RP: YSS Eucharis [Mission 27, Part 1] Expanding Horizons (YE 39)

[Ametheliana]

Power Armor Bay

And, so, she was left alone. Not feeling up to eating and biologically not needing to, Masumi continued to re-tool her Mindy, hoping to be left unperturbed. She had ridden from her mind the horror Candon had gone through, saving those thoughts for a time when he had ordered her to have a bleeding heart. Today was not that day.

There was little in the way of things standing in her way to making a fully combat ready power armor that had all of the necessary equipment to proving fatal against enemies of the Star Army of Yamatai. She even added small charges of plastic explosive to the waist holsters in case times got tough.

Satisfied, she finally put a hand back on the breastplate of the Mindy, not knowing when she would use her power armor next.

 

[Blizzard]

Wardroom

Wardroom

Freyja smiled and took a seat next to Jackson. "Arigatou Jax-heisho." She said cheerfully. Something about Jackson made her want to be happy. She placed her tray on the table. The medic popping up surprised her. Her tail swished slowly back and forth, but she didn't say anything. She giggled in response to his story. "I haven't had that urge before." She said.

"Well I would hope not! The Kuvexians wouldn't even need to attack us with aether weapons and power armor. Shoot, they'd send one guy with a five KS laser pointer from the corner store and conquer Yamatai in a week!"

Wardroom

To Jax, she shook her head in bewilderment. "Good thing it worked out without an interpreter; that would have been very shoddy.

"I've lived on Yamatai and have been speaking Trade since before it was Yamatai. I did find it useful to know a bit of Yamataigo for some things, even before medical care became free for the public. I'm not sure which I used to tell them I'd rather just have new eyes than a new body."

"In my defense, I'm an engineer." he defended with a small chuckle. "I can take apart and repair an aether reactor, but besides that, I'm probably not the sharpest knife in the drawer."

 

[Gabriel]

Hanako's World
Planet Surface

Just outside the starport a medium height, athletically built man stood slouched against a metal wall. He had his duffel bag sitting on the ground next to him and his head tilted upward so he could see the sky underneath the roll of his Type 36 Officer's Cap, sitting atop his brown hair. The greenish gray front of his uniform signified his occupation, while the three blue bars on each of his sleeves and the gold-circle pin with a triangular blue-enamel fleet logo, polished until it sparkled, both signified his rank. His shoes were buffed to a high mirror shine, every inch of his uniform was spotlessly clean, and every crease was masterfully pressed. Below his rank pin hung a small hardware store of ribbons signifying his various accomplishments. As he looked up at the sky he pulled a toothpick out from a small container in his pocket and placed it between his teeth, one end stick out between his lips that were not twisted into a faint yet devilish grin.

Even from such a distance, as his sky-blue eyes pierced through the blue sky above, he could see a small speck of red emerge between a gap in the clouds. And even from such a distance, he recognized this small speck immediately. His grin grew a little wider as he picked up his duffel, slung it over his shoulder, and took one last look at that red speck in the sky before he marched inside. "Home," he thought to himself. "I'm finally home."

 

[HotelKilo]

Wardroom

Mehitabel had retreated to her own cushion by the hibachi with a glass of ice surrounded by tea and her lunchtime plate. Having shot ahead of Pan when the medic stopped to talk with the Admiral, she was very nearly the first through the line. That was unusual enough. Lime was no doubt disappointed that the thin Elysian had selected little other then rice, asparagus, and a small piece of her delicious cake. It barely filled half the plate; far less then the peppy ship's clerk usually consumed at the biggest meal of the day. The news that several of her friends had decided to depart the ship for other opportunities had left her downcast.

Pecking at her asparagus with a fork, she barely ate what was before her. There was enough to do in relation to their landing on Hanako's World, and the certainty that Victory-heisho required plenty of virtual paper shuffling, that it was even harder to concentrate on eating. After an appropriate amount of nibbling had reduced her meal to scraps, Mehitabel stood and returned the (nearly) empty plate before departing with a wave to her still-eating crewmates.

Zero-G to Bridge

Wings tucked close to her back Mehitabel pushed forcefully away from the wardroom and let momentum carry her upwards in silent thought. With no one around for the minute it was possible for her lips to turn down into a frown so hard it almost set like concrete on her sharp features. It didn't, and by the time she nimbly touched down and entered the bridge her lips had returned to steadfast neutrality. Mehitabel realized belatedly when she saw Takao still in the pilot's chair, guiding their landing, she should have brought their newest officer something from the mess.

Really it wasn't too late, she decided, and cleared her throat, "Hitoshi-Kohosei, would you like something from the wardroom? There's filet mignon and tempura shrimp, with rice, asparagus, sweet potato souffle, if you'd like, and Lime-hei's chocolate cake. I could bring a plate if you want, sir."

 

[ArsenicJohn]

Wardroom

Freyja didn't know what to think of Tan. She was starting to wonder if being eccentric was a requirement for being a medic. "I see your point, although I don't think that's what Jax-heisho was referring to, Pan-hei." She said politely. Her gaze dropped down to her plate and she started eating her shrimp happily.

The word engineer drew her attention. She looked up and towards Jackson. "Do you know anything about explosives Jax-heisho? I've been hoping to learn more about them. During that last mission, cutting through the door took time that could have saved a few lives. Also seeing the way Shiho-chan tore through a wall with her grenade launcher, it was... well, thrilling. I want to blow something up." Freyja said with a twinkle in her eyes.

 

[Rizzo]

YSS Eucharis, Shower Room

A metallic sheen covered the water as it funneled into the drain. It took less than a minute of water time to shower off the hemosynth fluid but Candon just need a few more minutes. Toweling off slowly he bought the few minutes he needed to calm himself. The crew needed a strong soldier, not a child with a sad story.
He would dress back into uniform without delay, as he telepathically synced to his communicator to discover a certain lack of infantry. With his attire sorted he began his journey to the wardroom, certain that even Hanako would want lunch.

Hanako's Star System

2日 1月 YE 39 - 1245 hours


During lunch time, Eucharis arrived in the outskirts of the Hanako's Star System and swiftly made its way towards the blue planet.


One of the benefits of the Star Army of Yamatai's "blank check" budget was that there was always good food available on ships and starbases. In the wardroom, Jôtô Hei Lime had put out a spread of seared, seasoned filet mingon, crispy tempura coconut shrimp, purple sweet potato souffle, and asparagus spears, along with ever-present white rice and a rich chocolate cake.


Since the food would be drawing people in, Shôshô Hanako went to the wardroom to see how everyone was doing. Sadly, she was almost immediately stopped by Shiho would mentioned she had put in for a transfer and hoped to get off on the planet when the ship landed. Hanako nodded, "I understand, and good luck." She approved the transfer request. This sudden lack of infantry was throwing a wrench into the idea of having a dedicated SOFT team on the ship. She went and got a plate.

Entering the wardroom just behind Hanako, Candon took a plate from the same stack.
"Shôshô," he greeted, "how are things in the world of Hanako?" His less professional wording carried a neutral tone, bordering dangerously close to a friendly demeanor.

 

[Blizzard]

Wardroom

"Do you know anything about explosives Jax-heisho? I've been hoping to learn more about them. During that last mission, cutting through the door took time that could have saved a few lives. Also seeing the way Shiho-chan tore through a wall with her grenade launcher, it was... well, thrilling. I want to blow something up." Freyja said with a twinkle in her eyes.

Jax felt his jaw drop. He stared at Freyja in shock for a few moments, trying to process what he'd just heard. Then, a stray thought passed through his conscious:

'...Marry me...?'

He shook himself back to reality and beamed, his eyes holding that same destruction-hungry twinkle.

"As a matter of fact, I do! During my initial training I took an obstacle clearance course, and I've also studied how to build a few different types of IEDs! I do appreciate the occasional fireball every once in a while. Don't get to blow things up that often because of my duties in the Fabrication Bay, but if you'd like, I could teach you sometime!" Jax offered excitedly.

 

[Navian]

Wardroom

Tan Ann Pan looked at Freyja and Jackson and joked, "This doesn't have anything to do with what Tsuguka-heisho told me about fragmentation injuries being a major concern for this crew, does it?" She polished off the last of her shrimp. "I'm afraid I've been on the wrong side of most bombings, although fortunately, never so near their epicenters."

 

[HAMnJAM]

Bridge

Takao blinked out of his deep thought and looked up and away from his console to the Elysian who addressed him, "That would be nice, but I'll go down to the Wardroom after my watch expires. Wouldn't want to have something happen during landing that scratches the paint." He smiled with a wink before looking back to his console,

"But I appreciate your offer Miss..." He was waiting on a response as he read his readouts in his mind.

 

[HotelKilo]

Bridge

"Calidius, sir," she murmured, bowing with her wingtips out slightly. The Elysian wore command white on her uniform top but only the single green Nitô Hei bar. That left little question as to what exactly her job was, considering that there was only one enlisted command specialty. She smiled slightly, "No, Ketsurui-shosho would not be very pleased to hear we had to stop for a paint touch up."

Internally, Bel wondered if the fact they were on Hanako's World would negate any cost of spot repairs like that... She might have to bill Hanako for repairs ordered by Hanako. The very thought caused her temples to hurt briefly.

"I won't keep you sir. If you need anything, I'll be in the back of the bridge working on the log," Mehitabel bowed again, excusing herself form the control area.

 

[Wes]

Bridge

The ship received a transmission from the planet ahead: "Star Army Eucharis, NG-X1-408, this is Fort Hanako traffic control, you are cleared for descent to the starport, runway zero niner. The local time is 21:04 in the evening with clear skies and a starport temperature of 23 degrees Celsius. AILS approach on glide slope two, arrivals subspace frequency is 2900."

Wardroom

"Actually, I was just pondering having a party tonight during our stopover," Hanako told Candon. "I still have to give out presents for the new year, and also it might help the crew get to know each other better. Also...any excuse to drink some of my local vintage," she added jokingly.

 

[Rizzo]

YSS Eucharis, Wardroom

"Actually, I was just pondering having a party tonight during our stopover," Hanako told Candon. "I still have to give out presents for the new year, and also it might help the crew get to know each other better. Also...any excuse to drink some of my local vintage," she added jokingly.

Candon chuckled softly at the the mention of wine. It was easy to forget that she owned a vinyard on the side. Not so different from the shipping service he'd been preparing to build.
"A party sounds nice, it's just too bad that we seem to lose crew members so often," Candon replied as he scooped a serving of fish onto his plate, "Oh, speaking of which, do you want me to just look into getting a couple of random riflecats to fill the vacancies or just focus on our current crew?"

 

[Gabriel]

Hanako's World
Fort Hanako Starport

Bag still slung over his shoulder, this new, brown-haired man entered the hallways of the starport. He was somewhat familiar with the layout, having been there a few times. However, it had been many years. He glanced around as he tried to gain his bearing before he approached a Heisho Clerk carrying a clipboard.

"You there, Heisho. Evening, sailor. Where would I find starship hangar assignments."

"Good evening, Juni." The clerk replied. "That office, right over there," she said as she motioned around a corner.

The Juni nodded and thanked her before adjusting the bag slung over his shoulder and heading towards the office. The door was closed she he gave two hard knocks and then entered. He closed the door behind him and then looked up at the office full of people, all of whom had white panels on their uniforms. He approached the front desk as he grabbed a small stack of papers that was sticking part-ways out of his bag.

"Evening. I need to know the runway and hangar assignment for N G X One Four Zero Eight, YSS Eucharis. Here are my orders." He handed the Neko in front of him the stack of papers.

The clerk took them and glanced through them before handing them back. She looked down to the screen in front of her as she responded. "Runway zero niner. They coming in now so they should be landing any minute. Directions..." She trailed off as she telepathically a list of instructions and images.

"Thank you. I also have a large collection of personal items waiting just outside the security gate. I need it cleared and brought to the runway, on my authority. You'll need a forklift."

"Yes, Juni. We'll send for them right away."

"Have a good evening." The Juni adjusted the bag over his shoulder one last time and headed out the door, following the directions that he had been given.

 

[Gunsight1]

Bridge

Natsumi could already tell the ship was descending down to Hanako's World as she entered the command center. She had forgone a trip to the wardroom for food, instead arriving here. She always liked to see when the ship made planetfall. She was still getting used to not piloting the Eucharis down herself and waved away any attention the arrival of the executive officer might have drawn. She had no intention of taking over control while the ship was being landed.

Instead, the snowy haired neko leaned against the wall beside her usual station and watched the planet grow in the main viewscreen, a smile touching her lips. This planet was full of good memories for her and she was more than pleased to see it once more.

 

[HotelKilo]

Bridge

Mehitabel wasn't so easily dispensed with! They might have been making planetfall on one of the Empire's most renowned pleasure worlds, and even though that visibly pleased the executive officer... There was a bowing Elysian to interrupt whatever visions of sweets were dancing in Natsumi's fluffy head.

"Yamashiro-taii, could you sign off on Ishii-hei and Hasegawa-hei's transfer papers?" she asked.

 

[Wes]

Hanako's World - Fort Hanako Spaceport
2日 1月 YE 39 - 1308 hours (Local time 2127 - Evening)

The Eucharis's shape, with its landing feet deployed and lit only by its running lights, maneuvered into the Eucharis' hangar bay, the back of which was full of various supplies and cargo containers, and came to a rest for its temporary stop. Thought the ship the landing could be felt as a thump as the ship made contact.

Wardroom

"I want more infantry, so keep an eye out for recruiting opportunities. The ship's history and my rank give us certain powers to pluck talent where we find it and bring it with us," Hanako told Candon. She stood up and went to a nearby ship phone and dialed the bridge.

"Solid landing. Shut down all engines and put the ship in standby mode."

She turned back to Candon and the others in the wardroom. "Beach party?" she floated the idea.

 

[Navian]

Wardroom

"I do have a reputation to uphold," Tan mused in response to her captain's suggestion, between bites from her bowl of rice. Though her secret was not sun tanning, it was hard to think of a better way to display her results. It was the first time she'd been to a planet other than the world where she was born and the world of her ancestors, and she wasn't sure what to expect.

 

[HotelKilo]

Bridge

"Ah! We're down! If you would sign and send those transfers back to me the paperwork can all be in order, Yamashiro-taii," Mehitabel burbled, scampering away for her communicator and reattaching it to her belt. While there was a very real reason for her departure, no small part of her wished to see how accurate the stories of Hanako's World's beauty were.

She bowed to Natsumi, hastily, "If you need me, I will be assisting Victory-heisho in loading supplies."

 

[Gabriel]

Hanako's World
Fort Hanako Spaceport

The new man was already standing in the hallway outside the Eucharis' docking bay. Anyone paying enough attention would be able to see him watching the ship as she landed, his brown-haired head (now cap-free since he was indoors) visible through one of the windows between the docking bay and it's outer hallway. His grin grew bigger as he watched her touch down, and he quickly hustled his way over to the door and into the bay. Once inside he straightened up in a more attention-like posture, slinging his duffel bag off his back so he could carry it in one hand, and turning his walk into a briskly-paced march. He made the additional effort to walk with force, so his heels made a satisfying *tap* every time they struck the ground.

As he approached where the cargo bay would eventually open he admired the crimson of the Eucharis' hull, something he had always come to admire about her, and frankly preferred to the typical blue. Despite knowing that almost none of the ship was the same as when he first boarded her almost eight years ago, he still felt nostalgic. Of course, he had come by shuttle that time, and he had to admit shimmer of her red hull was much more impressive when the twinkle of space served as the background.

His smile grew even bigger.

 

[Blizzard]

Hanako's World - Fort Hanako Spaceport
2日 1月 YE 39 - 1308 hours (Local time 2127 - Evening)

Wardroom

"Beach-"

Wardroom

Jax's sensitive feline ears flicked with joy at the use of the "B-word". What happened next occurred so quickly it was almost comical. So quickly, that it probably defied a few laws of physics and logic. But this was Jax we were talking about.

For those watching, it looked as if the engineer had simply poofed out of existence, and reappeared in the next instant dressed in a red Hawaiian-print shirt, Star Army swim trunks, flip flops, and a wide-brimmed straw hat, grinning ear to ear like a goof.

Jax could be fast, with proper motivation.

"-party?"

Well, needless to say, Jax had given his answer.

He looked sideways at Freyja and whispered from the corner of his mouth:

"My offer still stands."