Re: [Mission 3]
As the Eucharis hung in orbit over the majestic oceans of Yamatai, a shuttle approached it and docked on the ship's underside. When the airlock hatch hissed open, Taisa Hanako was waiting on the other side for her potential crew member.
The shuttle ride from Yamatai had been brief and uneventful, but Kurosora Kim had remained edgy and nervous during the flight, not from being in space, oh no. She was perfectly comfortable with being in space. She was anxious to meet her new potential commander. As the shuttle docked, and the doors hissed open, Kim stepped out of the shuttle and saluted sharply. "Santô Hai, Kurosora Kim, reporting as ordered!"
Hanako's big golden eyes narrowed and she nearly threw her hands up in the air in dismay. Why did the new ones always salute? Was it just to irritate her? The regulations specifically stated that the proper greeting was a bow. "Follow me, Santô Hei," the woman said, her blue-green hair gently floating in the zero-gravity passageway. She floated a few decks upward and into the ship's wardroom, a restaurant-looking compartment with a wooden floor and a painted ceiling.
Nodding firmly at Hanako's words, following the Commander's bi-coloured hair as Kim easily moved through the zero gravity passageways, floating close behind her superior officer, while still maintaining a respectful distance between them mind you, as she followed her into the wardroom. Well inside, Kim couldn't help but glance around briefly, to take in the room's dimensions and proportions.
"Please," directed Hanako, "Have a seat."
"Thank you, Ma'am." Kim said, smiling briefly at Hanako as she took the offered seat.
"First," Hanako asked, "Why did you request an assignment to the Eucharis? You are infantry and my list of available positions does not include them."
"Well, it seemed like a logical decision at the time, Ma'am." Kim replied calmly, "I've allways enjoyed exploring, and being on board space ships is something I love. That, and I heard good things about the Eucharis, Ma'am."
"What kind of non-combat skills do you have?" Hanako asked.
"Well, besides the standard Communications Training, Math, and domestic skills, Ma'am. I'm fairly competent in demolitions as well, being able to use, handle, disarm, and identify most explosives, but that might not fall into the 'non-combat' skills" Kim explained, calmly, not letting her nerves show on her face or her voice.
"You will probably do a lot of shuttle piloting and technical work if you stay," Hanako warned Kim, hinting that she was considering letting the new girl stay.
"That is more than suitable, Ma'am." Kim replied, still smiling, but with a bit more realism now. "As long as I'm allowed to stay, and I can keep my combat skills fresh and sharp, I'm more than happy to do shuttle piloting and whatever other tasks are required."
"You can stay then. The lounge is down the stairs over there. You are assigned to cabin number three. I will give you a tour of the ship after dinner, since you missed the one this morning. Until then, get your things moved in and meet the other crew members."
Smiling happily, Kim nodded in thanks. "Arigato, Ma'am. I'll do so right away. I'll not let you, or the YSS Eucharis down." Kim swore, her voice grave, despite the smile on her face.
"Welcome aboard," Hanako smiled.