RP: YSS Asamoya Mission 2 Part Two, It just keeps getting weirder...

ON: YSS Asamoya

With their new orders received, and with Midori now under Yuriko's command along with her own group of ships, the Chui sat quietly on the observation deck, Hotaru, the Fifth's Iori Class star fortress hanging in the distance. Yuriko took a sip from the cup of tea at her side Haru had brought, and looked to Saito. "Saito-kun, I have good news for you, I managed to buy you a house on the ocean front. Once this mission is done with we'll go and see it, ok?" She said, sitting there a moment longer before snapping her fingers. "Didn't we get a new doctor recently?"

Saito glanced at her and blinked slightly in surprise at how fast she'd done it. "Wow, that didn't take long at all." he smiled at her and thought. "Yeah, I remember seeing a few new people boarding the ship last time we were in port." he said as he glanced over at her from where he was leaning up against the wall, walking over as he did.

"Well, it also helps when you're in a relationship with one of the higher ups, and someone that is in the internal politics of the Fifth." Yuriko replied, wearing a coy smile. "That and I'd already been looking at homes for a few weeks, and had that one on a potiential list of being bought." SHe winked at him before moving off towards the wardroom exit. "It is a quaint little condo, has its own hot tub, sun deck, two bedrooms, two baths; a rather nice kitchen, and den as well. It is also located in a secured area for officers and private corporation owners so security is not a problem."

Saito chuckled softly and ruffled her hair in an affectionate, big-brotherly fashion, standing next to her. "That sounds like a wonderful place, I'm honored you'd manage to get it for little ol' me." He smiled at her.

Degan tried to adjust to his newfound ability to float as his small, female body lithely floated through the air. Deciding to test the limits and speed of his new body he, now a she, began to do sommersaults in the air. "Hrm, interesting." Degan made his way to the med bay as he tested his tentacles, seeing how many individual cilia he would divide them up into and how many things he could work with at once with them on.

"You deserve it Saito-kun." Yuriko replied, eyes closing out of reflex as her hair was ruffled, and then proceeded to straighten it again.

If by tentacles Degan ment his body's arms and fingers, there would be the standard set of four on each hand. Other then that they were very ordinary, if not tiny compared to the larger people in the room.

Saito smiled and removed his hand from her hair and looked over the consoles and various displays. "It'll be nice to see when we have a chance to check it out." He said. "But about your question..." he said and went to the XO's console as there was nobody in it for the moment and pulled up a display of the crew manifest listing names and positions. "Yeah. look here. " the silver hair said, bringing up the file on the new doctor. "Hmm, a nepleslian.."

When Degan floated in, Akeno glanced over from where he was sitting at the desk. "Well well, our little one returns." He chuckled, adjusting the white coat he had draping over his shoulders. "What do you need Veran-Hei?"

Kessah sighed in a long, drawn out fashion and slumped her shoulders a little, murmering weakly. "Thank you, MEGAMI." The window in front of her vanished soon after. Mail always makes you miss your family, eh? Especially visual mail... Cheap... Bastards the three of them! Yeah, it was nice to hear from Mom, Dad, and sis... But it still stung to be away. The techie shrugged if off, though, and hopped up from her bed and strode out of her room.

"Yes, I heard the Species Restriction Act had been resended." Yuriko pipped up peering over Saito's shoulder.

"He's currently ...." Saito said, pulling up the current location. "In the main medical bay if you want to go meet him."

"Of course." Yuriko said as she ordered Asamoya to begin her journey, and their group as well who dutifully followed, encasing the Asamoya in a spherical formation.

"Hmm? So where are we going off to?" Saito asked Yuriko curiously.

"I am not sure really. I wasn't sure this body was going to work out but I might want to try it out a little longer. Whats the quickest time I can safely ST back if I choose to do so?" Degan asked the new Doc.

"We are to explore the region of space south of the Y?gumo cluster. For both strategic puroses and likely resource ops." Yuriko replied as she led the way off the bridge and to an elevator to the main deck.

Akeno perked a brow and stood up, brushing the tail of the coat behind him a bit. "Yes it's possible to ST you into a new body." he said. "It'll just be like the last time, except Kyuuka isn't here at the moment to mess you up." he said. "I'm sure you remember the procedure, best to specify to Asamoya herself what body you want so there's no chance of another problem cropping up."

Saito nodded to her, falling in slightly behind her dutifully. "That sounds like a good cool down after the heat we were under in the last mission."

"With uncharted regions of space also comes dangers as well, hostile new species, Mishhu, natural occurring phenomena." Yuriko explained and rolled her hand a little as they walked down the corridor and stood outside of the med bay. "I wouldn't worry too much. We are still fairly close to the Y?gumo cluster, and can call for reinforcements if need be, but I think our current group will suffice."

Saito nodded to her softly, thinking about it. "Which is a good thing, I really don't like those Mishhu, I've started to study every ounce of information I can ge ton them to figure out easier ways to combat them in planetary combat." Saito said as they walked down the corridor.

"I'll think about it doc." Degan quickly did a barrel roll. "I want to test this out more first. Might as well take advantage of it while I got it right?" Degan smiled and then nodded.

Akeno nodded to him. "Then we'll go ahead and get you a backup made now so you can do it at anytime." he said and gestured to the ST machine. "Go ahead and get in there and we'll get one made." he said. "though this is the first time I've done it on a being as small as you are now." he said and addressed Asamoya. "Asamoya-sama, could you please give me a hand with this process? I haven't done a backup for a NH-12 in years."

Yuriko just nodded to Saito as she stepped into the med bay, seeing a floating NH-12.

"Ok" Degan said doing a loopty loop and going into the machine. Not sure whether to float or touch the ground she decided to stand, her brown eyes looking barely over the edges of the chamber. "Ready when you are doc!"

Akeno heard the door sliding open and turned a bit to see who was coming in, brushing his brown hair out of his golden eyes. "Oh. Kakutama-Chui." He said and bowed to her out of respect. "Tis a pleasure to finally meet you." he said and turned to Degan to get the process going and would set everything up and activate the ST backup process. "You know how it feels now." he said and turned to Yuriko a bit, glancing at her.

"Ahhh....you must be our new doctor...Masurao Akeno, a pleasure to finally meet you..." Yuriko's voice trailed off as she looked at the NH-12. "Kyuuka's handiwork?" She asked.

"Yes it is, she got revenge on poor Veran-Hei by turning him into a little NH-12." Akeno explained as the backup cycle continued and would finish in a few moments once it got it completely.

"I was informed, though I assume you are putting him into another Yamataian body?" Yuriko asked.

"He wants to give his current body a test drive, so we're just making a ST back up for him at the moment, which just finished." he said and turned to Veran. "Alright, you're done for now." He said casually. "But we'll use the sample of his original DNA we have on file to recreate his body, just a little shorter so he can use the mindy like he desired."

"Thanks doc!" Degan tried to yell through the chamber but his small vocal cords could not penetrate the thick walls. Casually he waited for the chamber to open.

In a moment, the chamber itself would open with a light hissing sound as it released the captive inside.

Yuriko coughed into a curled up hand, eyes closed. "This is not what Veran-hei and I agreed upon."

Akeno blinked and turned to Yuriko then to Veran. "Degan, is there something you're not telling me here?" He asked in slightly stern tone, putting a hand on his hip as he glared at the little neko.

Meanwhile, Kessah sighed softly as she wandered down the ship hallway, half wondering where everyone was, and half happy that no one was about. Gives me time to think and be mellow for once...

"Is there something someones not telling me? I was told the Nekos made better warriors. I wanted to test out this body while I have it to see how it performs." Degan said, coughing as the extraction process left a feeling of tiny needles on her skin.

Kerr strode into the medbay, the large man eyeing the insides of the room carefully. Spotting Yuriko, Kerr quickly bowed toward her, addressing her simply, "Choi." Once he straightend himself again, he spoke, "I'm here to get an ST backup. Wait, we have a new sprite?"

Saito, waiting outside glanced down the hallways curiously as he leaned up against the wall and yawned a bit, his arms crossed. "I wonder where everyone else is?" He mused. Akeno sighed a bit and shook his head. "Well his backup is saved so is there any damage in letting him try it out for a couple hours at least?" He asked Yuriko with a shrug. "If you want me to put him back into a proper body right now though, I'm ready and prepared to do so."

Masurao glanced over and nodded to Kerr. "Alright then, go ahead and get in the machine, it should take only a few moments to do." he said and went to check to make sure it was ready to go so soon. He knew that might be moot, but it was an old habit, the light glinting off teh gold of the band on his finger as he did though

"It is Chui Josef." Yuriko corrected him and planted her fists on her hips. "Yamataian body now Degan. That is what you wanted, and that is what you'll get." She then turned to Josef. "By all means, have the doctor set you up."

Kerr grimaced a little at the correction to his pronounciation of Yuriko's rank. He could never seem to get it right. Following the ship's new doctor's instructions, Kerr quickly laid down upon the bed of the ST alcove. "The faster I get this done, the better. These things hurt like getting a few thousand bottles broken over my skull."

"I know, just bear with it please." Akeno said and placed the machine onto his head and began the backup sequence. "It should take but a moment to complete." he assured Josef and turned to Yuriko. "Please, take a seat if you wish." he smiled at her.

Yuriko inclined her head, and found a suitable chair sitting on it, and folding her legs at the ankle.

"Damn it," Kerr cursed through gritted teeth as the backup began. As per his expectations, Kerr's brain was engulfed in an inferno of agony which was slightly worse than his last backup. Somewhere in his suffering, he had a cloudy flashback where he recalled being told that backups were more painful as more memories were gained. Whoever told him that was not joking.

Shortly after Yuriko sat down, she would be (Silently) alerted that Kerigan Inonori had sent her a text message. Not to be confused with Kessah of the same clan/family name.

Within a short amount of time, Kerr's backup cycle would be completed and he'd be cleared to get up from the table, his memories backed up and his head feeling like several dozen jackhammers pounding it. the physician would look at Degan and sigh. "Alright girly." he smirked. "Your turn at this again, this time there'll be no screw ups. I believe you remember what to do once again." he said to him. "Go ahead and get in position."

Yuriko tilted her head to the side, puzzled by the alert. However, she checked the message anyways.

Degan got back into the chamber and gave the thumbs up signal, bracing against the inevitable headache that felt like the worst ice cream headache in history sans the delicious vanilla flavor.

Akeno nodded and made sure everything was in order and would have the MEGAMI prepare the new body in a nearby Hemosynth tank before beginning the transfer process once that was complete. "Here we go again," he said as he activated it. It wouldn't take long at all but it wouldn't be pleasant for Degan as he was returned to his original Yamataian body, that'd been shortened to coordinate with Mindy operating specifications on height.

The message was simple and short, being simply: "Hey, you're the boss over my sis' at the moment. I have a request for you, as I am under the know-how that you're friends with her, too... She is getting home-sick. Well... thats not exactly the right word... Um... She misses me. Us, rather. Family and such... I think she is getting a little down with it, sister knows best ya'know? Good at hiding it, too... But... Could you, say... Cheer her up in a non-obvious way? I'd try to poke at people to get my ship over there, but... No-mans land and all is a difficult barrier to cross. Cheers." The message had a small image of what seemed to be Kessah giving a 'V for victory' sign with her fingers, yet... Not Kessah.

Kerr quickly vacated the alcove, massaging his temples rapidly. "I need a drink," he grumbled to himself as he quickly fled the medbay.

Saito blinked, noticing Kerr swiftly leaving the medbay. "Backup day eh..." He chuckled. "those have to suck."

Yuriko just sighed, and dismissed the volumetric display.

Akeno glanced to Yuriko, hearing her sigh. "What's wrong, Chui?" He asked politely.

Degan got out and looked down, making sure he was back to somewhat normal height. "Thanks doc. Its good to be near eye level again." Degan shook his head, trying to clear it of the fog in his mind. "Oh Chui, what are you doing here?"

"She's been here the whole time Degan.." Akeno sighed, putting his palm toh is face for a moment before nodding to him."you're good to go"

"Meeting our new doctor, and ensuring you are in the proper body." Yuriko said with a small grimace at Degan's lack of observation.

"Its hard to see up when you are that small, Chui. Are we still on combat alert?" Degan asked the CO.

Kerr had merely growled in response to Saito's comments as he sped past him. The bulky man made a beeline toward the wardroom and poked his head into the kitchen. "Alcohol, now."

Akeno sighed a bit and returned to taking a seat now that all that was taken care of. "Well you could've floated up to see a bit better." He quipped as he glanced to Yuriko. "But moving past that, I'm glad I finally get to meet you, it's been a little hectic since Hotaru station."

Haru chucked a carrot at Josef's head. "Go to the bar in the wardroom!" She yelled in responce.

"We have not been on combat alert for the whole day Veran-hei." Yuriko replied before focusing her attention on Akeno. "Oh my yes...things have been hectic. But it seems to have finally calmed down some at least."

"I am flad to meet you too. I get hurt a lot so expect me in here more then most. Do your best!" Degan said busting his fingers into a V. "Oh wait, I'm not a girl, I can't get away with that anymore. Well do your best anyway." Degan said, bowing.

Tweaking a brow at the yelling she heard off in the distanct as she made for the wardroom. Ah well, can't go all Cherry or something. She managed to put a smile on her face as she entered the room. Of warding.

"Don't worry Veran-Hei." Akeno said, combing his fingers through his light brown hair again and sighed. "Get hurt too much and I'll start letting Kyuuka treat you to make sure you actually improve upon yourself so you won't get hurt so much" He grinned and turned to Yuriko. "I'm glad it has, it gives me a chance to place a communication to my children before we get too far from Yamatai again." the doctor said.

The carrot bounced off of Kerr's forehead and caused a jolt of sharp pain to run through his head again. "Damn it! Not the head!" he snapped as he retreated from the kitchen doorway. His next stop was the bar and he grabbed the first bottle he saw, opening it up and drinking from it directly.

The wardroom was already inhabited, as it turned out, by another one of the ship's newcomers. A woman was sitting with something that approximated military precision at a table, her brown hair tied back in a ponytail so as not to obstruct her view of the book she was reading. She seemed quite mildly oblivious to the world around her as she flipped the pages.

"Understood sir." Degan turned around and walked out of the room, making his way to the training simulator as he tried to supress a shudder at the prospect of being healed by Kyuuka again.

"Actually this is the first time I have been seperated from my own children since their birth." Yuriko explained as she sat there still, all calm and composure.

The bottle Josef was now drinking from was a bottle of Nepleslian Brandy, about fourteen years old to be exact, and it had quite a kick in addition to a smokey flavour.

Kessah called out in a some what playful manner to the Neppy man, "Hey! Get a glass, you. And get me one, too. Chop chop." She even snapped her fingers toward Josef. She then looked around and spotted the new-newcomer, tweaking a brow. She wandered her way over to the woman.

"Oh I didn't know you had children. I mustn't have seen them in the confusion at the station." Akeno said, blushing a bit in embarrassment and rubbed teh back of his head. "What're their names?" He asked her with a friendly grin.

The brown-haired Neko kept at her book for a little while after Kessah drew near, eventually looking up with a bit of a start. 'Oh! I'm sorry,' she said, leaning forward to bow. 'I was a bit wrapped up, I fear.'

"Well they are with their grandmother right now on Hotaru, as for their names, they are Rikun and Tai." Yuriko replied.

After a few deep gulps of the brandy, Kerr set the bottle onto the surface of bar, breathing heavily while he began to recover. He looked up at Kessah and shrugged, grabbing three shot glasses from behind the bar. He sat at the table across from Kessah and the new woman, setting the bottle in the middle of the table. Smacking his lips, Kerr stated, "This is pretty good stuff. Spare no expense, I guess."

Akeno chuckled. "That's the same with my three. They're with their grandmother in Tania. Their names are Natsume, Renji and Takeo." He said and reached into a pocket and pulled out a picture of three children all happily smiling, one older looking girl hugging a sour looking red haired boy and another that had brown hair that had a big dumb smile. "At least i have this."

"Don't be, I just wandered along. Names, Kessah, by the way. Kessie, Kess, or some varation involving the four letters of 'Kess' will do fine to get my attention. Greenhorn?" She also gave Kerr a thumbs up in the pilot's general direction.

Yuriko smiled. "They're cute, I wish I had had time to take a photograph of mine...being ordered out and having to rush them off the ship didn't give me time for it sadly." She sighed and brushed at her uniform.

"Ah, hai," the neko said replied with a bit of an embarrased smile. "A pleasure to meet you, Kessah. I'm Santo Hei Tanashiro Miya, I just transferred in from the Hotaru." She bowed again before continuing. "I'm a chemical analyst and backup first-aid medic."

He put it away and nodded, being able to sympathize with her. "Well next time, we'll be sure that you get one." Akeno said. "It's comforting to know that they're ok though, besides you can always send them a volumetric communication." he pointed out.

Kessah nodded lightly, "Ah, I'm a techie. Well, pleasure to meet ya, mate. Hope to be about ya often and such. And I don't mean that in a lewd way." She then sat down, not right next to the neko, but still by, and took a glass and applied booze to it before drinking said booze filled glass, thus devoling it into a glass with some remains of booze.

"Oh my yes, although I suspect my mother is teaching Rikun the meaning of the word, manners. She is...a bit of a wildchild sadly." Yuriko sighed and tilted her head a little to the side. "But, having a mother who can make samurai step aside, and can down a bottle of industrial alcohol and be unphased has its advantages I suppose when it comes to tough love."

Akeno laughed. "My wife was like that too." He said and smiled fondly. "Natsume learned many from her and she's really helpful at keeping Takeo under control, he's my little wild child." He said. "And industrical alchohol...man I'd imagine she has one relaly efficient liver to process that stuff." He chuckled

"Don't take that as a sign of Kessah's modesty," Kerr spoke as he began to pour himself and Kessah a shot. "She's got a reputation 'round here. So, Miya, care for a drink?"

"Hai, hai!" Miya said with another smile, though a little more confident this time. "Ano... I'll certainly keep that in mind!" Miya blushed just a little bit as she bowed to Kerr. "I do like drinking," she said. "So, certainly!"

Kessah kicked Kerr lightly and took a short sip. "I'm small and weak. They're large and strong... I can't do much when people try to drag me off. Unless they're male, then I know where to attack." She gave Josef a warning glance.

"Well, she is a neko, and can process it fine." Yuriko smiled. "Although she is as blunt as a brick to the face to borrow a euphemisim." She said sheepishly.

Degan stopped by his room to change before entering the holo. Alas he made the mistake of sitting on the nice, soft bed and letting it wash over his body, leaving him tired and listless as he closed his eyes from the exertions of so many ST's

Akeno laughed openly at that. "And I know how that feels!" He said and shook his head. "I visited Funky city while the Species Restriction act was active and got caught up in some violence." he said. "She sounds like a wonderful person. Despite any outward appearance, she cares deeply about you and her grandchildren...I can sense it." Akeno said, his eyes distant for a moment.

Koharu yawned, she hadn't gotten much sleep with all the alerts and preparations they had to make. She walked into the wardroom, hoping to have a large mug of coffee to help keep herself flying for a few more hours.

Kerr jumped a little in his seat when Kessah kicked him. "Hey, I'm just going off of what 'Tenshi says." He poured Miya a shot and passed it over to her. "Drink as much as you want. It's customary for the new guys to get tipsy on their first ship." He saw Koharu enter the wardroom and waved at her. "Hey Shoi, care to join us?"

"Oh my yes... she once told me a story about her sole trip to Funky City...suffice to say a bar was left in ruins, people were injured, and she ended up in jail, and had downed enough alcohol to probably kill an ID-SOL." Yuriko chuckled lightly as she got to her feet.

Kessah rolled her eyes a little, "'Tenshi tied me down to a bedpost more than once. And then left me. Over night while she slept and then a couple hours after... Be careful with her. She is a evil person... Sometimes."

Akeno chuckled and just shook his head. "That definately reminds me of someone I know." He said. "I hope she wasn't in too much trouble for it, the alcohol on nepleslia is rather strong."

"Anooo..." Miya said slowly, pausing as she accepted the shot. "I'll... Yeah, I'll keep that in mind!" Blushing a little, she took a sip of the shot, swirled it around in her mouth, then very slowly drained the rest. "This is really good..."

"Mmm...as it turned out those who had tried to flirt with her ended up in the hospital and decided not to press charges for fear she'd come after them again. And this time sober." Yuriko said.

"Oh! There was something I wanted to ask you, Yuriko-chui..." The doctor said. "When I came on I met a short little neko named Shii, but she seemed almost afraid of me. Is she naturally just very shy?" He asked. "I just don't want to give the wrong impression..." He listened to what she added. "Ouch."

Koharu grinned seeing Kerr getting cozy with some of the other female crew members as she quietly walked past them to the galley window to get her coffee.

"She can be...flighty" Yuriko said after a moment or two.

"I see. She was a cute little girl though, very innocent eyes." Akeno said. Saito was still outside the medbay doors dozing lightly on his feet, having been up for the last day or so without a rest.

"I like this girl," Kerr said to Kessah as he pointed to Miya. "She's got good taste." He drank his shot down, each drink coming closer to erasing his terrible headache. "You ladies care for another?"

"Hai, please!" Miya said enthusiastically, offering out her glass.

Kessah waved a little over to Koharu's direction and downed her glass, tweaking a brow to Kerr before nodding.

"Yes, she can be. But...I must go now, things to do and all." Yuriko said with a soft sigh.

"Of course." Akeno nodded to her. "It was nice meeting you."

The crimson eyed bridge officer offer Kessah a friendly, if tired smile as she waved back as she poured herself a nice large mug of coffee.

"Alright, coming up," Kerr responeded as he refilled the three glasses. Seeing Kessah lift an eyebrow at him, he shot back a goofy look at her, widening one eye while squinting the other. He looked over at Miya, silly face gone, and asked, "So, Miya, tell us a little about yourself."

"And you too." Yuriko said before she exited the bay and looked over at the dozing Saito.

Kessah rolled her eyes again and gave him a gentle kick from under the table, sipping her glass. She did, however, look over to Miya with interest.

Saito's skin sight was active though and saw her coming out. "Hey." He said and yawned softly and turned to her a bit.

"Thank you," Miya said with a little bow, and paused midway through raising the glass to her lips. "Ano... I don't know there's really much to tell," she said slowly, setting the drink down. "I'm still fairly young. Eeh... I like being outdoors, I like target shooting... I like chemistry, naturally!" She paused again to take a sip of the brandy.

"Enjoy your nap?" Yuriko asked airly.

Koharu sat with her coffee at a table behind Kerr, Kess and Miya and watched them half curiously as she sipped her coffee. She needed to remember that the next time she chose to restart her career, that she should pick one with less responsibility than being a first officer.

Saito chuckled a little and nodded to her. "I'm sorry Yuriko, I've just been up for so long I haven't had any sleep since about two days ago." He said and stretched out.

"I see," Kerr spoke after Miya had finished speaking, toying with his full shot glass. "Just how old are you?"

"Well if you wish, why not go and get some sleep?" Yuriko offered as she strode back towards the wardroom, intent on getting herself a few scoops of ice cream."I am sure we will not be facing a full scale assault, or Mishhu invaders anytime soon."

"You make this sound like a dating thing..." Kessah smirked lightly toward Miya and took a sip of her booze.

Saito laughed softly. "I think I'll just go ahead and do that." He said and floated tiredly next to her. "I'll be on the couch where I usually sleep." He smiled and started to head off toward the suite they shared.

"Fourteen months," Miya said with a little light laugh as she set the half-drained glass down again. "And, ano... I don't think I caught your name? I'm sorry..."

"I had a fresh pillow and blanket set up for you." Yuriko called to him as she wandered down the corridor.

Saito chuckled a bit and smiled back at her. "Thanks." he said and continued off. He'd get back and be asleep almost the instant he laid on the couch.

Yuriko entered the wardroom, hands behind her back as she made a bee-line for the kitchen without fear of flying vegies. The Chui entered the kitchen, spoke to Haru for a few moments and entered the walk in freezer.

"That's because I haven't told you yet," said Kerr. "It's Josef Kerr. You can call me Joe for short if you want." Kerr twisted around and looked back at Koharu. "Shoi, you can join us if you want. I feel kinda bad when you're just sitting there by yourself."

Kessah let out a kick in Josef's direction, giving no reason why as she finished off her glass and looked over to Koharu, "Yeah, don't be lonely and stuff."

"A pleasure, Joe," Miya said with yet another bow. She glanced over to look at Koharu, and smiled shyly and bowed to her as well before returning to her drink.

Koharu almost looked startled that Kerr had noticed her. She wondered idly if he had skin vision somehow. "I don't want to intrude on you guys when you're wanting to relax when I'm still very much in a work frame of mind," she lightly tugged on the bottom of her right ear as she lightly blushed. "I'll be okay, really, Joe, Kess. Thank you though." She smiled reassuringly at them both, feeling uneasy with their attention on her possible loneliness. She was inwardly grateful for it but still very uneasy.

Kerr winced as Kessah kicked him again. "Well, there's always an open seat should you change your mind." Kerr turned back toward the table and glared at Kessah. "Well, welcome to the Asamoya, Miya. It's always good to have a few extra females running around here."

Kessah kicked him again for good measure, looking all innocent like. "Alright, Koharu... Have fun doing whatever." She said after giving the 'woman' a quick glance before looking back to the other 'woman', Miya.

Miya was midway through another bow and soft "Thank you" when the last comment reached her. She paused again, with a little bit of a start. "I'll certainly keep that in mind as well!"

"Damn it!" Kerr finally exclaimed at Kessah. "You're gonna kick off my damn leg. No wonder 'Tenshi likes to punish you." He drank down his shot to cool his nerves and looked over at the two girls. "Anymore refills? And that's under the stipulation the kicking stops, Kessah."

"Hai, please!" Miya said moments after finishing her own shot, happily holding the empty glass over the table.

Kessah rolled her eyes a little and gave Kerr a kick... In the other leg. "Alrighty, no more kicking." Again, a kick. "Not that I am kicking, but I'll play your little mind game." And she kept a straight face, too.
harrikke paolino has joined the conference.

Koharu grinned into her coffee before taking another long sip. She contemplated what she really wanted versus how she presented herself to her crew. Is it really time for me to change myself for the times? She wondered. I'm out of place because I'm putting myself out now. But I don't know if this is really what I want anymore.

Once again Kerr glared at Kessah as her felt her foot impact against his other leg. He poured a shot for himself and Miya while asking the new neko, "Hey Miya, want to hear some interesting stories about Kessah?"

Kessah rolled her eyes a little, "While you are vaguely familar, all the 'interesting stories' you heard about me are on the Asamoya, Sakura, and Plumeria probably. So none of the good ones, just the boring tales in which you try to embarrass me by telling my sexual exploits with a few of the crewmates."

Miya opened her mouth as if to say something, glanced to Kessah, glanced back to Kerr, then smiled. "I think I'd like to," she said. "But I think if Kessah doesn't want them told, she'll express herself."

"And some rather funny ones they were..." Datenshi chided Kessah as the red head walked into the wardroom. With a small stretched she was dressed in the dress variant of the army uniform, showing off the tattoos on her legs that seemed to squirm somewhat as she walked.

"I already mentioned when you left me tied to a bed post." Kessah spoke lightly over to Datenshi.

Yuriko exited the freezer triumphantly. She then proceeded to get a bowl, ice cream scoop, spoon and a napkin. The Chui scooped out some of the strawberry ice cream for herself before replacing it back in the freezer and proceeded out of the kitchen humming to herself idly as she walked past her crew and headed to the observation deck and her favorite chair right at the back, and near one of the blue rose bushes she herself had planted for the sprite Fuyu.

"You said you didn't mind and I was hungry! Sides, I brought you back food." Datenshisaid in reply.

Fuyu was in the observation deck as well, squatted down over one of the bushes to tend to a small patch of weeds that had grown.

Kerr sighed a little and grumbled, "I guess I can't win here. That's alright, Kessah. I've got plenty of time to plot my revenge." He waved at Datenshi. "Hey 'Tenshi. Come join us and chat with the new girl here, Miya."

"I was asleep! I said nothing! I had to wiggle myself out of the rope because, lucky me, you can't tie a knot worth a damn!" Kessah retorted promptly. She then gave Kerr another kick. Closer to the jewels, too.

"Ohhhh new girl? Hey there!" Datenshi waved to the newbie as she sauntered over, already turning on her charm subconsiously as she let her hips sway a little. With a smirk, Datenshi shrugged to Kessah. "I shook you a few times..."

"Probably fondled me..." Came a short mummer from Kessah.

"Getting your hands dirty?" Yuriko asked from her seat as she raised the blast shutters of the observation deck, and letting in the faint starlight of space.

Miya bowed hastily, taking a quick moment to glance up and down Datenshi's body as she slinked over. "Hai, hello!" she said with a smile as she rose. "Santo Hei Tanashiro Miya, chemical analyst. A pleasure to meet you."

Kerr groaned a little as Kessah's foot got a little to close to a part of his body he was quite protective of. With that, he pulled his legs together to prevent Kessah from getting another shot like that.

Kessah lightly tapped the her shot glass with her nail, glancing toward Kerr warningly and giving him another kick.

"Ohhhh a science chick! Cool." Datenshi smirked a little and laughed some. Looking the girl over she took a more appraising look in as she nodded a little in satisfaction.

Fuyu simply nodded. "The plants were getting to weedy, so I decided to fix some of them..."

A message came to Yuriko just then, from Midori. The captain was asking to come aboard. A small video message came along with the call. "It is somewhat boring over here..."

Koharu continued to drink her coffee, enjoying hearng the odd banter between her crew members. She almost wished she wasn't on duty so she could join them for a drink.

Kerr eyed Kessah for a moment and then he filled her shot glass up. "Happy now?"

Miya flushed a little and straightened her posture up a bit as she was scrutinised, then smiled and turned back to her drink. "This is really excellent, Joe," she said, taking another long sip. "Though..." and she glanced around, "I am still just a touch curious..."

Yuriko quietly granted Midori permission to board before placing a spoonful of ice cream in her mouth. "With the younglings, my business being built from the ground up, being in command of a group and my own ship my time has been so limited I've had little to attend the plants sadly."

Kessah smirked lightly, downed the glass quickly, and then set it down by 'Tenshi after giving the 'woman' a shrug. For good measure, she gave Kerr another kick, but stayed quiet.

Shaking his head at Kessah, Kerr filled he glass back up and turned his attention toward Miya. "What are you curious about, Miya?"

Midori quickly went about docking the Amaya with the Asamoya and after a few moments was floating down the hallway to the observation deck where Yuriko had been pinged at after Midori's silent querie. She was sure that Reiko would follow after though not to sure about Aoiko.

Miya nodded just a little bit towards Kessah and 'Tenshi. "The stories you mentioned," she said with a little flush. "Assuming you're going to keep your legs, that is."

"You'll have similar stories the way 'Tenshi here is eyeing you." Kessah smirked playfully, glancing up to her friend and nudging the redheaded neko with her elbow.

"How can you be bored on your own ship when just a few hours ago you were as giddy as a child?" Reiko asked idly as she moved deftly behind Midori.

"I will make certain we do not explode, or anything similar. Have fun!" Aoiko called through the airlock as the two departed. Surrounded by a halo of volumetric displays, she wandered back to the bridge.

"Ah, for that, my legs will tough it out," Kerr spoke with a grin. "Hey 'Tenshi, why don't you tell Miya all about you and Kessah?"

A small volmeric window popped up in front of Koharu and she smiled softly with a soft chuckle. She watched the video message with her right arm propping her head up from the table, with her right cheek resting comfortably in the palm of her right hand.

"Please do? I would rather not lose my ship while docked..." Midori replied in a soft joking tone as she entered the observation deck. "It is because you are so boring Reiko, you just drain all the energy out of everything!" She said in just as playful a tone as she nudged her lover before bowing to Yuriko. "Greetings Yuriko."

Datenshi shrugged a little to Kessah, before giving Miya a wink. "If she wants them I'll be more then happy to give the girl some rather fond memories...

Miya didn't quite respond besides going rather red - she chose that moment to slowly drain her glass again, taking her time to savour the taste.

Reiko just huffed.

Yuriko looked over her shoulder, the bowl of half eaten ice cream in her one hand and the spoon in her mouth as she looked up and blinked. The Chui took the spoon out and looked at Midori. "Welcome Aboard Midori."

Kessah chuckled lightly, "Don't be shy... 'Tenshi will pin you down to the floor sooner or later anyway." She grinned in a way that made it so it wasn't reall easy to say if she was lieing or not. Hm.

"Glad to see you learned to swallow before you speak." Midori said playfully yet again as she bowed.

Tenshi laughed a little seeing the girl redden, before she snuggled up beside her. Pressing her hip into Miya's now, Datenshi leaned in and whispered into her ear. "Don't worry hun, I'll be gentle the first few times..." She said in a rather sultry voice, like velvet rubbed just the right way. She let out a throaty purr into Miya's ear before licking the bottom of it playfully.

The bridge officer giggled a little louder and covered her mouth with her left hand, blushing lightly despite the fact no one was actually paying attention to her.

Miya went significantly more red as she set her glass down on the table. "I'll certainly keep that in mind," she said throatily as she was licked, shivering from head to toe though making no real efforts to move away.

Seeing 'Tenshi and Kessah focus their attention on the new girl, Kerr quietly stood from his seat and left the table. He wandered over toward Koharu's table and took a seat next to her. "So, what are you giggling about, Shoi?"

"Ohhh I think she likes it!" Datenshi exclaimed before she zeroed in on the ear lobe, licking and nibbling on the body part while still purring.

"Ano..."Yuriko tilted her head to the side, blinked again and stared at Midori. "Was that a joke? From you Midori...I thought I'd see a Mishhu tapdance before that happened." She replied with a soft smile.

Kessah snickered a little as she watched the two go at it, shaking her head lightly. On the positive side, though, she forgot about her home-sickiness.

Koharu's blushed deepened and she sat up a little straighter when she heard Kerr's voice suddenly very close to hers. "Oh.. umm.. my... little sister sent me this goofy home video from Kyoto," she replied quite shyly.

Miya shivered again, squeezing her legs together and hunching forward a little as her ears twitched under Datenshi's tongue. "I... Ah... Ano... You're quite forward, aren't you?" She stuttered, smiling a little and continuing to not try to get away.

"Mmmm I've been told so before..." Datenshi confessed as she licked at the earlobe again before stopping.

"Mmm I am just as capable as any neko of making a joke." Midori nodded slightly, her chest wiggling a little. It seemed a little bigger as well, the girl having forgone putting onher wrap that morning.

"I see. You know, I don't think I've ever seen you like this before," stated Kerr. "It's kinda nice once and a while. Kinda hard to rely on people who're serious all the time."

Kessah simply shook her head a little, "Damn it 'Tenshi, it half looks like you are about to pin her to the table right here and now."

Miya slowly glanced up as the licking ceased, her face flushed quite red now. She glanced, embarassed, between Kessah and Tenshi before quietly refilling her drink.

Datenshi was all grins as she sat back, idly wondering just how worked up the poor new girl was. "If your ever in need of release and I'm awake, my door is open Kay?" Datenshi sent to Miya with a small wink.

Koharu tilted her head to one side looking up at Kerr with wide shy eyes, still blushing. "I try to let my work define who I am. It's really all.. I have of my own right now."

Yuriko turned back around to her ice cream and put another spoonful in her mouth. "Enjoying your new found freedom huh?" She asked after a few moments.

Reiko snorted. "You do not know the half of it." She rolled her eyes a little and seated herself nearby the two.

Kessah smirked a little when Datenshi winked, getting a idea in her mind that something was said between the two. Oh well. "So, 'Tenshi, molestation aside... How are ya?"

"And just what does that mean?" Midori questioned her lover as she strolled around the observation deck to look at the plants. Fuyu seemed shy of the samurai, constantly staying out of view.

"I'm doing ok...the little off time helped out. I needed to just relax for a bit really.." Datenshi shrugged lightly.

"I will certainly keep that in mind!" Miya thought back as she finished pouring her drink. "May I give some to either of you?" she asked cheerily.

Kerr quirked his brow at the Shoi and stated with a somewhat smug smile, "Bullshit. You define your work and if it was all you had, you wouldn't be so happy about a video your sister sent you. Though, this secret is safe with me so don't worry about word getting out."

"You're not your old stone faced emotionless self. It is...somewhat refreshing to see if not slightly startling at first." Reiko replied in return as she eyed the sprite a moment out of mild curiousity before returning her gaze to Midori.

Yuriko however remained silent in the exchange contenting herself with the ice cream.

Kessah nodded a little, "Good. And nah, I'm good. Thanks though... Uh... Miya fine?"

"Of course hun but not in front of Koharu-chan, It would be rude not to invite her in. Sides I never pegged you for the exhibitionist type..." Datenshi poked fun at Miya playful at her ambigous wording.

"I have been unexpressive and dead to my emotions for far to long. I suppose it is a welcome change to let them roam." Midori replied.

"Thank you. I'd hate for people to think I have more than one emotion," Koharu replied, poking fun at herself. "So," she said quietly, "I suppose I must've distracted you from your new mark if you came over to visit with me while she's still sober."

"Well, let them roam away." Reiko said and waved her hand at Midori before settling herself on the couch. Yuriko chuckled a little at the two.

"Hai!" Miya said with a little smile and nod before starting a bit and choking as she heard Datenshi. "I can't say that I've ever had the chance to try it," she said as she offered her an apologetic smile.

Kessah just kind of tweaked a brow at the conversation's turn, and said nothing. Wonder if MEGAMI and company are watching...

"Who's to say I can't have more than one mark?" Kerr spoke with a shrug. Tapping an index finger to his chin, he added, "And, as I remember, I believe you were my mark first."

Aki strolled by Kessah and sneezed before she picked up the tray Shii had for her and walked over to Yuriko, Midori and Reiko setting it down and moving off again. On the tray were assorted snacks, and a few different varieties of drinks.

"I plan too because I get to be a little more affectionate with you then..." Midori replied just as easily as she stalked over to Reiko, crawling up the couch to stradle over the smaller girl. Grinning as she looked down at her, Midori leaned in and planted a surprisingly passionate kiss on Reiko's lips.

'Well, you know what they say about chasing more than one rabbit, Josef. And we both know that I'm a little bit harder to catch," Koharu replied with a soft smirk as she sipped her coffee. "But more possible for you to catch than others once you chase me long enough."

Reiko was indeed surprised at the display of affection as her little arms flailed out in startlement a moment before she returned it, a fierce blush on her face.

Yuriko however nibbled at a piece of fruit on the tray and took a small glass of tea sighing a little. She had wished Misato could've been here, the two hadn't seen a lot of each other lately with their mounting responsibilities so they corresponded via messages and communications.

"That would be true if I were hunting rabbits," Kerr retorted slyly. "I think we both know you're far more crafty and complex than a mere rabbit. No, you're a fox."

"See?" Midori said as she broke the kiss, silently enjoying the kiss more then she let on before standing again to tour the garden.

Kessah jumped a little when Aki sneezed, not having heard the sprite. ... Neko sneeze? Huh... The more you know. She shrugged lightly to herself.

Reiko just sat there silently clutching at her uniform and staring at her feet, the blush still in place.

Yuriko just shook her head. "So, do you two plan on having any younglings of your own?" She asked all of a sudden as she checked the sensor data from MEGAMI and sipped at her tea as she looked at the volumetric display.

"I'll accept that. You'll track me back into my den one of these days and maybe I'll even be there," Koharu grinned as she leaned forward, looking up at Kerr.

"I would be more then willing of course, it is up to Reiko if she wishes to have any." Midori replied, looking over her shoulder toher lover.

"I already told you yes, but I'd rather not be the one carrying them." Reiko huffed and folded her arms. "Would you like me to have mood swings?"

Kerr leaned a little closer as well. "When I trap you in your den, maybe you'll share a little of that scotch that the Chui gave you too." He drew closer and closer, trying to steal a kiss from the Executive Officer.

"You want me with mood swings?" Midori asked, tilting her head a little. "Remember, I still haven't showed you your new training..."

Reiko gave her a flat look. "Oh so you want me to carry the younglings?" She asked.

Midori simply shrugged before turning to look at Reiko fully. "If you want younglings, I will carry them dear."

Koharu grinned and let Kerr steal a kiss. "Perhaps, I'll even let you do a body shot," she replied quietly.

"It would be better you then me since I am the ship's samurai and power armor wing leader." Reiko surmised but nodded.




* * *



With the small group of ships continuing onward, sensor data was collected on the various natural phenomina of the region, rogue comets, asteroids, planetoids and many other points of interest. There was even a star or two along the way, although one only had a small asteroid field, the other just a lonely white dwarf star hanging alone in the vast darkness of space. Yuriko had excused herself from the Observation deck, and had headed back to the bridge, leaving her crew to enjoy themselves while she went over their course, and the new data.

"A body shot, huh?" Kerr said to Koharu with a pleased grin. "I'll hold you to that, ya know?"

"Try not to overindulge. Still on duty after all." Aki pointed out to them both as she glided by with the tray she'd brought for Yuriko, Midori and Reiko earlier and disappeared into the kitchen.

"I think that was the idea, Josef," Koharu replied smoothly with a grin. "Of course not Aki, I'm completely sober and read yfor anything."

Nana stepped out of her room, tugging her gloves and goggles off and tossing them over her shoulder to land on the bed before she began to stalk quietly down the hall. After a constant routine of 'fix, sleep, eat (sometimes)', she needed to break away for a bit. Rolling her shoulders, she stared down the hall, realizing she had absolutely no idea what she was going to do. "..... damn." And so came the point where the pink-and-blue haired technician would rock absently on her heels, looking all but stupefied.

Kerr watched the sprite disappear into the kitchen, somewhat irritated from the interruption. He looked back at Koharu and asked, "You sure you don't wanna go somewhere a little more secluded? Don't want your secret getting out prematurely."

Speeking of stars, where the hell was Sumaru? Well if we'd follow the sounds of his girly singing voice through the halls and down into the armor bay there he would be found, lyrics from something pop emitting from his lightly glossed lips as he polished his power armor happily. It was just about done; Wish looked dazzling, for a sleek killing machine. The neon pink panels almost popping right out from the dark standard background of the machine's factory blue.

Nana looked down towards the ground, taking in a deep breath. If anyone seemed to be suffering from wear-and-tear, it was her. She'd overworked herself, probably to the point of exhaustion. "Comp--er.. MEGAMI.." Quietly correcting herself, she dropped her hands to her sides, gnawing absently at her bottom lip, "Where is everybody...?"

Koharu watched Kerr's face with an amused look. "I'd think it'd be bad for business if the girls saw you walk off with me while your in such a state." She pulled away with a wink. "I'll have to show you pictures of her sometime."

Yuriko brought up a volumetric display of their current position; eyeing it and nodding slightly. The Chui relayed her plans to the rest of the ships in her group and they followed suit, still in their protective bubble about the Asamoya.

"The majority of the crew are in the wardroom, Sumaru is in the power armor bay, the Chui is currently on the bridge, Cherry is in her room, and Saito is in the Chui's quarters resting." MEGAMI replied.

Kessah sighed softly as she slumped forward against the table. Kerr ran off and about, as did the new-newbie, leaving her alone at the table. She knew her higher up mate was off with Midori and Reiko, but the latter made wandering over there unpleasant. So she sat about, bored. Bugger.

Reiko managed to inch her way away from Midori's grasp and into the wardroom, leaving her lover there to enjoy the view the Asamoya had to offer. The samurai sighed, the blush from earlier subsiding for the most part.

"Such a state?" Kerr replied, a puzzled look on his face. "Show me pictures of your sister? Sure, I wouldn't mind seeing them whenever you feel like it."

Fuck you, Karma. Fuck you in the ass, you ungrateful hypothetical force. Kessah thought to herself as she looked over to Reiko.

Akeno shifted a bit and yawned, leaning back in the seat behind his desk in the med bay. "I haven't seen anyone else today since Yuriko-chui and the others came in. I wonder what's going on..." He muttered and held out his hand looking a the scar on the back of it.

"Well, you are a bit drunk unless there's something more.. pressing about your condition," Koharu replied with a grin as she stood up. "But I have some of her in my quarters. I can get them or you can follow me, whichever you;d like."

"..This is depressing." Nana softly murmered under her breath as she straightened up, "Thank you." She was beginning to feel as though she was alienating herelf from the rest of the crew, in favor of things that hummed and whirred. Becoming detached was not on her to-do list, but it seemed a thing that she just couldn't avoid. So, she began a trek down the hallway, a hand pressed against her midsection.

Reiko gave Kessah a side long glance, sniffed and glided away towards her own table. A moment later Haru came out and the two began to talk before the sprite went into the kitchen.

Yuriko sighed and tapped her chin a moment before opening a com channel to Nana. "Nana-chan could you please come to the bridge, I require your assistance."

Kessah watched Reiko a little in the corner of her eyes after setting her head down on the table, boredly. What to do...

"Drunk?" Kerr scoffed at the notion. "I'm just self-medicated." He stood up from the table, pleased with himself and the turn of events. "I'll go ahead and follow you to your place."

Haru soon returned with a steaming mug of tea that smelled faintly of spearmint, and a slice of what appeared to be cheesecake. Reiko thanked the sprite before she picked up the small fork and sliced of a tiny section and ate it.

In a short bit, over the computer a request would come for Haru from Akeno in the medical bay; a simple request for a cup of green tea with bit of honey and mint in it.

Sumaru finished up shining his armor, and stepped back to admire his work. With a final approving nod the young Yamataian turned to leave and headed out to the halls en route to the wardroom for a meal, noticing now just how hungry he was.

Kessah glanced over to Reiko fully again and tsked. Bleh... I hate cheesecake. Oh well, to each its own.

Koharu smiled as she walked at a fairly quick pace, she stepped off on her right foot and led Kerr down the corridor to her quarters. "I'd say that my place might be a bit messy, but I haven't spent much time in there lately."

Nana straightened up a bit,one ear flicking. She was almost struck with paranoia until she realized it was Yuriko, "Yes'm. On my way." And so, she was, heading off towards the auxilliary ship so that she might meet with Yuriko on the bridge. Hands behind her back, she looked a bit worn out, safe to say, a fair deal less SPRING in her step.

Kerr followed behind Koharu dilligently, not allowing the Shoi to get too far ahead of him. "I doubt it could be that bad," he assured the brown-haired neko. He was already plotting on how to make her quarters messier before he left.

Yuriko would be standing in front of a horde of volumetric displays, and one of the consoles in front of her. The Chui had elected to remain standing as a massive volumetric window hung right in the forward section of the bridge. On it was a large nebula of purple and gold swirling and intermixed, glowing with a faint luminessence. The Chui seemed fixated on it at the moment.

Koharu was inwardly confliced at what it was that she was actually playing at. It was obvious to her that she was about to get caught in her den after a short chase. Was she really the fox or the rabbit? She pondered these things as they walked down the corridor. "You're probably right."

Haru soon arrived in the medbay carrying a small tray in her hands. "Someone order tea?"

Akeno turned to her from the desk and nodded. "Oh yes, thank you." He said, slowly rising from his seat to accept it from her. "It's just been a little slow in here today, thanks for bringing it."

Nana's approach came slow, footsteps all but silent as she reached the bridge, "..Chui?" Her words were mumbled, so as not to distract Yuriko, her head cocked to one side in a puzzled manner. Exhaustion or otherwise, she, much like an obedient dog, responded promptly to commands and requests.

"Not a problem. Just ask Aki to pickup the tray after you're through." Haru said giving a short bow before leaving.

The doc perked a brow and nodded, watching her go for a moment before sighing and retiring back into the chair to try it out. "mmm that's good..." he said and glanced around. "though...I wonder where Saya is, I haven't seen her all day." he mused as he did.

"So, what's you sister like?" Kerr inquired, somewhat intruiged about Koharu's family. At the very least, he could gain some insight on how her mind worked.

Yuriko looked over her shoulder and smiled at Nana. "Please, please," The Chui said and waved at Nana to come over to her side. "Beautiful isn't it?" She asked, turning back to the display if or when Nana would come forward was her own choice. The nebula was huge, nearly twenty light years in diameter. The inner portions glowed brighter then the outer areas. The two colors melded and meshed well like a work of art all in a neat package of a nebula with the added bonus that the colors only seemed to be enhanced with the luminessence.

Kessah drummed her fingers along the table, finally having enough boredum. She promptly stood, stretching her arms in a upward fashion. She shot a glance over to Reiko, "Cya and such."

"She's very... compassionate and warm. She has a very good, gentle heart. She was never meant for service so she's working as a counselor at the shrine in Kyoto," Koharu slowly spoke, picking the words to describe Michiko very carefully. She was quite fond of the girl, though their relationship was indeed quite strange.

Reiko didn't reply, or do much of anything really in responce. She merely sipped at her tea.

The armor pilot turned into the ward room, still humming the music he had been singing earlier. He was in his standard issue white ringer tee-shirt, fitted tightly over his surprisingly well toned lithe upper body that went down into a very girlish waist and uniform light blue-gray pants that were two sizes too big so they could be a tad more baggy for more comfortable wear whilst he was roaming the ship on off time.

Slowly, almost hesitantly, Nana stepped up to Yuriko's side, turning to look at the display after a moment or so of puzzled staring. Her eyes narrowed in a brief squint, the pink-haired techie looking momentarily dumbfounded, "Well.. Yes. I mean, it's really pretty." What was she supposed to do? To say? "Ooh" and "ahh?" She was quick to fall silent, her eyes lowering, guilt creeping slowly onto her features. "Oh, was.. there something you needed?"

Kessah tsked lightly, "Fine fine, stay disgruntled at my general being." The spacer gal grinned a little and walked out in a brisk pace.

After a while, the doc would sigh and rise from the chair, feeling the need to walk around. He also needed to check on something and headed for his quarters, knowing that the other nurses and doctor would and could cover for it. "Hmmm I hope she isnt causing trouble..."

From Koharu's description, Kerr couldn't really say that the girl interested him that much after all. "You sound close," he spoke.

"Yes actually," Yuriko said and took a seat at the console turning the chair to face Nana. "I need help with the sensors, I am not getting accurate readings on the nebula, only visual ones. I believe the technicians on Hotaru accidentally messed with our sensors array while repairing the ship. So... I need help re-allining the sensors so I can probe the nebula of its secrets, in particular why it is glowing."

Reiko just continued to eat and drink with the patience of a rock, unphased by Kessah's words. She wasn't going to let the girl get the best of her.

"...Okay." The passion she typically had about her work had fizzled, and while she was quick to smile and ready to get to work, she just didn't seem to have much motivation besides the fact that Yuriko asked her to do it. "...They.. aren't supposed to glow...?"

Kessah paused just after she exitted the wardroom, thinking of what to do. ... I was bored in the first place... Hm... Kessah though about wandering into the Observation room, but that would involve going into Reiko land. Can't have that. "MEGAMI! Be a good hypothetical lassie and see if there is any mechanical work that needs to be done, or, failing that... If anyone needs help or something." I said lassie... Can't believe I went and did that...

"A bit. I tried to spend as much time as I could with her. Oh we're here," Koharu paused for a moment as the door to her quarters opened to reveal a large very sparsely furnished room. It had a very neatly made bed with dark blue covers predominantly featured in the center with a teddy bear in the middle of the pillows. There was a rubber duck and a couple of picture frames sitting on a nightstand that was secured to the deck beside it.

"This one glows too brightly... it could be a phenomina, some form of gas, or any number of other possibilities. But, they can glow Nana. I just find it a mild curiousity." Yuriko smiled and motioned to the other console. "No grunt work involved, just simple programming and the like, MEGAMI will assist you while I test, and run another scan on the nebula and the region ahead of us."

After checking on the little kitten in the quarters, Akeno would start for the wardroom, the cup and tray in hand. Having always been a man of action, he would return the tray to Haru himself without bothering Aki to do it. It felt to him too much like ...having a servant and Akeno didn't really like that idea. The little siamese kitten sitting on his shoulder, her long tail swishing idly as he walked. "Well it seems like this is the crew meeting place..." he mused and glanced over in the direction of the kitchen and went to sit down instead. Putting the items on the table in front of him he sat back, yawning and brushig his fingers through his hair. The kitten jumped off, seeing the others and watched them, meowing softly out of curiosity

Kerr had to cover his mouth with the palm of his hand in order to keep himself from laughing. Honestly, he had not expected to see a teddy bear lying on a bed that belonged to such an apparently strong and confident officer. The rubber ducky on her nightstand didn't help either. After restoring his composure, he said, "I thought you said it would be messy in here. It's pretty tidy, if not a little empty."

"I'm a bit more handy with things that have the possibility to explode in my face, but, all right.." Stepping towards the console, Nana wiggled her fingers and silently knocked the screws loose in her head. "I think it's just a calibration issue, or they crossed some wires or something.." That was what she'd assumed before looking, anyway, pausing before the console and glancing over, "Certain diagnostic that needs to be run?"

Koharu blushed lightly as she walked over to her bed and sat down on the side, gently lifting one of the framesfrom the nightstand. "I don't have very much that is my own and... I haven't spent too much time in here to make it more... like.. home, I guess. The few personal effects I have right now were gifts."

"Just run a sweap of MEGAMI's sensor suite. Although I concur on the calibration issue, my readings are not accurate. I seem to be reading mutiple stars in close proximity to the nebula..." Yuriko frowned a little.

Kerr sat down on the bed right next to her, deliberately close. He eyed the picture curiously and asked, "Is your sister in there?"

"Right, right." Nana wasn't ashamed to admit when she needed a nudge in the right direction, though she'd be just the tiniest bit embarrassed after the fact. Ticking away at the console, she did as instructed before turning to glance in Yuriko's direction, "That does seem a little strange."

A hail of displays with various readings popped up in front of Yuriko as she worked. "Nana...what does the diagnostic say about MEGAMI's sensor suite?" Yuriko asked in a somewhat slow and ponderous voice.

Koharu offered the frame to Kerr. There were three faces in the frame:Michiko, Yui's and Koharu's. Michiko looked identical to Koharu except for two brilliant blue eyes and much longer dark brown hair. Miciko was smiling brightly at the person holding the camera while Koharu looked slightly embrassed. The crimson eyes officer pointed to the blue-eyed girl. "That's my 'sister', Michiko."

"...Well, Chui. It seems that the sensors are in working order." Wrinkling her nose, Nana straightened up, rubbing her hands together absently as she rocked on her heels, "So I guess the problem is...." She trailed off, her eyes flitting towards the display.

Yuriko checked the readings again, focusing on the origin of them and using MEGAMI's powerful sensors package. She blinked several times in surprise. "Proto stars..." She muttered under her breath.






* * *






With their shoreleave up, and their orders to resume their previous mission received, Yuriko ordered the crew back aboard the Asamoya that was currently docked at Hotaru , and her special op's group to prep for departure. The former Chui, now Taii stepped onto the bridge. She'd been reluctant to leave her children, and new adoptive son behind, but had promised to find him a souvenier. She couldn't help but smile softly as she ran a systems check as she waited for her crew to board.

Miya was at the Asamoya immediately at the appointed time, changed back to her green-panelled bodysuit. She shifted her bag on her shoulders as she stepped onto the ship, scrunching her eyes shut and stretching a little. That was pleasant, she thought to herself as she proceeded to her quarters to toss her bag in the corner.

Midori sat back into her chair with a small sigh, still not quiet used to the chair. With a look around the bridge, Midori raised Yuriko. "Taii Yuriko, the YSS Amaya is ready for departure." Came the message from the cadet, her face blank yet again.

Saito had already returned to the ship before others had and was relaxing for a bit in the wardroom and headed for the bridge. He was wearing a soft blue shirt with the standard red hakama as he approached it and walked onto the bridge. "Hello Yuriko-chan." he said.

A window would pop up from the small redheaded techie (Who would be Kessah if the hints didn't point you in the direction) to Yuriko. Although for once it wasn't a text message, it had her talking. "All green down here, we're ready. Although I found a present one of the Fortress's crew left." She held up a yellow smiley sticker that had 'Kylie wuz here' on it.

"Hello Saito-kun." Yuriko said as she ran a check on the aether generators current output, finding them to be within normal operational levels she moved on before responding to Midori. "Have the rest of the Spec Ops Group launch. The Asamoya will arrive shortly."

Koharu had returned to the bridge, thinking quietly to herself. She wasn't sure how to tell the crew that this would be her last mission with them. She hadn't quite thought of what it was she was going to do but the recent events had left her wondering if her heart was really in the military still...

"Hai." Midori said, giving a small nod and a mental command to the rest of the ships in the group to go ahead and launch, as well as a command down to Aoiko.

"Acknowledged," Aoiko said from her console. "All personnel are on board and all our supplies are in order. I am initiating the launch procedure now."

Yuriko looked up as Koharu entered the bridge then. "Hey Koharu, enjoy your shoreleave?" She asked as she finished up her work and then moved to the captain's chair. The Taii seated herself, and opend a volumetric window in front of her to check the status of the rest of the group. They'd launched just as ordered, and were in position within minutes.

Reiko stood beside Midori, her arms inside of her sleeves as she simply stood there, eyes closed.

"Welcome Back!" The Amaya's MEGAMI suddenly pipped up after having been quite for so long. As usual, the computer's voice was chipper, and slightly bubbly.

Koharu smiled softly at Yuriko with a nod. "I did... I actually... this will probably be my last mission with you, Yuri," she said very quickly. She seemed discouraged by this bit of information.

Saito blinked, having been standing behind Yuriko's chair, his ears twitching as he listened to what was going on and glanced to Koharu. "Something wrong?" he asked politely.

Yuriko tilted her head in puzzlement. "Is something the matter?" She asked, slightly concerned.

"You may sit if you wish to Reiko." Midori told her shadow, gesturing out to the consoles in front of her.

The crimson eyed Shoi seemed to consider her answer for a few moments, "I think I need some time away from the Star Army to reconsider some things... but since I hold a commission, I put in for some time piloting a desk until I can decide on what I wish to do with my career. The recent developments in some.... old truths have disturbed me... and I need to rethink my life."

"I'd rather stay close." Reiko responded, seemed she took her duty seriously.

Yuriko nodded slightly."I understand Koharu, it's been a rough time for all of us and for you. "The Taii said as she looked to her XO. "Well, why don't we make the best of this mission then?" She asked with a soft smile. "Koharu, please take us out and fall into formation with the rest of the group, and head to our last known coordinates while we were on our mission, just outside of Misato's Nebula..."She said the last somewhat reluctantly, granted Yuriko had recorded the name of the nebula, she'd just done so in private and so now one would've known of the name quite yet.

Saito perked a brow to her and snickered softly.

The Shoi nodded and complied, easing the ship gently away from Hotaru and towards the nebula. As she focused on her piloting of the Himiko-Class, she idly wondered when it'd be the next time she would fly one once the misison was over.

"And after this mission is over, I think I just may have a going away present for you Koharu-chan." Yuriko replied as the Asamoya and the Spec Op's group made their way towards the nebula again.

"That's sweet of you, Yuri. You don't have to though," Koharu commented softly with a grateful smile, despite the fact she was looking dead ahead at where they were going.

"Just so happens I came across an even older bottle of alcohol then the scotch I gave you." Yuriko explained with a soft chuckle. "Not by much, just a different kind. Do you like Absinthe?" she asked her XO.

Saito blinked a bit and sighed. "Oh dear..." he chuckled a bit.

Koharu chuckled, "Oh my. I've heard of it but have never gotten a chance to try it. One of these days, I'll have to find out where you are finding these little treasures."

"And I would rather you sit." Midori said, pointing to the weapons systems with a small glare.

"Oh places..."Yuriko said vaguely. Truth be told she acquired such goods from a few discreet contacts in the Yamataian Black Market.

Reiko didn't say anything, and her expression did not change. She had a feeling Midori was still thinking of the arguement from the other day. The samurai just took the seat as she was told, but remained utterly silent. Until Midori got over it Reiko wouldn't be too nice to her lover.

"Tanashiro, reporting!" Miya called as she stepped onto the bridge and bowed low. "I apologise for my lateness. I was just straightening up the lab. Should I review what we already know about where we're going?" As she spoke, she walked over to the science console and seated herself.

Akeno had long since returned to the Asamoya and was currently in the medical bay, sitting behind a desk, just relaxing a bit after checking the equipment to make sure they were restocked with medical supplies. He was pleased to find the status of all the crew's ST backups were current and secure. "All things good here." He communicated up to the bridge.

Saito nodded to Miya as she showed up adn chuckled a bit. "It's not a big thing, just don't be late again." He chuckled a bit.

"Haiii" Saya chimed in along with Akeno. Apparently she had gotten over the whole end of the dare party deal.

"Yes Miya, please do, the last time we were at the nebula MEGAMI detected a series of protostars in a neighboring system." Yuriko explained as she saw the girl take her station "Thank you Akeno." The Taii said to the doctor as she listened to her bridge crew.

"Weapons are operational." Reiko finally said her voice flat as she continued to stare at the screen in front of her.

Miya hummed lightly to herself as she drew up the previously-collected data, already taking notes about various experiments she'd want to run and what holes in the data she needed to fill.

Aoiko, meanwhile, continued on with guiding the Amaya and speaking with the other controllers in the group, firmly ignoring the drama behind her.

"Miya," Yuriko called as she leaned her head on a chin. "What do you think it is we'll find?" She asked, wanting the girl's opinion.

"Insufficient data as of yet, I'm afraid," Miya called back. "I don't want to make any hypotheses this early. 'Protostars' is all I'm really willing to say until we get there."

"We may get lucky and watch the birth of a planet too." Saito said. "We'd be witnessing the beginning of a new race possibly. It's entirely possible at least." He said.

Yuriko smiled slightly. "We shall see when we arrive at our previous coordinates, according to MEGAMI that will be in a few minutes."

A window would pop up in front of Saito, with a image of Kessah raising a brow sharply to Saito, although no text. Apparently she was watching/listening.

Saito blinked at the image of Kessah giving him a brow raise. "Oh come now Kessah. Wouldn't you like to see something like that?" He said to her through the window.

A text message would appear, "Thats not how it works, Saito."

"Ano... Perhaps if we have several billion years to wait, Saito-sama," Miya sheepishly said.

"That's the thing Miya, Kessah. Time is not constant in space." Saito said. "it's only constant on these ships. But hey, I still got a right to be idealistic." he said.

"Theretically we could create a planet, or rather a star. All you need is a nebula, and extreme gravity, then start a nuclear reaction in the center to get things going. That is if I am correct." Yuriko replied with a little shrug.

A window would pop up for both Saito and Yuriko, "Not really." Said the text at first before continueing, "There is more than one way to create a planet, although the definiton of a planet is very broad. But technicality... A Star
Fortress is a planet. I think... At least a moon."

"But we really shouldn't do that, if life were to form as a result of what we'd done. Would that not make us creation deities to them?" Saito smirked a bit at the quandary of it. Saito chuckled to Kessah at that and shrugged. "I never claimed to be studied in astrometrics."

"Fact of the matter is, of course, is that you can't create life just by making a rock have a atmosphere. Otherwise there would be a lot more living things in the universe. I do believe only 3% of planets have living things on it, or at least thats the projection." Said the text message to Saito.

"But there isn't a concrete number." Saito said. "There is no way you can go to each and every planet to find life. More than that may contain life as well, not intelligent mind you." he said.

"You are forgetting they would have millions of years worth of evolution Saito-kun." Yuriko chided.

"Touche." Saito said, rubbing the back of his head.

"I wasn't talking sentient. Hell, that number is even for Bacteria, which is usually the very first thing that forms on a planet," came another text message to Saito. "However, you are but a Samurai. So its okay, your brain was made for hitting stuff with pointy objects." Kessah could be a little playfully mean~.

Saito's brow ticc'ed slightly before he started laughing at that. "Just because it's made for that doesn't mean I can't try and expand it." he retorted to Kessah. A unique trait among samurai, the ability to laugh at oneself.

"Kessah, shush. For someone who supposidly hates planets you seem to know about them." Yuriko retorted.

The Taii then blinked and looked at her samurai.

"And Kessah has been officially owned." Saito chortled a bit and calmed himself down. "It's fun to speculate."

A image of Kessah sticking her tongue out playfully to Saito would appear, while she was in a bit of a tangle of wires, and then a text message popped in front of Yuriko. "People used to fine us Spacers if with supposedly messed up the creation of a planet." It was rather matter O' factly.

Yuriko just shook her head. "You make no sense sometimes you know that?" She sighed.

"Hey, I don't comment on your traditions of bowing and stuff you... Non-spacer person." Came a text to Yuriko, "Now I need to work on this more and exchange less witty banter with you lot." She wanted to use a better word instead of 'Non-spacer', but it was more insulting and its meaning probably wouldn't come to them. Oh well.

Saito blinked and shrugged a bit, a bit lost on the whole 'spacer' thing but simply shrugged a bit.

"Considering I was born in space, I do believe I'd constitute in being a spacer dear. Also, our," Yuriko corrected, "Traditions are yours too now. You're a Yamataian after all, so it kind of comes with the territory."

"'Fraid you aren't a spacer, Yuriko. Although you are someone who trots about space... But if you called yourself a spacer in a spacer society you'd probably get laughed at. Or spaced if they were in a particularly foul mood. And thats a technicality." Came another message. "But thats all from me..."

"I admit, I am completely lost in what she means." Saito said.

"Oh? And what does it take to be a spacer pray tell?"Yuriko asked idly as she went over the sensor readings. "Anything yet Miya?"

Yuriko wouldn't get a message in return, as Kessah said.

Yuriko just snortted. "Sometimes I wonder about her." She shook her head.

Miya would detect what appeared to be a ship, barely operational...Ender class...

"I have a contact," Miya said. "An Ender class. It doesn't appear to be doing well." She quickly sent the coordinates and relevant information to Yuriko and Koharu.

"Midori-Kohoseiiiiii, I am detecting a ship!" The Amaya's MEGAMI chimed in right after Miya detected it too.

"An Ender class ship?" Yuriko asked as she received the information. The Taii then checked MEGAMI's databanks finding out just what an Ender was. She quickly skimmed the schematics and nodded. "It is an old design...why would one be out here?"

Midori's ears twitched slightly as she looked up. "Location?" Midori asked before she sent the notice to Yuriko.

"Yuriko-Taii's MEGAMI is sending me the location now!" Amaya replied. Seemed Yuriko's ship was on top of things.

"Bring up the location on screen please." Midori requested.

It seemed to be chugging northward, about halfway between the two star systems in the passage...

A large stellar map popped up, and a small chibi figure of the Amaya and the rest of the group along with it. "We're here" Amaya said indicating the figures. "And this is where the ship is being detected!" The computer said putting up a large question mark inside of something called Misato's passage.

Aoiko just stared, dead-eyed, at the chibi figure on the starmap.

"Perhaps we should try to communicate with it?" Saito suggested.'Or would the passage have some properties that would interfere?"

"I am sure you've detected it too. "Yuriko's face, and voice suddenly showed up on the screen in front of Midori.

Koharu waited for the resolution, remarking quietly to herself, "That's cute.. when did they start adding those to our maps?"

"I believe it is the work of the Amaya's MEGAMI." Yuriko eyed it as she spoke.

Yuriko would see Midori's eyebrow twitch a little at the chibi figures before she sighed a little. Figures I get stuck with the airhead MEGAMI... "Hai Taii-Yuriko, we have detected the ship. Orders?"

"Please keep weapons on standby, have defensive systems online. We're setting a course to intercept now, and I am attempting to hail the ship" Yuriko both said and ordered. She didn't want to go in guns blazing if there were friendlies on board...if that is at all possible. "Why do you think a ship that old would be out this far?" The Taii asked Midori.

Hails received no reply...

Reiko looked over at Aoiko then. "This MEGAMI is much more different then the YC-28's... "She pointed out with a small shake of her head.

"Yes, rather," Aoiko said with just a hint of a sigh. She turned back to her console. "Hails are recieving no reply," she said, tapping her cheek.

"Possibly hostile?" Reiko asked. Mishhu had been known on occasion to commandeer YSE ships.

Yuriko tried to hail again as her group of ships entered the passage now. The Asamoya was in the center of the spherical formation.

"I could send for weapons from the armoury before we draw near, Midori-sama," Aoiko offered.

The Ender, seeming to only now detect them, plotted a route which would go around them, close to the nebula...

"Reiko, please go suit up. Aoiko, have weapon systems online..." Midori tilted her head, watching the odd ship. "My only guess would be a dead ship. Possibly to far away to resupply, sickness during the plague, or something else." Midori replied to Yuriko.

"But Midori-sama....the ship is changing course!" Midori's MEGAMI pointed out.

"It's possibly adrift..." Saito was about to say and blinked. "Ok that one's out the window." he sighed. "It's seeming to avoid us..." he said, noticing the shift in flight path on a display.

"It has changed its course. I am bringing weapons up to standby," Aoiko cooly said as she flicked switches at her console - as well, she requested some weapons heavier than their sidearms be brought to the bridge.

Reiko got to her feet, and left the bridge swiftly, heading to the power armor bay.

Yuriko just tapped her chin. "The plague was over with long before this class of ship was built Midori." The Taii explained as she changed course to intercept the ship again.

Midori was silent as she considered another possibility. "True. A deserter?" Midori asked as she watched Reiko leave.

The ship, trying to increase speed, suddenly stopped dead, its FTL systems having issues visible on sensors--it was in as bad a shape inside as outside, it seemed. It headed, with STL, toward the Nebula..

"It is possible..."Yuriko mumbled, not wanting to draw that conclusion just yet. "Oh my...I am picking up damage on the ship, the FTL systems seem to be either damaged or offline." The Taii then looked to Miya. "Miya, please keep watching that ship. And report any course changes." The Taii ordered as the Asamoya increased its speed to try and catch up, still she tried hailing. For all she knew it could be a deserter as Midori had said or pirates, she just didn't know.

"Hai!" Miya said, fixing the Asamoya's sensors on the ship and attempting to do a deep sensor scan.

"Amaya, you are to follow Taii Yuriko's ship and keep all weapon systems ready and locked onto the ship. Please also charge the main cannon." Midori asked as she also silently asked for a readout of the nebula's make up.

On the Amaya, one of the sprites, a girl with dark blue hair would bring a few NSP sub machine guns from an armory up to the bridge. "I brought what reiko-sama wanted." the sprite said with an armful of wepaons and a couple body armor suits for Midori and Reiko. The girl's short blue hair fluttered as she glanced around for her, her red eyes looking to Midori.

The ship would not reach the nebula before Asamoya closed the distance...meanwhile, a shimmer appeared on Yuriko's bridge...

Spotting the shimmer, Saito stepped toward it a half step and watched it curiously. "What the hell.."

Suddenly, with a pop, a Mishhu appeared. Normally, it would have been prudent to shoot it...had it not had a mop.

"...BOB BACK HOME!"

"Haaaaaaiii." Amaya did as she was told, the positron cannons remained at the ready, weapon pods ready to launch, and the power began to build up in the Aether Shock Cannon. As for the makup of the nebula, it was mostly made up of simple gases, but with a few florescent ones that gave it a soft glow. There were also a few flamable gasses in there too.

Yuriko's eye brow shot up at seeing the shimmer. Seeing who it was Yuriko slumped in her chair and let out a loud sigh. "Yes, we're back home." She spoke to the janitor.

"What the ... Oh, hi Bob." Saito said with a laugh but blinked. "How the heck did you get here..?

Bob may have had difficulty hearing that over Miya's scream as she yanked her chair round backwards for cover and levelled her NSP at the beast.

Saito blinked. "Calm down, Miya, he's our Janitor." He said reassuringly to her.

"Mel person take all Mishhu away, but Bob miss nice Fleshies. Let Bob come back!"

Aki appeared behind Miya. "Hey, don't shoot Bob." She whispered right into the woman's ear.

"Gah!" was Miya's reply as she whipped her gun round to Aki's face.

Yuriko nodded. "Of course Bob, you can come back." She said with a soft smile.

Aki just wore a flat expression, the orange haired sprite looking dead at Miya. "No more clean sheets for you."

Miya hurriedly pointed her handgun at the floor, whipping her eyes around the others on the bridge. "What's going on?" she demanded.

"Uh I just told you Miya..." Saito said. "Bob here is our friend and serves as the janitor on this ship."

"I am suited up." Reiko called to the bridge.

"Midori-sama! I just detected a dimensional disturbance on the Asamoya's bridge." Amaya said suddenly.

"Taii Yuriko are you ok?" Midori's voice nearly shouted out over the bridge of the Asamoya, wondering what in the hell was going on over there.

"What's going on that makes sense?" Miya clarified.

"Bob is a Mishhuvurthyar we met while traveling into the Y?gumo cluster for the first time, we were retaking a fifth ship and he was there in the middle of a fire fight cleaning. He was lobotomized by his own people, and rendered docile."
Yuriko explained.

The lobotomised Mishhu began to idly clean the bridge, not paying any mind to the screaming or the gun...the scar on his skull remained, though he tried to cover it with what looked like a paper hat.

Miya slid her pistol back to her holster, but continued to stare wide-eyed at the monster.

Soon, they were near the Ender...

Yuriko got to her feet and walked over to the Mishhu, as if to prove to Miya he was harmless. The Taii then stroked his faceplate smiling. "Welcome Back Bob."

Saito came back to Midori to reassure her everything was fine. "Midori, everything's fine, we jus tgot a crewmate back." He said to her.

"Glad back, Boss Fleshie! I clean real good! Make up lost time!"

"It's just the Janitor Midori." Yuriko called from where she was standing with the Mishhu, the screen would turn and Yuriko could be seen patting a fullgrown Mishhuvurthyar on his face plate. "You know Bob...I made sure we restocked on something...Haru has an entire refridgerator full of peaches"

"PEACHES! Place I go had no peaches! Have peaches please?" The Mishhu asked, bouncing up and down...

"Yes yes, they're in the kitchen, go ask Haru for some." Yuriko chuckled and then returned to her seat. "Status Miya?"

"We... We're catching up on the Ender," Miya said, communicating telepathically with her console so as not to take an eye off the Mishhu.

Midori jerked up straight at the sight of the Mishhu, eyes going wide. "YURIKO!? What the hell is that thing doing!?" She hadn't heard about the Mishhu

Saito could only laugh at Bob's bouncing. "I've never seen a Mishhu do that."

Behind Midori, Aoiko was clearly ferrosynthesizing blades from her tentacles.

The sprite holding the weapons on the Amaya's bridge just looked at it passively as if she didn't even care. "It looks harmless. It isn't attacking them." She pointed out.

Yuriko just waved a hand dismissively at Midori and yawned. "That is Bob, our Janitor, don't worry he is docile. We found him when we were retaking a fifth scout. Sad thing is he'd been lobotomized by his own people so I think that's why he's like that. MEGAMI's already certified him harmless."

Midori went to double check the status with MEGAMI as she eyed the Mishhu darkly, her hand on her sword which had been placed conviently in a small holder at the side of her chair.

Bob sped out the door toward the kitchen, like a Mishhu on a mission...and they got close enough to confirm the vessel's identity..the 2nd SF's YSS Yamataibare...MIA at Ralfaris, YE 26.

Reiko's helmeted head popped up right beside Yuriko's image. "What, you didn't know about Bob, Midori?" She asked sounding as if she were enjoying this. "I met him, and I can tell you he is indeed harmless."

"As we discussed the other day Midori, not all beings are bad, even if they are twisted as you seem to think." Yuriko said shortly before nodding to Miya. She checked the readings then, her brow knitting together as she concentrated.

The blue haired sprite looked at the weapons Aoiko was forming as well as Midori's grabbing of the sword. "And what good would that do...not like you can teleport over there without a mindy..." Dumbasses. She said to the officers then thought to herself.

"If there are Mishhu there, there could easily be Mishhu here!" Aoiko snapped at the sprite. "Do you have no conception of what they can do?"

"Off the bridge now!" Midori snapped at the sprite, glaring at the girl. Midori bristled a little at the reminder of their argument before she settled back to her chair, glaring at the screen for a moment before cutting the feed from both.

The sprite looked at Aoiko. "But there aren't. Amaya would've immediately known." She pointed out. "And I do have a conception of what they can do. Frankly, I don't care if I end up an incubator, it wouldn't stop me from killing them" She smiled happily at that thought. When Midori snapped at her she scowled darkly and put the weapons Reiko had wanted close to teh back wall in protest and floated out to go read isntead of provoking trouble.

Yuriko just shook her head. "She's still hot and bothered about that arguement I see." She said idly as she continued to work. Having the ship's name, registry, and what little info on it piqued' her interest then. "If it isn't responding to proper hails we'll try the direct approach. Asamoya, interface with the Yamataibare's computer if you can."

"Ano...why are you always so crabby?" Amaya asked the sprite.

The sprite blinked. "I'm not crabby...I'm just...Dark." The girl said as she walked away from the bridge. "I like being different than the stamp-molded other sprites.."

"Hai Taii." Asamoya said in her chilling voice before she began to interface, first testing for any barriers before going about interfacing.

Nihonbare's computer had also taken damage, and seemed to accept access codes from that era...

The Asamoya quickly did a check for access codes from the era it was accepting and quickly went about using them. Before long she was into the system. "Taii Yuriko, I have gained access."

"Good, scan for life forms, and if there are any aboard, establish a comm line with visual if you can." Yuriko ordered.

"Ha-Hai," Miya said nervously as she slowly turned back to her console.

There was one not in stasis...

and about 15 in stasis.

"Can you just let it go already?" Reiko asked Midori over a private channel as she awaited further orders.

Midori remained silent for a moment or so as she waited for Yuriko to contact her.

Asamoya was already working, attempting to raise the one member not in stasis.

The video was horrible, and the audio wasn't much better...

"...Ident.....selves."

The MEGAMI began to work on improving the feed. "Attention, this is the YSS Asamoya, identify yourself and stop your flight."

The ship froze.

"...YSS....thank Chih...this YSS....taibare. Thrust .....ght years through with....trying to get home. Have woun...stasis. This Nito Heisho...."
The communication terminated...

Saito blinked. "Seems like they got pulled into the wormhole Ralfaris vanished through and came out here." He said. "I feel bad for them. That ship won't make a journey back. We should probably either recover them to our ship or tow it to Hotaru for repairs." the male said.

"Transmission has terminated Taii." Asamoya said aloud.

Scanners registered a small explosion, not killing anyone, but disabling the radio, and other systems...life support and stasis remained.

Yuriko sighed and got to her feet. "Midori, I am going over there." She said as she left the bridge, and Koharu in charge as she headed towards the portside power armor bay. "Datenshi, prep a Mindy for me, and for yourself." She called.

"Already ready for you Taii. I'm suited as well." As a normal custom for herself, Datenshi usually prepped one Mindy suit for each member of the ship, for worst case scenarios.

Saito was close behind Yuriko as usual. "I'll go with you." he said calmly, but wondered if Tenshi had one for him too. "Tenshi, I hope you have one ready for me too." he called in a moment.

"Doctor Akeno and Saya, please be prepared for possible injured." Yuriko said as she entered the bay and began to strip.

"Understood." Akeno replied to her and began to prepare for the possibility.

"Of course captain pushy ass..." Datenshi said in a playful tone, rolling her eyes a little.

Saya giggled and nodded before giving Yuriko a high pitched "Haiii" and a salute. It was a moment more before she sprung into action.

Saito merely chuckled at Tenshi's playful tone. "Bah, you know you like it." he said and began to strip as well to don the Mindy.

There seemed to be an effort on the ship to stabilize and repair the radio.

Yuriko got herself into the Mindy, holding the helmet in one hand. "Everyone, please do not kill, only stun if necessary." She said before putting the helmet on.

"Hai" Datenshi said, making sure to switch her gun over to stun now as she waited to follow.

"Yeah." Saito agreed and slipped the helmet of the mindy on after making his hair shorten to fit into it and slipped his gun to stun as well.

"Alright, launch." Yuriko ordered before she left the power armor bay and out into the vast void that was space.

Datenshi was close behind, her gun attached to her hardpoint at her side.

The condition of the ship would be apparant, riddled with wholes from attacks...part of the ship's ventral area was just...gone. Combined with 4 years without upkeep, it was just barely running at all...

Yuriko scanned the vessel via her AIES, and with her own sight. "This ship is an engineer's nightmare made manifest." She muttered, sounding slightly put out.

Saito would be the last out of the bay, just carrying the standard configuration and just holding the rifle as he took off with the two ladies. "Man this ship has had the hell beat out of it. It's a miracle it's even still moving."

"Good thing Nana can't see it, eh Yuriko?" Datenshi asked with a little chuckle.

"BOB CLEAN IT WHEN YOU DONE!" The Mishhu bellowed out, over the radio...

Saito blinked and started laughing over the com. "You might scare the poor survivor, Bob..." he said.

Yuriko squeaked at the loud voice and rubbed at her helmeted head. "Of course you can Bob, but right now we need to see what all needs to be cleaned." She said as she scanned for a hatch, or an airlock.

There was a blown off airlock on aft...

Yuriko spotted a airlock that seemed to have either been blown apart, or was damaged. "Found an airlock, aft side, Asamoya, can you tell me if it is stable enough to enter through?"

Asamoya did a scan of the Airlock, before replying, "No Taii, the airlock is not stable. It has been destroyed and therefore it has entered into the vaccum.

Yuriko just shook her head. She drifted towards the airlock anyways, looking around trying to find a way to either repair it, or jury rig it to allow entrance.

There was...the main power cable had been severed, and could be bypassed...

Datenshi came closer with Yuriko, tilting her head a little. While a engineer for only so long, she still had a little knowledge. "Hey Yuri-chan? Look here. The power cable is cut." Datenshi set up a small blinker on the cable.

Saito floated out of the two's way, shrugging. He'd have to do more studying if he wanted to be useful in a situation like this one.

As they floated in, an NH-7 Neko, long suffocated, was floating in the bay...she looked to have been knocked out, and died...a Santo Hei just starting her life, and well preserved in the vaccuum of space...

Saito looked over at the poor soul and looked down, feeling sad for her. "Poor girl...didn't even get to experience her life..." He mused to himself sadly. "A 7...this ships has been out here for a very long time.."

Yuriko just shook her head sadly. An idea came to mind however. She rummaged around the wiring and began stripping different ones, twisting others together, all in a bid to at least to try and get the airlock into some sembalance of working.

With a spark and a flicker, she succeeded....now to pressurize the airlock...

"Not bad Yuriko." Datenshi patted the woman on the shoulder and nodded.

"Asamoya, can you pressurize the airlock?" Yuriko asked as she looked to 'Tenshi. "Well...I try." She shrugged.

Asamoya attempted to pressurize the airlock using it's link to the other ship's computer.

Soon, with some effort, air filled the bay...4 years too late for its occupant.

Saito sighed, still feeling a bit down. "I hope the rest of the occupants aren't like this poor girl." he said. 'Shall we proceed?"

Yuriko sighed, and entered the ship after she was certain there was indeed air, and the place was pressurized. "Yes, we'll head towards the bridge." The Taii said after a few moments. Soon after however she began to walk forward, and into what she considered a relic of the past.

There weren't bodies here, but the roughened nature of the ship indicated that these halls likely held them at one time...when they got to the bridge, a lone unifmred soldier sat in the command chair, malnourised and unshaven...

"...From the YSS Asamoya?"

Yuriko nodded her helmeted head, and ran a quick check on the air to see if it was safe to take her helmet off.

It was stale, but breathable...after all, this Geshrin male seemed able to breathe it, so surely she could.

Datenshi had the gun trained on the Geshrin, using both her eyes as well as the suit's sensors to track the male in the seat.

Yuriko popped the seal holding her helmet in place, and took it off her head. The Taii shook her head to get the hair out of her eyes as she placed the helmet under an arm.

Datenshi decided to leave her helmet on.

The man seemed to note the gun, but when Yuriko pulled off her helmet, he looked shocked.

"...Miyoshi-Juni! Oh, Doc, are YOU a sight for sore eyes! I'd just about given up on seeing a familiar face!"

Yuriko just blinked, and looked at her comrades, first Saito, then Datenshi. She looked a little confused. "Miyoshi?" She asked the man looking puzzled. "My mother's last name is Miyoshi... Her first name is Remi, but my name is Yuriko, Yuriko Kakutama, and I am not an enlisted, or a warrant officer...I'm an officer, a Taii." She didn't seem to be offended, quite the opposite, she appeared to be quite curious.

"...Taii? Sorry about that...I forgot how long I'd been gone, Kakutama-Taii. Four years can be a generation for Nekos, while it's more like 20 per generation for Geshrin like me."

The tall man said, seeming a bit nostalgic, just from seeing Yuriko's face.

"Your mother and I served together--she was the Medical Officer on the ship I flew my Ronin out of."

Yuriko just blinked. "Gone? What do you mean?" She asked, taking a step closer now. And a Geshrin? She knew the Species Restriction Act had been lifted, but she hadn't seen a Geshrin on a Star Army ship just yet, let alone such an old design. And a Ronin? That starfighter was practically ancient! "A Ronin? You would've had to have flown one in like the YE 25 or so, those things are ancient and out of date now."


Saito was just lax and yawning, watching the Geshrin. "This ship needs to be in a museum..." he uttered.

Datenshi nodded, her weapon lowering and eventually, she took off her helmet.

"The last time I've been in friendly space was YE 26. I was fighting at Ralfaris in my Ronin when the planet went, but...the Qel'Norans used some kind of interdimensional gate to escape, and we were dragged along for a good couple hundred Light Years...I saved all the fellow pilots I could, and the YSS Yamataibare's crew, putting them in stasis...I fixed what I could and began crawling back at low FTL speed with minimal sensors and no FTL communications...I wish I hadn't skimped on my technical training...but that's the story. I've been nursing this ship, crawling back toward home for 4 years."

He said, with a sigh...

"This last year was pretty bad...I WOULD have to go through Mishhu space to get home."

Yuriko emitted a low whistle. "Tell me, what is your name?" She asked, wanting the man's name to run a check, just to be on the safe side, and to see if the man had any family should he be the genuine article.

"Nito Heisho Yuki Kenichi, 1st SF." He replied, before rising and bowing...

Yuriko just waved a hand at him to sit. "No need to bow, I'm sure you're tired."She replied kindly as she ran the check through MEGAMI to see what would turn up.

MEGAMI would return a moderate-sized file.

Nito Heisho Yuki Kenichi, who did indeed look like the image in his fileplus the stubble, was indeed a Ronin pilot, participating in the Battles of Nepleslia and Ralfaris, MIA in the latter. He was legally dead, survived by parents Yuki Daisuke and Yuki Yuriko. Also survived by two younger sisters, Yuki Mariko, aged 15, and Yuki Shinobu, aged 7; as well as his younger brother, Yuki Toshiro, aged 18.

It would also show that within the past couple days, Yuki Toshiro and the SRSS Yggdrasill fleet had discovered and named a star system in his memory.

Saito relaxed a bit and shed his helmet in a bit too and held it under his arm and shook his hair out of the necklline of it. "Nice to meet you Yuki-san." he said.

"Ano..."Yuriko held an armored finger up to her lower lip as she read the files from within her mind. "You've been gone for a long time it seems...a lot has happened over the last four years you know." She finally said as she lingured over the name of Yuki Toshiro...Remi worked for him.

"So I imagine...Kakutama-Taii, I don't know how long this ship can maintain power, and I have fifteen people in stasis with injuries they WILL die from if power fails. I don't presume to order you around, but...can we move them or fix the ship ASAP?"

Yuriko just nodded at first. "I've already downloaded the ship's diagrams, and both myself and Datenshi," She pointed to the red haired neko." Are or rather were engineers. The best the 1st XF has had I bet 'Tenshi is thinking." She smirked slightly as she looked to her armorer a momen before looking back to Kenichi. "Do you have tools? Portable power generators? Anything?"

"Damn right we're the best!" Datenshi said as she nodded with a grin, giving Yuriko a thumbs up.

Saito shook his head at that and sighed a bit, still feeling bummed out. "Are you the only person alive who isn't in stasis sir?" he asked the survivor.

"If I have it, it's hooked up someplace...I'm even using regulated Aether Bombs as crude generators...and yes, I'm the only one." He said, pulling up a status report on the ship...it was not QUITE a write off, and maybe worth salvaging, but they were better off moving the wounded if possible.

Datenshi looked over the small report and gave a low whistle. "Taii, we're better off haulin' them over to the Asamoya, so the doctors and nurses can take care of 'em."

"I see..."Yuriko murmured, the mentions of aether bombs being used as a source of power sent a chill down her spine. "Yes, I agree. Have our shuttle sent over, and the nurse sprites along with a doctor on board please. Also have them bring two portable aether generators, and my own set of tools. I give them permission to enter my suite to retrieve my tools." She then looked at the bridge, frowning. "Kenichi, what is the status of main, secondary and auxilary power on the ship?"

"Main doesn't exist, Secondary is at 42%. Auxilury? I've had to slowly harvest its subsystems just to keep secondary power going."

Datenshi nodded and stepped aside, sending off the nessecary messages to get the people moving.

Yuriko just shook her head. "The secondary power source is a Quantum Core...Auxilary power should be four aetheric generators. Are you sure they're not just leaking off power somewhere?" She asked as she stepped over to a console, seeing if it worked, finding it did to some degree she accessed the power subsystems, and power distribution systems. "Tenshi' we'll also have to be notifying Hotaru of the situation." She said with a small frown. "Also let Midori know how things are going, she's likely sitting on pins and needles without me keeping her updated."

"Transmission has already been sent to Hotaru Taii, and I just sent one to Midori...She sends back a growl and an Ok." Datenshi said with a small chuckle as she waited on a return message from Hotaru.

Kyuuka just perked up slightly as she receieved the summons. "Seems like we got work, and off the ship too." She remarked as she strode over to a cabinet and grabbing a field medical kit."

"Am I going to be needed?"Reiko asked as she still stood in the power armor bay fully suited up. She felt a little stupid just standing there.

"It's possible, I'm not an Engineer...that's my kid brother's area. If you can bring it back up, it'll help." Kenichi said, embarrassed at his lack of skill.

"Hold off for the time being please." Midori said in her cold tone before thinking better of the command. "Remain suited up, but relax. You may need to help transporting injured though." Midori said aloud.

"Off ship? Wonderful. I will go get the Taii's tools. Miss Saya, Mister Akeno, which of you two will be going?" Fuyu asked as she began to leave.

"I am not opposed to going! I think it would be fun." Saya said in a somewhat chipper tone. She had no idea of the history behind such a ship.

Akeno glanced over at them. "Go ahead and go then I'll get things ready here." He grinned lightly at them.

"I am trying to re-route auxilary power through a set of secondary power conduits now. This ship is so damaged I am surprised it is still even active." Yuriko said as she continued. "The portable generators will help immensely once we have them set up, they are...more advanced than their earlier equivalents."She explained. "So, while I am working do you have any questions Kenichi?"

"Haiii!" Saya said before trotting off twoards the shuttle bay, her tools in hand as she awaited to leave. Fuyu would be in the bay in a few moments as well to await one of the sprites to take them over. Yuriko's tools were in her hands.

"You forgot the generators."Kyuuka pointed out as she arrived holding the medkit.

"Yeah...what has happened in the past four years? I'm curious..." He asked, watching her work...

"Wonderful...I will return." Fuyu muttered somewhat darkly as she left the tools to find the generators.

"many." Saito said as he leaned up against the wall. Having nothing more to do here really, talk about feeling useless in a situation one had no control over.

"Well...a new war began starting in YE28 and lasted until this year, YE30. It was a bloody and long campaign. I participated in a majority of missions in YE29, including the battle of Taiie, and Nataria. Taiie was destroyed, and Nataria was nearly crippled. We were pushed back right at almost our front door... the Mishhu were literally able to launch an attack on Nataria. And now they're simply gone, just gone..."Yuriko said as she continued. "I don't know why but they are, they could've had us, but they just up and left."

"...No way..." He said, quite shocked at this news...

"Yes way." Saito quipped. "Unfortunate but true and now we're all on pins and needles in case they knew something we don't." he said with a sigh.

"We even found Empress Yuumi, I was apart of that mission."Yuriko explained with a small shake of her head. "Also, the Ketsurui no longer rule, it is the Motoyoshi now, Uesu has left known space I believe to explore." The lights on the bridge flickered a little and brightened just a little. "I can do no more until we get our supplies."

Kyuuka just shook her head and shooed Saya on board as she picked up the Taii's tools.

"...Looks like I missed a textbook worth of history...I wonder how my family is doing..."

Saya needed no real shooing. She was finally getting to have some fun by helping people. It wasn't all that often she got to, what with doctor Akeno taking all her fun usually. That was of little matter as she scampered off down the hallway.

"She is a odd one..." Fuyu said, holding onto the generators now.

"Toshiro's doing quite well, I saw a communication that he claimed a star and named it after you." Saito smiled. "I dunno about the others."

He smiled at this...

"So space called to him too...I knew it would...he's...wow...almost 19 now..."

"My mother Remi works for him."Yuriko said as she looked about the bridge frowning slightly. "From what I can gather your brother sees her somewhat as an adviser on some issues."

"Most doctors are."Kyuuka added rolling her eyes as she took the pilots seat. "I've been looking at this ship through Big sis' eyes and it looks like a hunk of junk." She said as she powered the shuttle up, and opened the doors to the bay.

"...My kid brother is my superior's Boss?" This made him raise an eyebrow.

"Small Cosmos...well...not small enough for this ship." He said, as the lights flickered...

"It is a hunk of junk..." Fuyu said in return as she shrugged, looking to her sister. "I don't think we are hard..."

"Mother doesn't really consider him her superior, more along the lines of an equal. Civilian ships don't use our rigid structure of command I imagine."Yuriko just shrugged.

"Well, hunk of junk or not, we got to go over there. The Taii is demanding it." Kyuuka stated as the shuttle flew out of the bay and towards the battered Ender class gunship. "Besides, have you been listening to their conversation? They got some guy over there who was at Ralfaris, he's freaking ancient!" She cackled.

"Be polite." Akeno said to Kyuuka, listening in via the Asamoya in case something happens.

Fuyu swatted Kyuuka and shook her head. "Don't be so mean."

Kyuuka just snorted. "Well he is..." She muttered as the shuttle neared the ship, looking for a bay or a working airlock.

"Seriously now, I'm probably older than he is. Just be nice to the guy, he's been through enough already." Akeno sighed to Kyuuka.

"Well, I guess he's doing well, if he's naming stars...and it's nice to have not been forgotten." He said, happy for that news...

"Man when you see them again you're going to look like some legendary phoenix." Saito chuckled. "You came back from a legal state of death."

"Mother did too you know, albet she's still KIA as far as everyone else is concerned." Yuriko said offhandedly.

"Yeah yeah I know."Kyuuka muttered as she synced up with an airlock, let it cycle, and got up from her seat. "Well, let's go save some lives then shall we?" She said briskly.

He nodded, deep in thought over that... "Of course...for all I know they may reactivate my commisssion, right?"

Fuyu nodded lightly before she stood as well. Saya was gone as soon as the door opened, off to the bay where the injured were.

Saito nodded to Yuriko and chuckled. "Yuriko-chan, I don't think death COULD keep that woman." he grinned a bit and nodded to Kenichi. "Probably, if you want them to."

Yuriko just shook her head. "I seriously doubt they'd want my mother, besides...I wonder when Remi will catch wind of her being alive again." After what Saito said, Yuriko couldn't help but nod in aggreement. "Only if you want too, I would think you'd have the choice, as it stands, we're only about ten light years or so from the Fifth Expeditionary Fleet's territory. they should be contacting us shortly. "

"I'll...have to consider it..." He said...

"Well, we had to contact them, my ship is working jointly with both them and the First Expeditionary Fleet. We were on an exploratory mission when we detected you." Yuriko explained as she was notified her sprites had arrived by seeing Kyuuka arrive on the bridge holding the medkit.

"We're here Taii, where do you need us?" She asked.

PAUSE

ON: YSS Asamoya

With Fuyu, Kyuuka and Kenichi off tending to the crew, Yuriko scooped up both generators in her arms, asking Saito to grab her helmet and tool kit. "Well 'Tenshi, shall we go and get to work then?" She asked the armorer idly.

Saito walked over and scooped up Yuriko's helmet and tools, one under each arm and glanced to the others before picking up to wait near her. "Probably, the longer we keep the ship afloat the longer the people have to get out."

"Yes, and we need to get to engineering to plug these generators in, and do whatever repairs we can." Yuriko added, nudging 'Tenshi.

"Hai hai, let's get to work!" Datenshi nodded a little and snagged the tools from Saito, waving them in front of his face. "And you don't know how to fix a ship, Yuriko and I do!" Cackling a little she went with the nudges and nodded, heading to engineering.

Saito shook his head and swatted her on the rump before she got too far away and walked with them both. "Don't rub in my uselessness Tenshi." He grumbled softly. "All I can really do here is remake wires."

"But it's Soooooooo fun!" She exclaimed, rolling her head back to look behind her as she walked ahead of him, cackling manically still.

Yuriko sighed. "Sad fact is I do, and I am building a warship too." She said afterwards following the two. "Though my mind is not currently on this mission, I must admit it is elsewhere." The Taii shook her head. "And guess what you two, as it turns out, my lady love, Misato is now head of SAINT." She smiled softly then. "I hope she keeps Black Spiral running about, around the clock without rest." This however she said with a little malicious glee.

Saito shook his head and sighed, seeming a little bummed."I'm gonna get you back for it Tenshi.." He said to her with a evil cackle in her mind.

"You know you're going to have to speak to her sometime within this century." Reiko said over the comm to Midori as she sat on the power armor bay deck, legs crossed, arms in her sleeves.

"I look forward to your inventiveness Saito!" Datenshi grinned and wiggled her hips before listening to Yuriko. With a little grumble Yuriko couldn't see, Datenshi muttered something along the lines of "Wonderful for her..."

"Not over a comm line Reiko..." Midori said with her usual cold dead sound.
Leigh de V. has joined the conference.

Saito blinked at Yuriko and chuckled a bit softly shaking his head. "You really don't like them do you...I bet Misato probably is running them ragged, just to make you happy." He chuckled and formed a silvery tentacle and whipped Tenshi's rump with it in response to her wiggling and wrapped about her waist for a second.

"Then go speak to her." Reiko urged.

"Black Spiral has done a lot to me and the crew of the Sakura in the past..."Yuriko said and sighed. "Things that caused a lot of pain and sorrow." She uttered as they found engineering, or rather what was left of it. Much like the rest of the ship it was a complete mess. Support beams out of place burnt out conduits, power cables, main power was a wreck, and as Kenichi had said, secondary and auxiliary barely operable. She looked for a console, only finding them blackened. "Oh dear..."

"We are in the middle of a mission. I will speak with her when we are finished." Midori said, a soft scolding sound to her tone.

Reiko sent Aoiko a text message right on her console saying, Help me out here.

Aoiko languidly flicked a lock of hair from her eye as she received the message. "What, precisely, do you need?" she messaged back.

You know what, I know you Aoiko you're still SAINT to the core, and have heard every word between me and Midori these past few minutes. Midori needs to speak to Yuriko. And the only way to make her is if we both urge her or if Yuriko herself asks. Reiko sent back

"Man this room is a wreck..." Saito said as he came into the room and copped a feel on Tenshi again as he looked around to see if things needed to be moved out to the direct way.

Reiko-san... I really do not wish to be involved in this manner of drama, Aoiko messaged back, flatly. If you ask for my help regarding it, I will offer it on my own terms, as a professional officer. Do you understand?

"Saito-kun, there is a time and a place." Yuriko mock scolded her bodyguard 'bonking' him on the head after putting the generators down on a relatively clean section of the deck.

Saito laughed softly. "I know, just all the deaths and sadness I can sense on this ship is bumming me out." he said.

"Enough now, wait till we get back to the ship Saito and then you can play with my lovely ass all you like." With a shrug she went ahead and went to a rather blackened area, gutting it out quickly to start the repair.

"Yeah I know." He responded to Tenshi before setting the helmet down in a spot that was out o ftheir way and moved back to lean against the wall and vanished. Activating his stealth and just leaning there, out of sight; out of mind afterall.

Yuriko moved over to a console, and wiped away black soot. Lips pursed, she kneeled down and opened the casing. "Saito-kun...you said you could make wires?" She asked, her eyes large, a multitude of the wires inside were scorched or melted. "If I can rewire this perhaps we can get it working again, and I'll be better able to diagnose the damage and optimize the power reserves."

Don't make me start reciting your writing Aoiko. Reiko sent back.

He became visible again and walked over and nodded. "I can, using the metal I'm storing in my blood." Saito said and knelt down to examine the type of wires they were. "Let's see here...." he said and got a sample of it and quickly ate it to sample it and thought. "easy but I can only make a small amount of it." he said and began to produce lengths of wire from the pores on his hand til he forged a good sized length of it. "here. you should be able to use that to rewire it. I hope." Saito said.

Midori might notice Aoiko quite suddenly lunge forward at her console, eyes wide, claws out, and fangs bared. You are bluffing! Aoiko shot back. My personal cryptosystems are unbreakable without a KAMI! Tch..." She fell back in her seat. Have it your way. And there will be consequences for this!

Midori blinked a little and tilted her head, wondering what the hell Aoiko was up to. "Aoiko...Control yourself!" Midori shouted, glaring at the girl.

"I apologise, Midori-sama," Aoiko said, softly.

"Some of these materials haven't seen use in years." Yuriko said as she took the wiring. "This ship is practically ancient in comparison to the ships of today, weapon wise it is powerful...but still." She groused as she began stripping wires, pulling them out, and replacing them one by one.

Dear, I bunked with you the entire time we were aboard our ship, and I was literally raised by SAINT. I watched you, and I learned, and what I couldn't I studied. Reiko's text replied, a chibi version of her in her samurai uniform coming up below, looking nonchalant. Besides, you should know nothing personal stays personal long onboard a SAINT ship.

Aoiko scowled, clearly displaying one of her fangs. “What did you have in mind regarding this?” She asked, flatly.

Midori was scowling down at Aoiko now, wondering why the hell the woman was talking to her screen.

You're first officer, what do they do? The offer advice. Be a friend to her Aoiko. Reiko sent back, the chibi her yawning.

"Tenshi, can I ask your opinion on something?" Yuriko asked as she gutted, and continued to replace wires. She grunted once and fell on her rump, a large tangle of wires in her hand before tossing them away.

And you felt the need to blackmail me into that? Aoiko thought back, incredulously. It was what I was going to... Oh, well. At least I have learned something. She straightened her posture slightly and took a deep breath, beginning to compose her thoughts.

"Mmm?" Datenshi asked as she began to simply strip wiring she had gutted out and started to rewire quickly.

"Do you think I am doing a good job in being a mother?" Yuriko asked as she got to her feet, and found a usable power cable, and plugged it into the console. She saw it smoke, and quickly unplugged it before going back to work.

I don't do things like this on other people's terms. Reiko retorted simply. She ended the little texting conversation, and instead went back to listening to the bridge, waiting for it all to begin.

"You're a fine mother, much better then I could ever be." Datenshi nodded offhandedly, working on a coupler now that was stuffed back behind a large engine.

"And just so we're clear. I know you all too well." Yuriko said as she got up, and plugged the power cable back in. The console sparked a few times before Yuriko banged on it with a gauntleted hand, and it came to life.

"When my children grow up, Chiharu knows I may have to watch out for their safety around you my dear, my sneaky virginity taking dear." The Taii snorted, and shook her head. "It'd be their choice however so I can't do anything about it. But, hopefully by the time Yuichi is of age, 'Tenshi'll be settled down, rasing her own children. I bet you could make a few cute ones."

"Oh come on now Yuriko, you don't think I wouldn't respect you that much? That hurts!" Datenshi was rather hurt by the sentiment. She viewed the little runts like her own children. It was a little odd to even be thinking about sleeping with them.

"Oh I know you do, but as I recall, I asked you to be gentle." Yuriko said casually as she looked at the console, frowning. "This ship is in it's death throws..." She muttered.

After a few more moments of quiet, deep breaths, Aoiko very pointedly did not turn from her screen. "Midori-sama," she called, rather softly. "May I speak candidly?"

"Go ahead." Midori replied, already knowing what this was about. While she hated her MEGAMI, she realized it was useful.

Datenshi shrugged a little and scratched her cheek. "Yea I know...Sometimes I can't help it."

"Uh huh." Yuriko said as she looked to ship's secondary generator, a Quantum core. She began tapping on the display, trying to coax more power out of it but failed miserably.

"Hey It was to inviting to say no!" Datenshi protested as she jerked back, yelping in shock as the coupler began to melt as Yuriko tried to coax more power. "Hey damn it watch it!"

"I think karma is catching up to you my dear." Yuriko purred slightly. "Besides, it hurt when you stuck it on in there so suddenly!" She said before going back to work. "After we're done here, we need to put the two generators to work."

"Gotcha." Datenshi nodded a little before she stuck out her tounge. "And bite me, I was nice enough to make sure it was lubed first!" She nodded, grumbling as she kicked the engine she had in front of her before returning to Yuriko's side.

Aoiko sat back, still glancing over the reports on her console. "It was called to my attention that there may be some personal issues that are interfering with the optimal efficiency of the group. And besides..." She turned her chair around, a volumetric window hanging just to the side displaying her work. Her face was quite remarkably softened from her usual stoic expression - though she still didn't smile. "It pains me to see people I respect so deeply suffering over such concerns."

Saito blinked a bit, listening to everything they were saying and simply facepalmed, shaking his head. "Right now I really want to be doing something else..."

"Ne, ne, what're you talking about over there?" Miya radioed to the group on the Ender. "I'm seeing things coming around on my sensors, repair-wise, but I don't understand a word you're saying..."

Yuriko just blinked and looked at Saito, puzzled a moment before going back to work. "I can't complain, remember when I got into the kaserine? Kessah, and Cherry both. And Blueberry just kind of shied away after that...I know why too, our dear nurse sprite was thinking impure thoughts." She intoned and chuckled before responding to Miya. "It's ok Miya, me and Tenshi are to reminiscing."

"Ahh Blue...I really miss her. Remember that time down in the bay Yuriko?" Datenshi grinned wickedly, remembering fondly of the night with the sprite.

"The effectiveness is not hampered and tell Reiko I will speak with her when we finish with the mission." Midori was glaring now, not only at Aoiko, but down at Reiko as well whom she had opened a window at. "And tell her if she continues to meddle, she will be sleeping on the lounge couch tonight..."

Saito just waited patiently as they did the repairs on the systems, listening to what was being said and partially to the silence of the Ender. Kaserine? I'm so glad I'm not afflicted by stuff like that... It would not be fun for me. Saito thought to himself as he watched them.

Aoiko tilted her head, meeting Midori's glare with a quick re-assumption of her usual look. "Hai. Very well. I apologise, again, Midori-sama," she said as she turned back round. She quickly got caught up with what she had missed, and then forwarded the message along to Reiko.

Reiko had heard, had her sword in front of her, and a hand opening her robe. Looked like she was contemplating seppuku at this point. Not wanting to face the repercussions of what just went down. She sighed however, and put the notion out of her mind and closed her robe, and put her sword back in it's proper place.

"Oh my yes... however, I think before we go any further, I have some business to attend." Yuriko said and eyed 'Tenshi. "And yes, it involves Midori." She added before contacting the woman. "Midori, could you please come over here? I need your assistance."

"Hai, on my way Taii." Midori said, her back straightening before she looked to Aoiko. After a moment Midori turned her head to the side. "Aoiko, please come up here."

Reiko however merely closed the window, and yawned a little. Oh there would be hell to pay most certainly, but it'd be well worth it.

Datenshi grumbled softly at the mention of Midori, her tongue suddenly stinging where she had been forced to bite it off at.

Aoiko hopped up to stand beside Midori. "Hai, Midori-sama?" she asked politely.

Midori's fingers caressed the arm rest of her seat as she looked to Aoiko. "As my XO, I expect you to carry out certain duties, such as watching over the ship when I am in battle. This is one of those times. In order to better watch the ship, you must be sitting in this seat..." Midori couldn't help but smirk softly. "I expect to see you still in it when I return to the bridge, understood?"

"Of course, Midori-sama," Aoiko said with a little bow. "I shall not budge until you have returned to the bridge."

"I expect as much. I also expect you to be...comfortable while in this chair. Understood?" Midori asked as she floated down from her chair to the doorway. It was a few more moments before Midori was in the armor bay, nude before she even made the doorway to the mortification of two sprites. She made her way past Reiko silently and to her Sarah to suit up.

Yuriko sighed a little. "You still don't like her do you?" She asked as she took off her gauntlets, and pried open a cover below the main power generator. The Taii then crawled underneath to reach at the main power cables.

Reiko had already suited herself, wearing a somewhat smug look from within her helmet. "I regret nothing by the way." She said suddenly as she waited for Midori.

Midori was silent as she simply suited up. In a few moments time she was in the void of space, still having not spoken to Reiko. She would get the woman back later...

"Naturally," Aoiko said as Midori left. She seated herself in the chair, crossed her legs, and leaned back. Not nearly as comfortable as a capital ship's, she mused to herself as she continued poking at her work.

"Oh yea, Midori and I are good ole chums! She made me bite off my tongue, I call her horrible names behind her back and eventually plot to pull a rather nasty prank on her soon as I can get a dead Mishhu corpse...Best of friends." Datenshi replied.

Reiko just sighed, and would take the coming storm in stride. The samurai followed suit after her charge, and lover, she however would remain silent during the coming exchange between the two. Oh no she wouldn't dig herself a deeper grave.

"Yuriko-chan, should I remove Tenshi when Midori arrives?" Saito asked quietly and glanced to the redhead in question. "Just to avoid further trouble."

"I promise to be a good girl Saito." Datenshi shrugged a little. "Shockingly enough, I do have a sense of work and duty."

He actually smiled at her at that and nodded. He'd still stay between them, just in case...

Yuriko just tsked. "When are you just going to let it go Tenshi. She was Samurai she couldn't exactly be Mrs. Happy go lucky." The Taii pointed out.

"When she smiles for more then five minutes! I got three paychecks on her not being able to smile for more then five minutes." Datenshi said, pointing at Yuriko just as Midori made contact with the outer edge of the ship. "We have made it to the ship Yuriko Taii and are on our way to you."

"I have video evidence that she has." Yuriko said in a chipper tone of voice before sliding out a little to make eye contact with Tenshi. "Don't worry you can keep your checks. And her smiling for more then five minutes was when she was with our children for the record, and yes it counts." She added before sliding back into her little hole in the main power generator.

"Good, please come to engineering, and be careful, this ship is in shambles." Yuriko said to Midori.

Reiko just remained quite as she followed Midori just like a shadow would.

"What Yuriko says is true. Children would make even Irim smile..." Saito chuckled.

"I will likely have to contact her..."Yuriko said.

Midori was quick to make it to engineering, her helmet still on as she stepped into the area. "We have arrived, Taii. How can we be of help?"

Saito glanced at Midori as she showed up and nodded to her and to Reiko.

"Irim will likely be wanting to know we found one of her ships. With intact crew. I, however, don't relish the fact I'll have to speak to her. Mother is like a watered down version of the Taisho..." Yuriko said as she slide out again, grease on her cheeks as she looked at the lead Sarah. "Good, you've arrived. You can start by taking your helmet off Midori, you'll need to be able to see, secondly, that portable aether generator by your feet, please hand it to me." She said before sliding back under the main power generator.


Midori nodded lightly, first removing her helmet before she handed off the generator. She was somewhat silent as she worked and awaited her next order. Engineering really wasn't her thing.

I'll contact her then Yuriko for you then, it shouldn't be a big deal. Saito said to her telepathically.

If I can handle my mother Irim will be no different. But thank you Saito-kun. Yuriko said in reply to him. The Taii tossed out two large cables. "Hook these up to the injector ports on both sides of the aether generator Midori, if you please." She asked as she continued to tinker around. "So, how did your talk with Tai go?" Yuriko suddenly asked offhandedly.

It was at this moment Reiko was thankful she was in the samurai armor.

"Horrible." Midori said, her tone flat and her words rather blunt as she did as told.

Datenshi simply sent Yuriko a rather cold looking glare at Midori's tone.

It is to be expected. Yuriko sent to Tenshi. "Tai is a complicated girl Midori, much like her mother." She said as she suddenly swore, and wiggled around a moment before going back to work.

Saito perked a brow at her swear. You ok yuriko? He asked.

I cut my index finger on a bit of metal, I am fine Saito-kun. Yuriko replied.

Mmm... Was Midori's response as she finished with the hook up.

Right...I wanna see these 'Tapes' you say you have... Datenshi replied.

"And stubborn too." Yuriko added to Midori. "She loves you, she just has a firm dislike of certain things. And what transpired in the restaurant was one of them. And before you say anything, I am stronger then I look and you did not offend me, or make me go emotional. However, Rikun fell quiet afterwards, and didn't speak for awhile."

"Personally I think it would help if you took time and spent a few days with them without any other worries. But that's my two cents." Saito said quietly.

"Then access the Asamoya's logs, two recordings, one when I gave birth to the twins, and another when Midori boarded our ship and was with Reiko. Yuriko replied to Tenshi.

"I see...I have not had the chance to speak with her." Midori said. She hadn't seen her children since the restaurant incident.

"I think it would be best to let Tai have her space for now...though she's gotten a little clingy with me, and I still wonder how Rikun is taking to the fact she now has a brother. I know Yuichi was confused to find out Tai and Rikun are his older sisters...and explaining Neko maturity was hard..." She sighed. "It is hard being an only mother to him..."

"Actually by age, Yuichi's older." Saito quipped with a grin.

"You have Misato as well, you are not the only mother." Midori replied and nodded to agree with Saito.

"Misato is now Director of SAINT, Midori, she'll be much too busy now... I feel lonely without her around." Yuriko sighed as she continued to work.

"And I meant intellectually, and maturity wise Saito-kun." Yuriko soon added.

"Well... true enough but Yuichi's innocence and naivete makes him precious to you too." Saito smirked a bit.

"Yes, and the fact I will be able to raise him for years, instead of mere months...it is a good feeling but I will be raising all of my children for as long as possible." Yuriko said offhandedly.

ON: YSS Asamoya

About an hour after the battle with the alien vessel, Taii Yuriko disposed of the ruined datacore of the vessel. Nothing more could be gleaned from it, and besides that it was a little saddening in its own way. Yuriko queried MEGAMI as to the where abouts of Kenichi, wanting to speak to him as she listened to Kessah's report of the damage to her ship.

Kenichi was in the multi-function bay...he was staring at the Fighter he'd been shown earlier...he seemed to be debating what should happen next -- should he return to his family and a civilian life, or continue in the military?

Kessah was, for once, actually on the bridge at the dedicated engineering station. All was going to hell, after all, and she didn't want to be sitting near the power. "Weellllll..." She began as she read off the list MEGAMI gave her after her non-vocal query, "... Hull is damaged in... Two sections, 'Ere and 'ere." A window would pop up off to the side with red flashy bits to state where, "Naturalyl the stealth coating is gone... And power conduits have been overloaded here and there. Not to bad, really."

With the battle ended and Degan, sitting back and having cursed himself at his ineffectuality in such a situation, Degan figured he would go down to the bridge and see if anything needed doing. He had been on this ship a little while but it was already starting to grow on him. He could get most places with just his memory. Making his way down the corridor he made it to the elevator that led to the bridge. He closed his eyes, allowing himself one last curse before he had to get to work with whatever needed doing. The door opened with a soft whistle of air."Degan reporting for duty. Any need for me here?"

The Taii sighed, taking an elevator down to the main deck. The damaged ships in her strike pool would need to go back to port for repairs. As Yuriko awaited the full report on the extent of the damage from Kess. Yuriko soon arrived in the bay, found Kenichi standing in front of the Asamoya's Ryusei II, and promptly walked over. "Kenichi, do you have a moment?" She asked, her hands clasped behind her back.

He looked to Yuriko, a bit surprised by her presence and nodded... "Of course, Taii. What is it you need?" He had been distracted by the machine...

Yuriko took a moment to look at the fighter before returning her violet gaze to Kenichi. "I am afraid I cannot take you to Yamatai...you would not be free there... Instead I am sending you and the Yamataibare's 'crew' to Jiyuu."

“What do you mean by that? Not being free?" He asked. "Do you mean they would force me to continue serving?"

Koharu fidgeted in her chair as she listened to the others. She was grateful the bridge was so large, otherwise it'd probably state to feel a little claustrophobic for the bridge officer. "Probably."

Saito remained with Yuriko and nodded to what she said. "That's a prudent idea." He said with a nod, agreeing with her. "How do you feel Kenichi?"

"Get to repairing the conduits, as for the hull we can repair it at Yamatai. Is there anything else?" Yuriko asked Kessah as she still looked at Kenichi. "I saved you from SAINT's clutches once, I put my life, and my career on the line by disobeying Taisho Irim's order. I managed to save you, and those nekos you saved. If you would go to Yamatai I cannot guarantee your safety. On Jiyuu you would be free to do as you please, I would even be able to help you find a job. I would also send for your brother and parents to come and see you. I am sorry Kenichi, but with Yamatai, it is too risky for you." She said, and looked away.

"If they need a place to hang out for a while... since I'm going to Jiyuu once we get back to Hotaru, I can put up Kenichi and the others at my place since I'm going to be buying a home there very shortly," Koharu offered with a polite smile.

Yuriko shook her head. "I am not returning to Hotaru, I am heading to Yamatai to attend some family business and from there to Pisces. I am sending the damaged ships of my strike force back to Hotaru so..." She sighed. "I would have to send you on one of them."

"Um..." Kessah bgan at first, waiting for a bit as MEGAMI gave a report. No, no... No... Ah. "Some of the... Er... HSC systems are shorted out... And... Aye aye Cappy-tan..." She paused, almost closing the channel, "... Waaaait... We're going to Yamatai?"

Koharu made a face, but nodded. "Oh I see..."

"...In that case...I suppose I must. At least my family can still visit..." He said, sighing...

Saito nodded to him. "Don't worry Kenichi, you'll see them again. Once they find out you're alive you'll be swarmed by them.

"Make those systems your top priority Kessah." Yuriko said before frowning at Kenichi. "I know people in the Yūgumo Cluster, and on Jiyuu, if you need anything ask them, and tell them I sent you." She replied, putting a hand on his shoulder. "I am sorry Kenichi... truly I am. One of the damaged Sakura is docking now. They've agreed to take you, and the crew."

"Yuri, do you want me to go with them?" Koharu asked softly, with a thoughtful expression.

“I understand...thank you, Taii. Please tell your mother hello, should you see her." He bowed.

Degan stood at attention, waiting for the Shoi's attention to be brought back to the situation at hand. She was obviously dealing with some very heavy stuff and he did not want to interrupt.

"I would not force you to Koharu."Yuriko said, and gave Kenichi a hug. "I will pay for your parents passage to come to Jiyuu personally Kenichi."

Kessah murmured a little as she cut the channel. She'd confirm it later... And then spam her sister. She'd best hurry! And so she did, waving to Koharu before zipping off the bridge.

"Thank you..." He said, surprised by the hug...

"You are welcome. You have been through so much, and now with this...to deny you your home pains me greatly." Yuriko admitted.

Koharu nodded to Kessah, before returning her attention to Yuriko and Kenichi. "I would like to go with them, I don't want to hold up a chance for someone else to advance themselves, Yuri."
Yuriko just shook her head. "I would not be advancing myself Koharu. I am merely putting my father's affairs in order. Also, I have informed the Shosa of your wanting to go with them Koharu, he has agreed."

"Thank you, Yuriko, I wish you the best as you settle your affairs," Koharu offered a soft smile. That hadn't been what she meant but she didn't feel the need to correct her captain.

"I'll be sad to see you go Koharu-san." Saito said with a glance over to make eye contact.

"Of course, I will see you both off... dorsal side airlock. I must return to my quarters to retrieve something before I join you." Yuriko said, breaking the hug with Kenichi and retreating from the bay.

Koharu nodded again to Yuriko. She looked at Saito with a shrug. "I know, Sai but I think it's for the best. I need to start setting up a new home and getting myself reacclimated some more still." She noticed that Degan was still standing there, "Veran, I think it's safe to say you don't have any outstanding orders at the moment unless you can repair the ship.

“I understand Koharu-san." Saito nodded to her and glanced around. "If I'm not needed here I'm going to go down and check on Kanako and Naora. Is that ok?"

Kenichi remained silent, allowing the 'natives' to do what needed to be done...it felt odd though, being a passenger, after being the defacto CO for so long.

Yuriko'd already left Saito standing there, having headed to her suite.

"Go ahead, I'm going to get the rest of my stuff ready to travel," Koharu replied, knowing her few possessions were already packed.

Saito laughed a bit and headed off to go check on the two little younglings down in the medbay. "Though you should stop down to the medbay to meet them before you go." he said to Koharu.

Naora was asleep on one of the medical beds, her arms thrown up above her as she snored lightly.

"...You...look familiar." Kenichi said to Koharu. "Are you related to the late Taisho Ketsurui Chiharu?"

Akeno was busy instructing Shii in medical procedure at the moment and nodded when Saito entered. He looked over at little Naora and chuckled, shaking his head. It seemed like nothing would bother that one, Kanako was curled up on the other side of the bed sleeping quietly. Saito would sit down in a chair, gently scooping her up and held the little youngling in his hand; she seemed to know who it was and began purring lightly in her sleep as she snuggled in.

Yuriko arrived in her suite, and moved over to her work desk. The Taii moved a few papers around; finally finding a large square box in the drawer. It was a deep, rich purple with a gold emblem emblazoned on one of the sides. She held it carefully; leaving her suite behind before making her way to the main passage way, and stood waiting by the dorsal airlock.

Koharu considered the question for a moment. "In a way, yes. I think I met your brother a few months ago, actually. If you'll excuse me, I need to get my bag before I go to the airlock." She bowed politely as she excused herself to her quarters.

He blinked, wondering what she meant by that... "Wait...my brother?" he asked, but she was gone...

"Ano...why is everything so hard?" Shii asked Akeno, pouting her cheeks puffed up.

Naora mumbled something in her sleep and rolled over onto her side.

Aki re-entered the medbay, the bump on the back of her head thankfully gone. In her hand she carried a box of tools. "Doctor, Big Sis informed me some of the life support systems in here are fluctuating. Mind if I take a look?" She asked in her usual, casual and laid back voice.

Akeno smiled at Shii for a moment. "I know it's hard but it's important, that's why it's hard. If it was easy everyone could do it. Learning how to do all this right makes one special." He said to her and turned to Aki. "Oh I don't mind at all, we haven't experienced any major problems." he said. Saito blinked, hearing Naora mutter something and went to sit on the bed, carefully sitting down to avoid Naora and watched her to make sure she'd be okay. Kanako squirmed a bit and stayed asleep.

Koharu carefully adjusted her duffel bag on her shoulder, looking at her quarters with a long sigh before she left the room again and headed down to the med bay. "One last stop before I go."

Naora seemed to be mumbling about Reiko being silly.

Aki nodded. "Likely just a minor problem."The sprite said as she moved over to a wall section, and lifted it off, exposing a mass of systems from behind it.

The crimson eyed Shoi poked her head into the med bay, with a soft smile. "Naora and Yuichi are in here?"

Kyuuka, having had to go out in a power armor back to the stellar nursery soon returned, muttering slightly as she got back into uniform. The blonde nurse made her way to the dorsal airlock, holding a rock in her hands. "Taii, I got it for you, hell I even cracked it open. It's pretty...who is it for? Also, no further signs of the alien craft or dimensional disturbances were detected." She asked and said, handing Yuriko the small geode halves.

"My son, Yuichi, and good. Did you bring it?" Yuriko asked, indicating the full report of the mission. The sprite pulled out a small memory chip also handing it to the Taii before bowing, and leaving.

Degan left. He was extremely bored due to not having orders so he took it on himself to train. Walking back down the same corridor he had came from. He passed his room and made his way to the VR machines. Getting inside he booted up the machine. "Hrm, which sim should I run today?" Thinking about it Degan decided on combat. "Load up a combat Mindy and an average enemy presence. And load me up a wingman too."

Akeno shook his head to Koharu. "Sorry but Yuichi-chan is on Jiyuu currently but little Naora's here." he said indicating the medical bed where Saito was sitting. "Yeah she's over here asleep." the silver haired Neko said. Kanako muttered, waking up a little and looked around, rubbing her little eyes and smiled a bit, seeing Aki there but tilted her orange-haired head at Koharu, wondering who she was with her blue eyes.

"The Taii has instructed me to inform you to ask for permission before using the rec room and Virtual Reality chamber since your past incident." Asamoya said flatly.

Aki was hard at work right now, picking up tool after tool.

Naora continued to snore lightly, the mumbling stopped as she returned to sleeping on her back, her small little arms up over her head.

Degan waved his hand. "Ok." Degan said flatly as he exited the chamber. Going back to his room he layed down on his bunk. He withdrew a book he was keeping under his bed. He had always loved books, especially the fantasy books. The idea of knights and heroes and unspeakable evil and honor always interested Degan.

"I don't wanna wake her," Koharu said softly, with a little wave. "I'll try to keep in touch, be safe everyone it's been a pleasure serving with you," she said softly.

Akeno blinked at her. "You're leaving? I'm sorry to hear that, I hope you find happiness wherever you're going." he said. Kanako blinked a ther and waved lightly. "hi Ms.."

"Wasuremono Koharu, I'm transferring off," Koharu replied a little sheepishly.

"Oh..." the little girl yawned and curled up to sleep again. "It was nice to meet you." she sleepily.

Yuriko meanwhile continued to wait. Koharu ducked out of the med bay again and hurried down to meet Yuriko.

Yuriko leaned against a wall, waiting for the Yamataibare's crew, Kenichi, and Koharu. The Taii stood there holding the box, and two geode pieces in her hands.

Koharu walked over to Yuriko and smiled gently. "If you get many more children, I might have to just retire and open up a daycare."

Kenichi had decided to head to the airlock, rather than wait for Koharu...he noticed the Taii, and blinked at the geodes in her hands.

Yuriko chuckled a little. "Maybe, I have been toying with the idea of forming a clan. But, now you have four godchildren Koharu-chan, gives you a chance to hone those latent maternal instincts." She winked before seeing Kenichi. "Hello Kenichi, I have some additional news for you. I ran a check, and it would seem you've accumulated quite a tiddy sum in backpay. It comes out to about 41,600 KS total. Also, I have one more mission for you." She said, holding a small, compact memory chip in her hand. "I need you to give this to Taisho Saito on Hotaru Star Fortress, it is urgent. Can I entrust this with you?" She asked, even though she did, she had faith in him.

He nodded. "Taisho Saito...I accessed files on History a bit while resting up...she's the 5th XF's Commander, right?"

"Yes she is, tell her this is from me. She will see you then." Yuriko said, holding the chip out to him.

Koharu smiled again and waited for Yuriko to address her again, she adjusted the duffelbag on her shoulder again. She felt a little anxious now that she was in fact, finally leaving the Asamoya.

He took the chip, and placed it on his person... "Right...thanks for everything."

"You are welcome Kenichi, and I wish you the best of luck." Yuriko said, patting him on the shoulder before focusing on Koharu again. "Koharu, my dear Koharu, you're leaving me when I just started to think you were coming out of your shell!" She said, and chuckled softly. "I have something for you." She said, holding out the box in her hand. "Please, feel free to open it now. I'd love to see the look on your face." She said, grinning slightly.

"I'll probably be the rest of the way out of it the next time you see me. Or simply upgraded to a prettier one," Koharu mused as she gently took the offered box from Yuriko's hands. She opened it curiously.

Inside was a slightly dusty glass bottle with a rounded bottom. Inside the bottle was brandy. The bottle seemed to be beautifully crafted, having some silver latched to it, and even the stopper keeping the bottle close was as well, as it was made from a half of a large pearl. "I went through the black market to get that. I had to sell a diamond from the Yuukan mining operations the size of my fist for it." She chuckled. "I've dated it to be older than the empire by at least sixty years or so." Yuriko explained shrugging slightly.

"Looks like Yuriko is sending a few of the more damaged ships back to Hotaru. She's also informed us that the remainder, us and her included are going to Yamatai." Reiko said.

Koharu's eyes went wide. She felt floored, and she looked up at Yuriko with a impressed whistle. "Just... wow, thank you so much, Yuri! I swear you want me drunk. But wow, you can't drink something like this."

Yuriko giggled slightly. "Actually I've never seen you drunk. You can hold your liquor quite well Koharu-chan, and besides. That is made to be drank. You'd likely only find finer Nepleslian drink in Sky Marshall Robert Davis' suite."

"That'd be a good challenge but I doubt I'm going to court or mingle diplomats and politicians if I can help it any time soon," Koharu closed the box and carefully set it down before she gave Yuriko a big hug. "Thank you so much for this and everything else, Yuri."

Yuriko returned the hug and gave the woman a peck on the cheek. "I also have a favor to ask. Would you be willing to give these two pieces of geode to your godson Yuichi on Jiyuu?" She asked, showing the small glittering pieces of rock in her hands.

Koharu grinned as she pulled back away. "Of course. He's with your mom?"

"Both of them." Yuriko corrected.

"Oooh, I get to see Remi again then," Koharu grinned. "But sure, I'll drop your moms a line before I go visit."

"Be careful around Yue...she once told me a story of her getting drunk on Nepleslia... she ended up in a bar brawl, injuring three marines, and then being stuck in a jail for the night. So if you plan on having a drink with her, watch it she can get rowdy." Yuriko warned with a small smile. "Beyond that she's a kitten."

Koharu nodded again with a grin, "Right, I'll try not to make her mad at me if we go drinking."

Yuriko put her hands on Koharu's shoulders. "You'll be missed on the Asamoya, Koharu. I don't think I'll ever find a better XO. And a good friend to boot."

"I'm glad to have gotten to serve with you, Yuri. And I am glad to have a family. I never had one before so it's a nice feeling to get the chance even remotely with the kids, so I can't thank you enough for the time I've had here," Koharu smiled as she looked into Yuriko's face as she spoke.

Yuriko tsked and hugged Koharu again before releasing her. "You'll always have a place on board should you ever wish to return, and a place within my family." She told her now former XO. "I hate long, teary goodbyes." She chuckled softly, and wiped at her eyes. "Also it would seem the Shosa is giving me an ear full for holding him up." She said frowning slightly. "I told him I'd have him running a shuttle if he didn't stop complaining."

Koharu nodded as she picked up her box again and gently placed the geodes in her pants pocket. "I'd better get going then. I'll let you know when I get home and get pictures of Yuichi when he gets the geodes."

Yuriko nodded. "He won't be on Jiyuu long... I intend to bring him and the rest of my children to Yamatai to spend a little time with them while I take care of my father's final business."

Koharu nodded. "This is goodbye for now then. Take care, be safe. May whatever graces guide you towards victory and home safe again, Yuriko-san," she said with a reassuring smile and a quick bow.

"I wish you the same Koharu." Yuriko replied, bowing in return.

Koharu smiled as she walked off into the waiting Sakura. She forced herself to not look back, not wanting to cry herself. Never gets any easier to say goodbye.

Yuriko wiped at her eyes again as the airlock closed. The gunship soon drifted away, joining the other damaged craft before departing. The Taii took a deep, calming breath she turned away from the airlock.