RP: YSS Resurgence Mission 12: Movers and Shakers

Shuttle bay
Yoshiro took his gift and sent a thank you note to Toidorno. He couldn't do it in person because of his hand. He had to go to the doctor and take care of it.

Medbay
He arrived at the medbay and called for someone to help him. "Hey, doc. Could use some help with my hand." He said. "Got it cut off by a Ripper in hand to hand combat."

Yayoi, a Joto Heisho ranked Nekovalkyrja, slowly stirred from the depths of unconsciousness, her consciousness gradually emerging from the haze of pain and disorientation. As her eyes fluttered open, she was met with the sight of the sterile ceiling of the starship YSS Resurgence's Medical bay. She couldn't help but feel a surge of relief that washed over her. They had succeeded in their mission; they had saved the planet from the clutches of the Mishuu, the sworn enemies of the Yamatai Star Empire.

With a faint smile tugging at the corners of her lips, Yayoi shifted her gaze to her surroundings, taking in the familiar hum of medical equipment and the soft glow of monitors casting a gentle light across the room. Her unique heterochromatic eyes, one a striking shade of red and the other a vibrant yellow, surveyed the room briefly before settling on the door. It was time to leave this place, to return to her duties, to the quiet solitude of her own thoughts.

Despite the lingering pain in her legs, Yayoi's movements were determined as she pushed herself upright, her muscles protesting the sudden exertion. She glanced down at her limbs, encased in the protective shell of her Power Armor, grateful for the advanced technology that had saved her from more severe injuries. With a silent nod of approval, she acknowledged the skill of the medical team who had tended to her wounds, their expertise evident in the meticulous care they had provided.

With a sense of purpose driving her forward, Yayoi swung her legs over the edge of the medical cot, testing her weight gingerly as she prepared to stand. The familiar sensation of relief washed over her as she realized that the worst of the damage had been repaired, her body responding to the healing ministrations of the ship's medical facilities.

As she made her way towards the doors of the medical bay, her movements purposeful yet unhurried, Yayoi couldn't shake the feeling of unease that settled in the pit of her stomach. She knew that her daughter Yuri, a skilled medic serving aboard the same ship, would be concerned for her well-being. Yet, Yayoi couldn't bring herself to face her daughter just yet, couldn't bear the thought of seeing the worry etched into Yuri's features.

And so, with a silent resolve hardening her expression, Yayoi slipped out of the medical bay, her footsteps echoing softly against the metal floors of the starship. She would find solace in the quiet solitude of her quarters, allowing herself a moment of respite. She passed Yoshiro, but trusting that Poppy, or another medic could help him, she made no comment.

Yuri, Yayoi's daughter, had suddenly appeared in front of her mother before Yayoi could go to her quarters. "mommy! so your away mission was over?" Yuri had asked her, and smiled, unaware that Yayoi had been injured.

Yayoi's heart skipped a beat as she found herself face to face with her daughter, Yuri. The unexpected encounter caught her off guard, her carefully constructed facade of composure momentarily faltering in the presence of her beloved child. Yuri's bright smile, brimming with innocence and affection, melted away the walls that Yayoi had erected around her emotions.

For a fleeting moment, Yayoi hesitated, her mind racing as she searched for the right words to conceal the truth of her injuries from her daughter. But as she met Yuri's gaze, so full of trust and admiration, Yayoi found herself unable to deceive her precious child.

Taking a deep breath to steady herself, Yayoi reached out to gently cup Yuri's cheek, her touch tender and reassuring. "Yes, my dear," she replied softly, her voice carrying a hint of warmth and affection. "The mission is over, and I'm here now, safe and sound."

Yuri's smile widened at her mother's words, her eyes shining with pride and admiration. "I'm so glad to see you, Mommy," she exclaimed, wrapping her arms around Yayoi in a tight embrace. "I was worried about you."

Yayoi returned the embrace, holding Yuri close to her heart as a surge of guilt washed over her. How could she have considered hiding the truth from her daughter, when Yuri's love and concern were the very things that sustained her? "I'm sorry," Yayoi murmured, her voice tinged with regret. "I didn't mean to worry you. But I promise you, I'm okay."

Yuri pulled back slightly, her gaze searching Yayoi's face for any signs of deception. Finding only sincerity reflected in her mother's eyes, she nodded in understanding, a small smile playing at the corners of her lips.

"I trust you, Mommy," Yuri said softly, her voice filled with unwavering faith. "Just promise me that you'll take care of yourself from now on."
Yayoi nodded, her heart swelling with love and gratitude for her daughter's unconditional support. "I promise, my dear," she vowed, her voice steady and resolute. "I'll always take care of myself, for your sake."

And as they stood there, locked in a tender embrace, Yayoi knew that no matter what trials lay ahead, she would face them with the unwavering love and support of her beloved daughter by her side.

"I was heading to my quarters to make sure this is reattached, it was acting wierd before" Yuri said holding a clock in her hands. "want to come? we could go to the Wardroom and get something to each together after?" She asked her mother.

Yayoi couldn't help but smile at Yuri's innocence and thoughtfulness, her heart swelling with pride at the sight of her daughter's earnest desire to spend time together. Despite the lingering unease gnawing at the edges of her mind, Yayoi knew that she couldn't deny Yuri's request, couldn't bear to disappoint her precious child.

"Of course," Yayoi replied, her voice soft with affection as she reached out to take the clock from Yuri's hands. "I'd be happy to accompany you."

With a gentle squeeze of Yuri's hand, Yayoi fell into step beside her daughter as they made their way through the corridors of the starship. The weight of the clock in her hands served as a comforting reminder of the bond they shared, a tangible symbol of the love and connection that bound them together.

As they reached Yuri's quarters, Yayoi followed her daughter inside, her eyes scanning the familiar surroundings with a sense of nostalgia. The room was filled with trinkets and mementos, each one a testament to the memories they had shared together.

Yuri set the clock down on a nearby table, her brow furrowing slightly as she examined it with a critical eye. "It seems like it just needs a bit of adjustment," she mused, her fingers deftly working the delicate mechanisms with practiced precision.

Yayoi watched in silent admiration as Yuri worked, her heart swelling with pride at the sight of her daughter's skill and determination. Despite the challenges they faced, despite the dangers that lurked beyond the safety of their starship, Yayoi knew that they would always find solace in each other's company, would always find strength in the unbreakable bond that united them as mother and daughter.

And as Yuri looked up at her with a bright smile, her eyes shining with pride and satisfaction, Yayoi knew that there was nowhere else in the universe she would rather be than by her daughter's side. With a sense of gratitude and contentment settling over her, Yayoi nodded in agreement as Yuri suggested they head to the Wardroom for a meal together, the prospect of sharing a moment of peace and companionship filling her with a sense of warmth and joy.

Yayoi looked around her daughter's quarters on the ship, her unique eyes caught sight of something new. "what’s that?' she asked pointing at it, and looked closer, at the two little figures made of recovered metal, embracing in a hug. The taller of the two figures had plain features, feline ears and a tail, and its color is a bland metal… Except for where it is hugging the other. There, the metal had been treated with an electrical charge, making it brighter and shinier thanks to the hug, as though a kindly warmth was spreading into it. The shorter of the figures, also with a tail, had dark brown hair crafted from a carefully cut moonstone gem. A note accompanied the figurines. “To the first person who ever gave me a ‘hug’. I thank you, Nitô Hei Asakura Yuri.” Yayoi blinked as she realized, it was a gift from the diplomat Toidorno of the Hidden Sun Clan they were escorting. The fact that Yuri hugged another didn't surprise her.

Yayoi's gaze lingered on the intricate figurines, her heart swelling with a mixture of curiosity and pride as she took in the delicate craftsmanship of the gift. The sight of the two figures locked in a tender embrace, their metallic forms radiating with warmth and affection, stirred something deep within her soul.

As she read the note accompanying the figurines, a soft smile tugged at the corners of Yayoi's lips, her eyes glistening with emotion. The realization dawned on her that the gift was from Toidorno, the diplomat from the Hidden Sun Clan whom they had been tasked with escorting. And yet, it wasn't the origin of the gift that captivated her, but rather the sentiment behind it.

Yayoi felt a surge of pride swell within her chest as she reflected on her daughter's compassionate nature, her willingness to extend kindness and warmth to others, even in the face of adversity. It was a trait that Yayoi had always admired in Yuri, a testament to the strength and resilience of her character.

And as she glanced back at the figurines, her gaze lingering on the brighter, shinier metal where the two figures were locked in a loving embrace, Yayoi felt a sense of gratitude wash over her. Gratitude for the bond that united them as mother and daughter, for the unwavering support and love that Yuri had always shown her.

With a soft sigh of contentment, Yayoi turned to Yuri, her eyes shining with pride and affection. "It's a beautiful gift, my dear," she murmured, her voice filled with warmth and admiration. "And it speaks volumes about the kind-hearted soul that you are."

Yuri smiled back at her mother, her eyes shining with gratitude and love. "Thank you, Mom," she said softly, her voice filled with genuine appreciation. "I'm just glad that I could make a difference, even in a small way."

And as they stood there, surrounded by the gentle glow of moonstone and the warmth of their love, Yayoi knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, they would face them together, bound by the unbreakable bond of family and forged in the fires of compassion and kindness.

Yuri's fingers delicately cradled the figurine as she lifted it from its place, her touch gentle yet reverent as she carefully maneuvered it to a spot where the soft glow of the ship's lights would illuminate it more prominently. As she set it down with meticulous care, Yuri couldn't help but admire the intricate details of the figurines once more, her eyes tracing the lines of their metallic forms with a sense of wonder.

With a soft smile playing at the corners of her lips, Yuri made a silent vow to herself. She would take the figurine home with her, to the heart of the capital of their empire, where it would serve as a cherished reminder of the bonds they had forged and the kindness they had shared during their time aboard the starship.

The thought of returning home filled Yuri with a sense of anticipation and longing. She yearned for the familiar sights and sounds of the bustling city, for the comforting embrace of her loved ones, and for the opportunity to share the stories and experiences she had gathered during their journey.

But above all, Yuri looked forward to the chance to spend more time with her mother, Yayoi, to bask in the warmth of her love and guidance, and to create new memories together that would last a lifetime.

As she gazed upon the figurine, Yuri felt a surge of gratitude wash over her. Gratitude for the precious gift bestowed upon her by Toidorno, the diplomat from the Hidden Sun Clan, and gratitude for the unwavering support and love of her mother, Yayoi.

And as she made plans to bring the figurine home with her, Yuri knew that it would serve as more than just a simple ornament. It would be a symbol of hope and resilience, a beacon of light that would guide them through the darkness, and a reminder that no matter where their journey took them, they would always find solace and strength in the bonds of family and friendship.

Yuri turned to her mother "ready to go to the wardroom, to get something to eat?' she asked Yayoi with a smile on her face.

Yayoi returned Yuri's smile with a warm one of her own, her heart swelling with love and gratitude for her daughter's unwavering support. "Absolutely," she replied, her voice filled with warmth and affection.

With a sense of anticipation coursing through her veins, Yayoi fell into step beside Yuri as they made their way towards the Wardroom, their footsteps echoing softly against the metal floors of the starship. The gentle hum of the ship's engines provided a soothing backdrop to their conversation, as they exchanged stories and shared laughter along the way.

As they reached the entrance to the Wardroom, Yayoi felt a sense of contentment settle over her. Here, surrounded by the familiar sights and sounds of their ship, in the company of her beloved daughter, Yayoi knew that she was exactly where she was meant to be.

With a smile and a nod of agreement, Yayoi followed Yuri into the Wardroom, her heart filled with gratitude for the simple yet profound moments of connection they shared together. And as they settled in to enjoy their meal, Yayoi couldn't help but feel a sense of peace wash over her, knowing that no matter what challenges lay ahead, they would face them together, as mother and daughter, united in love and kinship.

YE 46.2

As the ship continued to head home it was time for everyone from the away team to wind down. The ship's technicians were hard at work in the ship's lower decks, cleaning the sand and muck from their armors and making fixes to the damage, taking the load off their infantry comrades so they could have some downtime.

- - -

Two days later, the ship was back on Yamatai, in time for the International Relations Conference. Thankfully no other ship had gotten cheeky and taken the Resurgence's storage hangar; because of the big events, the spaceport was more crowded than ever. Beneath the arched ceiling of the old hangar, with light shining down from the clouded old windows on the roof, the Yamataian-flag-colored gunship rested on the concrete with its main gun sticking out a little bit. The cargo ramps were down to permit the crew to easily enter and exit.

Onsen

Dr Poppy laid back on the rocks in the warm water, enjoying a relaxing bath in the ship's onsen after a nice shower. "It's funny," she observed, "This is meant to make long journeys away from Yamatai more comfortable but it seems like we're so busy out there that we don't get to use it until the ship is in port," she laughed. "Yet, out there in the Ice Queen Mountains we could get the real thing under and open sky," she noted. "So, what we want to do while we're planetside?"

Yuri floated on her front in the water, enjoying the warmth and comfort of the onsen. "This is so relaxing i agree, sadly, i'm either busy in the Medbay or studying." Yuri said and adds "not sure if mom likes it here." She added.

Sanda entered the onsen and saw it wasn't too crowded. For all her tough talk and extensive tattoos covering her body Sanda was a surprisingly modest girl. Seeing that it wasn't too crowded, the Ranger undressed and showered before slipping into the warm water.

"Hey Sanda," Poppy waved, looking extra pink today. Perhaps the water temperature was making her flushed.

"Hello Aunt Sanda! I heard from mom you all saved the planet during the last away mission, good job!" Yuri said with a proud smile to her aunt.

"Popster." Sanda smiled a pink haired ship's doctor before smiling at her niece. "Hey Yuri. Yes we certainly did."

"I was saying we should plan to get out and do something on planet Yamatai. It's almost time for the Hanami festival, for one. And maybe I can visit my folks or see what's happening at the Pulsing Pearl lately."

Chiheisens head barely peeked out from under both of her rather large Caelisolan wings. The Elysian very evidently did not vibe with bathing in a group, as Yamataian borne as she was. She had remained silent for the time being, using her sapphire feathered fings to cover herself from any of the others prying eyes. Unfortunately for her, she had lost a bet with her rather annoying roommate, and had to go through with taking a dip in the onsen with everyone- else, endless bickering while trying to sleep.

"oooooh Hanami Festival! I met my first Norian friend there, I hope I can meet her again!" Yuri said with a excited tone of voice as she thought about Aelya.

"I remember when then first arrived and what a chaotic time that was with every available ship scrambling to help them," Poppy mused. "I am glad the Norians are finding their footing these days. I hope the Kodians and Phods and Delsaurians get more involved, too. The universe is too big to be sitting around with all your people on one planet. Now that we are starting to open up new sectors like Concordia, there's a lot of work for the Star Army to do."

Sanda sank down to the point that her mouth and nose were under water for a moment and slowly let her breath out. She also remembered when the Norians first arrived. She had gotten an unhealthy dose of radiation poisoning saving a group of Norian children that had become trapped in a part of the ship. Thankfully, Poppy was literally a miracle worker and had gotten her patched up but it had taken a few months for her to get back to 100%.

Sanda came back out of the water and rang the water from her hair. "Most of the time when we get an opportunity to get off the ship I try to see my family. In particualy my husband these days." Sanda smiled and almost seemed to blush as she said husband.

"He must worry about all the things you go through. Are you going to tell him about the parasite situation?" Poppy asked. A bamboo device behind her made a "thunk" as it poured water out and then began to refill.

Yuri looked over as Chichi arrived, and took note of her mood, before her attention went to Yoshiro and waves. Before she turned her attention to Sanda again. "How is Uncle doing?' she asked her auntie.

"I mean, he's a Sargeant in the NSMC so he sees his share of fighting and injuries." Sanda thought for a moment. "Probably. I don't think it'll make him worry any more or less about me. We'll just thank our guardian stars that I serve with the best damn medic in the galaxy."

Poppy gave Sanda a warm smile. She looked truly pleased.

Yoshiro finally found some time to relax and went to the onsen to do just that. He walked in to the onsen and seeing all of the women there in the nude he suddenly clammed up and got shy. "Uhhh....hello everyone...." Yoshiro said, blushing. You need to quit getting so shy around women. Yoshiro thought to himself as he waved to Yuri.

Yuri smiled at Yoshiro, as he waved back to her. "Mom said you performed admirably Yoshiro!' Yuri said to Yoshiro.

"I do my best for my family back home. My father died trying to help my family and I want to honor that by doing my best in fighting the enemies of Yamatai." Yoshiro said proudly to Yuri. "I will not let the Mishhu, Kuvexians or any enemies of Yamatai do any harm to our home!"

Sanda crossed her lighting tattooed arms across her chest as Yoshiro came in out of reflex then relaxed them a little bit. The warm water felt good and she could feel her tense muscles beging to relax.

"Do you know if ambassador Toidorno left the ship since we arrived, or is he still here?" Poppy asked. "Julia brought me a bottle of wine he'd made, which he'd sent as a gift. I'm not sure if I should drink or save it forever as a treasure."

"Hey! So did I." Sanda said, "I found it in my cabin this morning. A quite intricate engraving of what looks like me riding a lightning bolt shaped hoverbike. It's gorgeous, made on what looks like a piece of Kuvexian Starship armor."

"Yeah same, it was beautiful. I think he remade our hug, hehehe" Yuri giggled with a smile and nods.

"Ooh," the pink-haired doctor said, "I would love to see it sometime," she told Sanda. "Yours too, Yuri."

"I found something called a Chill Pill in my room. I wonder if he was trying to tell me something." Yoshiro said with a chuckly. "I wanted to thank him all the same because it made my day."

Poppy giggled when she heard that.

Yuri giggled as she heard Yoshiro, she thought Toidorno had a funny gift for him.

The distinct sound of the onsen's doors opening and closing momentarily filled the room behind Yoshiro, followed by the yell of a very excited Nekovalkrja. Kokoro rocketed into the room and jumped directly over Yoshiro, using perhaps a little bit of gravity manipulation to allow her to do a big leap and belly flop into the onsen's large pool. She lost the towel she was wearing in the jump, landing in the water somewhere. It send water splashing at everyone!

"We'll have to bring all of our gifts to the Wardroom later and show them off." Sanda suggested. She smiled at the thought. "That Toidorno is obviously very skilled at crafting, but his language was sometimes a little rought. He..." Sanda was interrupted by Kokoro's sudden entrance and belly flop into the pool.

Yuri smiled at Sanda's suggestion and was about to agree when Koko had arrived and squeaked in surprise. Her reaction of which caused her to move closer into Yoshiro's arms and lap.

He was suprised at Koko's entrance and was very impressed by her skills but he couldn't say anything as he was splashed and Yuri was in his lap. "Y...Y...Y...Yuri...Could you uhhh...Move out of my lap please?" Yoshiro said as he stuttered what he was saying.

Sanda wiped water that had splashed in her face away but didn't comment of Kokoro's actions. "As I was saying, he spelled out a message but I can't seem to make heads or tails of it. It says: Avuoten Vana'a Ittô Heisho Sanda Hoshi."

"What the hell?" Poppy snarled. "Where are you from?" she asked Kokoro. "You can't be Yamataian." Onsen etiquette was important in YSE culture.

Yuri started to calm downm before she realized just where she was sitting. A blush appeared on her cheeks. "Sorry!" Yuri said, moving off of Yoshiro very carefully, not to cause him any problems.

"Huh?" Kokoro peeked out of the water, before sinking a little bit further in embarrassment. "O-oh.. youre uhh... not supposed to do that??... gomenasaiiii..." She nervously giggled, the Neko rubbing the back of her head as she glanced to Poppy.

Chiheisen grumbled in the background, with Kokoro's towel having straight up landed on her face.

"You aren't supposed to jump in to the onsen like that." Yoshiro said gently. "Just remember for the next time Koko."

"It's not a swimming pool," Poppy said. "And you didn't answer," she pointed out.

"Oh.. uhhhh" Kokoro metaphorically began to sweat a bit as she was questioned, laughing a little nervously. "Yamatai.. I've just... never been in an onsen before so I kinda... forgot?? sorry..." She slowly backed up towards the edge of the onsen to sit down, near Yoshiro and Yuri.

Poppy made a face but went back to talking to Sanda, "Yeah, I think having spent all that time in space as nomads struggling to survive with minimal resources have made all of the Hidden Sun Clan people into resourceful people with solid trade skills. They're a great ally to have. I liked how we got to see him as a real military officer rather than treating him as just a diplomat we had to treat like an expensive vase."

Yuri's first thought was to do what was natural as Koko moved to sit close. Yuri gave Koko another of her Yuri-class hugs. Hoping it cheers her up, since she saw Koko was embarrassed.

Sanda shrugged at Kokoro's answer and focused back on Poppy. "Yeah, I wish he could have remained with us longer. I would have loved to have spared some with him. I bet he had some sweet hand to hand skills."

"You'll be all right Koko. You will learn all you need to learn from us." Yoshiro said with a smile. "If you need to talk to anyone, you can talk to your friendly neighborhood Joto Heisho."

"Perhaps we'll meet in again in the future, with luck," Poppy nodded to Sanda. "So...do you think I should drink that wine?"

"Oohp!" Kokoro was caught a bit by surprise by Yuri's hug, but smiled either way, returning the favor. "Ahh,, yeah! thanks.." She nodded towards Yoshiro, rubbing the back of her head once again.

"Uhhh. Yes! And I think you should share a little bit with some of your crew mates." Sanda said mischievously. She placed her hands on the edge of the onsen and hoisted herself out of the water before wrapping a towel modestly around herself. "After all, it might be something we want to have Beryl stock up for us. If it's any good that is." Sanda picked up another towel and started wringing her hair out.

"Wine?' Yuri asked with interest as Poppy, and Sanda spoke of Wine.

"Maybe at the Hanami festival," Poppy suggested, rubbing her chin. "It's a special occasion."

Yoshiro got up to go to the men's room to change back into his dress uniform and head out to the Hanami festival with Sho and Aoi. He was looking forward to taking them to the festival and meeting his friends

- - -
Once again on Yamatai, the crew was able to spent some time healing up and letting out their stress, celebrating the new season as the cherry trees blossomed in Kyoto. It would pass in a flash and soon they would be tasked with their next mission to protect Yamatai's future and that of her people

OOC: Join us next week for the start of Mission 13!

JP END
= = =
OOC: JP by Wes, Ame, Cowboy, Charaa, Sunny D, Yoshiro, Liza, Soban, Zanven, SidTotalWar
Hollander as guest character Toidorno Sejgui