RP: YSS Miharu Mission 1 "REAR GUARD", Day 5

Yukari couldn't stop the tears. She felt stupid for crying, and mean, worrying Tom at a time like this, after they had ... done what they had done. Everything came pouring out of her eyes like a fountain. The stress, the frustration, the joy, the fear; all of it seeped out of her in little drops onto Tom.

And he was not pushing her away. He held on tighter. Consoling her. Ensuring her he loved her, no matter how few days they had known each other, no matter how foolish and improbable the love seemed. Why? That was not how she was supposed to be treated. She had done her duty, had she not? Completed part of her programming? The destiny set before her nearly seven years ago ... this was it. She had finally done what she was supposed to do. It was her place.

Yet, it broke her. Everything she kept inside, those things that had split her in two, she was letting go. She was completely betraying what she was designed to be. She was malfunctioning.

And yet ... as she was breaking down, he attempted ... attempted ... attempted to fix her.

Yukari sniffed, coughed, balled her on Tom's chest, then grasped at it. "Why do you love me?" she cried softly. "What am I to you?"

"Is that a question that really needs answering, Yukari," Tom replied to the sobbing woman as he patted her on the back. "But, if it makes you feel better, here goes..."

His eyes gazed off into the distance.

"We seem to be opposites in so many ways. You are so professional, so quiet and proper, and I am outspoken and goofy."

The Yamatain's hands gently ran up and down Yukari's back as he continued.

"I see a woman confined to a life of orders and missions, a woman who accepts that life dutifully and without hesitation... but her eyes do not lie. Within them, there's a young child who yearns for times long past."

"But the child has locked herself away. She thinks she cannot return to those carefree days... because of the bad things she has done. So, while the child hides, the soldier comes out... a veneer to hide the shame."

His hand moved to Yukari's hair, where his fingers ran through her brown rivers.

"But the girl can't hide from everyone: I see her. She is kind, tender, playful and beautiful. She makes me feel safe despite the horrors that surround us because I see in her a hope for better days in this war torn and weary world."

"So I tirelessly work to comfort the girl. I want her greet the day with happiness and joy. I want to make her laugh, make her dance, make her feel human again because I love her."

"About fifteen or twenty minutes, and then it will be a few more minutes to write the backup to the body. As I said earlier, I can call for you when I'm ready if you have something better to do." Miyoko turned to the hemosynth tank, making the necessary adjustments to produce Asher's new body as she spoke.

Nyton gave a lazy shrug. "Not particularily, no. For once. So why not just hang out here and talk for a while until my turn?" he replied.

He took a moment to stretch his left arm and gave his cybernetic arm a 'twitch' through the synthetich synapses. "I suppose I could check your file for the info but I would rather ask you directly. Do you have any skill in cybernetic surgery? I've decided to buy some upgrades and I was wondering if you would be able to install them once I find a way to procure them."

"Unfortunately, it's not really a field that I have any experience in." Miyoko turned and looked at Nyton appraisingly, as if weighing up how difficult of a patient he'd be. "For simpler implants, I could probably install them with some decent instruction... but anything wired into your nervous system might be a bit over my head. My experience doesn't go much beyond first aid and very simple surgery. I've really only taken the basic medical training required to be a science specialist; why we don't have an actual medical officer here is beyond me."

She leaned against the table holding the now-unconscious Asher, reservedly adding, "So, with that in mind, let's hope that this assault goes well." It just slipped out; the assault was about the last thing she wanted to talk about right now. She wasn't comfortable with her abilities for such an occasion, as a soldier or as a medic.

Nyton listened to Miyoko voice her concerns regarding lack of medical personnel while he leaned on a table and rested his head in his hand. He smiled at her concern regarding the assault. "Kotori and Yukari were working on matters with personnel but I share your concern regarding our manning. We should see about having another sprite made who is a dedicated medical officer. All soldiers who have been properly trained have at least some practice in first aid." Nyton briefly rolled a look towards Leutre when he stressed his words before they returned to Miyoko. "But basic familiarization is not enough. We do need a fully qualified doctor on board." he finished.

Nyton's eyes studied Miyoko. She appears to be nervous. Her concerns and her role in the mission must weigh heavily upon her. It would be better to stay off the subject. Pre-battle jitters can be handled later. he thought. "Don't worry about my implants. I guess I'll just have them worked on whenever I take some time off. That is if any of us ever get to take some time off given our current ops tempo." he said before he stopped to look at both Miyoko and Leutre. "Where do you two feel like going? If you could be anywhere right now, I mean. Where would you two like to be?"

Miyoko stared blankly at the question for a few seconds before conceding, "I really have no idea. The closest thing to a vacation that I've ever had was a few days in between assignments now and then. If I got leave now, I'd probably just pick a popular vacation spot at random. I've only been planetside a few times anyway..."

She trailed off. The question didn't seem to do much to raise her spirits--if anything, it reminded her of how inexperienced she was in comparison to the two Nepleslians.

ON: Public baths of YSS Miharu

The starstruck look on Yukari's face was not one she wore often. But this time, she was hard pressed to stop it. Tom had just said ... many things. Incredible things. Perceptive things. She loved that about him, but it unnerved her that he saw so much, yet said so little. She gave a small, appropriately girlish sniffle, then coughed. She turned her head away, the tears drying up a little.

"You and your words," she said. " ... I love them, even if they are so flowery." She smiled through her crying, which was also fading.

Tom blinked a couple times, pulling himself out of the slight stupor he had put himself in. "Well, actually, I just say what comes from the heart," he replied. "But, if flowery words cheer you up, I'll be sure to keep that in mind for future conversations."

"Keep speaking from your heart." *sniff* "It does you justice." Yukari crawled up his body some to kiss him wetly on his lips, then curled into his chest some. "I am sorry ... I have some things to get used to."

"Mmm," Tom answered in a hum while the kiss connected. "Stop being sorry; it doesn't suit you. You don't have to apologize for how you feel."

"It is not how I feel ... it is how I was programmed to react." Yukari could hear Tom's heart thumping, thumping, thumping in her ears. The sound seemed to calm her faster, bringing a content smile to her tearful face. "Nekovalkyrja were not meant for love."

"I don't believe that one bit," Tom said, squeezing Yukari's body to emphasize his statement. "You are not some programmed machine. You are Yukari. Nobody can take that away from you. Nobody can take your mind." The Yamataian then shrugged his shoulders, trying to lighten the mood a little. "And, considering the events of a few minutes ago, I must disagree with your statement that Nekos are NOT meant for love."

Yukari blushed, the shy woman returning to her body. "I know ... I have not felt my old programming for some time. But it is there. That is why I worry." She ran a smooth hand down one side of his chest, his heart still in her ears. "What comes next?"

"What do you mean? I don't understand the question."

"For us," Yukari said. "I do not know how a relationship is meant to function ... especially when it involves fraternizing with an enlisted man." She giggled a little at that.

"Hey, I'm not, uh, incredibly enlisted anymore, just kinda enlisted," Tom hastily said. "Yeah, I've SHATTERED through the Hei ranks. Nito Heisho baby!" Then, he paused for a long second, before his voice found itself again. "Yeah, and you're only about... uh... 8 or 9 ranks above me! But when has that gotten in the way of LOVE?!"

Yukari giggled more, her wet brown hair draped across Tom behind her. "You have little to worry about, Heisho-san. But I am not being a proper officer." She smiled wide as her hand trailed down the side of Tom's body.

"What would a proper officer do in this situation then, ma'am?" Tom giggled a little at Yukari's motion. Her hands were so soft and delicate... like feathers on his skin.

"She would hide a relationship such as this," Yukari said matter-of-factly. "Especially since it is not purely sexual. But I will not do that." Her hand continued to run down to Tom's hip, pushing in a little, kneeding it.

"Eeek!" Yukari's calculated movements made him wiggle a bit. "Well, it's not like the MEGAMI doesn't know everything anyway, and we'd be pretty dumb to assume Kotori didn't know by now. I suppose everyone should know about it, although I'll probably get a few jabs from the crew."

"Jabs? Why?" Yukari played with his leg, his strong, lean-looking leg. She loved his legs.

"Just 'cause. You know how life in the lower ranks can be sometimes. Some people might say that I'm being an idiot for falling in love with you, given our obvious rank difference. Others may think I'm using this for a quick set of promotions. I'm sure it's happened on other ships in the empire before."

"You are neither of those things," Yukari said easily, still touching his leg. "You enjoy my oral intercourse, and my conversational skills." She giggled at her own little joke.

"Oral intercourse," Tom said with a sigh. "A description that leaves nothing to the imagination, but an accurate one nevertheless ... oh, yeah, and the conversation skills are nice too." He laughed with her.

"Imagination is for when there is time," she said, fighting a quietly bubbling temptation in her. He had soothed her, built her up, made her feel special again ... made her want to be his again. And that was not necessarily good for Tom, if he wanted to end the day with any energy left. "We should consider returning to duty soon."

"You're right, we've got a lot of work to do." Tom didn't want to leave... who knew when they would see each other again? But there was so much more at stake than the love of two people. "But, I can't wait for the next time we get to use our 'imagination' together. I think I'll repay you tenfold." His hand slid down to Yukari's bottom and gave it a little squeeze as he winked at her. "Let's make sure we live until then."

Tom was rewarded with a little "mmmph!" from Yukari's surprised lips. "Miharu will protect us," she said confidently. "She will probably wish to see us use our imagination again."

"Haha, don't I wish!" With that, Tom eased one of his hands under Yukari's legs, and with his other hand holding her upper body against him, he lifted the small Neko into his arms as he stood up. "Looks like I found my strength again, ma'am."

"Ahh!" Yukari was picked up again, she blushed and frowned at Tom. "You treat me so roughly, Tom-san! It is not fair to do so; I am easily engaged." The woman's frown floated into a small grin.

"What, I thought this was romantic," Tom said as he carried Yukari over to the towels. "A strong man must protect his lady!"

Yukari blushed, arms wrapped around Tom's neck. "It is," she said quietly. "I like it ... but I must tease you, Tom-san. So you do not think you are the officer." She smiled.

"I suppose you have a point there, ma'am," Tom said. "I just hope those orders don't carry into the bedroom as well!"

END

"Huh? Oh. Well, nowhere really." Leutre's demeanor appeared to have bounced back to its old self, as if nothing had happened at all between himself and Nyton. He cheerfully bobbed his head back and forth as if listening to an unheard song. "Give me a blanket and a corner of the sub deck to curl up in and I'll keep for a week. Twice that if you give me a good supply of stroganoff, spiced wine, and a song I can take with me to the grave. Ayup, Da always said the simplest pleasures in life are always the most plentiful."

"But if you mean an actual place, perhaps a metaphorical nowhere instead of a literal one; a far, out of the way spit of an outpost back home. Somewhere with drinks, friends, laughter, spirited lovers, and of course the occasional rousing pirate raid. Mmm, yes." He rubbed his chin. "I find it all quite romantic, really. The slow days between trade runs where you can just doze away for hours, or plenty of bar brawls, fights over salvage, and pirate raids to get the heart pumping."

While Leutre wasn't the most keen of observers, he noticed that there was something off with Saito. What was it? Concerns about the impending battle, or was it a hint of nostalgia for a home not found? Hesitantly he said, "I think...yes, I think I'll take you there some day, Miyo. There we'll raise our glasses to Bacchus and drown our sorrows in spiced wine, cruising the lanes and blaring off-tune songs until the stars themselves grow weary of our singing. We will teach you how to love, how to live...and how to curse so vividly that you could make Claymere himself blush."

"Cursing, booze, and loud music, hm?" Miyoko seemed to snap out of her melancholy at that--the thought of herself getting drunk and singing was so far from her personality that she couldn't help but grin at the absurdity of it. "Sure, why not? It sounds better than some overhyped tourist trap."

After her little brooding session staring at the Mindy, Masako had gone back to her room to read up a bit more on the NIWS. For some reason, the more she read about the emotionless war machine, the more she wanted to fight it. It scared her for a moment until she contemplated why she wanted to fight such a dangerous and destructive thing. She didn't want anyone else to come across it and die because of it. Masako frowned for a moment, did that mean she wanted to suicidally charge in? Masako tried to imagine such a concept, but it didn't fit what she was. No, she wasn't the type to suicidally charge at a target.

There was a plan to beat this thing after all, one that required the Miharu's main cannon and a Mindy II's teleportation system. This meant that only a few people could hope to take the NIWS on. Which didn't bode well for the Team comprised of Daisies and a single Mindy. What if they happened upon more than one?

For that matter, what would happen to Takuma if she teleported a NIWS away and left him in his Harpy? He would be totally exposed and vunerable to attack from other armors.

Masako sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose. Honestly, the Harpies were scout armors....they were meant for recon, not these boarding actions. But it couldn't be helped...it was the only way she could teleport Takuma onto the Black Spiral Nozomi. Now, she could go on and on about the bad things in the plan they already agreed upon, or she could go to the wardroom and relax.

Sighing again, Masako looked up at the cieling from her seated position upon her bed. "Miharu-san, where is Kimura-Hei?"

"Kimura-Hei is in his quarters asleep," the ship's MEGAMI responded as the warrant officer nodded. She wouldn't bother the enlisted man right now...it was important that he rest for now. She could always discuss a priority target list a bit later. Moving to the edge of her bed, Masako stood up and stretched her arms up and arched her back as she straightened her body out.

"Maybe I should get my ST backup done sooner to get it out of the way," Masako mumbled to herself as she headed towards her room door. Exiting her quarters, she peered around the Port-side corridor with a hint of interest. It had been so busy lately that she had yet to really think of who were her neighbors.

She hadn't seen Dige-Hei lately...and with him missing the action at both Taiie and earlier, there wasn't much of a doubt that he would be tranferred as soon as the Miharu was safe. It made Masako frown in disappointment, he had made such a good impression too....being the best in the simulations at Scorpio. Across the hall from him was Leutre, which she often wondered how he was doing in his new quarters, but never found the time to drop by. Masako's quarters were right beside James' and across the hall from the armor pilot they had rescued from the wrecked Yui, Westwood-Hei. He was a bright person, even though she had talked to him for only a bit.

A fact which seemed to become more of a habit for the young neko, Masako thought with a frown. She needed to socialize more with her crew and get to know them better. But all she seemed to do as of late was go to briefings with them at such. Then again, it had only been five days. It felt like five months really, with all that had been going on.

She looked down the hall to the door beside her own. She didn't know who had taken up residence there yet, but a quick check of the crew database would tell. Going back into her quarters quickly, Masako searched her desk for a device she rarely used, but still had with her, a TA-20 Wrist Computer. She had bought it a long time ago with the bonus she had received for joining the YSS Destiny.

Strapping it to her wrist, she activated it and quickly linked it to the ship computer. A few authorizations later and she was looking at the crew manifest. "Santô Hei Ito Rei....Technician and Demolitions," Masako repeated what she read with her curiousity peaked. "I guess I'll have to meet my new neighbor eventually," she said with a small smile before exiting her quarters once again.

"I wonder if she's in?" she asked herself as she decided to press the chime by Rei's door.

After a brief stop in the kitchen to fix a quick lunch for himself and the crew, Tom Freeman made his way back to the subdeck. Even as he cleared his way into engineering, the two sprites hard at work on the systems could see the obvious spring in his step through the enviornmental suit that he wore.

"Heyyyyyyyyyyy guys! What's our status on those fold drives? Has the wire matrix been calibrated yet? Why not go grab a bite to eat? I made sandwiches for everyone in the kitchen!"

The Yamataian knelt next to the exposed panels on the fold system and inspected the wires carefully to make sure they were connected properly.

"I tell you what, it's a good day today, yessiree! We're going to kick this fold drive into operation by tonight!"

Maybe if he did a good enough job, he'd get to finish early and see Yukari for the night. That made his skin tingle with anticipation.

Nyton relaxed again and watched as Leutre invited Miyoko to visit the space lanes from whence he came. He tried to envision himself chasing the stars like Leutre's clan and shook his head. Why he ever came to the world of a soldier I don't understand. Someone should've shot the processing personnel who pushed him through without screening.

"Leutre, just whatever called you to leave a life like that for one in the Army? Seriously didn't they tell you at the recruitment center that you don't get to have fun like that when you join?" Nyton asked in a tone that denoted he was serious and not judging the life that Leutre enjoyed.

ON: Medical bay of YSS Miharu

Leutre hesistaed for a moment then said, "My wings." He nodded to himself. "No more does a bird stay in the tree, then I at home."

"Still..." Miyoko hesitated, trying to figure out how to phrase her thoughts without possibly offending the blonde Nepleslian, "No offense, but the military doesn't really seem like the natural first choice for you. I'm certainly not complaining about your decision, though."

Nyton listened to Miyoko and nodded a silent agreement. "So you had to leave home and find your own way." he replied. "So how did joining the Star Army factor into your path?"

"Again wings. Wouldn't it seem silly for a bird to have wings and learn to fly, only to spend his entire life on the branches? No. They are there to be used. Just because they can." He shrugged. "It's because I can. No real specific reason. And there's no specific reason for the Star Army, either. It's is just another trail on the journey homewards bound. Just between us, I seriously considered joinin a pirate group before I came here..."

"No shame or foul in admitting that. I had options before I enlisted as well." Nyton said with a shrug.

"Well, I guess if you want to see the galaxy and try not to be exploded by new and interesting people, there are far worse places for you to be..." Miyoko suddenly paused, thinking. "Speaking of interesting people, whatever happened to the proposition of a crew party? I suppose it's been delayed until we're in a relatively safe area. I don't think I've shared more than three sentences with half the crew..."

"Believe me, as soon as we have the time, Kotori will call for one. The sooner the drive gets fixed the sooner we can find a safe port to have one." Nyton said in good humor.

"I would hope so. If I'm going to be risking my lives alongside these people every day, I at least want to have some interesting anecdotes about them doing things with their underpants." Miyoko turned and disinterestedly glanced at the hemosynth tank to check on its progress.

"Hmm, that's very true. I personally can't stand parties myself, but to each their own."

"I'm not a fan of them... but I'm even less fond of not knowing two-thirds of the people I'm serving with." Miyoko hesitated and then teasingly asked, "Wait, Mr. Wine-and-drunken-singing doesn't like parties? That is unexpected..."

Nyton could not help but give Leutre a puzzled look. "I would have thought you of all people here would be eager for a chance to unwind and throw protocol to the wind."

"Hah, no, no. It's just not the same. The best freinds are the few freinds. The ones you can share a cold drink with, bunk next to, pull you out of a maintenance if you get stuck..." He laughed, "Yes. Friendship, love is fine. But I just can't stand the noise, the whole...demeanor and situation."

The violet-haired Yamataian nodded hesitantly. "I can understand that. I suppose part of it is just that I'd like to lay down some roots here." She jabbed a finger at Leutre jokingly, "I blame a few people feeding me a bunch of stuff about how I need to find someplace to call home."

Again, loud drunken songs but he doesn't like the noise and demeanor. Nyton thought.

Leutre grinned, "Life's a journey homeward bound. That's because once you find that perfect spot, you'll never want to leave it. That's why I travel about to such different places...to find what fits me. My home -- a friend, a lover, a place. Until then, Lady Luck will blow me as she will."

Miyoko couldn't help but crack a grin at that one. "Lady Luck will blow you, hm...?"

Nyton let out a laugh at Miyoko's remark to Leutre's philosophy.

He frowned, "Lady Luck, the fates. The Winds of War, the trade winds, the solar winds, whichever she sees as best."

For a moment, Miyoko looked a bit crestfallen. It was very rare for her to deign to try her hand at dirty humor, and it seemed that her latest attempt had only been partially successful. Oh well.

"While I agree that at times a man's life can be tossed into a maelstrom of uncontrollable events I don't see any sense in letting go of the rudder and not trying to take some control back." Nyton replied.

Recovering, she tucked a few strands of hair behind her ears, more as an excuse to hide her face than anything else. "Ah, that reminds me- Claymere-juni, have you considered upgrading to a Yamataian body with this backup? I know the year's not up just yet, but you being more resilient certainly couldn't hurt with what we're likely to face..."

Nyton looked at Miyoko and shook his head. "Negative on that. I'm still just as capable in this body as I would be in a Yamataian one. The Armor doesn't work any less for me regardless."

She shrugged. "At the end of the year, it's that or leave, as I understand it. But, that's up to you. It just seemed a good time to make the offer."

"There is a special clause for certain cases. Given my current mission status I doubt they are just going to release me to the Nepleslian Empire with what I know about Black Spiral. Besides, technically, I am not filling a combat role. The only 'reason' I am in the assault mission is because we are short handed and I have combat experience," Nyton replied.

"Very well. As I said, it just seemed a convenient time to make the offer." Miyoko turned to check on the hemosynth tank's progress again and, apparently satisfied, turned to Leutre and Nyton, coolly stating, "Turn your heads if you don't want to see him naked." Then, she began the arduous task of putting the dripping wet new body on the ST table to write memories to it... and putting the 'old' body, which was currently occupying the very same table, into the tank to be broken down--something like the universe's most macabre game of musical chairs.

END

Rei wiped at her hands with the towel. Forget what others said, it was always better when you worked on something with your own two hands, she thought to herself as she closed the panel on the Shrike and put away the diagnostic tools she had been using to check on the armor.

Growing up on Valaad had taught her the value of good maintenance of...well...anything. The sand was everywhere back home; still, she missed it, Rei thought to herself as she paced back down the Miharu's corridors to the living quarters for some well-desetved rest.

She paused when she saw someone at her door. "Heya, can I help you?

... I have a lover.

The smile on Yukari's face -- giddy, yet tempered -- was impossible to wipe away. No matter what subject she attempted to revert to, including the long briefing she had quickly summarized inside of her brain, she could not tear herself away from the thought. I have a lover. I must tell someone.

It was a base reaction, much like the action that had spawned it. That was part of what made it so irrefutable. She could not NOT tell someone. Somehow. Even indirectly.

So when she entered the bridge, just as she had been before (save for cleaner hair), she bowed to Kotori with that same smile on her face and the same desire to talk.

"Thank you for the rest period, Taii-san." Kotori, she was sure, wanted to continue work. She would wait, with slightly abated breath. The Chui took her position at the helm and restarted her work seamlessly. She found a new assignment, as well -- ensuring transfer assignments were ready to be filed for several soldiers onboard the Miharu. Yukari did not let the assignment touch her happiness too much.

A moment or two into the work, however ... Yukari's smile blended into a girlish grimace. She could not wait, she decided, as her fingers flew across a virtual board of buttons and command functions.

"Kotori-san ... can we speak privately, please?"

"Thank you for the offer but I digress. I plan on holding onto my current body for as long as it can maintain my life. Plus or minus whatever few appendages I decide to upgrade via cybernetics." Nyton said with a smile as he turned away to give Asher his 'privacy.'

"Claymere-Juni, should you be killed in the line of duty... you have no objection to being reborn in a yamataian body?" Miharu's MEGAMI asked.

ON: YSS Miharu, Main Bridge

"We are the only two on the bridge. What do you want to talk about?" With Kotori behind Yukari and up in her own control station, surrounded by a cloud of volumetric windows and with the light answering tone of each touch on the digital controls... the neko's small wistful sigh went unheard.

Yukari was unsure whether to turn from her work. "Is it alright to talk this way? I only wanted to ask why you allowed me to ... take time off."

"You can come up and speak to me if you want. I am still handling most of the important monitoring tasks." Kotori didn't answer the second question.

" ... " Yukari let the scan of possible transfer assignments -- an outdated list, but it would have to do for now -- run through her head as she turned from the station and got up to look at Kotori directly, having a hard time seeing her behind so many faintly glowing windows. "The time ... I wished to ask. Why did you give it to me?"

The virtual wall of holowindows parted when Kotori sweeped one hand across to move them out of the way so she could look at Yukari. The neko's was still partly illuminated by the displays, drawing odd colorful patterns on her porcelain skin, glossy back hair and the white paneled uniform.

"Since you aren't really taking up the responsability of being an executive officer too well, it falls to me, the ship's commander, to determine the needs of my crew. You needed a break and I gave you one."

" ... " Yukari nodded. "I see. Would you like a report on what I did, Taii?" If she was going to make a point to be professional, Yukari thought, then she had to respond in kind, somehow.

Kotori's hands paused. The fingers curled up slightly before Kotori turned her head to look directly in Yukari's eyes. "That's alright. You don't have to."

"I want to." Yukari's smile returned a little. "I was about to bathe, when Freeman-Heisho found me. We were able to bathe together ... and enjoy each other's company. It was a much needed pause in the day ... and I must thank you for it." She bowed.

"I'm glad it did you some good," Kotori replied softly. "Was there something else you wanted to talk about?"

"I wanted to apologize. My behavior from before was inexcusable ... you were concerned about my well-being. And I tested your patience with my opinions of my occupation." She bowed deeply. "O-yurushi ... Kotori-san."

"I took your banter with Hinoto as an excuse to have you take a breather from your work." Kotori said plainly. "You don't really have to apologize for that."

"I felt I did. And now that it is done ... " Yukari could no longer contain her excited smile, teeth glimmering eerily in the faint light. "I must tell you that Tom is a beautiful man. Beautiful in every way."

Kotori nodded, but said nothing in return. She was attentive, but the expression on her face was carefully neutral.

Yukari pressed on, oblivious to Kotori's reaction. "We were able to talk some ... and it was wonderful, Kotori. He is a man I know I love. I realize it has been not a week, but I know; I can sense it. He sees things so well; so perceptive ... he knows me. Already, somehow."

Kotori nodded again. It seemed Yukari needed little prodding to pour her heart out.

"And he sees this war ... so differently. He sees it with tragedy, with despair in his eyes. And it is so very sad to see ... but he remains strong, Kotori! His will is so very strong. I feel stronger being next to him!" Yukari seemed flushed and excited now.

Kotori nodded again, this time encouraging Yukari with a wordless "Mhmm."

"And ... I have something to 'look forward' to. I have something to fight for, and also something to live for. It is what I have needed, Kotori. I am sure of this." Looking up at her commander's blank face, her smile faltered a little, embarassed. "I am sorry ... I do not mean to bore you."

Kotori blinked her large almond eyes. "I thought you fought for the Ash Bay."

"I do ... but I did not live for it." Yukari's eyes looked away, cheeks flushed. "Now I feel that place might carry a future ... and that is what I must live for. That future. With Tom."

Kotori nodded, the shadow of a self-satisfied smile coming to her lips.

"So ... yes." Yukari looked down at Kotori's feet. "That is what I wished to tell you."

Kotori titled her head curiously, a bit like her namesake would do. "So, you feel more spirited now?" She asked, echoing the question that had been at the root of that chain of event.

" ... Yes," Yukari nodded with a shy smile. "Yes. I do."
Frederick Durand: Kotori's smile became a bit more obvious. "Good."

"Yes." Yukari was not sure what Kotori had come to, but something about Kotori's smile was not satisfying. "It is good to be spirited."

"You'll need to be," Kotori nodded. "I will need to leave my station eventually to have my own ST backup done. Are you going to be able to take over the monitoring of the probe network? That is really our top priority right now - we can't afford letting anything slip past our notice."

"Yes," Yukari said simply. "I have compiled some heuristics inside my brain to compensate for my station."

"Let's get to it then." Kotori's eyes and hands returned to her console and the displays. "Return to your station and I'll transfer back the tasks I took over for you when you left for the baths."

Yukari snapped to attention, bowed, and went to her station, already pushing the transfer assignment business into the back of her mind.

The tasks were quickly shuffled to her, and she was ready to keep her eyes on the sensory net.

END

Nyton had to think for a moment. He hadn't planned on dying despite his precautions. "An interesting question there, Miharu. That altogether depends if I can still have my cybernetics or not. What difference does the kind of body make if my soul returns or not. It would be the same whether I have a Nepleslian body made or a Yamataian or even a Neko." he said and looked at his left forearm. "I think for my first experiment with death I would want a Nepleslian body made. I also want every cybernetic attachment I currently possess to be restored as well. Especially my memory backup. This way, should my previous body be recovered and the memory unit from that one be salvaged I can download all the information from it up to my demise. I want to know how it 'felt' to die."

Nyton then turned to look at Miyoko. "That's a special order for the medic there, Saito-Hei. If I die and cannot be revived then save the memory unit. I want my new body to know what I did wrong to get my ass handed to me." he said. "If I should die again then perhaps, cybernetics permitting, I would like to experiment in having a Yamataian body. It may seem redundant to keep my cybernetics but that's just one of the things that I feel makes me who I am. If I cannot keep my cybernetics as a Yamataian then I will remain a Nepleslian. Imperfections and all."