slightly surprised that she cared for the NCO's name at all. But if everyone was introducing themselves...
Kumiko blinked, looking back up from her mental work. "Joto Heisho Endoh Kumiko, sorry. I thought I'd mentioned that earlier."
Elliot leaned back slightly catching himself from the daze, "Oh right uh... yea, hows it going?" was all he could manage before turning his attention back to the rifle attempting to hide any embarrassment in the simple task of breaking down the weapon.
"Er," Yua blinked at the wink, entirely not expecting that. She just smiled back, not knowing what sort of message that would send back.
"An Infantry NCO, eh?" Kiyoshi asked before smiling. "Well, I do a bit of piloting for both shuttles and fighters, so if you ever need a lift or Danger Close don't be afraid to call, Endoh-heisho~," she sang the last bit cutely.
Kumiko shrugged, just skimming over the oddities. "I'll be sure to keep that in mind, thank you. I hope we don't need it though, I never have before."
"Ever driven a gunship, Endoh-heisho?" he asked with a slightly curious tone.
"The spaceship or the VTOL, cutie?" she asked for confirmation.
"The VTOL, I had a few buddies back in my previous employment who were gunship drivers, looks like it was fun, at least until you flew into the barrel of a SPG" his eyes were still on the weapon as he started removing the barrel. "Lost a buddy that way"
Kumiko shrugged. "I don't see why I would have flown one. I'm formerly engineering, not flight. I've only done a few drops in a shuttle, even, mostly straight insertions or boarding."
Just outside the private dining room at the back entrance was the officer of the hour and her second in command. Shizuka dressed in her Type 30B Female Duty Uniform, the skirt was tightly wrapped around her firm Lioness hips and even though she had been wearing these types of uniforms since two years ago when Nicholas Saiga complemented her the first time, she was still not quite used to them. She took a second to pull the hem lower over her tanned thighs and push out the wrinkles. The normally calm and headstrong Red Lion was rather nervous for a candid moment with her XO. "Nick," she said softly as she looked at the door ahead of herself, "they're going to like me, right? I mean to say," she turned to glance up at her tall companion, her amber orbs so full of an uncharacteristic uncertainty, "I really am fit for this job, right?" She stood there hanging on his words, stepping in closer to press against his body, feeling him as her stability.
"Doubtlessly, Endo-shosho," Nicholas responded, still forgetting the familiarity he'd developed for Shizuka prior to the incident at Nataria. He tugged at the edge of his own white service jacket to flatten its silhouette. It made him uncomfortable, even though he'd worn the color before — he'd grown accustomed to the obsidian uniform worn by intelligence officers and was still unsure how he'd manage being back in such a prominent role after working, as a rule, in the Empire's shadowy corners. But no matter, the assignment was a great honor to the Geshrin; whoever transferred him out of SAINT had surely predicted the result. "There is no greater commander in the whole of the Star Army," he added, keeping his voice low even though nobody was listening. "When last did Yui or Katsuko-taisho enter the fray of glorious battle themselves? The fortunes have favored your success and those that serve under you never fail to recognize it, Shosho."
Shizuka watched him closely as he spoke, his words feeling so unfamiliar to her. It was as if he was a resurrected copy of himself before their days on the Senbu. But she knew that her Nick was somewhere in the space behind that nameplate which said Nicholas Saiga. She pursed her lips to the side and eyed him even more closely as she inched ever closer to him, standing on her tip-toes. She then kissed him on the lips, just a simple quick kiss — which the Chusa accepted with a sort of unintended look of awkward irritation — before turning around in place with a bounce back in her step. "You're right, like always," she said with a giggle. The Lioness ran a hand through her long messy blonde hair and refitted her captain’s hat. The Shosho took a deep breath and then pushed the door open into the room.
The commander of the Eighth Standard Fleet and captain of the flag ship they were on walked into the room. She was a little shorter than the average Neko, with tanned golden skin and long blonde hair, the loose curls cascaded over her shoulders and ran down to the mid of her back. She was dressed in a very well kept officer's whites uniform with a tight form fitting skirt tightly wrapped around her firm hips. She stepped with purpose towards the head of the table, where there were two chairs, one for her and one for the officer who was at her side.
Nicholas followed beside her, towering to her left flank. He was a fair, grim man whose serious demeanour pulled some of whatever brightness was in a room despite his handsome, unassuming face. "Commander on deck," he barked crisply after the two officers entered, surveying the crew assembled there. And although he was the image of cold stoicism, Nicholas privately hoped the Admiral would not display her clearly immense affection now that they were in a more public setting.
Smoothly sliding her chair back and standing up, Kiyoshi stood at attention for their interviewers. She was quite surprised that they were being interviewed by a Shosho and Chusa, since they were all enlisted. However, all thoughts of that quickly disappeared as her eyes roamed over the curves of their superior officer and the face of that handsome, yet cold fish, of a First Officer. A small impish smile graced her lips.
Kumiko stood to attention quickly as well, years of serving on the same ship as a Ketsurui princess making that reaction so automated she didn't even think about it. She took her time looking both of the officers over, deciding that there wasn't anything about them at this point that she objected to.
Elliot stood to attention as well, resisting the urge to salute the Admiral and her XO.
Copying the others, Yua stood. With the Hokorimasu being her first assignment, she didn't exactly know what a proper Admiral or XO or whatever was supposed to look like, but she guessed this was it.
Youko did the same following in with the rest of the group. At that point Shizuka nodded her head slightly in a bow. "Welcome ladies and gentleman, you're to be at ease," she told them. "Please take your seats. I'm sure the meal will be served soon enough." Shizuka then pulled out her own chair and sat down at the head of the table. "As you all know I am the admiral of the fleet, and captain of the Hokorimasu — I am Shizuka Endo, your commander and hopefully over time, your friend. We have a different philosophy in the Eighth, a stand over since my days on the Senbu. I make it my duty to know the name of every single person who serves under me, including all of you who have joined us here. Interviewing is rather hard these days to do one on one, but I trust each of the officers I choose to represent me in such matters." She took a drink of her glass of water, even the way she moved seemed so confidant and assured. "You all have been chosen to join this ship and this fleet and as thus, you've been given a spot in my pride. A long time ago I earned the title of Red Lion, and as such I've treated all those with me as one with my pack, my pride. I hope that over time this philosophy of friendship, family and kinship will become a part of every one of you. In my time commanding I've found that if my crew is closer to one another, they work better together. Simple no?" she said with a toothy Lioness smile.
"I want to go around the table, and each of you introduces yourselves to me, and we will continue. Starting with our brave and honorable Chusa," she said turning in her seat to smile at Nichloas.
The Geshrin commander looked as far from amused as a man could be, but inwardly he was powerless to Shizuka's often gawky charm. "Nicholas Saiga," he stated matter-of-factly. "Chusa; I am Endo-shosho's second." He stopped, seemingly finished with the forced introduction and then immediately continued after catching Shizuka's eye, knowing she wanted him to say more. "I have served with the Admiral in the past as her first officer," he said, still sounding confident even though the words spilled from his mouth more quickly. "Following my service on the Senbu I was assigned to Star Army Intelligence and maintained that post since this war began. Until now." Trusting that the crew now knew enough about him, Nicholas nodded to the brown haired Heisho — the nearest person to him — indicating it was her turn.
Kumiko nodded, glad to get her deal out of the way. "I am Joto Heisho Endoh Kumiko, I was assigned as an infantry leader and an armorer. My only other service of any real length of time was on Taisa Ketsurui Hanako's Eucharis as an engineer."
Shizuka nodded to the Joto Heisho. "Well Endo-san, I mean... Endoh-san. It is good to have you aboard. I hope you find our humble vessle as exciting as the princesses'," Shizuka said with an almost big sisterly smile.
"Santo Hei Akitoku Yua," the Neko stated. "I'm an infantryman... infantrywoman... yeah, and an armorer as well. This is my first assignment, so treat me well please." She smiled brightly to those at the table.
"Your very first assignment, you must be very excited. I assure you that everyone will treat you well, else they'll have to answer to me," Shizuka answered with a confidant wink, reassuing the young neko that her stay will be a pleasant one.
Kiyoshi couldn't help but stare at the Shosho a bit longer as the others introduced themselves. That confidence — that forceful presence — what she wouldn't give for one night... and then it was her turn. "Aikawa Kiyoshi-nito hei," she introduced herself with a lopsided smile. "I can fly practically every small craft, so if you're in need of a shuttle pilot don't be afraid to call upon me to 'rock your world,'" the pilot greeted shamelessly.
The Shosho had a great giggle with Kiyoshi's introduction. "Well I hope that you'll be able to do much more than that for us, I look forward to seeing your work." Shizuka pursed her tanned lips to one side and glanced the confidant Neko over. "And we also look forward to seeing if you're more than just talk," Shizuka said with a teasing challenge. Though the Lioness did not mean to come off as flirty, she was more challenging her crew member to do above and beyond her call of duty, she still found what they both said amusing enough to carry a smile that didn't seem to fleet away.
Realizing it was his turn Elliot spoke up, "I'm Santo Hei Haden, I'm an infantry demolitions guy, before this boat I spent three years as a mercenary working with the Paragon Initiative blowing stuff up on the ground and in space. Now I'm here for more or less the same job. I've been in more shit holes than I care to count so this ship and this job is a nice change of scenery," he finished.
"Ah yes. Well, Santo Hei, your job will be more then necessary with our future operations. I hope that your experiences will aid your unit. However I must request here and now that you keep your things from exploding in my ship," she said with the same sort of playfulness she was greeting with the rest of them.
Shii Youko then introduced herself as a starship operator, specializing in flying these large ships. Shizuka seemed very excited about this. "Well Shii-san, I have been told that the flight group is actually gathering right now in the briefing theater, I have enjoyed very much meeting you and will be seeing plenty of you in the future on the bridge, but I really suggest that you hurry as not to be late," Shizuka said with a bowing nod to the Neko who then got up and rushed out the door. "Oh I'll be sure that your dinner is delivered!" Shizuka called out at the speedy Shii before she got out of earshot.
"Okay, well sorry about all that. Now, like I've said. I'm very glad to have each and every one of you onboard my ship and part of my crew. Now, each of you has been scouted to join an elite squad of power armor pilots, for your various skills and talents. This includes you Kiyoshi-san. I have been experimenting in the past with bringing a new special ops unit of infantry to the Star Army, there are many experienced men and women under my command who are ready and waiting to train all of you further then you've been taught in the past. So with that said, you will be part of the Lion Squad, the first unit of the ship and thus the most demanding. You will get the most missions, the most battle and the most glory. In the past my special ops unit was my hands, my eyes and my representation in the field. This will be no different, if you choose to be my Lion Knights you will have to be at the best of your game," she paused and looked at each of them, "are you prepared for this? If not this is the time to say so." She waited calmly, her three finger Neko hands folding one over the other on the table.
So it was going to be detached duty rather than some assignment in the ship's Wing. This seemed to be getting even more interesting than she thought it would. "Sounds less boring than my duties back on Virgo," Kiyoshi replied with a grin. "You can count me in cu— I mean, Shosho," the dark-skinned Neko replied. Calling a Fleet Commander 'cutie' didn't seem like a good career move...yet.
"First into a target rich environment? Count me in!" exclaimed Elliot.
Kumiko nodded, satisfied as well. "I have no problems with the assignment, Shosho. Perhaps questions, later, but no problems."
"Hai, Shosho. I'll do it." Yua could hardly sit still in her seat. More missions meant more chances to put rounds into some ugly tentacled beasts.
Nicholas grunted in approval. "No cowards among them, Shosho," he said quietly, glancing to the commander beside him. Not that there was much chance that they could be — most of Lion Squadron would be fresh Nekovalkyrja, unable to feel cowardice and the humans among them were picked for their mettle and quality. Such was the Chusa's line of reasoning, at least. "Excellent choices, Endo-sama."
Shizuka seemed rather pleased with their answers, and felt proud of her decision as Nicholas reinforced this. "Very right Chusa, very right," Shizuka said with a slow and steady nod. "Great, then there's a question I need to pose to each and every one of you," she opened her mouth but paused as she was going to speak. She had that familiar look of getting a telepathic communication on her face. "Oh, I guess that will have to wait for another time. I am a very busy lady these days, and it seems I'm only bound to grow busier as these days progress. I will look forward to reviewing your performances and seeing your action out on the battle field. You're to report to Shoi Hiyoshi Kyousuke at 0900 hours tomorrow to begin your first day of retraining, if there's nothing else we'll excuse ourselves," Shizuka went to stand and then glanced about the room, a gesture on her features was making sure everyone was okay with what they were doing.
Elliot spoke up, "Received and acknowledged Ma'am."
Retraining sounded a bit boring, but it would have to do until the real action began. Until then, there was also finding some other type of amusement on board the ship and there were plenty of 'opportunities' for those on a ship this large. "Hai." she responded with a smile.
"Hai, I will be there." While retraining right out of basic seemed silly, Yua figured that it would probably be training than she already had.
Kumiko nodded. "Hai, Shosho." Retraining may not have been the most interesting thing ever, but if they were supposed to be the flagship squad, it definitely couldn't hurt them to get some extra practice in.
Shizuka and Nicholas rose up together and Shizuka offered a bow of her head. "Everyone, have a good evening. Enjoy yourselves," she said cheerfully as she led Nicholas out the door, but before they were truly gone she peeked back in and said, "but not too much," with an all-knowing sweet tone, giving them a wink and then finally disappearing off to her destination elsewhere in the vast Hokorimasu.
Once the Shosho was out of earshot, Kiyoshi couldn't help but giggle. "Our Fleet Commander's a hottie, but she hangs around with Mr. Gloom."
Leaning back in his chair Elliot said something just loud enough for the group to hear, "And once more into the great goodnight."
"You're into almost anything that moves, except for the Chusa, aren't you?" Yua asked Kiyoshi, as she finally was allowed to relax.
"Oh no, I'd probably try to break him from that gloom if I could," the dark-skinned pilot replied with an impish grin. "He at least has the face for it."
Yua placed her head into her palm. "Oh. You're really taking this to the extreme."
"I prefer to call it 'helping comrades to relief stress,'" she retorted with a chuckle. "If you're ever stressed out, I could do the same for you," Kiyoshi replied by blowing the elder Nekovalkryja a kiss.
"Personally" started Elliot as he slapped the IBR's machinery cover back into place, "I find target practice relaxing." He racked the bolt back and shouldered the rifle eyeballing some make believe target behind Kumiko and pulled the trigger. *Click*
Yua ever-so-slightly blushed. "Er, thanks but no thanks. Haden-Hei has the right idea though. Shooting a nice weapon is just, mmmm."
"Oh? So that's what they're calling it now," Kiyoshi gave Elliot a lewd grin before making a jerking motion with one of her hands.
He swung the weapon on Kiyoshi, "Though both ways work to their own extent." He said staring at the Nekovalkryja through the IBR's holo-sight.
Kiyoshi held up her hands in a surrendering gesture before giggling. "Whoa there soldier-boy. Keep that thing locked and stowed," she joked before standing up. "I'm heading for my quarters now," Kiyoshi stated before grabbing her duffle bag. "Call me, hunnies," she called back and waved casually before heading out of the private room.
Yua waved to the departing pilot, being sure to remember to not call. With Kiyoshi's personality, Yua had no way of even guessing what could be happening on the other end of the line at any hour of the day. "I wonder where our food is," she thought outloud, her mind wandering a bit without anything huge demanding her full attention.
Glancing back toward Yua, "Well Santo Hei Akitoku Yua, what do you shoot?" he asked out of boredom.
"Well," Yua started, a smile crossing her face, "I have a Stryling Longbolt, and a .455 Mancannon. Oh, and an HHG." Her hands moved around as if she was holding the guns for display.
"Nice choices, I can't handle the last two, I'm a little to human" he chuckled slightly holding up his skinny lean arms. "How does this one feel to you?" he said as he tossed the IBR at the neko.
"Ah!" Yua carefully caught it, looked it over a couple times, before she held it up to her shoulder look down the length of the gun. "Hmm, feels a bit on the heavy side, but it seems like a decent weapon. I'm not a huge fan of semi-automatic rifles anyway. It's just too satisfying to pull back the bolt." She handed the gun back.
Elliot took it back and set it on the table next to him and hearing footsteps glanced toward the door.
Not too long later Coral and another Neko server made their way into the room with everyone's meals. The group then sat down and enjoyed a little more conversation and dinner; the rest of the day was theirs afterwards.
- つづく (to be continued)
Homework sux. Will write again tomorrow, late for skool. Got some juicy rumors about Sora. - Nao"
