RP: YSS Eucharis [Mission 18.4] Back on the Ship

Sienna's eyes bulged as she scoffed, barely able to hide her amusement as the pieces fell together. "Wait, wait a minute here," she said, holding a hand up as she glanced off to the side, fighting back laughter before she looked back down at the group. "Y'all were called down to Urtullan on a squid's word that it was diplomatic?" she asked incredulously. "Out here on the rim, where the biggest gun makes the laws, y'all took the word from the mouth--er, so to speak--of a frakkin' squid!? With a whole planet at its disposal?" She was losing the battle against her laughter. She was already chuckling out loud as she rubbed her forehead, shaking her head. "If I'd've known y'all were that easy..."

"Look, this might be out of line for me," she continued, still snickering and flushed as she drew a breath to calm herself. "But it seems like y'all need a fresh perspective 'round here. I know you've got your slick technology and watching any one of y'all in a fight has got to be a sight to see," she said, "but y'all are in my world now, it seems like. This ain't the core. It's rough out here, and the people you'll deal with ain't like you. You keep me around, I guarantee you won't get duped so easily again. Besides," she continued, glancing sideways over at Conrad, "I'm the whole reason your monster-man over there is still breathing. Hell, most of 'em would be dead if it weren't for me. I know I only asked for a ride out of this deal, but if you keep me around a while, you got another mechanic on your hands, plus a better-rounded thinker to boot."

She folded her arms across her chest indifferently even after making her case, as if she didn't even care what their verdict would be.

Wardroom

"Report to Takeyu and follow his orders," Hanako quipped at Conrad.

Hanako turned back to Sune. "It is entirely possible that Grullyvushhgari wanted us dead. We were clearly unwelcome and he had no plans of meeting us in person. What we got was permission to visit the city, look, and leave," Hanako acknowledged her first officer. Lowering her voice she added, "I would like to speak with you in privately."

The Shosho turned her attention to Sienna. "You can remain on board for the time being, but you are not to touch ship systems, equipment, or enter working areas such as the bridge or engineering, or the cargo bay without permission and an escort. Some of our operations will be secret and kept from you. By staying aboard you accept the risks that come with being on a combat warship, and agree to follow all directions from the crew. Do you understand?"

Reynolds said:

As the arguing continued, she glanced over at Sienna again, and caught her...smiling? Murakami frowned. I don't trust her, Suzume-chan. She looks like she's...plotting something.

Click to expand...

Wardroom

"your right, I don't know why she is here, or why she seems so insistent to be aboard, but when things calm down the two of us can go and talk to the Sho'Sho', and express our concern." Misato sent to Murakami. She wasn't sure what to make of things at the moment. though she figured that strange things have happened over the past year or so since she first came aboard this ship.

Misato smiled a little before sending her next message to Mimi, Though you probably just want to see me in that new uniform, with that short skirt."

Wardroom

Bors froze in the wardroom door way as he listened to Sienna talk to the ShoSho. What he heard irritated him and made him want to give her a few choice words of his own, but he decided against it, there was no need for another shouting match. Letting out an audible sigh Bors shook his head and headed back off to get a little R and R before the mission the next morning.

Quarters

Bors sat at his desk with his NSP and Gravediggers old assault rifle dissembled in front of him, along with a glass half full of wiskey. Puffing away at his E cig he worked away cleaning the various weapon components in front of him, letting his brain wonder about the next mission they were going on.

Wardroom

Sienna shrugged slightly, arms still folded, still with the smirk on her face. "Doubt you'd put me in any sorta trouble I ain't used to," she replied, but rose to her feet and nodded. "But long as you gimme plenty of warning before y'all get called into a warzone or something, deal. What do I call you, anyway?"

Wardroom

"You may call me by my rank, Shosho, or call me captain," Hanako answered Sienna. "I also want to make it official...are you officially requesting political asylum in the Yamatai Star Empire, to be placed under our protection by the Star Army of Yamatai?"

Wardroom

Sune listened to Sienna's comments, he was tempted to advise her to address Hanako properly. It was readily clear that their guest was sorely lacking in social skills. He chose to let Hanako deal with the girl, since it was apparent that she did not approve of his attempt to correct Conrad's attitude.

He raised an eyebrow at Hanako asking if Sienna was wanting asylum. He was unsure if her situation would qualify for asylum. But it was Hanako's decision, as a princess after all she could interpret Yamataian law in a more broad manner than he could.

Wardroom

Mitsuko's frown stayed in place as Sienna spoke. She glanced back at Misato as the silent message came, eyes widening a bit behind her glasses. Talk to the captain? Um... Thankfully Hanako responded before the Neko had to think of an excuse to give her roommate.

Oh, I think the Shosho has it handled. That should keep her away from anything important, and gives us the authority to stop her. She silently nodded while Hanko and Sienna continued to speak. Mitsuko was relieved to see the captain had a healthy amount of suspicion for their guest.

Skirt? She blinked, catching that last message as she stood to leave. "Oh, the new uniforms aren't anything like that. They look like something you'd enjoy wearing on shore leave." Murakami grinned, ready to put away her dishes and head back to her cabin. She made sure to linger if it seemed like the captain had more to say to Sienna, though.

Wardroom

Natsumi quietly cleaned up her place at the table. She got up and returned her dishes and half listened in on the continuing conversation. She wondered what their next stop would be like, her mind wandering off to various possibilities. She hoped the next one would be easy and free from getting shot up.

Her attention was drawn back to the conversation between Hanako and Sienna when the Shosho officially asked the newcomer if she wanted asylum.

The white haired Neko casually leaned back against the wall and waited to see what Sienna's response was going to be.

Wardroom

Sienna's smirk faded just a touch, and she finally looked genuinely pensive for a moment. By now, Olaf had almost certainly realized she was gone, as was his unsecured credit chit and a handful of spare parts. She thought she'd find the thought of him cursing and throwing things about the shop in a blind, seething rage now that he'd have to earn his living himself satisfying and funny, but instead it just unnerved her. She didn't understand why. Olaf wasn't a particularly smart or resourceful man. Sure, he had his connections, but they were no good outside of Urtullan. She felt reasonable secure in the belief that while he was no doubt enraged at her escape and theft, he was more or less powerless to do anything about it. But for some reason she couldn't shake the faint suspicion that he had some sort of contingency plan up his sleeve that she never knew about.

Even more strange to her was the fact that the captain's offer of political asylum sounded more like a sacrifice than divine intervention. She didn't know exactly why, but she felt equally hesitant about accepting the captain's offer. Would she be on some sort of refugee list, accessible to any who wanted to call it up? Would she be taken to some sort of internment camp or reeducation center on one of the core worlds? What would accepting such an offer cost her?

Her eyes focused once more on the captain, a slightly more solemn look on her face now. "Yeah," she replied slowly, quietly. "Yeah, I'm requesting asylum."

Wardroom

The hints of a smile momentarily flashed on Hanako's small lips."I suppose, then, we will have to keep you," she replied to Sienna. "I trust you will find the accommodations comfortable for a military vessel. We have designated a cabin for you to sleep in. In addition to the stairway to the wardroom, showers, baths, toilets, and a laundry room are connected to the main lounge."

Victory approached carrying a black zip-up bag with a carrying handle and offered it to Hanako, who then passed it to Sienna.

"This is your toiletry kit. It has shampoo, soap, and other items you may need," Hanako told the Nepleslian woman. She lowered her voice a little added, "I am also aware that human females require supplies for menstruation but I am uncertain if we carry those on board. You may want to ask the medic to check because supply does not have any in the cargo bay."

Wardroom.

Conrad walked up to the Taii in response to the Shosho's bidding. He had to admit asking twice was as much a waste of time as ever, but he was already on apparently very thin ice. It was better to not move too much for now.

''Taii. Permission to repair the shuttle. In accordance with the captain's specifications, might I also ask Ms. Sienna to join me when she pleases. I will act as her escort if need be, and she will prove valuable in aiding restoration of aforementioned vehicle.''

Conrad glanced back at Sienna with a small smile. He had no idea what her last name was, now that he thought about it. Then again, he didn't even know what condition the shuttle was in. He wished to see for himself, and he could use the back exercise and something to do.

He'd leave the flower jokes out against the Taii. He was sure Sienna had heard his question to the Taii. If he'd accept, she'd still have full control to either accept or deny. It was just that Conrad figured she might appreciate to tinker a bit with the new technology at her disposal. If she was only slightly as he was, she'd enjoy a good meal, a good bed, even a good cigar and a whiskey or beer, but she wouldn't be able to sit still for a prolonged amount of time. The fabricated rebreathers had given himself the idea that that might be just the case. Well, the not sitting still part anyway.

Now he hoped the Taii would accept Conrad to work on the shuttle. It would not only give Conrad some time to think as he worked, it would fasten the vehicle's restoration. If it was as he heard, the thing was about to be shelved as scrapyard material. He'd not want one of those rare formal sentences from his mouth go to waste.

Wardroom

Sune listened to Hanako's response to Sienna. He was not sure that the Nepleslian woman really wanted her private biological functions discussed openly.

"Shôshô, I am returning to my cabin. Summon me to your cabin when you wish to speak." he said gave a brief bow turned and made his way down the stairs to the lounge.

Once there he made his way to Cabin 1.

He sat at the small desk in his cabin reviewing the research data from his assistant. Emiko was doing well with the projects the data was promising. He was also pleased that she was making use of the stipend he gave her to explore various places in Kyoto.

With that complete he started updating his personal journal while awaiting Hanako's summon.

Wardroom

Citrine had been quietly sitting listening to the discussion and the ensuing side discussions. She continued to pay attention to the Taisa, so when Hanako mentioned Sienna's unique needs she requested a current inventory from Charisma. She looked at her communicator, there was nothing there listed for the young woman. In fact Cirtrine was not entirely sure what Sienna would need. So she sent a query out via her communicator across PANTHEON. When the query replied she looked at was listed, and how they were to be used. Citrine's eyes went wide and a bit of color came to her cheeks. I am so grateful that I am a Nekovalkyrja. she thought after looking. Guess I will wait to see if Sienna comes to speak to me before putting in a request. Hopefully she has some of these products and experience.

Sienna took the black bag from Hanako and peeked inside, ruffling through its contents, listening to the captain speak. She continued to be impressed. Never thought my first taste of luxury would be aboard a warship, she thought, amused by the irony. Even if she had to be escorted everywhere and kept under lock and key, it wouldn't much matter. She was on the move again at last, and what a ride she'd caught.

Hanako's mention of feminine hygiene supplies made her look back up, and her face fell a little, feeling her cheeks flush slightly. She scanned the room quickly with a quick sweep of her head before she leaned closer to the captain, lowering her voice to a near whisper. "You're telling me that none of y'all..." she asked, trailing off as she raised her eyebrows suggestively, the rest of her face deadpan. The captain's expression made the answer obvious. Sienna sighed. Even as a slave, Olaf had made sure she was taken care of in that regard. Certainly not out of regard for her own comfort and hygiene, of course, but probably because he didn't want her making a mess or squicking out potential customers, or at least perhaps because she was more prooductive when her basic needs were met. "Fantastic," she muttered. "Well, don't worry about it for a little while. Pretty sure I got time."

She zipped the toiletry kit back up and drew her shoulders back again. Looking down at Hanako, she found herself once again idly intrigued by the fact that such a small-statured woman (or in light of recent revelations, pseudo-woman) could command such respect around this ship. She had definitely noticed how everyone seemed to never turn their back to her, always shut right up when she spoke, and did everything but wash her feet and kiss her fingers. Some of the crew even looked a little afraid of her. It reminded her somewhat of the nobility on Urtullan, though this was somehow different. The nobles were respected purely out of fear and submission. This seemed more like admiration, or at least genuine respect for its own sake. She wondered what was so impressive about the diminitive little gynoid. It obviously impressed her that she apparently didn't have to suffer through regular menstruation, but evidently that was a trait shared by all of the "females" aboard this ship.

She overheard Conrad asking for her help with the shuttle. While she indeed wouldn't have minded getting a look inside some of the Star Army's high technology, she also knew that the machine wasn't going anywhere, and from the looks of it, neither was anyone else. After today's events, and with her belly full, she was exhausted, and the last thing she wanted to do was be immediately put back to work in another garage, no matter how sleek and shimmery it was. Besides, the idea of being alone with Conrad still unsettled her - she didn't know how much he knew about what had transpired on the shuttle, and didn't want to give him the opportunity to pry it out of her.

"Y'know, if I'm gonna be around a while, I'm sure I can make myself useful," she said, half to Conrad across the wardroom at whom she was looking, and half to Hanako. "I'm damn good with a wrench if I say so myself, and don't mind helping you patch up your busted toys. But if it's all the same, I ain't gotten a proper sleep in who knows how long, and after today's escapades I'm ready to just knock out for a while." She turned her eyes back to Hanako, smirking again. "So, this cabin you're offering, it as posh as everything else I've seen so far?"

Behind her cool posturing, in her eyes Hanako could plainly see the sign of sincere gratitude, even if the young woman wouldn't come out and say it.

Wardroom

Citrine looked around it appeared that the gathering was breaking up. She was uncertain what to do, with the exception of Sune she did not know any of these people. Beyond the few minutes she spent caring for them in the Medical Center.

She quietly stood up and gather her plate and such, she watched as Sune left the room. Turning she made her way over to the buffet area and put her used dishes and utensils into the appropriate receptacles.

"Charisma-San, can you please tell me if a cabin assignment has been made for me." she sent telepathically to the MEGAMI.

"You have been assigned to Cabin 7, you are sharing the room with Victory one of our Logistics crew members." came the reply.

"Thank you Charisma-San."

She quietly walked back towards the table, "Thank you again Ketsurui-Shosho." she said to Hanako and gave a bow and then quietly left going down the same stairs that Sune had used.

Cabin 7
Once down in the lounge she quickly located her cabin, she looked around at the room. It was larger than the one she had on the Firebird, but then everything was larger on the Eucharis. She noticed that on the top bunk there were a number of items. A toiletry kit, silk pajamas and 2 bras and panties, and a body suit. A note sat on them,

Thought you might need a few things until your stuff gets transferred. Victory

Click to expand...

She smiled at the thoughtfulness of her new roommate. Checking the lockers she found the one that was empty and placed the items in neatly.

Citrine then decided that before retiring for the night she spend a little time in the Medical Center.

Wardroom

"The crew cabins are not luxurious but the beds are comfortable. The lounge is the stairs there. You will find the cabins, baths, showers, toilets, and laundry around the edges of the lounge. Mr. Tango X-Ray will be sleeping on the couch so I ask that you would please try to be quiet if you have to get up in the night. You may spend the night in cabin six, which is open at the moment. I will see you tomorrow at breakfast. Then we can see how we can put you to use, if usefulness is your goal," Hanako told Sienna. "Good night."

Takeyu scrutinized Conrad for a few moments before looking over at the Shosho. "We shall take our leave Shosho," Takeyu said with a curteous bow toward Hanako.

He then looked at Conrad. "Let's go," he said to the soldier, his expressions were blank right now. Once outside of the Wardroom, and out of ear-shot of the Shosho, Takeyu stopped and folded his arms over his chest and at the soldier.

"Mind explaining to me why you were uppity with the Chusa? What you did was borderline insubordination." The Taii asked.

Conrad had followed Takeyu until the Taii had turned around. He had to answer for what he did now. He would try, hoping the Taii would understand. But before he did, he had to make something clear.

''Taii. Apparently my words seemed way too harsh for some. It was never my intention to pinpoint a single person. The only reason I talked directly at the Chusa was simply because he was the one who opted in to skip the debrief alltogether. This was just the way I had always been doing things. The debrief certainly did get the attention it deserved.''

Conrad held silent for a moment when he had to add his personal note for reacting the way he did.

''I'll spare you the whole origin story sir. Thing is, when training for the Army some of the recruits jokingly said that death was not the end. You know, with the machines that rebuilds Minkans. Truth is, whether you agree with those recruits or not, if I die...it's game over. I can be reassembled yes, but I will never be me. The height, build and all the skills that are derived from it, it could not be reproduced. I take value in protecting it. And on my first day, first mission, I almost lose just that. And not just me. Had to grab the Chusa and leap him to safety and so on. All the bad things in part of one crazed gunman. Thing is, a debrief is what's there to review what went wrong. I am not willing to allow myself or any other squad to have that bad mission on any other day. With respects, nobody signs up for a ''Same Shit, Different Day'' routine.''

''I'll go ahead and assume the Chusa will get my apologies. After I piece back together more stuff about the mission. I missed the whole escape routine. I don't even know what the shuttle looked like.''

Conrad waited for the Taii to respond. He'd wager he had said enough.

The Taii stared for a moment, his finger slowly rubbing his chin. "Mmm... while I can see your point, you still should've handled it better. What I can say is this, when in a briefing with everyone else, you treat those around you with the respect deserving of their rank. If you have a concern about how someone acted, you take it to them directly and in private."

"For some though," he started as he turned toward the direction that they would be walking in. "Despite having the ability to back up our minds and be revived, we still view death as not something we ever want to encounter. That's why during a mission, you do everything in your power to ensure that not just you but that your fellow squadmates survive." Thankfully, Helen isn't on this ship anymore, so this newbie doesn't have to worry about someone throwing his life away all because we possess the tech to revive him, he thought with a relieved mental sigh.

"Either way, just be more careful next time ok?"

''Understood sir.''

Conrad followed the Taii to where the shuttle was. He was fortunate enough that this individual seemed to get why he did what he did. And told him he did even if he did not agree with the methods. It wasn't a simple lecture on shutting up and listening. That was fair enough for him.

Shuttle Bay

''...Wow.''

Conrad looked up at was supposed to be the shuttle. It seemed more like a scrapheap to him. About 60% of the shuttle, or so he guessed, was functional, but not even fully. One wing was clean off, there was a lot of stuff hanging loose...it was a mess. The big guy cracked his knuckled and rubbed his hands as he took a small lap around the vehicle, looking at the things that needed to be fixed. It was an awful lot.

''Well sir, guess we get to work. Hope the repair kits are good stuff in the military.''